Q & A

These are the questions I have been asked the most about becoming a "Nurtitarian":
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Q. In addition to the eat particulars, of which I am very interested, I want to know what is your daily routine looking like now that you are making these changes?

A. It takes more time and I am thinking about it a lot! I spend lots of time reading recipes, planning meals and imagining my new healthy lifestyle.  But I can tell that I will get used to it and it will become second nature eventually. I have been reading lots of blogs about vegans / nutritarians and even raw food diets (although I am finding some raw food diets not any healthier than processed vegetarian diets).

Q. How has it affected your time for meal preperation?

A. I am finding that preparing fruits and vegetables in a food processor or blender is cleaner than preparing food using oil.  The clean up is a breeze!  I actually don't cook as much because the salad is the main course or I am making soup using a blender.  Instead I chop and my knives are getting a workout. I am learning to cook food differently without oil and margarine.  I do more steaming of vegetables.

Q. Shopping for groceries?  How much more frequently do you go to the store?  Does it take more time?

A. I still only go shopping once a week but I do go to two or three different markets on my outings (Ralphs, Sprouts Natural Market, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Follow Your Heart Market).  Thankfully, all the stores that I need are close. (With the exception of Follow Your Heart, I can actually see them in a line down Ventura Blvd.)  It's a whole new culture and there is so much to learn and explore.  For example, learning about a foods ANDI Score.  Another benefit is I am trying so many new foods!  I have to say that I feel much better emotionally in Follow Your Heart Market than I do in Super Walmart.

Q. Do you need as much sleep, more, less, the same?

A. I am sleeping more soundly and waking up easier but I can tell that I am still in withdrawal and have toxins in my body.  I get fatigued in the afternoon.  I read that is normal. With the change in diet, yoga, cardio and weight training I am doing so many new things to my body that it is in shock!

Q. Has it affected your hormones, like in the PMS category, period, menstrual cycle?
A. I have suffered from PMS most of my life and this last time around I was surprised that it actually came without warning.  My skin was clear.   I felt good.  I hadn't craved any junk food at all.  I didn't really have any of the normal symptoms that signal that it's that-time-of-the-month. No cramps. No cravings at all. Amazing.

Q. I  really want to know about the exercise.  How frequently?  How much?  Do you have a personal trainer?  Gym or at home?  What days do you train and not train?  Weights, cardio or both?  Morning or evening?  once or twice a day?

A. I did a fitness assessment with a trainer but as of yet have not hired one.  I will have another fitness assessment done in five weeks and if I don't see the results I want I may hire her for a couple of weeks.  I go to the gym any chance I can get.  I like classes so I first check to see if there is any class I can attend whether it is Zumba, Ball Blast, Pilates, etc.  I also make it a point to go to yoga at least twice a week.  Additionally, I will do 30 minutes of cardio (Elliptical machine) on my own followed by a 30 minutes weight session.  Since my schedule is all over the place, instead of counting days at the gym, I could hours.  I go a minimum of five hours a week.  I don't really have much weight to lose so my goal with the workouts is to gain flexibility, strength and endurance.  If I loose ten pounds I won't complain.

Q. Has it had any affect on your sex life?

A. Well, my husband works long hours so I don't get to see him much but I do notice my confidence has improved so I would say...yes.Look out, Mr. Collier!   Grrrrr!