I have tried every diet known to mankind. I've lost weight and gained it all back plus more each time. I'm currently 4 lbs shy of my highest weight ever. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and PCOS. Cancer runs in my family along with heart disease. I am desperate for a change. I did a lifestyle change a couple of months ago that seemed to agree with me. I cut out all processed foods for about two weeks. I felt wonderful for that period of time (after the detox) and lost about 12 lbs. I then went on a cruise, and blew the entire diet. I haven't had the motivation to start again.

I've been reading about doing a Raw diet for some time now. I'm just about to get up the courage to try it. I'm scared, honestly. I feel like this is my last chance to feel good again. I'm scared of my addictions to sugar and processed foods. I often eat out of boredom and/or emotions instead of actually eating because I'm hungry.

I live in Southwest Virginia, and I don't know if any of you are familiar with the area, but there are not any Whole Food stores around here. There is a Shouting Sprout about an hour from my home, but after going there I walked out empty handed because of the astronomical prices. I have a brown thumb it seems, so growing a garden doesn't seem to be in the cards for me either.

I guess I need some direction here. How did you start your raw lifestyle? How long did your detox take?