Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I have been depressed lately. I really can't put my finger on it, though I have tried to over the past few weeks.

I thought, being a raw head, that it was the German sprouts issue that was causing consternation but that proved fruitless.  I then surmised that I was diminishing my salads and becoming bland in my efforts, this too eluded my grasp.

To date, I have yet to discover the culprit of my depression.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I will share another little know fact about myself. One reason I began my raw food journey was to deal with my debilitating disease-I have SLE or Systemic Lupus. There is no known cure. I deal with flare-ups as they come and rest in between. No two people with Lupus look the same or have the same symptoms. For instance, right now, I have all day migraines, extreme exhaustion, the sun blisters my skin, memory loss, black out seizures, arthritis and nausea-now, this is only during a flareup, so you understand why I do whatever I can to keep those from occurring. For the most part, I am relatively ok. I have not had any problems for about two years. This particular raw lifestyle seems to be working out for me in a positive way.

I have joined a few online groups but I do not have the time to travel to any of the meetup events yet, thought it is in my plan to do so. I know there are other out in cyberworld who are walking my path too! I did have some good news happen to me this week-my Total Gym has arrived! I have absolutely no excuse whatsoever not to workout. I have the gym sitting in my living room. I took it out of the box and hope to focus on looking at all of the dvd’s on Thursday morning while I am working.

I may even invite a friend or two over so we can start working out together; time seems to go faster and more sustained when you are not walking a path by yourself. I am finding this out the hard way.

Muriel Watson reunites with her biological mother and finds a more satisfying way to fill a void that led to years of emotional eating and weight gain.

Alan Foster writes from Europe: Day 3 in Paris is nearly over. The weather has been fantastic and it's made lots of walking and touring very pleasant.

Not being very fluent in French, it's been a challenge to order meals. We've had some interesting foods to say the least. One thing that has been consistent is the generous portions. Most of my entrees could have easily been enough for two.

We begin our last leg of the trip tomorrow in Rome.  If Italian portions are similar to the French, I'm in trouble - for I can eat lots and lots of pasta. But hey, when in Rome...

Sent from my iPhone

Tahira Nyabinghi offers a metaphor for her relationship with food -- and exciting news about her life.

Alan Foster writes, via iPhone, from Europe: We're on our last day in the UK and we've had some fantastic Scottish and English meals. They are quite fond of their fried foods here as nearly every menu had fish and chips and many entrees came with chips (fries). I think I've been successful in not overeating and the amount of calories burned in all the walking has kept the extra bread pudding in check. Tomorrow, we're off to France and then Italy. With my love for pasta, the next week will require lots of walking.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I am holding steady right now at 190 pounds. I wanted to be lighter but I guess I cannot complain.  I am moving towards my ultimate goal.  I am also open to trying regular meals and modifying them. Now, I have to bow my head in shame and make a confession to those of you who are on my silent support team. 

Muriel Watson writes:   I haven't been able to blog in so long, I have really missed it.  I guess I should start with the good news.  I have lost 13 pounds since my last blog!  That should be great news and under normal circumstances it would be.  However, the bad news would be how I lost it. 

Alan Foster writes: Tomorrow, I take my weight loss journey on vacation. But, this is no ordinary vacation. I'm on a 12-day, 4-country trip to Europe. This trip is a celebration for my daughter who just graduated from college. I'll report back on the foods I experience and the amount of exercise I manage to get (yes, I did bring some gym clothes). First stop is Edinburgh, Scotland.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: Now, halfway into my journey, I know the reality of my weight loss will be more gradual but sustaining.