Newbie post

[ellunkana]

Hi,
I have finally decided to take control of my health and I have decided to give raw a try. Eventually I would like to get off my highblood pressure medication, I am also on something for my anxiety and I would love to be off my meds for good. I am hoping that my dietary changes will help me to transition of these medications. I am also very overweight. I currently weigh about 230 and I would like to get to a healthy weight of about 150lbs.
I have a question about the equipment. Do I have to have a Vitamix and a food dehydrator. I wan't to keep the diet as simple as I can. Am I going to get superbored if I just eat raw veggies and fruits with nuts and seeds. What about salad dressings? I know its not 100% raw to use dressings, but I think it would really help me to transition. I would love an easy italian/ceasar and ranch type type salad dressing recipe if anyone knows of one. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
thank you
Erika

[ShelShel]

Welcome. First, let me congratulate you on a good choice! Raw Rawks! :D
Secondly, remember this is a journey...not a diet, transitioning can be smooth and that it can be a simple as you want it to be.
No, I have been raw for 9 months and I don't have a Vitamix or dehydrator. But after reading all the posts over the months, they can make transitioning easier if you crave cooked foods because with these items, you can make raw gourmet that "resembles" SAD foods you used to eat. (Shakes or smoothies....soups....and things like Pizza and raw bread. ;) )
However, I have a regular blender from Walmart. It works fine for me until I can afford something more.
You will find lots of recipes in the recipe forum. On-line at other raw food sites and the best are located in Alissa's Living on Live Foods book!
Of all things to invest in...this is the thing. I think it's like $29.99 and it will not only answer your questions it will show you how to shop, how much to purchase and recipes to make transitioning to raw a smooth process.
I hope this helps. Good luck...I can't wait to watch you journey! God Bless! :)

[Pierre]

My usual salad dressing has been oil and vinegar and some spices. I make my salad with avocado or olives, add some dulse and sometimes oregano (the oregano is growing in a pot on the patio), and keep a small bottle of apple cider vinegar at work.

As to losing weight, you will probably not lose it steadily. I've lost 13 kg since I started raw, but sometimes I went two or three weeks without losing anything.