Too Poor to Go Raw =(

[thevegancat]

Hi! I should probably introduce myself on the corresponding forum first, but I'll give you a quick run-through here.

I'm 17/f and I want to go raw mainly because of my skin. I know it sounds so vain, but I think that if my skin is bad, what's happening *inside* my body? It's terrible, I've got REALLY horrible acne (actually, usually only a few active blemishes, but my face is a mineland of red acne marks/scars).

I'm 5'10, 144 lbs. On my previous SAD, I lived off of vegetarian JUNK foods (three candy bars a day, a bag of Cheetos, Burger King fries, onion rings, CHINESE FAST FOOD), and ate CONSTANTLY. Now, I want to go raw, because I'm loving the benefits I hear about. I don't want to be a statistic when it comes to health issues. Yes, I have a life, and I know it's weird for a 17 year old to be this obsessed with health, but what can I say? I'm a VIRGO. :p

Only problem is, while conventional produce is cheap, organic is NOT. I am SWARMED with SAD-cravings, so I also invest in LaraBars & raw almond butter. I work two jobs (approx. 15 hours a week, and obviously school), and I also drink a bottle of Kombucha tea a day. This is all in addition to eating produce. It's so EXPENSIVE. It doesn't seem right that REAL food is only for the wealthy! I'm spending all my money on food (my mom is not financially blessed, and she buy conventional produce at Safeway. Forget about buying "special" raw foods, like almond butter, nuts, or snacks!) She is not so enthusiastic about my raw lifestyle (she even had a problem with me being vegetarian!), so I'm on my own with this. Forget the fancy equipment like dehydrators, juicers, & food processors! I've got a 10-year old blender. I don't think I can do "raw" anymore. I'm miserable and grouchy if I live off of basic raw foods, but stodgier ("SAD" inspired) raw food costs a small fortune! I probably spend about $15 a day just so I don't succumb to eating cooked food (or, more candidly, JUNK food).

So I guess this was indeed NOT a quick run-through, but I'd love some advice. :(

[Russ]

It is expensive and I think that fact gets overlooked a lot in the raw community. There are not a lot of options for those of us on a limited income. I cannot afford organic or the fanciful recipes that many here enjoy, not while feeding 4 kids as well. I can barely afford to be raw at all. I have had to compromise and just buy un-organic fruits and veggies and wash them really well. The only thing I can suggest it to grow your own. It does not take a terribly big garden to have a good harvest...and it is spring.

[Ariannah]

I don't eat organic food anymore unless 2 criteria are met:
A) looks fresher
b) isn't THAT much more expensive.

The fruits have to be tasty. This is going to sound like heresy, but here goes (since grapes are a heavily sprayed crop): I like my grapes fresh tasting, crisp and crunchy, and deliciously sweet. I've bought organic grapes before because they're supposed to be "better" but the soft, pale flavour does NOTHING for me, and tells me that it's not food I want to eat. I want my celery to be crisp, sweet, and very green. I've paid double for organic celery I can't snap in half; it bends into a round circle!

The main organic thing I buy is bananas - negligible price difference.
But I'd rather be raw than not.

If organic were the main criterion (and it was recently), I'd be living on rice (and I was recently).

[dreamrawalwz]

Non organic raw is MUCH better than any SAD food. Even NON organic vegan cooked is better than SAD. Do what you can for the moment!

[luckitri]

It IS expensive. There are threads on here about this. It is not expensive for me because I do not insist on organic. Eventually I will. Also I already had equipment. Not the best but yes equipment.

Lots of people pick up equipment for free on Freecycle. You know, someone bought a dehydrator for Y2K or got it for their wedding and will never use it. Google Freecycle and sign up for your region. It is not a wish list site but for people who don't want to throw out good stuff so they recycle it to you. Just today I saw someone posting a thank you on my local freecycle for a juicer.

You can do it on the cheap if you sacrifice the organic requirement.

I just started dehydrating after all this time. (I often fall for SAD late at night in front of the TV with corn chips which is super-bad since it is probably GMO corn.) Bought flax seed bulk at the local HFS. It was CHEAP! Am enjoying flax crackers for the first time. And it was so EASY! Perhaps if you can make good tasting stuff that your family likes once in a while they will be more interested in supporting you in this? The flax has much health benefits (instead of fish oil and cleansing) and I commented to dh that he had not needed to eat all day after having my crackers for breakfast - they fill you up. Soon I will try the corn chips recipe here - I will go cheap route with frozen corn - not by the fresh ear. You can try to make the crackers on cookie sheets in the oven until you get dehydrator. I had extra on first batch and did that. I will admit it was devilish scraping the cracker off the cookie sheet.

I am considering asking local HFS for the going bad produce that requires much cutting and trimming. Another way to go.

[StarFire]

I agree, and please forgive me die-hard organics -- although it is wonderful to be able to eat 100% pure organic foods - it isn't always feasible. I would say - wash your 'conventional' veggies and fruits - REALLY WELL... and don't forget to BLESS THEM... major important! Just do what you can as you can -and don't feel guilty about it! Be proud of what you CAN change!

[misslinda]

You do the best you can.

You may want to visit EWG.org and see which fruits/veggies are effected the most from pesticides etc and perhaps buy those in the "organic" section and the others, like the other posters have said, wash/scrub them well.

Dream~made a really great point! RAW non organic is multiple notches healthier than the food you described.

Also, don't think you have to become a RAW culinary chef overnight. Start with simple tasty,enjoyable and economical dishes like "Banana pecan ice cream" Lettice wraps,puddings etc. Sprouting is VERY economical!

It's about being creative and taking action to improve your health.. If you were able to afford Burger King, candy bars,chinese food etc, there is no reason why you cannot afford raw. Check with your local prodcue departments and read up on sales,coupons etc.


Welcome to RAW,
Misslinda;)

[trinity082482]

Eating raw is crazy expensive.
It's super sad that I can buy 3 full size bags of hostess chips for the price of only 1 red/yellow or orange pepper! :mad:

[juliebove]

30 years ago I was 17. We hadn't heard of organic in those days. I did have my own garden and what I grew was sort of like organic because I didn't use any sort of chemicals on it. We didn't have organic seeds in those days either. Do you have the capacity to grow anything where you live? If not a yard, then can you at least do some tomatoes, lettuce and herbs on a deck or in your kitchen windowsill?

What did I eat when I was 17? Mainly trail mix that I made myself, using nuts, seeds, dried fruit and sometimes coconut flakes from the health food store. I'd never heard of a raw diet back then, but most likely much of what I put in that mix was raw. You might try doing the same, buying the bulk of whatever you can get for the cheapest and then adding small amounts of the more expensive things. I carried a bag of the stuff in my purse so I had something to eat at all times.

As for the organic, I believe it is better for you, but I can't always afford it either. I still have a garden and although I do not use chemicals, I could not certify it as organic because I did not buy organic seeds/plants to start with. I get shipments of organic produce each week from a local farm. This saves me a TON of money. You might look into getting something like that. There are several farms in this area that do it. But when I have to buy things at the grocery store, they are not always organic because it's either too expensive or just not very fresh. I love bell peppers but mine are just getting started in the garden. It is rare for me to find any good organic ones at the store and when I do they are about $5 each. I simply can't afford that. So if I do eat something non organic, I don't worry too much about it. I wash it well and peel it if possible.

[Tinacampy]

I would just try to do the best possible w/ your resources. If you think about the price of a BK meal - like $3-6 depending on where you live and what you order - each LARA bar is about $1-2 (again depending on location). You can get a pound of organic nuts for about $5 or a bag of apples... I know it's hard - which is why everyone is right - just do as much as you can - it's better than none at all. I grew up in a family of 7 and we had animals and a co-op and my Mom always said "I'm not a short-order cook" so if I didnt' want to eat what the family was eating, I didn't eat at all... So, I hear you. Just do the best you can. :) Good luck!

[Doe]

Hello thevegancat,

Cucumbers are inexpensive and great for the skin. Alissa mentions that in her book. They can be peeled and cut into spears and eaten in place of the junk fries. One cucumber a day will do wonders for your skin, inside and out.

As for filling the belly, do the best you can with what's available each time you eat.

[Wendee]

Eating conventional raw food is by far better then eating cooked food so if you don't have a choice to buy organic, just know that you are doing way better to eat conventional all raw then none at all.

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW.....Welcome to MY World....

[Vann167]

on some levels, i disagree with raw having to be more expensive. I'm a college student, so I know how money can be tight. But one thing I notice is that in college a lot of my peers go out to eat during the week ($5-8), order pizzas on the weekend ($5), and spend way too much at the bars ($10+). Bags of doritos are like $3.50, and for that money I can buy like 5 pounds of carrots. I probably spend around $30 a week on groceries. I know once the farmers markets open, it'll be less because you can buy huge bags of lettuce for like $2.

To save money, keep it simple. But make sure you treat yourself to lara bars and what not every now and then.

It seems expensive, but think of all the things that people blow their money on that don't give them the amazing benefits of raw.

Good luck!

[Adagio Breezes]

It is expensive and I think that fact gets overlooked a lot in the raw community.

Thank you, Russ! I'm stil learning about raw, and yeah it IS overlooked in the community.

I convinced that everyone who doesn't think raw is expensive lives in some magical city where they can go to a store and NOT pay $4.50 for a single serving package of raw crackers/cookies/etc. and $6 for a package of raw nuts. Or they're millionaires.

Thevegancat, I reccommend, like everyone said, doing the best you can. Even if you can't go 100% raw, you will still be doing your health and your skin a favor. Try to find a farmers market or a produce store near you, where the veggies are cheaper than at grocery stores. Shop around too, grocery stores vary in their prices. At least in my area, Pavillions is more expensive than Vons, which is more expensive that Albertsons.

Also, only buy special stuff at health food stores (including Wild Oats & Whole Foods). My philosophy is, if I can get it at a regular market, I won't get it at a HFS, because markets are cheaper. At HFS, I buy special items that I can't get at Albertsons, like vegan chocolate chips (their not raw, but it was the first example that came to mind!) Check out the bulk bins in WO/WF/HFS. The pirces may at first look high, but I've found that if I just get what I need, it's not that bad at all.

Is there a Trader Joes in your area? They have the least expensive raw nuts, IMO.

[Ariannah]

on some levels, i disagree with raw having to be more expensive. I'm a college student, so I know how money can be tight. But one thing I notice is that in college a lot of my peers go out to eat during the week ($5-8), order pizzas on the weekend ($5), and spend way too much at the bars ($10+). Bags of doritos are like $3.50, and for that money I can buy like 5 pounds of carrots. I probably spend around $30 a week on groceries. I know once the farmers markets open, it'll be less because you can buy huge bags of lettuce for like $2.

To save money, keep it simple. But make sure you treat yourself to lara bars and what not every now and then.

It seems expensive, but think of all the things that people blow their money on that don't give them the amazing benefits of raw.

Good luck!

I agree that people who live that kind of a lifestyle don't have the right perspective.

However, I'm well-past the 20's cafeteria eating, partying student phase, and find that in a large family eating raw all the time (even as the only one) does require a bit more dedication and planning, financially. Not that I am complaining, just acknowledging :D

[tiggerbounce]

Yes, raw can get expensive depending on what you buy. Nuts and tropical/imported fruits can seem very expensive - especially if you end up not enjoying them. I would forego those at first and just do what I can.

I agree with everyone else, do the best that you can. Organic is great if you can get it and if you can afford it. Definitely try adding up in your head how much you spent eating out sad and how much you spent on sodas, candy, etc. You might be surprised. And don't you feel much better after you eat something fresh than when you ate those SAD foods?

There are so many foods and recipes that you can eat without expensive equipment. It would be nice to have the expensive blenders and excalibur, but many of us don't have those either. If you have any sort of a blender or even a small food processor hiding in a cabinet somewhere that works at all you can start from there.

It is fantastic that a person your age is willing and knowledgeabe enough to want to make such great nutrition choices. And definitely check out a Farmer's Market if you can. Great, fresh produce at very reasonable prices most of the time. And if you have space for it, a small garden would save you a lot.

Good luck and I wish you the best!:)

[SierraSage]

I rarely ever buy organic. Too expensive. (Though lately I've been getting my kale, collard & chard organic--since it's looking nicer.)

Raw in health food stores is over-rated, over-priced & ridiculous. Real raw is fruits, veggies, nuts & seeds. Trader Joe's for nuts--absolutely. The cheapest around! Raw is simple to do. Lots of whole fruits, or fruit salads or fruit soups. Lots of salads with all kinds of greens etc in them, and then you can just chomp on nuts & dates all by themselves. Eating raw can be incredibly simple! :o Use a food processor & blender with your fruits, veggies & nuts & you can create a zillion yummy raw concoctions--quite inexpensively. :D

[Shoney]

Speak with a manager in the produce department at the grocery store, often they'll sell the produce they have to pull off the shelves, but you have to ask. Truly ripe bananas - the ones with brown spots - produce depts. often have to get rid of. Consider buying apples by the box or large bag, that usually comes with some type of discount. And don't just wander through the produce dept. - talk to the people who work there! In my area I can get a twenty-five pound bag of juicing carrots for just under $8, a lot cheaper than 25 Larabars! Also, if you have a Grocery Outlet where you live, shopping there can help stretch the budget.

I agree with what's been written so far: keep it simple, comparison shop, educate yourself. Initially it will take some time and effort, but as it becomes habit, you'll find it gets easier. There are a lot of people on here with limited budgets (myself included), so keep asking questions and take advantage of all the great advice on this thread!

[RawCutter]

interesting article on why its more expensive and why America is obese.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

[SmilingRawDancer]

I don't find raw to be extremely expensive - at least not compared to the 3 fast food meals I used to eat, and those went for at least $3 each.
I can get a huge bunch of bananas at Costco for $1.30, whatever variety of apples from the farmers market for .77 cents per lb., bags of baby spinach for .77 cents each, and ridiculously low prices greens and veggies at a 99 Ranch market nearby.

I don't buy organic unless the price is the same or lower than the "normal", and if I didn't buy as many dates and nuts and oils (specialty items) I can see that my weekly bill would be much lower still : )

[spicyfull]

Again Life is about Choices......YOU made the Choice to go RAW. I did not know it was Mandatory to eat Organic. I did not know there were Millionaires on this Forum. We are all in the same boat, if you really want to be RAW you just do it.

I really don't know what you all are crying for. This is suppose to be a Happy occassion for you. You found the money to keep macdonalds in business and all of the other fast food places.

Just keep it Simple and don't Throw ROCKS at someone because they want to make Recipes that call for expensive ingredients. That's their BUSINESS........I like the fact that this is a Journey and you travel as you wish and no one is being held Hostage.........

[Conscious Midwife]

interesting article on why its more expensive and why America is obese.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin


Thans!!!
Interesting hmmmmm...

[Conscious Midwife]

RAW is very economical for our household of 6-7 ( oldest dd in college)

What we spend on Chinese Take Out could buy enough veggies and fruit for 5 days worht of smoothies and simple salads.

It took me a year to get a dehydrator. Not because it was too expensive, but because I had to reprioritize and be sure that I would use it.

Olive Oil and nuts are my greatest expense by the ounce, but I don't eat these in larger quantities.

I'm buying CSA shares this year, so I look forward to investing @ $25-$30 in fresh produce weekly, most we will consume, some we will give to others.
I'll shop Whole Foods for some items and order other items on line. My ultimate goal is to get our food expense down to @$500/ month which I think is reasonable.

[Ariannah]

Comparing raw eating prices to take out prices is not applicable to someone who used to live on rice and beans ;) However, when I am out, I buy fruit and things for a "fast food" meal, and mentally reflect that I used to spend that much at a coffee shop occasionally for a piece of baked fluff and some coffee.

But yeah, everyone just does the best they can. It's best to just go for the cheap stuff, and eat it, and enjoy it! :)

[punkspirit]

Hey VeganCat!:)

My situation is simily to yours... I am a student and at the mo I dont even have a job! So, I have really only VERY few money!!

But going raw might work anyway... First of all I don't have any fancy equipment, and I don't buy organic food. If I could, I would only buy fresh organic, fair-trade food. BUT I SIMPLY CAN'T AFFORD IT...
Furthermore I don't buy things like almondbutter, or lara-bars or something like that just coz I don't crave them... (And they still are kind of processed;) )

Most expensive things(that I occasionally buy)might be raw nuts, raw dried fruits and exotic fruits...
But I buy even those not very often... So my diet might sound boring and simple... but I LOVE it... My basics are regional and saisonal fruits and veggies, well and a few others...

AFTER A WHILE BEEING RAW YOU WILL SIMPLIFY EVERYTHING ANYWAY! AND YOU WONT NEED AS MUCH FOOD AS BEFORE!! COZ YOUR BODY GETS ALL THE NUTRITION IT NEEDS FROM SMALLER AMOUNTS!

And when youre raw and the body cleaned you can save money on:
Scincare (I only use simple olive-oil, nothing else)
haircare
deo
make up (and remover)
toilet paper:D:p
medication
Alcohol!!! And any drinks in general, just drink water

You just wont need as much as you have been used to! Anyway... Good Luck! And don't give up!!!

[magglepie]

Don't get discouraged and start thinking that raw is only for rich people! Any diet will cost money if you are buying lots of equipment or all organic food. I think that the people here have given you so much great advice. You don't HAVE to buy organic, you can get conventional produce and wash the crap out of it. There are a lot of great things on the market to wash produce. I don't have a dehydrator or a juicer or anything like that, and personally I like eating raw by just eating the food the way it is, and I don't really eat that much, I mean, not as much as I used too anyway (compulsive overeater) so the limited income that I have is suffiecent. You will find that you can make anything work if you really try! Good Luck!

[Elizabeth]

interesting article on why its more expensive and why America is obese.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

thanks for posting......

[Elizabeth]

I understand how it can seem/be more expensive, in in the short-term, at least, to eat Raw. I think that a lot of good suggestions have been offered. I just wanted to say that I have found that I am used to eating a lot more than I need. I think that when we eat less, our digestive systems operate more efficiently and if each thing we eat is Raw and nutrition packed, then we maybe do not actually need as much as out tummies, which are used to being full, might be telling us.

I know that when first transitioning to raw it is best to have lots of raw food, with a lot of variety, but, if you cannot do that for whatever reason, if you can look at it from a different perspective, maybe as an act of voluntary simplicity, and make sure that each dollar you spend on food is spent on on something that will contribute very positively to your nutrition...

i am not sure if this works this way for everyone..but for me, the way i frame things, even not having much money for food..lol.. ( I am in a similar situation)matters so much. It is funny..I got these bananas that were "over-ripe" theother day for.29 a lb. and yesterday, I got home after running around, and ate some of them..and I did not feel deprived at all. I know I was, and am taking better care of myself than if I went to a buffet or drive-thru...or a five-start restaurant... :) I felt rich.. I am free..and I have knowledge and the ability to take better care of myself on every level than so many with lots of money. I generally derive joy/pleasure from simple things so do not mind not having money. I am actually trying to feel /figure out whether I have an aversion to it..LOL..maybe I have connected it on some deep level to superficiality and graft..LOL... but that is a whole other story..

Freecycle is a good thing, as someone mentioned, Luckitri, I believe. I got a juicer and dehydrator off of there, and, when I was able to 'upgrade,' sent them on to my son. also..growing wheatgrass and sprouting...WOW!!!!! talk about getting a lot of "bang for your buck," :D ... fabulous...


also...if you check out the library for raw books, even CDs... you can get raw inspiration for free..and of course, all the support online on this site and other raw sites...

I do wish you the best!!! It is fabulous that you are aware of raw at such a young age, and, just know that any shifts you make in the direction of raw eating will serve you very well in the long-term. Be encouraged..and do what you can..and focus on the abundance of RAW and of life, and all that you need and more will be there for you.

[VitalHarvest]

I have a fixed income as well as solitarily support my two children who are homeschooled (added costs, there).

When I calculate my budget, I combine Food, Health and Entertainment all into one category on my itemized budget list because that is what's true for me.

Then ~ Viola! More $$$ for good food.


I spare no expense on food, but ~

I literally never rent DVDs, go to the movies, get manicures (or any other beauty treatments - I even cut my kids' hair, myself), don't purchase beauty products, I purchase most of our clothes at second-hand stores or do clothing exchange parties with friends, have only a few pairs of shoes, no cable TV, hardly ever travel (except for camping trips in the mountains, nearby, which adds no expense to our monthly budget) etc.


We live very simply. . . but not in the food department. That is my priority system.

[Wendee]

I heard that Jack La Lane has never eaten organic deliberately, by choice. He said that conventional is all he eats, and look at him, he is in great shape, and he isn't even a raw foodist;)
If anyone could afford organic, I am sure he can, but chooses not too, and to him, his heatlh seems to be number one.

[Elizabeth]

I have a fixed income as well as solitarily support my two children who are homeschooled (added costs, there).

When I calculate my budget, I combine Food, Health and Entertainment all into one category on my itemized budget list because that is what's true for me.

Then ~ Viola! More $$$ for good food.


I spare no expense on food, but ~

I literally never rent DVDs, go to the movies, get manicures (or any other beauty treatments - I even cut my kids' hair, myself), don't purchase beauty products, I purchase most of our clothes at second-hand stores or do clothing exchange parties with friends, have only a few pairs of shoes, no cable TV, hardly ever travel (except for camping trips in the mountains, nearby, which adds no expense to our monthly budget) etc.


We live very simply. . . but not in the food department. That is my priority system.

I like your system....:)

when I was growing up we grew most of our own food and my mom baked bread, canned, etc. I remember husking mounds of corn with my siblings and hoeing in the huge field across the street. We sold fruits and veggies at a roadside stand.. It was not a bad way to grow up and taught me that it is not always how much money you have, but also what you can do for yourself, rather than paying someone else to do it for you.

I am going to make sure that the next place I live has enough space for a garden, but right now I have some plants started for a container garden. :)

[VitalHarvest]

Thanks, Elizabeth! :) Yes, gardening is the best, isn't it? I love growing my food. I love to eat it right out of the Earth. . .



I forgot to add this part to my PP ~


I do not buy health insurance. My food lifestyle IS my health insurance. Also, I do not buy other types of insurance. Again - it comes down to lifestyle/food, for me. Safety, for example, seems to come very naturally, effortlessly, even, because my mind is so clear and grounded.

I look at insurance a lot like I see antibiotics and vaccinations: I can either be lazy and mindless and take these easy-way-out-slash-:confused: drugs &/or insurance policies, or I can take back my power and do-it-myself! I like to be proactive and wake up the vitality (with live food) so that I can take 100% responsibility for my well being and my life. It feels incredible. AND it saves me money.

[lytlsprout]

If you were eating candy bars and burger king before, you can afford to be raw!!!! You just have to be smart about it. And have some will power! Lara bars are expensive, invest in a cheap food processor from target I was there yesterday you can get one with a large cup size for $30 or $40. And make your own lara bars with dates and nuts and raisins. It'll be worth it in the long run. Also when you go raw as long as you're having cravings and stuff it is going to be more at first, but as you get all the crap out of your body you start to eat less. Way less! Because your body is actually able to use all of what it's getting. This transition usually takes about 2 or 3 months. Then you'll find yourself eating an apple for breakfast, and a salad for the whole day and being totally satisfied. Also you don't have to buy all organic. But there is a tread about the top 12, things that are the worst when you buy them conventional. I would recommend making sure to buy those organic and the rest to save money buy conventional. Also I tell my parents what I want for my birthday and christmas now because there are things that I need, so tell your mom this year for your birthday you want a juicer, or that could be your gift for christmas and your birthday. And you can start off with cheapy appliances and then after you graduate you can buy up. Also there are millions of dollars of unclaimed scholarships on the internet! Spend one or two hours a week filling out applications for those, that way you can use you money from work for food and not books and tuition. From personal experience the time invested in applying for scholarships is well worth it, you get turned down a lot, but it only takes a few to pay for college in full.

[shine72]

Thanks, Elizabeth! :) Yes, gardening is the best, isn't it? I love growing my food. I love to eat it right out of the Earth. . .



I forgot to add this part to my PP ~


I do not buy health insurance. My food lifestyle IS my health insurance. Also, I do not buy other types of insurance. Again - it comes down to lifestyle/food, for me. Safety, for example, seems to come very naturally, effortlessly, even, because my mind is so clear and grounded.

I look at insurance a lot like I see antibiotics and vaccinations: I can either be lazy and mindless and take these easy-way-out-slash-:confused: drugs &/or insurance policies, or I can take back my power and do-it-myself! I like to be proactive and wake up the vitality (with live food) so that I can take 100% responsibility for my well being and my life. It feels incredible. AND it saves me money.


VitalHarvest - I absolutely LOVE your attitude about things! Love it, love it, love it!

[SmilingRawDancer]

I never buy advil, midol, tums, fiber supplements or soda anymore. That alone saves me tons of $$$.

[VitalHarvest]

VitalHarvest - I absolutely LOVE your attitude about things! Love it, love it, love it!


Aww. . THANKS shine72! I like knowing that someone else can relate! http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/VitalHarvest/jump-1.gif

[shine72]

Aww. . THANKS shine72! I like knowing that someone else can relate! http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/VitalHarvest/jump-1.gif


I homeschool my three kiddos. With being in the military, insurance is covered, but ask me how often we really go!:p

[VitalHarvest]

Ha! Ok~ How often do you really go? http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/VitalHarvest/Smilies/wild.gif


And ~ Cool about the homeschoolin'.

We can be raw homeschooling mama best friends! http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/VitalHarvest/Smilies/party_51.gif

[shine72]

Last time we went was........I think last summer, cause of an appointment with my ds who has autism. Not because anyone was actually sick!:p

[Ariannah]

I have a fixed income as well as solitarily support my two children who are homeschooled (added costs, there).

When I calculate my budget, I combine Food, Health and Entertainment all into one category on my itemized budget list because that is what's true for me.

Then ~ Viola! More $$$ for good food.


I spare no expense on food, but ~

I literally never rent DVDs, go to the movies, get manicures (or any other beauty treatments - I even cut my kids' hair, myself), don't purchase beauty products, I purchase most of our clothes at second-hand stores or do clothing exchange parties with friends, have only a few pairs of shoes, no cable TV, hardly ever travel (except for camping trips in the mountains, nearby, which adds no expense to our monthly budget) etc.


We live very simply. . . but not in the food department. That is my priority system.
Hey you live pretty much like we do. We are lucky to have a library with a great DVD loaning system. Everything from popular movies to oldies, etc.... anything that strikes our fancy in that department is available to us for free.

We don't have cars, cell phones, nor do we eat out, spend a lot of time "needing" a babysitter, or anything like that.

That's excellent!

[VitalHarvest]

Very cool, Ariannah. :cool:

My kids love to get DVDs from the library, too. I don't watch too much, myself.

[RawggedyAnn]

OK. Here's the lowdown: I'm a 17/f, I weigh 135 and I am also a VIRGO :rolleyes: haha. I am 5'7". My favorite way to eat is at the bulk section at the coop. It might not be organic, but today I got a great deal on an all raw organic trail mix that has 2 kinds of figs, huge raisins, apricots, almonds, and walnuts. IT's really good! I also love the raw cashews. Another sweet thing about our town coop is that there are often "lost" items. "Lost items" are items that are either bruised, moldy, or a little beat up. Lost items are free! Sometimes I will take home some really ripe bananas, avacados, tomatoes, or asian pears. If I was poor, I would eat off lost items and bulk! IT would be a surprise everytime, hehe. I WOULD suggest growing some stuff, but this is actually MORE expensive than buying it with a coop member discount because of all the little costs like mulch, compost, seeds, shipping... etc. Be stringent about it, you can find your way! Oh, and raw conventional is always better than cooked organic.

~Jessica~

###################################
Peace and kindness is the better way

[chickatthegym]

Have you checked eBay.com for a juicer or dehydrator? They have some good deals... A juicer is prob the best investment I have ever made... Juicing has changed my life, as well as my husband's beyond belief!
Also, lots of local grocery stores are starting to sell bulk items like nuts and seeds, they even offer a choice of organic or non for much less than the "health store".
Hope this helps and rem, any kind of raw LIVE foods you eat are better than non :)

[chickatthegym]

... invest in a cheap food processor from target I was there yesterday you can get one with a large cup size for $30 or $40.

I actually just bought a food processor from WalMart for $29.... it is a black and decker and works very good

[Wendee]

When we say "too poor" we are setting ouselves up for failure.

poverty is a state of mind.

You are rich if someone loves you.
You are rich if you love someone.
You are rich if you can forgive unconditionally.
You are rich if you have a loving family.
You are rich if you have wisdom as wisdom leads to knowledge and knowledge to enlightenment and enlightemment to a better life.
You are never poor if you have a friend.

In other words, look at the things you DO have not the things you DON"T hanv and then you will continue to prosper as you will see you can afford to eat well. If you qualify for food stamps, use every last one for raw foods and you will make it. The thing is you have to think positive.

So, obviously, you have money to buy food because you surlely aren't starving. Use that money to buy second hand produce, grains and seeds to eat and sprout, You can do anything if you really want to with God's help, too.


Wendy

[okorolina40]

HI - i am a graduate student and like you, I too am struggling to be organic AND raw. However, I have several options at my disposal and whether it is organic or not, raw has been proving good for me.

1) shop at co-op grocery stores or trader joes

2) shop at farmers markets locally grown produce is usually better

3) buy in bulk and make things in advance - for example, I have bought enough ingredients to make a salad, and then prepack them into tupperwares for easy grab and go during the week.

4) buy conventional and use a veggie/fruit wash on all produce - this is what I do when I cant get to the farmers market or co-op. And it is still tasty. I have the regular grocers that I have come to know what produce is best at their shop, and then I have my must 'have' which are organic - apples, carrots and bananas. Everything else for me personally is a matter of access or price

5) shop at Indian/ Asian markets - I find that many of my local Asian markets have better produce than the larger grocers, and much cheaper prices too.

If you really want to stay RAW, dont let this deter you. Once you see results, you will want to keep it going no matter what.

Hospital bills, lab tests, and prescription medicines are also expensive too. What really matters is that you are choosing life over death. Raw food, whichever you purchase, is LIFE and HEALTH.

With a hug and a smile,

RawNaija

[Regen]

A couple of pages ago PUNKSPIRIT said


"AFTER A WHILE BEEING RAW YOU WILL SIMPLIFY EVERYTHING ANYWAY."


I found this to be true, too, and it seems, from reading the post of the more experienced ones among us, like long term raw tends to lead to more simple meals.

I'm so touched by the fact that you are serious about this at 17. You may feel too poor to go raw at the moment but you are rich in terms of what you know you want for yourself. When the time comes for you to be able to afford the nut butters and fancy electrical equipment, you will be equipped with motivation and understanding.

[pisces19]

5) shop at Indian/ Asian markets - I find that many of my local Asian markets have better produce than the larger grocers, and much cheaper prices too.


Way to go! This is just what I was going to say! And depending on where you live you could also try small mexican grocery stores, too. There is a really good one in our area that is cheap, but has lots of fresh produce in greater varieties. (Great place for cheap ripe avocados!) My brother-in-law is mexican and apparently they don't believe in all the chemicals and stuff that americans put onto food, so there is a greater chance of most of it having less chemicals on it. (Not completely sure on this, but feel free to correct me if this is wrong.) In any case, it is a great place to get good produce cheaply.

Also, I know people already mentioned a few places to get electronics cheap, but have you checked your local goodwill stores? Around here they do 50% off Saturdays every two weeks or so and it is a great way to get stuff CHEAP, and I know people tend to be afraid of buying used appliances, but I just got a citrus juicer this weekend at a goodwill for on $2.50! (an electric one). Also, I saw they had a regular juicer just like I bought a couple years ago for $40 for only $10! (At half price it would have only been $5!).

My best advice on that is keep your eyes open to the things you are looking for and don't rush to buy something that you don't really need. Forget the dehydrator for now. Sounds like you probably don't have much space for one at the moment anyhow. Also, consider a food processor attachment for your blender. They are not QUITE as good as an actual food processor, but they will chop and mince things up pretty well. I used one on my blender for years, I only just started using an actual food processor.

You can make it work, just have the patience to learn as you go, and simplify at first. Also, a great boost would be to try and find raw foodists in your area for added ideas and support. I have friends nearby who are also into raw food, and they have given me lots of great ideas. Hang in there! It is worth it!

:)

[jeannieh99]

I agree it is expensive. I went to whole foods yesterday and spent $80 for two not filled bags. I didn't get all that much. Also I find that now that I buy leaf produce, it goes bad quickly. I think that makes it more expensive because of spoilage. How do you guys keep from having alot of stuff you have to toss because it went bad?
It won't keep me from being raw but I do understand and agree it is an expensive way to eat. Life is more expensive as a whole these days with gas prices and all.
We all can only do the best we can, striving to stay raw....
Jeannie

[RowanC]

First, I don't buy an entire week at a time.
I buy twice a week.
Second, I use green produce storing bags.

One thing is that organic produce is not sprayed with anything to keep it fresh, so it naturally goes bad quicker in a lot of cases.

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Ann Wigmore got it down to under a buck a day. Sure, that was THEN, but we DO NOT NEED the cacao and gojis, etc.

You can grow bowls full of sprouts for under a buck, easily.

You can BREW YOUR OWN KOMBUCHA (yes it IS expensive to buy) for under $2.00 A GALLON.

You can grow your own sunflower greens for salads and smoothies for a buck a tray, a tray will last you DAYS.

I hate all the expensive hype around raw. Sure, you can MAKE it expensive, but it is not really.

Erica

[jeannieh99]

Where do you get the green produce storing bags? How many do you use for what you buy? Do you wash your produce when you buy it or before you use it? What about keeping the produce in containers of water? would that leach the vitamins & enzymes? This is all such a great learning experience. Thanks to you all who are helping us all stay on the right path in all things raw..:-)
Jeannie

[RowanC]

I get the green bags at People's coop or at most stores that sell organic vegetables. I'm sorry, I can't remember what they're called.

I do NOT wash the vegetables first.
I put them in the bags then wash them as I use them.
Washing them causes the decaying process to speed up, imho.

I never wash things I peel, like beets or turnips, until I use them.
Kale has to be washed carefully, leaf by leaf, becuase critters tend to stick to the leaves.

I don't soak things in water because I think that causes more pollution than it helps. Portland water isn't the best. Plus when you put a cut stem into water, you're setting yourself up for bacterial invasion.

I just come home from the store, put everything perishable in green bags and toss it in the fridge.

I (again) put my nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in glass jars and store them either on the countertop or in a cool cupboard.

That's it...

[dorisborja]

what are larabars and where do you get them

[rawbeliever]

I tend to agree with Erica (School of Rawk), and RawNaija. it doesn't have to be expensive. I spend about $50-$55 per week for food, and that includes the occasional fancy thing like raw coconut oil, cacao nibs, agave, raw almonds, etc. and daily mangos and avos. but you DO have to make out a budget, and pay attention to what you're buying, and make some effort to stay away from places like Real Foods and Whole Foods, which are exploitatively expensive. In fact, I don't go to big chain markets at all (except for Trader Joe's for a few select things). There are tons of little produce markets out there, and plenty of farmer's markets. and, yes, you do have to give up the idea of eating all organic, unless you have your own garden. However, I still am able to afford some organic stuff now and then.

For equipment, garage sales, Ebay, and Craigslist can't be beat:
I have a $15 food processor I bought from a guy on Craigslist. It's old, but it works GREAT!

I have a $75 dehydrator I also bought from someone on Craigslist (and this is a nice one which I saved up for for two months before I bought it). And if I didn't want such a fancy-schmancy one, I could have gotten one for $10 to $20, easy.

One really useful food I've found: raw buckwheat (it's whitish/greenish, not brown in color). It's cheap. It's tasty. It's filling. It's got nutritional value up the wazoo. it can be soaked & sprouted & blended for a porridge with some raisins & cinnamon, or you can dehydrate after sprouting for a crunchy cereal. And it doesn't cause the problems that wheat (even raw wheat) can cause.

Best wishes, stay raw,
Robbie

[Stina]

I'm learning wild plant identification. Not only is it for free, obviously, but it's so fun and peaceful and the energy from the greens is just Wild!

[Naiad]

I get the green bags at People's coop or at most stores that sell organic vegetables. I'm sorry, I can't remember what they're called.

I do NOT wash the vegetables first.
I put them in the bags then wash them as I use them.
Washing them causes the decaying process to speed up, imho.

I never wash things I peel, like beets or turnips, until I use them.
Kale has to be washed carefully, leaf by leaf, becuase critters tend to stick to the leaves.

I don't soak things in water because I think that causes more pollution than it helps. Portland water isn't the best. Plus when you put a cut stem into water, you're setting yourself up for bacterial invasion.

I just come home from the store, put everything perishable in green bags and toss it in the fridge.

I (again) put my nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in glass jars and store them either on the countertop or in a cool cupboard.

That's it...

Hey Rowan... I was thinking just this as I was doing my usual soak in fruit and veggie wash.

How do you wash your leafy greens, just hand lather the actual leaves? I have a Pur sink filter and usually fill up a bowl with water and a squirt of organic produce cleaner.