Need some suggestions.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Hi my name is Jordan and I should be done with my Master Cleanse Detox here soon, Im at the end of my 32nd day. I am on a very very very limited budget, so heres the thing. I plan on doing RAW when I'm done, and i do not have a juicer, a processor, a blender , or anything else. I'm assuming that I need a juicer most of all.

I'm thinking something cheap like the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer.
Any thoughts on this?

I'm having a really hard time figuring out how im going to start RAW, there are so many recipe's etc and i have no plan...

except not to eat nuts, the soaking/drying/freezing thing is too much for me.

Id also probably be more likley to GORGE on them, and im trying to lose weight.

[Princess Elaine]

I think if your gonna buy one piece of equipment I'd go with a blender not a juicer....or second choice would be a food processor...everyone will have a different opinion but if your new at going raw...a regular ol' blender from Walmart, $20-$25 will serve you well especially with green smoothies...

Keep it simple...the fancy recipes do not have to be part of your plan...I have them as a treat ...When I first started I ate a lot of nuts, after a few months that craving went away...now mostly greens and fruit...

Good luck and keep reading and checking in here..this forum has helped me so much...

Elaine

[Pennypower]

As long as you can buy raw nuts where you are, I would encourage you to eat them anyway if you like them. You will still lose weight. Especially almonds. You need some good fats in your diet, they will actually HELP you lose weight. If you don't want to eat nuts, it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least drink some young coconut water once in a while. It's pretty yummy.

I think a blender is more important than a juicer personally. You need a blender for green smoothies. It doesn't need to be expensive. You can get one that will do the job for about $30.

Green smoothies are a staple of the raw diet and very helpful for newbies because you can get a lot of greens that way without evven tasting them and they are very filling.

IMHO I also think that in the beginning it is good not to have a juicer because then you can get into the habit of eating the fruit. This means you are getting more fiber and you consuming less quantity so quickly. For instance, you can have a blast eating five oranges while you watch a movie. This will take you maybe a half an hour. Or you can drink the juice in 1 minute. Way less fun you know what I mean? Fruit is fun to play with. It keeps you busy when you want to eat out of habit. Plus if you are juicing you could go through 10 oranges instead. If your trying to lose weight it's better to eat it than drink it. It's also better to eat it fresh than dried, basically for the same reasons.
Hope it helps, you will LOVE the raw diet. It's awesome.
Penny

[luckitri]

I saw a small dehydrator at Harbor Freight Tools for $30. So I have a blender, juicer and dehydrator. I only started using my dehydrator last week. The flax crackers are really really easy. Just soak, spice, pour onto trays and flip the switch. I think that I will have much less slipping into SAD with these flax crackers. And they have so much good nutrition.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Princess Elaine - I always thought you made the smoothies with the juicer... maybe someone needs to explain to me the uses for each machine. I can't see a processor being much use if im not going to be eating nuts.

What specs do i want in a blender, or whats a good cheap blender?

Pennypower - I think it's best that I dont go eatin foods I know I will overeat. The other thing is, yes my healthfood store has "supposed" raw nuts, they are all deshelled, and i question wether they are really raw. I need a good list of things to buy when i go to the grocery store, cause i really dont know what to buy for basic recipies, I have a list of TONS of ingredients, I dont want to buy what I'm not going to use.

Lukitri - I would probably get addicted to all the foods i can make in a dehydtrator.

[rawzeit]

I got a food processor and a blender a while back (it's actually a combi). Only occasionally I use the food processor, usually to make dips and sauces from nuts.

The blender I use all the time, mostly for green smoothies. I don't have a juicer or dehydrator.

A set of (glass) bowls, a cutting board, and a good knife are the most important, in my opinion.

[lavendarJ]

Jordan,

since you are just coming off of the master cleanse, i would start very simple by just eating things that don't require anything (blender/dehydrator/processor). You will naturally gravitate toward that (or maybe not). Make a list of some of your favorite fruit and veggies and nuts. Eating smaller portions of food several times throughout the day (every 3 hours for example) will help your body's metabolism (which has been "resting" on the master cleanse).

[hllry]

I agree with the others, a blender or food processor is all you need to get started. I am rarely using my dehydrator and just sticking to the basics. I actually got a food processor at Target for $40 and it works to make my green smoothies and soups in. My blender isn't that great and it is hard for it to blend up kale and grees. For my green smoothie I blend up (or process in my case) 3-4 leafs of kale or other greens, a banana and some frozen blueberries or mixed berries. It is so good! It is better than juicing b/c it has all the fiber in it. It's very filling and good for a sweet drink. Then I eat a lot of fruit, veggies and salads. Good luck! If your like me you will start to crave raw fruits and veggies and be turned off by SAD food.

[DavidZaneMason]

The above posts are great. I think you can certainly forgo complicated machinery just in favor of incorportation more fresh fruits, vegetables & juices...initially.

-If you decide that you HAVE to have some of these items, then thrift stores are often a great place to pick up items that work and give to charity at the same time. Also: Don't be ashamed to ask friends or neighbors to borrow their items for a short period of time...if you NEED them.

-David Z. Mason

[Princess Elaine]

Good advice from everyone.. yes, green smoothies are made in a blender...cut the pieces of veggies and fruit up into small enough pieces as to not stress the blender....I'd been using an old one of my roommate, she said she's had it since college days 40 years ago...and it worked just fine....I just bought a used VitaMix and I'm happy with that, too.

Start with a little water...4-8 ounces to get the blades moving and start dropping it in through the hole in the lid...the old Hamilton Beech blended every veggie, even kale that others seem to have problems with....in fact, I don't think there was anything that was blended....

Good luck and happy health to you on this journey, Elaine

[hypnocmt]

You can easily get started and go strong for months and even forever with just a blender. A food processor or mini-chopper are nice, but not essential.

I live on fresh fruit in the am and early afternoon, a salad or veggie spears dipped in avo, or salad dressing, and a couple of smoothies each day. Many of the recipes which call for a food processor can also be made in a blender, esp. if yours can chop/grind stuff.

You can get a decent starter blender for about $50-60.

Actually, my ancient Hamiliton beach chews right thru the kale and greens as well, and that baby cost next to nothing.

[sherahtaylor]

Don't forget you can go used! My local thrift stores often have juicers, blenders, food processors. I got my food processor at a garage sale for $2, and my juicer for $1. Barely used - one of those contraptions that people get for weddings or think they're going to use and then don't. That might be a good alternative for you, rather than used. You can probably sterilize them by boiling the different pieces if that's a worry for you. HTH!

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Rawzeit - I wont be eating nuts, so I will probably just get a blender

LavendarJ - favorite fruits and veggies =

i really dont like any vegtables without ranch dip, or cheese...

fruits, i really dont like much either, but i kinda enjoy oranges and banana's

hllry - thanks for the advice

DavidZaneMason - call me materialistic, but i have to own new things, i hate getting used things.

Princess Elaine - are new hamilton beach blenders ok?

hypnocmt - whats a good blender?

sherataylor - same thing I said to David

everyone else -

What is a good cheap blender?
If anyone has a suggestion of a good list of foods to buy when im at the grocery store next time, let me know.

[hypnocmt]

A good blender is a vitamix- the ultimate really, a raw foodist staple. They run between $300 and $400 depending on whether you can find one on sale. You may even find one used for less, although they are so good that few people ever get rid of them.

You can make do on a decent cuisinart or hamilton beach. Get one that can crush ice for smoothies, as well as chop up greens and veggies. This will run between $50 and $150 depending on how fancy you want to be. I have a 7 speed Hamilton beach which is not as fast as the vitamix, but which still got the job done in terms of smoothies with kale, spinach, etc. On a budget it is a good place to start. Of course if you can afford the Vitamix, go for it. It may be the last blender you ever need to buy in this lifetime. It's like the Porsche of blenders.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

yea, definatley cant afford that, i have to find the best cheapest thing ever.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Can anyone tell me how to shop for fruits and veggies correctly? Will any organic fruits and veggies do? How about dried fruit?

Also if someone would like to give me a list of things i should buy at the store tomarrow, that would be awesome. I start raw very very shortly!!!

Worried about my metabolism though.

[luckitri]

HI! I forgot to tell you that I don't like the way the Hamilton Beach wastes greens. The lighter weight greens like spinach and cilantro especially.

I am no expert on fasting. I would advise you to pour through the fasting threads. Misslinda just broke a fast a couple of weeks ago and she is knowledgeable. I don't think that the dried fruits are a good idea. Too dense and dehydrating to the body at this stage. The post fast regimen is extremely important as is how you break the fast.

I don't know how anyone would feel OK advising you what to buy. You have to go by what YOU want. Perhaps a raw nutritionist or natural healer type person would feel comfortable advising you. Your body will want things that it needs and it will tell you. Perhaps you could indulge yourself for a week or two by just going to the store every day and letting your body tell you what out of the selection entices you and go with that? Maybe make an effort to try one new food per week?

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Here's what I was thinking.

Picking up some

Organic Carrots
Organic Cauliflower
Organic Broccoli
Organic Lettuce
Organic Spinach
Organic Cucumbers
Organic Apples
Organice Oranges
Organic Bannana's

That is all I can think of... honestly, but Ill get sick of that very quickly.

Im pretty much screwed when it comes to dipping sauces and what not, because I wont be eating nuts, i just cant deal with the horrible process of making sure they are RAW. Plus I have never liked any dipping sauces but Ranch. :-(

Can you reccommend a good cheap blender then? I will be planning on using after I'm done with RAW as well, I will only be doing RAW for two weeks.

[RawGoddess13]

I use my blender (vita mix) and juicer equally at least 3 times a day each. I tend to juice my veggies and blend my greens and fruits. Sometimes I use both for one drink, a mixture of juiced fruit/veg and whole fruits and greens. If you are tight on money (as am I, I'm a college student) do go used. And the more you blend/juice the more you will see the benefits in your energy levels and health, not to mention the taste is fantastic. I turely believe both a juicer and a blender are staples for any healthy kitchen not just raw. Try to budget your money in other areas of your spending habits and save for used machines, b/c you are making depoists into your health bank account with both of these items and they are worth every penny. Remember you can always sell your microwave and some pots and pans:D Good luck and let us know how much you love blending and juicing!

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Hopefully I can maintain enough calories with what i listed...
i cant really think of anything else to buy...

[Lunar*Fey]

irhxcbcziuzxs,
I know you don't want to do nuts...but what about seeds? ok ok I see you rolling your eyes (lol) but...if you buy some sunflower seeds, for instance, you can soak them over night and sprout them until they get tiny tiny little tails, then you'll know they are raw for sure! You can make a lot of dipping dressings and other simple recipes out of seeds like sunflower seeds...seriously! It sounds like this sort of thing would help you. Start out buying a small amount, maybe from the bulk section of your health food store. Most likely they'll be raw...and if they sprout you can go back and purchase more.
It sounds like maybe you just have never tried many fruits and vegetables and don't know what's available?
What about Young and mature Coconut? I have never had the opportunity to consume young coconut but I hear they are absolutely delicious. RawPriestess (a member of this site) has a "gooey pizza cheese" recipe made with Young coconut that it sounds like you might like.
I would like to offer you a list of different seeds, fruits, and vegetables in case you just don't know what is out there. You mentioned you don't like fruits and vegetables though? I'm a bit confused. (by the way, I am an underweight teenager trying to gain weight...and I am having trouble doing so on a 3500-4000 calorie raw diet. i eat fats...sometimes LARGE amounts of Artisana coconut butter. Although I prefer eating fresh and simple...sometimes I just need to make sure I eat enough calories or else I'll get sent away! I am not accusing you of doing so, but please do not make raw an obsession/disorder you know? I totally do not mean to infer that you are, I just warn of worrying to much about your food consumption. Causing yourself such worry and stress about it can be much more damaging to your health than eating raw almonds, which would actually not damage you lol.) Anyway, here's a little list...many of these i have never had the opportunity to try but hope to some day!

Seeds: (most sprout very easily)
Hemp
Sunflower
Sesame
Poppy
Squash
Pumpkin (pepitas)

Fruits other than those you mentioned:
Melons (watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, etc.)
Papaya
Mango
Avocado
Grapefruit
Grapes and Raisins
Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
Plums/Prunes
Peaches
Nectarines
Coconuts (I am not sure...in which category should these go? doesn't really matter)
Guava
Durian
Cherimoya
Figs
Plantain
Cherries
Apricots
Pears
Tomatoes
Peppers
Squash (types of summer and winter squashes)
Pineapple
Dates
Carambola (Starfruit)
Clementines
kiwi
AND SO MANY MORE:D

Vegetables/Green Leafy Vegetables/Root Vegetables:
Kale
Collards
Swiss Chard
Celery
Parsnip
Beets
Asparagus
Sweet potatoes
Cabbage
Dandelion Greens
Purslane
Chicory
Endive
Jerusalme Artichoke
Parsley
radicchio
Seaweeds (YUM YUM YUM)
Bok Choy
Romaine
okra
Micro-greens (alfalfa sprouts comes to mind)

oh and there's legumes too...
green beans
sno peas and the like
Sprouted peas (these are good)
sprouted lentils
Sprouted adzukis
sprouted mung beans

Here are some websites to check out if you need more: http://home.att.net/~make-a-note/fruits_vegetables.htm
http://www.daff.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=496C2D43-812F-4AF0-9C4049312D671ADA

I hope this helps somewhat! I just spend a long time typing this response, lol I didn't even realize it. *Hits head* I should be writing my research paper!:eek: But I am always happy to attempt to help out a friend and I truly hope this helps you. I'll be happy to lend more hands if you need anything :)
Happy shopping and happy eating.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

Unfortunatley, at the health food stores here they dont have a large selection of produce just what one might call a normal selection.

[Lunar*Fey]

Oh ok. Well they still might have some of those things, no? Can you go to a regular grocery store...they usually sell organic produce. I wouldn't stress about eating ALL organic. I can't get organic and am still doing well on raw.
I wish you all the best, and hope you have aa successful shopping trip. :)

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

let me get this right, if they sprout, i can go buy more and i dont have to sprout those again?

[Mialsse]

I have a really cheap (20-30 dollar) oyster blender from Walmart, and it works great!! Kale is the only thing that is a little bit of a problem, but it still blends it up pretty good (tiny tiny little chunks, but I like chunks, so it's no biggie). Everything else gets nice and smooth.

So you don't really have to go ubber fancy (the vitamix), or even semi-fancy (cuisinart, etc) ... the cheapo ones CAN get the job done, too.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

let me get this right, if they sprout, i can go buy more and i dont have to sprout those again?

yes no? ?????

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

before i head out to the health food store today?

[acudawn]

I think you are correct, Lunar*Fey said that if you get nuts from the bulk bin, and are able to sprout them, that means they are raw, so, you can continue buying from the bulk bin, and know they are raw.

Hope that helps...:)

[tweety]

Hi irhxcbcziuzxs

just got done reading the thread...

Many of the items you listed and other posts here were pretty much right on. You will also have to use your intuition when shopping and transitioning to a new lifestyle. If you are really on a tight budget the search the web for "raw food recipes" as well as the Recipe forum here.

You can find a Black & Decker food processor at Walmart for as little as $10 for the smallest kind... that is how i started.

The reason why you say you dont like veggies may just be in your head ;)
If you just finished the MC for 40 days which is a big feat, then surely you have the power to conquer your own palate of taste buds???

Remember, you are coming off a SAD diet and you are just plain hungry...
So when you come off of a fast, DO NOT gorge on the wrong foods.
Start with Fruit. If you break your fast with cooked or junk you will negate the detox you did over the last month.

Slice openn an avocado and spice up with some sea salt, cayenn, garlic & pepper and indulge with a spoon. A green leafy salad with an organic vinaigrett dressing by Bragg. or just use Olive oil and Lemon for dressing and salt it up if you feel the need.

Tweety

[tweety]

Also,,, if you need a dipping sauce.. you can make that out of Raw Tahini mixed with other things like lemon juice and parsley and water and salt.

i dont know dipping sauces well but look in the Recipe forum and you will find some! :D

good luck!

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

any other comments on the organic thing...

there are alot of things i cant find organic here :-(

[lovenmama]

My vote is blender...I use it almost everyday...I still haven't invested in a juicer yet..or the other appliances..I have a food processor...but don't use it.

[irhxcbcziuzxs]

mmm, yea ill probably get a blender.