HI HI from DALLAS TEXAS!!!

[ladypeace82]

Hello!

I came across the raw foods way of eating last week. I totally want to do this. I've been so tired of the way our society eats lately that it drives me nuts. I've been feeling tired and sluggish and I just want a new way to look at things and life.
I think it's crazy that this fell in my lap. :)

Anyway, I go to school PT and work FT. Not much time for exercise. I bought a book for raw foods and have signed on to about 4 different raw food forums.

I went to The Whole Foods Market yesterday. Let me tell you, its overwhelming. I only went to look at all the stuff there. I have no idea where to begin. I don't want to start cold turkey, (no pun) but I want to incorporate. I have a juicer being donated to me from another fellow raw foodist from another forum. I should hopefully get it by friday. I'm a student so I dont have the funds for anything fancy, like a dehydrator. which I see is obnoxiously expensive...

I'm wondering if anyone could help me with a beginner's grocery list.... one I could actually take to the store with me. I'm doing this by myself right now. I hope to have my husband at least be a little bit raw. but one day I'll be at least 90%.
Keep in mind I'm only going to have a juicer... unless i need to get a blender from walmart, let me know. I think I can get a coffee bean grinder cheap at walmart, right?

I want to do this so bad and make it work. I'm desperate for something good in life. :) and no I'm not doing this to must lose weight and then get off it. this is going to be a permanant thing. :cool:

thanks so much everyone!!!!!!
I'll be on this site all day everyday!


Stacy

[PATH301]

Hey welcome:D

[lafsalot]

Hi Stacy, and welcome to RFT!! If you don't have one already, you may want to order Alissa's "Living on Live Food" - it will walk you through the whole process and has lots of easy to prepare meals. In the interim, if you can get a blender, you can start making green smoothies (I practically live of these). Wishing you much success on your raw journey, and am looking forward to hearing more from you in the forums ~ Cathy

[Veganforlife]

Welcome! Hey! Do you have a blender? You could make green smoothies. They are simple, quick, loaded with goodness, wonder drinks. They really fill you up cheaply too.

For instance:

2 cups of water
handful (or less of greens, like spinach or leaf lettuce)
fruits of your choice, like banana, orange (peeled), mango (peeled/pitted), pineapple, etc.

Whip it up in the blender (Vita-Mix is the best) and you're done. It's already broken down so the minute it hits your tongue your body is starting to use it. If you could get your hands on a blender (preferrably a high speed one), you'll be set.

Just keep it simple. Fruits that you like, veggies, some of the dips that are floating around here.

Another simple dip:

4 cups spinach
half of a seeded, peeled lemon
1-2 avocados
season to taste (sea salt)

Blend or whip up in a food processor and you got a wonderful dip. Fill a 'mater up with this and it's a meal!!!

Lurk around for more fast, cheap recipes.
Have fun! And Welcome again!

[Judy]

Hi Stacy,

Welcome! If you want to incorporate, you can just start with simple things, like fruit or a fruit salad in the morning or whenever you feel like it (just buy bananas, oranges, any fruit that appeals to you). Hand blenders are not expensive, and with it you can make all different kinds of fruit smoothies if you like more variation.

For lunch or dinner, you could make a simple meal salad, or just eat salad on the side of your regular meals. Some basic vegetables you can get everywhere are carrots, tomatoes, cucumber and leafy greens (different kinds of lettuce for example).
You can dress it up with a bit of cold pressed olive oil and/or some freshly squeezed lemon, lime or orange juice.
You can also buy some organic untoasted sesame seeds (in the hull), sunflower and pumpkin seeds if you'd like to add those, or some walnuts or pinenuts.
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill and basil are great additions to, and things like avocados, onions (all different kinds, red onions, normal onions, white onions whatever you fancy), peppers and mushrooms are also fantastic.
If you can get sprouts, like alfalfa, these would be great to add since they are so chockfull of nutrients and really tasty. A real superfood in my opinion.
With all these basic ingredients you can make a lót of different salads.
Don't put éverything in óne salad, just keep it simple choosing just a couple of ingredients at the time and it will taste great.
And you can also sneak a lot of these veggies on your regular sandwich to incorporate more greens!

I don't own a juicer or dehydrator and only had a handblender/chopper when I started out (I still don't have all that stuff and don't really miss it either). You don't even need a handblender when making the above things (except for the smoothies)! Anyone can immediately start incorporating raw fruits and veggies into their usual diet without it having to be complicated (e.g. blendered, juiced, dehydrated) at all. You can always complicate things later... :)!

Good luck, happy meals and have fun!

[ladypeace82]

Thanks guys. i really appreciate it! I will be going to the store tuesday to get some of this stuff. I want to get to almost 90% within like 2 months. :)

[EmJo]

Hey neighbor! ;) Welcome to the world of raw. I just transitioned into 100% raw myself. I highly recommend Victoria Boutenko's book 12 Steps to Raw. She's got great info on the danger of cooked foods, and advice on how to stay committed to the raw food diet. I got it through the Plano library system via interlibrary loan; I'm sure you could do the same thing through the Dallas Public Library.

I'm a Whole Foods fan myself, but don't forget about Dallas Farmer's Market. You'd have to ask around to see if you can find anyone that sells organic food (or produce that at least hasn't been sprayed with chemicals), but at least you could get locally grown and therefore more alive produce there.

There's a thread somewhere here called "Raw food on a budget." It's got great ideas for people trying to live raw inexpensively.

Have fun at WF! :)

[ladypeace82]

hey! thanks for the advice!

I actually live IN Plano. :)
I always put Dallas b/c people from other states never know where it is. :)

[carolg]

Daughter in Arlington. She's not raw. I visit few times year.

Veganforlife,
Love that quick green smoothie recipe and just found my old blender which has super strong motor. I'm back in business again, but love my Tribest personal blender too.

All:
Thanks for sharing.
carolg

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!! How awesome for you that you have found this lifestyle... it is wonderful - amazing and you will never regrett your decision!
blessings on your journey... if you can... get Alissa's book - it is so worth it and it will really be a very valuable tool in helping you to transition to the raw lifestyle!

There is a banana at the top of the page -- do a search and you can find a lot of wonderful recipes here at RFT also....
my favorities....

donut holes
Spicy Tacos
ONION BREAD!! (OMG DELICIOUS!!)
coconut oil fudge .... unbelievably delicious! ;)

blessings on your journey!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/welcome.gif

[spicyfull]

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

[noodle-o]

Hi from NE Tex. Another newbie here. I grew up in Garland, but moved for college and stayed. Anyway, I'll post my own intro in a separate thread. If you are anywhere near it and haven't visited it, you ought to check out Central Market at 190 and Coit. I go every time I have a chance, and I live about 2 hrs away. Sometimes, I even make the drive to DFW just to go to Central Market.

[EmJo]

hey! thanks for the advice!

I actually live IN Plano. :)
I always put Dallas b/c people from other states never know where it is. :)

Cool! Okay, then, do you know about Plano Farmer's Market on 75 and Park? One of the two farms represented told me that although they're not organically certified, they don't use chemical sprays.

[ladypeace82]

75 and park?? I used to live over in the Townhomes right at ave k and park. where are they?

[Beachhunter]

Hi. I live in North Dallas and am on Day #12. I guess I have to say I am 99% raw because I still drink hot green tea. Is green tea considered raw?? I'm not sure how they process it or at what heat they dry it. I have been to the Whole Foods store on Preston and Park. They have a variety of raw nuts and raw nut butters. I thought they may have raw pates etc in the refrigerated section or the raw flax crackers but didn't have any luck finding them. I did find the Raw Flax crackers at a sports nutrition store off of Frankford and the Tollway. I don't have a dehyrator as of yet and just needed a cracker to dip into my guacomole.

Hey Noodle-o, does Central Market have any pre-made raw pates or anything like that?? I only go there on occasion because I spend way way too much money when I do go.

[EmJo]

75 and park?? I used to live over in the Townhomes right at ave k and park. where are they?


If you're going northbound on 75 from, say, the GB turnpike, take the Park exit and stay on the service road. Turn in where you see Mario Chiquita's restaurant. There is a sign nearby that says "Fairview Farms." The produce stands are somewhat behind the restaurant.

If you want to "talk" more with me privately, feel free to e-mail me :) (click on my username EmJo above and you'll see an option drop down to send me an e-mail).

[tanishamarshall]

Welcome BEACHHUNTER.. Not sure about the tea. I was drinking tea the first two weeks when I started but now I don't drink it anymore.

I wish I could find some raw crackers around my house but this town is so small I can hardly get organic fruit.

Tanisha

[JulesRules]

Hi, I'm Jules and I'm new. I live in Denton, but go to Dallas 2-3 times a week. I love Central Market, Too...Since, I've gone raw, though and started paying closer attention, I have realized that Central Market does not carry as many organic fresh fruits and veggies as Whole Foods.

Then once I made a list of things I wanted to start adding to my pantry (Agave nectar, seaweeds, himalayan salt..., I had a better time finding much of it at Whole Foods....more manageable if you are picking up a few things here and there (although you can still get carried away and spend too much money...)

Jules

[sparklebead]

I am new to raw also and live close to frisco. I found this co-op group where you can get local organic produce (and other health products) MUCH cheaper than central market. the webiste is www.yourhealthsource.org . You have to commit to the co-op but certainly something worth checking out. I know there are locations all over north texas.

[Beachhunter]

Hey Sparklebead have you joined the co-op?

[sparklebead]

Hey Sparklebead have you joined the co-op?

Well Yes but I have not gone to my first pickup yet. I can keep you posted but my first pick up date is on sept. 11th. I did get the list of what everyone received on the last pick up so I'll send you an email with it.

[Beachhunter]

Well Yes but I have not gone to my first pickup yet. I can keep you posted but my first pick up date is on sept. 11th. I did get the list of what everyone received on the last pick up so I'll send you an email with it.


That would be great. Keep me posted on how you like it.

[summer12]

Hey There! I'm new to raw as well. Hubby and kids are still into meat and potatoes. I'm taking the 30 day challenge this month.
Good Luck and Welcome!!!

[cherry chick]

Hey everybody! I'm new here too. I look forward to getting to know my fellow raw-foodin' Texans! I don't have any other friends or family trying to do this lifestyle-hell- they look at me like I'm from Mars is I say I'm cutting out meat! That's mostly from the males I know. Anyways, can't wait to get to know more of you and my name is Stacy as well. :)

[Weazelchef]

Hey, i live in fort worth! I love central market.. but i think sunflower shoppe has the best prices on organic produce overall. Whole foods is about 45 min away for me so .. only every once and a while i go there.

When i first started out RAW i wasn't sure how to make things so i would buy wraps that weren't raw and fill them with tons of veggies then eat fruit on the side instead of chips.

I also would eat ALL DAY because i just could not get full. That was before i made green smoothies in the morning. They really help!
Good luck! You can do this!

On the green smoothies.. i used to be a person that hated fruit and the idea of a green smoothie grossed me out.. SO.. i would put cacao powder or carob powder in it to make it more bearable. Now, i no long use those.

You've just gotta find your way of doing things!

[Amethyst]

Oh, WOW! I just "accidentally" stumbled across this forum while searching for a raw recipe, and got so excited that I had to become a member! How awesome it is to see so many fellow Texans who are raw! Yay! I live in Fort Worth and really look forward to getting to know others here. Hubby and I have been raw vegans for less than a month now, but we're both loving it! Looking forward to giving and receiving encouragement and inspiration here!

[Weazelchef]

Amethyst-what part of ft. worth?

[Amethyst]

Oakhurst! Just about 4 miles north of downtown. How about you?

[Weazelchef]

Benbrook, i've never heard of oakhurst but i'm from oklahoma so it's okay

[Amethyst]

Actually, Oakhurst is the name of the neighborhood. Ummm ... if I said in the Riverside area would that help more? Basically *almost* downtown, but close to northside too.

Benbrook is nice! Our friend has a sailboat on Lake Benbrook, and we've gone sailing a couple of times and really enjoyed it. Well ... except for Labor Day weekend, when my hubby and friend went sailing and got caught in a storm, flipped the boat, and ended up having to "rescued" ... but that's another story.
:rolleyes:

[TeaganBlue]

I am in Lewisville and just returned from Alissa's 5 day course. I have been raw for about 7 days now. I am excited to know people in the Dallas Tx area who are raw.

[TeaganBlue]

Hello!

I came across the raw foods way of eating last week. I totally want to do this. I've been so tired of the way our society eats lately that it drives me nuts. I've been feeling tired and sluggish and I just want a new way to look at things and life.
I think it's crazy that this fell in my lap. :)

Anyway, I go to school PT and work FT. Not much time for exercise. I bought a book for raw foods and have signed on to about 4 different raw food forums.

I went to The Whole Foods Market yesterday. Let me tell you, its overwhelming. I only went to look at all the stuff there. I have no idea where to begin. I don't want to start cold turkey, (no pun) but I want to incorporate. I have a juicer being donated to me from another fellow raw foodist from another forum. I should hopefully get it by friday. I'm a student so I dont have the funds for anything fancy, like a dehydrator. which I see is obnoxiously expensive...

I'm wondering if anyone could help me with a beginner's grocery list.... one I could actually take to the store with me. I'm doing this by myself right now. I hope to have my husband at least be a little bit raw. but one day I'll be at least 90%.
Keep in mind I'm only going to have a juicer... unless i need to get a blender from walmart, let me know. I think I can get a coffee bean grinder cheap at walmart, right?

I want to do this so bad and make it work. I'm desperate for something good in life. :) and no I'm not doing this to must lose weight and then get off it. this is going to be a permanant thing. :cool:

thanks so much everyone!!!!!!
I'll be on this site all day everyday!


Stacy
I am in the Dallas area too and just started day 7. We can be raw buddies!

[Tinacampy]

Hi!

I'm from McKinney and have been playing with raw since February/March. My husband and I cut out all meat products in February and in March went raw. We did the April challenge and i lasted 11 days before cheating little bits here and there. I am doing the September challenge again and am doing ok - I need to drink more water b/c I'm thinking about food all the time!!! :)

I didn't realize there were so many N. Texans on this site! My name is Tina - hope you all find health and happiness on raw!

I know that when I'm 100%, I feel amazing... I just wish I didn't like wheat so much! :) And cheese... :o

[ladypeace82]

I am in the Dallas area too and just started day 7. We can be raw buddies!

Sounds like a plan to me!
what is the 5 day challenge?

[noodle-o]

I am not far from you guys. I am about 2 hrs from Dallas - but I am over there about twice a month at least.

[sparklebead]

Well Yes but I have not gone to my first pickup yet. I can keep you posted but my first pick up date is on sept. 11th. I did get the list of what everyone received on the last pick up so I'll send you an email with it.

For those of you that were intersted. I picked up my first delivery from the coop yesterday and it was amazing. Everything just looked fresh (and of course it was all organic) Before the delivery I took the list of what was coming and purchased almost exactly at walmart and it looks like the coop saved me a little money (about $10.00) but I was not able to get everything organic at walmart so that in itself is a great savings. I would recommend anyone who buys organic fruit and vegetables to join a local coop. the website to find areas available is www.yourhealthsource.org
here is a list of what was included in my last delivery :
BASIC SHARE $50

Broccoli
Green Cabbage
Corn 6-7 ears
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Romaine Lettuce 2 heads
Spinach
Zucchini 1.5 to 2 lb CHANGED TO RUSSET POTATOES. .5 LB BAG COULD NOT GET ZUKES OR YELLOW SQUASH
Roma tomatoes 1 lb
Avocados 2
Ginger Gold Apples 3 lb CHANGED TO GALA APPLES 3 LB
Bananas 3.75 - 4 lb
Cantaloupe
Nectarines 2 lb
Plums 2 lb

let me know what you think. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

[casperlynn]

Hey there, fellow north TX rawbies! http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb97/CasaHellbennt/hello.gif I'm nearby in Allen. Can't believe how many of us there are around here!

Sparklebead: A million thanks for reporting in about the co-op and posting the link. Glad you are finding it valuable. I checked their website and I think I'm going to consider joining. I like how they allow members to purchase extra fruit or veggie shares in addition to their basic list.

[Beachhunter]

Thanks Sparklebead for the info. I have been anxiously awaiting your opinion on your first order. I think now I will join the co-op too.

[EmJo]

Hey there, fellow north TX rawbies! http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb97/CasaHellbennt/hello.gif I'm nearby in Allen. Can't believe how many of us there are around here!



Hey, I'm in north Plano, right on the border of Allen (just south of Hedgecoxe). Golly, and I thought (when I first went raw a couple months ago) I'd be the only raw foodist in the entire DFW metroplex, LOL!

[Amethyst]

There may be a more appropriate thread for this question, but I'm asking it here anyway! ;-)

Are there ANY raw restaurants in the DFW area? I know that Spiral Diner on Magnolia in Fort Worth is vegan and they have a couple of raw salads, but they aren't entirely raw. I'd love to find an entirely raw restaurant somewhere in the metroplex, but then again - it's Texas ... how hopeful should I really be?

[SuBu]

From what I've read on this board, there was supposed to be a raw restaurant on Greenville Ave., but it never opened. I can't find any listings for any. You'd think there'd be at least ONE as big as the metroplex is! We need to band together and open one....yeah....:rolleyes:

[casperlynn]

EmJo ~ LOL! I thought the same exact thing (about being the only rawbie in DFW) when I first started.

Amethyst & SuBu ~ Yeah, you'd think there would be some demand for a raw restaurant in the area, but I sure haven't heard of any. :( Bummer.

Take care, y'all!