Starting the RAW lifestyle...but seeking assistance...

[nappturallyraw]

So I am gonna start making a conscious effort to eat more raw foods so that I can eventually become 100% raw. Right now, I am a vegan. I remember asking the other day what the best way for me to transition to a raw diet was. The answer I got was Green Smoothies. I know that one of the best blender combos is the Vitamix, BUT I don't have $600 for a blender. Anyway, I don't mean to ramble, but I was wondering how I can maximize my attempts to become 100% raw when all I have is a regular blender and a food processor. I don't wanna make green gloop instead a green smoothie (among other things). What should I do?

[jeannieh99]

If you go to you tube you can see example of using the Magic bullet to make awesome green drinks! I have one and I love, it and use it every day! It cost me less than $60 bucks and has several mugs, cups, lids, etc. I usually make enough drink for two glasses. I drink one on the way to work. I save the other one for lunch and eat a piece of fruit with it. In my opinion the Magic bullet is a relatively inexpensive work horse.
Jeannie

[the_lab_rat]

I don't have a Vitamix either, but I still make green smoothies. I just have a regular blender I got for probably $30 a couple years ago. In "Green for Life" I think she says you have to make sure the blades are sharp on your blender if you don't have a Vitamix. So then I just blend it for a while, like at least 1-2 minutes, to make sure I don't end up with that "green gloop" :) Not as good as a Vitamix, but I figure I'm still getting most of the greens, so it's better than nothing for now and then maybe save up for that Vitamix.

[Nurse in the Raw]

I have a blender from Walmart and it leaks on the bottom but I still use it to make green smoothies, marinara sauce and almond milk. I use mine sometimes twice a day. Getting my money's worth that's for sure.

[hmmm]

Yeah I just use a regular blender as well, although I have turned out with that "green gloop" at times, I just add a little water to make it less "gloopy". Hey, as long as it tastes good and I get my greens in right? :)

[StarFire]

Aloha!! I think my blender should be in a museum... it was loaned to me and I am grateful to have it ... but OMGAWD... is it old!! and I can still make green smoothies in them! Well... I've only tried it with baby spinach... but it still worked!!

blessings on your journey!! :D

[EZ rider]

What is the difference between "green Gloop" and a smoothie ? I use an old Walmart cheap blender and for not knowing any better I might be drinking "green gloop" when I could be drinking a smoothie. :)

[the_lab_rat]

What is the difference between "green Gloop" and a smoothie ? I use an old Walmart cheap blender and for not knowing any better I might be drinking "green gloop" when I could be drinking a smoothie. :)

I went to a talk by Victoria Boutenko last night and she gave out samples of green smoothies (made in a Vitamix of course). It was sooo smooth and creamy compared to the ones I make! Mine always have a few chunks of greens floating around in them, lol! I guess the deal is, the Vitamix spins at like 240 mph, while most regular blenders are like 10 mph. So it can chop up the greens much better, which allows us to absorb them better, and of course gives you a nice creamy smoothie that doesn't have chunks in it :D

[EZ rider]

gives you a nice creamy smoothie that doesn't have chunks in itI see what you mean. I've been drinking "green gloop" and didn't realize it. Thanks for the good explanation.

[the_lab_rat]

But I think the green gloop is still better than nothing :) I mean, the whole idea with green smoothies is to chop up the greens better than we can chew them, which is still easily done by a cheap blender. Not quite as good as a Vitamix, but we're still probably absorbing most of it.

[nappturallyraw]

Great insight, guys! I'll continue to make my green gloop until further notice. lol :D

[noodle-o]

I have a regular (Hamilton Beach) blender, a regular food processor, a $30 Black and Decker Juicer, and an American Harvest dehydrator. I have had no problem whatsoever in going raw. I do wish I had a better juicer but the one I have is serving its purpose. My green smooties are sometimes a bit chunky or have small chewable pieces, but I think I like that. I have no intentions of spending mega bucks on kitchen equipment. I would rather spend some money on getting really good food (not to mention having a family and tuition to keep that money available for).

Best of luck - Enjoy

[alicemagooey]

all good threads for information and input.

Although vitamix may pulverize the greens, expecially tough ones like kale, i think you can get a pretty adequately nutritious green drink using a 'magic bullett' or a more ancient model.

just a thought.: when it has little bits of green or such in it, the drink could actually potentially be almost as good or in some ways better than the super smooth smoothie, if the s.s.s is gulped down too fast.

What i mean to say, is that if you really chew your mouthfulls of green drink, you may be getting almost more good out of it than you would just gulping down s.s.s's without taking the effort to mix your mouthfuls with saliva and digestive juices.

So you may be somewhat of a(benefit) 'gainer' using the basic machine and chewing intensely the resulting drink.

alice

[Yammy]

Never stop learning how your body works and focus on eating to promote the feeling of health you want.

[Strong]

Hi -
I read on here somewhere that if you have a regular blender you should just blend 1-2 minutes past what seems blended and it will be great with no chunks. Works for me with my regular blender. I have been having either green juice or smoothies for 3 months now and feel no need to upgrade.

[Green Life]

Just blend the food longer, that's all.

I believe i started out using a 12.00 blender from WallMart and it worked fine. I just had to blend it for a longer time, but it worked for smoothies. I was actually surprised at how well it worked!

[freelive]

I don't have Vitamix either and love my green smoothies and my almost four year old loves them too. So- no problem! I have a Braun blender, which we got as our wedding gift 6 years ago(probably the most used gift).