From Fast Food to Raw????

[SwishTN]

Hi!
I have just been on the boards recently, and have posted a few questions, which a few people have been extremely helpful. This one is similar to one I posted earlier, about raw food and budget, but it also is dealing w/a major hitch that I have....
I grew up in a single parent household where we almost NEVER prepared foods at home. So, now I am not only trying to incorporate a new lifestyle, on a budget, but I am also trying to find ways to make it satisfying as well as extremely simple in the beginning...
So, it appears as if I am ruling out organic at this point, as it would probably break my budget. That is something that makes me go waaaa!!!
But, what about some quick, easy and tasty alternatives? I read someone mention Ezekiel bread, is that raw? That would be fabulouso for me! Even if have a raw honey and peanut butter sandwich, or w/sprouts and veggies, etc, I don't think would feel deprived, and it would not stress me out kitchen-wise. The only contraption I own is a blender, and as much as I would love a dehydrator, and a mega juicer (I actually own a champion jr, I believe. but, it is soooo messy and difficult to clean. Plus, isn't it better to just eat the vegetables?)
All right, enough.
I KNOW that this is the right thing for me, it is just such a different way to think and plan. Plus, I have very little things in my life that I am in out right rebellion over, and I think eating bad and drinking caffeine makes me feel as if I am still a little naughty at times, instead of straight laced and boring. Go figure : ).
I also really want to go on an extended fast, as I am 33, and still have some things to figure out about my life's direction, income generation, my creative talents, and what I feel God is calling me to do/be, vs what seems possible at this time. I am extremely frustrated on many many fronts.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent, and I appreciate your input ahead of time!
Blessings!
Lauri

[Sweet lips]

You made me smile :) - because there is so much positive energy coming from you. You sound excited and willing and for me that makes change easy - don't stress - have fun with it. Use you blender to whip up soups, pates and smoothies. Yes, it is nice to eat the full veggie and fruit, but a little juicing every now and then is a good change. Your oven can be used as a dehydrator with the purchase of a guage. As far as I know the Exekial bread may not be raw, but I have been told, if I am going to eat bread use that - so I have. You are right - I make a fruit puree with almond butter and I dance a jig, like a little kid.

Make chopped stuff - other than just salads - I do take mushrooms lay them on the plate in a flower and spread guacamole, cut up cherry tomatoe and think I got something special - takes about 15 minutes. Kinda depends on what you like. I will post some fast and easy stuff on the recipe thread later, and perhaps you can find something in there that you like.

Hope this helps and keep the energy - it really is positive.

Be blessed Lauri in your comings and your goings! :cool:

[SwishTN]

Sweet Lips,
It is nice that you called my energy positive. Quite possibly b/c I have had caffeine, I am a bit more "up" than normal. I can definitely be like the apostle Paul, and don't do what I should, and do what I shouldn't. Since I have been reading these boards, I have had more nasty food than ever. Like I don't really want to do what's right.
Maybe I am overthinking this.
I am in a class for Christians in the creative arts, and we had a retreat. During the retreat we had a counselor give us a talk on addictions, w/a resource being a book called "addictions and grace". I sat there thinking "I don't have any addictions.... those poor poor people who do....". Oh my gosh!!!! Laugh laugh laugh laugh laugh..... And, my addictions, while they may be real physical addictions, are so much more mental. It's going to take a lot to make me fly, and I pray it is worth it.No, I know it will be worth it. Maybe I am afraid of the amazing me that God has created. I have gotten so used to yuck, on every level.
Sorry, this isn't supposed to be a psychobabble discussion about my hang ups. But, when you are transitioning, or trying to transition, it brings up a lot of stuff.
Blessings!
Lauri

[Curtis]

Hi Lauri,
Your first post made me smile to. :)
I found Alissa's web site thru a link and this forum thru the links Alissa puts at the bottom of her mail when she kindly answered a question I had. That was over 2 months ago. Being single and using the microwave a lot the only appliance I had besides my micro was a cheap Wal-Mart blender. Before I purchased Alissa's book, which by the way in my opinion is one of the nicest books I have ever read, folks here mentioned a inexpensive Black and Decker food processor which I bought at Wal-Mart for under $30.00 I believe. This is the same one that Alissa uses. As far as organic food is concerned I buy some when I can find it and can afford it but I don't stress out if I can't get it.
As my finances improve I can see myself using more and more organic fruit and vegetables.

It is worth it to make this change because this is the way we are really supposed to eat. For me it comes down to this, if raw, natural, unchanged food was good enough for Adam and Eve than it is good enough for me. :)
Having said that we all have to "unlearn" how we have been taught to eat.

My advice is take this one day at a time, come here often and learn. I have learned so much from all these folks who have done this a lot longer and everyone here is very nice and helpful.

[vegbaby]

Hey Lauri,

Feel free to vent/let go here with us - where else can we do it?! One thing I do that saves time and money is buy my nuts in bulk from www.organicfruitsandnuts.com. It's a chunk of money up front, and what I save buying in bulk I pay in shipping, BUT overall it saves time, money, and I always have the nuts I need around the house.

:) Melanie

[Curtis]

Wow thank you Melanie this was a concern for me and your link answered it. :)

[Curtis]

Melanie have you ever tryed their Almond butter?

[SwishTN]

Thank you everyone, so far! This is very helpful information....
I think that one of the things I need to learn to make is the "sushi", as that is one of my food addictions.... It's not economical like I am badgering about, yet, I wonder if having something so delicious like that available, or as an option, can help ease my whole sense of deprivation... You see, to me, Sushi is like crack. tap tap tap.....
Okay, so about the nuts. What do you do w/them? Just eat them plain? Any susggestions would be most helpful.....

What are some good, easy, inexpensive "stomach fillers"..... Maybe blending a bunch of squashes together????
L.
Potatoes? I am a starch addict, does it show????? : )

[SmilingRawDancer]

I've made a Squash "puree" and added cinnimon and pumpkin pie spices to it, along with some honey/agave (I don't remember which) and some dates, and it tasted fantastic.

[greenfeline]

Did you use winter squash?