Ideas? Advice? HELP

[kdobell]

I'm not sure how to begin a raw foods "diet" and would love some advice. Do I need a dehydrator or can I live without it? Is hummus considered a raw food? What is the best way to fight cravings when you are first starting off?

[Raw Angel Mom]

Now, there is a lot of nice raw food dehydrated available that you can buy on line and perhaps at our local store.

In the beginning of raw food, you need the comfort food and yes dehydrated food is important to reach this comfort and to really know that you can do that. I did my first 30 days without the dehydrator and i was fine. You need a food processor, you don't need to spend a lot of money for it 30-40 dollars. top.

Raw made easy for two has only recipes without the dehydrator. Allissa's book has also many recipes without a dehydrator. I do recommend that you save every week for a good blender. This is so important. You can make so many recipes with that and most of all green smoothie. I highly recommend that you start with green smoothies, they will help you to transition to raw food.

[iluvmangos]

You can get by with nothing but some chopping knives and silverware. It really just depends what you wanna do. If you wanna make a lot of recipes, you may need a dehydrator or at least a food processor. My top recommendation would be a good blender like a Vitamix, but you don't absolutely have to have a Vitamix either. A cheaper blender will do. Make do with what you have and can afford.

If you do use a dehydrator, remember that dehydrated foods will dehydrate YOU so make sure you're drinking plenty of water to make up for it.

[Revvell]

Do I need a dehydrator or can I live without it?

You can live without it.


Is hummus considered a raw food?

Only if you make it yourself. Commercial hummus is made with cooked beans.



What is the best way to fight cravings when you are first starting off? "Fighting" anything keeps them in the forefront. Just know, you CAN have anything you want; you CHOOSE not to. Keep yourself nurtured and fully nourished.


You can get by with nothing but some chopping knives and silverware.

I say, ignore the silverware and use your hands. Much more fun to play with your food. ;) See? Now, all you need is a good knife.

[Dimond]

All you really need is a decent blender and to always have plenty of raw food available for all situations. There are many raw companies that have pre-made snacks available that are good to have on hand.

A dehydrator, food processor, etc. are extras. You can even get away without a blender, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Hummus in the stores is not raw unless made by a raw company. You can make your own raw hummus.

[Shona]

Regarding a dehydrator ... it depends a lot on the person and what they like to eat. I don't have one and I've been doing this for a while, but I am quite happy with very simple fresh foods - salads, smoothies, lettuce wraps, soup, vegetable/fruit plates, etc. I also don't have a very big appetite.

A blender and a food processor are both essential. It pays to get a good machine with a good motor even if it costs a bit more. You will save money in the long run by not having to buy a replacement a few months down the road. Go for quality in this department.

I began by reading raw cookbooks and raw forums and trying easy recipes that looked appealing. Raw blogs are great too - very inspirational. Just start from where you are and have fun with it. Good luck!