getting started again questions

[flyinion]

Well, one thing I need is blender suggestions for a cheap to get started with one. Eventually I'd like to get a hold of a vitamix but for now I need something and it needs to be cheap. Here's one I'm looking at that looks/sounds to be a pretty good deal http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6998145&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat13300050032&id=1099394137117 Also besides carob powder and possibly Nama Shoyu (I didn't really like the Bragg's I bought) I'm looking at buying a supplement to add to smoothies and I'm wondering for someone going from SAD to Raw would the "premium enzymes" or the green food be a better choice? Oh and one question about the Nama Shoyu in relation to recipes that call for Braggs, is it a 1:1 measurement or do I need more or less? Of course there's always the "add to taste" factor but it's nice to have a reference point :D

[flyinion]

Anyone have an opinion at least on the blender?

[ReneeSC]

LOL.. .. just kidding.

My "opinion", the flea-sized and importance that it is, comes from someone who has burnt industrial appliances in one day. :)

Get one that you know you'll be able to clean, will handle your "pay load", frequency of use, and you won't mind having around for a while ( even after you get the one you really want later on - I don't recommend you get rid of it when you do.. you'll find some use for it, probably )

Get one that will handle ice, ice, and more ice .. if that's what you'll be using. If it can handle ice, it will handle nuts ( preferably soaked ).

Get one that has a warranty - a good return policy.

Alissa mentioned that she doesn't use an expensive food processor ( me either, though I have an expensive blender; which is in for repairs! ), for this very reason..... they'll burn out eventually, and if you don't want to mess with warranty .. or returns.. or services... get an inexpensive one that will work for you - and be prepared to replace it.

I know - not much help perhaps, but ... I burnt out my processor/blender station the same week my K-tec cup broke, and my husband brought me home a simple GE processor .. and it's fine.

[flyinion]

Thanks, well that blender I linked to above comes with an ice crushing setting an ice crushing is even part of the product name lol so I'm hoping it will be good for smoothies and nut based things like the "sour cream and onion dip" that I made once before in the food processor. It turned out ok in that but I'm thinking the blender would have gotten it just a bit better. Anyway I think I'm going to pick it up, worst case I'll have to return it for something else.

[Raw_Medic]

The blender I've been using, and it works great is a smoothie maker I picked up for like $20 at Target. Here's why I like the smoothie makers better than blenders...I can't afford a vita mix right now either...and sometimes with regular blenders stuff gets stuck...with the smoothie maker they give you this..."stick" for lack of a better name, that goes in the hole at the top, it's to help move the fruit and ice around so everything gets blended. It works great for other stuff. I make pesto, and all kinds of seed dips in it, I've had it for like 9 months now and not had any problems. hope I helped :-)

[flyinion]

Thanks for the replies on the blenders. I did end up getting that model I linked above, seems like it should work ok until I have money down the road for a vitamix or similar. I'm still trying to figure out whether I should go with those enzymes or the green food though. I will probably be making most of my smoothies as green smoothies so maybe I should do the enzymes instead (really only have money for one or the other right now if I'm going to get one of them). My other thought was trying out the hemp powder or nuts. Anyway, I officially start working on my transisition tonight when I get home. Probably going to do my first smoothie when I get home tonight, and since I tend to be up late on the weekends, a salad or veggies a few hours later.