My Next Grocery List & other Newbie ?'s :)

[Raw.N.It.Out]

From what I've gathered, & from what I normally buy, are as follows: (still picking up on what things to look for) Any idea's that you think I should add to the list, plz let me know. Thanks I've got some of this stuff already too. :)

Newbie Question's: Nothing Can Be Frozen? When Buying Vitamins, what should I be looking for? Will I eventually need a license to grow my own sprouts? Are there Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats? When blending or juicing how many nutritious enzymes are lost? ( I am guessing not a lot, since smoothies/whole food juices are quite the staple to this lifestyle) Nut Milk/Paint Straining Bag.

I'd like to also make my own noodles, so I would need a Spiralizer? Thoughts? I'd also like to make my own crackers, dried fruit, nut butter, nut milk.

I have a Cuisinart 2 in 1 Blender that needs to be fixed, & am on the look out for a Vita-Mix, Excalibur Dehydrator, Electric Coffee Grinder (possibly used) & a digital food scale (one I have is really cheap, doesn't work well at all) So far I plan on Buying one of Alissa Cohen's Books, along with Raw on the Cheap. I am guessing I need some good knifes, I have a heck of a time right now with squash, I usually use a knife, & hammer. lol :p Cleaver/potato/orange peeler. Brita Water Filter.

I've come across a used blendtec blender in my area, but for $600.oo (barely used)...

Try to buy as much organic as possible///I may not be able to at first, due to budget.

Still researching about growing my own sprouts & what not. I'd like to eventually make my own breads. I WANT TO DO IT ALL!! LOL Eventually.

Most of these foods I've bought b4 or have now..

-Flax Seeds
-Sesame Butter
-Olive Oil
-Beets
-Sweet Potatoes/Japanese Sweet Potatoes
-Maybe Dried Fruits Bulk not coated (Apricots, Apples, Banana’, (until I can make my own)
-Tomatoes
-Artichoke
-Bell Peppers
-Cherries (my fav!!)
-Honey Dew
-Sesame or Sunflower oil (cheaper)"unrefined and organic".
-Coconut Milk /Oil/Fruit<<Will it say Young Coconut Water?
-Jojoba Oil/Lavendar Oil (this is for my skin)
-Witch Hazel
-Vitamin D
-Vitamin B12
-Apples
-Baby Cabbage
-agrula
-garlic
-ginger
-stevia (herbal sweetener)
-chard
-eggplant
-Papaya’s
-Mango
-Celery Stalk
-Strawberries
-Lentils
-Barley
-Banana’s
-Sweet Onions
-Squash
-kale
-Bulk Nuts (almonds/Peanuts/walnuts for making own peanut butter/Nut Milk)
-Broccoli Bunches
-Cauliflower
-Romaine Lettuce
-Spinach
-Pumpkin
-Grapefruit
-Peaches
-Pomegranates
-Papaya
-Dragon Fruit
-Mango's
-Kiwi
-Pear
-Cilantro
-Dill
-Chick Peas
-Black Beans
-Lima Beans
-Strawberries
-Grapes
-Berries
-Dates/Prunes
-Vanilla Extract???
-Cinnamon
-Rutabagas
-okra (fiddle heads)
-Sprouted Buck Wheat
-Avocado
-Oranges
-Seaweed
-Mushrooms
-Red Cabbage/Zucchini (gives me really bad pains)
-Carrots
-Peas
-Curry
-Parsley
-Basil
-Rice/Nori Paper (rice paper is Gluten Free?)

[sport]

Do not make it too complicated or you will get bogged down.
Just buy nice food and eat it. I would not have one eight of the things that you have on that list.
Other than fruit and greens the only "must have" on my list is flax seeds.

[mallow]

I think rice paper is usually gluten-free, but you have to check for cross-contamination in processing. Also it's not raw.

Doesn't barley have gluten in it?

I'm pretty sure the oils and butters won't be raw- double check. Unless they specifically say so, they usually aren't. Even many "'cold pressed" and "raw" or "unrefined" nuts, oils, etc. are not truly raw.

The seaweed too, it depends on the brand and type. Most Eden seaweeds aren't raw, most Maine Coast brand are. The kind from the Asian market almost always isn't.

Peanuts are an issue in themselves. I would be careful of them. Not to scare you and if they work for you go for it, but many have a high pesticide residue and/or mold content and are highly allergenic. They are an issue for a lot of people.

Maybe none of this is an issue for you.

I wouldn't bother with a $600.00 used Blendec when you can get a new one for cheaper. A veggie peeler works as well as a spiralizer for some people.

In general, don't worry about it. Just make sure you have stuff on have you like. You'll figure out what works for you and what doesn't :)

Good luck.

[Revvell]

Will I eventually need a license to grow my own sprouts?

You planning on opening a business?

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Thanks for the replies Sport, Mallow, & Revvell!! :)

I am not planning on opening my own sprouting business. LOL I guess I was more so wondering. It was something I picked up on another site.

It's not bogged down for me, I've been eating/using a lot of these foods for the past 9 months or so, I just have trouble balancing my day. Everyone always told me you're not eating enough protein. (because I only ever ate veggies, fruits, just about a veg diet.) so I upped it with animal proteins.

I just wanted to know other's thought's on what they use daily, I guess. :) I am going to my first Raw Potluck this weekend!! WOOT! It will be fun!

I am especially excited about learning how to put together some of the recipes! I think that will be a blast!!

[DebB]

I've simplified since I first started eating this way. For breakfast I typically have about 1.5 quarts of green smoothie. I use a lot of greens in each smoothie - usually 1/2 a bunch of kale or chard, then I add a lot of spinach and sometimes baby spring greens - then fruit.

Then for lunch I make 1 quart of green juice (with a couple apples or such for sweet).

For dinner I have some type of big salad. Occasionally I will have spiralized squash noodles with Marinara sauce and a small salad. I enjoy growing my own sprouts and sunflower greens for the salads or blended soups. I also grow wheatgrass - but that's not necessary, I just enjoy it.

For me - greens are where it's at right now.

I keep fruit and veggies on hand for snacking. I think it's pretty easy-breezy.

So - for suggestions on your list, I would suggest more greens.

You asked about freezing things. I freeze things all the time - it works well for me.

I also use nut milk bags. I like to strain my juice so it's pulp free. But what I use them mainly for is after my sprouts are ready, I put them in a bag and step outside and spin them around to get them as dry as possible for fridge storage.

I use my Spiralizer often. I have this one (http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K7702.desc.Fuller-Kitchen-Solutions-Manual-Vegetable-Curler-Slicer). I couldn't find a cheaper price anywhere else. I also have this one (http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-Saladacco-Spiral-Slicer/dp/B0000DDVYE), but I rarely use it.

Depending what you're wanting the coffee grinder for - if you get a BlendTec or VitaMix, you might not need it. I've got a BT and I haven't used my coffee grinder much at all - I use the BT for grinding flax, etc.

I agree about the price of the used BT - that's more than I paid new direct from the company.

Good knives would be great! Personally, I use my cleaver (it's not huge) as my favorite, go-to knife. I also use my paring knife. I was able to get a very big beautiful wooden cutting board at the thrift store for $2 - I love it.

Growing your own sprouts could NOT be easier. I do it every day. I use glass mason jars and plastic sprouting lids I got at my HFS. You can make your own so easily, just use a metal canning jar ring and use plastic canvas from the craft store. They sell them in rings - or buy an
8x10" sheet of plastic canvas and simply cut your own - I've done that too. Buy some organic alfalfa or red clover seeds and go to town. I put in 1 tablespoon seed per 1 quart jar.

Have a great time at your potluck!! *Ü*

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Hello DebB, Thanks for getting back to me with so much information! It really helps give me some peace of mind. I guess I put too many questions in one post.:o

Right now I am still trying to use up the animal protein I still have, last shopping trip was the most I'd ever spent buying it. :rolleyes:

Anyhow now I know I can leave it behind. :) I have just been worried like most newbie Raw Foodist's about not getting enough Protein. I've done the research now & see that it isn't a problem. I am guessing I felt as drained as I had been back in the Summer, due to not being balanced anyways with SAD. I still just wonder why I thought I feel better when I consume it.


Good to know about the Blendtec, & not needing a coffee grinder. I see that some people like to use just the flax seeds as is, some seem to grind them first, & some use the flax oil in their smoothies. I've just been using flax seed as is.

I am trying not to get too silly with all of the things I need. I kind of feel bad, as I just got a really nice pot's & pan set for Christmas.

Thanks for the tips for the Sprouts! :)

[Chas]

My advice is to download cronometer or go to nutridiary.com and log everything you eat. It looks to me like you may be eating too much fat. It surprises a lot of folks on a raw diet when they see their numbers showing 60-80% of calories consumed as FAT. This is not healthy for a long term diet plan cooked or raw. Try to get the fat down to around 10% (as a percentage of calories). Eat a lot of fruit and tender green leaves.

[Green_Woman]

First, get a copy of Alissa Cohen's book, LIVING ON LIVE FOOD. It's the book that this forum is based on. :)

Second, don't use animal proteins to supplement. "Everyone" says to do a lot of things that aren't healthy to do. ;)

Third, learn to listen to YOUR body.... if YOUR body says you need more protein, up your RAW proteins (they're vastly easier on your body) in the form of sprouted foods, Greens, etc., etc.

Fourth - GET A COPY OF ALISSA'S BOOK!!!! :D :D I can't emphasize this enough. Get her book, read it, and SO many of your "how much of this, how much of that" style questions will be answered... or you'll have the know-how to figure out the answers for yourself!

[Raw.N.It.Out]

My advice is to download cronometer or go to nutridiary.com and log everything you eat. It looks to me like you may be eating too much fat. It surprises a lot of folks on a raw diet when they see their numbers showing 60-80% of calories consumed as FAT. This is not healthy for a long term diet plan cooked or raw. Try to get the fat down to around 10% (as a percentage of calories). Eat a lot of fruit and tender green leaves.

Actually that is one the reason's as to why, I wasn't balanced, because I didn't eat enough HEALTHY FATS. lol :p Way to interpret wrongly.

Hello Green_Woman, I had planned on getting Alissa's book. There are a few points of view from her writing's that I actually do not agree with. I realize that is common sense to a degree. As I find I do not solely base what I obtain from people as being dire facts for life! lol I am however, one to analyze everything down to the microscopic level. That is just how I learn. I don't find any harm in asking what different people's idea's have been. :)

[Raw.N.It.Out]

EDIT: Mainly people were looking at all of my veggies, & saying you have a carb over load, & at the time, I only saw Veggies as carbs, not as a source of Protein, & also at the time, I was counting my protein sources as animal proteins. That is where MY reasoning came in to listen to people that knew what they were elaborating upon with having a so called *healthy SAD way of living* :)

& since I was cutting that I was losing out on holding any muscle.