New to it all

[jadelois]

Hi, im Jade and I am from the UK,
Came across these forums as for some reason the UK forums won't let me register but been browsing the threads (all afternoon) and there seem to be some really positive stories etc.
Basically I have been "raw" once before, not totally, i dont know I could definately commit whilst I live at home but about 80% I would say, I managed about 3 weeks but it was high fruit and limited choices (plus toothache) stopped me in my tracks.
I plan on starting again this week as I have been horribly sluggish, put on a large amount of weight and my skin is dreadful and no crash diet deals with all these in the same way raw seems to however salad, salad and salad seems to be killing me. I have the Shazzie (Detox your World) book which i try recipies from but i was wondering if anyone could suggest a good basic book, i cant as it is afford a dehydrator (or Vita Mix, have a normal blender though) or to leave my oven on for 15 hrs or whatever time it seems to be and I dont have regular access to tropical ingredients so literally as "normal" as possible would be great.
Many thanks in advance!

[klomasius]

do you have a grater? What about a food processor and blender?

If you have a blender and food processor you can make pretty much anything. A dehydrator is not necessary. :D

Think cheese sauces made from nuts, burgers, salsa, sushi made with lettuce leaves, endless variations of salads (both the 'heavy' and 'light' kinds) using endless variations of salad dressings. You are really only limited to the confines of your imagination. Most of my recipes use only either a blender, or a food processor or sometimes both. But usually for every day stuff, the specialised equipment I use is a chopping board, a good knife and possibly a grater. I eat mainly basic foods and am quite lazy and/or pressed for time most of the time so ten minutes from start to finish is all I want to take making anything.

Do a search on these forums for recipes, this will give you a great start. Have a look in the PHOTOS ONLY section/s and this might also give you some great ideas.

Good luck!

[CathyA.]

I'm a big fan of keep it simple. I do a lot of green smothies, salads, fruits and nuts. I don't like to fuss about too much. Guacamole and vegi's are easy and tastey. Deserts are either walnut stuffed dates or banana ice cream. Both super easy. I make the occasionaly cracker or corn chip in the dehydrator. Try new fruits and vegi's. Have fun with it. Don't get stressed over food. It is just fuel for your body after all.;)

[Rawcstacy]

Welcome Jade, you might also want to get Alissa's book, it's packed with recipes and information. A blender is also your best friend.

[jadelois]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! Looking forward to getting on the raw wagon! I do have a blender and food processor, any more books you suggest for recipes and such? Also any websites that ship the pre dehydrated foods to the uk that anyone knows of?

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW............Welcome to MY World.