Please help, new to raw

[flmom]

I'm going to Borders tomorrow in hopes they have Alissa's new book. I'm new here, and I'm new to raw eating. I would really like to try for health and weight loss reasons, but I have a few questions before I get started.

Do we eat the entire vegetable/fruit including skin? So for instance if we would like to make an orange smoothie, would I blend an entire orange with skin and all? If so, how do you wash the orange to eliminate chemicals? Currently I wash with hot water and then peal and then wash again before I eat. I've never bought the sprays etc that are advertised because it just seemed odd to use a chemical to wash off a chemical if that makes any sense.

I am really excited to get started and hope I do well with this diet. Thank you for any help.

[Shels]

Each fruit and vegetable differ, if there is one that you're uncertain about just look it up online. The majority of peels are not normally eaten because people dislike the taste, although some can be beneficial (like the orange). The majority of skins are eaten.

I just wash my food in normal water, but I have heard that cleaning with baking soda cleanses them pretty thoroughly. Also, some people think that "organic" means "impeccable" - I have been guilty of it subconsciously myself - but be sure you always wash everything even if it is organic.

Good luck!

[Aleesha Sattva]

welcome to a new journey... :)

[flmom]

Thank you so much! I went on B&N and they have the book in ebook form for Nook. I'm going to get it that way. I am really nervous about starting this, but at the same time excited. I hope I do everything right.

[blizzardfrisbee]

Welcome! This forum is the place to be. I'm new since August. It has been a journey for me and I'm loving it. I have both of Alissa's book and love using them. I usually peel the citrus fruits but I'd say most everything else I don't.

[changeisgood]

Don't worry about doing everything right. Always when someone starts something it is slow going. You'll decide on the taste you want. I had a juice recipe that called for lemons with skins on, and I didn't like it, so I peel them now and it is much better tasting.
So you will have to experiment. Don't worry about making mistakes. There are no raw food police lurking about.
Besides the cookbooks, there is alot to explore on the WWW. And read thru the posts old and new.
Have fun. Don't be so serious. You'll be fine. It is an adventure, enjoy the journey.

[Stella Green]

Yes, I second what ChangeisGood says. Did you get Alissa's first book? Living on Live Food is the book to read for when you are just starting out...but any place you start is a good one. Honestly, you should just enjoy your journey. Learn as much as you can, but don't worry about doing it right. Eat raw and eat what you like. I don't like orange peels, so I always peel them before I juice. Also, remember that sometimes it's best to just go simple. Sometimes people make so many crazy concoctions they just get overwhelmed. My favorite meals are just as simple as can be, like a meal of marinated veggies over a bed of fresh greens. :cool: