Just Curious.....

[Leslie_L]

Just curious .....did those of you doing the 30 day challenge have all your “stuff” like …. Allisa’s book and dehydrator, prior to starting?
I have a juicer a vita mix but do not have a dehydrator. I know a dehydrator is not necessary but I am thinking it might be for me because I am a bread and cracker lover and I like variety and options.

Thanks,

Leslie

[heather]

i do not have a dehydrator, but i dont think i could function without a blender.

[jesdenm]

I am a bread and cracker lover also. I tried to initially function without, but ended up buying the Snackmaster from walmart. I haven't turned it off since I got it.

I cannot get things to turn out the way they should, but they still taste great.

I feel the dehydrator has encouraged my continuance in raw. I have read that longer raw foodists don't use theirs as much but did in the beginning, to help transition.

Edit to add: I do believe a juicer is needed, as I don't have one and am really wishing I did, and a vegetable slicer for the thin stuff. I love my blender. In fact I have a Hamilton Beach regular size and a separate small single serve one. Those have been necessary.

[Rawkinlocs]

It really depends on where you are. I mean, for some, eating simply is best for them and what they enjoy. But for others, the "transitional foods" are a big part of being successful with sticking with raw.

A dehydrator is not necessary, but it can sure come in handy...especially if you feel the need for the dehydrated breads and crackers. If you can get that round one we talk about often from http://walmart.com you'll be prepared for whatever come what may. Some days you will find you don't want or need dehydrated stuff or prepared meals...but then there may be those days when you DO need them and it's always good to be prepared.

But you can do this without the equipment...it may be more challenging...then again it may not be. But I think if nothing else, having a blender is key to at least be able to make salad dressings, smoothies, soups...if you can get a food processor for under $40, that would help with making pate's, ice cream and stuff like that.

Everything has it's purpose...but they're not mandatory. I'd say get what you can one at a time. That's what I did. I already owned a blender; then I bought a food processor; then I got a dehydrator and then a juicer. Do what you can and look for the recipes that don't call for a lot.

If you do a search, there are a couple of threads in the recipe section where someone made sprouted bread in the freezer without a dehydrator. You can also get some various nuts and seeds, rinse in water and sprinkle seasonings such as cayenne and chili powder on them and store in the fridge for a snack that might take the place of crackers until you can get a dehydrator.

[rawpriestess]

When I first went raw, I didn't have the equipment, and I did it, but it wasnt' as good as when I did have all the equipment, but it was a wonderful excuse for me. LOL

I also think the very most important thing to have in all the world is Alissa's book.

I say this because I feel the most important thing to have when you go raw, is to have excellent recipes for excellent food.

In Alissa's book, she has a one month program, and it's the third week before she uses a dehydrator.

But she does use a food processor frequently.

She has written her recipes so you can use a food processor and you don't need to buy a vita mix, unless you really want to.