Are you considering embarking on the Raw Living Foods journey? Well, if you got passed the title of this article, at least you are considering it. Whether you're looking to safely and effectively cleanse your body, lose weight, or considering making a lifestyle change, by eating raw foods you will achieve it all. To fail proof your journey into the land of Raw Living Foods, there are some things you will either need to purchase, or borrow from a friend. Once you're confident this is something you can follow long-term, either full or part-time, I suggest investing in some equipment.
Vegetable Brush
You may already be using a vegetable brush, but if not, I suggest finding one with harder bristles and using it regularly. By not heating up your vegetables, the bad bacteria will not be killed, therefore you want to make sure that you clean them well. For juicing, some of the things you will be brushing instead of peeling are carrots, cucumbers, radishes, celery, zucchini and bell peppers. You can purchase one of these brushes from your local grocery store for less than five dollars. Always peel your vegetables if they are not organic.
Juicer
Juicing is a vital part of this lifestyle, therefore you will need a good machine. I believe the best choice is a single auger juicer that rotates at a low RPM to ensure that nutrients are preserved by less heat and oxidation. For the last two years, I use a Samson GB-9002 several times a day and I am very happy with it. I purchased it in the spring of 2011 and so far I haven't had to replace any parts. It is easy to take apart, fairly easy to clean and it juices leafy greens and wheat grass as well. The price runs around $250 on Amazon.
Food Processor
Because you will incorporate nuts and seeds into your meals, you will need a heavy-duty food processor with a larger bowl. I bought my 11 cup Cuisinart from Costco for around $200 and it does its job well. It's strong enough to grind nuts into flour, or make nut butter. The top has a spout with an adjustable slicer attachment, which is very convenient when slicing tomatoes, onions, or shred cabbage.
Blender
You will be using a blender very frequently, so this was my priciest investment. I purchased a Vitamix 5200; this blender is very strong and has a variable speed, which can be adjusted manually and I use this feature every time. Using a strong blender will liquefy greens for your smoothies, process nuts for spreads and butter, and for raw soups. Online price of a new one goes for $450, however, I purchased my machine refurbished for around $300.
Julienne Peeler
The Julienne Peeler will allow you to make garnishes for salads or sliced vegetables for wraps; I use it to slice my zucchini for a "pasta" dish. The price of these peelers vary. Some may cost up to $20; I spent around $15 on Amazon.
Spiral Vegetable Slicer
If you like pasta dishes, most likely you will use this slicer frequently. It cuts the vegetables or fruits into curly, ribbon-like slices; it's excellent for making zucchini noodles. It's easy to use and clean, and will cost you around $25.
Dehydrator
The last thing I invested in was a dehydrator. This was another refurbished item I purchased directly from Excalibur for around $200. I have the Excalibur 9 Tray, EXB900 model, but it depends on the size of your family, a smaller version may be enough. You need a dehydrator to make raw crackers, chips and raw breads. By not heating our foods above 115 Fahrenheit, vital enzymes will be preserved that are necessary for our health. I also purchased the Paraflex non-stick drying sheets that cost $11 each. You will need these sheets to make the process of turning over your crackers and breads easier.
This list may seem overwhelming and pricey, but keep in mind, that you can purchase everything over time as you need them. Not owning these kitchen appliances should not stop you from eating raw living foods. The benefits of living and eating this way, outweighs the financial investment. You are investing in a future healthy and vibrant you.
Eniko A. Nagy is a health advocate who's dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle and sharing everything she knows about raw foods. Visit her blog for healthy recipes that will please the entire family, and information on Raw Living Foods that detoxify the body and restore your beauty and vitality. www.RawWorldOrder.com
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