raw on a budget

Alyzink

I want to go raw but dont have a dehydrator or a nut blender or anything really besides a juicer and a regular blender. most recipies seem to use a dehydrator or other type of machine, does anyone know of a raw cook book or something that i can follow without all the machines? and can you make nut butters in a regular blender?

angelsfeet

I’m can’t say that I am stressing the blender or the juicer thing (which I stupidly left with my boyfriend when I moved out). When I buy totally organic goods I feel like I’m getting pranked at the check out. I live in NYC and there are no farmers markets this time of year.

I’m in starting over mode so money is beyond tight. It kinda stinks because I would really like to expand my Raw food repertoire. I’ve been sticking to the basics…lettuce, avocados, cucumbers, carrots, mangos, oranges etc.

I know I will get bored but I can’t afford to experiment. I’m not a big nut eater. Can anyone suggest some “most have” staples that are worth the expense?

angelsfeet

I guess I have to Bluedolfin… and free is my favorite price… I will definatly look into it. Thanks!

angelsfeet

Spirit you made me laugh… and I’m a bit inspired. Since I’ve been eating raw I can’t seem to go a day with out avocados… I’ll give it a try. Thanks

SocaL I’ll take a look at that site… thanks.

angelsfeet

Nope… I just moved back home and I’m living with a friend… I will figure it out if I really want it… and I do. I’ve been haning in the library alot lately so I’ll check out that book when I’m there next.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

tharriet

jenoz could you give me a little more info on sprouting. that sounds very interesting.

angelsfeet

Ok… Now I see what this site is for. Thanks for the info.Hippie Chick I am headed for Fairway Tomorrow (Sunday).

Jenoz… About how long does it take to sprout? I mean to say, in your experience which seeds come through the quickiest?

I knew that the Union Square market was open but I didn’t think that they would have enough to make it worth the trip… Mon46 if you say differently I will take a look.

Thanks for the helpful info. I will post some results shortly.

angelsfeet

Ok I stupidly went to wholefoods BEFORE I the farmers market…now I’m tapped. I got sprouted grain bread but it is frozen… should I just let it thaw and eat it like that? Yes I know, its a totally rookie question but I didn’t want to ask anyone in the store…

angelsfeet

Yes I am fully recovered Hippie Chick thanks for asking. I am also back on track. I’ve decided that the best stuff on earth is Raw Honey…

Either way I got enough produce to last until payday… I hate having to plan every meal…. but what are you gonna do???

I do live in a great city, full of reasources… I’m excited again.

angelsfeet

I forgot all about Trader Joe’s… There is one on L.I. too. Okay… now that’s what I’m talking about…Thanks Al!

The coop sounds great too… I may wait until the weather gets better… (yes I know that’s lame)...

angelsfeet

I had lost my love for Trader Joe’s but now we’re back together again. Not only do they were silly shirts but they have a great selection. Plus if you’re not satisfied you can get your money back… no questions asked.

I am still too new to the Raw lifestyle to chime in on arguments about the merits of appliances and techniques. I’m still on the first chapter of this book. It’s nice just concentrating on finding a consuming whole LIVE food.

chupacabra

I don’t dehydrate. I only do 50% raw. I mostly make green smoothies in a crappy old Oster blender. I love these smoothies. I also eat raw almonds (trader joes) and raw pepitas (trader joes). Oh and whatever fruit is cheap. I do eat cooked food as well, mostly oatmeal and rice with Korean vegetables.

I also have a little garden where I’m growing kale and herbs and starting my tomatoes for the summer as we speak. Almost anyone can start a tiny herb garden or something.

My budget is about $3-5 a day. I easily make it on about $3 a day.

lexaharper

hey girl!

I live in newport beach, starting over and its EXPENSIVE!! I am there with you. same same.

Staples I found that stretch and are worth buying are:

-almond butter, raw kind. A jar is about $6 out here, but since you're a nut fan (me too) this is such a good buy. Eat it with celery, mix it with dates and sunflower seeds for dessert, anything! And the best part is that it is SO filling!

I've also found that you can live on lettuce wraps. seriously. sometimes when I'm tight on money i'll buy a head of lettuce and 2 or 3 of my favorite veggies (like avocados, sprouts, and cucumber and maybe a pepper) and just make wraps! They' re filling and yummy and last for the whole week!

hope this helps! good luck my friend!