What is the easiest way to transition to a raw food diet? I am currently a vegetarian. Do I really need to by all these expensive products right away such as dehydrators etc..

I really don't know anything abnout a raw food diet but... We have a dehydrator, bought at a sporting goods store after Christmas and it did not cost very much at all. It is mcuh cheaper to dry fruit... etc than it is to buy it.

I have been a raw foodist for over 4 years. As far as transitioning, it can take quite a while for some... years. A dehydrator is nice, as it allows for some textures that are hard to come by otherwise, however it is definitely just one of those "fun toys" that are nice to have. In the winter, it can make transitions MUCH easier.

That being said, the most important thing to own is a good blender. I'm talking vita-mix or k-tech. these are really the only two to consider. With a good blender, you can do pretty much anything you can imagine. You can make soups, nut mylks, sauce, nut pates, you can grind nuts in seconds into a powder that can be used to make bread dough, you can make juice if you have a nut milk bag, and so much more.

A food processor, juicer, mandolin, spiralizer, and all the other kitchen gadgets you hear about raw foodists needing are really just nice to have to add a bit of variety in texture. A good blender should be your first purchase. Don't skimp on a cheap one. The motor will burn out as soon as you try to put any kind of nut or seed in it.

I'm available to talk if you are in transition and need anymore support. Bessings,
Santi

Make the transition slowly, gradually start eliminating foods from your diets, start with, burgers, then eliminate, chicken, then fish... It's a lot easier to make the transition gradually then your mind and body won't go into total shock! Eventually then you'll find that you'll eat less foods in general because raw food is better quality, so you eat less to satisfy your nutritional needs. Raw foods have better flavor then cooked foods so you don't have to add sugar or salt! I do remember this one tip... I learned the hard way, don't over eat acid fruits, citrus---- 2 lg. oranges, or 1 grapefruit or 1/2 pineapple is a good amount for any one day. It is really hard on your stomach, to say the least! When you have tried this for awhile, and are comfortable, you should work your way up to about 75% raw/living foods a day (in the beginning). The only thing that I see as a negetive--- of course, (But I am pro raw/living foods) is there is certain deficiencies that can occur, in Calcium, Iron, B12, Protein and calorie consumption. So I would consider a good multivitamin-mineral supplement. The only equipment I use is a juicer, dehydrator and Blender. And lots of mason jars.