Raw Food Equipments I Recommend & Their Uses

When transitioning to raw, the first two kitchen equipments I had were a blender and a Jack-La Lane juicer. These handy appliances really make this lifestyle more fun, interesting and exciting. Plus, they make life easier in the kitchen.

If I had to recommend a short, 3 item list, I would recommend buying a blender, juicer and a dehydrator (or even a food processor).  However, when transitioning to a raw foods, a blender and a juicer the 2 most important appliances you can have in your kitchen. Then, later on, you can buy yourself a spiralizer, food processor and a dehydrator, all come in handy.

My Top 5 Appliances I Recommend + Their Uses:

Dash High-Speed Digital Blender — Dash is the ONLY blender that I personally recommend. I used to own a Oyster, Ninja, Montel Williams, and a Vitamix Blender... and I must say, the Dash blender is the BEST! It's high-speed, digital and includes other awesome features. One cool feature about the blender, is it stops automatically for a few seconds while you're blending. This avoids stopping the blender every minute to avoid the blender from overheating or over blending your mixture. I think this feature is cool, because it found that it's much easier to make banana ice cream in the Dash blender than it is in the Vitamix. The Vitamix doesn't stop (only when you turn it off) and you have to move the bananas (or whatever you're blending) around a few times in order for it to blend properly. This blender is really awesome and makes whatever you're making in it with ease, hassle free!  I highly recommend the Dash blender. You can make ice cream, smoothies, soups, sauces, nut and seed milks, and anything you want to blend. This blender is awesome! It's by far my favorite, and I strongly suggest in investing in the Dash versus the Vitamix blender. The Dash is a blender definitely to invest in. 

Breville Juicer — If you're serious about juicing (daily is recommended), I highly recommend buying a Breville juicer. It's a cold-pressed juicer, only making juices. 

Power Grind Pro Juicer — This is another juicer I recommend. This juicer not only makes fresh, cold-pressed juices - it makes nut and seed milks, too! This juicer is a mix of a cold-pressed and a centrifugal juicer, but better than the centrifugal juicers, as it preserves the living nutrients in your juice. This is a juicer and a non-dairy milk maker!

Cuisinart Food Processor — A food processor is great for making dough, sauces, cheeze, crusts, guacamole, chop veggies and herbs, and more! Food processors are a must in the kitchen. 

Excalibur Dehydrator — Excalibur dehydrators are good for drying fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, brownies, crust, dough, crust, crackers, bread, burgers, and veggies. I love using my dehydrator. 

These are the top 5 kitchen appliances that I recommend. They will bring raw food recipes up a whole nother level. 

For more products that I recommend, check out my store on RawVeganLiving!

What appliances do you have in your kitchen? 

Healthy Transitioning To Vegan Recipes

When I first transitioned to a plant-based diet, I ate cooked vegan foods before I became staunchly about going fully raw. My dad and I enjoyed delicious cooked vegan foods, which were okay if you're transitioning to raw. If you're transitioning to a plant-based diet, I would start by going vegan before you even go raw. Below are 2 deliciously healthy transitioning vegan food recipes to check out. 

Sprouted Vegan Black Bean Burgers with Jicama Fries (I made a vegan and raw version to this recipe)

Healthy Vegan Rice and Beans with Salad

Wanna see what I eat in a week? Check out my post on RawVeganLiving on to see what a raw vegan teen eats in a week on a raw foods diet!

Why You're Feeling BIG After Eating Fruits

Whether you're transitioning to raw or simply looking to incorporate more raw fruits and vegetables into your diet, it's very important that you take this tip into consideration...

When I first transitioned to raw vegan, I ate fruits that were not ripe at times. I'll admit, I didn't like to eat bananas when they had too much cheetah spots. I thought the taste was terrible and I was very picky when it came to eating bananas.

Do you dislike the taste of bananas? Do you feel bloated, inflamed, gassy, constipated, or a discomfort in your stomach? The answer is quite simple and EASY to avoid.

Read my post on RawVeganLiving on why you're feeling BIG after eating fruits.

2 Mistakes I Made When Transitioning To Raw

Although this lifestyle is awesome, there are a few things one must keep in mind when transitioning and succeeding long-term. There's one common misconception that everyone seems to get wrong. I know I sure did when I first began this lifestyle, but I quickly learned...

Just because this lifestyle is guilt-free, it doesn't mean that you don't have to watch what you're eating. No, I'm not talking about calorie restricting (counting calories is not really necessary on this lifestyle).

When I transitioned to raw, I made a few mistakes. I learned through every mistake, which is very important. I'm glad these mistakes happened to me, as I can be an inspiration to help others along their journeys.

One of the many misconceptions that many people think (including me when I first started) was that, you can't gain weight eating plant-based. That;s not true. You CAN gain weight eating a raw vegan diet. It's possible, as it happened to me more than 5 times. BUT, don't let this discourage you from eating raw foods.

There are fruits, such as durian, dates, jackfruit, raisins, coconuts (and more) that will help with weight gain. Durian is an exotic fruit that's high in fat. Therefore, it's not a fruit that should be eaten in large quantities. Don't eat durian like if it was bananas, because you will notice weight gain.

Overindulging in nuts and seeds will also help in weight gain. The thing that lead me to weight gain was, I was overindulging in gourmet raw foods and high-fat fruits. For more info, read my story on how I gained weight here.

If you're looking to lose weight and achieve optimal health, don't overindulge in gourmet raw foods! A low-fat diet is very important.

Another factor that lead to my weight gain was, I stopped juicing for 3-4 months! Going months without juicing was a BIG mistake. I used to juice on a daily basis when I first started this lifestyle, but then I was eating a high-fat, raw vegan diet. During that period, I noticed a change in my body. I not only gained weight, but I woke up tired, my energy decreased and I stopped exercising.

Juicing on a daily basis is very key if you want optimal health, lose weight, feel alive, look younger, have glowing skin, and cure any disease. Read my post on the difference between juices and smoothies.

So, my advice to you when transitioning to raw, eat a low-fat diet and juice daily. For delicious, detoxing recipes, check out my recipes index on RawVeganLiving.

Hope this post was helpful. Don't make these mistakes that I did!


Love and Health to you,
Miliany

6 "Healthy" Foods to Avoid When Transitioning To Raw

I remember when I first transitioned to raw, I ate foods that I wouldn't eat today. You see, a raw vegan diet is not just about eating fresh, raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet and boom, you're healthy. No, it's more than just what you eat. That's a different topic with a post included, but I want to talk about the top 7 "healthy" (I say "healthy" because these foods have been seen and given that title, when actuality, it's far from being healthy. Continue reading to find out) you should avoid when transitioning to raw.

"HEALTHY" FOODS TO AVOID WHEN TRANSITIONING TO RAW

  

1.) SOY

Soy is a health food that's commonly used often, especially in the vegan cuisine. Soy is found in most vegan veggie burgers, vegan cheese, cereal, bread, mylk, pizza, desserts, and more. 

Most foods contain some kind of soy. Soy comes in many different forms; powder, tempeh, tofu, beans, etc. I eliminated soy last year, and I'm so glad I did. I ate a lot of soy, almost everyday for weeks! I really thought soy was healthy (so healthy to be considered a superfood), since it was used for centuries. 

Believe it or not, soy is unhealthy. Soy contains a hormone called, estrogen. For those who aren't familiar with estrogen, here's the definition: "any group of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body. Such hormones are also produced artificially for use in oral contraceptives or to treat menopausal and menstrual disorders."  

No wonder why they sell vegan soy-based whey protein or protein powders with soy, so it can make you big! So you think you're getting a good source of protein, when actually it's hormones! Estrogen (especially too much of it) breast cancer, infertility, gives men breast, causes high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, obesity, livers function improperly, pain in gallbladder, PMS, highers low cholesterol (causes bad cholesterol), and more. The chinese/Asians ate soy, but not as much as Americans do. No wonder why there's an epidemic of men getting breast, an increase in infertility rate, obesity, high blood pressure, constipation, and so more. 

Sure, there are a ton of resources that claim soy is healthy, but lets look at the facts, a.k.a 'pros and cons'. They only ate it in moderation. Even consuming it moderately is not healthy. Take a look at the history of soy. Read my post here on the dangers of soy. Plus, conventional soy is genetically modified with roundup. That's another good reason to eliminate soy from your diet. Here's a good post on how to eliminate soy from your diet and go soy-free.

2.) Agave Nectar 

Agave has been crowned as "healthy sweetener", but many of my readers and followers may already have read my post on the danger of agave. Agave is worse than high fructose corn syrup, due to it's high glycemic index. I would stay away from ALL agave foods. It's not a whole food sweetener, as it's highly processed. 

A natural and healthy alternative to agave is, whole and fresh pitted dates, date paste or raw, organic, non-GMO coconut nectar (if you're transitioning to raw).  

3.) Honey 

Thought your honey was healthy? Think again! Chances are, your honey is store-bought and non-organic. Even if it was organic, it could contain traces of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). good organic and non-GMO honey brands are Wedderspoon and Heavenly Organics. Studies show that store-bought honey is not really honey. 

A healthy and nutritious alternative is raw, local honey. When buying raw honey, make sure it's raw, pure, organic and Non-GMO. Raw honey provides amazing health benefits, see for yourself. Post coming soon on the health benefits of raw honey. 

4.) Refined Sugar & Flour

I assume and hope that many of you are aware of the dangers of sugar and refined flour. Sugar causes all sorts of health problems, such as obesity, cravings, weight gain, depression, heart attacks, high blood pressure, headaches, stomach aches, premature aging, mood swings, pains in the body (all over), hypertension, autism, clogged thinking, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, disease, and more. There are millions of reasons not to eat sugar. Refined Flour is just as unhealthy and worse as sugar. 

A healthy alternative to processed, refined sugar is, coconut palm sugar. When buying coconut sugar, make sure it's raw, pure, organic and non-GMO.

5.) Wheat/Gluten/Grains

Many people think (I used to be one of those people who thought that, too) that grains are healthy. Most grains, like rye, wheat, millet and others-contain gluten. Most people are gluten-sensitive, which means their bodies cannot digest gluten grains. Grains are dangerous to your health. Grains are glue; if you were to take soaked rice and oats and slap it on the wall, it'll stick on the wall. Imagine how it is inside your body. Grains stick to your digestive tract and organs. Grains are completely unnecessary and NOT needed for optimal health. It causes bloating, inflammation and gives you gut! Read my post about it here. 

Buy organic, Non-GMO and gluten-free options. Conventional grains are genetically modified nowadays. You want a flat stomach, eliminate all grains/gluten/wheat. 

6.) Non-GMO and Non-Organic Produce

Non-organic produce is very hazardous for your health. You'll be surprised on how many toxic pesticide residue is leftover on conventional produce. Whats On My Food is a good website to see how many and which toxic pesticide residues are left on non-organic produce. 

Eating GMO foods is very hazardous to your health and the environment. Post coming soon on the dangers of eating non-GMO and non-organic produce. In the meantime, read about the dangers of eating genetically modified organisms and the effects it has on the environment. The best way to avoid organic and non-GMO foods is to buy certified organic and non-GMO project verified. 

If you eat these foods, I suggest eliminating them. Your body will feel much better when you do. Hope this post has helped you choose to eat healthier and have better health. Don't just avoid these foods when transitioning, avoid them long-term! 

>>>Check out these 7 foods you should never eat.<<<

Stay healthy, my friends! 

10+ Reasons Why You Should Consider Transitioning To Raw

Are you considering transitioning to raw foods, but don't know why you should make the transition? Eating a plant-based diet is one of the BEST decisions you can make towards your health. There are over 100 reasons to consider a plant-based diet; here are 20 reasons. You won't regret making the smart decision to transition. :)

10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Transitioning To Raw

1. WEIGHT LOSS - Fresh fruits and vegetables are great for weight loss. A low-fat, raw vegan diet will help you lose and/or maintain your weight. Check out FullyRaw Kristina's video on her top 10 favorite weight-loss foods. 
2. LONGEVITY - Raw foods are anti-aging and promotes longevity, because all the vital nutrients are enzymatically raw. Cooking foods above 115 degrees ages you quicker and does not promote longevity. Cooked food is toxic food, as it destroys all the living enzymes. More about cooked foods talk coming soon. 
3. ENERGY - Since enzymes in raw foods are not destroyed, you will gain more energy like never before. Raw foods are LIVE foods. Dead foods (such as cooked foods) make you tired and sleepy. Raw foods makes you look and feel ALIVE. 
4. MEMORY - When you eat clean, you gain mental clarity. Raw foods, such as blueberries and bananas help improve memory. 
5. SLEEP - Raw foods are high in magnesium, calming your nerves to help you sleep better. When you eat more clean, your body will start to sleep more restful and peaceful. My sleep has definitely improved on a raw foods diet.  
6. HEALTHY - Organic, non-GMO raw foods are super healthy for you! Your body is alkalinized, rather than acidic. Eating raw foods helps boost your immune system, metabolism, cures diseases, aches, pains, and any illnesses. Raw foods prevents you from getting disease (disease cannot thrive in alkaline body, only an acidic body), helps balance your hormones and pH, prevents you from getting sick and getting a disease, keeps you strong, provides you with vital nutrients, and more! Truth health is not found in a packaged bag/box or in a pill... it's found in nature! 
7. BETTER DIGESTION - Raw foods are high in fiber, making them great for those who have colon cancer and/or suffer from constipation. Fresh fruits and vegetables will naturally relieve constipation. Dates, oranges, pineapple, mangoes, (and more!) are all  great for constipation. Tip: chew your food very good, until it's mush! Swallowing your food and the lack of fiber in the food are the 2 top reasons why many people are constipated. 
8. SELF-CONFIDENCE - Raw foods makes you look and feel amazing, giving you that self-confidence you were probably lacking in. Eating plant-based makes you feel comfortable in your own skin, because it's anti-aging. 
9. LOVE - Like Arnold Kauffman quotes, "Every moment is a moment of love. Once you understand that, you understand how raw foods works." Raw foods is loving foods. When you eat cruelty-free, you become more loving not only with foods-but with humanity and all living creatures. Loving cells are happy cells. 
10. SAVES LIVES - When you transition to a raw foods diet, you save the animals! Nothing should have to sacrifice to go on your plate. 

Link To More Reasons To Go Raw....

~ 10 Reasons To Go Raw

~ 10 Reasons Why Eating Raw is Healthier for You and the Planet

~ 50 Great Reasons To Go Raw

~ For more information about veganism, check out my resources tab. It's loaded with LOTS of educational and informative links to books, movies, videos, documentaries, blogs, websites, and inspiring people to follow. You'll learn the importance of veganism and more!
~ What to Expect When Going Raw Vegan
~ The Dangers of Drinking Cow Milk
~ Why Vegan? The Greatest Speech You'll Ever Hear

More Reasons to Go Vegan Explained in Pictures

Photo credit: +Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram 

Photo credit: +Eco-Vegan Gal

Remember, you are what you eat. Don't be cheap, quick and fast. 

I hope this post inspired and motivated you in some way. Please share it with others. 

About Me

Hi! My name is Miliany Bonet, and I am a 15 year old raw vegan teen chef, teenage blogger, teen entrepreneur, researcher, designer, author, writer, book publisher, teen mentor, and a homeschooler. I run three cool, epic raw vegan blogs. I am passionate about raw foods, and I want to motivate and inspire others to eat more raw fruits and vegetables into their diets. I love eating, reading, writing, traveling, exploring, creating, and spending time in the kitchen rawifying recipes with my dad (who is also a raw vegan). Creating guilt-free desserts and raw foods is like an art for me. It makes me happy, it's beautiful, fun and lot's of beauty comes through (just like art). My recipes are made with love and happiness.

>>>Read my full story here<<<

Transitioning To Raw

Thinking about transitioning to raw foods, but don't know where to begin? Transitioning to raw can be challenging, and I want you to succeed. That's why I created a FREE Transitioning To Raw report for you.

Inside the report, you'll learn the basics to transitioning to raw (which foods to avoid) and my tips on having a successful transition. The report is exclusively accessible to those who subscribe to my Transitioning To Raw list. 

There are 2 ways to receive your report via email... 

1.) Subscribe to my NEW blog, TransitioningToRaw, and confirm your subscription. (or subscribe using the subscription form here)

2.) Fill in your name and email address on my NEW website and you'll be given free access to your report. 

All the best and good luck on your journey and transition! 

Miliany