You probably know by now that a diet of primarily raw, plant-based food is responsible for our glow. Eating mostly raw food can reduce the likelihood of developing cancer and other diseases, and support you to be radiantly healthy, energized, and vibrant.

While you can get by with just a sharp knife and cutting board, to keep your meals interesting it is helpful to have some equipment. Having the right tools will save you lots of prep time, and some raw dishes are only possible with certain tools. I know making raw dishes got a lot more fun when I set up my kitchen to support my healthier choices. Here are some tips to making your kitchen raw food friendly.

~~ Essential Tools

* High-Powered Blender
This is the most important piece of equipment in a raw kitchen. I use my blender at least twice a day, usually more. It is worth investing in a high-powered blender. High powered blenders are crucial for making fruit smoothies, green smoothies, nut milk, raw soups, sauces, dressings, and nut ice cream.

A blender with at least 3 HP (horsepower) is required to break the cell wall of fibrous vegetables like kale, which allows for full nutrient absorption. Most high quality blenders are guaranteed to last for several years, and if you use one like I do, will save you money in the long run over cheap blenders that wear out quickly.

* Juicer
While not as essential as a blender, juicers are still a staple of a raw kitchen. Juicers allow you to extract the vital essence of vegetables. Masticating juicers are the best way to go, because the do not destroy as many nutrients as centrifugal juicers, and are less likely to heat it up.

* Sharp Quality Knives
A high-quality, sharp knife is a chefs best friend. It makes prep work a breeze, and makes it less likely that you will cut yourself. Some raw foodists recommend using ceramic knives, as cutting raw fruits and veggies with metal can speed up the oxidation process. If you do go with metal, keep a sharpener on hand, and sharpen your knife regularly.

You will want at least a chefs knife, a medium blunt-tipped knife, a peeler, and a paring knife. Spiral slicer and mandolins are nice for specialty dishes like raw zucchini pasta, but not essential.

* Large Bamboo Cutting Board
Give yourself space to work. Bamboo is an eco-friendly option that does not develop bacteria the way a wooden or plastic board can.

* Sprout Jars
Sprouts are an inexpensive staple for raw foodists. From broccoli and radish to lentils and garbanzo beans, many things can be brought to life with water and air. The simplest sprout jars are just Mason jars with a screen instead of the lid center. Complex sprouting systems are available, but the jars are a great place to begin.

* Water Filter
Clean, chemical free water is essential for all people, but especially as you detoxify your system. You can go with a whole-house purification system, or a countertop filter. Just be sure it removes heavy metals, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, and chemical additives.

~~ Helpful but Not Required

* Food Processor
These allow you to shred and slice large amounts of vegetables quickly. They also enable you to make puddings, salsas, nut pats, hummus, and the batter for raw crackers.

* Coffee Grinder
For grinding flax and other small seeds.

* Milk Bags
To make your own nut milks. Cotton, mesh, or hemp fabric.

* Dehydrator
Dehydrators are great for preserving food, and making raw crackers, pizza dough, and other crunchy treats. They are not essential, but can be quite helpful if you want to make a lot of something that will be easy to eat later.

Preparing sumptuous raw dishes can be easy and fun, if you have the right tools. Start with a blender and a few knives, and build up from there. You will be whipping up raw feasts in no time.