It is my pleasure to share with you an interview with my friend and personal Hero, Melissa Mango. Melissa is so full of wisdom and grace, it is a blessing just to know her. I assisted her Raw Foods class last month and was impressed with her style and creativity. I will be assisting her Raw Foods Class again February 18th, from 10:30am-12 noon. It is only $15, so it will be well worth it to learn some Raw Thai & Asian Cuisine! Sign up at New Leaf Market West Side, or call to register at (831)466-9060 x 126 You can also buy here recipe book here. Thank you Melissa for your contribution.
What do you love the most about raw foods? I love what it does to restore and regenerate the body. This is why it is “The Norm” for people who eat this way to look younger and more vibrant. This is a result of not eating processed foods and instead choosing Live Raw Foods.
What started your journey with raw foods? I began my interest and understanding of Raw Foods through my personal trainer and friend Kane Laskey back in 2001. Kane enthusiastically shared with me how amazing Raw Foods had been from him and his training in preparation for kickin’ butt in street bike racing. He was always looking for the competitive edge in life and in training, excelling far above the average racer in this context. It was unmistakable the transformation that had taken place in both his physical body and his mental state since adopting a diet of primarily Raw Live foods. Live foods really do promote and enhance life. With Kane as my training, I began eating primarily raw-live foods in preparation for a burlesque competition and I found the more live foods I ate, the more energy I had and the better my body, complexion and even mental state became. My body transformed rather quickly especially since I was training so hard. All my friend were curious what I was doing different. I got the glow, felt sexy and on fire- I was hooked!
How has raw foods changed your life? In every way. Aside from the obvious weight loss and natural toning of my body that was direct results of eating live foods, my whole state of mind began to shift towards a more consistently positive state with lead me to no longer wanting to numb out on tv and instead get outside more. The longer I ate more fresh live raw food combined with no longer eating refined and processed foods, drugs and hard alcohol my whole spirit, physical body and the way I saw myself contributing in the world changed. I no longer saw or felt myself as separate. I remember having this intense desire to quit my job as a high paying bartender and successful dancer to live in a hippie community rich with gardens, earth domes and creativity. It was the sense of truly being with nature and others cooperatively that I craved. It was as if the tv, processed and numbing foods dampened my true essence and live foods unlocked it all. Results like this ARE typical.
What projects are you working on? Currently I am working for Café Gratitude, as well as independently catering raw food and nourishing cooked cuisine to private high-end retreats, various yoga retreats and transformation weekends. Locally I am an instructor for New Leaf Market in Santa Cruz where I teach easy a variety of Raw Food Cuisine. I specialize in practical techniques that anyone can do at affordable community supporting prices. On the side I am completing my Certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Mind-Body Life style Coach which is truly my life’s work. This is where my life really gets juicy.
Where do you see your journey going? My journey has been amazing and will continue to unfold the more tools I learn as a Mind Body Wellness Practitioner skilled in Hypnotherapy. I see myself building my skills as a Transpersonal Hypnotherapist offering clients deep and profound healing by way of the unconscious mind. Did you know 80% of our Life’s decisions about how things “are” come from our unconscious mind. Think about that! We generally operate in the world from our unconscious mind which quite often, out of an attempt to protect us; harbors trauma, fear, feelings of unworthiness and so on- hidden deep inside. It is vital for people to understand that where there are blocks and resistance in our lives keeping us from whatever outcome or desire we want weather it is in business, relationship, health and more- there is also a desire for wholeness and healing. These blockages can easily be dissolved and healed through the hypnosis I do with clients. Now that is transformation everyone deserves. Freedom!
What are some raw food staples in your current diet? My staples change depending on the season. For instance I am diggin’ apples and dates in my breakfast routine which really assist the body in getting rid of free radicals in our cells. I know that the warmer it gets I will begin to crave watery fruits such as melons, citrus and mangos of course! As far as consistent staples, I enjoy a variety of fresh leafy greens, wild dandy lion and other wild greens. Reishi and chaga mushroom tea I also enjoy!
What did you eat yesterday?
There is a myth out there about people who eat healthy and take care of their bodies, it is that they don’t know how to have a good time…… this is simply not true.
There are ways to have fun, eat nutritious foods, party like the best of them, and not destroy your body.
Even though my beloved San Francisco 49ers are not in the super bowl tomorrow, I am still going to watch the event, laugh at the commercials, and eat some nutritious goodness.
Try on this Mango Salsa recipe this Super Bowl Sunday and get some Vitamin A, C and B6. Mangos are also a great source of dietary fiber.
Mango Salsa
2 ripe large mangos
1/2 red onion
1 cucumber
Cilantro to taste
1-2 limes to taste
1 jalapeño chilie
Salt
Chop all ingredients, add lime juice from lime and salt…bamm!
I bet it would be tasty with some jicama in there as well!
Recipe inspired by Lauren Mills
It is my pleasure to introduce you to my dear friend and fellow Leader in the Awakening of Love, Eric-James. Eric-James is a man of integrity, very unique, lovely to be around, and just straight-up talented in the kitchen. I personally dig the name of his Health Coaching company and a little bummed I did not think of it first, Conscious Nosh. Check him out….
What do you love the most about raw foods?
I love how fresh and alive raw foods are. And forgiving with preparation!
What started your journey with raw foods?
I was eating a standard American teenager diet consisting of candy, cheap beer, ice cream, chips and turkey sandwiches. I developed something called intussusception, where my colon telescoped inside of itself causing severe pain for years until it was fixed with major surgery and 2 weeks in the hospital. Although western doctors failed to give me a reason why this happened at 19 years old, I knew it was from the way I was living. I met a guy who was eating only raw foods and intuitively knew that I needed to give that a try. I went to Safeway and bought lemons, carrots, almonds and water and started to eat only raw foods. 2 months later I found Cafe Gratitude and began my journey down the abounding river. I suffered from whole body hives for more than 6 months, every night as a detox symptom. A annoying as that was, eating raw foods taught me to learn about wellness as a whole, veganism, my spirituality, organic farming, and conscious community.
What projects are you working on?
I’m teaching some simple cooking classes in Berkeley and San Francisco. I am selling a Men’s Calendar that I created as a project to generate scholarships for men to become Health Counselors. Male enrollment is about 5% at the school I went to and I want to invite more men to do this work. www.menofiin.com . (I’m Mr. October, by the way). I work with individuals who are wanting health counseling for specific health goals like stress management, weight loss, food addictions. My wife and I are currently looking for property to buy and create a Healing and Wellness Education center where we will live with other practitioners and hold workshops, retreats, grow Organic food and raise our children.
What are some of your favorite gadgets to use in the kitchen?
I have this AWESOME veggie peeler with a julienne blade! It’s perfect for grating raw veggies for salads, wraps, grain bowls, for 1-4 people. I think every kitchen could use this handy device. Also essential is a good sharp chefs knife.
What are some quick tips or hints for raw newbies?
Don’t suppress your cravings for cooked food if you are going “all raw.” If that’s the goal, work up to it and give yourself a break. It’s a process, not a race, and perfection doesn’t mean anything if you’re stressed out, hungry, or having intense cravings. Learn to tune into your bodies nutritional needs. Is this a sugar craving because I’m dehydrated, I need protein, I want to be comforted, or I have an addiction? Get with friends to enjoy raw foods!
Can you share a favorite raw food recipe with us?
Toss shredded carrots with diced jalapeno pepper, orange juice, lemon juice, gomasio and salt to taste. Serve on a bed of arugula dressed with olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
Thank you for your contribution Eric-James, but what is gomasio?
Check out the goodies that Eric-James provides at www.bayareahealthcoach.com
Even if you don’t believe in New Years resolutions, I bet you can’t help but feel some kind of fresh start from the idea of the New Year. I have talked to some quite inspiring people lately about what their intentions are for 2012. Some people want to get in the best shape of their life, do things they have never done before, eat better, travel, make lots of money, get a job, not work, etc.
I love a new year because it feels like a new beginning. Last year I did a “Commitment to Non-Consumption,” which was a life changing experience for me. To stay in integrity, I made it until October, going strong for 10 months! Then it just became too difficult with some basic needs. But overall one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I really think about my purchases with a whole new awareness now. A lot of “Do I REALLY need this?” questions for myself. Which has been great for self-awareness, not over consuming, and keeping my “stuff” as simple as possible.
This year for New Years Eve, I went out and bought myself a simple lace black dress that I could wear to work, an event, or just a nice dinner. I felt special having something new and did some serious dance moves and twirling in that dress. I also bought my dog a color and name tag from Etsy.com. The only things I really like to spend my money on now is high quality organic food, hand made art, education, and travel to see friends, family and loved ones. Besides that, I truly have everything I need and have appreciation for the little things in life like that now more than ever.
I am committed to a few things this year I would like to share with you. A few are getting in amazing shape, eating better than I have ever eaten, and starting to write my book, “The 6 week vegan workout plan.” I am also giving up coffee for the first 3 months. As well as I eat, I feel as though my reliance on coffee has me feeling unbalanced, no matter how well I am eating and taking excellent care of myself. This may not be that fun of an experiment, but I am really at the point in my life where I like experimenting with different diets and finding what works for me.
I want to be clear that I love coffee and I don’t think anything negative about it. I, in fact, love it too much. It has been 12 days without coffee now, and I actually feel great. I am sleeping very well and have an overall feeling of “peace,” the last few weeks.
Anyways, I would love to hear about your visions, goals, and commitments for 2012 if you would like to share.
Thank you for being the #1 motivator for my nutrition practice and writing my blog and future book. You, my sweet community, totally rock.
Happy New Year!
I get asked frequently what it is exactly us healthy people do, eat, and especially, how do you live?
There are some products out there that make our lives a bit more comfy. Here is a little wish list for the favorite health-nut, vegan, vegetarian, organic-lovin’, raw foodie in your life:
Spiral Slicer (for Zucchini Pasta)
Vita-Mix (They will love you forever)
Wheatgrass Juicer (pssst I want one 
Protein Powder (This is the one I use)
That should get you started, oh and don’t forget the positive vibes! Get an affirmation mirror painted by yours truly at DoddzyDesigns
Alright, you will get lots of kisses for these gifts, you can thank me later. You will have one Happy Hippie!
I am moved tonight to write an article about the power of community. One year ago I could not have written this the same way. A year ago I was definitely aware of the importance of community while I was living in Truckee, Ca, just in a different way. When it snows as much as it does there, you literally need your neighbors. It is a team effort to get that town rolling again after 8 feet of snow in a 48 hour period. Where would we be without the snowplow, the food store workers shoveling the walk ways, the liftys getting to work at 6am so you can have the best powder day ever?
We would be very stuck.
I love the Helen Keller quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
I really understood how real this statement was as I was going through the Café Gratitude Leadership program this year. The experience really changed my life. Yes, of course I was learning great things about being a leader in the awakening of love and taking responsibility for my life and attitude, yadda yadda. But what really transformed me was being in the company of 40 people who just agreed that the context of our relationship was designed around taking care of and supporting each other; creating a community. Once the context of community is established in any setting, a level of trust, teamwork, and endless possibly arises. I heard things like, “Hey Steph, you are moving to Santa Cruz huh? I have a friend there who (fill in the blank.)” or “Hey Steph, I may have a project you might be interested in….” and “Hey Steph, what is amazing about you that you haven’t shared with us yet?
Endless resources and possibilities come out of community, and it definitely has for me. How are you of service in your community? Today at work a co-worker said to me, “Steph, we need you and your leadership around here, we cant do this without you. You really are a leader in the awakening of love.” Without community, maybe we would forget how important our contribution is? It sure was special for me to hear that.
Sometimes I start having too many separation thoughts, and if you are human, chances are you do to. Separation thoughts are a nasty bug to catch, and many have it chronically. They tend to sound different to different people, but are generally along the lines of: “Well those people aren’t like me, they wouldn’t understand.” and “If they really knew me they wouldn’t love me.” and “How do those people have so much, and I have so little?” And so on, and so forth…. These thoughts are not the truth, but they can hook us sometimes. It is crucial to have community, so we don’t take too much separation medicine. Don’t go in that head of yours alone.
What Matthew and Terces have taught me is that there is ego, and then there is love. Ego is what has us being separate, different, outside of “belonging.” Love has us know we are just where we need to be, we are all in this together, and we are not alone. We have so many messages from the world, media, ourselves, etc. telling us we are just not good enough, thin enough, rich enough. That is just not true, this training has reminded me who I really am: A powerful, complete, and beautiful being who has everything I need inside of me, and it is up to me if I want to step into my greatness or not. The perfect part is that we need our community to keep calling us into action and reminding us to live in the highest version of ourselves. I personally was getting a bit lazy with “good enough” in many areas of my life, and thanks to this community reminding me of the leader I am, I am not committed to “I guess I will settle for this” any more.
What I love about my experience with Café G (just a background, it is one of the first raw food books I have owned and I use it so much the pages are all sticky and crinkled) I love that they are doing something different in the world. I see them as true leaders. Leadership is not about getting people to follow you, it is about causing something. They have caused an incredible movement.
I remember the first time I met Terces. I drove down from Tahoe to go to a workshop with my friend Deb. We walked in having no idea what to expect. I went down into the central kitchen to get some coffee and asked a random person, “Is this almond milk cause I can’t have dairy?” Terces turned around with a big smile and said “Hi!” And gave me a big hug. I kind of just froze and looked confused I am sure. “No, that is actually Hazelnut milk.” “Do you two know each other?” Said the person she was talking to before I interrupted. “No, what’s you name?” “Steph.” “I don’t have to know Steph’s whole story to know she is a divine being, nice to see you Steph, make yourself at home.”
Right then I was hooked. There is something to this whole unconditional love thing. I have been with best friends before and not felt that loved and accepted. Awkward yes, and awesome, definitely. I even had a flash back from high school. I remember my friend saying, “Steph you can’t just go around falling in love with everyone and everything. You just love, love. You just love the love part.” And my reply was, “So….yea… so what?”
I have finally found a definition of community that makes sense to me. Community is the energy of love expressed in how you show up. Community in motion, in action, is people stepping up and helping without knowing each other, and coming together for a greater cause then themselves. (These occupiers did not all know each other before they started standing for something they believe in.)
Imagine what is possible if we all started showing up like this in our communities? We would be so grounded in the idea of being ONE, we would really trust in UNITY. This is the experience of belonging, that we are one, that you are a part of this. How are you going to show up?
Anyways, all of this recent drama around Café Gratitude saddens me. It is what it is, just the nastiness of the attacks are pretty shocking. For me, it couldn’t be further from the truth. I guess I just like to support people who are doing good in the world. I mean why isn’t everyone writing pissy articles about BP? Yea, remember that oil spill this summer? That hasn’t gone away. Anyways, I just wanted to take a minute to appreciate the difference this little vegan café has made in my life, and I know it has effected others lives in a positive way too. I don’t even care about all that drama, because someone very special taught me how to hold the seat of love no matter what storm is passing through. Thanks Matthew and Terces for being very special people in my life, you really are extraordinary.
Greetings sweet community,
I just wanted to share that I will be teaching a Raw Vegan and Gluten Free Holiday Cookies Class in Tahoe City December 19th from 5:30-7:30pm for $45. This Class will be held at the Tahoe Center of Natural Medicine, please call to reserve your spot (530) 583-0002
The Menu: Apple Cinnamon Raisin, Coconut Lime Macadamia, Maple Pecan Thumbprint, and Lemon Cranberry Cookies. Might even have some carob-coconut fudge, don’t know if we will have time! 3 of the 4 cookies are made with a dehydrator FYI.
There will be Cookie-Tins available for purchase to take home as well.
Peace, Raw Chef Steph
It is my pleasure to share with you a very inspiring interview with the beautiful Amber Zuckswert, who is a Dancer, Pilates Instructor, Holistic Nutritionist, Lifestyle Coach, and the owner of Epicself.com. Thank you for doing such wonderful and very important work in the world Amber!
What started your journey with raw foods? While studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western sports nutrition and Ayurveda extensively I kept stumbling upon the facts about raw and super foods. The quantum physics just made too much sense to ignore. I began a month long experiment eating 100% raw and felt so wonderful I knew I had to keep it up. 2 years later eating high raw I can truly say raw foods have changed my life forever.
How has raw foods changed your life? I dropped ten un-needed pounds of toxin forever. My energy and athletic ability now soar beyond what I thought possible. The largest shift was in clarity of mind and connection to the planet. Clean food = clear thoughts. Thoughts lead to actions and behaviors. Thoughts create our reality.
What projects are you working on? Beyond my every day teaching and dancing, I’m currently putting my workshop and retreat schedule together for 2012 and finishing up a virtual pilates ipad application. The iPad application should be done by the end of the week and ready to launch into itunes! It’s been a long time coming, so I am elated!
Where do you see your journey going? I see myself teaching live and virtually from all corners of the planet. Dancing and laughing. Inspiring and serving others. Being the change.
What are some raw food staples in your current diet? Kale, avocado, berries, chia seed, almond butter, apples, nori, all greens!
What did you eat yesterday? 2 organic gala apples with almond butter and cinnamon (one of my favorite morning meals!) , snack- 2 bananas, lunch- kale/mixed green salad with as many veggies as possible, 1 glass of kombucha, raw nori wraps with avocado and veggies.
What are some of your favorite gadgets to use in the kitchen? Vitamix! Bamboo cutting board and ceramic knife.
What are some quick tips or hints for raw newbies? Think abundance and start by adding more fruits and veggies into your life. I always suggest you start with salad or green smoothies. Make lunch a large salad and start to incorporate smoothies into your morning. Fill up on the fruits and veg and see how hungry you are for processed foods or meat.
Can you share a favorite raw food recipe with us? Kale Medicine Salad- I shot a video for it and everything= http://epicself.com/nourish/welcome-to-my-kitchen/
Do you take any raw supplements or super foods? I adore Vitamineral Green by HealthForce Nutritionals and sprinkle it into my smoothies or salad dressings. Spirulina and Chlorella are power sources I munch at least once a week. I also take a B12 supplement daily. Chia and hemp seeds are another superfood source of omega-3′s I use daily to keep my levels up. I adore raw cacoa, but only have it on special occasions and always balance it with maca. Durian is fun too! That’s another party food for me 
Where do you see the raw food movement heading? It will spread like wild fire! In the last two years alone I have seen it increase ten fold, especially with the science out now about personal health and planet benefits of plant based diets. There is no denying that adopting a plant based diet is the only way humans can sustainably live on Earth.
Do you have an opinion on whether juicing or green smoothies are better? I think they are both wonderful, but personally adore smoothies because of the plant fiber. The fiber acts like a brush for the insides. I believe that the more whole the plant the more beneficial. When we strip the juice away we are leaving behind valuable pieces of the whole.
Who are some of your inspirations? I am most inspired by Gandi, Buddha, and Eckhart Tolle for their philosophies, and Jim Carrey and Lady Gaga for their insane talent and creativity. I also am daily inspired by my clients and students. They have no idea how much they keep me motivated.
Name one thing that most people don’t know about you? That everything I do is for dance. The reason I wake up every morning is to have one more day flying and spinning across the floor. One more day to breathe, create, move and inspire. 
Heather Haxo Phillips is an accomplished and passionate raw food chef. She is the primary raw food instructor for the Bay Area’s leading raw restaurant Café Gratitude, as well as several Whole Foods markets in San Francisco Bay area. Through Raw Bay Area Heather offers raw food coaching, classes and special events to inspire and educate people about the power of raw food. Heather is a certified raw food chef/instructor and graduate of the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute. Her holistic approach to food and well-being makes Heather a very popular speaker for participants at all skill levels. Students say Heather’s classes are informative, extremely well-presented, easy to follow and fun!
Interview Questions
Q: What do you love the most about raw foods?
A: I love how great I feel while eating really delicious food.
Q: What started your journey with raw foods?
A: My sister-in-law introduced me to it with Victoria Boutenko’s
’12 Steps to Raw Foods’. It was sitting on her bookshelf and I took it down to read. It changed my life forever.
Q: How has raw foods changed your life?
A: Raw food has made me a nicer person. When I am eating healthier food, I am more comfortable in my own skin. It has also changed my career; I left a successful job in fundraising to pursue my passion of teaching raw food.
Q: What projects are you working on?
A: I just came out with a book, Healthy Holidays: A Survival Guide! People can check it out at www.healthyholidaysurvival.com
Q: What are some raw food staples in your current diet?
A: I eat a tremendous amount of sprouts, kale salad, green juices and smoothies. My favorite quick meal is a bowl of avocado with sauerkraut– sometimes with raw bread or crackers to go with it. It is so delicious!
Q: What are some of your favorite gadgets to use in the kitchen?
A: A very sharp knife is an absolute must so that I can chop thin. A tomato shark is something I also use all the time for everything from coring an apple, taking the tops off strawberries, getting eyes out of pineapples, to taking seeds out of tomatoes and cucumbers.
Q: What are some quick tips or hints for raw newbies?
A: Become familiar with green smoothies. If you prefer green juice, you can do it in your VitaMix and strain your mixture through a nut milk bag. My favorite green juice is cucumber, celery, spinach, lime and cilantro.
Q: Do you take any raw supplements or super foods?
A: I don’t take any supplements. The most important superfoods are green, leafy vegetables. I’ve tried lots of superfoods. I just am not that into expensive stuff. Although, when I travel, I take green powders with me.
Q: Where do you see the raw food movement heading?
A: I think it is growing and becoming more main-stream. These are good things! Everybody can incorporate raw food into their diets. Nobody should be pressured to go 100% raw. Simply bringing fresh fruits, vegetables and good fats into the diet is a great start.
Q: Do you have an opinion on whether juicing or green smoothies are better?
A: I think they are both great. I personally love juice, but smoothies are better if you don’t have much time.
Q: Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.
A: I started a non-profit organization in Lebanon. Lebanon is one of my favorite countries in the world. It is so beautiful – the people, the scenery, the food. The Middle East as a region has such an undeserved, unfortunate reputation.I love spending time in the Middle East.
I am excited to share with you an interview with one of my favorite people on the planet, Terces Englehart. Knowing Terces has changed my life. I have literally been following her around for about 2 years now, taking workshops put on by her and her husband, Matthew Engelhart. Her and Matthew are the owners of Cafe Gratitude, put on multiple workshops every year, and Terces herself is heading up a juice club that drinks juice the first week of every month. I am currently taking the Café Gratitude Leadership Course (which is amazing) and am now an employee at the Café Gratitude Santa Cruz. Terces is leading a life service and truly is LOVE courageously expressing in the world. I especially like this interview because the answers are short and sweet and I like the fact that the managers of her Cafes are one of her inspirations. Thank you Terces for your contribution.
What do you love the most about raw foods?
I love eating that close to nature!
What started your journey with raw foods?
An interest in health and a natural intuitive hint that raw foods are what is good for me.
How has raw foods changed your life?
Well the whole Cafe Gratitude movement came from one small raw foods Cafe.
What projects are you working on?
A new book, developing more leaders and keeping my heart open.
What are some raw food staples in your current diet?
Kale, juice daily, local nuts.
What are some quick tips or hints for raw newbies?
Eat and prepare food as simply as possible.
Do you have an opinion on whether juicing or green smoothies are better?
I love juice and green smoothies are a great start for new folks shifting to a healthier diet and a great treat for me!
Who are some of your inspirations?
Our managers, key employees and my husband and children!
Name one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I have a hard time saying no!
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