Last year after a long illness which depleted my immune system and left me tired and lethargic, I decided to dramatically improve my health and fitness. Knowing I wanted a radical way of doing so I chose to follow a raw eating programme. Quite a few people I spoke to were worried that I was going to be consuming raw meat, existing on sticks of celery and wondered how I’d manage.
It was finding a book called Spiritual Nutrition by Gabriel Cousens that triggered me into taking action, and from this I devised my own programme which I followed for three months. During this time I dropped over two stone (28 pounds, 13 kilos) and within two weeks was feeling full of energy and brimming with life.
They say you shouldn’t suddenly go completely raw, that you should do it in increments, but I’m a bit ‘gung ho’ when it comes to these things and I went from a fully fledged carnivore to raw vegan in one fell swoop – with no side effects or challenges other than a rapid detox that meant I needed to stay close to the bathroom for a few days, as I shed what seemed like gallons of water!
I followed the programme until I went to India, where it was more difficult to stay raw, and then when I came home and it was November and cold and dark, I found it harder to stay with it, and by Christmas had started eating meat again. I still yearned for the supremely energetic and healthy way I felt on the raw plan, and recently decided to adopt it again, after I had another bout of the chest infection that laid me low for so long in 2007 and 2008.
Because ”Raw’ had been on my radar for a couple of years, I’d been following some of the UK and US leading lights in the field. More about them in a later post…..
Someone who cropped up a few times, and who was referred to me by my friend Karin Ridgers, of Veggie Vision fame, was Russell James, aka The Raw Chef.
Yesterday I met Russell for the first time, at one of his dinner party experiences. We spent the day watching and helping Russell (well, a little bit!) prepare a mouthwatering lunch and dinner.
Christine Miller watches Raw Chef Russell James at work
All the while he was explaining the whys and wherefores of creating top class raw food, and the end results were astonishing. Really fabulous food prepared and served with style that would put many leading restaurants to shame….
The pics will give you an idea of the mouthwatering treats we enjoyed, ranging from canapés to caramelised onion and tomato tarts to lasagne and what for me was the pièce de resistance… chocolate torte with ginger cream and strawberry sauce…you’d never know this was raw, non-dairy, non-wheat, gluten-free, no sugar, pure organic food packed with nourishment for the body and soul…..heaven.
Christine Miller from ReSource enjoys Russell James's canapes
ReSource loves Russell's Tomato and Onion Tart
Heaven on a plate - favourite raw dish so far
It never ceases to amaze me how, with a bit of extra searching online, you can stumble on some of the most unique articles. I’ve added you to my bookmarks, I also have a pal, that will really enjoy this article, so ill send him, a link to your site, as well.
Hi buddy, your blog’s design is simple and clean and i like it. Your blog posts are superb. Please deep them coming . Greets!
I appreciate the post!
I really enjoyed reading, great site, im going to add you to my favorites. Check mine out if you like.. Raw Diet Tips
Im going to say what everyone else have not said above, but i must say ,Your are truly well-informed. i wasnt aware of imformation of your post .Thank you for bringing more content to this topic for us .Im truly grateful and really impressed.
Im not going to going to say what everyone else has already said , but I do want to comment on your knowledge of the topic ,Your are truly well-informed.I cant believe how much of this I just wasnt aware of .Thank you for publishing more info to this topic for me .Im truly thankful and really impressed.
Unbelievable, that’s definitely what I was scanning for! You just saved me alot of digging around
Can I just say what a comfort it is en route to come across someone who really understands what they’re talking about on the web. You certainly know how to bring a matter to light and build it to be significant. More of the public need to study this and recognize this side of the narrative. You should be extra popular since you certainly have the gift.
Adding to my bookmarks thanks. A good quick read.
Thank you for your great blog. I also must say that your blog design is a pleasure to view. Keep up the good work.
thanks !! very helpful post!
You have a very interesting blog here. I`ve already bookmark it and I hope you constantly update it with fresh content. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Your blog is great, looks nice and really reads well. We have a blog directory for “green” and Earth friendly blogs and websites. We would be really happy if you would add your site for free over at http://www.everygreenthing.net/green-business-blog-directory/
Thanks for the info, finally something I can use
I sort of came across your blog by accident looking for something else. I was glad I did though it is great. I just wanted to let you know I stopped by your page!
Very nice, I like your blog.
Your blog is so informative … keep up the good work!!!!
You’re a great writer. That was an amazing post.
I really enjoy your site, thanks for posting!
Very Good Post, what do your reader think about jamie oliver? There are some really good jamie oliver inspited recipes mydish. I have also sent this post to my myspace accounts .
Very interesting blog post thanks for sharing I just added your blog to my bookmarks and will be back
By the way this is a little off topic but I really like your web page layout.
yummmmy……. thanks for your tips , i’d love to comply with your blog as usually as i can.possess a good day~~
This is a great post; it was very informative. I look forward in reading more of your work. Also, I made sure to bookmark your website so I can come back later
I appreciate the helpful knowledge you essay in your post. I will bookmark your blog and have my kid check up here often. I am quite sure they will peruse a lots of new stuff here than anybody else!
I eulogize the valuable history you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your website and have my kids check up here recurrently. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!
The way you have described this is very thorough. I will link your blog page to mine.
Heaven on a plate.
GREAT!
Hi Christine,
That’s incredible! I’m completely amazed. I do love my hot food though, but seeing this array of delights,is just stunning and so worth a try.
Enjoy your day.
Kind regards and many blessings
always
Liz.x
Hi Sarah,
Yes, there are Raw food cook books about – here’s a link to some on Amazon – http://bit.ly/ZtIrk
and there are some great recipes on Russell’s blog as well.
http://www.therawchef.com/recipes.html
Guess what we’ll be having when you come to dinner…..? LOL
Christine
Wow, the raw chocolate torte looks heavenly, mouthwatering…
Are there raw food cook books about? The first time I had heard of the raw food diet was when you mentioned it.
Sarah