Today I would like to share quite a few pieces of information – I think there is something for each of you, raw fooder or not, from Switzerland or elsewhere!

First ever visit of Russell James in Switzerland!

Russell James is coming to Switzerland! The famous and up-coming chef, properly named The Raw Chef, Russell James, who now teaches gourmet raw food preparation worldwide and published what I think are the best raw recipe ebooks currently available online – you can view more information and/or purchase his ebooks and home study courses here- will make a welcome visit to Switzerland on June 9 and 10, 2012. He is hosted by Michael Brönnimann of Naturkostbar, the great raw food shop located in Steffisburg near Thun. Michael was taught in the States by Russell so he is hosting his teacher for what will surely be two wonderful days of gourmet raw food demonstrations.

Each class will last about 5 hours and will be taught in English. I am trying to go myself as I am also a big fan of Russell’s work and have been since we met in 2007 during my Raw Coach training with Karen Knowler. For more information on these classes, go to this page.

Choose your own date for a raw food class!

As it has been difficult to fill my English classes being offered, I am now resorting to the very useful Doodle survey tool to offer several dates to hold my Simply Raw Level 1 “Introduction to raw food” class. If you had been thinking about attending one, then now is your chance to select a date that suits you! This survey is open until May 15 so go there right now and see if you’d like to sign up to this class. You just need to go to this survey, add your name and email (so I can get back to you!) and check all the dates when you would be able to join the class. I will thereafter confirm the date selected for the majority.

Highly Successful Online Coaching Program (in French)

Indeed, the very first edition of Simply Raw’s online coaching program took place in March (in French). No fewer than 32 people signed up to  “Le Cru en 30 Jours” (Raw in 30 Days)! This big success exceeded my expectations, and shows that there is a large demand for such a program – one that supports you when you decide to embark on an unusual but oh so magical journey. The raw and living food diet, in order to be successful, must be applied on an everyday basis – and with the high pace, stressful lifestyles that we lead in our western societies, our attention is so focused on sustaining a crazy rhythm that any change requires substantial dedication. To be able to share this challenge with peers who are also facing difficulties and to benefit from the expert advice of a coach who is available and attentive to your needs, this changes everything. If you’d like to read what participants have to say about it, check the French version of this post. Otherwise, I want to let you know that this program will take place again in September, so save the date! For more information, check this page.

Detox Retreats

I was about to announce a new Detox Retreat in the wonderful venue of Southern England (which is on the market so will be sold any day and thus no longer available), but unfortunately a member of the team backed out, thus this option will likely not be offered again. However, I do work individually with clients who wish to accomplish a detox cure on their own, and as of next fall I will be able to hold detox retreats in Switzerland. I am also working on an online version of the detox, which will be available at the end of the year. If you’d like to detox at your own pace at home, with the support of a coach and a team to share with, don’t hesitate to let me know here. I will keep you posted on when the program will be ready, by the Fall of 2012!

Yoga and Meditation Week in the Swiss mountains

Thankfully, I am not the only one offering this type of retreat! I am pleased to inform you about the week of yoga and raw food organized by Aija Mougeolle, in the nearby region  of the Valais, Switzerland. A wonderful Kundalini yoga teacher in Lausanne, Aija has discovered the healing benefits of raw food and loves to share her knowledge and passion with her yoga students. It is not necessary to follow her classes to participate in the retreats, which take place every year in the Alps of the Valais region. This year, the retreat will take place from Sunday July, 1st until Saturday, July 7 at Chemin-Dessus in Valais. The price is CHF 950, and includes three vegetarian or raw meals a day, the lessons and the walking trips in one of Europe’s nicest forests! Massages optional. For more information, visit www.yogaija.net or contact Aija here.

Wonderful Video on Sprouts

During the coaching program “Raw in 30 Days”, the exchanges between participants were numerous and enriching. Many of them shared their experiences and expertise, and we all learned a lot. I would love to post a little video shared by Mara (thanks Mara!), on sprouts. It’s a light and fun video. Take a few minutes to enjoy it – I promise it will make you smile!

The Kingdom of Sprouts by Angélique Lichelli – may this video inspire you to start sprouting at home, and grow some of the most nourishing and readily available foods on the planet!  You’ll see that by the end it also looks delicious and very appealing…

Watch the video

Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables — from  farm to home !

As you know, the best way to obtain fresh fruit and vegetables (what we should be eating), is at the farm! In Switzerland we are lucky enough to have large agricultural spaces near the cities, and thus farms almost everywhere. Today, numerous services for fruit and vegetable baskets are available – each more appealing than the other. I am myself addicted to these types of services, since even though I like supermarkets for their convenience, I truly prefer the quality of farm products as well as the personal exchanges with local producers. This really allows us to reestablish our connection to nature, which many of us yearn for.

Going to the farm is ideal, but we don’t always have the time… So let us welcome the delivery of farm products to our homes. Here is a series of offers in the Vaud region (if you live elsewhere, research similar services in your area, I am sure you will find something great!).

VitaVerdura

La Belle Bleue

Culti-Shop

Marché Durable

I know many people who are satisfied with these services – I have personally chosen the first one, VitaVerdura, which I love so far! This young company has multiple advantages: you can subscribe to a “basket” of  your choice, and change it as you wish, each week. This flexibility is very much appreciated. In addition, ethics are always a great part of these offers: these companies are concerned with reducing waste and impact on the environment, through limiting distances when delivering products.  Here’s an approach that we can all appreciate!

Living Foods on Swiss television!

Yes, after radio, it’s television’s turn to talk about living foods, or rather, to bring images of this new realm into everyone’s living room. Indeed, for the launch of his new book, “Les secrets de l’alimentation vivante” (The Secrets of Living Foods), Jacques-Pascal Cusin has been invited for the mid-day news (at 12.45 p.m.) on Television Suisse Romande, on Friday, May 25th. The channel will also come and visit me to film a few more images of delicious raw foods, to add to the show. Do not miss this rendezvous, and share the news with your friends and family. Our passion is clearly starting to spread!

Brian Clement is back in Geneva on March 13-14

As in previous years, this special event is always announced on this blog, albeit late this year, I really apologize. You can still decide to join if you wish, especially the evening conference on this coming Tuesday. As always, Brian Clement, director of the world famous Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida will be giving a conference on Tuesday 13 March in the evening, as well as a full day workshop on Wednesday which includes a raw mid-day meal.

For information on the Tuesday 13 March conference in Geneva, click here.
For information on the Wednesday 14 March workshop in Geneva, click here.

I will unfortunately not be able to attend this year as I am currently far too busy with my teaching and coaching activities, but I encourage you to go as it is always fascinating to listen to Dr. Clement.

The Living Foods Festival in Paris on 10-11 March

Here’s another exciting event taking place this week-end in Paris, a festival entirely dedicated to living foods! It comes with a very dense agenda, many conference speakers (including Dr. Brian Clement from Florida, Dr. Tal Schaller from Geneva, the naturopathic practitioner Claudine Richard from Paris, as well as Jacques-Pascal Cusin, who has just written a new book in French “The secrets of living foods“), along with many products and services that will be presented to all raw food enthusiasts who attend! It is obviously too late for most of you to go to Paris for this, unless you had already made plans to, but it is interesting to see how the French raw scene is evolving!

For more information, click here.

New book by Karen Knowler, “Eat Right for Your Personality Type”

This brand new book by my coach Karen Knowler has been receiving much attention right now in the UK as it has just been launched. According to Karen, there are 10 different eater personality types. So which one are YOU?  Says Karen: “Who you are being (Eater Type) + What you consume = Your experience. What are you creating for yourself right now, and how do you feel about that?”

“It’s no secret that there are a thousand different approaches to food, eating, diet and what we should and shouldn’t eat, but the fact remains, no matter what the “experts” may tell you, you’ll only listen if you like what you hear! The truth is, that the single biggest influence on what you do and don’t do around food is YOU – specifically who you are and how your unique personality drives the food choices and eating decisions that you make.” This book promises to be very exciting and insightful for us all…

For more information, click here. On this page you can take the famous quiz!!

An appealing offer to take time off in the mountains…

It has been a while since I have wanted to share the following with you. A friend of mine has come up with a marvelous hosting concept which is both original and very enticing: Rosmarie, who is a living foods enthusiast and professional educator, offers to host in her mountain chalet those who wish to get away and, as she’s called her new service, “lift their feet off the ground” for a week-end or several days. Her chalet is set in the beautiful landscape of the Fribourg Alps. In a relaxing and safe setting, she will take care of you, in every sense of the word — your food, your peace of mind, your state of mind… Take advantage of her latest offering for families to enable parents to reconnect with each other while Rosmarie looks after your children in a truly valuable way! An idyllic concept!

Rosmarie speaks fluent English so feel free to contact her, the information here is in French: www.leverlepied.ch

I brought a few sample dishes, of course, including a raw oat, chia and hemp milk porridge (as it was breakfast time) and to really impress, a lemon cheesecake and chocolate ganache — all raw of course! This was to illustrate that raw food can be truly delicious, and gourmet! I was asked to bring something surprising and I think it worked!

I certainly hope that this show may have inspired a few and that thanks to this broadcast to the greater public, some will recognize in this a fantastic opportunity that has come their way — that of discovering and trying raw food, as this has the potential to truly transform their lives!

The subject of the show:

The raw planet – Is it healthier to eat raw?
Restaurants, classes, blogs, take-out services, individuals as well as top chefs: those attracted by raw food and wanting to reinvent traditional cooking or rather, uncooking, are growing in numbers.

Why should we stop cooking? Does it taste better? Is it healthier? More environmentally sound? Amy Webster, raw food coach, tells us all we need to know about this fast developing trend.

Moreover, top chefs are gathering each year in nature, in wild settings, and are attemtping to reinvent culinary creativity from their natural habitats. This concept called “Cook it Raw” was born just after the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, as a challenge. “Cook it raw” is now a think tank, a trend, a philosophy to rethink the art of gastronomy in an enlightened, conscious, sustainable and environmentally correct fashion. One of its founders,  Andrea Petrini, talks about it.

Note: If you do not wish to listen to this part, because Cook it Raw has in fact little to do with raw food, except for an attempt to work with pure, natural ingredients only, then I invite you to skip minutes 07:14 to 14:00

To listen to the radio show (in FRENCH), click on this link: Emission Miam Miam, Radio Suisse Romande, Samedi 3 mars 2012, 8h30-9h00 then click on “Ecouter” which is below the date of the show, namely Saturday 3 March.

Latest News for Raw Enthusiasts!

The new online coaching program “Le Cru en 30 Jours” (in FRENCH only, sorry…)  is just about to launch with the first teleconference taking place this Monday 5 March. It has atracted much interest in the French-speaking community with more than 20 signups already, which I am really pleased about. This program promises to be a unique learning experience for those who are joining and thus giving themselves the means to achieve their health and wellness goals! It is such a treat to invest in yourself in this way! It is still time to signup but don’t wait too long if you don’t want to miss anything!

For those who are eager to find out about raw food, come and join us (oops, in French again I’m afraid) for the Soirée Découverte which is taking place in Morges this coming Thursday 8 March from 5pm to 9pm. To sign up, send an email here.

For ENGLISH SPEAKERS, I do have a Level 1, Introduction to Raw Food Class which is scheduled on Saturday 28 April, so you may sign up now! Also in English we have added a new date for the Fermentation: A Master Class workshop with Guest Chefs Amy Levin and Jo Balfe to take place on Sunday 1 April (the Saturday 31 March workshop is already full). You now have plenty of choice to get your raw act together! ]]> http://blog.simplyraw.ch/?feed=rss2&p=1472 0 http://blog.simplyraw.ch/?p=1454 http://blog.simplyraw.ch/?p=1454#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:05:35 +0000 Amy Webster http://blog.simplyraw.ch/?p=1454 Indeed, this is no secret: fermented foods are real assets for our health and well being. Fermentation is an ancient culinary tradition which is present in a number of cultures around the world and serves primarily to preserve food. It is very popular these days and as a result fermented foods are back on our plates, and for good reasons…

The many health benefits of fermented foods

Fermented foods are a great sources of friendly bacteria for our gut flora, which is why their main benefit is that they improve digestion. They reinforce our immune system and increase the amount of nutrients present in the foods (in particular the B group of vitamins, including B12 which is so often deficient). They encourage the absorption of proteins and fats, as well as the creation of amino acids. They are rich in enzymes, these catalysts that are ever so precious for our digestion and vitality. Finally, they contribute to reducing inflammation.

These natural probiotics are a better alternative to taking supplements, which are so often (and understandably so) recommended by naturopaths. They are more efficient and more natural of course. If on top of that you fermented and mixed your own foods by hand, chances are they will have fed on your own friendly bacteria, which will multiply and repopulate your gut when you eat them, for your own good! This is clearly natural magic at work! Your own culture of bacteria will be of optimal quality, unlike some of the supplements sold these days.

The key balance between good and bad bacteria

In these times of processed and industrial food, our internal balance between friendly and harmful bacteria is often at risk. The nasty ones often take over, which means we are more prone to viruses, infections and other bugs which multiply and create havoc inside our bodies, affecting our health and well-being (think of recent epidemics of intestinal flu). Traces of antibiotics are too often present in our food, our water, our environment and of course our medication, which also contributes to unbalanced gut flora.

Yet everyone agrees on this principle: our gut is clearly the second human brain. Good or bad digestion (and thus absorption and elimination) have a direct and undeniable impact on our health. When all is in order, we feel light, have more energy, even our mood is affected. No need to go into details of how bad digestion feels, because we’ve all been there. Let’s also mention that fermented foods also help with allergies and skin problems, as well as mood swings and depression, amongst other ailments.

Healthy and delicious foods that anyone can enjoy!

For some, consuming more fermented foods will suffice to improve digestion and the ensuing well being. Amongst the better known fermented foods are of course yoghurt and cheese (but remember pasteurisation kills the probiotics), as well as beer and wine.  In raw and living foods, we talk mostly about sauerkraut (well known in this part of the world) and its many variations, as well as miso, shoyu, tempeh (all made from fermented soy) from Asia, but also fermented drinks such as Kombucha or Kefir, as well as fermented breads, sauces and other preparations made with fermented cereals and nuts.

Fermentation Master Class at Simply Raw in Switzerland

The good news is, fermented foods are easy and very cheap to make at home! But like any new technique, you need to learn the basics and put this knowledge into practice before you can start developing the habit and pleasure of making your own fermented foods. To help you do just that, I have invited Guest Raw Chef Amy Levin, who launched her new class on fermentation just last year in the UK, with great success. Amy Levin will be coming to Switzerland with fermentation specialist Jo Balfe to teach a full-day Fermentation Master Class.

Hosted by Simply Raw in Morges, this class will only take place once this year and the date is Saturday 31 March 2012. If demand is very high, we might add another session on the Sunday 1st April. During this class, you will learn how to make your own sauerkraut, kimchi (the Korean version with cabbage and other vegetables), fermented nut cheese and sauces, as well as kombucha and kefir, and more!

For more information on this class, and to sign up, click here >>. Note that several pre-bookings have already been received so don’t wait too long as places are limited!

Tips on how to eat fermented foods: It is best to consume them at the beginning of your meal, in small quantities. Add a tablespoon of fermented vegetables to your meals, or enjoy a fermented drink to improve digestion. You don’t need to consume large quantities, it’s the regularity that will bring the benefits. The leading expert of gut flora and digestive issues Donna Gates recommends “popping a spoonful of cultured veggies into your mouth before or after eating a sweet food. The cultured vegetables provide an alkalizing antidote to that sugar since the microbiota will dine on the sugar and it is less likely to harm you!”.

This attractive and innovative concept offers small savory or sweet squares in six flavors, including three savory (Herbs, Mexican, Onion & Lemon) and three sweet (Citrus, Chocolate, Coconut & Raspberry). I was lucky to taste them all and I found them truly delicious, with that special “home made” (of course!) sensation. The concept is also creative: the small squares to eat are packed in cardboard boxes, environment friendly, and, of course, square! Squares in squares, and downright raw! I wish Nadia every success in her new venture! Nadia, whose creativity is endless, is waiting for your orders. For those living in Switzerland, seize this new offering without delay and support small businesses that strive to serve our very special needs! Not to mention that this product will delight raw fooders and non-raw fooders alike!

When one eats predominantly raw and living foods, one of the most difficult challenges is the lack of bread or dense foods that tend to stick to the bones and are more satiating, especially in this time of year when temperatures are rock bottom. Fruits and veggies, juices, salads and smoothies continue to support us more than ever, but without such “biscuits” or “bites” and crackers, it would be a lot more difficult to sustain. For those of you who don’t have the time or energy to make your own dehydrated treats, this service is for you! I do make my own, but I look forward to ordering Nadia’s special squares because I enjoy variety and I like these new textures and flavors. My favorite ones are Lemon & Onion, and Coconut & Raspberry. Which will be yours?

Nadia Bernier invites you to visit her website (all in French for now, but Nadia speaks fluent English): www.carrement-cru.ch to place an order in Switzerland, and will be happy to answer any question you may have! Enjoy!

About Nadia Specialized in raw vegan food and trained in the USA, Nadia Bernier has launched a range of natural and healthy foods for all members of the family. Thus “CARREMENT CRU” or RESOLUTELY RAW was born, a range of home-made, uncooked sweet and savory biscuits called “Little Squares”.  These are simply dehydrated at a temperature that allows the preservation of active ingredients and nutrients naturally occurring in the squares’ ingredients. These little squares are both nutritious and highly digestible. All ingredients used are organic, aiming to preserve our own health as well as that of the planet.

Fermentation: A Master Class

The class I mentioned in my last post, which is truly unique and in high demand, now has a fixed date: it will be taking place on Saturday 31 March 2012 with Amy Levin and Jo Balfe. More information about this class will follow very shortly on this blog. Pre-bookings are already coming in for this class which will surely fill many needs, particularly the need to boost our immune system with natural probiotics, especially with intestinal bug epidemics that often occur all year round, so stay tuned…

Grouped Raw Purchases in Geneva

This note is for raw fooders living in  Geneva: one of my clients would like to get together with other persons living in Geneva to bulk order from UK raw supplier Detox Your World, where you can find the super-foods that were part of the Simply Raw Shop offer until recently — including raw cacao, carob, maca, hemp, mesquite…. and much more. So if you are interested, send an email to Fredouica.

Home study courses allow people to learn from the comfort of their own homes, which makes it a lot easier for a lot of people around the world — and a lot cheaper too. Granted, human contact is essential in learning and remaining motivated, but online programs these days come with chat forums, teleclasses and many other means of sharing with people wherever they are on the planet! I have taken part in many myself and it has been a great source of learning and experimenting for me.

If you are eager to learn more about raw foods online, one fantastic teacher is of course my coach Karen Knowler, whom many of you have heard of already, and the now famous Raw Food Chef Russell James. Karen is currently running various online classes for all levels, including her new “Raw Food Made Simple” program based on her very successful book which you can buy here.

Russell has just recently relaunched his fantastic home study program entitled “How to be your own raw food chef… and still have time to eat”. This is a great program which I have purchased and have learned loads of wonderful tips from. Russell is by far my favorite chef and the only one whose recipes are always a fantastic success! You can find several of his offerings here (scroll down below my Chocolate e-book), including his wonderful e-books – which of course I highly recommend! Moreover Russell has recently released a Video based Mini Course which I strongly recommend you watch here: Russell’s Mini Course. This is to show you that there is plenty out there for anyone who speaks English!

New Online Classes

But to serve the French speaking community here in Switzerland and globally, I will soon be launching two online programs which might be of interest to you or anyone you know who is French speaking and interested in raw food. The first program will be a raw food coaching program over 30 days, to provide thorough support to people who are trying to eat more raw or simply to integrate it in their daily routine. It will be full of tips and inspiration, and will offer valuable support and coaching exercises. The second will be an online version of my three classes, levels 1, 2 and 3, via audio, video and text files, along with a chat forum, a Q&A platform and a support group. All of this will be invaluable to anyone wanting to learn all about raw food in French from home. If you are interested in any of these, stay tuned or send me an email with either “Raw Food Coaching in 30 Days” or “Online Simply Raw Classes” in the subject header. Just keep in mind these will both be held in French only – for now.

Dates of Classes and Workshops in Morges (Switzerland) for 2012

For those of you who live nearby don’t miss the following classes which will be held in Morges this year:

• Discover Raw Evening (in French): Thursday 8 March 2012
• Fermentation Workshop with Chef Amy Levin: Saturday 31 March 2012 — in English with French translation
• Class Level 1 (in English): Saturday 28 April 2012

• Simplement Cru Niveau 1 (in French): Saturday 12 May 2012
• Simplement Cru Niveau 2 (in French): Saturday 3 June 2012
• Simplement Cru Niveau 3 (in French): Saturday 8 September 2012

• Raw Chocolate Workshop with Guest Chef Amy Levin in November 2012 (date to be confirmed) — in English with French translation

If you speak French enough to understand, feel free to join a French class and I will be happy to explain a few things and answer questions on the side for your benefit! Also the class booklet can be given in English.

Each class will take place only once this year so please book ahead of time to ensure you get a seat. All seats must be paid in advance. To reserve and pay, go to this page now.  I look forward to meeting you or seeing you again this year in person or online! To let us know what you need please leave a comment below!

I hope 2012 has begun well and I wish you all Love, Joy and Health in the year to come which promises to be very exciting! I wanted to start the year talking about love, and how this most essential of our deep needs is truly what is making the world evolve. There is much to say about love, and many have said it, but to cut a long story short, I would simply advise you to try to act from a place of love at all times and your life will be truly transformed! With love will come joy and also health. Don’t you agree that the world would be a different place if love replaced many of the negative emotions that our world experiences daily?

Some could say we live in troubled times but I have long learned that a positive attitude is the most important health asset so despite the turmoil I know there are great things to come our way. In unsettling times, whether externally driven (political, economic, financial, environmental) or internally (health, diet, relationships, etc), it is of prime importance to find your balance and peace of mind inside of you. Remember that no one and nothing can take that away from you. Once you discover that inner peace inside, you will never let it go. But it takes time and practice. You could try yoga, meditation, relaxation, Emotional Freedom Technique or Meridian Tapping – whatever you choose to relieve the stress will bring you to a better place. And from that better place, your attitude and beliefs will be improved, and nothing will hold you back from reaching your goals and living the life of your dreams!

Setting Intentions

This is easily said, I know, and more difficult to put into practice. My advice to you at the beginning of this new year, which truly feels like a blank page waiting to be filled, is to set your intentions for the months or year ahead. What would you like to experience this year? What do you want to take in, and what do you want to take out? This is the very first step to reaching your goals. As we all know, New Year resolutions are made to be broken and short-lived, unfortunately, leaving us frustrated and disappointed year in and year out. However, setting intentions is a first step in getting in touch with our true desires. Before you resolve to make any change in your life, you need to make sure it comes to fill a true need or desire. Most of us don’t even know what this is because we are disconnected, we spend our lives running around achieving one thing after another. So slow down, breathe deeply, and take time to listen to your inner being so you can find out what it is you need to change this year to become a happier you!

Setting intentions is easier than making commitments. Nurture these intentions as you would a dear friend, and when you are comfortable with the energy this brings, then you may be ready to make commitments. If this involves improving your diet and lifestyle in general, we are here to help you! With our classes, upcoming online programs and coaching services, we hope to be of great service to you this coming year.

Upcoming Classes & Events

I am currently working on the Simply Raw calendar for the first part of 2012. As previously announced, I needed time to begin developing new products and services, so live classes will resume in March with new dates to be announced very shortly – including a Level 1 and Level 2 Class to be held in French this spring, as well as a Level 1 in English. But I will soon be announcing what many of you have been waiting for, namely online raw food teaching and coaching programs for those who cannot attend live classes. This is coming soon as well as more raw recipes to keep you inspired and motivated!

Good News: Not Detoxing Just Yet!

After the inevitable indulging during the festive season – and I do hope you indulged as you should, remember that fun and pleasure are part of the health equation! – Detoxing is on everyone’s mind. Well I am no exception but honestly, I don’t feel up to it, not quite yet! My motto is always to listen to your body and respect its natural cycles. For me, that means gently transitioning back to the high raw balance that keeps me in top shape, as there have been a few too many non-raw intakes during the holiday. But that will include, at least for now, some dense and filling items such as nuts and nut butters, and sweet treats as well. With the snow and cold weather in Switzerland, I feel a certain calorie intake is called for! Detoxing can wait until the spring shows up! So if you’re like me and enjoy a treat now and again, here’s one I am enjoying right now: dip a Brazil nut in almond butter and fill a Medjool date with it – instant bliss, I assure you. And just as easy as opening a box of cookies.

One last note. If Detoxing is indeed on your mind and needs to be on your agenda this first part of the year, I may be running another incredible Simply Raw Detox Retreat in Southern England this spring. Let me know if you might want to join by sending me an email. Happy January!

The calendar will be live until Christmas so take up this offer before it is too late! The giveaway started last Wednesday 14 December but you can still bag all the gifts from previous days. You will find wonderful raw recipes and tips to spend the holiday season in joy and communion while feeding your bodies and souls with the best possible nourishment!

http://www.12DaysofRawChristmas.com

Gift Available in French too

I made a promise to my French-speaking audience! Yesterday, when Karen’s calendar was dedicated to Simply Raw, my own gift was revealed… and I managed to get a download page going for the French copy of my gift. So if you prefer your copy in French, or know someone who might be interested, direct them to the link hereunder. The downloads are going strong since yesterday! Don’t waste any time, grab this gift now:

http://www.special.simplyraw.ch/cadeau_de_noel.html

And finally, to benefit from the last sales from the Simply Raw Shop : http://www.simplyraw.ch/christmas-sales

Enjoy these multiple gifts and have a Fabulous Christmas!

Don’t hesitate to share this information with family, friends and colleages. Pass on this message of love, sharing and generosity far and wide!

How do you fancy bagging 12 gorgeous raw food gifts for FREE this Christmas?

I’m delighted to announce that I’m part of the very special “12 Days of Raw Christmas” Gorgeous Gifts Giveaway, sponsored by my favorite coach Karen Knowler – a 12-day online event where every day for 12 days in the run up to Christmas you will receive a special downloadable gift from an international raw food expert (including me), all for FREE!

The first gift will be released this coming Wednesday 14th December 2011, so to make sure you’re on the recipient list I recommend that you hop over to the page (make sure you have your speakers turned up first so you can enjoy a seasonal tune!) and reserve your rawesome gifts today : )

Here’s where you need to go:

http://www.12DaysofRawChristmas.com

I think this is one of the best things I’ve ever seen around Christmas on the internet, and I can tell you that the gifts that are going to be delivered are top-notch, including a very special gift from me. Indeed, I will be gifting you with my wonderful e-book, purposefully redesigned for this occasion, “The Magic of Chocolate – Easy and Healthy Recipes to Enjoy Raw Cacao”. Don’t miss this unique opportunity that is time limited!

Christmas Sale on Simply Raw Shop

Also, for your last minute Raw Christmas shopping, hop over to my Shop page where you will find a few items that are still available before I close the Shop – in the way that it ran this past year. There are some great bargains while the stocks last, including a special offer on a brand new juicer,  so don’t waste a minute:

http://www.simplyraw.ch/christmas-sales

A heartfelt thank you for your support and loyalty this year and of course, I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

PS: Don’t forget to tell your friends. You don’t have to be into raw foods to love these presents! Indeed, my e-book alone is full of delicious recipes which anyone can make at home and these goodies are free of gluten, dairy, animal protein and refined sugars. And that’s just one of the 12 wonderful gifts you will be receiving. Is there anything else you want for Christmas?!

Once again, here comes the season of the flu and other viruses and seasonal infections… In other words, the moment to talk about natural ways to stimulate our immune system and reinforce our defenses against the multiple attacks related to the cold and rainy season.

Food certainly plays an important role. The more you fill your body with rich, dense, fatty and sweet foods, the less energy you will benefit from to stay in shape and fight viruses and infections. It is thus more important now than ever to pay attention to what we eat. I recommend juices and smoothies as an easy way of consuming a large amount of fruit and vegetables, with a special focus on green vegetables for their alkalizing, calming and mineral-rich properties. Minerals are crucial in fighting diseases, as are vitamins. So adopt this good habit and try out some new juices!

Ginger Apple Juice

No doubt that this juice will surprise you. Make it and I promise that you will remember it! Jason Vale, the UK’s famous juice master, demonstrated this recipe in a video: all you need is a big apple (or 2 small ones) with a big piece of fresh ginger (2 cm square — yes, I am serious!) in a juicer. The result: a antiviral boost with the nicest effect. Drink it in one go, it will remind you of Tequila shots. Don’t hesitate to shriek if needed, warmth will penetrate your body immediately in an exhilarating -and lasting!- manner. I believe that such a juice, if regularly consumed, will chase many intruders away from your body. No need to remind you of all the antiviral and anti-infectious properties of ginger – a real miracle! Just make sure to avoid it if you have a sore throat or any type of mouth or throat infection – it could irritate your mucous membranes.

In the same way, use as much fresh lemon juice as you want- to drink before you eat anything in the morning, in a big glass of water, with or without honey depending on your preferences, and/or with ginger for a true winter cocktail.  Apple vinegar is another product that will stimulate your immune system. Not to forget: garlic, cinnamon, herbal teas, etc.

Let us remember the basic fundamentals of good health:

- a healthy and balanced diet (preferably raw!)
- pure and high-quality (filtered) water
- regular and regenerating sleep
- invigorating, non-polluted fresh air
- daily exposure to sunlight (even short) to gain vitamin D
- regular practice of physical exercise for muscle strength and mobility
- deep and regular breathing
- healthy relationships, with family, friends and at the workplace
- a positive attitude, love and compassion for your close ones and for nature and the universe…

We could continue building this list, but these were the most important criteria to me. They might seem obvious to you, but in our stressful lives, many aspects are neglected… Just think about it for the next few days and observe what requires your direct attention. What will you need to improve in the coming new year?