Raw gourmet meals pictured at Pure Food & Wine Restaurant in New York
Recommendations
“I have many great things to say about Amy but the main one is this: Watch out world! Amy is an incredibly organised, proficient and eloquent connector, organiser, presenter and writer who is on a mission to bring raw food and vitality to Switzerland. I have absolutely no doubt that she will do it, and do it with panache and elegance and professionalism in true Amy Webster style. Amy, I can’t wait to see what you do from here on in and you have my 100% trust, faith, blessings and more.” – Karen Knowler, The Raw Food Coach
I am happy to announce the dates for the Simply Raw classes and workshops in 2012. For those who were waiting for these dates, be quick to book as seats to these classes are limited, and there will be fewer classes in 2012 than in previous years. This is because I am currently developing online programs for French speakers who want to learn about raw food and be coached on line. I will not be offering these programs in English quite yet, simply because many similar programs already exist and there are quite a few raw food coaches globally who teach in English.
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:
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!
Happy New Year to all my readers! And a warm welcome to all the new subscribers who have joined our community following the fantastic “12 Days of Raw Christmas Gorgeous Giveaway” organized by Karen Knowler, which was a huge success with more than 8,400 fans worldwide! I am pleased that many also enjoyed my Chocolate e-book as a special free gift. It is always exciting to see how many more people are becoming interested in raw food and all its health benefits. We are going through exciting times indeed!
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!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to receive 12 splendid raw Christmas gifts by signing up to my coach Karen Knowler’s 12 Days of Raw Christmas. More than 7,000 people are currently taking part, and the numbers keep growing!
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!
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:
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 : )
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:
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 vinegaris 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?
Raw Culinary Artist Amy Levin, who catered the fantastic Simply Raw Detox Retreat in Southern England, is now coming to Switzerland. She is hosting a special Raw Chocolate Workshop at Simply Raw on Saturday 19 November and Sunday 20 November (see more details below). Come on Sunday for an English only class or on Saturday for a class taught in English with translation into French.
For the first time you will have the unique opportunity of learning how to make your own raw gourmet chocolate. Come and learn from an expert who knows all about this subject. Her sophisticated chocolates and elegant desserts were the cornerstone at all SAF restaurants during their opening years and Chad Sarno himself says she is one of the best! And believe me, I had the pleasure of tasting one of her precious treats, and they are positively DE-LI-CIOUS!
What I can say is Amy was a great caterer at our wonderful Raw Detox Retreat that took place recently in England. She knows her subject inside out and is a master at managing a raw kitchen. Moreover, she knows how to take all sweet desserts, and chocolate in particular, to the next level. If you’d like to ensure you can make your own raw chocolate so you can treat yourself as well as impress others, then don’t miss this workshop!
Details: WhenSaturday, November 19th, 2011 – 10 am – 4 pm (with French translation) OR Sunday, November 20th – 11 am – 4 pm (in English only) WhatRaw Chocolate Workshop with Amy Levin and Amy Webster CostCHF 250.- payment in advance is required to reserve your seat! IncludesA recipe & information packet. You will also be able to take home portions of the chocolates made during the workshop. View more information and reserve here.
This class is specifically designed to enable the student to gain a deep understanding of the ingredients with which you are working. You will leave this class with a solid set of base recipes from which to develop your own unique confections. Its important to us that you leave the class feeling confident and inspired and we strive to create an environment which encourages that outcome.
Studies have shown that 65% of us are practical learners therefore, eighty percent of the class is hands on, helping the student to learn and absorb the content on both a practical and theoretical level. You are given a book containing all the recipes and techniques used during the class, plus some extras. Amy Levin is available via email after the class to support you by answering any questions you may have or helping you to problem solve any issues which may arise.
In the meantime, see for yourself and try the following recipe to tantalize your tastebuds:
Method:
Combine all wet ingredients in a high speed blender on medium speed just to combine them. Add dry ingredients one at a time starting with the nibs, give them a few seconds on high to break down before adding the remaining dry ingredients. If you do not have a high speed blender, you can do this in a food processor, but you will want to either omit the nibs or process them in a coffee mill first to break them down before adding to the truffle base.
The resulting batter will be thick, but fluid. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes or until firm enough to roll into balls. When rolling these truffles they will melt slightly in your hand, this is the perfect time to roll them in the coating. Once all are rolled and coated, place in the fridge 10-15 minutes just to set. Alternatively, you can roll all the truffles into balls, without coating them, dip them in your favourite melted chocolate and then roll them in the coating, chopped nuts or desiccated coconut as pictured here.
Convinced? Tempted? Come to Amy’s workshop at Simply Raw! View more information and reserve here.
With school resuming and the end of summer approaching, it will soon be time to prepare for the fall as well as the next winter season. For this there is nothing better than a Raw Detox Retreat! I have an exceptionaloffer to make, because I have just been given access to a marvelous venue to organize a week of walking, yoga and raw food. This venue is located in Southern England, East Sussex. In other words, I am inviting you to join me at the same type of detox retreat that first got me started into raw some 5 years ago already, and which totally transformed my life…
I don’t know if it’s the same for you, but for me, summer is often a time when I am less devoted to my food program. With the school holiday, letting go of any structure, the traveling, the visits, and the time away from my yoga and my bright raw kitchen, I often go astray and am so relieved when school resumes because my welcome routine is back! For many mothers, it is also time to say enough, I have given enough, it is now time to (finally) look after myself! What do you say?
Well I have the perfect solution! A little bit of detox would do wonders, to help us feel light and vibrant once again. You can detox at home, at your own pace, whenever you like, but that requires determination. What is much easier is to attend a Detox Retreat organized for you, with all the necessary ingredients: raw food — freshly prepared FOR YOU –, physical exercise to help with circulation, flow and elimination, massages, workshops, rest of course, and all this in a beautiful and inspiring venue. This is precisely what I have in store for you. Go now and find out more about this amazing retreat. The week is taking place in East Sussex from Saturday 8 October until Saturday 15 October 2011 – this is the week preceding the school holidays here in the Vaud canton….
If you have any questions, a Facebook page was created so that I can answer these. You will find a photo album there so you can see the venue for yourself and get a feel for the place. The page will also help participants get in touch prior to the Retreat. And there will be many surprises.
I sincerely hope many of you will be able to join! If it is not possible now, there will be other occasions, but probably not in this beautiful English Manor estate which is up for sale and will not be available much longer. My hope is that you, my loyal readers and supporters, will be able to take part; I really wanted to open this up to my customer base here in Switzerland because many of you do not have access to such Retreats. But this offer is open to all, and because of the large customer base of my partners, this Retreat will be promoted wide and far and we hope it will fill quickly! Please pass on this message to anyone you know who might benefit from this, thank you!
I am delighted to be back after the summer break, and for those who would like to do a Detox at home, I will bring you a few ideas in the weeks to come. So stay tuned for more information and a very warm welcome to my new subscribers and readers!
You’ve been dreaming of a dehydrator or a juice extractor for months, but you just cannot afford these right now? I’ve some good news for you…
I’m proud to announce our new “Classified Ads”page, which is meant to serve all raw food enthusiasts in Switzerland. Requests to sell or purchase are typically for second-hand kitchen equipment or accessories that are useful to raw and living food enthusiasts. Other type of ads may develop as well, such as: loan/sale or giveaways of equipment, materials, books, DVDs etc; offers and requests for employment; help during special events; holiday rentals featuring the adequate equipment – there are truly tons of ideas for sharing and supporting the growing raw community!
It’s so simple: you can either place your own ad about any type of product, equipment, book, or anything else you can think of and which you would like to sell or purchase or give away. We will then make sure to post your ad on the special blog page, and anyone interested will be able to contact you. We also urge you to check our “Classified Ads” page (which is often updated) regularly, to find what you need.
This page was created a few months ago and it has already benefited some local raw fooders. For instance an automatic sprouter was sold very quickly, and a juice extractor is currently being considered by a potential buyer. There is also a very nice dehydrator on sale for only CHF 250! This service is free for now, so do not hesitate to take advantage of it!
Check our “Classified Ads”, which you can access on the right sidebar of this blog. To post or respond to an ad, contact me here.
Shop – Summer Break from 15 July to 15 August 2011
Order now or before this coming Friday if you wish to make any purchase from the Simply Raw Shop before the summer break as the Shop will close during one month.
Before ordering new supplies, I’d like to empty my current items on stock, so thanks for your understanding if what you’d like to order is no longer available. Moreover, several changes will be occurring when the shop opens again in August. In order to free some time and energy to focus on developing new services and info products, I will be reducing the number of items currently sold through the Shop. Items that can easily be found elsewhere will no longer be offered, such as nuts and seeds, grains, sweeteners and seasonings. You will still be able to find superfoods which are less standard around here, as well as kitchen appliances, raw cosmetics and teaching materials. I remain committed to making your life simple and will recommend other suppliers for those items I will no longer carry.
I wish you all a wonderful summer! Do indulge in the fantastic produce that Mother Nature offers in abundance during this regenerating and energizing season!
I am happy to introduce the latest addition to the the Simply Raw Shop: The E5 Hemp Protein Powder! This will give you an energy boost that lasts all day!
I have had regular customer requests for protein powder, a concept that recalls the synthetic powders that most athletes have become accustomed to in order to feed their muscle mass and ensure sufficient protein consumption. When on a raw vegan diet, anyone wanting to stay fit and in top shape has found the extraordinary powers of hemp protein. E3Live, the well known brand of blue-green algae from the pristine waters of Lake Klamath, used to offer a popular hemp protein powder mixed with their highly alkalizing algae but this product was discontinued some time ago. I am pleased to share the good news with you: they are now offering a super nutritious powder that appears to be the perfect protein mix.
This product contains Organic Hemp Protein along with high quality Hydro-dried AFA, which has over 64 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and active enzymes. Phycocyanin and Phenethylamine (PEA) are extracted from the organically harvested Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) and then added to the mix for increased mental clarity, focus and energy. It is also an excellent source of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids at close to the ideal ratio. The World Health Organization states that the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is 4:1. The ratio in Hemp protein is 3.75:1. Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a rare Omega-6 fatty acid that is found in Hemp protein and it has been used to maintain a healthy heart, balance hormones, and to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Hemp protein contains substantial amounts of all essential amino acids and it also contains non-essential amino acids. The ingredient Spirulina acts as an additional protein boost; and Rhodiola, the super herb helps to ease stress, increase memory and quicken muscle recovery.
You can purchase the E5 Hemp Protein Powder through the Simply Raw Shop, on this page. It comes in boxes of 480gr (1lb/16oz), containing 30 servings. Your choice of vanilla or chocolate flavor, just enough to rebalance the taste of algae and hemp together. Here is my favorite way to take this powder which has become my daily breakfast, a natural boost which I have become addicted to: mix one banana with 1 overfull tablespoon E5 Hemp Protein in a glass of hemp or nut milk (with hemp milk I double the hemp content, which I love!) and blend into a delicious smoothie, in fact a green smoothie! It makes a creamy and delicious drink, you would hardly think you are thus consuming highly nutritious algae and hemp in this rich and creamy, nicely flavored drink!
It is also the perfect companion for traveling as it is easily mixed in any drink to give you the nutritious boost you often need when on the go. I travel with a pack of shelled hemp seeds and E5 Hemp Protein Powder, so that all I need (besides my Personal Blender!) is to buy bananas locally. Great tip! Enjoy!!
For those of you who speak Spanish, but for others too, you may be pleased to learn that a raw food restaurant has opened in Madrid. Thanks to the French blog Veg’an Bio for alerting us of this great piece of news. I happen to love Madrid, and have Spanish family and friends so am particularly happy to hear this news. It will also help me finally explain to them what it is I do….!!! And all of you who travel there may be thrilled to have an additional raw reference for your travel tips.
Watch the video below:
The restaurant Crucina is located in Madrid and receives special recognition as well as a recommendation from the well known Ocio Guide of Madrid (Guía del Ocio) which provides a regional listing of worthy restaurants and entertainment. This YouTube feature shows how raw and living foods can be a gastronomical laboratory to develop innovative flavors, exciting textures for increased vitality, without the use of meat, fish or dairy – along with gorgeous gluten and dairy free desserts. This highly transformational trend is reaching all areas of the world.
Presenting this raw vegan restaurant as the first in Europe…. Surely it is the first of its kind in Spain (not surprisingly) but not for Europe (not likely, with the Saf restaurants in London and Istanbul, but there are others too…). Nonetheless, they are true pioneers to launch this concept in a latin country where traditional food and drink are so much a part of the local culture.
We must continue to collect references of raw restaurants in these parts of the world so that all European residents and worldwide travelers can enjoy this magic too. Check out this page where we will mention other raw restaurants in Europe. Keep us posted of any new ones we are not aware of!
I am happy to announce the dates for the Simply Raw classes and workshops in 2012. For those who were waiting for these dates, be quick to book as seats to these classes are limited, and there will be fewer classes in 2012 than in previous years. This is because I am currently developing online programs for French speakers who want to learn about raw food and be coached on line. I will not be offering these programs in English quite yet, simply because many similar programs already exist and there are quite a few raw food coaches globally who teach in English.
Dates of Classes and Workshops in Morges (Switzerland) for 2012
Happy New Year to all my readers! And a warm welcome to all the new subscribers who have joined our community following the fantastic “12 Days of Raw Christmas Gorgeous Giveaway” organized by Karen Knowler, which was a huge success with more than 8,400 fans worldwide! I am pleased that many also enjoyed my 
Christmas Sale on Simply Raw Shop
