Win the Idiot’s Guide to Eating Raw

Recently we had the opportunity to chat with Mark Reinfeld, co-author (along with Bo Rinaldi and Jennifer Murray) of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Raw.  We asked him about his journey with raw foods and why he decided to co-author the book. This guide offers a clear understanding of the healing and energy-boosting benefits of eating raw, simple recipes for over 150 delicious raw food dishes, facts about the anti-aging properties of raw foods and advice on how to get your calcium and protein. Check out the interview below to learn more about Mark and to discover how you can score a FREE copy of the book.

RFN: What brought you to the raw food movement?
Mark: In the late ’80’s a friend of mine took a workshop with Gabriel Cousens. We started experimenting with raw foods. When I moved to San Diego, I was 80-100 percent raw for an extended period. I even wrote my Masters thesis in Holistic Nutrition on the Positive Benefits of Raw Food Cuisine. Since then, raw foods have taken on different roles in my life.

RFN: What raw foods were your first? Did anything significant cause you to change your diet to raw foods?
Mark: We started experimenting with a dehydrator, making sunseed and fig treats, and also seed sauces and dressings for salads. It was a fascinating discovery to learn a ‘new’ cutting edge culinary style. When I moved to San Diego I wanted to see how I would feel by including more raw foods in my diet. The climate was much more suitable to raw foods than what I was accustomed to in New York. I was also experimenting with different types of cleanses and fasts so the raw food lifestyle was a perfect compliment.

RFN: We never thought we would see an Idiot’s Guide book to Eating Raw. What made you decide to go this route?
Mark: We were referred to a literary agent who connected us with the publisher of  the Idiots Guide Books series. They were looking for someone to write a book on eating raw. It was an instant connection.

RFN: How did you develop the content for this guide?
Mark: My wife and co-author Jennifer Murray facilitated the recipe development which also included popular recipes from our restaurants. I did the research and compiled the information chapters with contributions from Bo Rinaldi co-author of Vegan Fusion World Cuisine.

RFN: What do you hope someone will gain after reading this book?
Mark: For people to realize how simple and essential it is to include healthy raw foods in their diet. More people than ever are turning to a raw food lifestyle. In this guide, readers will find the secrets to raw food weight loss; how raw foods can heal the body and boost energy and enthusiasm; information on the anti-aging properties of raw food; a comprehensive resource guide to businesses, websites and groups that support the raw lifestyle and 100+ recipes that show how raw foods can be combined into delectable meals. The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw fully explains the benefits of this increasingly popular diet choice, plus presents a mini cookbook that gets readers started on their new regimen.

Recently published studies indicate that rheumatoid and fibromyalgia patients—who number in the millions—can benefit from an uncooked vegan diet rich in antioxidants, lactobacilli, and fiber. Woody Harrelson says the “Recipes so good, you may want to eat this book!”

RFN: What advice can you give to someone just starting to embark upon their raw food journey?
Mark: Go at a pace that you are comfortable with. Be gentle with yourself along the way as you learn more about food and yourself. Connect with others who share a similar interest in raw foods for support and inspiration along the way.

Our special gift for our readers….
Mark Reinfeld has graciously donated 3 copies of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Raw to be given to our loyal readers. That’s right, a FREE book for you! Isn’t that exciting?! By simply leaving a comment to this article from July 13, 2009 (12AM, EST) to July 17th, 2009 (11:59PM, EST), you’ll be entered to win one of these free copies. One entry per person (meaning, if you comment multiple times, you will be disqualified). Winners will be picked by a random number generator and then notified individually via the email address they provided for making their comment. Good luck, happy commenting!

Where you buy the book: You can purchase this book from Amazon.com.

A little more info on Mark Reinfeld: Mark, the recipient of the 2006 Platinum Carrot Award for living foods, is the founding chef of Blossoming Lotus Restaurant, winner of Honolulu Advertiser’s 2006 ‘Ilima Aware for Best Restaurant on Kaua’i. His cookbook, Vegan Word Fusion Cuisine, co-authored with Bo Rinaldi and with a foreward by Dr. Jane Goodall, has won nine national awards. He has been preparing inspired gourmet vegan and live food cuisine for over 15 years.  Be sure to visit his website, Vegan Fusion, and his blog.

By rawfoodnation Tags: bo rinaldi, complete idiot's guide to eating raw, jennifer murray, mark reinfeld, raw food, vegan fusion
Posted in Promotions | 64 Comments »

64 Responses to “Win the Idiot’s Guide to Eating Raw”

1. mika says:

   July 16, 2009 at 5:57 am

   great interview! this book looks like a wonderful resource and i am looking forward to checking it out. i am loving this website – seems like you guys really hit the ground running! definitely becoming my favorite raw food lifestyle site. thanks

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2. Glenda says:

   July 16, 2009 at 12:50 pm

   I’ve been interested in cleansing and becoming a raw foodist. I am making the slow transition to eating raw. I started on July 1, and it’s been working out well. I love the learning process, and knowing there is so much information out there. I thought my options would be limited, but I’ve found several recipes, and I have local markets that stock what I need on my journey.

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   Annette DuCharme Reply:
   July 17th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

   I would love to hear more about your esperiences as a new raw foodist. Any tips?

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   Glenda Reply:
   July 20th, 2009 at 7:43 am

   Hi Annette-

   Wow! Thanks for asking. I feel like such a novice sharing information with you.

   My mindset was to find a way to eat healthy and lose weight. Since my college days, I’ve always thought of taking care of the body as similar to taking care of a vehicle. It will be in wonderful operating condition if you take care of it, on the inside and out. However, different from caring for a car–you only have one body for the rest of your life–take care of it!

   A few tips that I’ve since thought of are as follows:

   1) Educate yourself.
   Read and research about eating raw, or becoming a raw vegan. The Internet is a wonderful vehicle to help you on your journey. Read about those that are or have become raw foodists. Here are some suggestions:
   http://www.rawfoodnation.com
   http://www.welikeitraw.com
   http://www.healthforce.com

   2) Plan ahead.
   I find that when I plan my meals (for the day or the week), I feel I don’t get the notion to eat from the SAD (Standard American Diet). I think the first couple of weeks I let myself slip because I didn’t have enough information, and got hungry searching for raw food. Also, because I work in an office, I have to plan my meals away from home. I prepare a smoothie for breakfast every morning, pack salads or raw meals, raw organic trail mix (and food bars).

   3) Enjoy the varieties out there.
   I thought being a raw vegan was all about eating salads, which sounded boring and mundane. The body adjusts and welcomes the nutrition you are feeding it. There is a large array of exciting and delicious dishes to try, even the desserts. As I purchase pre-packaged items, I save the labels to re-create the recipe myself–it saves me time and money in the long run.

   3) Accept the fact that not everyone eats raw.
   My brother-in-law thinks I’m crazy because he’s a ‘meat and potatoes’ type of guy. My 7-year old son likes to eat healthy, but being a raw vegan is not his taste. I find a balance to make eating meals with others. I say “to each his own.”

   I hope these tips help. In addition, I’ve found that I have so much natural energy that I’ve even given up coffee!

   Best of luck on your journey!

   Glenda

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3. Jose says:

   July 16, 2009 at 6:16 pm

   i so want this book!!!! a great way to start raw foodism!

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4. JW says:

   July 17, 2009 at 12:04 am

   Thanks for making this available.

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5. Kathryn says:

   July 17, 2009 at 3:11 am

   The book sounds great! I definitely wouldn’t say no to a copy myself

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6. Dolores van Enkhuijzen says:

   July 17, 2009 at 4:40 am

   Hello, I’m very interested in this book! I’m implementing more and more raw food into my diet since a few months and I feel amazing, especially I FEEL much more every day! I would very much like tot learn more about this lifestyle!
   Love & Hug, Dolores (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

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7. Liv says:

   July 17, 2009 at 8:06 am

   Great article, looking forward to reading the book.
   Thank you so much!

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8. lya says:

   July 17, 2009 at 4:30 pm

   Sounds like a yummy book, and perfect for when it is above 100 degrees, who wants to cook in this heat?!

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9. Annette DuCharme says:

   July 17, 2009 at 4:56 pm

   OMG!!! I’ve been looking for something like this!!! I’ve been searching for something on going raw that keeps it simple and has the info all in one place.

   Please, oh please, oh please. I’m crossing my fingers and my toes!

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10. maya says:

    July 17, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    thanks for a great giveaway! i’d love to win.

    [Reply]
11. Danielle says:

    July 17, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    Sounds like a great book for someone who’s starting their raw food journey, like me!

    [Reply]