Posts Tagged ‘vegan fusion’

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.