Q&A with Melissa Mango, Raw Food Chef
What got you started eating raw?
I was first introduced to the idea of raw food in 2000-2001 when my personal trainer shared with me his secret to getting fast results. I read a few books about the concepts of eating raw food and I immediately implemented fresh local fruit smoothies instead of the typical athlete’s breakfast of oatmeal in the morning. From there I began eating salads along with my meals, and instead of protein shakes, I nourished my body with fresh green juices after each intense workout. Over time, I made adjustments to my meals as I incorporated more raw food, and simply let how I looked, and felt, and my energy from rigorous training, guide me what to do next. The results were more than I could have ever possibly imagined.
What does eating raw mean?
First, I want to share what raw food really is because it can be intimidating or viewed as just a fad weirdo diet. Simply put, raw food is eating in a way that is free from processed, packaged man-made foods, pasteurized dairy, meat, and cooked grains. Leaving fruits, vegetables, sprouted nuts and seeds in their raw and natural state leaves enzymes intact so the body can actually assimilate all the nutrients these foods provide. Because these foods are not processed in any way, they do not have free radicals, chemicals that leave residue in the tissues.
Fruits and vegetables (raw foods) are nothing less than amazing for the human body! Every piece of produce found in the garden or at the farm stand helps us fight off cancer, combat free radicals, heal our digestive system and so much more!
Why do you eat raw?
I eat predominantly raw food because it gives me great energy, I look 5-10 years younger than I am and hardly get sick. I feel like I am always regenerating and rebuilding the longer I do it and the fresher the food (fuel) is. These fresh raw foods are truly alive- and when I take that into my body I feel so nourished.
How has eating raw changed your life?
My life changed in every way by eating more raw live foods. The first week I ate primarily raw foods my energy was through the roof, I lost 5 pounds effortlessly and my skin began to glow without the need for makeup. After a few weeks of eating a large amount of raw food, I noticed my whole mood was just happier and lighter. Even the thoughts in my mind were generally more optimistic, more at peace and less stressed overall. Raw food being the catalyst for me, I noticed my whole life’s purpose beginning to reveal itself and I had a strong desire to do good not just for myself, but for the benefit of those around me. This is why I truly believe that the more live foods you enjoy, the more alive you become.
What’s your favorite part about teaching raw?
I enjoy teaching how simple it is to enjoy delicious healthy meals that are beyond the carrot and celery stick world. I love teaching the mechanics of raw food recipe development because most people are shocked that I can mimic certain foods such as ranch dressing and chocolate ganache without sacrificing appearance or flavor.
What’s your favorite raw product?
There are quite a few things that New Leaf carries in the Raw Food section that I am a fan of. When I am on the go I love your juice and smoothie bar options! Kale chips and GO RAW Lemon cookies are scrumptious! Even my son loves them, which is a bonus.
What’s your favorite raw dish?
I love to make Italian dishes such as my manicotti rolls or 7-layer lasagna. If I am short on time, I love whipping up a fresh salad with finely diced peppers, crunchy seeds and fresh baby greens. I always stock my fridge with my mock tuna salad or my cashew chipotle’ ranch dressing to mix in. It is so simple to make.
What’s one of the biggest misinterpretations on eating raw?
Most people think that eating raw is either all about boring salad and celery sticks, or that it is an all-or-nothing approach. I am here to tell you that you will reap great health and well-being benefits just by adding more raw live foods into your daily menu at any percentage. As far as flavor and variety, the world of raw food preparation has come a long way! We can make warm-filling dishes, crispy corn chips and decadent desserts that are all raw, free from sugar and taste incredible. Raw food today is hardly rabbit food. Rawsagna recipe.
What’s the best tip you could give a raw food newbie?
I recommend that everyone should borrow and read a few books about raw food to get a good solid understanding before making any big changes in their diet. Take some prep classes so that you are inspired to make new dishes in a new way. The best thing when just starting out is to have fun and not worry about eating 100% raw or being rigid in any way when it comes to food. Eating raw food is about abundance and enjoying more live foods no matter what percentage. The more enjoyable it is, the better you will feel, and the greater lasting results you will get.
Look for raw cooking classes with Melissa Mango at New Leaf Westside. Visit www.newleaf.com for more info.