Background

First and foremost:

I am not a dogmatic raw fooder. No, not at all. Instead, I’m a raw foods enthusiast who promotes the inclusion of more raw foods in one’s diet. I believe in the healing properties of natural, unheated foods and I want the world to experience the many benefits!

My personal Diet:

Day-to-day, I follow a diet high in raw foods – I feel best this way!

Emotionally:

I never say “I can or I can’t have”, and instead, I always say “I choose or I don’t choose” to consume certain foods. By choosing our foods we prevent our psyches from labeling food as good or bad. Labeling creates a poor relationship between human and food – it entices us to choose the ‘bad’ out of rebellion, not consciousness. Which over time, can result in emotional eating and/or addiction.

My goal:

Let me break it down for you:

Processed food* =’s chemicals.
Drugs =’s chemicals.
Processed food* is a drug.

We aren’t addicted to processed food because of a lack of willpower, we are addicted to processed food because it’s chocked full of chemicals! No one should have to live at the mercy of food – No one. I’ve been there, done that and I understand just how horrible it can be! In a sense, I’m paying it forward and giving back what I wish someone would have given to me 10+ years ago.

*by processed foods, I’m referring to anything that has had a series of mechanized or chemical operations performed in order to produce or manufacture. This means most foods in the interior isles of the grocery store and anything with wheat, corn and/or soy! Wheat is not a whole food, don’t let the ‘man’ fool you – it’s processed! There is NO such thing as ‘whole wheat’ bread.

The beginning (not the end):

I don’t believe in endings, just new beginnings. If this is your first time visiting my blog, than I want to congratulate you on seeking information to the beginning of a healthy life filled with abundance and nourishment!

  • http://www.rebeccasremedy.com Rebecca Hawkinson

    Thank you for sharing your story Callie! I can relate on soooo many levels! I love your new site too :) Keep it up girlfriend!

  • http://www.girlonraw.com/ GirlonRaw

    Darling I love your opening line! I am not dogmatic either and just posted a video post on it the other day, but I DO TOO want the world to know of all the great benefits of including more raw, unheated, living foods into their diet.

    Man you have definitely been on one crazy ride and intense journey and thank you for sharing it.

    BTW raw food obviously agrees with you! Who doesn’t it agree with ;) You are stunning!

  • http://www.healthydivaeats.com Katie

    Hi!

    Can I just say how amazing your blog is and you are : ) thanks for sharing your story, I am so glad you got through that tough time and came out stronger ; )

    Raw food is a very awesome lifestyle from what I hear, and it seems to be great for you ! So glad you love it!

    Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog! I hope you come back often! I am in the middle of moving my blog to wordpress so its a little hectic right now : p

    Have a great day!!! : )

  • http://www.teenagehealthfreak.wordpress.com teenagehealthfreak

    hello! so glad i found your blog!!! I love it! i eat as many raw foods as i can, i’d love to learn more about it! can’t wait to read more!:)

  • Maria

    Just wanted to send you a quick thank you for sharing your story with the world. I have always known about the whole vegetarian/vegan/raw food-isms in my life but am only now starting to see the real story behind the hype. I am going to be a vegan as soon as I get back from Europe. After reading your page, it inspires me to try some raw foods too. I haven’t ever literally purged myself in my life but instead, I eat an excessive amount and then experience excessive regret afterwards and don’t eat again for a long time. Maybe it does have to do with the food and it is not just me. Thanks a lot, I hope to experience the same results as you have:)

    • Callie England

      Maria – You’ve made my day. I’m so glad you have found inspiration from my story and please know, if you ever need anything, I would more than welcome the email! Binging is very cyclical and it’s something that most women struggle with. The idea behind raw foods is to nourish your body with the correct nutrients – Start out with a green smoothie a day, and I’m fairly positive, you’ll start to see amazing results; both emotionally and physically.

      I’ll be thinking of you :)

  • JR

    Thanks for sharing! This is very inspirational. I really admire your openness, sincerity and passion.
    I love your belief system!
    JR

  • Carolynn

    Callie – just discovered your blog and i absolutely love it! I found the link to your almond/sunflower milk videos on Jess’ healthy exposures website. I’m totally impressed! They were very informative and i laughed through half the video – so entertaining!
    LOVE it!

    • Callie England

      Thanks, Carolynn! Well, my Naturopath told me the technical name for the cinnamon he sells is “cinnamon zeylanicum” but that’s ridiculous, so instead, I’ve been calling it by it’s nickname ‘True Cinnamon’. It’s much sweeter than that found in the stores and has a, well, true cinnamon flavor – ha. Here’s a link to Mountain Rose Herb’s cinnamon, which is technically the same product (scroll down and it’s the Cinnamon “Sweet” Powder) http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/cinnamonbark.php

  • Carolynn

    ps. what brand is that cinnamon you found?!

  • http://sweetnessplus.blogspot.com Danielle

    Callie!!!! I’m struggling now with overeating…we’re talking woman vs. food here…=( Do you ever overdo it with food anymore? Or have you found a balance now that you’ve become vegan?

    • Callie England

      Danielle – I just read your most recent post! Ok – So I attribute my now in control eating patterns more to raw food than I do vegan foods :) Sure, I sometimes overeat – but mentally, I’ve changed my mind set to help prevent such occurrences – If you haven’t read “Intuitive Eating”, I highly recommend it!! It’s part being in the right mind state (i.e., removing the guilt, the inner monstrous thoughts) and balancing it with abundant nutrition (i.e., green juice and green smoothies). I find, that when I’m loading on green smoothies, the cravings for other things subside. Also, I truly believe (vegan or not) that cooked food is physically addictive!! When you start eating foods in their raw state and then compare them to their cooked state, you’ll find that in the latter – you want more and more and more! Even if it’s just carrots – The cooked version is much more addictive. Because of this, and given my past, I find that keeping my diet high in raw foods helps with the ‘over-eating’. Feel free to email me if you are ever having a bad day and/or would like more information!

      • http://sweetnessplus.blogspot.com Danielle

        Thanks so much Callie! You are truly an inspiration and I will try to eat more raw foods! What you say makes total sense…I’ve even realized that when I eat cooked food I want more of it as opposed to when I eat the food in their raw states…like veggies paired with hummus…the raw veggies keep me more satisfied! So glad you are my blogging buddy =)

  • http://ahealthypassion.com kate@ahealthypassion

    You have a great story thanks for sharing and inspiring so many people!

  • http://peanutbutterandginger.wordpress.com Lauren (PB&G)

    You have such an inspiring story. Your view on your diet seems to be much like mine. I never say I “can or can’t have” to myself, it’s a choice that I make and I’m happy with it every day. I’m looking to venture further into the raw food realm, especially come summertime! A dehydrator is on my wish list. =)

  • Lydia

    This is wonderful! You are amazing! :D

  • MJ

    Hey girlie,

    Just read your awesome story. Although I’m still not sold on 100% vegan/raw-ism… I am starting therapy soon for my own messed up eating. I’m eager to incorporate some of these ideas into my diet. Any more book suggestions?

    xox

  • Jessica

    oh wow, this was so helpful. I have been looking for a story like this to give me some hope. thanks

  • Ashley

    Callie, I know I’m a little behind, but this is awesome! Congrats, and you have me hooked =)

    Ashley (your old tennis buddy!)

  • http://fitundgluecklich.wordpress.com Ulli

    i’m vitising your blog for the first time and i love it!!! also also love the food you sell (do you ship to europe??)…especially as i’m in the process of starting my own business at the moment as a personal trainer and nutrition trainer, and i’ll also sell some homemade food (raw “cookie” balls, granola bars etc.)!! i’ve just read your “history” and i’m really glad that you changed your life and seem to love it now!! have a great day!!!

  • http://eathealthybehappylivewell.wordpress.com Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well

    You rock! I absolutely love your philosophy on food! I can’t wait to read more :)

  • http://cuppapixie.blogspot.com leslie

    Excited to explore your blog!

  • Kim

    Awesome.. Like your philosophy and thanks for sharing. 

  • athene

    if one wanted to get started with raw foods diet, someone who is coming from a very unhealthy trend of eating, what type of “initial” steps would you recommend?  thanks.

    • Anonymous

      Hi, Athene – thanks for stopping by! Ok, so I highly recommend the book “raw food detox diet” for newbies, as it has a great 5 step plan – 5 for those who are completely new to this sort of eating and 1 for the experienced novice. Personally, I think there are many small changes one can make, but I always say – start with one meal a day and eat raw for one meal – lunch, breakfast or dinner – you choose! I also think adding one green smoothie a day is a great way to start as well – preferably for breakfast!! 

  • Jaime

    Callie,  Congratulation on your new adventure !! I think is fantastic.  I would love to order a sample pack.  Let me know when, where and how much?