Spreading the raw love…….did a wonderful, informative, and inspiring interview with my beautiful American friend, Raw Chef Steph. Read on if you want to be inspired by how raw foods has impacted Stephanie’s life, and how she continues to inspire others with her energy and knowledge.
To read the interview she did with me, go to her blog:
http://rawchefsteph.com/blog/2011/09/14/an-interview-with-grace-van-berkum/
What started your journey with raw foods?
About 3 years ago I crashed my mountain bike and it changed my life. It was literally a bump on the head to wake me up in life even though I did not realize it at the time. Through the experience of having a serious concussion, seeing multiple doctors and having pharmaceuticals pushed in my face, I had the realization that I needed to take 100% responsibility for my health and that no one else was going to do that for me. I was determined to heal myself through foods and natural medicine. Since then, I have been blessed to work with some amazing healers, and I have been drinking juice and eating kale almost everyday. I have experimented with 100% raw, veganism, and vegetarianism. My skin has never looked better and my body and brain heal more everyday.
How has raw foods changed your life?
My life is different now is so many ways. I feel that my eyes are more open to seeing the beauty around me everyday when vibrating on such nutritious foods. I have decided that my life is about being love and helping people enjoy their lives more by giving their physical 
body what it needs to flourish and feel vibrant. I want to be a part of the solution, be helping people heal their bodies and be free mentally and physically from the gunk in our lives that does not empower us. My life is also different in the way of connecting with a community of health enthusiasts and practitioners through my blog http://rawchefsteph.com/blog/. I love interviewing others and bringing awareness to the fact that there are so many people out there making a difference and that we have so much to learn from each other.
What projects are you working on?
I am currently working on some amazing projects. I am going to school to be a holistic nutrition consultant in Santa Cruz, Ca. I am currently writing two books with two family members. I am writing, painting, or making something crafty
almost everyday. I am partnering and working with Evens Pest Management, a green Pest control company in the Bay Area that holds integrity, love and transformation as their mission. I am working at the new Café Gratitude in Santa Cruz, Ca. I am creating a non-profit with two friends called teetube.org that will be promoting non-consumption and saving the planet. I am committed to promoting things I believe in such as events like the WE conference, Sacred Commerce, and supporting friends around their business projects. I am also committed to taking great take of myself, having fun, and creating an amazing life. I guess you could say that is what I am up to.
Where do you see your journey going?
I see my journey as being a leader in the awakening of love. That will look like being a holistic nutritionist as a portal to connect with people and coach them in wellness and creating amazing lives. I see it as being an author, speaker and community educator. I want to be on the food network someday cooking and connecting people who want to make a 
difference in how we treat and view our food. I also want to work with Michelle Obama in the fight against childhood obesity and be the holistic nutritionist for the San Francisco 49ers.
What are some raw food staples in your current diet?
Even though I am not 100% raw or vegan, I really do eat kale everyday with no fail. I love it. I would say some staples would be almond milk, quinoa, great coffee, grapes, carrots, yummy homemade salad dressings, leafy greens for days, salsa, goat cheese, sunflower sprouts on everything, green juice, green smoothies, homemade chia seed pudding and beverages, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, honey, and “I am nourished” from Café Gratitude are my staples currently.
What are some of your favorite gadgets to use in the kitchen?
Can’t beat my cutting board and knife. And I am convinced my Vitamix was sent from the Gods.
What are some quick tips or hints for raw newbies?
Be kind to yourself, and approach this big crazy new lifestyle without judging yourself or others of what is being eaten. With an open heart, try things, experiment, and re-commit if you get off track, it happens. You don’t learn by doing something perfect the first time. But after re-committing and staying in integrity and honest with yourself, real transformation is possible. And eat lots of local produce
including sprouts and kale and drink your green juice. You will be putting so much life-force in, your body will thank you.
Can you share a favorite raw food recipe with us?
Kale salad: with just some fresh lemon juice, olive oil and pink salt. Fast, easy, and so so yummy.
I also like my Super Food Jam
http://rawchefsteph.com/blog/recipes/
Who are some of your inspirations?
Grace you inspire me. My community inspires me. My family inspires me. People who are not afraid to be themselves and stand for something they believe in. There are so many but to name a few Tim Ferris, Oprah, Matthew and Terces Engelheart, Natalia Rose, Brendan Brazier, Sarma Melngailis, Erin Ross, Nettie Dodds, Robert Guerrero, Kaci Christian, LoveJoy Finta, David Hunter, Deb Kelly, Steve Rosenfield, Alison Kaye Rhodes, Nathaniel Evens, Lucy Goldwyn, Matt Manzo, Libby Marks, Diana Flannery, everyone I have interviewed on my blog, and the Be Love artist collective.
Name one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I love fantasy football.
www.gracevanberkum.com
