1. What does Enlightened Eating mean?
2. Why did you write this book?
3. You say that Enlightened Eating is an approach to physical, spiritual and planetary health. How can food help these three aspects of our lives?
4. Should everyone become vegetarian?
5. Can children safely eat a vegetarian diet?
6. How did you come up with your recipes?
7. What is gluten?
8. What are some of the highlights of your book?
   
9. What makes this book different from other nutrition and recipe books?
10. What are living foods?
11. What are some examples of living food recipes in your book?
12. What does a day of eating look like in your life?
13. What are the 5 guidelines that apply to everyone.
14. What are some of the ways that we can improve digestion?

1. What does "Enlightened Eating" mean?

Enlightened Eating is a whole foods plant based approach to physical, spiritual and planetary health. It means that when we eat the way that I'm suggesting we feel lighter and clearer physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and the planet benefits as well.

2. Why did you write this book?

The book had its beginning about 18 years ago when my first child was born. I sincerely wanted to feed him and later my daughter the best possible diet that would support their health in all ways. I did a lot of research, food preparing, and generally trying out various approaches to eating using myself and my family as a gauge. I knew that there would eventually be a book but it took quite a while to really feel that I had something true to offer. My kids were 16 and 18 when I published the book so by then I based on how I felt and how healthy they were I could confidently share what I had come to learn about nutrition. I have also taught for the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition for a dozen years. So to answer your question, I wrote the book to share a tried and true approach to health so that others could also enjoy the same benefits that we have.

3. You say that Enlightened Eating is an approach to physical, spiritual and planetary health. How can food help these three aspects of our lives?

In terms of physical health we know from the study of the world's healthiest and longest lived populations that the ideal diet is plant-based with very little or no animal products. These people also value nature, organic food, often growing their own, moderate exercise, sunshine, family, healthy social circles and living in natural time all of which I encourage.

In terms of spiritual health, our primary purpose in being on this earth is to manifest our true nature, to become our authentic selves. It’s hard to do that when we are eating fake, fractioned and poisonous foods. The body is the vessel for the soul which grows towards its authentic reflection throughout our lives.  The better kept the vessel the more elegantly we travel and grow. A plant based diet that encourages mindful food choices and gratitude can create a higher vibration within the body that also opens up new possibilities of growth for the soul.

Finally, in terms of planetary health, most environmental organizations are now acknowledging the clear and scientifically proven fact that a plant-based diet uses far less land and natural resources and creates far less pollution and greenhouse gases. For example Earth Save states that a given piece of land can feed at least 10 times more vegetarians than meat eaters. One pound of beef requires over a thousand times more water than a pound of potatoes for example. Our hunger for meat has destroyed the ozone layer, rain forests, ocean ecology, and life in various forms all over the planet. All things being considered our meat centered, processed food diet has enormously detrimental effects on the environment that we live in. Some say that it's the number one eco-destructive force in the world.

4. Should everyone become vegetarian?

Not necessarily. I encourage people to work their way towards a more plant based diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, ideally 80% of the total intake. And I encourage people to find alternatives to meat-based meals and to incorporate more of them into their lives, gradually reducing and possibly eventually eliminating animal foods. That being said, it is a process that is as individual as we are. A healthier diet will bring about physical as well as emotional detoxification so people need to find ways to work with the emotional material that will no doubt rise to the surface as they adopt a higher energy diet. This might include meditation, yoga, and therapy. There is no doubt that changing ones diet can change one's life for the better - there can be some rough spots as we let go of old habits.

5. Can children safely eat a vegetarian diet?

Not only can children safely eat a vegetarian diet they can thrive on it, as long as it's balanced. The key is to choose a wide variety of high quality whole foods and to educate yourself. I have raised both of my children as vegetarians and never had any need to give them any drugs (not even Tylenol or Aspirin) or antibiotics as they were growing up. They’re both elite athletes, strong students and happy teenagers.

6. How did you come up with your recipes?

I have been making the recipes in my book for close to 20 years now so they’re tried and true. I’ve served them to family and friends and used them in the dozens and dozens of food preparation classes that I’ve taught. Sometimes the recipes were first made from some of the cookbooks that I have and then I would alter them to make them simpler, or to contain better quality ingredients. Most of the recipes in my book can be made in less than 30 minutes. While I believe that we need to get back in the kitchen and make meals from scratch, I also acknowledge that many of us lead full lives. About half of the recipes are raw to encourage people to eat more living foods, and most are gluten free and dairy free. They’re all delicious!

7. What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in many grains that can be quite difficult for many people to digest. Many people have an intolerance to gluten and it can cause bloating, weight gain, inflammation in the bowels, allergies, among other things. Gluten is found in highest quantity in wheat but can also be found in spelt, kamut, oats, and other grains. I minimize these grains in my book.

8. What are some of the highlights of your book?

Although this book expounds quite a high dietary ideal, I have stayed away from fanaticism in favour of gently encouraging people to transition in a conscious and respectful way. I've been told that my book is inspiring.

Also, I have included sections on digestion which is an often forgotten aspect of nutrition. If you’re not digesting your food, and many people aren’t, then the nutrients aren’t getting to your cells. It doesn’t matter how healthy the food is. So I talk about how to improve digestion.

Also, steps to take as you transition, how to set up your kitchen, menu ideas, living foods, vegetarianism… There is quite an extensive section on detoxification and various approaches to that… And many great quotes which I've been collecting for quite some time.

And of course over 200 great-tasting healthy recipes.

9. What makes this book different from other nutrition and recipe books?

There are several aspects of this book that make it special.

First, while it emphasizes a high nutritional ideal, it is gentle and encouraging and very practical for today’s families.

It brings in the psychology of change as well as the emotional considerations of diet and nutrition.

It clearly guides people through transitions and offers practical meal ideas, menus, and guidance around setting up a whole foods kitchen in addition to giving many simple recipes that I’ve be been making for family, friends and students for years.

The ingredients are all whole and unprocessed or minimally processed. It uses natural sweeteners, whole grains, cold-pressed oils and "real food".

There is a comprehensive section on detoxification.

Also it incorporates many approaches to holistic nutrition like macrobiotic, Ayurveda, living foods, vegetarianism and natural hygiene, acknowledging the good that they all have to offer, as well as what they have in common, for an approach that is flexible and fun.

So it combines good food with good nutrition, enjoyment and ease.

10. What are living foods?

Living foods are food that are fresh and that have not been exposed to high temperatures. That means no cooking at all although sometimes dehydrators are used at low temperatures to make breads, cookies and crackers. Heating foods destroys vitamins, enzymes and essential fats, and denatures proteins and carbohydrates. Living foods provide us with the highest quality and quantity of the nutrients that our cells need.

11. What are same examples of living food recipes in your book?

Chocolate Mousse Pie for example is delicious and you would never guess that avocados are blended with dates, cacao and agave syrup to make the mousse. The base is almonds and dates.

Angel Hair Pasta with Marinara Sauce - the pasta is made with zucchini put through an inexpensive gadget called a spiral slicer.

There are raw crackers and raw pizza, sushi, burgers, pad Thai too. All very easy to make and very tasty.

12. What does a day of eating in your life look like?

An ideal day will look different for everyone and can be affected by many factors. I generally eat fruit in the morning, a big hearty salad at lunch, and a vegetarian dish in the evening. As much as possible, everything is made with fresh organic ingredients, and the meals are quite simple. I do my best to sit, bless my food, and enjoy my meals. I am very grateful to the farmers, companies and stores  that make healthy food available to me and my loved ones.

13. What are the 5 guidelines that apply to everyone?

1. Choose foods that are whole and in their natural state.
2. Choose organic and bio-dynamic foods as often as possible.
3. Choose food that is fresh, local and seasonal.
4. Choose a variety of foods, colours, flavours, textures, shapes, and directions of growth.
5. Conscious eating.

14. What are some of the ways that we can improve digestion?

Many of them are so simple that we overlook their importance. For example, chewing thoroughly, not overeating, eating only when we're hungry. The most important is to be relaxed when we're eating. Being even the slightest bit stressed shuts off digestive function, decreases saliva, stomach acid, pancreatic and intestinal juices, all of which are necessary for proper digestion. Other things like proper food combining, eating simpler meals, not drinking large quantities of fluid with our meals are also very helpful. Sitting down, blessing our food and feeling grateful can also enhance digestion and absorption to a great degree.