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Hooked On People Interview with The Raw Advantage + Simple Banana Pudding

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Time to meet Chris Kendall AKA ‘The Raw Advantage’. He’s a raw foodist who is all about spreading the message of positivity, living foods, and high energy vibes. He does this through his youtube channel, his Costa Rica Retreats, his e-books, and his speaking engagements. His excitement for the raw food lifestyle is contagious, even through social media. After going through a period in his life with poor lifestyle choices and bad injury recoveries, he decided to make a change. At 18 he started making major lifestyle changes and by 23, he switched to the raw food lifestyle and never looked back.

I have so many questions to ask Chris because he’s such an inspiration when it comes to the raw food lifestyle!

But, I will try to keep it simple today and for those who want to know more they can find him on Youtube, Instagram, his website, or just join him at a Costa Rica Retreat !

Hooked On Plants (HOP): At 18 you came to the conclusion that you needed to change your lifestyle. What was the catalyst for this change?

Chris Kendall (CK): Really, the catalyst was being burnt out, depressed, and having a harder time physically in terms of recovery and energy, to skateboard. The first thing I found was yoga, which helped immensely and pointed me in the direction of healthy, compassionate living.

HOP: How long did it take for you to see the benefits of the raw food lifestyle?

CK: Over a period of 5 years I vastly increased the amount of raw food in my diet, starting with a fruit breakfast and going from there. At 23 I jumped into an all raw food diet and experienced the biggest leaps and bounds in my health, vitality, mood, spiritual connection, endurance and passion. These changes happened virtually over night for most, and within the first week for the rest.

HOP: What were the main changes you saw in yourself, and ones that people could expect to see in themselves if they decide to focus on raw foods?

CK: In those first 24 hours my heart centre literally blew open. I felt such a deep connection to the spark within and recognized it in everyone and everything around me, this was more than profound. I felt a deeper connection to my purpose and gained a clarity in my life path that I hadn’t experienced. My joy and lust for life increased and I simply felt bouncier and more prone to move and enjoy myself. Each person’s time line of experiences and shifts is different and fully dependant on their previous lifestyle and particulars. I had been steadily improving my diet and had fasted numerous times before going raw, so when I did it was like rocket fuel.

HOP: I’ve yet to go to the Woodstock Fruit Festival, but this raw food festival looks like a blast! How many times have you been? Will you be prepping the raw-food for all of the attendees this year?

CK: I love love love the Woodstock Fruit Festival, it’s such a great time with so much opportunity for connection, education, fitness, great food and more! I have been a part of every single one (flowing as chef / speaker / yoga teacher) since its conception in 2011. This summer will be their 8th festival including the one in Hawaii. Together with Naturally Ashley we will be making 3 sauces / dressings per night to accompany the daily salad bar 🙂

HOP: You met Dr. Douglas Graham at a Vegan festival in 2004, and went 100% raw overnight! What did he say to you that inspired you to do so?

CK: I first met Dr Graham at “A Taste of Health” Vegan festival in Vancouver B.C. It was as much of what he said as what I picked up from him. I went to 2 of his 3 lectures on the first day, one recipe-based and one nutritional-based. The science driven but common sensed style of his approach really hit home, and it felt like the last piece of a puzzle that I had been looking for finally fit. Beyond that he was literally glowing, in my past I ate lots of magic mushrooms and would sit in nature, at times able to see aura’s around trees and people, seeing Doug glow when I was straight and sober really left me feeling like he had something to offer.

HOP: Dr. Graham’s 80/10/10 lifestyle is one that so many people are thriving on. Even professional athletes, like the ones below, have been seeing amazing results in recovery and performance:

Many aren’t familiar with the 80/10/10 lifestyle, which is 80% carbohydrates, 10% fat, 10% protein, mainly coming from raw fruits and vegetables. Can you enlighten everyone on the benefits you’ve seen with this lifestyle?

CK: Absolutely, plus I’d like to point out these numbers are guidelines over the week month and year and not set hard rules for every meal or even day. Generally stating for optimal health, it is good to aim to get 80% or more of total calories from carbs and 10% or less from protein and fat.

  • I’ve personally become a lot clearer in my head and heart, and found renewed passion for living and growing with my purpose in loving service.
  • I have found it incredibly easy to maintain muscle mass, put some on if I want and stay at a low body fat percentage.
  • Feeling lighter, bouncier and more energetic I am able to go faster, push harder and recover faster than ever before.
  • I love that I don’t smell like I used to, in the bathroom or after working out.
  • My skin tone and appearance has improved and I have been told countless times I look much younger than my age.
  • Clean up time in the kitchen is so much easier and I have found such a joy in creating raw food meals and dishes.
  • Fruit and fruit hunting has become a real joy in my life, as has traveling to exotic places and enjoying time with other fruit hunters.
  • The biggest benefit by far though has been seeing the ripple effect around me as more friends family and acquaintances improving their diet and being more conscious of their spirit and power.

HOP: There have been countless people that have improved their digestive, adrenal, thyroid, and overall health with a raw food lifestyle. Not to mention those who have reversed diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer by eating raw foods. Who are your favourite, inspirational examples for this?

CK:

  • John Kohler is amazing and reversed major issues with raw food
  • Megan Sherow reversed stage 3 brain cancer within months
  • Janette Murray-Wakelin reversed cancer in her 70’s and went on to set a world record for consecutive marathons (366 in a row every day)

HOP: I find myself eating mostly raw foods, especially throughout the daylight hours. Most people see the raw food lifestyle as extreme. Can you give 3-5 ways to make eating this way easier, more convenient and seem ‘normal’;)?

CK: 

  1. Think about the fact that all animals eat the foods they are designed to eat one food at a time, in its whole, raw, natural state until they’re full. They don’t worry about nutrition, they simply eat what they are designed for. We, like our closest living relative the Bonobos, are designed to eat fruits and tender greens
  2. Start with breakfast, fruit is best eaten on a completely empty stomach, so breakfast is the easiest way to do it. Make a big smoothie, fruit salad or green smoothie and enjoy all you care for then a few bites more. With raw, low-fat, fruit based meals, its really tough to over eat, so it’s better to err on a little more rather than a little less
  3. Read raw recipe books to get inspiration for new recipes, then once you find 4-6 recipes you love, the lifestyle gets so much easier
  4. Look for inspiration in Youtube videos, books and by connection with coaches / other raw foodists to share experiences, ask questions and make the transition easier. In my coaching practice I often find 1 hour can make the difference between years and, in some cases, decades of struggle as opposed to streamlined growth and ease. I offer coaching by donation 🙂
  5. Realize that this is all as big of a deal as you make it. For example, I know it is a big deal health-wise, environmentally, and for the animals, but also know I do not need bring that up all the time or judge others for their choices. Being calm confident and happy while simply being the example leads to more people being curious and receptive than any lecture.

HOP: What is your favourite music right now? Who’s your favourite band?

CK: I love most forms of music although wouldn’t consider myself a music person, it’s rare I pick up a new band or search for new music, in fact I am not a avid concert goer either. I like the classics like Bob Marley, Neil Young, The Doors, and newer stuff like Fantan Mojah. Lots of old school hip hop and some new too, but mostly rock and reggae!

HOP: When is your next retreat and how many are you doing this upcoming year?

CK: My next set retreat is March 3rd – 10th, 2018 at The Farm of Life in Costa Rica. It will be another Raw Food n Yoga Surf Adventure retreat, everything but the raw food is optional hahaha:) I plan to do 1 this year, and if it fills up quick I may do another.

HOP: What’s you’re next big project you’re working on to spread the Peace, Love and Seasonal Fruit message?

CK: I always have things on the go. I have a few new books coming out, new shirts, and a huge update on my free raw recipes app for iPhone. I’m always looking at ways to grow the TRA Dream, a charity I created to actualize donation-based healing and educational raw food permaculture and yoga centres / communities around the world.

HOP: What is your favourite spring (or maybe camping) raw food recipe?

CK: I would have to say simple banana pudding as you do not need any tools other than a bowl and your hands.

Raw Advantage’s Simple Banana Pudding

Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2-4 people

Ingredients:

  • 12 bananas
  • 3/4 cup raisins
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 stalk celery, minced (optional)

Directions:

  1. Peel 10 – 11 bananas and place them in a bowl
  2. Mash bananas well using your hands, a fork or a potato masher.
  3. Add the raisins, cinnamon and optional celery, mix and enjoy!

Optional additions: carob powder, dried mulberries, date bits

Want more of The Raw Advantage?

  • Check out Chris’s Ebooks!
  • Get 2 free ebooks just by signing up to his mailing list, and a free recipe in every mailing list post too, join here.
  • For his Free Raw Recipes Playlist head here.

Garlicky Dill Pickle Kale Chips

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An abundance of kale + pickle cravings = Dill Pickle Kale Chips!

 

It was like a light flicked on when this combo popped into my head.

Dill pickle anything? Amazing.

But, on Dill Pickle Kale Chips? YES.

There’s an on-going mission to find a crunchy, salty, crispy snack that’s actually good for the bod’.

That hand-to-mouth satisfaction is what all humans crave from time to time… or all the time.

With all of this kale bursting out of my garden, I think I’ve found it.

Here’s a great way to get all of that satisfaction with out the ‘potato chip guilt’.

Not to mention the dill flavour is off the hoooook!

Get your hands in there and let me know how you like it.

Kale Chip Tips:

  1. Make sure the kale is dry to begin with
  2. Single layer it
  3. Tear the kale into large chunks (not too small because they shrink)
  4. Load up on the dressing
  5. If using an oven – us parchment paper for crispness
  6. Don’t over bake them in the oven. They can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of a couple minutes
  7. Store in a tupperware with dry rice to keep your chips crispy! (more on this below)

Garlickly Dill Pickle Kale Chips

Serves: 4-6 snackers

Prep Time: 2 hours soaking time, 10 minutes hands-on

Cook Time: Oven ~ 20 minutes OR Dehydrator ~ 6 hours

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 large heads of kale, de-stemmed, torn, rinsed and spin-dried

Sauce ingredients (use on it’s own for dressing, or sauce to add tang to any savoury dish!)

  • 1 cup cashews, soaked 2 hours then strained
  • 3/4 cup dill pickle brine
  • 2 dill pickles
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp dill spice OR 5 sprigs fresh dill

Directions:

  1. If using oven, pre-heat to 300 °F
  2. Add all sauce ingredients into blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
  3. With your hands, massage the sauce into the torn kale
  4. If using the:
    • dehydrator: Spread dressed kale out on dehydrator sheets in a single layer. Dehydrate for 5-6 hours at 115°F
    • oven: spread dressed kale out on parchment covered pan in a single layer. Bake for 9-12 minutes, flip kale, then bake for another 10. Your oven may be slightly different, so be sure to check the kale chips near the end so they don’t burn!
  5. Munch away!
  6. Storage: Sprinkle some dry rice at the bottom of the tupperware, and store kale chips in that tupperware in the fridge for the week. The rice will absorb the moisture and keep your kale chips crispy!

If you make this tag me so I can see! @hookedonplants  #hookedonplants

 

Easy Chia Berry Jam | Date-Sweetened

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Ahhhhh berry season.

You complete me.

I won’t need to buy jam ever again. This recipe is so easy, it would be ridiculous not to make it.

If you have berries, chia seeds and dates in your kitchen right now, you could have jam in literally 10 minutes.

In Whistler, one of the best parts of the week is visiting the berry babes at the Farmer’s Market to load up on Berry Mobile‘s ripe, mega-juicy, fresh, local berries of all kinds. Going berry crazy and ending up with boxes of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries means … recipe time.

The first thing that popped into my head was JAM.

So today… we be berry jammin’.

This jam starts with date paste (easiest thing ever, and can be devoured on it’s own or for dipping your apple slices in), and ends with chia and berries.

Yes. It’s THAT SIMPLE.

No preservatives or refined sugars in this berry jammin’.

Benefits:

  • Chia seeds provide a protein punch and fibre to satiate you. While these chia seeds sit in the jam, they will absorb the moisture and begin the sprouting process, making it easier for your body to absorb all of the nutrients they carry!
  • Berries of all kinds are PACKED with antioxidants. These antioxidants will prevent oxidative stress, and there for help prevent cancer, keep your mind sharp and slow your aging process!
  • Dates are nature’s way of loving us. They’re delish. But also noutrish. They are packed with minerals, vitamins and fibre. If you need more iron, magnesium, and zinc, dip your apples in this date paste!

On a life note… It’s pretty dang smokey here in BC. My thoughts go out to those who have had to leave their homes from all the wildfires!

Whistler is getting smokey again, too. Here’s a shot from last night’s little adventure. Stand Up Paddling down the river in a smokey sunset. This is a mellow part, but we love hitting the rapids on our Kahuna paddle boards! It definitely keeps things interesting:)

OK, onto the recipe.

Easy Chia Berry Jam

Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 1 full medium mason jar

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pitted dates (about 10), soaked 5 minutes then strained
  • 1/2 cup water (or coconut water)
  • 2 cups of berries (raspberries and strawberries for a runnier jam, blackberries or blueberries for a thicker jam)
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds

Directions:

  1. Make caramelly Date Paste: blend dates and water together until smooth paste forms
  2. Add berries and chia seeds to blender, blend until smooth
  3. Pour into a jar, cover and place in fridge to set for 20 minutes.
  4. Keeps in fridge for about 2 weeks. Or freeze until you need it!

If you make it, tag me so I can see! #hookedonplants @hookedonplants

Unicorn Hummus

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This colour though.

I mean, common.

It doesn’t even look natural. But yet, it’s straight outta the garden … as natural and organic as it gets.

Because it looks sooo majestic, it must be some type of rare unicorn hummus.

Plus, the secret ingredient in here is the first ever beet I’ve grown myself, and it’s got to be the brightest beet I’ve ever seen.

It must be a unicorn beet.

This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up.

It’s a super bright, fun party dish too. Perfect for a hot summer shindig.

If you can find yourself a local, bright, organic beet (AKA unicorn beet), get your hands on it for this recipe.

Also, if you’re green thumb enough to grow your own basil, do that too. I’ve used my own garden basil in this recipe, but it’s a rare occasion that I actually have enough leaves for a full batch of hummus. Not the easiest thing to grow, right? !

But, this recipe on the other hand, is easy as blend, pour, dip, done.

Benefits:

  • Beets are known for the benefits they give your blood. Just like a walnut looks like a brain and is great for your brain, beets are blood red, and are great for your blood. How amazing is nature?  They are super rich in nitrates, which is then converted by the body into nitric oxide. This is a compound that dilates and relaxes your blood vessels, and turns them into superhighways for your nutrient-rich and oxygen-rich blood. This leads to better circulation, lower blood pressure, better athletic performance, and more oxygen to the brain. Plus, eating them raw keeps the mega amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in tact. The antioxidant betalain in the beet is immune boosting and anti-inflammatory to ward off disease.
  • Chickpeas are an incredible source of plant protein for proper healing and repair throughout your body. They’re also packed with fibre to help with inflammation, digestive issues, heart health and bloating. Plus, they have concentrated minerals to help your bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
  • Miso, as a fermented food, benefits your gut flora. When you have healthy gut flora, you are a healthy human. Simple as that.

Unicorn Beet Hummus

Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 4-6 snackers

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 beets, grated (use food processor attachment if you have one!)
  • 1 can chickpeas (425g), drained
  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp miso
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • handful fresh basil leaves

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to food processor and blend!
  2. Scrape down sides when needed, and blend until smooth
  3. Serve with your favourite crackers, sweet potato chips, or veggies.

Nut-Free Maca Date Balls & Vegan Festival Eats

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Sometimes all you need a two-biter to make your day.

Need it to be gluten-free, nut-free and packed with nutrients? Look no further.

Here’s a two-bite morsel (AKA meteor ball) that will make you bounce of the walls from all that whole-food, plant-based energy. Not to mention… make your taste buds sing.

Easy as dump, blend, roll.

It’s festival season. It’s camping season. T’is the season for glorious balls of tasty nutrients.

These are perfect for camping. You can take them in a big zip lock, and keep them in your cooler until you head off on your hike, then transfer to a little baggy to stash them in your back pack.

Or, if you’re ever needing a little boost of energy at a festival, meet your new best friend.

There’s nothing like a hand-to mouth treat that is actually healthy for your cells, your muscles, your brain, your digestion… and of course, your dance moves.

This weekend calls for these little bites. Bass Coast is coming up, which it’s all about taking your dance shoes out and busting a move. Since cooking time will be squeezed out of the schedule because of all of the art to look at, people to learn from and dancing to do, these are the PERFECT bites to bring in a cooler to keep us sustained for the festivities.

Dress by @ChicLittleBoho

Oh ya! And, I’m excited to be bringing these balls to the Hooked On Plants Bass Coast workshop too!

While we’re on the topic let’s talk festival eats! What eating at a festival really means is snacking on the go. It’s important to bring snacks that will sustain you, hydrate you, and fill you up with nutrients and good energy.

And water. LOTS and lots of water. Throw in some electrolytes or even a dash of Himalayan salt, and you’ll be loving it.

Vegan Festival food ideas:

  • Hummus and veggies/tortilla chips
  • Fruit – any kind, and all of it! This is nature’s way of giving us amazing energy packed with nutrients and hydration
  • Pre-make one-bowl meals to take spoonfuls of regularly:
  • Salad fixin’s: Bring lettuces, tomato, avocado, and seeds, plus one of these dressings in a jar
  • Pre-bake sweet potatoes (either whole or as fries), and dip in organic ketchup
  • Bring these Fudgy Quinoa Brownies to drool over and sustain you
  • Pre-make popcorn with coconut oil and nutritional yeast to pack in the B12 (try adding curry powder or garlic powder, YUM), and bring it in a big re-usable ziplock
  • Roast chickpeas for a salty snack
  • Bring along your favourite green powder to throw in your water bottle in the AM.
  • Pre-make and bring along a tupperware of Jules Fuel for breakfast so you can pack in some mega-nutrients before your day even starts
  • Rice, Beans, Guac, Salsa, Wraps. Enough said.

Ok, now back to the balls.

The magic ingredient in this recipe is Maca.

Benefits:

~Maca root is an adaptogen. All adaptogens bring your body back to homeostasis (or balance). Adaptogens grow in stressful situations (extreme weather), meaning they need to adapt to their environment. That’s why these amazing herbs and roots are so beneficial! Maca is especially good for balancing hormones, strengthening immunity, increasing energy & labido,

~Dates are the base to these ‘meteor balls’. Dates pack a mean punch of minerals, fibre, and clean, easily digestible energy. Perfect for the summer adventures.

~Hemp seeds bring a complete plant-protein to the mix. Plant protein is easily assimilated by your body to help you grow beautiful hair and nails. You really don’t have to worry about where you’re getting your protein from when you eat a whole-food plant-based diet.

Maca Date Balls

AKA Meteor Balls

Time: 10 minutes + 30 minutes chill time

Serves: 15-20 balls

Ingredients:

  • 15 pitted dates (1 cup packed)
  • 1 chia egg (1 tbsp chia + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes until gooey)
  • 1/2 cup hemp seeds
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp maca
  • 2 tbsp cacao nibs

For rolling:

  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

  1. Pulse dates in food processor until small chunks form (but don’t pulse so much that a pastey ball forms)
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients except for cacao nibs and rolling coconut
  3. Blend until ball forms
  4. Add cacao nibs, and blend until mixed evenly
  5. Spread rolling shredded coconut out in a flat bowl
  6. Wet hands
  7. Roll date mixture into small balls, then place them in the coconut bowl
  8. Roll the balls around until coconut coats them completely
  9. Place in the freezer in one layer on a plate (at least 20 minutes, then for storage place them in a tupperware or ziplock in the freezer)
  10. Eat when you’re feeling snacky, or low energy!