Kristen Suzanne is an accomplished Raw food chef and former competitive bodybuilder. Through radio, television, books, classes, and her blog and email newsletter, Chef Kristen Suzanne helps people live life to the fullest with the healthiest cuisine in the world. She is the author of numerous books including two of my favorites Kristen Suzanne’s ULTIMATE Raw Vegan Hemp Recipes and Kristen Suzanne’s ULTIMATE Raw Vegan Chocolate Recipes. We recently interviewed Kristen and appreciate her time during her vacation. You can keep up with Kristen by visiting her website http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/
Why did you decide to write separate books for each category as opposed to one comprehensive book?
~ So many people tell me that they just want to try a little bit of raw and not jump in with both feet. By having a collection of separate books by recipe category, people are able to put one toe in at a time, so to speak, without jumping in with both feet. And, each book is loaded with recipes for each category so you get a plethora of recipes to try in each category.
How did you make the transition from being a former competitive natural bodybuilder, to accomplished raw food chef?
~ That’s a long story – ha-ha. But, the gist of it is that I read the book, Diet For A New America by John Robbins and it was instrumental in my going vegan. Then, while searching for nutritious, high energy vegan recipes in the cookbook section of Whole Foods Market, I stumbled upon a raw book of recipes. I bought it and went home where I read it cover to cover in one sitting, practically salivating at all of the pictures. Afterwards, I hopped online to research more about raw. After reading about the many benefits of eating fresh whole foods, I was hooked on making it a fundamental part of my lifestyle.
With recipes like “Chocolate Chia Crackers and “Chocolate Cream Soup” how difficult was it for you to come up with these tasty dishes that have chocolate as the base, yet are not desserts.
~ Not difficult at all. Chocolate is not foreign in savory recipes so I just started playing around with it. It was fun, too! Chocolate is one of my favorites.
Why did you feel it was important to write a book on raw vegan hemp recipes?
~ Hemp is a wonderfully nutritious super food and I see its consumption on the rise. I wanted to have more hemp in my life, but I didn’t just want to eat the plain ol’ seeds (although those are delicious!). I wanted to try adding them and using them in delicious and unique recipes. From there my book was born.
How challenging is it for you to create such different recipes in all your books that are not like those found in other raw vegan cookbooks?
~ I come from a family with a couple of chefs (my parents). So, it was actually pretty easy. Maybe it’s part genetic – ha-ha. I think of recipes all the time, often as I’m falling asleep. It starts with thinking about an ingredient I have in my kitchen, and then from there I build.
How do you address critics that say a raw vegan diet is incomplete?
~ I ask what they think is incomplete about it and address their individual points. It’s clear that many people are thriving on this diet. It’s important that people consuming a raw vegan diet make sure it’s balanced, and also supplement when necessary. For example, it’s recommended that all vegans (raw or cooked) take a vitamin B12 supplement. In fact, many omnivores need to take it, too. Some raw vegans also like to take DHA. Some people need more iron or calcium. If that’s the case, then there are foods (or supplements if necessary) that can ensure that. It’s important to look at your own body and lifestyle to see what might need to be added.
Why do you think people seem to be so misinformed and apprehensive towards a raw vegan lifestyle?
~ That is because it’s still in the infancy stage. There aren’t many people who are well versed in it. Apart from the obvious salad at restaurants, it’s not as if you see options for raw lasagna on menus (yet – ha-ha). As more people learn about it, ask questions, experiment, and read about it, there will be fewer who are apprehensive about it over time. That being said, many who follow (cooked) vegetarian and vegan diets still fight this battle in a big way. To take it to the level of raw vegan, it’s easy to see that there would be even more apprehension when many people don’t even understands vegan or vegetarian.
What do you want for people to take away from the books you write?
~ Raw food is easy, healthy, and delicious. It’s not an all or nothing situation. We all need more fruits and veggies in our diets, and with raw food cuisine, it makes it delicious and fun. Start small and simply add some fresh produce into your life. Have a green smoothie for breakfast or some fresh fruit. Have a bowl of raw soup before your next meal of steamed veggies and rice. Finish your day with a delectably sweet raw dessert. Before you know it, you’ve filled your body with loads of nutrition and can’t wait for more.