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Raw deal
Interview with Shazzie by Charlotte McDonal (Activities Editor, Time Out, Dubai)
September 2003

Demi 'Charlie's Angels II' Moore, Woody 'Natural Born Killers' Harrelson and Alicia 'Clueless' Silverstone are all raw food converts. Raw food expert Shazzie (pictured before and after) has been eating uncooked food since 2000 and has since written two books and created many recipes. She is visiting Dubai on October 10 2003 and conducting a raw food workshop. We asked her: exactly how many ways can you cut a carrot?

What does 'going raw' mean?
Many people use this term to describe their transition to an uncooked and usually plant-based diet. More people are turning to raw food as they realise their current food and lifestyle choices don't contribute to vibrant health.

What is your definition of a healthy food?
I believe that food that hasn't been processed is the healthiest for us. Cooking food is a big process. It loses about 80 percent of the water, which is why most humans are dehydrated. Raw plant foods are juicy, full of enzymes, vitamins and minerals, and our body recognises them as foods, not toxins.

People are sick to death of hearing about new diet plans and are very confused with what's on the market. How can you convince people to follow your methods?
If you see me at my talk, I promise I won't need to say a word to convince you! Pictures of my transformation are on www.shazzie.com. This is the strongest message I have. People who have lost (weight) with Atkins, for example, don't display the same vibrant health, and many traditional dieters end up yo-yoing with only two percent maintaining their weight loss.

Wouldn't you say it's all about following your instincts about what is right for you?
Ultimately, yes. Once we get decades of food addiction and distorted eating patterns out of the way, we can finally feel our way through all aspects of life, including food. I'm so in tune with what my body wants now, I found myself eating flowers one day -- in Spain this means you're mad, but I loved them!

Do you find clients stick with the plan if it works, or do people slip back into old habits?
Everyone's life path differs, so there are varying results. I like to teach people how to get their food power back by discussing which technologies and techniques they can use to detox and rebuild. People on a high green diet have massive success rates regarding permanent weight control, bags of energy, vibrant living and disease loss.

Paracelsus quoted: 'All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy.' I'm assuming he meant cooked as well raw substances. What are your comments on that?
There are some raw foods that are more toxic than some cooked foods, but not many. For example, I don't believe a steamed carrot is worse for someone than a pound of raw nuts. It's ultimately about using your uncommon sense and looking to nature as much as possible for answers. We don't use our instincts as much any more.

Are your recipes simple to follow, or do they involve lots of weighing, checking and paranoia?
There's no weighing at all. I judge amounts using cups. My recipes don't say how many they serve, as you really can eat until you have satiated your appetite. Many take less than five minutes to prepare and are very simple. There are also some 'gourmet' recipes. This isn't about depriving yourself.

Are the recipes adaptable to Middle Eastern living?
There are always foods that are local to each climate. In Dubai you have great access to fruits, greens and sprouts.

Tell me about your new book.
'Detox Your World' has over 380 pages of information. I wrote it in a style that makes it easy to pick up and put down. The information is in depth where it matters but I write in real words. I'm not out to impress anyone, just help them.

What do you hope to bring to Dubai?
I envisage the workshop will be attended by those who are into total transformation as well as those curious about vibrant energy. The information will ripple throughout the health community in Dubai and will filter through to many people. If everyone changes their lives just by ten percent, can you imagine how great the vibe of your place will be then?

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