OK guys. I’m about to do something that makes me slightly mortified: I’m sharing a video of myself. Now, this blog is all about self-empowerment and positive affirmation and confidence, but I will admit it: I really dislike photos of myself. And I really really dislike videos of myself! This one, though, deserves sharing, because I was damn lucky: I got to be interviewed by Matt Monarch, who (if you don’t know him) is a huge force in the raw community. Matt has been 100% raw for eleven years; even though I don’t endorse the “100%” label, this is a huge achievement. And Matt spreads that love to others with his heartfelt books, his blog, his store, the Raw Food World, and his consistently amusing and warm-hearted TV episodes on YouTube.
Matt also deserves congratulations: he’s about to get married! This summer, he’ll wed miss Angela Stokes, another leader in the raw community. Angela lost over 160 pounds on a raw diet, and her website and delicious ebook have been huge sources of culinary inspiration to me! It goes without saying that the whole raw community is pretty stoked about this union; I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to Oregon!
Matt was kind enough to tape a few moments of conversation with me yesterday at the Expo. I give Choosing Raw a quick shout, and I address my own favorite topic: simplicity! Naturally, I think I sound like a moron, and that I look tired (I’d spent four hours at Book Expo America before all this, so I could be projecting). But before I get bogged down in what my buddy Philip would call negative affirmations, I’m going to embrace my identity as a savvy self-promoter and tell you guys to check out the video, if you like!
http://mattmonarch.blogspot.com/2009/05/raw-salad-dressings-episode-146.html
In other news, I want to congratulate my amazing blogging friends who ran the Brooklyn half on Saturday: Heather, Ashley, Melissa, Sarah, and anyone I might have left out! You guys never cease to amaze me — congratulations!!
I also want to say that the growth of raw interest in the blog community these days (check out Abbie, Erin, Sarah, Heather, Gina, Courtney, and Shelby’s blogs, just for starters) has me thrilled!! When I started this blog, I had one main goal: I wanted to show readers of both the raw AND the non-raw blogging communities that the raw lifestyle can be fun, appealing, and easy. At the time, it seemed that all raw blogs were aimed only at hardcore raw foodists, rather than broader audiences of mainstream eaters. Now, I see interest in raw foods cropping up everywhere. This makes me so happy. To all of you who are eating more raw foods, please keep it up! And always be in touch with questions.
Happy Monday, guys.
xo
I'm a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, a former book editor, and a post-baccalaureate pre-med student at Georgetown University. I'm passionate about helping people to discover and enjoy plant based foods in a simple and healthy way. My name is pronounced like "Jenna."
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
ahhh you are so awesome gena!!! and i had no idea it was Jehn-ah!
your interview is perfect. you spoke slowly, clearly, and gave great tips!!! yah!!!
No one knows till I pronounce it! Thanks, sweetie
You did great Gena! Nice one on helping to spread the all important word
x
Aww, Case — thanks for that.
YAY!!!!!!!!! You did great and looked gorgeous! You are a natural!
Random raw question: Is a plain block of tofu raw or cooked?
Katrina,
A plain block of tofu is processed AND cooked, though we tend not to think of it as cooked because it’s not necessarily heated. I’ll be saying more about soy this week as my question of the week.
G
Love the video Gena!!! Great tips =)
Little did you know that this has already been circulating without your knowledge (thanks Abbie!).
I bet you were so excited! You did flawlessly.
If you ever do make it up to Oregon…
If I ever do, I’m sharing a huge jass with you!!
Thanks, sweet Sarah! Can I make Abbie my publicist? xo
You were GREAT! Don’t sell yourself short….I thought you did a perfect job (and you looked fabulous – not tired at all!) I don’t know what video you watched, but you DEFINITELY didn’t sound like a moron! You were very clear, concise and warm! Awesome job! : )
Aww, Crystal, thank you! I’m a big baby about public speaking and photos.
You did wonderfully! A good starter tip and you gave it very clearly.
Congrats! Can you post a link to the full interview? Would love to read it!
That was all of it, Jeanne! Thanks for watching it
you are so insanely sweet + beautiful.
i loved it.
thanks for everything!
L
***another question: what is your take on supplements/vitamins? etc. CAN we get ALL the vitamins we need to function optimally from the food we eat daily?
-do you take any?
-if you do, what? and would you recommend any?
Lisa,
You are all about the awesome questions! I’d actually like to save that for question of the week, if that’s cool with you, but the short answer is that I only take enzymes and probiotics — no supplements. I believe that we can get all we need from food, but it’s complicated and requires a longer post. More soon.
xo
What about vitamin B12? It isn’t found in plants. Do you not believe it is an essential vitamin? Thanks!
I’m know — that’s why I said the answer was more complicated. I eat sea vegetables and have consistently high levels of B-12 each year, but I recommend that all vegans get checked once in a while to see if they need supplementation.
Great, thanks!! That totally makes sense.
the camera loves you!! thanks for the video link! I love Matt! He is so upbeat and positive! happy Monday to you too, Gena!!
Thanks, my dear!! xo
hi Gena!
I just found your website through “loveIN my tummy”. Can I enter the raw giveaway through this comment by saying somethings you taught me? I just waned to thank you for the avo/healthy fats post. You’re so right, media makes wieght loss seem extremely inportant for woman in the USA, and salal/chicken the only way to go. I don’t think it’s always even wieght loss- it’s living a healthy, happy, preferable cruelty free lifestyle than will make you shine. Raw plant fats are good for humans- thanks for all the helpful info.!!!
Welcome Laci! So glad you’re here!
Hi Gena! I also found your blog through LoveIN My Tummy and I love it! I am slowly making the process towards eating more raw foods (just cut out meat and all caffeine last week!) and am really loving it. I have added your blog to my Google Reader and can’t wait to read more of your posts!
So excited to have you, Becca! Enjoy!!
yeahhhhh! you were amazing!
thank you for the shout out <3
hope you have a great day!
No you did NOT sound like a moron – this video brought me to your blog!
thanks for the shout, gena! i’ll have to check your video after work tonight — i’m sure you look adorable and sound brilliant
i LOVE how accessible you make raw food, and i’m so glad you started your blog!
Anytime, Sarah! Love your blog and congrats on the race!
I am somewhat new to your blog. Found it through Fitnessista’s. I have been very interested in raw food for a while and love incorporating it as much as I can into my diet. Thanks a ton for all your info, it has been tremendously helpful!!
My pleasure, Stacy! Thanks for the intro. Keep reading!
Gena you look wonderful! You did a fantastic job!
Gena you did fabulously! Don’t be so hard on yourself
I love seeing videos of bloggers– it makes them “real” ya know?!
Love it and so excited about the raw excitement that is growing!!
As I said to you earlier, you did awesome and are so beautiful!
And you are the best publicist EVER!
You don’t need to be worried AT ALL. You were awesome! (I supressed the urge to say “rawesome” there.) You were articulate and very well spoken, you gave good information, you didn’t stumble over your words, and you looked great! But I know what you mean about being uncomfortable with pictures of yourself because I’m exactly the same way. But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Great job!
Thanks, B
I can not wait to watch the video, I wish I could do it at work! You are so the best and bringing a much needed sophisticated, non-granola perspective to the raw world.
You’re the best. Duh.
Hey girlie! I’m so excited I found your blog! (from Erin @ Care to Eat). It’s awesome. I’ve always loved the idea of a raw food diet-I honestly would not be able to make the full switch to a life of raw foods only, but I LOVE the idea of doing some sort of 2 week challenge on it, esp. for the blog! But I’m so clueless as where I’d start for ingredients & the possibilities to do this 1 or 2 week challenge! I’d love any advice or guidelines you have. I’ll keep stalking your blog today haha to find out more, & you can email me @ Kateswholeplate@yahoo.com
Can’t wait to keep checking in:)
Beautiful job! You look great on camera. I am so glad you spoke openly about the importance of simplicity. It is what keeps me on this path.
I’ve been traveling for the last few weeks so I haven’t been commenting, but I wanted to join in the chorus of thanks for the FATS post. Growing up in the 80′s and 90′s definitely made me very afraid of fat. In fact, in high school (despite the fact that I was very thin) I tried to limit my fat intake to 10-15 grams a day! I know, misguided and ridiculous. I suppose the generation after me will feel the same way about carbs. Luckily the message is slowly spreading that it is the kind of carbs and fats you are putting in your body that matter. Although I have been eating 1-3 avos a day for the past two years (maybe longer) I still feel this cringe when I stop to think about the amount of fat I am ingesting. So, thank you for reiterating for my mind what my body already rejoices in on a daily basis.
Thanks so much, Kathleen! I’m glad that the fats thing resonated with you.
And I can’t wait for us to connect soon
You looked great (total raw glow) and came across very warm and intelligent. I know the feeling- I usually hate watching videos of myself. Luckily no one ever sees it the way you do! Especially impressive for an impromptu interview!
I am so interested in that organic coconut water… I’ve asked around and it’s virtually impossible to find organic coconuts.
Laura —
Honestly, I don’t know how truthful that was! My understanding is that organic thai coconuts are impossible to find. I’ve given up
Gena
Hi Gena,
Thank you, you are one of the people that is inspiring me to eat more raw. Recently, after feeling what seems to be an unnatural amount of sluggishness and dreariness, I decided to look at my diet. I started reading about raw and all the health benefits, so I thought I’d, as you say, baby step my way toward more raw. I’ve been trying to incorporate one or two raw meals in each day and I am loving how “fresh and crisp” it makes me feel. It really does make a difference. Thank you for putting out all the information and recipes. I find it very useful for a raw novice like me.
I’m so glad you’re feeling the benefits, Irina! Keep it up!!
Gena,
I never knew your name was pronounced “Jenna”. Lol! Good to know.
You are drop dead gorgeous and I’ve been adding a lot more raw foods into my diet due to your influence.
Have a wonderful monday!
With Love,
Emily
And YOU are much too sweet! Thanks, Em. I am so glad I’ve been inspiring you. xo
Thanks for sharing the video. I saw Matt and Angela there as well! You looked great by the way.
I have a question..you can use it for a question of the week if you’d like. What beauty products do you use? Your hair looks perfect and shiny and your skin is beautiful (which I am sure raw foods is a major factor). But do you use any other products? I switched over to all natural products and I am still working on the makeup thing (some of the natural makeups aren’t great). Any suggestions would be great!
Just left you a comment, girl!
Thanks about the video. Was SO wiped out — glad I looked OK
Thanks for the comment. I am a fan of all of those brands and coconut oil of course!
Another question for you, Thomas and I are going to Central Park to walk around and hang out on Sunday. What’s a good raw place for a quick *cheap* bite? I was thinking about Quintessence, but we usually spend time closer to the Upper East side part of the park. We might just have to switch it up and head over there this time…
Sunday’s my bday! I’m hoping for pretty weather!
You could go to Candle Cafe, which is way cheaper than Candle 79 (where Mom and I are having bday dinner, partially inspired by you and Thomas). You could also stop in at Blossom on 82nd and Columbus — right across the street from me. If you do, say hey to Craig for me!
xoox
Yea, we usually do Candle Cafe when we go to the park, but I wanted somewhere with more raw options.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (early) Have a wonderful time! Those raw enchiladas are divine! Yum!
Gina…I mean Gena.
How adorable are you…you so did not look tired. You’re beautiful.
Thanks for the shout out. I’m feeling so good incorporating more fruits and veggies into my daily diet, and can I just tell you how obsessed I am with your guac?!? Love it. Will be making my 3rd batch soon. Also, love my spiralizer!!!!
Have a good week sweet friend.
I am so psyched that you love the guac, Heather! I am kind of obsessed too.
Thanks for the kind words about the video, my dear. -”Gina”
I just did a quick search and found these organic coconuts: http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/certified_organic_young_coconuts.html
Comes out to about $6 a piece, plus shipping. Sad to read about the processing of non-organic coconuts. I guess if a person wanted to avoid the regular ones, it could be a good splurge, and they could be frozen until used.
(I love the coconut sprout pot!)
Hey, cool! Thanks, Laura!
You are SO CHARMING AND CUTE in that video!
I was hoping you’d post it!
Did you see the comments people are leaving? Everyone wants to take you out! I hope your blog is getting a million hits as a consequence.
Get it girl!
Oh, and thanks for throwin’ down for me.
This is awesom; you are simply delicious! I think part of the reason I ended up backpedaling with raw is that I dove in too fast. Simple, simple, simple. Goes in line with my favorite parable The Tortoise and the Hare, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Thank you for the reminder.
Metta
Gena, you are obviously delusional (I mean that in a nice way!) because you look, as always, beautiful! I couldn’t agree more with the simplicity — I’ve dialed back even my cooked foods to be more simple, because I got to a point where eating was daunting and frustrating due to thinking I had to have these elaborate meals, when really a simple salad or grain+veg dish would suffice. I enjoyed the brief video!
Thanks as always, Heather
Well you are so great on film, but I totally understand where you’re coming from – I hate videos of me! Anyway, I commented on the video and will remind you here that your guest posts on Melissa’s blog where what made me curious about the raw lifestyle. I think you’re doing a spectacular job and am so glad you finally decided to start this blog!
1. You are adorable.
2. You are wise beyond your years.
3. I am convinced, you do not sleep. Ever.
xo!
EarthMom:
1) Thank you!
2) Lots of people say that. I think it’s a beautiful compliment.
3) I do sleep on occasion, but it ain’t easy these days…
xoxo
Gena!!! You’re FREAKIN’ ADORABLE!!!!! I loved seeing you on camera. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Kristen
Ha, thanks K! Glad you liked, and thanks for the comment on Matt’s site
Gena,
I’m looking forward to watching it!
I have bookmarked you for Sunday when we get our download limit reset (*sigh*) but I am pretty sure you are great
x em.
Aw, Em, it’s not so exciting. But I hope you enjoy!!
YouYouYou were great! Don’t be mortified, you are very inspiring…how cool you were on Matt’s TV show – I’m a subscriber. Keep up the great work.
If I were put on the spot like that I don’t think I would share your eloquence! I was very impressed and in complete agreement with what you say your site does for the vegan/raw communities. You should start a vlog, girl! Keep on rockin’.
yea!! so cute. loved it
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