Foodie Friday: Natalia KW

Posted July 6, 2012

If you’ve ever, even for a second, thought that healthy eating is bland and boring, you obviously have not been introduced to Natalia KW. Not only does she boast a repertoire of amazing delicious and healthy meals, she is the queen of healthy treats. Her book, Cupcake Heaven, will smash any misguided stereotype. Natalia KW’s work combines a unique blend of shamanic energy medicine and pure healing foods, to facilitate transformation on all levels. She is also the co-founder of Nourishing Our Radiance. Yep, Natalie has a lot going on. Here’s the inside on her healthy life …

What was the catalyst that turned you into a healthy foodie?

In my early 20’s, I began to suffer from a raging case of candida that lasted a painful five years. I saw countless health practitioners and tried numerous treatments, all to no avail. I finally realised that I needed to take my health into my own hands and knew that meant to begin with my diet. I adopted a raw food lifestyle and for the first time in 5 years, found relief and so much more!

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your diet?

I’m green obsessed! Nothing keeps me feeling healthier and happier than a hearty dose of greens every single day. Green Juices, green smoothies and kale salads are my staples. Also, I always eat organic. It’s an important statement that I make, not only for my own health, but for the health of the farmers and our precious earth. As for what I leave out – I never touch meat, fish, eggs, dairy, gluten or anything artificial.

If you were trying to convert someone to your dietary philosophy, what would you make for them?

I would make a batch of cupcakes from my book, Cupcake Heaven. They’re both beautiful and delicious and I’ve watched many omnivores go for seconds. They’re a symbol of celebration and a reminder that this lifestyle is not restrictive.

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

Spreading the word that it is easy to travel on a high raw vegan diet is a passion of mine! I’ve been travelling a lot over the last year and have always found a way to make it work. When I’m travelling by car I pack a cooler full of goodies like my sunflower hummus, veggies, salads and cut watermelon. Plus, I have bags full of fruit, trail mixes and raw treats. I bring green powders, chlorella tablets, vitamin C and probiotics. If I’m traveling by plane, I bring a handful of snacks and supplements and then make the health food store my first stop after landing.

What are your go-to meals and snacks when you are super busy?

When I’m busy, I reach for green smoothies, apples with almond butter and salads made with pre-washed greens and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. If I’m really hungry, I’ll bake a sweet potato and drizzle it with coconut oil as a side to my salad. Oh, and I’m always super busy, so I make time to create a few special meals each week anyway—hoping that there will be leftovers! Right now, I’m obsessed with a zucchini pasta & broccoli alfredo dish that I created for the Nourishing Our Radiance course. It makes a weekly appearance on my plate.

Juices or smoothies: Which do you prefer? What’s your favourite combination?

Both green juices and smoothies are a daily ritual for me. I’m definitely a creature of habit. My juice is cucumber, celery, lemon and whatever scraps I have lying around (like kale stems and broccoli stalks). My morning smoothie is homemade hemp milk with Healthforce Warrior Food Protein, green powder, banana, berries & fresh parsley, kale or spinach.

What’s the biggest nutrition misconception you are always having to clear up for people?

People always think my diet is restrictive, but I am so inspired by the ingredients that I choose to use, that I’ve been coming up with new recipes for five years. That’s hardly restrictive in my book!

If you could prepare a meal for anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what would you make?

I would love to invite my Andean shamanism teachers to my dinner table. I’m studying through the Four Winds and their beautiful traditions and teachings have touched me so deeply. I would love to share my gifts with them. I would make sweet potato tacos—a raw/cooked fusion dish that I’m in love with right now…sprouted corn tortillas, spiced sweet potatoes, massaged kale and all the best raw taco toppings!

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

Being a wellness warrior means not making compromises with my diet or lifestyle beliefs just because it makes other people uncomfortable or judgemental. It means living as inspiration for loved ones and community rather than lecturing or preaching. Also, being a wellness warrior goes far beyond what we do for ourselves and touches all aspects of life—reminding me to treat others with love and respect and to walk softly upon our beautiful planet, with a wish of wellness for all!

A RECIPE FROM NATALIA:

 

Deep Clean Lemonade

serves 1

I’m a huge fan of anything green, but I also have a discriminating palate and I enjoy eating and drinking for pleasure. I whipped up this drink with both cleansing and pleasure in mind.

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups water
18 drops mint flavored chlorophyll concentrate
2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on how tart you like your lemonade)
8 drops liquid stevia

Preparation:

Mix the water and the chlorophyll in a glass. Make sure to mix these together before adding the lemon juice or it will not mix properly. Add the lemon juice and stevia and mix again. Drink & enjoy!

Connect with Natalie on …

Her website: nataliakw.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PureNataliaKW
Twitter: @NataliaKW

 

Positive affirmation for the day: It is totally okay to be selfish when it comes to taking care of myself.

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