As a Holistic Nutritionist, I have dedicated the better-part of my life, to studying whole foods, specifically in the areas of prevention and healing. One thing is for sure, I love the idea of eating local, eating fresh and eating foods as a, “whole.” I also love getting others opinions on nutrition; so I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of David Wolfe.

“Diet plays a significant, if not vital, role in our quality of life–emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. One of life’s greatest goals is to design a proper diet for ourselves; one that makes us feel amazing in each moment, leads us to limitless beauty, and increases longevity. My desire is to provide you with clues and tools–not rules–on how to do this.” — David Wolfe

Wild medicinal mushroom

David has a very calm and positive energy about him. He didn’t follow notes, he just went with, “the flow.” I however, took notes . . . nine pages of them.

David began by explaining that, “raw food is how we connect to the natural energy of our world.” He feel as though raw, wild, fresh foods have a scared energy and that can’t be underestimated. As we’re all becoming aware of, most foods in the supermarkets have traveling from far and wide. We have no idea how long they have been ‘sitting’ on the shelves; or what they have been ‘fed’ with to make them appear so perfectly, flawless.

David focused on a lot of super-foods that grow right here, in Canadian soil! That was one of the points that really won me over; I love the idea of getting what we need from the land that we live-on.

He even went as far as to say that, “not every way, is for everybody!” This is another one of my core beliefs and I was thrilled to hear the, “Superfood Guru” himself bring that theory home!  David also relayed the message that, “some people can’t be raw foodies.” Different bodies respond differently to foods — even healthy foods; we just have to figure out what works best for us.

David chose a path of healing that took him on a different route than some of his friends. He had to make a decision to put healing as a top priority.

He spoke of food allergies and told us to be aware of the things we might be sensitive too. He told us about times in his life when he ate too much fruit, “you can go, fruity.” No matter what diet you’re on, he stressed how vegetables are of most importance!

David definitely seems to have a love-affiar with raw chocolate. He’s also known for suggesting other indigenous super-foods such as, goji berries and maca root. However, there is more good news in all of this! He dedicated the night to speaking of super-foods that are seasonal and regional!

Local super-foods:

• beet root
• celery
• cucumber
• parsley
• kale
• sauerkraut
• sprouts
• cilantro
• wild mushrooms
• dandelion

AND local super-herbs:

• camomile
• strawberry leaf
• primrose
• lambs quarter’s
• stinging nettle

Sprouts in particular, have, “the energy of youth, they’re packed with vitamin C and are a free-form of amino acids.” These little guys have the power to do your, “internal spring cleaning.”

David’s Orders:

• Drink burdock root tea
• Jump in icey mountain water
• Swim in the ocean
• Walk barefoot in the dirt (often)
• Eat raw cucumber (with the skin)
• Eat raw cilantro (David juices it)
• Eat raw radish

“It’s also important to note that vegans and vegetarians need to make sure they’re getting lots of vitamin D; especially in this climate.” This is where seaweeds play an important role, for they contain easily absorbable vitamin D. These sea vegetables also contain high levels of iodine; which acts as a great protection against heavy metals and toxin over-load. He also spoke of mineral deficiency causing cancer, obesity and other chronic diseases. Seaweeds and sea salts are also an exceptional source of precious trace minerals. Since the devastation in Japan, David has been sourcing his sea vegetables from Labrador and Iceland.

Icy, cold waters by: blairsmith66

In the Kootenay’s, were are incredibly lucky for endless reasons. One of our natural wonders are the mineral-rich hot springs hidden all over the place.

David recommends taking advantage and making sure to indulge in a few icy, river dips as well. “Jumping into an icy river is one of the quickest ways to alkalize the body.”

He had fresh mountain water brought into the event and couldn’t help but to mention how outrageous it was! David focused a lot on how lucky we are to have clean, raw water, right in our backyard!

Last but not least, he stressed the importance of walking barefoot as often as you can. This will connect you with the earth’s negatively charged ions. These ions are alkaline-forming and will give you deep, real energy! He was barefoot the entire evening.