On Raw Food & Wellbeing with Rawspirations
There are so many different diets and lifestyles that can each improve our life and wellbeing. Having spoken about the vegan and Blue-Zone diet, I was interested in looking into another popular diet, raw food. I remember a few years ago at the coast with my family; we were all doing the raw food diet and seeing who could last the longest. Having not known much about it at all, I didn't pay attention to the benefits it could have on my body. In later years, I wondered more about it, and what a raw food diet could do to benefit our bodies and why it's so important. When I decided to write about raw food, the idea of discussing the topic with Sabrina came to my mind immediately. Sabrina is a long time close family friend and has been advocating and practising the importance of raw food for years. I've followed her wellness journey for a while now, and it's always fascinating to see the way she transforms everyday dishes into nutrient-dense raw food meals and seeing how the diet has changed her life for the better.
This led to today's interview with Sabrina, which took place at her home where we were able to spend the day discussing so many different topics from medicinal mushrooms to air pollution toxicity, and of course her lifestyle.
In early 2013 Sabrina was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis, a condition that up to 25-50% of interfile women are estimated to have. After an unsuccessful laparoscopy, the endometriosis had spread through most of her organs, and she was told she would have very little chance of ever falling pregnant. Sabrina had two options:
Follow the recommended six-month course of Zoladex, which only gave a chance of falling pregnant, and running her body down in the meantime.
Go back to the basics and look at the underlying reason that her body was having these problems, and in turn potentially heal her.
Having always led a natural and healthy lifestyle, Sabrina decided to follow her head and heart and go with option 2. With the help of her naturopath Nataša Zaric, Sabrina began a diet of predominately raw and organic vegan foods. Fast forward six months and her decision allowed her to fall pregnant, and a desire to share her story with other women. You can read Sabrina's full story, available here.
Hi Sabrina, I spoke a bit about your journey above, can you tell me about how your life is currently?
I'm a very busy mum to two young boys who naturally occupy most of my time. However, when I'm not busy being a mum, my passion and focus are being an advocate for living a wholesome and healthy organic lifestyle. Having loved the health and nutrition field since I was 11 years old, I was always fascinated by the natural alternatives that really do work contrary to what we've sometimes been led to believe. I love helping people wherever possible; this led me to study to become a fully qualified life coach, Reiki master and commencing this February I will begin studying Clinical Naturopathy and Health Science. I share a lot of what I do and the yummy treats I make on my Instagram handle, Rawspirations!
So this is what led you to begin your wellness project?
Yes! Rawspirations, which initially began as an Instagram account, allowed me to do just that. I continue to share recipes that I've trialled and tested following predominately raw/baked vegan and vegetarian diet, all organic and dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
When it comes to raw food, what do you think is the importance of incorporating raw food into your diet?
When food is in its natural state, no processing or alterations to its structure has taken place. If you fuel your body with the right raw materials and nutritional factors, you are allowing it to triple its protective power of the immune system. The cells in our body need the right minerals and nutrients to meet its demands and overcome disease brought on by insufficient amounts of these nutrients. This is why I aim for at least an 80% vegetable diet.
You mentioned earlier that you're a fully qualified Reiki master, how are forms of energy healing like Reiki necessary in your lifestyle?
I'm a huge believer and advocate for the importance of positive energy and balance in our lives. The change is sometimes so subtle that people don't realise how impactful it has been for them. I definitely notice the difference before and after a reiki session. I always feel more grounded, aligned, focused and clearer. I also find such an enormous benefit in rebalancing my energy by getting out of the city. Out into nature, into the mountains or rural environments - we can't get proper grounding when we're exposed to the constant electrosmog.
If people are looking towards starting a predominantly plant-based diet, what were some of the best ways to approach it?
Any time of the year is perfect. For me, I think one of the best ways to approach it is by following lots of plant-based/raw food pages. Seeing their backstory and testimonials makes such a big difference. The way people can see such a huge change that keeps improving inspires us to continue. It also is an excellent way for inspiration for recipes to create.
How has social media helped or hindered your experience with Rawspirations?
Initially, I never wanted to be on social media, to be honest. My friend kept pushing me to jump online around the time I was sick, as a way to document my journey so women in the same boat could see what I was doing. I got such an incredible response and have loved connecting and inspiring other people, so that's what's kept me online.
Has social media had it's drawbacks too?
I think sometimes some people may get too stuck on social media. I've always been careful about what I post, and think it's so essential for others to do the same. I carefully think about each post and don't post for the sake of posting anything. The way I view my social media is as a documentary of my life - not dictating what others should do as we are all different and have different paths. In this way, it's been great to find likeminded people for inspiration and to exchange ideas.
I noticed a few months ago you deactivated your social media for a while. With such a crazy 2020, and so much on your plate, how have juggled your passion projects along with your life and family?
It's tough to choose between work-life balance, as you can only properly dedicate yourself to one, while the other suffers. Family comes first for me, so that's why I haven't been able to dedicate myself entirely to Rawspirations. I try to work as much as I can on it when the kids are asleep. A few months ago, I took down my social media due to the craziness of 2020. I was dedicated to focusing on the family with no distractions - distractions like all the negativity online that I did not want to expose my energy to. As much as I love being there for my followers, I needed to take some time for myself and my family because things were so full-on. I was able to focus on me and create a happy bubble. All of us have a threshold, like lightworkers and healers, and even the strongest people need time away, and that's where I was at. When you deplete your life source energy, you can't be of service to others or heal others, and that's why the break was so great to refuel.
What have some of the highlights been during your wellness journey?
The main highlight over the years has been connecting with like-minded souls and helping others reach their full potential. Other projects like creating a cookbook (currently offline but returning soon) and being awarded as one of Australia's Top 50 Influencers a few years ago were also big highlights for me.
What are some of the essential values that you come back to daily that help promote an active and healthy lifestyle?
We have so much potential, yet we downplay ourselves daily by lack of confidence and lowered self-esteem. There are so many ways people begin comparing themselves to others which is a huge no-no. It's so crucial to practice self-love, being grateful for even the smallest things daily and rewiring old self-sabotaging belief systems we have had programmed over time.
As many people are increasingly becoming more focused on bettering themselves and living a holistic life, many are looking for ways to incorporate small steps into their daily routines. What are some of the ways you reconnect and ground yourself daily?
There are so many daily rituals I incorporate into my day to help with centring myself and grounding my energy. First thing in the morning I make myself a nutrient-dense smoothie to charge myself for the day. Usually, this consists of blueberries, banana, stevia, spinach, chlorella, hemp protein, oat milk and medicinal mushrooms. Another excellent breakfast option I turn to is an açai bowl topped with bee pollen, goji berries and cacao nibs. I have a sound healing room that I take time aside in when I need balancing, where I use a variety of tools like tuning forks and singing bowls. Getting out into nature and spending at least ten minutes a day to be still and focused is a must for me. This time allows me to focus on what I want to achieve moving forward. For cleansing the energy in my home, I sometimes use palo santo and listen to high-frequency music.
Have there been any discoveries lately that you love?
Recently I've loved discovering more about CBD, and have definitely reaffirmed the importance of creating your own happiness bubble and only allowing what makes you happy inside that bubble.
What is the future for Rawspirations?
I plan to do more; however, time is limited at the moment, when my boys are back in school, then my attention will shift back to growing this movement in-between studies. Who knows what the future holds! Predominately I've been focusing on healthy sweets on Rawspirations, and in the future, I'm moving my focus over to low-sugar, low-nut/oil savoury dishes. We should be mindful of excess consumption of nuts and sugars in our diet, and sometimes with raw desserts, we don't realise how much we are really consuming. This is what led me to my interest in creating more savoury dishes. There are some other exciting projects in the pipeline that I'm excited to share in the near future too!
Raw+Vegan Salted Caramel Slice
Sabrina has created a special raw food recipe that is as quick to make as it is delicious. Utilising raw ingredients, the recipe is available here.
Half-Hour High-Frequency Healing
Sabrina and I have put together some of our favourite high-frequency playlists and soundscapes utilising healing tools such as singing bowls and tuning forks to ease into a balanced and meditative state. Available here.
With wellness,
Aleksandar
Banner image, image 1, 2 & 4 photography by Aleksandar Zarić for Welluvia x RawspirationsImage 3 photography by Margit SelgDisclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. As everyone is different, not everything will work for everyone. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health.