Tag: Raw Vegan Demonstration

I’m excited to share that I’ve just completed my Raw Vegan Chef Training Level 2 — which means I’m now formally qualified to teach a wide variety of raw vegan dishes to others. This is something I’ve already been demonstrating at my Rainforest Reiki Retreats Days, and now I can take it further. If you’re part of a group or retreat that would love to learn hands-on raw food preparation, I’m happy to travel and teach at your venue.

That said, my focus remains on teaching, not catering. I’m not looking to become a private chef for yoga retreats or events, but I am passionate about empowering others to create their own vibrant, nourishing meals.

My Raw Vegan Training Journey

I discovered raw vegan foods by accident while on a meditation holiday in Bali back in 2023. I was looking for somewhere to have a nice meal and a friend recommended Sayuri’s. I’ve never looked back and have now completed:

🌿 Raw Vegan Dessert Chef – February 2023
🌿 Raw Vegan Chef Level 1 – November 2023
🌿 Raw Vegan Chef Level 2 – July 2025

Through these trainings at Sayuri Healing Food Academy in Bali—I’ve learned how to prepare delicious raw vegan dishes with flavours from all around the world.

Skills I’ve Gained Along the Way

Here are just some of the things I now teach in my classes and retreats:

• Dehydration techniques for making coconut “bacon,” papaya “salmon,” flaxseed crackers, vegan wraps, and more—while preserving the full nutrient content of each ingredient by keeping temperatures below 46°C.
• Global flavour profiles—how to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in sauces and dressings using just a few core ingredients.
• Simple kitchen tools—you don’t need fancy equipment to make amazing raw meals. Often, the blender or food processor you already have is enough.
• Making your own vegan cheeses, granolas, and milks from scratch—so you know exactly what’s in your food.
• Sprouting grains and seeds to add more life to your meals—literally! Sprouted foods are enzyme-rich and more digestible.
• Seasonal eating—choosing fresh, local produce that’s better for your body, your wallet, and the earth.
• Smart swaps—like replacing heavy carbs with lighter options like cauliflower rice or jicama.
• Critical thinking about supermarket vegan food—not all vegan products are healthy. Some are highly processed and packed with preservatives. The food I prepare and teach is the real deal—nourishing, fresh, and full of energy.

How Raw Vegan Eating Has Changed My Life

Before I began this journey, I was like many people—buying granola and nut milks from the supermarket, never really thinking about what was inside. Most commercial nut milks contain as little as 2% nuts! Now I make my own at home with almonds, cashews, or seeds—and it tastes incredible.

Shopping has become a joy. I love exploring farmers’ markets, trying new fruits and vegetables, and thinking about which dressing or dip will bring it all together. I often follow themed weeks—like Japanese, Thai, or Middle Eastern recipes—so every meal feels like a new adventure.

I still enjoy balance. Lunch is usually raw, while dinner might be a warm vegan dish. I don’t force anything. If I’m out and someone offers me a cooked meal, I accept it with gratitude. I believe in being firm and flexible—and not letting food become another label or restriction.

Energy, Clarity, and Joy

This approach to food has transformed the way I feel. I have more energy, clearer focus, and my digestion is happier. I also sleep less and feel more alive in my body. Of course, I know this isn’t only about food—my daily Reiki meditation practice has played a big role too. But raw vegan eating has definitely deepened the way I connect with myself and the world around me.

Want to Learn With Me?

If you’re interested in raw vegan cooking and want to learn how to prepare meals that energise, inspire, and nourish you from the inside out, I’d love to share what I’ve learned. Whether it’s part of a retreat day at Rainforest Reiki or a private group session at your venue, my classes are hands-on, practical, and always full of flavour and heart.

Get in touch to learn more or book a session. Let’s make food that heals, together.

For more details, email julierainforestreiki@gmail.com or phone 0438 537365. Alternatively, check the Retreat Day page for upcoming group Reiki and Raw Food Retreat Days.

Upcoming Events

Raw Vegan Foods Inspired by the Taste of Mexico

Looking for a healthy and fun activity in Cairns? Why not join Julie’s Raw Vegan and Reiki Retreat Day in October 2025.

This unique combination of raw food preparation and reiki healing practices is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself whilst learning new culinary skills.

SAVE THE DATE

What is Raw Vegan Cuisine?

Raw vegan cuisine focuses on plant-based foods that are prepared without heating above 46°C (115°F).

This gentle approach to food preparation preserves the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that can be diminished through conventional cooking methods.

Raw vegan dishes rely on creative techniques like sprouting, fermenting, dehydrating, and blending to create complex flavours and textures.

Mexican-Inspired Raw Vegan Delights

During the retreat day, you’ll be creating vibrant, Mexican-inspired vegan delights that showcase the versatility and flavour potential of raw plant foods.

Taco “Meat”

This protein-rich alternative to traditional taco filling typically uses nuts, seeds, or mushrooms as a base, seasoned with Mexican spices to create a satisfying texture and rich flavour. The raw preparation method maintains the nutritional integrity of the ingredients whilst delivering the familiar taste of tangy tacos.

Cacao Mole Sauce

A raw vegan interpretation of classic Mexican mole, this rich dip combines raw cacao with traditional Mexican flavours. Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and natural compounds that can boost mood and energy. When blended with complementary spices and ingredients, it creates a super-yummy sauce that tastes amazing with fresh vegetables.

Fruit Salsas

Fresh fruit salsas bring natural sweetness and vibrant colours to the Mexican-inspired menu. These raw preparations showcase seasonal fruits and locally-grown herbs.

Cashew Sour Cream

This creamy, tangy alternative to dairy sour cream is made from raw cashews, which are naturally rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. When blended with acidic ingredients, cashews create a remarkably similar texture and taste to traditional sour cream.

Classic Guacamole

The star of Mexican cuisine, guacamole showcases the nutritional powerhouse of the beloved avocado. Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, potassium, and vitamins K, C, and E, avocados provide sustained energy and support heart health. When prepared raw with fresh herbs and vegetables, guacamole becomes a nutrient-dense addition to any meal.

What to Expect on Your Retreat Day

Morning: Culinary Demonstration and Hands-On Learning

The day begins with an interactive demonstration of simple raw vegan culinary methods that you can easily try at home. You’ll learn essential techniques for preparing raw vegan dishes, including proper soaking and preparation of nuts and seeds, flavour balancing, and texture creation.

After the demonstration, we’ll work together to create our Mexican-inspired luncheon. This hands-on approach ensures you’ll gain practical experience and confidence in raw food preparation. The collaborative cooking process is both educational and social, allowing you to make new friends while mastering new skills.

Midday: Sharing the Feast

Together, we’ll enjoy the delicious foods we prepared. This communal meal is an opportunity to savour the fruits of your labour whilst experiencing how satisfying and flavourful raw vegan cuisine can be.

Afternoon: Meditation and Japanese Reiki

The afternoon transitions into healing and relaxation with meditation and Japanese Reiki practice. The combination of mindful eating and energy healing creates a holistic wellness experience that nourishes both body and spirit. The meditation practice is especially important because it helps integrate the day’s learning with our Being.

A Day of Connection and Learning

Beyond the culinary skills and healing practices, this retreat day offers something equally valuable: community connection. Participants often form lasting friendships through the shared experience of learning, creating, and eating together.

Whether you’re new to raw vegan cuisine or looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this day promises to be both educational and deeply relaxing. Book your spot today.

BOOK YOUR SPOT