Going raw on retreat at the beach

Greens were the "meat" of each meal. 

Attendees at the Raw Foods Retreat (see slideshow) on August 8th and 9th in Flagler Beach, Florida were treated to amazing vegan raw meals as well as fascinating lectures and other amenities in a gorgeous beachfront setting.

The featured speaker was the legendary Paul Nison, author and high priest of the raw food movement, whose informative talks on Saturday and Sunday were full of insight, knowledge, and a healthy dose of humor.

Lunches were prepared by esteemed raw Chef Peter Cervoni and eaten in the company of over 30 retreat attendees from around the United States.

The retreat was held in a three story luxury home in Ocean Hammock, one of the most exclusive communities in the Flagler Beach/Palm Coast area.
                                                                           

The first attendees to register were able to stay as guests in one of the seven bedrooms in the house to more fully immerse themselves into the raw food lifestyle (this writer couldn't hack total immersion, but that is another story).

Carrot raisin salad like you've never had it. 

For the very reasonable cost of $259 per person ($199 early registration), participants in the Raw Foods Retreat had hours of lectures, an array of food, and the natural camraderie among those who seek the healthful life.

Everyone was entitled to a complimentary ionic foot bath from Logical Therapy Wellness, as well as the option to indulge in massage or reflexology.  In addition, attendees were able to enjoy unlimited ionized water from IonWays all day long.

 Each night's dinner was held at a local raw food restaurant: Almond Blossom Cafe and Wellness provided their fabulous "In the Buff(et)" to kick off the weekend on Friday, and The Present Moment Cafe hosted the group on Saturday evening.

Diablo slaw: hot and luscious.   

Lunch was had overlooking a stunning view while feasting on such flavorful raw dishes as wicked Southwest pate, sublime cashew cheese, and delectable seed crackers fresh from the dehydrator.                                        

And to be sure, Chef Cervoni's morning smoothies were a marriage of health benefits and fantastic taste sensation.

With participants ready to put what they had learned into action, Paul Nison wisely offered an array of supplements, books, and products for sale including packets of his suggestion for the best healthy sugar substitute out there: raw green stevia powder.

For more information, check out Food 101: What are living foods?

Or how about a nice nutritious raw green juice recipe?