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Step Away from the Stove with Raw Bay Area Founder Heather Haxo Phillips

How does an overweight, diabetes-prone duckling transform into a lean, health-radiating swan? Three letters, R-A-W. 

After struggling with weight issues for most of her life, and watching her father succumb to obesity-related diabetes, Heather Haxo Phillips put her foot (and her saute pan) down and made the leap to a raw food diet - cold turkey, no less.

That was four years ago. Now a raw food chef and founder of Raw Bay Area, the slim, fit and mentally alert Haxo Phillips spreads the gospel of uncooked food through her website, rawbayarea.com, and events such as the upcoming Healthy Holiday Survival Crash Course. 

Featuring a panel of raw food experts like Diana Stobo, author of Get Naked Fast, and local chefs, the day-long Oakland event promises green holiday tips and raw food recipes perfect for entertaining. Yes, Virginia, there really are animal, soy and gluten-free holiday treats! Think eggless nog, chocolate pecan and pumpkin pies and cranberry relish - all made from whole, raw foods.

“The raw diet isn't wacky hippie food. People feel it's radical, but it's really just normal food with a different approach to preparation,” explains Haxo Phillips. 

OK, OK so it's not crazy food. Isn't it harder to make than what we're used to? 

“No. Actually, it's much easier,” she says. “No more scraping pots.” 

Dammit. OK, so what if we're just not ready to end our love affair with bacon? 

“Everyone wants to feel fit, awake and alive, but most of us feel sluggish, dull and overwhelmed. Finding just one or two go-to vegan dishes that you really love ... opens an Alice in Wonderland door of delicious foods that make you feel awesome.”

Awesomer than bacon? We just might have to give this a try ...

 For more info on Heather Haxo Phillips, raw food recipes and the November 20th Holiday Survival Crash Course, visit www.rawbayarea.com.

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