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I started my journey towards raw, plant-based foods back in 2007. I let go of my SAD (Standard American Diet) ways and started off by becoming a vegetarian (ate fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and eggs). After about a year of that, I went vegan (avoided all animal protein) for another year. From there, I dove headfirst into a 100% raw diet that lasted another year. After collecting data and listening to my body, I shifted my eating ways yet again…
I finally slid comfortably into a diet of high raw and along with cooked foods (even some animal protein off and on). Through this process, I learned to really listen to my body and feed it accordingly. I stripped myself of ALL food labels and became aware that when it comes to feeding oneself, it’s all about bio-individuality. No one right diet works for everyone all of the time. The body knows what to eat. It’s the brain that makes mistakes. When we get stuck in dietary dogma, we tend not to listen to what our body needs. Remember, your body loves you. Its only form of communication is through discomfort or food cravings that need to be decoded. The real issue is if you’re willing to listen and love your body in return.
It was through all this that my path in life became evident. My heart and my service are to openly share with others what I have and continue to learn. Most of all, I want you to know that it is my passion to help you become a great whole food chef! I want you to understand what makes foods work together and how to use your intuition. And then, with the skills you learn here, you will be able to navigate a healthy eating practice that will serve you for the rest of your life.
But my passions are not just limited to health and food; I am an artist of many mediums. I enjoy sewing, painting, building, landscaping, interior design, house plants, and so much more. In time, I plan to share more of these “sides” of me with you!
The studio is where all the magic happens! Everything in from creating recipes to sewing mittens. Bob and I designed and built this space from what once a double car garage. You can read how I designed my studio (here). But for now, here’s a sneak peek. No matter what I do in life, I whole heartily believe in surrounding oneself with beauty so inspiration can flow. Find your vision, find your inspiration, and bring it to life!
Bob and I have been married for over ten wonderful years, and I look forward to the next 10, 20, 30 years! He wears many hats in our life, but when it comes to AmieSue.com, he is my number-one fan and supporter. Without his love, encouragement, and wisdom, AmieSue.com may have never come to fruition. Together we have built this well-oiled machine (website) to be just what it is today. As far as our fur baby… Mr. Milo is a Goldendoodle who came into our lives at the young age of 10 weeks. He has been such a blessing to us and has pulled us together as a pack. I am so in love with my family.
Bob, Milo (the pup), and I live in the Pacific Northwest. Our home is perched on ta hillside, where we get to experience the vast beauty of the Gorge. We are surrounded by nature and all its glory. Our land is Certified Organic, where we grow pears (Bosc and Bartlett varieties), cherries (Bing and Rainier), peaches, apples, plums, and we do our best to wrangle in the wild blackberries. I love all four seasons and all the individual character traits that each one presents. Every evening, the three of us walk around our land to check out the new growth that nature has created while we are busy working. We refer to this walk as the Walk of Gratitude. In the blink of an eye, new flowers open as others leave us. It is our mission to be a witness to their life and beauty.
I got a plastic ball from a gumball machine and inside read a note, “You can do anything!” Ok, let’s try to be serious here. I am trained not only in raw vegan cuisine through Living Light Culinary Art Institute, but I am also a graduate of Roubxe Culinary School, obtaining a Professional Plant-Based Certification. Along with that, I completed a full year of education with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where we studied 100 different dietary theories (both vegan and non-vegan) and was certified as a holistic health coach. I crave knowledge, I earn to share it, and I desire to live with passion. My website has become a platform for me to share everything that I am learning. As my site has grown with readers, I have realized that they are my driving force, my inspiration, and a wonderful support team.
My passion for this way of living has also given me the courage and confidence to teach classes as well. And now, my journey has led me to own my own raw food manufacturing company, Oldfather Farms™. So, in the end, I have to say that my plant-based adventure has not only affected me physically but also on an emotional and mental level, opening up doors that I never knew existed. It is safe to say that plant-based foods are my culinary soulmate. :) I hope you find my recipes inventive, artful, and that they taste incredible.
Disclaimer
This website is not intended to provide medical advice. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information available on this site is for general informational, entertainment and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. The author of this site is not responsible for any adverse effects that may occur from the application of the information on this site. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Palm Beach Illustrated April 2014 page 19
