Here is a list of many of our personal favorite books, and websites. Weblinks are provided for your immediate access. Sites in each section are listed in alphabetical order.

RAW FOOD WORLD: Home of heart centered Matt Monarch and wife Angela Stokes Monarch, who lost 160 pounds with a raw food lifestyle! Read their blogs, or receive their free newsletters. Their site is filled with a large array or raw food products, great deals, lots of inspiration and energy, and links to their free TV and radio shows! Link >>

NATURAL ZING: They specialize in food, supplements, music, personal care, household items, kitchen tools, and hemp items. We love their Peruvian olives - an herbed variety, and one without any salt. Yummy! Link >>

SOUTH RIVER MISO: Family run business in Vermont. Inspirational story about how they learned to make miso from a traditional Japanese miso master. They make non-soy miso for those who cannot eat soy. Our favorite is rice and adzuki bean. Link >>

AZURE STANDARD: A veritable health food mail order online supermarket with great prices. Link >>

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS: Super quality, non-irradiated herbs (bulk, capsules, or tinctures), spices, teas, and essential oils. Bulk herbs are very reasonably priced, and organic. Read about their dedication to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship on the Sustainability Link on their site, and see which groups they are affiliated with. They are dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint and are setting an exemplary standard for others to follow. Link >>

JUICE FEASTING: This site contains the inspired research of David Rainoshek, MA, and his wife, Katrina, with their personal experience in helping thousands of people to cleanse, rehydrate, alkalize, and rebuild the body through juice feasting. Juice feasting is unique: it isn’t a fast in the way we normally think of fasting—it’s a liquid feast, where one consumes up to one gallon of fresh, nutrient dense juices daily, flooding the body with healing and rejuvenating nutrition. Link >>

RENEGADE HEALTH SHOW: Join delightful, love and laughter filled hosts Kevin and Annmarie Gianni for a daily dose of high energy on their free daily show, where they share fitness and nutrition tips, products, and Annmarie’s new organic skincare line. Link >>

LIVING LIGHT CULINARY INSTITUTE: If you’ve ever wanted to become a raw food chef, the Living Light Culinary Institute may be the finest there is. “Cherie Soria, founder and director of Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, the world’s premier organic raw vegan chef training school, is widely considered the originator of the gourmet raw food movement. Cherie and her prestigious raw culinary school have trained most of the celebrity chefs who currently run restaurants or offer books and classes on the topic of raw food.” (Excerpt from their website.) Link >>

LIVING ON LIVE FOODS: “Alissa Cohen is one of the world's leading authorities on raw foods and healthy living. An internationally recognized author, speaker, and raw food chef and consultant, Alissa's devoted following includes thousands of people throughout the world who have maintained successful weight losses, healed themselves of a myriad of diseases, and swear by her simple and fun approach to fantastic health.” (From her website.)

She has a lot on her website, information on certification programs on how to become a raw food chef, and offers books, DVD's, health products and a whole lot more for sale.

We are most grateful that we had the opportunity to have three phone consultations with Alissa when we began to eat a 100% raw food diet in May, 2005. She answered all our questions, gave great support, and helped us through the first few months, which were the hardest. This diet has changed our life! Link >>

THE GARDEN DIET: Home to Storm and Jinjee, and their five children, comprising a whole raw food family. Storm has been eating a raw-vegan diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in their natural unheated state for over 30 years and has become known amongst raw-vegans for his body builder physique. At 58 he appears decades younger. Jinjee first started eating a raw food diet 13 years ago. Her before and after pictures show her radical weight loss transformation.

The whole family is 100% raw-vegan and thriving, with no supplements or dehydrated foods. Jinjee has had five home births and at age 40 has a beautiful body that any 20 year old would love to have. The children are all home schooled. The family has a wealth of raw food experience. We subscribe to the free e-newsletter, Daily Raw Inspiration, hosted by Jinjee, and also get their E-magazine, Pear. Both the Daily Inspiration and Pear are full of wonderful tips, inspiring quotes, and heartfelt stories. They have many E-books, and more, for sale. Link >>

THE HIPPOCRATES HEALTH INSTITUTE: The Hippocrates Health Institute has been a leader in the field of natural and complementary health care and education since 1956. Hippocrates' goal is to reawaken the total consciousness within ourselves and allow us to realize that good health and free will is every person’s birthright, and that a life free of disease and needless pain is our human legacy. The Hippocrates philosophy is founded on the belief that a pure enzyme-rich diet, complemented by positive thinking and non-invasive therapies, are essential elements on the path to optimum health. Link >>

THE RAW FAMILY: Their site states: "We are the Boutenko family, also known as the Raw Family. The four of us embarked on a diet of entirely raw foods in 1994, when we became seriously ill. Victoria had arrhythmia and edema and was obese and depressed. Igor suffered from painful rheumatoid arthritis and had severe hyperthyroid. Sergei was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and was supposed to go on insulin. Valya had asthma."

All the family regained vibrant health through their courageous change to eating raw foods. In their various books, the stories of their experiences are shared. After regaining their health, they went on to hike the Pacific West Coast Trail enduring all kinds of weather and conditions, all the while eating only raw foods. I'm sure you will be inspired by their awesome story. Their site offers books, Valya's art, and links to interviews and videos. Link >>

SHAZZIE: If you are interested in what it's like to go raw, check out Shazzie. Her site features her books, Detox Your World, Naked Chocolate (and others), her DVD's and other health items. I couldn't get enough of her raw food online journals (7 years worth!) when we first got into raw food. Her story is utterly honest and heartfelt about what she experienced - all the ups and downs - and how she healed. Of special interest to woman is her menstruation diary that details how her body slowly came back into balance. She talks openly about her pregnancy, and giving birth to a beautiful baby girl. Link >>

THE SPROUT PEOPLE: This is the best site I have found on sprouting. Everything you need to know about how to sprout, with free instructions. Outstanding seeds, legumes, grains to sprout. We have been extremely happy with their products. Link >>

TREE OF LIFE REJUVENATION CENTER: - An Oasis for Awakening on the physical, emotional, mental & spiritual levels for both inspiration & rejuvenation. The Tree of Life was founded in 1993 by its Director Gabriel Cousens, M.D., M.D.(H), Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine. Dr. Gabriel Cousens has been eating raw foods for thirty years and has written volumes about this diet. He believes that diet should support our spiritual growth. See Conscious Eating under the Raw Food Book heading. Link >>

ISOBEL DAVIES - IZZY LANE: Read the heartwarming and inspiring story of Isobel Davies who has saved over 500 sheep from slaughter since 2002. She began by creating a sanctuary for just four sheep, and as more and more sheep were saved, she created a business, Izzy Lane - a British clothing line that uses the fleece from her sheep! Link >>

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS: Super quality, non irradiated herbs (bulk, capsules, or tinctures), spices, teas, and essential oils. Bulk herbs are very reasonably priced, and organic. Read about their dedication to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship on the Sustainability Link on their site, and see which groups they are affiliated with. They are dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint and are setting an exemplary standard for others to follow. Link >>

THE RAINFOREST SITE: We have bought some beautiful and affordable gifts and been thrilled to learn that our purchases have helped to save or preserve a certain amount of square footage in the rainforests. Link >>

SYNERGY FARM: Where we used to live, on San Juan island in the Pacific Northwest, this farm is a dream made manifest by Peter and Susan Corning: "We are calling our farm venture "Synergy Farm" because it combines a variety of activities - and some innovative small-scale technologies - to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. One of the most important of these technologies is biointensive farming, used in all our vegetable beds. Biointensive farming produces yields that average four times higher (and sometimes much more) per acre than commercial agriculture while improving the quality of the soil and minimizing the consumption of energy and water."

We are fortunate to be able to eat the food produced by Synergy Farm. Their veggies are super healthy, beautiful, and make us feel amazing! Synergy Farm is one of the new leaders in biointensive farming.

Peter Corning is known for his work on the causal role of synergy in evolution. His books The Synergism Hypothesis, Nature's Magic: Synergy in Evolution and the Fate of Humankind, and Holistic Darwinism: Synergy, Cybernetics and the Bioeconomics of Evolution are definitive in their field. Link >>

RAW: by Juliano: when we first saw this book, I thought, now I can do raw! I needed to see the presentation and what the food was going to look like! The photographs are dazzling and the recipes scrumptious. Many of the recipes have a lengthy list of ingredients, however I still use them, but simplify as necessary.) It has everything in it, from soups to breads, to cheeses, to juices, desserts, salads, and main courses - all raw of course. Link >>

CONSCIOUS EATING, by Gabriel Cousens: This monumental work by Dr. Cousens holds a storehouse of wisdom, knowledge, and information on live food nutrition, and for anyone interested in eating better. Often referred to as "the Bible of vegetarians." 450 pages, with 150 recipes. Link >>

EATING FOR BEAUTY, by David Wolfe: Focus of this book is on the beautifying minerals, vitamins, and enzymes found naturally in the foods we eat. A wonderful book, filled with Kirlian photographs showing the energy in live foods, and then a second photograph that shows the energy of the same foods once they have been cooked. Lots of delicious recipes that use the beauty foods. (For non raw fooders, David recognizes that many of us are transitioning to new levels with our diet, and offers suggestions for choosing the best foods, such as organic meats, or fish.) He believes that "proper nutrition is an art, and that every bite is a brush stroke, every swallow is a new color." Link >>

GREEN FOR LIFE, by Victoria Boutenko: learn about the amazing healing and rejuvenating power of greens, and how greens are a unique food group unto themselves. Greens help us to digest every other kind of food that we eat. Victoria has pioneered the green smoothie, and done scientific research (The Roseberg Study) that shows the measured, healing effects of green smoothies. The book has 23 green smoothie recipes. Link >>

EATING WITHOUT HEATING, by Sergie and Valya Boutenko: 130 delicious, easy to make raw food dishes, created by two of the most delightful and inspiring young people you could ever hope to meet. (Written when Sergi was 17, and Valya was 16 years old.) I use this book a lot. Link >>

LIVING CUISINE- the Art and Spirit of Raw Foods, by Renee Loux Underkoffler, with introduction by Woody Harrelson: This is "A complete guide to eating and living raw, with more than 300 irresistible gourmet recipes." This is another everything you need to know about raw food book, from sprouting, to raw food preparation, to the delightful and delicious recipes. Link >>

LIVING ON LIVE FOODS, by Alissa Cohen: We have found Alissa's book and DVD, Living on Live Foods, invaluable. We loan this 3 1/2 hour double disk DVD to everyone we know who is embarking on the raw food journey. Alissa demonstrates how to make 20 different delicious raw food dishes. Each dish is taste-tested by two, utterly delightful women, who oooo and ahhh over everything. It is as entertaining as it is educational. Seeing how the dishes are prepared gives a real feeling to how raw food meals are prepared and presented. It just may save you months of wandering around in the kitchen, looking at all the food, wondering what to do with it! Link >>

THE SUNFOOD DIET SUCCESS SYSTEM, Also by David Wolfe - 36 Lessons in Health Transformation: This book contains a whole program for eating raw food. Link >>

THE SPROUTING BOOK, by Ann Wigmore: Ann was the pioneer of wheat grass and wheat grass juice for health and rejuvenation. This is the definitive book on sprouting. Everything you need to know about how to sprout nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, and how to grow wheatgrass, how to create a sprout garden, and how to grow greens indoors are all is this book. Link >>

WARMING UP TO RAW FOODS, by Elysa Markowitz: This easy to use book is delightful in that it shows us how we can have warm food and still retain the enzymes, and receive the comfort that warm food brings - especially in winter. Forward by Gabriel Cousens. The recipes are simple to make, and Elysa has an easy going style that makes the information very approachable. Link >>

These books are excellent for those who are vegetarian or are wanting to become vegetarians. (They are not raw food books)

ALMOND ESSENCE, by Janet L. Doane: Created for people who are allergic to dairy, have celiac disease, or wish to transition to eating more raw foods. 50 vegetarian/vegan recipes (containing no dairy, wheat, eggs, or sugar) by the author for making and using nut milk from sprouted almonds and other nuts and seeds. Learn how you can use almond milk to make kefir, seed cheeses, and to use the milk in all your favorite dishes that normally use dairy products. Step-by-step directions with photos to show how to make almond milk. Link >>

REBAR: Modern Food Cookbook, by Audrey Alsterberg and Wanda Urbanowicz: Rebars, the celebrated restaurant in Victoria (British Columbia, Canada) is a local institution. We have eaten there many times. The book is full of fabulous recipes (almost exclusively vegetarian) of all the dishes that they have prepared at the restaurant. Truly gourmet vegetarian cuisine with 250 delicious recipes. Link >>

VEGETABLE HEAVEN, by Molly Katzin: Delicious vegetarian recipes that will satisfy anyone, whether vegetarian or not. With over 200 recipes for soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts. A beautiful book, filled with Molly's colorful paintings. One year for Christmas, we bought this book for everyone in our family who loved to cook! Link >>

SICILIAN VEGETARIAN COOKING: by John Pensa: If you love the Mediterranean cooking, this is the book for you. Ninety-nine delicious, and down to earth traditional and contemporary recipes that are simple and easy to prepare. Filled with charming, colorful illustrations by Miriam Dougenis. Link >>

ASIAN SECRETS OF HEALTH, BEAUTY, AND Relaxation, by Sofie Benge: Have you ever wondered why Asian woman often look ageless, and utterly beautiful? In this book, learn how the Asian women keep their youthful beauty by using all natural ingredients, many of which you can find in your kitchen. There are simple recipes for body wraps, scrubs, herbal baths, facial creams, hair and skin treatments, and more. Learn how the Asian women quickly regain their youthful tone after childbirth. Gorgeous photographs by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni make this a sumptuous book on all levels. This is a wonderful gift book to give to the special women in your life. Link >>

BACK TO EDEN, by Jethro Klass: First printed in 1939, this is one of those wonderful "old timer" books that have amazing wisdom for today. It covers diet, the use of herbs, and treatment of various illnesses. We have used this book as a reference since 1969 with great success. Link >>

FLOWER ESSENCE REPERTORY: A Comprehensive Guide to North American and English Flower Essences for Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being, by Pamela Kaminski and Richard Katz. We have used flower essences from the Flower Essence Society since 1985. All products are outstanding. The descriptions of each essence and their unique properties, and how they affect us on multiple levels is so "right on" it is awe-inspiring. Link >>

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE AT HOME, by Dr. Maesimund B. Panos, MD, and Jane Heimlich: We have used this book probably thousands of times since our homeopathic MD recommended it to us in 1976. It's focus is on natural remedies (homeopathic) for everyday ailments and minor injuries. Clear, precise, and easy to access. Link >>

RAW VEGETABLE JUICES, by Norman Walker: learn what raw, fresh juices can be used to bring health and vitality. Specific juices are listed for various ailments. Link >>

THE ANCIENT COOKFIRE, by Carrie L'Esperance: Its focus is a seasonal diet and fasting. You'd be amazed at all the different kinds of fasts she lists, many of which involve eating specific foods, to rejuvenate both body and spirit. (Not a raw food book.) Delicious recipes, easy to make. Link >>

THE BIOCHEMIC HANDBOOK, by Chapman and Perry: A handy little book on the 12 cell salts essential for the "proper growth and development of every part of the human body". Cell, or tissue, salts are easily obtainable at any health food store. Link >>

THE SEVEN TIBETAN RITES, Experience new levels of fitness and centered strength and energy using the seven Tibetan rites. Simple and quick, takes about ten minutes a day to do. Link >>

WELL BEING - rejuvenating recipes for body and soul, by Barbara Close. "Well Being takes an intimate, sensual approach to self-care, with recipes and simple rituals that will pamper you from the inside out." Learn how to make salves, tonics, balms, compresses, infused oils, steaming teas and more, for health and deep realization. This book is enhanced greatly by Susie Cushner's soft and dreamy photographs that just carry you away. This book is a perfect gift to give to your mother, sister, daughter, or friend. Link >>

LOVE POEMS FROM GOD - Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West by Daniel Ladinsky: Stunningly beautiful poems by Rabia, St. Francis of Assisi, Rumi, Meister Eckhart, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hafiz, St. Catherine of Sienna, Kabir, Mira, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, & Tukaram. Link >>

TEMPLE WILDERNESS - A collection of thoughts and images on our spiritual bond with the earth, by Willow Creek Press: this book is filled with gorgeous photographs and poems and sayings by all peoples, from Native American to Hassidic Jew. It is a wonderful coffee table book, or a special book for a guest room, one that will fill each reader with a sense of wonder, peace, and spirituality, no matter what their personal spiritual beliefs or religion. Link >>

THE ESSENTIAL RUMI, by Coleman Barks: For Rumi lovers, this is a marvelous compilation of Rumi's poems, translated to perfection by Barks. This (partial) review of the book appears on Amazon: No translator could do greater justice to the gorgeous simplicity of Rumi's poetry than Coleman Barks has done here. These exquisite renderings of the 13th-century Persian mystic's words into American free verse capture all the "inner searching, the delicacy, and simple groundedness" that characterize Rumi's poetry while remaining faithful to the images, tone, and spiritual message of the originals. Link >>

THE SEVEN SPIRITUAL LAWS OF SUCCESS, by Deepak Chopra: This is not your typical success or money book, but one that is about contacting the highest spiritual source within us to bring abundance and wealth into our lives. It is a love-based book. Link >>

LOVE THYSELF: Message in the Water III, by Masaru Emoto: This is a beautiful (and very affordable) gift book to share with friends and family. “The common language that the people of the world have been seeking is found in water crystals. Water speaks for what is in our mind. Water awakens the subconscious memory in each person.... I now know why water is indispensable to the phenomenon of life, and why alternative therapies exist and why they’re effective. Water helped me understand religion and prayer and gave me a clue to understanding the nature of energy. It helped me understand the relationship between humanity and the cosmos." Masaru Emoto Link >>