Food Yoga Archives - The Food Yogi

Take Our Survey and WIN a FREE SCHOLARSHIP

By The Food Yogi | August 21, 2018

I am offering a FREE scholarship at the Food Yoga Academy.

All you have to do is take a quick survey that you can complete in less than 2-minutes!

And that’s it. You will be in the running to get full access to the Food Yogi level 1 Certification course.

The introductory course provides comprehensive insights into food yoga, featuring numerous video lessons and engaging vegan recipe demonstrations. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a printable certificate along with a digital badge for their online resume.

for food yoga and it includes many hours of video lessons and vegan recipe demonstrations. All students that complete the course will be awarded a printable certificate and a digital badge that they can proudly display on their online resume.

So don’t delay, do the survey now and be in the running.

HOW TO ENTER

Answer the following question in this short survey and you will be in the running to win a FREE scholarship at the Food Yoga Academy for the Level 1 Food Yogi Certification.

The survey should take no more than 2-minutes to complete. Don’t delay!

Create your own user feedback survey

We are excited to offer a FREE scholarship at the Food Yoga Academy, inviting you to participate and learn more about the transformative power of food yoga.

To enter, simply answer the survey question and submit your response within 2 minutes. This quick and easy process allows you to express your interest and be eligible for the scholarship. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills in food yoga!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is food yoga?

Food yoga combines the principles of yoga with a focus on nutrition and mindful eating. It promotes a holistic approach to wellness, encouraging participants to develop a deeper connection with food.

How long does the survey take?

The survey is designed to be quick and should take no more than 2 minutes to complete. This allows you to participate easily without a significant time commitment.

What will I receive if I win the scholarship?

Winners of the scholarship will gain full access to the Level 1 Food Yogi Certification course, including video lessons, recipe demonstrations, and a certificate upon completion.

Food Yoga Level 2 open for enrollment

By The Food Yogi | August 7, 2018

The Food Yoga Academy is now offering Food Yogi level 2 certification, however, students will have first completed level 1 to be eligible.

The Food Yogi Level 2 Certification delves deeper into the art and science of food yoga, offering comprehensive information, case studies, and insights that equip students with a robust understanding of the underlying science.

Upon completion, students will receive a PDF certificate suitable for display, along with a digital badge they can showcase on their online resume, website, and social media profiles.

Once students have completed both levels they are then eligible for Food Yoga Master training where they will be invited to spend a week with me in Colombia at Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary and retreat.

I have really enjoyed taking this course. It has been very interesting and has given me a lot of ideas for strategies I wish to incorporate into my daily life. – Gail Hollingsworth

I didn’t expect so much information on energy, physics, sacred geometry… and I absolutely loved it! Eating apples became a very different experience since then. Paul’s interview in the beginning of the course and Mathew Bates’ testimony at the end were incredible, and provided both a great introduction and a great conclusion to the entire course. – Ana

To learn more about the Food Yoga Academy visit www.foodyogaacademy.com

The Food Yoga Academy emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to integrate their learning into everyday life. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters a deeper connection with food and nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What prerequisites are needed for Level 2 certification?

A: Students must complete Level 1 certification to be eligible for Level 2. This ensures they have the foundational knowledge required to succeed in the more advanced topics covered in Level 2.

Q: What can I expect from the Level 2 course?

A: Level 2 offers a deeper exploration of food yoga, including case studies and advanced concepts. Students will gain practical insights that can significantly impact their approach to food and wellness.

Q: What opportunities arise after completing both levels?

A: After completing both levels, students can participate in Food Yoga Master training. This includes an exclusive week-long experience at Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary and retreat in Colombia, enhancing their learning and practice.

How to Make a Super Easy Vegan Cheesecake

By The Food Yogi | January 6, 2017

This is a very easy recipe, but the final product is amazing.

Preparation time: 30 minutes.

Base

330 grams plain vegan cookies
1 cup of chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup of coconut oil

Method:

Process in a processor until the mix is lightly holding together. You want it to still be a little crumbly. Pat it firmly into a springform pan and set in fridge.

Filling:

2 medium-sized bananas
1 cup of soaked raw cashews
1 cup of coconut cream
1 cup of coconut oil
1 cup of cacao butter melted
1 Tbsp of finely chopped turmeric root
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
1/2 cup of agave syrup or maple syrup
2 slices of fresh peach

Method:

Again, using the food processor, place all filling ingredients into a bowl and mix until it is smooth. Pour the filling into the base and set in the fridge.

Decorate with slices of peach and drizzle with some chocolate sauce.

Chocolate sauce:

Mix all together to make the sauce.

2 Tbsp Cacao powder
1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
1/4 cup of agave syrup

FUN FACT: Vegan dog food offers many health benefits as well and here are some easy recipes

Foster the People receive FOOD YOGA and a vegan lunch

By The Food Yogi | March 11, 2015

Mark Pontius and Phil Danyew from Foster the People are in Colombia to perform at the famous Festival Estereo Picnic along with other big names like Jack White and Damian Marley. Mark and Phil dropped by Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary to meet with the rescued animals and enjoy a vegan lunch.

I made a Quinoa vegetable curry, baked potatoes, cauliflower buffalo wings with hot sauce, and delicious mango, spinach, avocado salad. The boys relished the lunch as we talked about the work of Food for Life and Juliana’s Sanctuary. They were interested to learn about my experience as a monk and what it means to be a food yogi. Mark and Phil shared their musical journey and how they go to where they are now and then walked around the farm to meet all the animals here. Mark and Phil were amazed at how big Balarama, our resident ox is and yet also how peaceful and gentle he is.

They both fed the horse and the cow and ox and then we visited all the dogs who loved the new visitors. A highlight of their visit was the new bunny. They both melted to see such a lovely and cute little animal snuggle up to them. Phil was particularly taken by the bunny and we got some great photos of him with the bunny. Mark and Phil then made a short endorsement video for the sanctuary, encouraging people to visit and support the project. We are so appreciative of this.

Foster the People at Festival Estereo Picnic

Next, we went inside and enjoyed a vegan tiramisu made by my wife, Juliana. Mark and Phil invited me, Juliana and her sister, Dana to their concert tomorrow, so we look forward to seeing them again. I then presented Mark and Phil with copies of my books, Food Yoga, and The 5 Noble Truths.

Mark is a new vegan and has been interested in animal welfare and meditation for a long time. He was genuinely touched by the charity work, my wife and I are doing and look forward to visiting again.

The visit to Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary provided an opportunity for Mark and Phil to learn about the importance of veganism in promoting animal welfare. Engaging with rescued animals highlights the impact of compassionate choices and fosters a deeper connection to the environment. This experience serves as a reminder that awareness can lead to positive change both personally and socially.

Food Yoga emphasizes mindfulness in eating, encouraging individuals to appreciate the flavors and textures of plant-based meals. This practice can enhance one’s relationship with food, promoting healthier choices and a more sustainable lifestyle. Integrating simple techniques, like breathing exercises before meals, can further deepen this connection and cultivate gratitude for our nourishment.

Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary not only provides a safe haven for animals but also serves as an educational hub for visitors. Engaging with rescued animals fosters empathy and promotes discussions about veganism and animal rights. Initiatives like these inspire individuals to make mindful lifestyle choices, contributing to a more compassionate world.

The visit to Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary was more than just a meal; it was an immersive experience for Mark and Phil. They learned firsthand how compassion can guide lifestyle choices. This interaction with the animals sparked meaningful conversations about the ethical implications of food choices and their impact on the environment. Witnessing the care and rehabilitation of the animals emphasized the sanctuary’s role in promoting a vegan lifestyle, illustrating that every choice can contribute to a more compassionate world.

Incorporating mindfulness into meals, as practiced in Food Yoga, can transform how we view food. Simple rituals, such as expressing gratitude before eating or savoring each bite, shift our focus from mere consumption to appreciation. This approach can enhance your dining experience, encouraging a healthy mindset towards food. For those new to this practice, starting with a few minutes of deep breathing before meals can be a powerful way to cultivate mindfulness and connection.

Education is a key component of Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary’s mission. By hosting educational programs, the sanctuary raises awareness about veganism and animal rights. Visitors can participate in workshops that delve into the benefits of plant-based living, fostering a sense of community and shared values. These initiatives not only inspire individual change but also encourage collective action towards a compassionate lifestyle, proving that knowledge is a crucial step in promoting animal welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Food Yoga?

Food Yoga is a practice that blends mindfulness with plant-based eating. It encourages individuals to connect deeply with their food, promoting healthy, compassionate choices.

How can I support Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary?

You can support Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary by visiting, volunteering, or making donations. Engaging with their initiatives helps raise awareness about animal welfare.

What benefits does a vegan diet offer?

A vegan diet can improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote environmental sustainability. It encourages compassion towards animals and fosters a healthier planet.

A Memorable Lunch at Juliana’s Sanctuary

What is Food Yoga?

Food Yoga combines mindfulness with plant-based eating, promoting a deep connection to food. This practice encourages individuals to savor flavors and textures, fostering healthier and more compassionate dietary choices.

How can I support Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary?

Support Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary by visiting, volunteering, or donating. Engaging with their programs helps raise awareness about animal welfare and contributes to the sanctuary’s ongoing efforts.

What benefits does a vegan diet offer?

A vegan diet can enhance overall health, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and support environmental sustainability. It fosters compassion for animals and contributes to a healthier planet.

The Food Yoga Standard

By The Food Yogi | February 17, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

Since I released my book, FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul I have seen that other people are using the term food yogi or food yoga to promote their healthy lifestyle or cooking courses. However, there is a standard for what constitutes a food yogi. As a long time practitioner of bhakti yoga (32 years), director of the world’s largest vegan food relief and author of FOOD YOGA – Nourishing Body, Mind & Soul I carry the responsibility for the definition of food yoga and a food yogi. I want to make that clear here.

What Food Yoga is

ART: An individual’s creative expression of love and devotion using food as the medium;

SCIENCE: An appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of all things, coupled with an unceasing awareness of the Energetic Source from which all things emanate. A food yogi considers the physical laws of good food combining as well as the most subtle laws of intention while preparing the meal.

Food Yoga is a completely new approach to holistic living. Until now, philosophies on healthy living and nutrition have focused on the mechanics of health and happiness, exclusively focusing on the body alone. In doing so, these philosophies have promoted practices and diets that in one way or another have alienated vast numbers of people. As a result, despite volumes of literature and research there is no consensus on what diet or mode of living is best. What they have all failed to identify is one underlying truth that connects us all and from which all health systems can be reconciled and/or elevated to their ultimate stature. That truth is: our constitutional nature is spirit and we are all spiritually equal. Any healthy living program therefore needs to address the “nutritional” needs of the body, mind and spirit.

What a Food Yogi Is

A responsible human that serves, consumes, and behaves in ways that respect all of creation and help maintain the delicate balance of nature.
A person that is respectful of their own body, which they treat as a blessing or a “temple of God.”
A person who lives their entire life in full awareness of their interdependence and interconnectedness of all things.
A person who practices the culture of spiritual hospitality—a culture that is based on the principle of sama darshana or spiritual equality.
A person who fully embraces a socially responsible and environmentally respectful lifestyle, including their choice of food, clothing, cosmetics, cleaning materials and habitat. All are chosen carefully so that the least amount of harm is inflicted upon the environment and other living things.
A person that adheres to the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in words, deeds and thoughts.

Food Yoga is Not

A religion or a philosophy exclusively tied to a religious doctrine
The monopoly of the Vaisnava tradition
Vegetarianism devoid of spiritual significance or connected with an atheistic doctrine
Veganism devoid of spiritual significance or connected with an atheistic doctrine
A plant-based raw vegan diet devoid of spiritual significance or connected with an atheistic doctrine

A Food Yogi Only Uses

Fresh fruits, vegetable, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and grains in preparing meals
Non-commercial dairy, if (AND ONLY) it has been offered by a family-owned and protected-cow that is never killed and whose calf is never separated
As much local and organically-grown produce as available

A Food Yogi Does Not Use

Meat, fish, or eggs
Commercially produced dairy of any kind
Onion or garlic
Any products that contain animal-derived ingredients
Any products that were tested on animals

How to Make a Fancy Raw Vegan Cheesecake

By The Food Yogi | December 22, 2014 | Comments 0 Comment

We all like to try something different and for those of you that have never ventured into raw cuisine, this is a nice place to start. This recipe is easy to make, so easy that you only need a decent food processor and a spring form pan. In fact, you don’t even need that, a regular glass pie baking tray will work too. There are a number of variations on this recipe, but this is the most basic. Keep in mind that this recipe uses coconut oil to help it set, however, this will only work best in cooler climates. To make this cheesecake set and cut nicely in warmer climates, you can adjust this recipe to add either 1/3 cup of cacao butter or a thickening agent like carrageenan (Irish moss) which is available in raw form or a powder in larger health food stores. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Easy Raw Vegan Cheesecake

2 cups walnuts
1 cup fresh dates
½ cup dried coconut flakes
¼ cup ginger, grated
1 tsp cardamon powder
2 cups cashews (soaked for 6 hours and drained)
2 x whole lemons (remove skin and seeds)
¾ cup agave syrup
¾ cup coconut oil
¼ cup of cacao butter (if in a warmer climate) or 2 tsp. carrageenan powder
1 x banana
½ tsp. vanilla essence
1 punnet strawberries
1 tsp size piece of raw beetroot
2 tsp. coconut syrup or honey
Superfood Concentrate (Univera Xtra)

Method

Make everything with a food processor.

Base:

2 cups of Walnuts
1 cup fresh dates (or as many as needed to create biscuit crumb texture)
1/2 grated coconut flakes
1/4 cup grated ginger
1 tsp. Cardamom powder (optional)

Process until it looks like biscuit crumbs. Press into 20 cm spring form pan .

Step 1: Process dry ingredients for base

Step 2: Mix just enough to make breadcrumb texture

Step 3: Press into a springform pan or pie baking tray

Step 4: Press carefully so it is even all around. Set aside.

Filling:

Add 2 cups of soaked cashews, 2 whole lemons (remove skin and seeds), agave syrup, coconut oil, cacao butter, beetroot, banana, and Vanilla essence into a blender.

Process or blend until smooth. Pour into the base. Set in fridge for 2 hours.

Step 5: Add all ingredients for “cheese” filling

Step 6: Process until completely smooth. About 5 minutes. Set aside in fridge for at least 1 hour

Topping:

Sliced strawberries, mango or passionfruit
Coconut or agave syrup
Coconut oil
Superfood concentrate like Univera Xtra

Drizzle a sweet syrup, like coconut syrup, agave nectar or honey over the top. Decorate the top with sliced strawberry or some other fruit.

Step 7: Process fresh strawberries with coconut oil and sweetener

Step 8: Add some superfood concentrate like Univera Xtra for extra nutrition

Step 9: Pour on cheesecake

Again set this aside in the fridge and serve when it has firmed up.

Enjoy the holidays!

– Paul, the food yogi

President of Uruguay welcomes Food for Life

By The Food Yogi | April 10, 2014 | Comments 0 Comment

Voted the best president in the world, President of Uruguay, Jose “Pepe” Mujica, agreed to allow Food for Life Global director, Paul Rodney Turner (Priyavrata das), to cook him a vegan lunch (prasadam) and then discuss setting up a Food for Life project in Montevideo.

“FFLG Coordinator for Colombia, Juliana Castaneda (Jagannath Priya), and I arrived at the Presidential house at 8 am. The kitchen staff were waiting for my directions. We were also joined by a local ISKCON devotee, Lavanga Manjari. The three of us made a sweet potato, spinach curry with BBQ tomatoes, lemon rice, samosas, mango chutney, chapatis, lentil soup, avocado salad, and a mango/coconut milk lassi made by Juliana that he was absolutely thrilled by. We finished off the meal with the most incredible peppermint vegan ice cream choc-top pie! Yes, that was what you had to do when you cooked for a president!

“According to the house staff, this was the first time anyone had prepared a vegetarian, what to speak of a vegan lunch, in the president’s house. They were all so excited, and the head chef was furiously taking notes on all my recipes.

Although I was informed that lunch would be served at noon, it was actually delayed until 12:40. I took this opportunity to gather all the cooks and lead a brief offering meditation over the food, blessing it with positive energy. The local staff observed our ritual with great interest and admiration.

“We then dined with the president, his secretary, the minister of social development, Mr. Daniel Olesker, and our friend and famous sports reporter, Pepe Mansilla, who will be the new president of FFL Global Uruguay. We are so thrilled to have such a qualified man to lead the new project. Our lunch meeting went for 2 hours and included a 10-minute video of Food for Life’s work around the world. Jagannath Priya was absolutely on fire today, talking to the president and making him smile and laugh. I was so proud of how she and Pepe represented Food for Life Global to the president, who only speaks Spanish.

In fact, our meeting would not have been possible without the tenacity and devotion of Pepe Mansilla He had been working on this desire of mine for many months and finally on the day before we are to leave Uruguay, he made it all happen. He is a gentleman and we are so excited to have him as a new member of the FFL Global team.”The president was extremely impressed and praised our work throughout the meeting. He said to me: “Many people need education about the way they eat.” And he told me bluntly, “Welcome, the doors are fully open here for Food for Life.” The Minister of Social Development told us, he wants Food for Life to improve on what the government has been working on for years with improving the quality of meals to children.

As our meeting concluded, the president graciously signed autographs for everyone, accompanied by his warm smile and parting words of wisdom. I expressed my admiration for his integrity, noting that he stands out among global leaders who often succumb to corporate interests. He humorously remarked, ‘Wow, all those presidents must be really bad if you want more of me.’

“President Mujica is an extremely humble and endearing man. We felt very welcome and encouraged by the presidents enthusiasm to serve his people. Juliana noted that at one time during our conversation the president was talking about his tomato sauce recipe, and then said, “Tomatoes are so expensive,” indicating to her that he is actually aware of such trivial things. Most presidents are oblivious to the struggles of budgeting for meals, etc, but the president is aware and expressed his empathy for the challenges of his countrymen. “For me it just validated my respect for this wonderful man,” said Juliana. “He actually sells his own tomatoes in the market place. He is such a down-to-earth man.”

“President Mujica was particularly excited to learn that Food for Life likes to support the local economy by purchasing food and grains from local sources. “This is important. We need to support our small farmers. They are good people but not always good in business. So it is important for the government to support their efforts. I like Food for Life’s attitude on this.”

FULL AMBUM at: http://on.fb.me/1jGfF1E

For more details on this meeting, visit my blog

President Mujica’s commitment to local agriculture was evident during our conversation. He emphasized the importance of supporting small farmers, acknowledging their dedication despite business challenges. This aligns with Food for Life’s mission to source ingredients locally, fostering community sustainability and economic growth. His genuine concern for local farmers truly resonated with us and reinforced the potential for collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of this meeting?

A: The meeting highlights the collaboration between Food for Life and the Uruguayan government, focusing on improving nutrition for children. President Mujica’s openness to the initiative signifies potential support for community health and local agriculture.

Q: How did the president respond to the vegan lunch?

A: President Mujica was impressed by the vegan lunch, recognizing its uniqueness in his residence. His enthusiasm reflects a growing interest in sustainable and healthy eating practices, which aligns with Food for Life’s mission.

Q: Who else attended the lunch meeting?

A: Alongside President Mujica, attendees included his secretary, the Minister of Social Development, and the new president of Food for Life Global Uruguay, Pepe Mansilla. Their diverse backgrounds contributed to a rich discussion about food and community welfare.

New FOOD YOGA DVD released

By The Food Yogi | August 2, 2012

Priya, the Food Yogi has released a double disc set of Food Yoga. Disc 1 contains a 2-hour introduction to Food Yoga as described in his new book. Disc 2 is 2-hour demonstration of how to make raw gourmet delights using only a blender and a processor.

The workshop was filmed at the Witchie Woo Wellness bed and breakfast on Bribie island and was produced by Foxtail Productions using three digital cameras. The presentation is first-class with overhead close-ups of every recipe. “The reviews for the new DVD have been wonderful,” says Priya Vrata. “I look forward to doing a follow up DVD with more recipes and sharing more information about the path of food yoga.”

His book, FOOD YOGA – Nourishing the Soul has received rave reviews from vegan celebrities like Victoria Moran, who says the book should be a “must-read for anybody who’s ever held a fork,” as well as Australian kirtan legend, Sri Prahlad, “FOOD YOGA provides a moment of rest to catch our breath, reflect, and gain clarity. Priya Vrata’s extensive knowledge drawn from both traditional and scientific sources provides insights into the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual nurturing provided when food is engaged with consciously.”

Topics covered in Disc 1 include:

Metaphysics of food
Sacred Foods and Alchemy
Sacred Geometry of Food
The importance of water
Food Politics
Spiritual Hospitality
The 10 Characteristics of a Food Yogi
Food Offering Meditation
Conscious Eating

Recipes presented in Disc 2 include:

Healthy smoothies
Raw vegan cheesecakes
Seed pates
Wraps
Nut milk
Raw nut “cheese” , etc.

Purchase your copy of the FOOD YOGA double disc set for only $40 (plus shipping):

[paypal type=”paynow” amount=”40.00″ email=”sales@foodyogi.org” itemno=”4T66BG4YWTR2S” name=”FOOD YOGA (2-disc) DVD set” noshipping=”1″ nonote=”1″ qty=”1″ shipping=”15.00″ shipping2=”1.00″ currencycode=”USD” imageurl=”https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynowCC_LG.gif” rm=”2″ notifyurl=”http://notifyurl.com” returnurl=”http://returnurl.com” scriptcode=”scriptcode” imagewidth=”200px” pagestyle=”primary” lc=”AU” cbt=”Complete Your Purchase”]

The song of the Food Yogi

By The Food Yogi | May 1, 2012 | Comments 0 Comment

As the soft moist grass folds beneath my feet,
I contemplate my good fortune and beg not to repeat,
The failures of the past in a journey so long,
There’s just too much to tell in this very short song.

Holding my hands high, I reach for the sky,
personal liberation — I will not be denied,
By acting in ways that are averse to the course,
of the powerful waves — of that Illusory force.

I am far from perfect — and yet I feel so blessed,
by the saints that walked before me with egos undressed.
They now illuminate my path and guide my sorry plight,
in a world so overtaken by the fear of night.

Getting strength and vitality from the sun, water and air,
I embrace the divine love of the elemental fair,
as they nourish the teachings of the FOOD YOGA path,
and lead one and all to the Lord Jagannath.

The “Lord of the Universe,” manifest within,
every atom of life and every tube-torus spin,
There is nowhere in our existence that God cannot be seen,
and that is essentially what FOOD YOGA means.

So honour your SELF — by honouring that Lord,
See thy presence manifest — in total accord,
with the degree of your love and openness of your heart,
And that my dear friends is where spirituality starts.

So engage your tongue properly — in respectable ways,
Don’t chatter, offend — or eat horrible things today,
Purify the vibration — and the taste on your buds,
and experience the divine presence manifest from the mud,

Of a mischievious mind — submerged for far too long,
in matters of ignorance and sad love songs,
Realise your potential — beginning with your tongue,
and open your heart to the love of the divine ONE.

– Priya Vrata
(The Food Yogi)

MORE POEMS

Food Hero Holds Workshops

By The Food Yogi | February 19, 2012 | Comments 0 Comment

SOURCE: Caboolture News, Queensland

Priya Vrata has published a book Food Yoga – nourishing the soul about the benifits of raw food both physically and

spiritually. Photo Vicki Wood

Priya_FoodYogi06-web — INTERNATIONAL food yoga hero Yogi Priya Vrata (Paul Turner) – recently conducted two food yoga workshops on Bribie Island at the Witchie Woo Wellness B & B.

Leesa Petfield | 14th February 2012: INTERNATIONAL food yoga hero Yogi Priya Vrata (Paul Turner) – recently conducted two food yoga workshops on Bribie Island at the Witchie Woo Wellness B & B.

Paul said he received positive feedback from both workshops. Some pupils said it was the most positive thing that had happened to them this year. All participants learnt the science of food yoga and were treated to a two-hour gourmet raw food demonstration.

Paul is the international director of Food for Life and the director of Food for Life Global, the charity’s world headquarters. Food for Life is the largest plant-based food relief organisation in the world. The project is in more than 50 countries and serves up to two million meals daily.

Paul’s journey began when he left home at 19. He lived in a commune in Sydney’s Blue Mountains where he was introduced to the fundamentals of Indian cooking by Akrura das, a former Hare Krishna monk. The experience ignited a desire in Paul to one day become a temple chef.

Paul said he was always fascinated with karma and spirituality, so he joined the Krishna ashram in NSW and become a monk. During his time as a monk Paul said he learned the art of gourmet vegetarian cooking.

In 1986 Paul started a Food for Life club and in 1989 his food yogi journey took him to the Hunter Valley region where he started a new Food for Life program. Paul soon realised that food was a wonderful communicator. Travelling to over 54 countries over the next 25 years, Paul helped to inspire and set up new Food for Life projects and train volunteers. Paul said his travels took him to three war zones – Chechnya, Bosnia and Georgia. He led an international team of volunteers to set up makeshift kitchens in villages across Sri Lanka in response to the Asian tsunami.

In 2010 Paul directed an international relief effort in Haiti where Food for Life Global served thousands of organic vegan meals to devastated Haitians.

In 2011 Paul travelled to Japan and established a feeding program for the survivors of the tsunami.

Paul said he had conducted workshops all over the world, directing the journey for food and using food to connect people. He now has several books published and two more books in the making. Readers can download the eBook from www.FOODYOGI.ORG ($9.95) or pick up a softcover at Witchie Woo Wellness B&B, 10 Eighth Ave, Woorim.

For more information on Paul’s food yoga checkout – www.foodyogi.org

SOURCE: Caboolture News

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