Angela Stokes-Monarch :: An Interview + Giveaway

October 9, 2009

Photography by :: Ellen Atkins

Angela Stokes-Monarch is an incredible inspiration. She is one of the raw food world’s natural health heroes who helps guide and educate many toward healing, better health and well-being.

Many of you may already know her story, if not, you can watch her appearance on CNN News. She has traveled the road on a magical journey of transformation, from losing excess weight to gaining radiant health, and she continues on the path sharing her knowledge to help inspire others who seek the journey. Angela is an author, speaker, singer, and an all-around giving spirit of love and light.

In this interview, Angela shares with us which raw food has become a staple in her diet, her favorite kitchen tools, which natural health heroes and mentors have educated and inspired her, and more.

Enjoy the Interview…

Ingrid Weithers-Barati: When did you first discover the world of raw food?

Angela Stokes-Monarch: In May 2002 I was living in Iceland and a friend lent me the book ‘Raw Family’ by the Boutenkos. I weighed nearly 300lbs at the time. I read the whole book in one night, went raw the next day and released 160lbs over the next two years ;)

IWB: I would like to congratulate you and Matt Monarch on your union as husband and wife. How did you meet initially, and did your raw food lifestyle play a part in your meeting?

ASM: Thank You :) We actually met through the internet – lol… Back in November 2005 I had just written my first raw food book and was looking for people in the USA to help me sell it. Mr. Monarch was one of the US raw people I found on Google and contacted – I didn’t know who he was at the time. He went to my website, saw my before and after pics and well…it all unfolded from there…emails led to phone calls led to me visiting him in the US and 3.5 years later, here we are in newlywed bliss ;)

IWB: When did you decide to join forces and become a dynamic team who educates and inspires other to be healthy?

ASM: We started working together on things in early 2006 in terms of talks, book ideas and so on…I guess it wasn’t really until Mr. M proposed to me in August 2007 that things were really solidified into place between us though.

These days we have multiple shared projects going on – books, talk tours, online stores, a 30 day weight loss plan, a daily online raw food TV Show, a new monthly Raw Food World radio show and so on…we feel very blessed :)

IWB: Overall how has embracing a raw food lifestyle contributed to your health and well-being?

ASM: My life has COMPLETELY changed since going raw…to the point of being unrecognisable ;) Physically I released around 160lbs, my thyroid is now naturally balanced and I no longer get ill…and far beyond that, my life has changed in every other way imaginable – emotionally, socially, mentally, spiritually, romantically, financially, you–name–it–ly…my life has flip–flopped into a place of radiant vibrancy and I feel extremely grateful ;) I read my old diaries or look at pictures from my pre–raw days and find myself wondering ‘who WAS that person…?’

IWB: Between the two of you, who prepares raw food the most?

ASM: We usually split juicing/food–making pretty much down the middle… We often eat different things, so I make my food, he makes his, then we both help with cleaning things up in the kitchen. In terms of juicing, it often works out that one of us does the actual juicing and one does the clean–up – it all feels very balanced and yummy to me ;)

IWB: What is/are your favorite kitchen tool(s)?

ASM: The juicer and blender are key for me…plus nut milk bags for straining juice, making nut milks and sprouting. We don’t have a dehydrator as we live on the road and we’re not so much into dried foods. Actually at this point the only piece of equipment we own ourselves is a K–Tec blender, plus nut milk bags…we use other peoples’ juicers as we travel around, or make juice using the blender + nut milk bag combo ;)

IWB: Which raw food has become a staple in your diet?

ASM: Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeens :) When I was growing up I felt like salads were ridiculous and pointless – I only wanted to eat a meal if it had meat in it. Now my feelings are basically reversed and leafy greens feel like the ’staple’ to me for feeling healthy, balanced, vibrant, mineralised and alkalised. We drink green juices daily, eat energy soups, salads, smoothies – anywhere we can get our greens in ;)

IWB: What fruits or vegetables are your favorites, least favorite, and why?

ASM: Favourite fruits and veggies: durian, eggfruit, papaya, cherries, blueberries, okra, romaine, sunflower greens, baby spinach, alfalfa sprouts. Least favourites: grapefruit (tastes outrageously disgusting to me) and potatoes, as they’re no use to me as a raw foodie ;)

IWB: What one word would you use to describe yourself?

ASM: Blessed.

IWB: Do you have a favorite raw food recipe you’d like to share with us?

ASM: ‘Chocolate Milk’ Juice: juice together romaine lettuce, spinach and carrots = tastes like chocolate milk – yummmmm ;) This is a GREAT starter juice for children/sceptical people and so on – maybe even sweeten it up a little with extra carrot or apple. LOVE it :) For one to two people maybe use 1 head romaine, 1 bunch spinach, 1lb carrots – enjoy :)

IWB: If you could be or do anything else, what would you be or do?

ASM: Other than being a griffin, I’d love to be a singer :) I used to do a lot of singing/song writing in my younger years and these days I make raw food versions of songs and put them up on YouTube ;) I have the intention to write a whole raw food musical – keep your eyes and ears open for that one…

IWB: Which food product[s] from your raw food product line is/are your personal favorite[s]?

ASM: Hmmmmmm, we have a HUGE online store at TheRawFoodWorld.com with literally hundreds of products, so it’s a little challenging to choose…I think I’d go for these though: chlorella tablets, chia seeds, dulse, bee pollen and the creamy almond butter ;)

IWB: Name some of the natural health heroes and mentors, who have educated and inspired you?

ASM: My partner Matt Monarch of course ;) I am also GREATLY inspired by the ‘Anastasia’/'Ringing Cedars of Russia’ books and the Dervaes family of PathwaytoFreedom.com. Kate Magic and Shazzie are my raw food diva heroines in the UK. Mike Adams of NaturalNews.com, the Giannis of RenegadeHealth, Brian Johnson of PhilosophersNotes.com, the BirthIntoBeing DVD and website, Jinjee of TheGardenDiet.com…MANY people inspire me ;)

IWB: Whether a person is 100% raw or not, is there any particular advice you’d like to share with us on maintaining a raw food diet?

ASM: ENJOY what you’re doing, take it slowly (start at least 50% raw and take it from there), get support from others on this path, drink at least one green drink a day, eat mostly FRESH water–rich raw foods, do colon hydrotherapy to help the detox, sweat every day, get your heart rate UP at least once a day, be honest and kind with yourself and others about your food choices and forage for any wild foods you can safely identify ;) ENJOY…

IWB: Any other words of advice or anything else you’d like to share?

ASM: Live, Love and Let Go…enjoy the journey ;)

Giveaway

For the giveaway, Angela offers a complete package of ALL her informative, educational, motivational, and inspiring e-books. You will receive these ebooks:

Raw Emotions, by Angela Stokes
Raw Reform: How to go Raw for Weight Loss, by Angela Stokes
Raw Reform: Revealing the Physical changes, by Angela Stokes
Raw Reform: Recipes, by Angela Stokes
The Juice Feaster’s Handbook, by Angela Stokes
Raw Spirit, by Matt Monarch
Raw Success, by Matt Monarch

Answer this question and you will automatically be entered into the draw for these awesome ebooks.

Name some of the natural health heroes and mentors, who have educated and inspired you?

One entry per person, please.

The drawing for this giveaway will take place Tuesday, October 13th, and I will use my favorite random number picker to choose the winning participants. The winning participants will be contacted via email and an announcement will be posted in the comment section of this post.

Thank you and best of luck to all who participate.

* * * * * * * *

More about Angela Stokes-Monarch

Visit her website Raw Reform and her blog Raw Reform E-Journal

Watch The Raw Food World TV Show and Angela’s appearance on CNN News

Shop The Raw Food World for raw books, foods items, appliances, and more.

Stay connected with Angela via RawReform on Twitter and Facebook

Tweet This: Send Page to Twitter

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Comments

45 Comments so far

Raw.la - Raw Food in The News and Around The Web on October 9, 2009 Friday, 4:30 pm
[…] Angela Stokes-Monarch :: An Interview + Giveaway […]
VeggieGirl on October 9, 2009 Friday, 4:32 pm
Awesome interview and insight!!

To answer the question: I truthfully HAVE to say it’s my raw foods counselor, Gena (from the “Choosing Raw” blog. You can read my client testimonial on her site to find out why (**testimonial is ABOVE my name**):

http://www.choosingraw.com/client-testimonials/

Hi Liz - beautiful testimony, thanks for sharing it. I am familiar with Gina and just know she is a lovely person from a feeling I have that hasn’t stirred me wrong yet. :-)
Lisa Kilinc on October 9, 2009 Friday, 5:23 pm
It is always such a pleasure to read your thoughts. You & Matt are such an inspiration to all in the raw community and great with guidance.

Ani Phyo is actually the first RAW food mentor in my life. I stumbled upon her book, tried a few recipes and was hooked. I am not 100% raw yet but I really want to be there soon. Thanks for all you do in the raw food community and the good karma you and Matt give out to the world.
Jill on October 9, 2009 Friday, 5:32 pm
Honestly it would have to be Angela Stokes! In the beginning of the summer I watched her CNN Story on Youtube and then went on to watch almost all of her videos on Youtube as well as her daily video blog with Matt Monarch on the Raw Food World. I am 50% raw now and have lost 20 pounds so far. Would love to lose 30 more!
Isle Dance on October 9, 2009 Friday, 5:56 pm
((You!))
melissa on October 9, 2009 Friday, 6:46 pm
I would love the collection. My inspiration includes, Shazzie, Natalia Rose and Gena Hamshaw.
Serena on October 9, 2009 Friday, 7:35 pm
I was educated from an early age about a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and the use of natural remedies for the body by…my parents! I am so grateful for all that they taught me. The funny thing to me, is that while growing up, even though I lived a very natural and healthy lifestyle as guided by my parents, it really annoyed me. I wanted to fit in and unfortunately others didn’t take so well to my bean on whole wheat sandwiches and occasional herbs such as echinacea for a sore throat. Now well past the age of wanting to fit it and please my adolescent friends, I am so happy to have the parents I have and I have been so inspired by them. I have recently been following a high raw, high vegan lifestyle and it has been so cool and fun to talk to my folks about it. Our conversations last hours and inevitably they know of the beliefs/principles being outlined in the most recent book I am reading. We end up having a fun conversation that leads to a very deep philosophical and spiritual adventure!
GirlonRaw on October 9, 2009 Friday, 8:12 pm
I have to say Kristen of Kristen’s Raw DEFINITELY. I first read Skinny Bitch and after educating myself about going vegan then going raw I googled raw food and came up with her blog here: http://www.kristensraw.blogspot.com and immediately bought her recipe books. She is now my Soul Sista and I consider her my raw food guru (amongst other great - like you too Ingrid!!!)
Heidi on October 9, 2009 Friday, 9:42 pm
Dr. Roz Gruben’s talk on the social and emotional aspects of eating is life-changing. Karen Knowler’s approach to raw food and public education is also very appealing.

Really enjoyed this interview. Thanks!
Renee on October 9, 2009 Friday, 11:48 pm
Rod Rotondi of Leaf Organics in Los Angeles — his was the first raw food restaurant I vistied - it reall opened my eyes - just bought his new book. I’ve lost 20 pounds in 6 months eating about 80% raw. Also, Angela & Matt, Frederic Patenaude, and you!
Woogie on October 9, 2009 Friday, 11:59 pm
An old girlfriend who I inspired onto a healthy path. She then ran way ahead of me and dragged me along farther and deeper than I was going on my own. We learned and experimented together. We changed each other.
Victoria Boutenko, Richard Anderson’s Cleanse & Purify Thyself, Sapoty Brook, Gabriel Cousens.
Thanks.
Springfairy on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 12:23 am
Well-known mentor: it’s Matthew Kenney, he keeps taking raw food to such high level and keeps being so relaxed about it. And my best friend, Lilla, (pretty sure she’ll be famous soon!) who turned raw on my inspiration and way surpassed me since then, she’s amazing to watch as she uses her instincts to make food or fantastic home made cosmetics!!!! A true example to follow.
Annie on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 12:40 am
What an awesome interview!

Natalia Rose was my first intro to raw food. Since then I have been so encouraged by Angela Stokes, Ani Phyo, and my grandmother.
Marina on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 1:29 am
Hello! Great interview. First I read about raw food on Steve Pavlina’s site and was intrigued so I gave it a try for a month… I fell off the wagon but knew I’d climb back someday. 2nd inspiration was finding a Meetup.com raw food group here in Zurich. I was 2 weeks raw when I met the lovely group, we enjoyed a picnic potluck in a park by the lake. Talked for 8 hours non stop and that day gave me the strength to just keep at it. I’ve been mostly raw for over 3 months now and continue to be friends with a few people from that potluck. One in particular, Maya, has inspired me tremendously to keep listening to what my body needs…from an inspiration another continent away to a local one…that’s what I find motivates me the most. It’s just so much easier when you find others in your own community who are excited about this lifestyle! online I love Gena’s blog Choosing Raw for recipe inspiration. Happy weekend everyone!
Jodi on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 3:57 am
Oh there are so many. You, Angela Stokes, David Wolfe, Shazzie, Meghan Telpner, the raw divas…..
AnnaO on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 5:36 am
Apart from Ms Stokes-Monarch herself, my list includes Natalia Rose, Gena Hamshaw and Kris Carr. Thank you for a great interview and giveaway!
Karmalily on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 10:34 am
Ani Phyo - her cookbook introduced me to raw foods, and the discovery that it was much easier and tastier than I imagined it would be keeps me interested in raw foods.

There’s a health food store not far from where I grew up that was really helpful to me when I started getting interested in raw foods. They sell a lot of pre-made raw foods that they make in their kitchen, and they’re always happy to give out recipes and tips.
Stacy N. on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 12:38 pm
Brian Clement, Matt & Angela Monarch :), David Wolfe, Mike Adams, Rev. George Malkmus, Gabriel Cousens, Dr. Richard Schulze…there are so many!
Myra Sarikaya on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 5:13 pm
My natural health heroes are Matt & Angela. They inspire me on a daily basis, and they have changed my life and I’m continueing to change for the better:)
Judy on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 5:14 pm
Great interview. My raw food mentors are local women from Michigan. Ellen Livingston and Karen McKendry. I took classes from Ellen in Ann Arbor and have learned so much from her raw journey. Met Karen at class and she has been raw for years and has overcome health issues. Books that have changed my life are 80/10/10 Diet by Douglas Graham and Avoiding Degenerative Disease by Don Bennett. Guess all of these people are my mentors and heroes. I am blessed. One and a half years raw and feeling better each and every day.
Kazzrie on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 5:36 pm
Angela Stokes, Tonya Zavasta, David Wolfe, Karen Knowler, my friend Laine in Costa Rica, and many others i’ve met on the path….
Candy on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 5:47 pm
Very enjoyable interview - always encouraging to read wonderful stories about real people!
I started my raw journey a few months ago, just started looking online. Some of the first, and very helpful folks I came across are: Nathalie Lussier (RawFoodsWitch), a very upbeat and downtoearth gal, she has been right there when I email a question or report a victory; Kal and Traci Sellers (Idolife), again supportive with emails, and have benefitted so much from their information/teaching; Mattye Lee’s Vegan Kitchen, also wrote Frugal Raw! which is important to me, being on a VERY small income. One of the reasons I came to this food lifestyle was to avoid additional medical bills. I also love Carol Alt’s book The Raw 50, she is another make-it-easy-on-yourself person that makes sense!
Thanks for your SO supportive site, and all you do to encourage the rest of us on our journey!
Debra on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 6:58 pm
I find Angela an inspiration for her successful release of 160 pounds.It is what keeps me going on my journey to loose my weight.
Also Frederic Patenaude would classify as one of my inspirations. He believes in a low-fat approach to raw foods. Low fat is what I feel is the best way for my health.Also Dr. Cousens
because of his believe in staying away from fruit if you are diabetic, which I am. SO my own raw food plan is 90% green, 5% fruit and 5% seeds and nuts. This is what is working for me. However I would not have come up the formula that works for me if it was not reading how others have approached their own Raw lifestyles. It is wonderful to have so many knowledgeable folks out here , where one can learn from all and develop what works for them.
Debra
Debraintheraw.wordpress.cpm
Nadia on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 7:05 pm
My health hero is nature.
I don’t mean it ti sound corny, but nature always heals itself, and plants and animals live natural, healthy lives unlike humans.
Therefore, nature is the ultimate health hero.
amanda on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 7:19 pm
I love Russell James. His recipes are so amazing! I have made several of them and my non-veg friends always eat them up. You can find him at therawchefblog.com
Earth Mother – In The Raw on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 9:01 pm
L?VELY interview. Thanks, Angela and Ingrid!

Folks who inspire me and provide a wealth of information:

Mr. & Mrs. Stokes-Monarch
Natalia Rose
Kris Carr
Victoria Boutenko
Kevin Gianni
Tara Warner
Rose on October 10, 2009 Saturday, 9:21 pm
The very first one was Anastasia. Followed by David Wolfe, V. Boutenko, Mrs.& Mr. Stokes Monarch and many others.
Joanna on October 11, 2009 Sunday, 5:41 am
Tonya Kay, all the way!
Katherine Rose on October 11, 2009 Sunday, 4:33 pm
This last summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern on an organic peach farm. Piro, another intern had previously been a raw vegan for two years. I was already a vegan, but it was Piro who introduced to me the concept of eating raw. She lent me Alissa Cohen’s Living on Live Food. This opened up a whole new world of nutrition to me. I have been raw for the past two months and I am enjoying nearly every minute.
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win such a wonderful gift!
Nicole (The Fitness Freak) on October 11, 2009 Sunday, 9:37 pm
Another great post and great giveaway Ingrid! Thanks for the opportunity to win : )

I actually got a lot of my inspiration from Matt and Angela. Most of the information I used when I first became Raw was off of their site or in e-mails to them. I was so excited to read this post so thank you!
Belind on October 12, 2009 Monday, 12:08 am
This is a great interview! My inspirators are Gaya from the Netherlands, the first 1000% raw girl I ever meet, and Gena ofcourse from ChoosingRaw, always very kind to teach me new things in her Blog. Green and Crunchy for showing me how to live vegan and raw with a family. Kristen from KristensRaw, for personal news and good recipes. And Monique from TheHappyVeganarian! always simple and delicous food. Many more people, but these are the ones for daily inspiration. Thank you guys!!!!!!
Ingela on October 12, 2009 Monday, 12:36 am
There are so many inspriring people out there, including Matt and Angela :)

Shazzie
Kevin Gianni
Shannon Leone
Katrina Rainoshek
Jinjee Talifero
Jameth Sheridan
and many more!

Lots of love //Ingela
Zoe on October 12, 2009 Monday, 8:39 am
Great interview, I love Angela!

I have so many influences, but right now I’d say the key ones are: Gena from choosingraw.com, Kristen Suzanne, and Courtney from radicalradiance.blogspot.com
Silke on October 12, 2009 Monday, 1:48 pm
Hi,
thanks for the lovely interview! It would be fabulous to win the collection of ebooks — so here are my favorite mentors:
The Diamonds, as it was their book “Fit for Life” which got me started on raw; David Wolfe for his incredible knowledge; Franz Konz and Brigitte Rondholz for never tiring to tell us about the importance of wild greens; Rozalind Graham - she is so amazing!; and last but not least: the incredible Angela Stokes-Monarch and her husband Matt Monarch - I love watching their daily tv-show — what an inspiration… many many thanks!
Samantha Weinstein on October 12, 2009 Monday, 4:05 pm
I first saw Angela Stokes on the CNN clip on Youtube and was completely intrigued by the raw food lifestyle. I then stumbled across Sarma Melngailis and her book, Raw Food, Real World. I’m hooked! I read her all of her blogs, interviews, whatever I can find. I’m just beginning to make the transition from vegetarian to vegan and I am eventually planning to go full-on raw…so excited to find this new way of living and eating!
Chantal on October 12, 2009 Monday, 5:02 pm
How wonderful it would be to win this gift set! I have recently learned of Angela Stokes and truly am so happy for her! God has blessed her to awaken to good health and now she is doing her part in helping others wake up. Dr. Norman Walker was an inspiration to me when I was about 8 years old. I was already reading books on how to prolong your life. I loved the juice my dad would prepare for us before school in the morning. Dr. Udo Earsmus is another man who helped me understand the benefits of Omega 3 and 6. Other’s include Sam Graci and Dr. Gabriel Cousens and Robert Young.
Nadia on October 12, 2009 Monday, 6:53 pm
Hi there,
Great interview. And thanks for doing such a great giveaway. Some of the people that have inspired me include Bernard Jenson, Herbert Shelton, Daniel Reid, Harvey and Marilyn Diamond, David Wolfe, the Boutenko family, Matt Monarch and Angela Stokes-Monarch, my parents… and you and all the others out there sharing information with us.
All the best,
Nadia
edith on October 12, 2009 Monday, 10:11 pm
my raw food heroes are; ani phyo for her simplicity, sarma melngailis for her sophistication and angela stokes for her inspiration.
Mari T on October 13, 2009 Tuesday, 5:50 am
Some who have educated and inspired me are Storm and Jinjee, Natalie Rose, David Wolfe, Ani Phyo, Anthony Anderson. Read books and their blogs along with videos.
Lucy Shorenzon on October 13, 2009 Tuesday, 8:02 am
Shalom from Israel

I have been greatly inspired by the following people

Leslie kenton

Angela herself and matt

David Wolfe

Ani Phyo

Gabriel Cousins

Brendan Brazier

Victoria Boutenko

Lucy Shorenzon

Israel
Dana Horwitz on October 13, 2009 Tuesday, 8:09 am
Hmmm..Initially it was Ann Wigmore. I was brought to a dinner at Hippocrates by a friend who was visiting while I was in college in Boston. I had no idea what was going on and didn’t understand (or like) the food! Then, years later, I was living in Chicago and was inspired by Karyn Calabrese. I went to her first raw restaurant a lot, bought books there and started to make a lot of raw stuff. No one else I knew did this but others liked my soups, nori rolls, etc. Now there are so many people to be inspired by - you and your husband:), Carmella from Sunny Raw Kitchen, Terces Engelhart of Cafe Gratitude…thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!
Nateah Finnikin on October 13, 2009 Tuesday, 2:07 pm
Hi! Just wanted to say that this interview with Angela waas absolutely LOVELY! Jinjee and Storm Talifero from thegardendiet.com were the ones to convince me that becoming raw was the perfect and Divine decision for my children and myself. Some other raw food pioneers that have inspired my journey are, of course, Angela Stokes-Monarch, the vibrant rawsta Shazzie, Victoria Boutenko, Ani Phyo, and my friend Jessica White, the first non carnivorous person I’d ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Patricia Proskurniak on October 13, 2009 Tuesday, 3:00 pm
Dr. Gabriel Cousens. After watching “Raw For Thirty” I knew I had to do this for myself. I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic in June of 2008 and this documentary spoke directly to me. I am now off my pills for the diabetes.
Ingrid on October 14, 2009 Wednesday, 8:43 am

ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to Jill of South American Escapes, a blog focusing on travel within Brazil and South American.

Here’s her response when asked Name some of the natural health heroes and mentors, who have educated and inspired you?

Honestly it would have to be Angela Stokes! In the beginning of the summer I watched her CNN Story on Youtube and then went on to watch almost all of her videos on Youtube as well as her daily video blog with Matt Monarch on the Raw Food World. I am 50% raw now and have lost 20 pounds so far. Would love to lose 30 more!

Thank you to everyone who participated in this drawing. :-)
Miranda Martinez :: An Interview + Giveaway : Raw Epicurean on February 2, 2010 Tuesday, 2:00 pm
[…] Angela Stokes-Monarch: Angela lost over 160 lbs when she became raw! She’s been a huge inspiration and source of […]

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