Raw Food Feast: Discover Mirjam Henzen’s Philosophy for Vibrant, Natural Health

What if vibrant health didn’t come from a supplement, a rulebook, or the latest diet trend—but from reconnecting with the body’s natural rhythm? For Mirjam Henzen, that question became a life path.

Founder of Raw Food Feast, author, educator, and passionate advocate for cellular detox and nourishment through living foods, Mirjam didn’t set out to build a brand—she followed a calling. From her first steps into dietetics at sixteen to studying with leading figures like Dr. Robert Morse, her journey has been guided by one simple but powerful belief: when we give our bodies what they were designed for, everything changes.

In this intimate and inspiring interview, Mirjam shares the story behind Raw Food Feast—a movement rooted in joy, not restriction. She talks about her turning points, the challenges people face when shifting to raw food, and how her globally inspired recipes are helping thousands rediscover what true vitality feels like. With wisdom, warmth, and zero judgment, she invites us to explore what it means to eat (and live) with intention.

Whether you’re just curious about raw food or looking to deepen your connection with what nourishes you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and hungry for more.

Meet Mirjam—and discover the raw truth behind vibrant health.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from, and what inspired you to start Raw Food Feast?

I’ve been drawn to vibrant health for as long as I can remember. At sixteen, I began a home study in dietetics, and not long after, I was introduced to detoxification—a practice that has shaped so much of what I’ve done since. There was a deep sense of knowing: this is key. Detox isn’t a trend; it’s the body’s natural rhythm. Learning how to support that rhythm became my life’s work. I went all in. I devoured books, studied under experts, took courses, and explored various approaches.

Because telling someone to “eat more raw food” means nothing if you don’t understand what it actually does—how it supports cellular repair, clears mental fog, and lifts your mood, your skin, your energy. One turning point for me was reading Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices by Dr. Norman Walker. I expected some new juice inspiration—what I got was a completely different way of seeing the body. His work showed me how simple things can be when we stop overriding what the body is asking for.

That eventually led me to study in person with Dr. Robert Morse, one of the most experienced voices in cellular detox and iridology. I’m grateful every day for what I learned there—not just the tools, but the perspective. Over time, one truth kept coming back: raw living foods hold something no supplement, shortcut, or system can replace. They carry life. They nourish, hydrate, restore, and bring the body back to clarity.

That’s what inspired Raw Food Feast. Not just a brand, but a body of work. A way to share what’s possible when we give our bodies what they were designed for—through joy, not pressure. Through consistency, not extremes. Because vibrant health isn’t out of reach. Because raw food can be simple, beautiful, and deeply satisfying. And because real vitality doesn’t need hype—it just needs the right support.

That same vision is also the heart of my online community, Healthy & Free—a space where people learn, connect, and grow together. With live classes, nourishing recipes, and shared rhythms that anchor healthy habits, it’s a community where healthy living is not just an idea, but a lived experience—energizing, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.

What was the turning point that led you to embrace a raw food lifestyle?

When I moved to the U.S., I lived with two wonderful women. I often prepared our meals—fresh-pressed juices, bowls of juicy, in-season fruit, and big vibrant salads with homemade dressings. One day, one of them asked, “Are you a raw foodist?” I had never heard the term before, so I asked what she meant. She explained that a raw foodist primarily eats uncooked, living foods—and said the way I was eating looked just like it.

That simple moment sparked something. I started researching the raw food lifestyle, and for the first time, I had a name for something I’d already been doing—not as a trend or rule, but as a way of living that genuinely made me feel alive. I hadn’t labeled it. I had simply followed what gave me clarity, energy, and ease: fresh-pressed juices, ripe, water-rich fruit, vibrant greens, crisp vegetables, and meals that didn’t weigh me down—unlike animal products or overly dense foods.

My interest in vibrant health had always been there, but this gave it a new frame. I also discovered that raw food could go far beyond juices, fruit, and salads. You could actually create layered, satisfying meals with simple tools like a dehydrator—a kitchen essential I now wouldn’t want to be without.

So, there wasn’t one big turning point. No overnight transformation. For me, it unfolded naturally—through listening, noticing, and following what gave me the most energy, clarity, and ease. It was more of a gentle recognition: the way I was eating was, in fact, a raw food lifestyle. I’d simply been following what felt best.

Your book, Raw Food Feast: Vibrant Health Through Living Foods, has been praised for its globally inspired recipes. What was your main source of inspiration when creating these dishes?

I’ve always been guided by how food makes me feel—not just in the moment, but holistically. Meals that are bold, fresh, and full of feel-it-in-your-body flavor. That’s been my compass across Raw Food Feast, my other books, and the online courses I share, like the Natural Detox and Botox Course.

When I create a recipe, I ask: Does this make you feel alive? Does it bring joy? Does it spark connection around the table? That’s the kind of food I want to offer—food that nourishes, uplifts, and brings people closer to themselves and each other.

I’ve always loved meals that burst with flavor. And the truth is, you can create incredibly satisfying food using simple, accessible ingredients. Take sunflower seeds, for example—nutrient-dense, affordable, and easy to work with. You can turn them into a delicious flatbread with just a few extras—and suddenly you’ve got a base that lasts for days… or weeks, if it’s just you. Layer it with leafy greens, a vibrant spread, marinated red onion, some sprouts—pair it with a side salad—and you’ve got a healthy meal that’s also deeply satisfying.

I also enjoy reinventing classics through a raw lens. Falafel is a great example. While you can sprout chickpeas and eat them raw, many people don’t digest them well. So I thought, what if I used sprouted lentils instead? They’re a powerhouse of nutrients—filling, energizing, and easier on the system. And it worked. They’ve become an enzyme-rich, deeply nourishing alternative to traditional falafel—and a recipe that’s now loved by many around the world.

raw food feast

One of the things that drives my recipe creation is the question: Will this nourish and sustain someone long-term? A common challenge people face when shifting to a (high) raw lifestyle is either not eating enough—or relying too heavily on nuts. I believe the solution lies in balance: fresh-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, ripe fruit, colorful salads, and raw cuisine meals that feel complete.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this can be. Many people who come to me for 1:1 coaching feel unsure or depleted at the start—but by the end of our 3- or 6-month journey, they’re glowing. Not just from the food, but from the inside out. Body, soul, and spirit.

And that’s a big part of what inspires me in the kitchen—creating recipes that help people succeed. Meals that feel like home in this lifestyle. Meals their families will actually love. Recipes that bring life back into the body—and joy back into food.

Can you tell us more about the Food Freedom Course and how it helps people transform their mindset around food?

As I briefly mentioned earlier, one of the most common challenges people face when shifting to a high-raw lifestyle is either not eating enough—or relying too heavily on nuts. But beyond the practical side, there’s often a deeper mindset pattern at play.

What I’ve noticed—both inside and outside the raw food world—is that many people are living a lifestyle that doesn’t come from their own why. Their choices are shaped by what they see others doing, what they think they should be doing, or what’s trending. Not from their own long-term vision.

The all-or-nothing mindset. The pressure to get it right. That uneasy feeling that you’re never quite doing enough—even when you’re trying your best. It can quietly take the joy out of eating well.

I believe food should feel like support, not stress. Something that lifts you, fuels you, and fits into your life with ease. I’m a firm believer that true food freedom starts with clarity—not just about what you eat, but why you live the way you do. Not just now, but into the future.

How do you want to feel when you’re 80 or 90? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

The way we live now echoes forward. And how beautiful is it when that echo is one of vitality, joy, and quiet inspiration—for your family, your friends, and even people you don’t know yet?

That’s the heart of the Food Freedom Course. It’s not about rigid rules. It’s about helping people connect with their own inner compass—so their lifestyle becomes sustainable, intentional, and rooted in abundance.

When your choices are anchored in your why, everything becomes clearer. You stop striving, and start living.

Inside the course, we explore:

  • Proven principles to embrace a healthy mindset
  • Comprehensive workbooks and guides that set you up for success
  • Tools to help you set boundaries and communicate with clarity and compassion
  • The power of affirmations woven into your day-to-day
  • Healthy hacks and habits that support real transformation
  • Nourishing recipes that help you stay on top of your game
  • And plenty of inspiration, love, and practical guidance along the way

It’s a full-spectrum approach—because true food freedom goes far beyond what’s on your plate.

How do you choose ingredients for your recipes, and how important is it for you to use seasonal and locally sourced products?

For me, it’s all about accessibility, nourishment, and joy. I love working with ingredients that are easy to find—no matter where you live. There’s something so satisfying about knowing someone across the world can recreate one of my recipes with what they have on hand and feel supported by it.

That’s why I choose ingredients that are widely available, affordable, and flexible.

Of course, I also care deeply about quality. I focus on nutrient density—foods that are rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, essential fats, and everything else that helps the body thrive.

I source a lot of my produce through a wholesaler that offers a beautiful balance: seasonal and local when possible, and globally sourced gems like tree-ripened Kent mangoes from Peru (which happen to be my all-time favorite mangoes).

So while I appreciate seasonal and local foods, they’re not my only filter. My lens is broader:
Does this fuel the body?
Is it vibrant?
Is it easy enough for people to actually use?

And with the rise of online shops, it’s become easier than ever to bring a wide range of ingredients into your kitchen—whether it’s to explore new flavors, boost nutritional variety, or make raw recipes feel exciting and sustainable long-term.

At the end of the day, I’m not about strict rules—I’m about what’s realistic, energizing, and enjoyable. I want the recipes I create to feel doable and delicious—whether you’re shopping at a farmer’s market, a local grocery store, or ordering pantry staples online. It’s all valid. And it can all be vibrant.

raw food feast

What are some of the biggest challenges people face when transitioning to a raw food diet, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

It really depends on where someone is starting from—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone has a different background, a different body, and a different relationship with food.

For many—especially those coming from a diet high in animal products—the shift can feel like a lot at first. That’s because animal products are dense in calories and fat but contain no fiber at all. And when your body isn’t used to the kind of hydration and fiber you get from fruit, leafy greens, and vegetables, the change can bring up some temporary discomfort like bloating or sluggish digestion.

That doesn’t mean it’s not working. It means your system is adjusting. Your gut microbiome is waking up. Fiber doesn’t feed your cells—it feeds your gut. It helps good bacteria grow, supports elimination, and clears the way for real energy to return.

There’s a well-known quote by Dr. Bernard Jensen: “Death begins in the colon.” And of course, the flip side is also true—life begins there. A strong, supported microbiome is essential to vibrant health. And the stronger your microbiome, the stronger your immune system. It’s all connected.

That said, not every challenge is physical. Some people struggle with food combining. Others with cravings. Some feel alone in it.

That’s why I guide each person in a way that reflects where they’re at and where they want to go. Every 1:1 coaching journey begins with a Clarity Call. I want to understand where someone is starting from—physically, emotionally, and energetically. If we both feel it’s the right fit, we move forward into a personal coaching track.

It’s the heart of my 1:1 Inner Circle coaching—creating space for people to reconnect with their body’s wisdom, cut through the overwhelm, and find a rhythm that truly works.

My clients get access to a private online area that holds notes, reminders, updates, and insights between calls. It’s their space for integration and steady support. They can reply directly in there, so everything stays in flow. On top of that, they can message me between video calls to stay connected and keep the momentum going—because transformation doesn’t happen on a schedule.

Through intentional, personalized guidance, I help people make lasting changes in a way that feels grounded, clear, and fully their own.

Could you share a memorable experience or special moment you’ve had while working on Raw Food Feast?

There were many meaningful moments throughout the process—but a few really stayed with me.

Before Raw Food Feast was released, I asked Matthew Kenney—a pioneer in the plant-powered culinary world—if he would be open to writing a recommendation. I was deeply honored when he said yes. His words and support felt like such a meaningful vote of confidence from someone whose work I truly respect.

Dr. Robert Morse—who has played such a foundational role in my own journey—not only loved and recommended the book, but ordered a whole stack of copies to sell on his website. He even mentioned it on one of his episodes and said, “Don’t you think this is the most beautiful book you’ve ever seen?” It warmed my heart and touched me deeply.

I released Raw Food Feast on my father’s birthday. He left this earth quite a few years ago, and I wanted to honor him by sharing something that was so close to my heart. Within twelve hours, Raw Food Feast became a bestseller in three categories on Amazon. It was emotional, grounding, and affirming all at once. That day will always hold extra meaning for me.

Writing Raw Food Feast was incredibly personal. So much of it was created in stillness, without knowing how it would land or who it would reach. But these moments reminded me that when something is made with heart, truth, and intention—the right people do see it. And that kind of encouragement, from both loved ones and respected voices in the field, is something I’ll always carry with me.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about transitioning to a more natural, raw-based diet?

It always brings joy to my heart when someone feels the pull toward a more natural way of living. It’s not about perfection—it’s about intention.

The first step I always recommend is finding your why. Why do you want to feel better? What kind of energy do you want to live with? When you root your choices in that clarity, everything becomes easier to sustain.

From there, it’s the intentional shifts that make all the difference.

For example: instead of starting your day with coffee and depleting your adrenals, try beginning with a fresh-pressed juice. Flood your cells with enzymes, hydration, and real nutrients—that’s the kind of energy that builds over time.

Add more ripe fruit to your day. Fruit is the highest vibrational food we have. It’s hydrating, easy to digest, and packed with vitamin C—an essential nutrient you need every 2–3 hours, day in and day out.

Enjoy leafy greens daily. They’re not just another “vegetable”—leafy greens belong in a category of their own. They’re deeply mineral-rich, hydrating, and full of life. Think of them as internal nourishment on every level. You can enjoy them in salads, juices, smoothie bowls, or even as fresh wraps. However you love them—just make them part of your rhythm.

And above all: be kind to yourself. Let your body guide you. You don’t have to force anything. You get to work with your body, not against it.

The more love and consistency you bring to this process, the more it will love you back.

Thank You, Mirjam!

We sincerely thank Mirjam Henzen for sharing her time, energy, and powerful insights with us. Her journey is a reminder that true nourishment goes far beyond what’s on our plate—it begins with presence, intention, and a return to simplicity.

If you’re feeling inspired to explore the world of raw living foods, you can dive deeper into Mirjam’s universe through her websites and social channels:

🌿 Websites

Healthy & Free Community
www.rawfoodfeast.com
www.nutmilkrecipes.com

📱 Instagram
@rawfoodfeast
@nutmilkrecipes

Follow her for recipes, inspiration, and guidance on how to bring clarity, energy, and joy into your everyday life—one nourishing bite at a time.