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Alex, the teen behind RawGuru.com

Alex Malinsky is a 19-year-old raw vegan born in Kiev, Ukraine but now living in Florida. When he was just a baby, his family immigrated to the U.S. after the nuclear explosion at Chernobyl. Alex became interested in raw foods when he was still in middle school and was totally supported by his mother. He's been raw for six years now, and Anna had a chance to sit down and talk with him at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Arizona.

Interviewed by Anna Hays, age 18



Who are you really, beyond the raw food persona?

I am just like you, trying to achieve my goals in this abundant planet.

What is your favorite thing about being alive?

Waking up in the morning and seeing the sun rise. I also enjoy picking my own foods and creating gourmet raw foods cuisine.

Do you plan on keeping your Raw Guru business forever?

Yes, I hope so. I will soon start selling exotic wild crafted foods, and be coming out with a book. My mission is to have a retreat center with a café or restaurant.

If you had no limitations and could do anything in this world what would it be?

I would fly! I would love to feel the breeze against and through my body and see everything the birds see and more!

In your eyes, what is the most beautiful thing on Earth?

The sun and the sky. There are so many radiant colors in the sky and the sun is so healing and rejuvenating.

What is your favorite and least favorite emotion?

Favorite: Excitement Least: Helplessness

What is this whole raw food thing Really about?

It is about getting in touch with our spiritual side and getting back to our natural state of being.

Who or what do you feel closest with?

My mom. She has helped me tremendously throughout this journey with her wisdom and support.

What is the most important aspect of food? Is there more to it than simple nutrition?

The water of life! Yes, it has energy given to us by the sun!

What does "raw guru" truly mean to you and how did you choose the name?

Raw Guru means the guru (leader or teacher) of raw food nutrition. I was given this name after a David Wolfe lecture. I would basically answer all the questions that were asked about raw foods, and nutrition and got the name "the guru of raw foods", so I just changed it to rawguru.

People love your food! What is your secret?

The secret is fresh produce, love and balance of flavors and textures.

You seem to be enjoying amazing health. What do you feel is the most important aspect of raw food nutrition for growing teens?

Getting enough variety of foods and doing other activities not pertaining to raw foods. Raw food is just a link to the chain. Don't get all hung up on raw foods, enjoy life as it is. Today is the best day ever!

Lately there has been a lot of press about a raw food diet being deficient. Do you personally take b12 or any other supplements?

I think any diet can be deficient if one is not conscious about their bodies. People tend to overeat when they go on any diet and problems arise faster than they know it. I used to take b-12 but have found that I don't need it now. I think getting some good quality dirt on your plate every now and then and taking a good probotic may help immensely.

What do you do to relax when things get stressful?

I drink plenty of fluids and lie down while listening to soothing music.

Describe your Best Day Ever.

Sleeping is the best day ever! But, thinking back, the best day ever would have to be when I was in Maui. It was at a resort center; the light rain woke me up, I took a shower under the radiant sun and picked a young coconut to drink. Then went to Stefan's farm (an organic exotic fruit and veggie farm) and saw how all the exotic fruits grew and tasted most of them. It was a blast! Everything was perfect! I would give anything to do it again!

Will you eventually start a raw chocoholics anonymous support group? This obsession can't be healthy! =)

Sounds like a good idea. Chocolate is the food of the gods. Chocolate may be addicting, but so can almond butter. I think everything should be eaten in moderation, especially moderation.

Any last words of wisdom, oh enlightened one?

Don't listen to common sense, listen to body sense. Don't be afraid of trying new things and don't sweat the small stuff. Have the best day ever!

Send feedback about this interview


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