Carol Alt to appear at Royersford potluck expo in July

By Antoinette Colón

Connection Staff

The thought of eating raw food only may not sound appealing to most Americans.  From fast-paced lives that require quick and easy meals, people often assume that this is the only way to live.  Everyone buys into the idea of the food pyramid as the only way to be healthy but in recent years science and individuals like Lisa Montgomery of Royersford are beginning to change that.

Montgomery suffered from major food allergies and Candida, which led her to re-examine her food choices 11 years ago. Beginning with a vegetarian diet led her to explore the health benefits of eating 99% raw.

The theory behind eating raw food is this:  The body depends on foods' store of enzymes, which are the proteins that help break down food. When these enzymes are exposed to heat, they become inactivated. The body must then make more of its own enzymes, using energy in order to aid in digestion. Therefore, they consume food that can only be heated to temperatures less than 118 degrees. So the use a heat dehydrator, for example, blows hot air on food until it "cooks."

Montgomery recommends eating foods, organic if available, that are exposed to heat less than 105 degrees. She and other raw food enthusiasts use dehydrators, food processors and blenders to concoct flavor-filled dishes that can resemble the taste and consistency of such foods as salmon, mashed potatoes, ice cream and more.  Cravings are not a problem to Montgomery and others with their creative concoctions. 

Through her journey of educating herself on her the nutritional benefits, she decided to start a raw potluck group and newsletter for others who were interested in this alternative to nutrition.  It has become an opportunity to swap and sample recipes in the relaxed setting of her home.

To Montgomery's surprise the first potluck event was attended by 46 people traveling from the tri-state area for an opportunity to connect with others who chose explore this alternative lifestyle. Through her encounters with others Montgomery has heard success stories that have proved to be inspirational and empowering.

Montgomery said, "Eating raw has led to people curing their own MS (Multiple Sclerosis,) heart problems and even cancer. Many seek heavy medications for their poor health and I chose to change my eating habits. I thought my symptoms were just me getting older. The world of modern medicine doesn't like it."

Her online newsletter, jammed packed with recipes for beginners to the novice, is now being distributed worldwide.  Montgomery said, "People around the world are reading it and is crossing time zones!"

One of her many newsletter recipients became supermodel/actress Carol Alt.  Montgomery was flattered and overjoyed to find that Alt wished to publish some of the newsletter recipes in her new book, "The Raw 50."

 "I met Carol [Alt] at a Health and Beauty expo in King of Prussia several years ago and adder to the list of newsletters and potlucks," explained Montgomery. "She is just one of many people searching for a better life."

The new book, published by Crown Publishing Group, will feature recipes from Montgomery and her fellow "potluckers."  Now, Alt will make a special guest appearance at the "Living Food Expo" held annually in Royersford this July.

The one-day picnic will approximately 20 vendors offering samples of their products that assist raw foodists to learn and expand their own diet. Alt will speak and sign her new book at the event on Saturday, July 28, beginning at 11 a.m.

Attendees will also include Royersford Mayor David Urner, Royersford Borough Manager Michael Leonard, State Representative Thomas Quigley, State Senator John Rafferty and Congress Representatives Jim Gerlach and Joe Sestak.

The family event will also feature live music from several groups and individuals like Pottstown's own Kevin Rosenberry. He is part of the "Mirandola Trumpeteers" who have appeared all over the east coast and abroad in a professional tour in Germany, Scotland and England.  Rosenberry has released a CD of medieval and renaissance trumpet music and recently appeared at the annual Celtic festival at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

The event will offer a mix of food sampling, education and entertainment for an admission fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children.  Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.  For more information and to purchase advance tickets visit: www.livingdynamically.com.

Montgomery said, "I prayed to someday make a difference.  And now I am touching people's lives.  Yes, one person can make a difference."