The first monday of every month is reserved for Raw Magic... bring yourself and a friend along to the Lounge for one of Kate Magic's raw food workshops and open yourself up to the radical power of raw food. Here, inSpiral eye editor, Nina,  goes long to a raw cacao workshop and in the process, becomes a true believer! Read on to find out how chocolate can revolutionise your world!

It's official! Chocolate is no longer the exclusive preserve of sweet fiends and menstruating women. The benefits of eating raw chocolate are universal! The healing and harmonising effects of consuming raw cacao products as part of a balanced wholefoods diet are gaining currency amongst nutritionists and enlightened foodies the world over. Of course, the healing potential of raw organic cacao is no secret to Kate Magic. This raw food pioneer and beacon of the raw food movement has been waxing lyrical for over a decade about the radically healthful properties of cacao. A self-avowed devotee of the South American bean, Kate Magic is legendary for her raw chocolate bars and cacaolicious recipes such as Chocolate Halva, Choccoli Biscuits (harnessing the uplifting potential of chocolate and broccoli) and the legendary Blissberry Tart.

For over a year Kate has been convening Raw Magic workshops in the basement of inSpiral's Camden premises, where untold numbers of curious individuals have been initiated into the ways of preparing mind-alteringly delicious raw food cakes, salads, smoothies and savouries. On the evening of Monday the 2nd of November I found myself present at one such gathering in the glowing pink Himalayan rocksalt den downstairs at the Lounge. I had invited myself along (one of the many perks of writing for inSpiral eye) ostensibly to write a review of one of Kate's 'raw living' workshops, but more than anything, I was desperate to meet the 'magic' goddess herself and learn more about one of my favourite foodstuffs - cacao!

Like many people finding their way into the raw food movement, Kate's name was one of the first touchstones to register on my raw-food radar, and when I was given a copy of her indispensible raw-food bible, Raw Magic,  I felt drawn to learn more about this woman - her extraordinary life's work, and the role that she has played in transforming the lives of many individuals looking for a way to revolutise their lives through a change in diet and.nutrition. The mood in the downstairs lounge on the night of the workshop was relaxed and receptive. The other individuals attending the workshop - a cosy group of no more than ten or so - were at various stages on their respective food/life journeys, and suprisingly, not all were converts of cacao; some had come with the express intention of  learning more about this misunderstood super food.

 The power of cacao as a 'gateway' into healthy eating and the raw food movement has been deftly harnessed by Kate in her books and workshops. For Kate, cacao is a brilliant way of drawing people in to try new foods, new food combinations and new ways of preparing  ingredients so that they retain their maximum health-giving and nourishing qualities. The workshop was an easygoing amalgam of lecture, informal discussion, therapy, and question and answer sessions. Kate began the discussion with a fascinating  introduction into her personal experiences as a raw fooder of more than sixteen years! Health, illness, parenting, ethics and the psychic and emotional challenges of transition to a raw food diet were all touched upon in Kate's delivery, which was geared to appeal more to newcomers than to experienced raw fooders.

As the evening progressed, the individuals at the workshop began to open up and share their various chocolate stories. One woman in particular was interested in receiving guidance on how to draw her children into the raw food fold, and away from the harmful effects of their regular 'pasta and cheese' diet. Kate, who is herself a mother, dealt humorously and compassionately with these dilemmas, emphasising the importance of not expecting too much of oneself too soon. 'Be kind to yourself', was Kate's message. Raw food is supposed to be fun, and as soon as you begin integrating even a limited amount of extraordinary and powerful super foods - such as cacao - into your diet, your body will respond with great enthusiasm, and in its bountiful wisdom, the body will ask for more of what it needs. The results, Kate enthuses, will be beyond your wildest dreams; uplift, energy and a general awakening that will support a spiritual and physical revolution, hastening you on the path to greater health, harmony and happiness.

In her characteristic funky threads, with colourful accessories and undercut hair, Kate looks an unlikely but convincing guru. Her ease with herself and her conviction in the lifestyle she has chosen (or should I say, which has chosen her?) makes Kate an immensely warm and likeable person. With her clear skin, healthy glow, sparkling eyes and unflinching openness, Kate is a smashing example of her motto: 'Be the change'.

 For those keen to get on the chocolate buzz or to learn the basics of raw food alchemy, Kate's Raw Magic workshops take place in the Lounge on the first monday of every month. Schedules and topics change, so stay connected on inSpiral's upcoming events page, or visit Kate's website, Raw Living. Take yourself and a friend along to Kate's 'Christmas Magic' workshop on Monday the 7th of December and learn how to dodge the mince pies and turkey and have yourself a vibrant, delicious and fun-filled Christmas with recipes such as Goji Mincemeat Mess. Kate's books and chocolate bars are available for purchase online. They come highly recommended from all the staff at inSpiral. Thanks for being such a dear friend of the lounge, Kate. Always a pleasure to have you in-the-house!