Interview with…

Marie-Claire Hermans

Energy Coach For Experts

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get to be a Raw Food Expert for high performers?

To answer this question, it’s probably best that I share with you a defining moment in my life. It resulted in my message of health that brought me where I am today, coaching people like you on exactly how to take charge of themselves and what to do to increase the quality of their energy levels, health and life.

That defining moment in my life happened in 2009, after being deadly ill for 5 years. My body had crashed in 2005, after working day and night with a total burn out for two years. I had ignored about every daunting symptom, from paralyzed limbs to total black outs at work. Bit by bit, the diagnosis’s were adding: Central Myelitis, Poly Neuritis, total burnout, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia. I was in constant unbearable pain, paralyzed on and off, totally exhausted, completely isolated from life and social interactions, lonely, not able to do anything but laying down. After curing the first four diseases, I was condemned to stay ill for the rest of my life because no one knew how to cure chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

I had become bitter and angry. Angry with doctors who didn’t believe or help me, doctors who told me every visit that it was all between my ears, doctors who said that nothing could be done. Yet this anger was my drive to keep searching for a solution! I was stubborn. I didn’t want to give up, even though everybody had taken away my hope for cure… 

I still remember that day in April, when I found the solution for my debilitating condition. I discovered raw food. A new world opened up to me, I read all day long and knew: “This is it!” I could feel it in every cell of my body! The next day I was 100% raw, even if I didn’t know what I was doing. I just did it! I used the thorough analysis I had made during my ongoing research, made all the links, connected my “Aha” moments, adjusted everything to my new food. Ten days later my pain had gone and I managed to walk pain free. Three months later I was able to stay up all day long, to build up the energy I could only dream of in the past.  I had created the right climate for my body to start healing itself, I found a new passion. But the most inspring takeaway from healing was: I had found my mission!

At that very moment, I made the commitment to myself to immerse myself in absolutely everything that was connected to raw food, to generating energy, to nourishing mind and body so it could heal itself. I read all the books I could get about raw food, detox and cleansing. I invested in an intensive coaching program to process my illness, to nourish my dark thoughts with positivism and to overcome my fear of exposing myself to the world. I was determined: nothing would stop me! I would become an expert! Even if I had past my fifties. I had lost my job, couldn’t find work with my history and age. What first seemed to be a disaster became my opportunity to a new career! I started studying again, became a certified raw food coach and started my business “Ravishing Raw” in that first month of my study.

During this process I had only one thing in mind: helping others, making a ripple effect in the world. Not just in my own small pool. The first opportunity came to me very soon; my friend, who was just diagnosed with Südeck and given up by the doctors. Their painful treatments didn’t work out for her. She was desperate when I visited her. I didn’t think one moment and said: “From now on, you will only eat what I prepare for you! I will come to you every day and help you heal yourself.” She and her husband were in tears. And so I did: for almost 3 months I went to her place and made all her food -her right arm and hand were completely disabled at that time-. We made a picture of her hand every day. After only five days it started looking like normal again, ten days later she could move her fingers, after a few weeks she was helping me and 3 months later her doctor was stunned: she had completely healed! This was the moment I received the proof that the strategies I used to heal myself, could also help others. I designed my signature system “Ravishing Raw FooDprint™”, my blueprint for health that I use now as the fundament in my private coaching with clients. 

As an eternal student, I keep investing in my education with the best out there, attending 2 and 3 day seminars in America to learn how to reach the world with my message and by investing in mentors and coaches who help me to stretch myself and my business on a daily basis. It feels incredible to be able to do all these amazing things after years of disability!

Who are your clients exactly?

I made the commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life as an energy coach for professionals to helping those who are struggling with the health consequences of their stressful life, especially entrepreneurs, managers and performing artists. I know their challenges. I was one of them. This is why I can teach them how to prevent a total breakdown before it is too late. Or why I can help them to restore their body, their way of thinking, their low energy levels. To be at the top, you need a top condition and that is what raw food can give you, including “the glow” of health.

I helped several world class jazz musicians,  business people and scientists lose excessive overweight, reverse pre-diabetic and diabetes type 2 conditions, thyroid issues, overcome emotional eating, binging (BED), maximise their energy levels for daily high performance. People who come to me have a whole scale of different issues, often also emotional ones but the strategies I use in my blueprint are delivering the proof over and over that the body can restore itself when you fuel it with the right fuel. As you would fuel your car actually. The same goes for your mental state. It’s not just about food you put into your mouth, also how you feed your thoughts is essential. 

How are you different from other coaches? 

I am one of the few coaches who are specialised on generating sustainable energy, basing their work on the raw food diet and self management. As much as I may be a raw food coach and chef inside, when you use my services you have me as an energy coach for experts! 

What does this mean? First; I don’t go for less anymore, I only go for the best! Not only for myself but also for my clients! Second; so many professionals are caught in “time management” but don’t take care of themselves. Because of lack of time they are on a sad diet, which consumes all the body’s energy they need to be able to keep up with their crazy schedule. And you know what is so funny? Just the other day a professional told me how she would love to gain energy but how “blocked” she felt to step into a raw food diet because she was convinced it would take too much of the time she needs for her clients. So when I asked her if she would be able to take 30 minutes a day to prepare her raw dishes, her face cleared up and she was one big smile! Cooking takes much, much longer! Raw food is the new fast food, literally!

Most professionals don’t realize that there is no “time management” without self management! What that means is that I am very focused on anything and everything that connects the different areas in life: health, profession and life. I ONLY work with those who are FULLY committed to themselves. I know why I was able to heal myself and what will help you and it can only be done with a no-nonsense approach, undiluted expertise, simple step-by-step strategies that do require determination. This is where my strength lies within and why my clients get great results in record time. Now, don’t worry! I am gentle and compassionate, we always start with some celebration time for achieved successes and we have a lot of fun in between!

What time of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?

Oh I absolutely love people who are determined to reach their goal, whatever it takes. My masterclasses, workshops, services and programs are created for those who are excited to learn, to pick my brain. I love people who allow new passions or novelties into their lives, who are open to change, who have guts. I love people who can’t wait to soak my knowledge and expertise, but most importantly: people who can’t wait to implement everything they learn! Because this is the key to success: implementation, action! Not only professionally, also health wise. People who take action are the ones who really thrive in my programs. Your health is too important to NOT take it seriously. Everything starts with good health. Without it, you don’t even have a profession. 

I only choose and go for the best in life and I know that I get the best results with those who are not afraid to stretch beyond what is comfortable. This is what gets you the results you want. This is what I want for YOU, so yes, you need to be open to take action without excuses. Those who do what I ask them to do, get there in a record time. It is a different mindset, I know, but that too is something I always help you with from the start. 

For what type of person is this program NOT going to work?

Very good question! When I started coaching I used to help everyone but after a few years I realized that this is not possible. I have set some boundaries so I can truly help those that I accept. I don’t work with just anybody anymore. I have become very selective over the years to serve my clients -and myself- at the very best of my possibilities. I find it extremely important to have a good connection of trust with my clients and that they get the results they are looking for. So my programs definitely don’t work for those who don’t implement, who lie to me about their process and their intended action steps, who don’t move away from their excuses. The responsibility is theirs and theirs only. When it is clear in our acquaintance call that my approach may not serve you, I will be completely honest and open with you and gently refer you to someone else when I can. I see it as my mission to empower you to act independently so you learn, get results faster and can continue your new lifestyle effortlessly after our coaching has ended.

I also have chosen not to work with those who whine or criticise my work. I can’t help you if you belong in this category. I kindly ask you not to contact me if you don’t have trust in my work. I am not the right fit for you then, nor do I want you to waste both our time or your money. I only say this in your interest as you will understand by now that I find it so important for you to get the best results from our coaching. I think that’s only fair.

As with everything of high quality, my programs ask for a financial commitment. If you are in debt, desperate for money, you may have to look for a temporary solution that doesn’t stress you out until you saved up. Because in that case, you will be worrying too much and miss out on implementing your new knowledge into your new lifestyle. Now, I know exactly how it feels to be on the edge. I have been there for a long time. So if you are there right now, no problem. I understand. But don’t stand in your own way by saying “I can’t afford it” too quickly. Do yourself a favour and ask yourself; “HOW can I afford it?” and you will see that when you shift your priorities, things that you thought you couldn’t afford get within your reach. If you really don’t have any money I have a few suggestions to help yourself with what I offer for free until you can enjoy my services: 

  1. Sign up for my free A-Zine, my weekly newsletter that will provide you a lot of valuable information that will help you to get started by yourself until you are ready to work with me in private. 
  2. Download my free eBook “Raw For 3 Days!” that you will receive as a welcome gift to my community. It contains raw recipes for 3 days, from breakfast to dessert, with many step-by-step pictures and shopping lists. You can give raw food a great trial with my eBook and you WILL feel the difference!
  3. Visit my website and facebook page on a regular basis: stay in touch to know when I offer free teleclasses from which you can learn a lot. I post valuable information almost every day on facebook. I continuously add new blog posts on hot topics or personal experiences with cleansing and detoxing, recipes,… Read my posts, learn and apply, share and make your own ripple effect.

These 3 action steps will already help you to get focused on your health. When you are ready, email me and we can take you from there. I am here when you need me, so no rush.

What exactly is the “Ravishing Raw FooDprint Success System™ ” and what does it include?

Creating excellent health and high energy levels begins with understanding your body. What are your struggles and challenges, what is your body reacting to exactly, what is the cause of your struggle and how can we reset your body into a healing modus. My “Ravishing Raw FooDprint Success System™” is a blueprint of proven strategies we follow to reset your mind and body, to balance the different areas in your life so you can generate a constant flow of lasting energy. So let me take you through these steps for a moment so you understand why my blueprint is so powerful! 

  1. You are what you think! Get clarity on your “B.I.G.  W.H.Y.”; your “Beyond Imagination Goal Why to Heal Yourself”. Healing means much more than healing a disease. Being healthy doesn’t mean “the absence of disease.” In the first place it means: how to make yourself “whole.” What is it exactly you don’t like about your body,  in your life? These are the things you want to change. We explore your vision on your personal and professional life and how to stretch it from small to big thinking and achieving. To change things it is essential to have that kind of clarity, to know what you want but most importantly: WHY you want it. So yes, there will be some soul searching to get clear on your goals, what makes your heart sing. With clarity comes a new mindset: the mindset you need to do whatever it takes to make a difference to yourself, the ones you love and the ones you work with! This is a very empowering process with many essential insights that will serve all areas in your life and strengthen you for any change that may be challenging.
  2. Set yourself up for success. To succeed in what you do, you need to create your success support systems, from family to friends to colleagues, from your cupboards to your fridge to your kitchen. We are setting up whatever YOU need to be successful, meaning: we are supporting the change within you with positive and inspiring change in your environment. When you eat raw, your social life may be challenged at certain moments. We design a social support system for you; how to deal with restaurants, how to prepare yourself when you go out, for travel abroad, for a longer stay far away from your raw comfort zone. Once you have these systems all set up, you can use them over as a framework for your success! 
  3. Understand your body’s systems and how you “support” them. Before you can generate lasting energy or balance yourself, you need to understand how your body is working, why it is challenging you to change unhealthy habits. In my “VIP Xpress Way to Vitality”  I analyse your situation and point out the possible causes of your issues. We tackle them by going right to the core. I teach you “the why” and because of this, you will understand all our following steps, shake off possible resistance, eliminate self-sabotage systems, ditch the excuses that kept you there in the first place. Everything is connected and that is what you will learn about yourself. But not just that: you will own this powerful strategy for any next challenge in the future!
  4. Increase your energy levels. The first thing all my clients want to improve when they start working with me is: their lack of energy, the ongoing fatigue that wears them down! They want to get rid of that sluggish, demotivating feeling like… yesterday! And because I know how awful that kind of fatigue feels, we already introduced a way to increase your energy levels from day one of our coaching. In this phase we start upgrading them by transferring from cooked to raw foods, step by step. We leave out what is fatiguing your systems, we replace them with energising foods and drinks. You will learn all the different techniques with which you can make your raw dishes look attractive and tasty. Have a look at my ravishing recipes if you have no idea yet what to expect. Raw food is so much more than “salads” and it is far from the “rabbit” food you thought it would be. Accordingly to your taste, we can set you up with the style of raw food that suits you best to make this transition smoothly and successfully. 
  5. Master your health physically, mentally, emotionally. Time to tackle the addiction to junk foods with knowledge and practical strategies. Now that you made new progress, it is time to structure your new lifestyle. We get you all organised in your kitchen so it is easy for you to stay raw in busy times. You are ready to learn how to OWN  your lifestyle, how to master your health. Very helpful in this stage is having a “before” blood test to see where you are exactly and having another blood test after a few months. This is how we can measure your results and if you did the work, they are always stunning. You don’t need them, because in the meantime you are already feeling the difference of your new nourishment. But actually seeing your results black on white is very encouraging and a scientific affirmation of your change. You will learn how to take fully charge of your health by aligning your physical health with your mental and emotional health. 
  6. Detox and cleanse your body, mind and life. From the moment on that you start eating pure foods, the body starts releasing what made it get stuck. This means a lot is going on, all systems are getting rid of the clutter that had you down for months, years, often even a lifetime! I guide you through this whole process and whatever that comes up for you. It is different for everyone, so we take it as it comes. Detoxing your body always results in the need of getting rid of the clutter on your desk, in your office, in your environment. So that is what we do too: creating even more clarity by getting rid of all the clutter on all levels. You will love it because all of the sudden you have so much more space than you ever thought! Cleansing your body and environment makes sure that you remove all the toxins that have entered your body, profession and life so you will feel light and energised, inspired. 
  7. Self management before time management! To be a high performer, to be at the top and at the top of your potential, your capacities, you need a top condition. Managers, entrepreneurs, artists usually spend all their time working 24/7. Now that you transferred to the raw food diet (or to a high percentage, as you wish), you are fired up for high performance on a daily basis. You became much more productive and are getting SO much more done in a shorter period of time. This means: you created free time for YOUR self. The danger of being so excited that you have all this new energy is, that you will use it up and work even more or harder. This is where our “self management” step comes in. You will learn how to be productive within a limited period in your day and how to use the rest of your time to do things for yourself! We design a personal framework that works and serves you on a daily basis. Self management is your new priority to stay healthy and nourish your vitality. 
Raw food is the strengthening thread throughout all these steps. You will get all the materials you need for your progress. You have exclusive email access to me if you have questions, we have our weekly sessions to create a continuous flow of energy that will accelerate your progress.
Now, this may sound like hard work but I learned that low energy levels or health issues don’t take “time off.” They don’t go on a vacation. Overweight doesn’t stop bothering you in weekends. Fatigue doesn’t transform into energy when you eat junk during time off with your friends. Being healthy is an attitude, a mentality. And it is exactly this mentality that you will own after working with me. And trust me: you will absolutely LOVE that new shaped body, you will embrace your sparkling energy, you will stun your loved ones, friends and colleagues with your healthy glow and new vibration, with the way you are being the best version of yourself. Every day.

Actually you will embrace the “work” that comes your way with my coaching very soon because I mapped it all out and made it very accessible and palatable for you. AND following my lead brings you RESULTS! I like combining the two: “seriousness” because we want to get results fast and “fun” because it IS fun to take action and feel the difference week after week! We always start with some celebration time for new successes, no matter how small they are! And at the end, we have a celebration session for your sweet transformation because often, you don’t even remember anymore where you started 3 months ago. That’s how much can happen in such a short time.

How quickly can I expect results?

Oh! Very quickly but let me make a few nuances as I want to be clear on a few factors involved in the way you make progress. First: how committed you are and implement genuinely. Second: your personal history. Nevertheless, the good news is that once you step into the raw food diet, shift your mindset, apply the self management tools I give to you, tangible results are appearing very fast!

Many clients experience improvement after only a few days already, others need a few weeks. I had several clients who lost 50 to 60 pounds (25 -30 kg) in a few months only, pre-diabetes and diabetes type 2 was reversed in one month, Hyperthyroidism healed in 3 months, clients who experienced huge energy increase within the first week of their transition, a client with a binging history of 15 years overcame her constant urge in 3 months,…  These are all life changing successes!

Generally most people experience a huge difference within 1 to 3 months. It is always so amazing to follow their process and seeing how they lose overweight effortlessly without dieting, how their energy is swinging, their skin starts glowing, how their mood lightens up, they feel like making (more) love again, how their libido improves, how much more productive they become, focused, how much clarity they get in all areas of their lives, how bold they become in making changes, how they detach themselves from addictive foods, how they start moving mountains, how youthful they feel and look, … the list goes on and on.  It’s so much fun to see them transform in such a short time!

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it’s like to work with you?

Yes, sure you can and I would be happy if you would! You can start right here, on the testimonials page. Read about their experiences and when you feel drawn to someone particularly, I am sure they won’t mind you asking them what results they got from working with me.

Marie-Claire, based on everything I’ve read and heard about you, I know you’re the one I want to learn from. What are my options for getting started with you?

Well congratulations! I admire people who are decisive! I am happy and honoured to help you move forward to your goals.

I like speed of implementation. I am all about creating results fast so you feel inspired and motivated, then turning them into lasting results. This means that my programs are created in that same spirit; with speed of implementation. I offer my signature program “Ravishing Raw FooDprint For Professionals™” of 3 months in 2 options, depending on how much time you have and how intensive you want to work with me, on what your issues are, if you have the time to make the space for implementation, if you are traveling a lot. No matter which one you choose; I want to create that flow you need to get from A to B within the time that is available to you. I give you everything you need in your time frame of which I know it is limited. I have 2 options for private coaching and accordingly to your issue and the urgency of it, you can pick the one that suits your current needs best to get started. After our coaching you can stay under my wings for as long as you want on a monthly basis. 

  1. My Basic program gets you started with raw foods or gives you what you need to stay raw and keeps things very practical. It is meant for you if your health is not being challenged yet but you do feel that you need to change your diet if you want to keep it like that. You just want to eat healthy, you are drawn to raw food and feel that you don’t need to talk to me every week to get it all together. Perfect! With this option, we schedule two 45 minute calls per month to discuss anything that comes up for you, to get you moving quickly with a next step and to set you up for lasting success. In this formula you have more time to implement because that’s what you need when you are traveling more often or have a real tight schedule. Meaning, our coaching sessions are laser sharp and focused on getting you as much practical materials as possible with tangible instructions that you will apply in the next week. Of course you will have personal email access to me so you can always get in touch with me when you have questions or when an obstacle comes up. 
  2. “Xpress Way” is my VIP program that leads you straight to your Vitality, the most intensive one for when you are dealing with more serious issues such as burning adrenals, overweight and its side effects on your health. Fatigue that keeps you under your performance capacities and potentials, unstable blood sugar levels, danger of burnout,… If you are forced to stay ‘low profile’ because can’t generate the energy anymore, this is the program that will help you to get through your daunting time. Any issue you are struggling with that needs special attention and more in depth coaching belongs in this program. It is totally personalised to your struggle, adjusted to your needs. I give you everything you need so you can start mastering your own health. We take it step by step and work very thoroughly, we go into depth because this is the only way we can eliminate the causes of your health challenges. This program creates the most results BY FAR, as you have full access to me in a continuous flow of three 45 minute sessions per month with one week for implementation to move you forward fast. You could say it is your “Xpress Way” to vitality. If you need extra time, you can always apply for a VIP 2 hour session on top of this program.
  3. “Master” is the maintenance program you can step into after you ended one of the previous programs and you would like to be supported and inspired on a continuous basis. It is working as a membership and you can renew it monthly for as long as you want. It is highly effective to stay on track.
  4. If you are a high achieving go-getter who wants to move extraordinarily fast into your new diet and lifestyle, you can also contact me to apply for a one day, a “VIP Private Energy Day” or a weekend long “VIP Private Energy Weekend” with just you and me. You want the absolute shortcuts of your learning curve and that is exactly what you will get! We spend a whole day on strategising your path to health and set up your kitchen for immediate action. In essence, I do a lot of the work for you. This time together is completely personalised to what you need to get going in a record time! Very valuable when you don’t have time to commit to a 3 month long program but want to learn everything about how to eat raw and master your health. 

OK, I know which program I want. How do we get started?

Wonderful! I love decisive people! Did you know that this is the key of your success? When you are determined, you move forward so much faster because you will do whatever it takes. Your decision comes right from your gut, telling you it is a good one! It is something I always tell my clients: choose what feels good for you and go for it.

Here is what you do: email me at marieclaire@ravishingraw.com with your request and any questions you have and I will be happy to help you. We will schedule a short acquaintance call to get to know each other a bit better and to see how I can help you. I can’t wait to get you started and help you achieve your health goals! 

If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it’s the right solutions for me?

If you want to get to know me a bit better before applying for private coaching, simple subscribe for my weekly A-Zine, my “Ravishing Raw FooDprint™” in a nutshell that takes you through your new journey from A to Z. You will also receive my free eBook “Ravishing Raw For 3 Days!”, especially written for you when you are at the start and want to give raw food a try with my recipes and feel the difference. You can subscribe here. And of course you can get a lot of inspiration right here, on my website. I created it in a way you can find how to get started all in one place. 

OK, I’m ready to do this for myself, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I contact you?

Of course you can! You can schedule a short chat with me right here and now to see how I can help you. We can talk on the phone or over Skype at a time that suits us both. I will be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one is the very best for you. Sounds good? Let’s do this! 

You want to know more about my “Ravishing Raw FooDprint™”? Check out more details here. 

 

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