A couple following a raw vegan fruit-based diet have said they were inspired by Michael Jackson to overhaul their lives.
'Wellness consultants' at Flavours of Light, Ali Reza Khorasany, 28, and Daniella Siira, 22, both met on Instagram in the summer of 2017.
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Ali is from London in the UK, while Daniella hails from Motala, Sweden, but they both bonded over their passion for all things health, fruits, nature, fasting and travelling.
After getting burnt out from bodybuilding while also trying to forge a successful career in London's banking scene, Ali has now been following a mostly raw fruit-based diet for almost four years.
He went to his GP at the end of 2014 suffering from constipation, excess wind, bloating, excess fat, acne, dark circles, dehydration and fatigue, but after being told he was 'fine' decided to search out potential remedies for his symptoms himself.
A lifelong fan of Michael Jackson, Ali looked to the King of Pop for inspiration, researching his diet, which eventually led to his transition to fruitarianism.
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Ali said: "The real nugget in the whole story was my long-time fanaticism over Michael Jackson who maintained a lean body, radiant glow, endless energy and clarity of mind consistently for his whole career.
He continued: "I started with the statement 'something is wrong'. I dug out as much research as I could as to what was MJ doing that we are not, and just as important, what he was he not doing. I learnt he didn't consume any animal products, abided to a strict 'vegetarian diet', a term that in the eighties was not the same definition as today, back then it most likely was equivalent of vegan today, and most important he mostly drank raw fresh living orange juice.
"A raw vegan fruit-based diet is a high carb diet in which you consume predominantly raw living fresh whole fruit with some tender leafy greens, nuts and seeds in relatively smaller quantities. In particular, the focus is on non-seasonal tropical fruits such as papaya and banana as staples."
Daniella, meanwhile, has been following the same lifestyle since November 2016, following a trip to South-East Asia that saw her drawn to the abundance of exotic fruits on offer, leading her to ditch the traditional fried rice and noodle dishes.
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Daniella said: "I had issues with anorexia, binge eating, over exercising, digestive issues, and anxiety before. Through the change of diet my whole being has changed and improved.
"It is a very unique way of eating and being, so it takes practice to be able to eat this way in today's world."
She added: "Bloating has decreased immensely, even after the bigger meals. Gas and digestive issues have also decreased immensely. I feel clearer minded, positive, loving and social. The issue of what to eat on the go is gone as fruit is the best and easiest food to pack and eat."
Ali and Daniella split their time between South-East Asia, the UK and Sweden.
They find the quality of fruit is much higher in Asia, where they enjoy exotic fruits unable in Europe such as durian, and when at home they get sustenance from ripe bananas and dates.
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The pair say their diet is made up of 98 per cent fruit, and enjoy green juices and salads alongside their regime.
"Finding, affording enough ripe, sweet fruit from good soil in enough quantity to avoid hunger can be a challenge," Ali said.
"Also, the cleansing process can be challenging depending on the history. I am cleansing 24 years of meat, dairy, eggs, processed food. It is not easy. Lots of elimination from every channel takes place which can smell, hurt, itch or simply be gruelling."
Daniella also struggled to make sure she was eating enough to sustain her at first, and understands why some are sceptical of her lifestyle.
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She said: "Cooked food is way denser than fruits, and fruit contains a lot of water. Therefore, to be able to get the same amount of energy as a cooked food meal, I will need to eat more, depending on the fruit.
"It may seem absolutely insane and not sustainable. But it is when we change, adapt and try it out for ourselves and we realise the simplicity and sustainability of it all. The process of changing one's diet should be taken step by step, so the body, mind and spirit can adapt."
Ali and Daniella started their Instagram page in 2016, following this with a YouTube page in 2018.
Through their social media channels, the couple hope to educate, inspire and motivate others about going raw, fruit-based and vegan, while also promoting the benefits they find from this way of life.
"Our lifestyle is not about following a trend, perfectionism which is impossible in these times, being labelled vegan, raw vegan norfruitarian, it's not about being optimal, nor is it about running away and living in a jungle," Ali said.
"It's about compassion. Living compassionate to yourself, community, animals, planet and the future. Hence why we want clean air, be the best we can be by eating fresh living vibrant food that loves us back grown in rich soil, composting, adopting recycling habits, purifying water we drink and living at peace in a minimalist simple state.
"We hope to be light unto others, we do not preach nor do we have the proof, the evidence or science and research everyone wants from us to show this is a very healthy way to live. All we can hope is that people try, experiment and see for themselves if for one simple example, grapes make them feel electric and clear whilst bread makes them feel heavy, clogged up and foggy."
Daniella added: "Research and listen to those who have done this for more than 25 years. Give yourself time and don't judge yourself or others - we all have our journey."
Featured Image Credit: Media Drum
Topics: Food, World News, News