Joki is the force behind the Little Green Cafe, an organic community healing enclave in southern Bali. She was born and raised in Croatia for a family of local healers and herbalists who grew all their own food.
What was it like growing up on a small island in Croatia?
My mother cured with natural herbs, making teas and always cooking. She was a little lady witch. We ate incredibly well. I was born with eczema and grew up with it. Nothing fixed until 16 took me to see a Chinese doctor. He put on a special diet, eliminating things such as olives, dairy and goldfish. He put me on a diet of Chinese herbs. I'm cured of eczema and kidney disease as well. I then understood the importance of food items in our health and it became my passion. He gave me a book that I kept and still refer to today; it combines Eastern and Western healing methods.
Tell us about your work time for Neal Yard in London.
In my early 20s I went to London where I had the chance to be "adopted" by court Bakery Neal, one of the first vegan restaurants in the UK. I was given my own kitchen and the freedom to experiment and play, teach me everything they knew. Celebrities like Madonna was walking with a ray of light. She wore a bindi and vegan, gluten free, sugar free, influence Londoners to turn to a healthier lifestyle, more spiritual embracing yoga and meditation and organic foods. It was a big part of the movement towards a healthier lifestyle in the UK.
I'm known for my desserts - all without sugar and gluten free, as they are today. I also managed The World Food Café, which was another popular organic restaurant for Londoners with many musicians and celebrities to come on a regular basis.
What led you to Bali?
I met my husband in India. He made clothes there and Bali and sold them in the UK. Finally, I gave my work in England and moved to Bali with him. Fashion has never been my thing; if it were me, there would be no fashion industry. There were no places here in Bali where I could eat healthy food and I needed, so I created The Little Green Cafe originally just for myself and my friends.
How Little Green Café different from most restaurants?
The Little Green Cafe in Bali
I keep it fresh and organic, of serving food that is cooked and eaten that day; leftovers go to the staff and to the local prison. We eat to our body and soul, so it must be good and nutritious. If there are six soup on a menu, they can not be fresh, so I keep my simple menu and it changes from day to day, season to season. I the only source of my known sources which deliver daily. I'll cut my vegetables too because that kills them faster life, and most food must be consumed immediately after preparing or making juice; after half an hour most of the vitamins and minerals have oxygenated and died. The food is powerful and contains the ingredients of our bodies bloom on, but also will make us sick if it's not real food, keeping processing to a minimum and do it at the farm table is the best how to eat a healthy diet.
What is your advice for vegetarians to have a balanced diet with enough protein
We were so misguided as regards food - broccoli has more protein than steak. But make sure that broccoli is grown naturally and no longer treat! Politically inspired anorexics are not good vegetarian! Do not eat meat or animal is not enough; eating sweets and processed foods that are not meat is not good vegetarianism. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables as they come into season. Enjoy cereals and nuts. Explore herbs as teas, check that there are no additives, and try not to have your food travel long distances!
Sounds like a full time job!
Well, I'm here to do that, but I think if you let your diet rule to the point where it is stressful, it will not be effective. Guilt is the worst thing! Go ahead and have a steak and a milkshake if you want. Just be aware and try to have at least half of your fresh, organic food. You absolutely do not want to eat for a job. On the contrary, like to eat!
People find when they come to me with the evils they begin to appreciate and look for foods that use their drugs. Your body will guide you. Once you start eating right and feel the difference it makes, such as more energy and better sleep, the body will respond best to foods that heal and good for her. If you cut processed sugar and salt from your diet, your body will find soft and tastier than your taste buds will actually change. We kill our taste buds with artificial or processed sugars, spices and condiments. Cross borders and experiment with local natural foods available and you will be surprised how your tastes will change.
Do you take private clients with health problems or special needs?
Yes, I work with people who have problems or want to lose weight, etc. It is best to work with a private client if they have time, but I also give seminars and respond to yoga and spiritual retreats. Busy people come for a few days of peace and tranquility. In three days, your body can adapt to new habits, particularly in an environment that includes mental and spiritual practices along with a good diet. I witnessed amazing changes in people in short periods of time and people I see back said he changed their lifestyle. I give lectures on healthy eating and one of the big issues is now accepted that one does not have to give up eating to lose weight or fight against diabetes. It is what you eat!
What are your favorite foods this week?
This week I implore tomatoes and avocados because their season coming to an end soon.
What are good anti-aging foods?
In fact, all the good fresh food is anti-aging. We need water, air and food to live, so the better the quality of these, better state of health. Watermelon and ginger are excellent cleansers and improvement of youth. The better water coconuts!
Can food consciousness save the world?
Certainly! Food has become a political issue. The populations are controlled by food and our food today is controlled to a large extent. Half the people in developed and developing country companies want to lose weight while a huge percentage of the world is starving! We waste so much food, it contributes to pollution!
Food should be placed in the hands of the people and grown on small farms and local houses. It is a simple and proven solution to be the most effective. Our food choices will determine our future.
Thank you, Joki! For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/The.Little.Green.Cafe