Wellness Stories
“We use your book daily, and the impact has been life changing. I am training for Triathlon after never doing it and the difference in my diet that leads to performance, recovery, sleep, strength increasing has been something I never felt, and I used to be a semi professional football player. I wish I found this way of life years ago. Our two kids, 8 and 4, are so happy and the difference in their everyday lives from school, skateboarding, surfing, netball, football and general ora is amazing! You have truly impacted our family for the better and we can't thank you enough.”
— Matt, New Zealand“I just had to reach out and give you a big THANK YOU! Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with autoimmune pernicious anemia (where your body 'attacks' the protein in your stomach that allows you to absorb b12). I was told it was irreversible and I would be on regular injections for the rest of my life. Then I came across your Instagram and followed your healing journey. It gave me so much encouragement and I just knew without a doubt that I could also overcome this. I've worked hard on making lifestyle + diet changes and worked even harder at convincing the doctor to retest me (because why would something irreversible reverse itself!). Yesterday I got the results to say that I no longer have the autoimmune condition and the precious proteins in my gut are there and working!!! I'm sure you know what it feels like to get a result like that! The best feeling in the world!!! SO, thank you, and please don't ever stop sharing your story! You were my inspiration to finally take my health into my own hands. The doctors are still scratching their heads as to how I did it (whole foods, cutting out gluten + dairy and most importantly an unwavering belief that I could)! I'm so grateful that you continue to share your story.”
— Malayka Yoseph, New Zealand
“After being diagnosed with celiac & dairy intolerance, neutropenia, hypoglycaemia & ongoing gut issues, doctors turned to numerous tests, scans, MRI's, bone marrow biopsies to not really find an answer. I knew that there were other alternative options that I could try to heal my health instead of turning to medicine to 'fix' the problem. I started researching and reading everything that I could about food being a healing remedy for my health concerns. This is when I came across Sophie Steevens' book 'Raw and Free'. As soon as I read that Sophie healed her illnesses through food and herbs I knew that this book was a game changer. I had nothing to lose and decided to implement the recommended '12 tips for a wholesome plant-based lifestyle'. Slowly I started to feel myself healing and realised that I needed to continue to follow more of a raw, wholefood diet to improve my health.”
— Rennae Cope, Australia“Receiving your cookbooks as a gift marked a turning point in my life. Your insightful and compassionate approach to a plant-based lifestyle not only inspired me but also provided the tools I needed to embark on my own path to health. Thanks to your influence and direction, I am now thriving both mentally and physically. Your work has been a beacon of hope and a source of profound healing for me. There are no words to fully express my gratitude for all the effort you have put into helping others and myself thrive. Your wisdom and knowledge empower us to pass on these blessings to those around us, fostering a ripple effect of well-being.”
— Kathy Smith, United States
The health you want in the future is shaped by the habits you create today.
“You were a massive inspiration for me to go on the same journey. Remission from Graves' for nearly 4 years now. No surgery or medication here. Just good food, good living, good choices.
— Abbie, New Zealand“Huge thank you for your books! I was told back in 2022 by my naturopath that I needed to cut out gluten, dairy and eggs from my diet to help me with my fertility journey. I had no idea where to start but your books made it so easy for me! My health improved so much (as did my family's) and I was able to recover from surgery quickly, my hormones were back where they should be, I started ovulating again, our IVF journey went amazingly and we got pregnant with our healthy baby boy! Thank you so much! Also, the recipes are delish – currently snacking on your bliss ball as I breastfeed.”
— Kylie Smith, New Zealand “I don't want to be a cliche follower of yours, but I must say that your book was a starting point to my healing journey. I am vegetarian and have been one for 20 years, however being vegan seemed to be a huge challenge. I also had a thyroid condition (yes, had). My doctor told me that I will have to be on medication for the rest of my life. Well... last year I came across your book and from the first recipe it changed my life. Of course, there is much more to the story, but the most important part is that I healed my condition, and I am no longer on any medication. Thank you for empowering me and many others to find a healthier way of living.”
— Ange Krisikaityte, Europe“I was in my 50's when I was diagnosed with Graves' disease. Watching Sophie heal herself from this disease, I was inspired to follow her protocol and in the process healed myself – can't thank her enough.”
— Kathie Roberts, Australia“After growing up on a farm all my life, I moved to Asia in my mid twenties. For multiple reasons, I had been considering a plant-based diet. A fellow kiwi actually introduced me to Sophie's IG page and told me I may find inspiration. I saw her community 2 week plant-based challenge. I got excited and dived in. And there lay the answers in my energy, my health and how I felt in my body. Now it's 8 years later and I just love the way my body feels by eating fully plant based. My performance and recovery after long trail runs is so fast and my body is happy. Sophie started a ripple effect in me that I couldn't have foreseen and I know that her health journey has inspired me so much. I now support my Mum with her cancer and the knowledge I've gained. So grateful always and often share Sophie's books and page with friends and family. Truly inspiring from a down-to-earth kiwi gal.”
— Rosie, New Zealand“I came across Sophie's Instagram in 2018 when my health was suffering post baby number 2. I could see how radiant and vital she was after being seriously unwell and was inspired by her journey. Around this time, I was also introduced to Dr Morse & Medical Medium and learned that the human body can heal - when given the right physical (diet!), mental, emotional & spiritual support. I was a registered nurse at the time, so this was a huge revelation to me. I'd tried paleo & western price styles of eating for a couple of years with no results. Finally, I bit the bullet and went high-raw, fruit-based with my diet, and added in some medicinal mushrooms & herbs. Well, 90% of my horrible ailments were gone in 3 months! I'm now 6 years in, still high-raw plant-based, still using herbs and mushrooms, and thriving in my late 30s. As a result of my own journey, I left my nursing career, created a greens powder product and began my wellness business, which is super fulfilling. I have so much gratitude for Sophie and her work, and highly recommend her cookbooks to anyone starting out on their healing journey.”
— Hannah Barnes, New Zealand“Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your journey and experience with raw fruit. When I went through menopause, I became incredibly unwell. I developed severe IBS and lost 15kg in a month. All my body resilience and vitality had vanished, and I had no control over my health. It was a scary time both physically and mentally. After all the doctor's tests came back normal, I started looking for answers in food. I tried every diet known to mankind, from carnivore to vegan and everything in between. But nothing worked for more than a few weeks. When I read about your success with raw fruit I thought, lucky you, but I'm sure it wouldn't help an older person with IBS. But that was the only food group I hadn't tried on its own, so I started it. I ate bowl after bowl after bowl of chopped up fruit, and I started to finally gain control back over my body. I couldn't believe it, I still can't believe it! Something so simple! Thank you Sophie.”
— Liane Valentine, New Zealand