The room was buzzing with excitement as certified Raw foods educator out of Salt Lake City Joline Wondergem began her “Raw Foods 101” seminar Jan. 21.

Speaking with a lively tone, she addressed a crowd of 20 at the Uintah Basin Applied Technology Campus about today’s S.A.D. (Sad American Diet) eating habits, and give advice on how to combat unhealthy food lifestyles with uncooked food choices.

Wondergem, a certified associate chef from the distinguished Living Light Culinary Institute in Fort Bragg, Calif., dispelled myths and misconceptions about today’s S.A.D. Eating choices.

She proudly spoke of her 12 years of vegan eating, and said she has been eating gluten-free for four years.

“I hope people take away why fruits and vegetables are so important, and I hope some myths are dispelled as well,” Wondergem said.

Those attending the seminar who knew more about the science behind how healthy and unhealthy diets can effect the body were surprised by what Wondergem had to say.

“She is an excellent speaker, I learned a lot even though I teach biology and topics such as enzymes, the ph scale, acidity, and other things of that sort,” said Uintah High School biology instructor Patty McCourt.

Megan Phillips, another Vernal resident, also thought the lecture was informative.

“I thought it was great, it would be great to have more of this information available,” Phillips said.

Wondergem was invited to speak by locals: Barbara Madsen, Leigh Thomas, and Sara Reynolds.

“We really hope it will change the world,” Madsen said.

Wondergem works with Operation Detox, a newly launched nutrition organization and Liv International, a company who formulates health food products and is made up of health conscious people who distribute its products. She can be contacted at www.healthylivingwithjoline.com.