Thank you for visiting! I grew up in a rural farming community and also spent some years on a commercial farm where we raised wheat, barley, alfalfa, potatoes and sugar beets. My father always had a large kitchen garden (the bigger the better), and I learned my love of growing food and cooking fresh from the garden from him. We raised our own; livestock, eggs, fruits and vegetables and I began cooking at a very young age, literally barely tall enough to see the top of the stove. I have worked in the restaurant industry as well as managed a family restaurant. I have also served as a personal chef and caterer, and have had literally hundreds of folks come through my kitchen for cooking lessons and meal-sharing events.
Still, I've spent most of my life worrying about my weight, constantly changing diets or fighting off allergies in the form of chronic, wide-spread debilitating eczema. After years of steroids - shots, pills and creams my health was suffering and my eczema was out of control. Working with a naturopath I began detoxing from a lifetime of steroid exposure. I sought out anti-inflammatory foods and found that the less of the SAD diet (Standard American Diet) I ate the better my body responded.
I started eating vegan as much as possible and became aware of the research of Dr.'s T. Colin Campbell, Caldwell Esselstyn and John McDougall to name a few and began my journey to transition to a whole foods, plant-based diet. My body is responding positively, both in my allergic reactions, weight and bloodwork. I feel the path I am on is better for my health, is ethically responsible to animals and is a logical, sustainable diet to follow. I look forward to helping educate others to this lifestyle of abundance!
Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies through eCornell.
Organizer of the Valencia Cooking Club and the Valencia Plant-Based Food Lovers. Personal Chef and caterer.
Research shows that a whole food plant based diet (WFPB) can improve your health and provide the best nutritional needs for you long term. There are some excellent resources for you to explore. I suggest you start with two documentaries -- "What the Health" or "Forks Over Knives" to start educating yourself on the WFPB life.
Interested in starting a WFPB diet and need some help? Great! Contact me to help you make a successful plan to begin your journey.
You should always consult your physician before starting any new diet or exercise program.