Unlearning Wellness: A Chef's Raw Truth About Health Evolution

Feb 04, 2025

If you had asked me five years ago what "health" looked like, I would have given you a completely different answer than I would today. And honestly? That's something to celebrate.

The Journey Through Health Trends

Like many of us, I've been there ā€“ cycling through every wellness trend that promised optimal health. Vegan? Check. Raw vegan? Been there. Counting every calorie and macro while grinding through six intense workouts a week? Done that too. Each phase felt like the ultimate truth at the time, backed by convincing research and passionate advocates.

The Turning Point

But here's what I've learned as both a chef and a human on this health journey: real wellness isn't found in rigid rules or the latest Instagram trends. It's discovered in the quiet moments of listening to your body and having the courage to change course when something no longer serves you.

Recently, I came across a quote from Dr. Julie Fratantoni that encapsulates this perfectly:

"I'm grateful every day is a new day and it doesn't have to be a new year for a fresh start."

Finding My Balance

Today, my approach to health looks radically different:

  • Instead of restrictive food rules, I focus on balance ā€“ incorporating ethically sourced animal proteins alongside vibrant vegetables from our local partners
  • Rather than punishing workouts, I move in ways that energize me ā€“ strength training a couple times a week, daily walks, and high-intensity sessions only when my body craves them
  • I've embraced simple, intentional practices that make me feel alive:
    • šŸŒŠ Cold plunging in the ocean (nature's ice bath)
    • šŸŒž Morning light exposure to regulate my circadian rhythm
    • šŸ§˜ā€ā™€ļø Brief moments of breathwork throughout the day
    • šŸ¤ Sharing meals with my community

The Missing Piece

One of the most profound realizations in my journey has been understanding how we, especially as women, are often taught to ignore rather than understand our bodies. We're rarely educated about working with our hormones, our cycles, or our natural rhythms. This disconnect leads many of us down paths that fight against, rather than flow with, our body's wisdom.

The Power of Evolution

Evolution isn't just about survival ā€“ it's about thriving through adaptation. Every time we change our minds about what health means to us, we're not being inconsistent; we're growing. We're responding to new information, different life phases, and deeper self-understanding.

Moving Forward

As I continue to evolve in my understanding of health, I've learned to hold my beliefs lightly. What works today might not work tomorrow, and that's okay. The real superpower isn't finding the "perfect" health routine ā€“ it's having the flexibility to adjust as we learn and grow.

Here's to staying open, staying curious, and always allowing ourselves to evolve. šŸŒæāœØ


Share Your Story: What's something you've changed your mind about when it comes to health and wellness? I'd love to hear about your evolution in the comments below.

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