I founded FOOD.BODY.SOUL. in 2012 while I was pregnant with my son and on bedrest for five months. My body and mind were staying healthy and positive despite being homebound and isolated, and I attributed it to the resiliency I discovered YEARS EARLIER when my life and health were imploding.

In 2005, I was an Oxford-educated, Classical Archaeologist with a specialization in ancient wine production, a Sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants, and Host of a wine segment on television. Despite outward appearances, I was (unsuccessfully) trying to manage Fibromyalgia, Chronic Bronchial Asthma, high levels of Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Digestive Issues and undiagnosed Celiac Disease. While my doctors had the OF best intentions, I was prescribed a cocktail of medications and subsequently became addicted to prescription pills and alcohol.

My aha moment came when I found myself in treatment for substance abuse. At this point, I shifted gears and discovered the archaeologist within. I began to research diet and lifestyle around the world, identify patterns around food, mood and mental acuity, and completely overhaul the way I lived and ate. I was unwilling to accept that medicating myself was the only solution.

I decided to turn to an organic, whole foods diet and experimented with Ayurveda, Raw Foods, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free ways of cooking and eating. I had three main obstacles: 1) I was exhausted and had no energy because my body was so ill, 2) I had no guide, mentor, or resource for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health I was seeking, 3) I was newly sober.

I loved food and enrolled in the french culinary institute. It was there I rediscovered my sense of purpose, creativity, and road back to health as i transformed the school’s sugar and gluten-laden recipes into gluten-free creations. As I recovered and healed, friends would ask me about my journey: my daily practices and rituals, what I ate, how I prepared beautiful plant-driven meals, and how I rediscovered my health and purpose. I believe we can all be the archaeologist of our well-being, and it can start with rolling up our sleeves in the kitchen.

Eating healthfully never needs to compromise on taste, and living healthfully need not compromise on joy and spontaneity. That’s what FOOD.BODY.SOUL., and my Recipe Collective ‘WHAT WOULD LISA EAT’ are all about: living life deliciously, simply, and rooted in love at its core. This way of living and eating gave me my life and health back, and I hope it helps you find your way, too. it’s an honor for me to pay it forward today.

Next Up: We are launching a line of salad dressings, writing a cookbook, and offering virtual healthy cooking classes! We’re only getting started on our journey and are so excited you are here to join us!