The Goods (my story)

I moved to Chicago when I was 18 and decided to go to culinary school at The Illinois Institute of Art. That same month, I landed a gig at The Peninsula Hotel. Best Job EVER! I worked there for 5-½ years and learned everything from the best Chef’s in Chicago. I then moved to Naples Florida to work at The Ritz Carlton and lived life on the white sandy beaches and enjoyed learning the ways and flavors of the south. 

A year full of sunshine was enough for this pale gal so I packed it up headed to Portland Oregon. The greenest, freshest place in the Northwest! Oh how I miss thee. From there, I decided to move back to Chicago and dabbled in Spanish cuisine at  Mercat A La Planxa before heading to The Four Seasons Hotel. 

After years of living the culinary lifestyle, I became extremely ill. I had troubles walking, sleeping, concentrating and eating. As a  stubborn Leo, it took me 9 months to see a doctor. Not very smart. At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune issue. After being diagnosed, I was told to take 8 plus pills a day. Not for me. So, I decided to do a 180 and take a more holistic approach to my healing.  I needed to detox, relax and chill out, like most people need to do every now and again. I attended the Kushi Institute in Beckett MA (recently closed unfortunately) and decided that the macrobiotic diet was the way to go. Not only did they help me figure out what to eat and not eat, they also showed me the importance of mind and body balance.  Eat well -  feel better. 

It was after that trip, I worked for Native Foods Cafe as the Corporate Chef, which allowed me to teach others the importance of eating healthy, but the corporate life just made me downward spiral again. That's when I realized it was time.  Back to Kushi I went. For two months I studied macrobiotics, the art of Shiatsu, and how to diagnose others and help them on thier healing journey. I can not thank The Kushi Institute enough for opening my eyes and reminding me what it really means to be happy and healthy.  Changing my diet, practicing yoga and meditation has allowed me to start a family, appreciate life more and have a healthier lifestyle. Eat good - feel good