Life is too short and the days too long not to feel as well as your possibly can.

I say that now, but in the past, I would have ignored warning signs, put a Band-Aid on my issues, and forged ahead. Feeling unwell was not going to interfere with my life. I simply did not understand that eczema, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure—these were all signs of something larger. Nor did it occur to me that my diet and lifestyle were playing a major role in my problems.

Then, our black lab, Gracie, started having panic attacks. We quickly discovered she was intolerant to all store-bought dog food—even the cleanest options set her off. Her vet suggested a list of whole foods to help her heal, so we began cooking all her meals. She improved within a week and was vibrant and full of life until she passed away at the age of 16. Our friends would often say, “Everyone should eat like Gracie,” and they were right: quality whole foods, simply prepared, and eaten daily. It was clear we were onto something.

After spending over twenty years in the advertising and marketing industries, I knew I needed a change. I went back to school and earned a Certificate in Holistic Nutrition from Bauman College and a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition from Canisius College.

I live in Oakland, CA, with my partner Chris and our cats, Riley and George, who were once feral but have since settled into their new lives.