Hi I'm JoAnne.
I teach people how to reconnect to the benefits of the meal beyond the physical act of eating. I uncover the mental, psychological and spiritual impact that comes with the process of growing, preparing, and cooking your own food. I help you understand that the energy (the where, who and why) that surrounds you while you eat is as important as what you eat!
Modern times have disconnected us from the sacred value of food and eating properly. Over time we have seen its direct ill effects on our physical, mental and emotional health in our society.
Through first-hand experience and global travel, I discovered that the reverence we give in preparing, sharing, and consuming food is what restores our energy to the fullest. I learned that if we mindfully engage our five senses in the process, we no longer need the excess amount of food. As we slow down and reconnect to the entire experience, the process of eating becomes fulfilling. Gathering the ingredients and constructing a meal becomes a form of creative art that results in complete mind, body, and soul engagement. This process is the key to health.
With childhood obesity on the rise, we need to share with our children where our food comes from, how to prepare it, and why it's important to enjoy it mindfully. I am married with two children and agree it takes a lot of effort and energy to prepare and clean up three meals a day (but you won't need a gym membership if you do!) Cooking is effort, physically and mentally, and it can be challenging to get your family to all sit down together. I encourage you to try once a week and then build up your attempts from there. Small steps will add up to a healthful journey toward building the bonds within your family.
I was born the last of six children into a traditional Midwestern family. My mom and dad had a strong influence on my education, cooking, and gardening. While growing up, my grandparents, who lived with us, shared family traditions during our meals. There was a giant garden in our yard that my Italian grandfather took pride in and the recipes from the "old country" or Eastern Europe that my grandmother would reminisce over. My mother did a fine job mastering those age-old recipes and the Julia Child cookbook before there ever was Julie and Julia. My dad was sure to instill respect for family, food, and God at the table. The stories around our family table are now a foundation for The Meal, which I hope inspires you to get in the kitchen, cook, and share memories and traditions with your loved ones.
My educational experience includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Saint Mary's College, Indiana, certificates in Ayurvedic studies from the International Academy of Ayurveda, Pune, India, and Ayurvedic Education from Kanyakumari Ayurveda in Glendale, Wisconsin. I am a certified Weight Management Consultant, a Licensed Massage Therapist, Registered Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. Memberships to professional organizations include Yoga Alliance, American Massage Therapy Association, and the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.
Modern times have disconnected us from the sacred value of food and eating properly. Over time we have seen its direct ill effects on our physical, mental and emotional health in our society.
Through first-hand experience and global travel, I discovered that the reverence we give in preparing, sharing, and consuming food is what restores our energy to the fullest. I learned that if we mindfully engage our five senses in the process, we no longer need the excess amount of food. As we slow down and reconnect to the entire experience, the process of eating becomes fulfilling. Gathering the ingredients and constructing a meal becomes a form of creative art that results in complete mind, body, and soul engagement. This process is the key to health.
With childhood obesity on the rise, we need to share with our children where our food comes from, how to prepare it, and why it's important to enjoy it mindfully. I am married with two children and agree it takes a lot of effort and energy to prepare and clean up three meals a day (but you won't need a gym membership if you do!) Cooking is effort, physically and mentally, and it can be challenging to get your family to all sit down together. I encourage you to try once a week and then build up your attempts from there. Small steps will add up to a healthful journey toward building the bonds within your family.
I was born the last of six children into a traditional Midwestern family. My mom and dad had a strong influence on my education, cooking, and gardening. While growing up, my grandparents, who lived with us, shared family traditions during our meals. There was a giant garden in our yard that my Italian grandfather took pride in and the recipes from the "old country" or Eastern Europe that my grandmother would reminisce over. My mother did a fine job mastering those age-old recipes and the Julia Child cookbook before there ever was Julie and Julia. My dad was sure to instill respect for family, food, and God at the table. The stories around our family table are now a foundation for The Meal, which I hope inspires you to get in the kitchen, cook, and share memories and traditions with your loved ones.
My educational experience includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Saint Mary's College, Indiana, certificates in Ayurvedic studies from the International Academy of Ayurveda, Pune, India, and Ayurvedic Education from Kanyakumari Ayurveda in Glendale, Wisconsin. I am a certified Weight Management Consultant, a Licensed Massage Therapist, Registered Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. Memberships to professional organizations include Yoga Alliance, American Massage Therapy Association, and the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.