My Food Journey

Early Life in Romania

I was born and raised in Romania, living there until 1998 when I moved to the US as a young man. My childhood, until 1989, was under a communist regime. Despite the regime's inefficiency in developing a sustainable economy and food industry, this situation inadvertently nurtured a culture of wholesome, home-grown food.

The Blessing of Wholesome Food

Romania's fertile land made it easy to grow good food. We had relatives who maintained gardens and small farms, providing us with fresh eggs and raw milk from our cows and goats. Our chickens were truly free-range, and we raised and butchered our own pigs. Our diet was based on seasonal vegetables and fruits, directly harvested. We preserved food by pickling and canning, making our own jams and preserves. This was my early exposure to what is now known as “farm to table” – fast food was an alien concept, and all our food was essentially “slow food”.

Lessons Learned and Carried Forward

As a child, I was actively involved in gardening and food preparation, a practice that instilled in me a profound appreciation for the journey of food from land to plate. This upbringing has been invaluable in my adult life, allowing me to understand and appreciate the stark difference between wholesome, naturally produced food and mass-produced, factory-farmed alternatives.

My Wellness Journey

Wellness Beyond Food

As previously noted on this website, wellness transcends just food. While food is crucial, acting as our daily medicine or poison, other factors are equally important for well-being. Daily movement is essential, regardless of its form, and I've both guided athletes nutritionally and engaged in activities like yoga, snowboarding, hiking, and biking myself. Integrating any form of movement into our daily routine, from simple walks to dancing, is vital for maintaining strength and health.

Mindfulness Practices

Meditation and breath work are powerful tools for maintaining a peaceful mind. I not only practice these myself but also assist my clients in developing their own routines. These practices are key for mental tranquility and well-being.

Exploring Plant Medicine and Psychedelics

In recent years, I've delved into plant medicine, studying scientific research on psychedelics from institutions like NYU, John Hopkins, Harvard, and UCLA. Their findings reveal the potential of psychedelics in mental health support. I've attended numerous courses and workshops, gaining confidence in the increasing mainstream acceptance of psychedelics in therapy. With substances like MDMA and psilocybin poised for FDA approval and Ketamine-assisted therapy already in use, the benefits of micro-dosing psilocybin for various conditions are becoming evident. I offer my clients education, preparation, and integration support for those who choose to explore plant medicine in their wellness journey.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear”