This week on the show, I have Simon Favorito joining me. Simon's passion for cooking began at an early age captivated by the art and alchemy of food. In his early 20's and several years into his food career, Simon's life took an unexpected turn when he became unwell and was burdened by chronic health issues leaving him feeling unwell, in pain and constantly exhausted. After several years of treatments and procedures there seemed to be no helpful solutions in sight. It was at this time Simon was guided to explore whole foods medicine and traditional healing practices leading him on a path to wellness, and ultimately regaining his health. Since then, Simon's passion for natural healing and food has led him to study and work in a variety of healing modalities and integrate principles of natural healing and wellness into his cooking and teaching. Today Simon is a whole foods chef and holistic nutrition coach. He shares the life-enhancing potential of plant-based whole foods through cooking classes, wellness retreats and private consultations. In this episode,  Simon discusses: The challenges of growing up in a single-parent home. How his passion for food and cooking started and evolved over the years. Whole foods for the whole family. Detoxing your kitchen. Using food as medicine, and how to take care of your self and family using nature. The value of bringing family together through eating rituals. The "Nourishing number 1" rule. And so much more! Links mentioned in the episode: Find out more about Simon and his services here. Connect with Simon on Instagram and Facebook, or Linked In. Jump on the waitlist for Thrive Tribe HERE. Sign up for the Wellness Weekend HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.