Diane Carlson, Founder, Owner and Chef Instructor

Diane Carlson always had a passion for food, but her life and her food choices were severely challenged when she experienced numerous health conditions including high blood pressure, food sensitivities, Candida, a stomach hemorrhage, perforated ulcer and environmental/chemical sensitivities. She became aware of the connection between her health and her diet while enrolled in a traditional Chef's Training Program in Minneapolis in 1981. Her life experience changed dramatically when she turned to holistic medicine and a whole foods style of eating to regain her health.

Diane's journey led her to study with Annemarie Colbin, founder of the Natural Gourmet Cookery School in New York City in 1987, where she began teaching in the Institute's public classes. In late 1988 she returned to Minneapolis to open Five Seasons Whole Foods Cookery and Education Center, offering cooking and theory classes, catering, private cooking, and whole foods home parties. She taught throughout the five-state area and developed a Teacher's Training Program in natural foods cooking.

In 1993 she returned to the Natural Gourmet Institute where she became the Co-President, Director and Chef Instructor of the Institute for 12 years. She resigned to begin The Conscious Gourmet, focusing on the cooking retreats and The Culinary Classroom: Culinary Instructor Certificate Program. Diane now resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Over the years Diane has taught hundreds of classes in a variety of venues. She is an inspiring teacher, sharing her passion, skills and knowledge with her students. Her studies have led her to incorporate a variety of nutritional approaches into her classes and how food choices contribute to physical, mental and emotional health.

Diane's personal consultations and lifestyle programs incorporate her training as a Certified Integrated Health Coach, as well as her graduate studies in energy medicine with the Four Winds Society - Healing The Light Body School, and as an EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Reiki practitioner.

Throughout the years Diane has offered programs featuring renowned guest chefs and book authors such as Annemarie Colbin, (Food and Healing), Myra Kornfeld (The Voluptuous Vegan and The Healthy Hedonist), and Peter Berley (The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen and Fresh Food Fast).