Shecky’s

Think: “fat-free” “gluten-free” “sugar-free.” If you’re making a “yuck” face, you’re probably not alone. But, what if a gluten-free drink tasted great? Chocolate without all the scary-weird sweeteners was actually scrumptious? While most people brush off healthy food as something for dieters, crazy health nuts or those with dietary restrictions, it can be delicious…and life-saving. See how food saved Shanna Israel’s life and how she’s spreading the good-eating vibes!

Shanna Israel Founder Vertical Wellness New York, NY verticalwellness.com

What made you so committed to eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

I faced a life-threatening illness and after visiting more than 25 medical doctors who could not help me, I turned to food, vitamins and natural medicine. That eventually saved my life.

You’ve already had one “Wellness Palate” event. Can you please explain what they are?

The event was created to provide people with a fun and tasty way to navigate food and alcohol options despite dietary restrictions. Celebrity chef Matt Downes and a top cardiologist from NYU brought the evening together with their knowledge and talent. We had five hors d’oeuvres and drink pairings to demonstrate cheese made out of nuts, chocolate made from natural sweeteners with no refined ingredients, gluten-free vodka/tequila and diabetic drink options.

People were shocked that healthy food can be so delicious! The doctor explained that food is medicine and we can reverse various diseases through food alone. I was happy to show people that I was a proven example of that method.

Do you plan on having more events and making it a series?

Yes, we plan on doing these events every three months.

What is a future goal for you and your business by hosting events such as “The Wellness Palate”?

I’m working on a website called Vertical Wellness. It will provide readers with thorough research and legitimate solutions to improve their lifestyles and become their healthiest, sexiest selves. The Wellness Palate events will bring some of the content on the website to life so people can meet the practitioners, taste the new products on the market, and discover new ways to improve their health.

What kind of advice would you offer to someone who is trying to eat and drink healthier?

My top five suggestions would be to lessen or replace gluten products with better options such as almond flour; minimize all refined products, meaning eating things that look like they came straight out of the ground or off a tree; try to eat locally grown foods without pesticides and hormones; lessen your intake of soda and coffee; and sweat out your body’s toxins through exercise or sitting in a sauna.

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of Shanna’s story and her job/mission? How do you eat healthy? Do you have any dietary restrictions?