Most M.D.s know nothing about nutrition.
Hi! I’m Chef Deena, M.D.
If you want to use food as medicine, you are in the right place. I’ve studied medicinal foods extensively–yet I never rely solely on textbooks, certifications, or diplomas. I teach experientially—what we all see, touch, smell, and taste.
I am a physician food artist. That means I care for your mind, body, soul—and palate. I strive to make each meal aesthetically stunning, amazingly flavorful—and exceptionally healthy.
I grew up in Israel and New York, the eldest daughter of eleven children. My first memories are joyously making meals for my family.
As a teen, I worked as a restaurant receptionist, yet quickly became manager. Soon I was overseeing a dozen locations. By 21, I co-owned a restaurant.
I took my profits and set out to gift myself an education.
I applied to Hunter College. They rejected me since I didn’t have a high school diploma. So I explained why they should accept me in my next application. They rejected me a second time. I believed in my dream, so I applied a third time.
Persistence changes lives—and minds—and due to my persistence, the college admissions committee took a chance on me.
I immediately fell in love with science. In biochemistry, I began to view the world—the miracle of life—through a set of magical glasses.
Fascinated with food and the chemistry of cooking, I enrolled at The Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I became a certified holistic health coach, paying my college tuition as a private natural foods chef.
Curating my culinary creations is a supersensory experience. To excite the palate, I mix textures and flavors. Then add fragrant ingredients, aromas to titillate the taste buds. I entice the eyes with a kaleidoscope of colorful shapes—organic fruits, heirloom vegetables, ancient herbs and spices.
Perfecting the final presentation is my meditation. Each masterpiece is an art project birthed from the depths of my heart and soul.
“Love is my secret ingredient.”
During college, I nourished pregnant clients, new moms, even grandmothers on chemotherapy. They told me they felt healthier. Some required less medication. I got so much positive feedback—and so many new clients—that I launched my own organic catering business, Chef Deena.
Then I found myself serving celebrities!
Soon Chef Deena was in Elle, Vogue, and on Dr. Oz, yet I was never satiated with fame. I view food as true medicine—for all people.
So I conducted nutrition research to help veterans with obesity and heart disease, then received a prestigious award—a grant to study cancer. I began lecturing at clinics and hospitals from New York to Ghana.
All before I graduated college—as valedictorian.
When our lab discovered an olive oil ingredient destroying cancer cells, I yearned to conquer cancer with food–so I applied to medical school. I was accepted by many.
I chose The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, where I will always treasure my experiences with patients who entrusted me to care for their miraculous bodies.
At 41, I was awarded my Doctor of Medicine.
My life proves we all have the ability to manifest our dreams. No obstacle is insurmountable. We truly control our destiny.
As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how poor food choices create illness—and thwart our full potential. I’ve also seen with my own eyes how foods prevent and cure disease—empowering us to heal our broken lives.
During medical training, I brought meals to women on the streets and mentored mothers with eating disorders. I also married and birthed my three beautiful children.
Chef Deena, M.D. is the culmination of my life’s passion—and soul’s purpose. I was born to teach women just like you to discover the power of food as medicine. So you can enjoy the miracle of your life too.
