Holistic Living and Healthy Eating: Lessons from Holistic Chef Abbey
We are deeply grateful to the incredible women who step forward to hold space at SousSHE for others, teaching and sharing lessons on gratitude, self-celebration, self-care, and holistic living. Guided by the incredible holistic chef Abbey Hansen, we gathered to explore the powerful connection between food, healing, and community. She shares her journey, insights, and practical advice on healthy eating and community building.
Her story inspires anyone looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle through the power of cooking, herbs, and sustainable practices. Growing up with a family that valued fresh ingredients and meaningful meals planted the seeds for her culinary journey. Her love for herbs, whole foods, and sustainable practices became her tools for not just feeding others but nurturing herself – and US!
The Power of Food as Medicine
Abbey reminded us that our kitchens are sacred spaces, where healing can start with the simplest of ingredients. Herbs like chamomile to calm the mind, mint to refresh the spirit, and hibiscus to boost health—all hold ancestral wisdom that connects us to our roots. She walked us through how to infuse oils, create healing teas, and incorporate herbs into daily cooking, making holistic living accessible for everyone.
Abbey emphasizes the value of supporting local farmers and co-ops. She discusses the advantages of sourcing fresh, pesticide-free produce from farmers’ markets and shares information about local health food stores. By engaging with these resources, individuals can reduce their environmental impact while improving their access to high-quality ingredients.
Wellness Beyond the Plate
We were invited us to think about how we approach wellness in our lives and how the choices we make in the kitchen reflect our overall self-care. Are we rushing through meals, or are we savoring every bite? Are we listening to our bodies, or are we on autopilot?
Through journaling prompts and reflection exercises, the room came alive with personal stories and realizations. Many of us left with a renewed commitment to prioritize balance—not just in our diets but in the way we show up for ourselves daily.
Community Wisdom
The most powerful moments came from the women in the room, sharing their own generational remedies and healing practices. A sister shared how mint tea was her grandmother’s cure-all, while another spoke of how she’s been growing herbs in her backyard to teach her daughters about natural remedies. These exchanges reminded us that healing is communal—woven from the stories, practices, and wisdom passed down to us.
Practical Tips for a Holistic Kitchen
Abbey offers actionable advice for incorporating healthy practices into everyday life:
- Experiment with Infused Oils
- Make Herbal Teas
- Explore Alternative Ingredients
- Try Plant-Based Options
- Support Local Farmers
- Practice Mindful Eating
- Grow Your Own Herbs
- Incorporate Seasonal Produce
Black Girls Matter
For Black girls and women, food and wellness are often tied to survival, history, and joy. SousSHE’s mission is to create spaces where these stories and practices are honored, uplifted, and shared. The Healing from the Ground session was about learning, remembering, and reclaiming our collective power to nourish and heal.
Reflecting on Abbey’s words and the wisdom shared in the circle, we invite you to join us in making wellness a daily act of liberation. Cook with intention, choose ingredients that empower your body, and remember that every meal can be a step toward healing—from the ground up.
Abbey Hansen’s approach to holistic living combines the wisdom of tradition with modern practices. By emphasizing the importance of fresh, natural ingredients and the power of community, she inspires others to prioritize health and sustainability in their daily lives.
SousSHE is excited to continue the Sis, Let’s Talk series, offering even more opportunities for healing, connection, and growth. Stay tuned for February’s Galentine’s Event, where we’ll gather to celebrate love—starting with the love we pour into ourselves.