“Eating is the transmutation of life from infinity…into your vitality…” — Michio Kushi

Because food has such a powerful affect on health and wellbeing, this quote is a favorite of Susan’s. As an Executive Chef and a Counselor of the Macrobiotic** Diet and Lifestyle, Susan is a glowing example of health herself. With a personal mission geared toward making a meaningful impact on people’s lives, the truth imbedded in this quote is why she dedicates her life to Macrobiotics. She wants to help others achieve that same great feeling of calm energy, clarity of mind and ease of spirit she enjoys. She knows firsthand that this state enables the kind of personal freedom only accessible when in a zone of peak health, vitality and balance. (**“the most well thought-out of the plant-based diets”, as described by Susan)

Susan’s special talent lies in her ability to guide clients on a steady path toward their best health, from start to finish. From customized diets, her services extend to lifestyle coaching, menu planning and cooking instruction. In particular, she is widely sought out for her culinary mastery of plant-based whole food meals. While her style is described as an innovative blend of east-meets-west, it’s her knowledge of the energetics of food, plus her meticulous cooking techniques, that set her apart. With practiced skill and specialized knowledge, she coaxes the optimum flavor and healing properties from each ingredient.

For those who desperately need foods’ natural healing energy, her flavorful dishes can literally be life saving. Many in this situation lack the time, energy or inclination to learn the principles and skills needed to plan, source, purchase, prep, and cook their personalized meals. With Susan’s help, changing the direction of their health can be as simple as eating — doing what they would normally do every day anyway.

Her initial interest in health through food was sparked as a teenager. When growing up in rural Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where she was close with her extended family, she saw them developing degenerative health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. She not only became concerned for them, but worried she may have the same fate.

Even though she led a very active lifestyle, college food (and beer) caught up with her. So she decided to start cooking vegetarian as a hobby. Then she eliminated sugar from her diet. And when she became aware of the cruelty involved in raising and killing animals for food, she stopped eating meat.

At this point, with a degree in Human Relations and work in the social services field, Susan was contemplating graduate school. But at a martial arts class one day, her sensei Ralph invited her to attend a lecture on Macrobiotics given by his shiatsu teacher, Patrick Riley. It changed her life forever.

The Macrobiotic philosophy made perfect sense to her. She liked the idea of people being in control of their own destinies. And the transition to the Macrobiotic Diet and Lifestyle was just a matter of making a few small changes for her, since she was already eating brown rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and some miso soup.

It became clear that her true calling was with Macrobiotics. So she began reading books by Michio Kushi and George Oshawa. She completed a Level I Zen shiatsu class. Then she began formal study at the Kushi Institute. With encouragement from her instructors to teach cooking, she introduced beginner classes from her home.

From there, Susan pursued advanced studies with her future husband, renowned Macrobiotic Counselor Denny Waxman. Finding his insights into health, lifestyle and food to be detailed and innovative, he completely broadened her understanding of the field. Denny was her graduate school of macrobiotics. So when he founded The Strengthening Health Institute in 1997, to train and educate teachers and counselors, she was among the first to be awarded certification there.

Today Susan is Co-Director and Executive Chef of that very institute. Her mission of helping people in a meaningful way has manifested itself in the positive impact she has had on the health of so many in the U.S and abroad — from Hollywood celebrities, to concerned mothers, to those suffering the ravages of illness.

So if you are seeking to heal or invigorate your own health, the health of someone important to you, or you simply want to master the art of healing, plant-based whole-food preparation, look no further. Susan will show you how to bridge the gap between taste and health, and free you pursue your own life’s purpose without the burden of illness, lack of energy or clarity of thought.

To start on your own personal journey to health through food right away, contact Susan now at 267-847-1713 or sstigerlil@yahoo.com. Then grab her first book, just off the presses, written together with her husband Denny. The Complete Macrobiotic Diet, is the culmination of a lifetime of their combined expertise and experience in Macrobiotics. With a 7 simple step guide to more vibrant health, a 10-day meal plan, it includes many of Susan’s coveted recipes. This is a must-have for anyone serious about their health who wants a no-nonsense jumpstart in a better direction. Then follow her on her blog “Taste with Integrity” at www.susanwaxman.blogspot.com. She promises to inspire you to your best health through the deliciousness of plant-based whole-foods!

Susan regular blogs at http://susanwaxman.blogspot.com/