Finding My Balance: Violeta’s Story of Transformation Through Holistic Nutrition

Through her studies at the International Macrobiotic School, Violeta moved from burnout to balance and rediscovered her creativity and sense of self.

When I first came across macrobiotics, I was simply looking for ways to eat more vegetable protein and improve my digestion. Surrounded by other vegetarians who often felt bloated or limited in their food choices, I was amazed to discover how much broader, more satisfying, and nourishing macrobiotic meals could be.

But soon, I realised macrobiotics was about far more than food. It helped me make sense of my emotions, my thought patterns, and my relationship with myself. At 22, I began volunteering at the International Macrobiotic School, where I later completed the First, Second, and Third Year courses. The training not only gave me practical cooking skills and confidence but also the space to reflect, practise, and grow at my own pace.

During this time, I worked as a private chef and hosted cookery events in Swansea. The structure of the course allowed me to balance my university studies, jobs, and personal growth, and I can truly say it changed my life.

Before discovering macrobiotics, I had struggled with the effects of burnout from an early age: exhaustion, recurring tonsillitis, brain fog, chronic candidiasis, and low mood.

Growing up, I learned to cope by overworking and people-pleasing, but through my studies I began to see those patterns clearly.