Chef Maria Praeg

My name is Maria Praeg, I am a 28-year-old South African whole foods chef, recipe developer, yoga/meditation teacher and writer.

A bit more about my background:

I have an Honours degree in Human Kinetics & Ergonomics (the study of human nutrition, different dietary patterns, exercise/fitness, optimising human performance both cognitively and physically through different lifestyle and dietary patterns, chronobiology - sleep studies - and stress management).

As part of my chef training (which I did in USA, Austin) I specialised in Raw Living Foods, Ayurveda and Macrobiotics, all of which are ancient healing modalities that use food as medicine. I also studied extensively how to work with different dietary restrictions/requirements. From vegan, to paleo, to vegetarian, gluten-free, low-calorie, carnivore, ketogenic, etc.

These modalities of using food as a tool for healing have deepened my reverence and appreciation of the intersection between ancient wisdom and modern nutritional knowledge. We also had a thorough nutrition module which deepened my understanding of nutritionally dense and balanced food - and the importance of these in living a fully vital and robust life.

My food is all whole foods based, seasonal, abundant and nourishing. I often use the above mentioned modalities and their wisdom on seasonal intelligence to inform/inspire the food I make :).

I have been a chef in many different settings from: retreats, to restaurants to private cheffing and healing resorts as well as recipe development for both local and international brands.

I have 8 years of yoga and meditation teaching experience, and 11 years of personal practise experience. I have just completed another meditation training and have done an integrative somatic trauma therapy certificate. I have taught yoga at studios, universities, retreats and luxury healing resorts. I infuse my chef work with mindfulness and energetic clarity, and I feel that it translates into food that is full of life force energy and satisfaction.

I run a blog which focuses on all topics related to health & wellbeing: often merging modern science and ancient wisdom (from the modalities of Ayurveda & Macrobiotics) to create accessible, clear and educational posts both on my website and Instagram.

I love anything outdoors: hiking, yoga, swimming, running. Nature is where I reset my system and feel the strongest sense of belonging and self preservation. I live in Scarborough, a small village outside of Cape Town and love how nestled it is amidst all the wonderful nature and aliveness.

I have spent the last years travelling and working around the world, and feel that it is safe to say that South Africa is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.