Sarah Wheelhouse

Sarah Wheelhouse

From a very young age, I adopted a vegetarian lifestyle—a choice that naturally evolved into a wholly plant-based path. My journey has been guided by over three decades of culinary and holistic mastery, anchored by a foundational truth: what we consume, we truly become.

Find Me in the Heartwood Kitchen

My path took a pivotal turn in 1995 when I graduated from The Natural Gourmet Cookery School in New York City. Studying under the legendary pioneer of food-as-medicine, Annemarie Colbin, launched my career as a vegan chef in the competitive NYC restaurant circuit, eventually transitioning into working as an exclusive private chef across Manhattan.

Upon returning to England six years later, I channeled this rich experience into launching two wellness-focused ventures:

  • TRUEFOOD: A bespoke catering business delivering vibrant, wholefood dishes influenced by global cuisines.
  • Sustain Juices: A personalized vegetable juicing and detox service tailored to individual health transformations.

Eventually, synchronicity stepped in. After years of being a deeply grateful guest at The Acorn, the path cleared for me to step into its kitchen—perfectly uniting my culinary experience and passion with the retreat's beautiful vision.

The Culinary Philosophy: Food as Medicine

I firmly believe that what we put into our bodies directly dictates our health, our well-being, and the overall quality of our lives. Grounded in the philosophy of Food as a Healing Tool, the dishes I create are:

  • Wholefood & Plant-Based: Centered on unrefined, nutrient-dense ingredients.
  • World-Palated: Infused with vibrant global flavors, spices, and techniques.
  • Seasonal & Local: Sourced from nearby ecosystems to mirror nature’s natural cycles.
  • Energetically Balanced: Crafted to nourish not just the physical body, but the spirit.

A Yogic Way of Life

For me, food and spirituality are inseparable. My education in healing nutrition bloomed simultaneously with a lifelong immersion into yoga. I live by the belief that by healing our individual selves, we inherently heal the world and each other as one.

To keep my own mind, body, and spirit vibrant, I actively practice and teach various sacred traditions:

  • Kundalini Yoga: As a Certified Level 2 Instructor, I work deeply with energy, mantra, and breath.
  • The Four Winds Shamanism: Integrating ancient energy medicine and earth-keeping wisdom.
  • Eastern Philosophy: Deeply rooted in the teachings and timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Continuous Learning: Constantly updating my nutritional knowledge to seamlessly blend ancient wisdom with modern science.
  • "The world and my kitchen are full of love. I invite you to join me on this delicious, healing journey."