We're here with one of our favorite guests, the super cool, super stylish Leslie Durso (check out Episodes 95 and 96 for her story). She's a vegan chef, healthy living educator and has been plant-based since she was 8 years old. Leslie grew up in an Italian household, making vegan versions of whatever her mom was cooking. Now, she loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge and passion for veganism with as many people as possible. Her farm fresh, plant-based recipes are broadcast to over 130 countries, and she's just partnered with Plant Lab Culinary School offering pop-up cooking courses all over the world. Leslie has also created vegan dishes for all the menus at the Four Seasons Punto Mita in Mexico, where she will be running retreats in 2018. With just one week until Christmas, how can we bring more plant-based recipes and more love to our holiday? How can we bring more acceptance to the table, particularly to those who might not completely understand our healthy choices? Leslie's answer: cook for them. Make something so good they are begging you for the recipe. Let them start the conversation. When it comes to spreading the vegan word, nobody wants to be told what to do, they want to be inspired. Let's inspire them with delicious food. You can find tons of tasty, easy-to-make vegan recipes on Leslie's website. Drumroll please, we've got a very special announcement! We are so excited to announce that we are taking Food Heals Nation to Italy! We've partnered with Leslie Durso to bring you the most beautiful retreat on the Amalfi coast, the most spectacularly stunning coastline in the world. You'll spend six nights in a villa built into the side of a mountain, with its own organic farm, in the picturesque town of Ravello. This is a magical, healing place: the villa has its own grotto for cold plunges (a natural rejuvenation technique), an infinity edge pool, hot tubs, and the water comes from pure mountain springs. Allison, Suzy and Leslie will be on hand to answer all your questions on health, wellness, veganism, nutrition, building your own brand, podcasting and living the life of your dreams. We'll hike, swim, play, enjoy, experience real Italian culture, shop, and you'll learn how to make delicious vegan food with Leslie. But best of all, you'll make friendships that will last a lifetime. This is a women-only retreat, and a very special kind of sisterhood is forged on these types of retreats. Here's a little of what you can expect: • Tons of vegan organic food! • Wine tasting • Olive oil tasting • Daily hiking • Boat rides • Swimming in the sea • Sampling all the local restaurants have to offer • Vegan gelato • Relaxed pace – plenty of time to relax and unwind • Pajama party with wine and pizza • Leave your heels behind! • Infinity edge pool and hot tubs • Boost your immune system and lose weight To find out more go to www.foodhealsnation.com/Italy. There are limited spots so make sure you're in the know by signing up for updates. Don't miss out on the retreat of a lifetime with experts on health and wellness. We can't wait to see you there! Being hailed as "Sex and the City for Food," The Food Heals Podcast brings together experts in the field of nutrition, health and healing to teach you the best-kept natural secrets to being a hotter, healthier, happier YOU! The Food Heals Podcast is hosted by Allison Melody and Suzy Hardy – two self-proclaimed natural chicks who will rock your world and change your beliefs about health! This sexy, savvy duo provides eco-friendly advice on a variety of issues including the healing power of nutrition, living authentically, turning your passion into your career, choosing the best natural health and beauty products, the benefits of a plant-based diet and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices