Karen Nicolas never thought she’d work as a chef again after being diagnosed with lupus, writes Mary Clare Fischer for Philadelphia Magazine.

Instead, this Villanova woman, culinary director at Main and Vine Bistro in Villanova, found the wellness tools she needed and now she’s back in the kitchen.

Two and a half years ago she was diagnosed with lupus while a chef at Harp & Crown in Center City.

She researched how to cope with lupus and discovered ayurveda (a sister science to yoga). She went to Bali to try it out.

“I thought I was going there for physical healing, and it made me realize my emotional being was so messed up. That moment alone made me realize there was so much more to my life than cooking. I like to call my Bali experience my own little Eat, Pray, Love story.”

She came home with a different outlook, a different diet and meditation techniques.

“It’s OK to realize that there’s more to life than the kitchen. If we chefs are always obsessive about cooking and trying to be the best, we’re missing out on a whole lot more in life.”

Read more about Karen Nicholas’ recovery here.

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