Episode 119: AF in the Latino Community and Chef World with Marcela Valladolid

May 4

Before changing her relationship with alcohol and becoming an alcohol-free coach, Karolina was passionate about the world of food, and the incredible Emmy nominated celebrity chef Marcela Valladolid has always been an inspiration. Listen in as Marcela shares her story and alcohol-free journey. She dives into her perspective on alcohol-free living in Latin culture, and what it means to be sober in a community that so highly venerates alcohol.

Marcela Valladolid is an Emmy nominated celebrity chef, television personality designer, author, mother and businesswoman. Her first television show was “Relatos Con Sabor” for Discovery en Español and she published her first book, “Fresh Mexico”, in 2009. She hosted her second show, “Mexico Made Easy”, for the Food Network in 2010 and released a companion book, “Mexico Made Easy”, in 2011.

Marcela was a co-host on the three-time Emmy Nominated Food Network hit show “The Kitchen.” She has also appeared as a Celebrity judge for 3 seasons on the Food Network show “Best Baker in America.”

She is currently co-hosting The Marcela and Carina Show, a virtual live cooking class with her sister and motivational speaker, Carina Valladolid.

Ditching the crutch of alcohol

Sober for a few years now, Marcela takes us on her journey of going alcohol-free. Over the years, she has completely and unapologetically stood up to her dreams.

Marcela grew up in Mexico where the legal drinking age is 18. In addition to coming from a culture where alcohol is celebrated, she also experienced the prevalence of alcoholism on both sides of her family.

Getting drunk for the first time around 14 or 15 off of tequila that her Dad had at home, Marcela quickly experienced the negative side effects of alcohol and the everlasting hangovers. But as a socially anxious and depressed teen, alcohol was her crutch.

Alcohol allowed Marcela to cope when she didn’t have other tools to help her. Then one day she observed the impact of alcohol on someone close to her, and she came to a new clarity. At that moment, she needed alcohol to be out of her life forever.

Breaking the bond

How often do you see wine paired with certain food items, or specialty brews matched with different meals? Alcohol and food seem to have such a symbiotic relationship, so how could anyone be a chef while living alcohol-free?

When Marcela first gave up drinking, it was initially for health reasons. At the time, she was doing a TV show and they had a segment dedicated specifically to alcohol. She had to navigate so much guilt and shame thinking she was ruining the show by not drinking.

Marcela wrestled with doubts about being a “real” chef if she didn’t drink alcohol, but eventually she found her confidence and embraced it! She no longer feels the need to justify or explain her decision.

Alongside Marcela’s journey, food culture is also transforming. When she was coming up as a chef, her cohorts would do their rush hour shift, get hammered on their venom of choice, sleep through the next day, and return to the restaurant at night for the next shift.

Now, Marcela sees a growth in chefs caring about their health and the food they put into their bodies. She has seen an increase in vegan chefs and the incorporation of mocktails into food pairings.

Changing a culture one mocktail at a time.

Within the Latina community, Marcela is surrounded by people that have been drinking since they were 14 or 15 years old. Alcohol is like water; it’s a part of daily life and is so permeated into the culture. Children observe adults in their life using alcohol as a reward after working, a key to celebrations, and a way of life.

Recently she was asked to promote a conference about helping youth abstain from drinking. She declined in part because she had never been to the event and didn’t feel comfortable promoting it, but it also led her to think deeper.

Just like her own experience with alcohol, preventing kids from drinking is not simply about telling kids not to drink. The cause of drinking often stems from the stuff undealt with. The things that happen at home, with parents, with lineage, and within culture.

Marcela has definitely seen an increase of awareness in Mexico towards an alcohol-free lifestyle. Restaurants are serving eclectic and delicious mocktails and there is far more availability of alcohol-free beverages. Even with these positive changes transforming society, it's still a huge challenge and will take time to get there.

“So much anxiety was removed from my life when I stopped drinking. It was the best choice I've ever made in my life. And I wish I could have better words to explain to people what it means to be able to live your life without waiting for or thinking about that next moment where you're going to sit down with that margarita or that glass of wine.” Marcela Valladolid

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

Marcela’s sixth and newest cookbook, Cocinando on Cook Street: A collection of mi familia’s recipes, shares her family recipes in both English and Spanish.

Learn more about Marcela through her website, and be sure to check her out on Facebook and Instagram as well!

Karolina invites you to a NEW and FREE five day workshop from May 16-20, 2022: Ditch Alcohol and Discover Your Purpose. Learn how changing your relationship with alcohol prepares you to go after bigger dreams. Hone in on how this one shift is a catalyst for any new identity. Walk through daily exercises with Karolina to visualize what could be possible. Discover your internal guidance on your greater purpose.

Karolina’s book is available in hardcover, Kindle, and as an audiobook. Be sure to get your copy of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You today and leave your review.

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