Twenty-one years ago, in October 1997, I was named to Crain’s New York 40 Under 40. I was 30 years old and CEO of my own environmental consulting company.
Crain’s 40 Under 40
Featured by media outlets ranging from Fortune Magazine to CNN, my husband and I were exploring the idea of taking my company public and my goal was to be a US senator.
CEO on a Trash Can
The photo on the above left is of me at age 30 and yes, I’m posing on a trash can. That’s because my environmental consulting company diverted millions of pounds of garbage from landfills into recycling facilities, something that was incredibly pioneering in those days.
Diagnosed with Three Autoimmune Diseases
In less than a decade, I had been diagnosed with 3 autoimmune diseases. First Celiac Disease, then Hashimoto’s, and most devastatingly, Multiple Sclerosis. These diseases radically changed the path my life would take.
My Incredible Family
It hasn’t been an easy road, but I have no regrets, I’ve learned a lot and built a life that gives me more joy than I could’ve truly ever imagined. I have an incredible relationship with the love of my life, my darling husband, and two boys that I adore with all my heart! ❤️
This Amazing Community
While my life moved forward in ways that surprised me, many of the unexpected twists and turns have been wonderful! I started Elana’s Pantry in 2006, and an awesome community has blossomed here. I am so blessed to connect with such an incredible group of caring people every single day!
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
Thank You for Being on this Healing Path with Me
Thank you for being on this wonderfully wild, beautiful, healing path with me! I am more grateful for you than you will ever know!!!
Kate says
Does your cookbook cover scd recipes? It’s title the Paleo diet.? It’s Frustrating looking for good scd recipes. Found the ones on your site to be tasty. I have breaking the cycle and use a couple of recipes, here and there. I haven’t done the starter diet yet from that book. Desperate to find a cookbook that Works for me.
Elana says
Kate, thanks for your comment! My third book, Paleo Cooking, has a lot of SCD recipes:
https://amzn.to/1VBWPN4
And here’s a link to my SCD Recipes page for you:
https://elanaspantry.com/diets/specific-carbohydrate-diet/
Enjoy!
Elana
Steph says
I am a nutritionist and have followed your website/emails for over 10 years now and recommend your recipes every chance I get. They are nothing short of brilliant! You are truly inspiring to so many people. I most recently shared your site with a friend who is caregiver to her nephew with downsyndrome and he has been struggling to stick to his “traditional” keto diet. She is excited to do some baking with him and add a few treats to his diet. Thank you for sharing so much through all these years ??
Elana says
Steph, thanks so much for your wonderful comment and for being a loyal reader for the last 10 years! I really appreciate your support and am so grateful that together we can make the world a healthier, and better, place :-)
MaryBeth says
Dear Elana,
Thank you for sharing your world and dreams with us. Over the years, I have read your blog, bought your books, and learned so much from you about cooking healthy and tackling challenges. My husband had and passed away from ankylosing spondolitis. I began cooking gluten and sugar free to help him, and it ended up helping me. Your blog was such a gift. I cooked and baked from it, and people, especially my husband, were astounded that gluten free could taste so good. I also found support as you revealed your challenges. Your blog became and remains a touchstone to me.
I have become a vocal advocate of these lifestyle choices. Just the other day, a colleague texted me, frightened, because her doctor told her she should eliminate gluten. When I sat down with her, her first concern was how she was going to cook Thanksgiving dinner. We worked out a menu for her. She was so relieved and thankful. I couldn’t have done that without everything I learned from you.
You may never know the full extent of your influence, but heartfelt thanks from one of your major fans who is so grateful that you shared your life and all these delicious recipes with us, including your recipes for life, full of strength, love, and determination. :-)
Elana says
MaryBeth, thank you for your tremendously heart warming comment! I feel so happy reading it and knowing that I have touched you and all those in turn who you have touched. Thank you for being on this healing journey with me, you are a very special person :-)
Olivia says
You are so inspiring! Thank you!
Elana says
Olivia, thank YOU!!!
Kelly says
You are incredible-the kind of person who succeeds at everything you put your mind towards achieving! Your recipes have been a huge part of my personal healing (in progress), as well as for countless others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Sending you well wishes and prayers!
Elana says
Kelly, thanks for your wonderful comment and such kind words! I’m so happy we’re on this healing path together :-)
Heather says
I am so intrigued by your environmental consulting background. Would you be willing to share more? And how does that carry into your life now? What do you wish more people knew?
Elana says
Heather, thanks so much for your comment! My environmental background influences my decision making regarding the economic and ecological impact of every purchase I make. I’m going to be sharing more tips for green living soon, but for now here are some things I’ve written on healthy living that you might enjoy!
https://elanaspantry.com/why-glass/
https://elanaspantry.com/safer-skincare/
https://elanaspantry.com/natural-makeup/
I have quite a few in addition to the above, but don’t want to overwhelm you! LMK if you need more info and I’ll provide it for you!
Elana
Amy says
I hope you are still considering running for Senate!
Elana says
Thanks Amy!!!
Pat Browne says
Ditto I’d vote for you!!!
Elana says
Pat, thanks so much!!!
Sammie says
Bless you, Elana, and your family. I spent the day on the couch with my dog, feeling puny after a small bout with Crohn’s…I’m one of the lucky ones who doesn’t often succumb to the effects, but today I gave in and I’ll sleep better tonight and wake in the morning with renewed energy! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us – keep up the fight!!!
Elana says
Sammie, thanks for your lovely comment! I’m sending you healing energy and prayers :-)
Kalyn says
Elana, I’m grateful for the gifts that have been gleaned from your journey ~ they’ve benefited so many, myself included.
I’m also grateful you were able to reap the benefits of being able to be diagnosed. Unfortunately, though I’ve lived for many years with 24/7 pain, and numerous symptoms that continue to multiply, no one can find a reason why. Yet I too continue to persevere, doing my best daily to thrive ~ regardless.
Your recipes are a big part of that!
Many blessings and much love to you, Elana
Always from the heart,
Kalyn
Elana says
Kalyn, thank you for your heart felt comment. I’m so lucky to be on this healing journey with you!
Val Lynn says
Press on to What’s Now and What’s Next. I’m sure there are others like me who find You, your Story and your Recipes inspirational and nourishing (in many ways). Thank you for sharing.
Elana says
Thanks Val!