Table of Contents

My Formal Education

Our life has the most meaning when we align with the truth of who we are.
Our energy is of most value when we use it to create, rather than destroy.

Evita Ochel

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

  • Having a great interest in science, the human body, and health since my teens, I pursued a science degree at the post-secondary level and graduated from a top Canadian university with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. My classes focused heavily on human biology, the biochemistry of human nutrition, and the psychology of human cognition and behavior.

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

  • After my four-year science degree, I continued with my studies and chose to pursue the path of my inner calling, which was to teach at the higher grade levels. Hence, I got a Bachelor of Education degree, which specialized in teaching secondary school science and math.

Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN)

  • After years of following a mainstream, reductionist-based science path, my world view expanded into the field of holistic science, nutrition, natural health, and optimal wellness. I took an Advanced Nutrition Diploma program and got certified as a holistic nutritionist.

Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 200)

  • Along with my ongoing and ever-expanding holistic journey, I became a student of yoga and began my regular practice of yoga in the fall of 2009. Over the years, my practice has included Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin Yoga, and Hot Yoga. In February 2014, I attended a month-long (200-hour) yoga teacher training program at the Yandara Yoga Institute and became a certified yoga teacher.

Plant-Based Nutrition Course for Medical Applications

  • As part of my commitment to continuing education, in August 2017, I took a Plant-Based Nutrition: Research and Application in the Medical Practice course, taught by Dr. Thomas M. Campbell, developed at the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, and presented by the Foundation for Care Management (FCM), a recognized leader in continuing medical education.

Other Specializations

Spirituality & Theology

  • Spirituality has always played a central theme in my life and is part of my lifelong journey. Since 2000, I have actively pursued theoretical and experiential expertise in this area and I have attained an extensive background in many of the world’s philosophies, religions, and spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Christianity.

Quantum Science & Metaphysics

  • Since 2006, I have been actively engaged in the study of quantum science and metaphysics.

Herbalism & Mycology

  • Between 2010 and 2020, I actively studied herbalism and mycology.

Homeopathy

  • Since 2012, I have been actively engaged in the study of homeopathy.

Chi Gong

  • Since 2018, I have been actively engaged in the study and practice of chi “qi” gong.

My Informal Education

To stop learning is to start dying; learning is the fuel that drives the journey of personal evolution and self-realization.

Evita Ochel

There was a time early on in my life when I highly valued formal education through academic institutions and thought it was necessary for a good life and a successful career. Thankfully, I realized quickly enough how conformist, biased, and close-minded most of the mainstream education is. While my formal education served me well and was an integral part of my work and career choice, I have come to understand that what we learn and apply in our daily life is most influential on how intelligent, knowledgeable, and wise we are. No degree, diploma, or certificate can compete with inner wisdom.

Since my early 20s, I have been engaged in ongoing learning and research in the various fields of science, nutrition, holistic health, metaphysics, and spirituality. For me, education is a natural part of life, without which I cannot imagine my existence. From scientific literature to popular blogs, it has been very enriching to learn from so many other experts out there, and integrate other ideas to expand my personal truths. Never did I enjoy learning as much, as when I did it outside of formal education. I imagine this is a typical case for most.

To date, my love of learning continues as I continue to venture deeper into new areas that excite me like mycology and wild edibles. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something meaningful. However, in the end, it is my inner knowing that guides me the most. As I live and teach, the most valuable knowledge will never be found in a scientific study, but within the wisdom of our heart and soul, and the Laws of Nature. The more I stepped into the fullness of my being and learned to trust my inner guidance and intuition, the more I realized that everything we need to know is within. We just have to remove the obstacles that obscure it from our awareness.

My greatest teacher and source of knowledge has become nature. It is from it, and through it that I continue to gain the most priceless teachings and wisdom. In moments of still observation, I can access timeless information about the self, others, the world, and life as a whole. When we remove the limits of separation and merge with the oneness of life, we come into alignment with the Universal Source of all that is and connect with infinite wisdom.

Past Work

Immediately upon graduating from my post-secondary education, I began working as a secondary school science teacher. During the seven wonderful years that I held this position, I had the pleasure of teaching some of the most amazing souls in this world! I was one of the happiest teachers ever, as I absolutely loved the profession and my role in it. Throughout the years, I taught various grade 9 through 12 science courses, with an emphasis on grade 11 biology courses. Aside from regular day school, I also had the pleasure of teaching a few math and science courses in summer school and night school for adults.

With each year, my love for teaching continued to amplify. However, the Universe had a few surprises up its sleeve. Although I thought I would retire from this profession at the typical retirement age, I officially retired from it at a very young age. It was both intriguing and exhilarating to know that this would be the last time I would be an employee, or revolve my life around a job.

Upon leaving, one of my students gave me a framed picture with the following quote. It meant the world to me then, and it still does to this day.

Teaching is the choicest of professions because everybody who is anybody was taught how to be somebody by a teacher.

Anonymous

New Work

My teaching path did not stop there; it merely transformed and evolved in more meaningful ways than I could have ever imagined. I knew I wanted to continue to teach, and the time came to do it on my own terms. The comfort of a daily routine, a secure job, a pleasant work environment, a comfortable paycheck, and a retirement plan were all nice. However, my inner being began to seek something very different. It became more important to me to liberate myself from the cookie-cutter mold carved out by the “system” and live life on my own terms with all of the risks and opportunities than to limit my personal growth and spiritual expansion. The years of research leading up to this point in the natural health and nutrition fields, coupled with a spiritual awakening, enabled me to envision a very different life. Freedom of being, owning my own time, and service to the world became my guiding principles. The following quote from Joseph Campbell has been instrumental in my life:

Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.

Joseph Campbell

When I left my formal teaching career in 2009, it was not with the intention of starting any kind of teaching or consulting business. I never wanted to treat my teaching work as a business. My first reason for doing what I do is the deep sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that comes from doing what I love. My second reason is to positively contribute to the world. I am neither interested in fame nor fortune, as defined by our society. If I was, I would have to take a very different approach to my work, and that simply does not interest or represent me. People spend their lives working so hard trying to get to that “place” where they can relax and enjoy life, or say they have “made it” with whatever material possessions or titles they think will bring them happiness. Many consider this only possible in their retirement. This is not the path I sought or saw for myself. The present moment is precious and I choose to live as fully as I can in each now. The freedom to own your own time and do what you love is a priceless achievement for me that no salary can compete with.

To make this all happen, the foundation of my life has been based on conscious life creation: living mindfully today to enjoy a pleasant tomorrow. Therefore, to make my lifestyle, passions, and creative endeavors work for me, rather than me working for them, I simply chose to get creative with how I would approach supporting myself. My primary approach has been to focus on simplifying my life, rather than on amplifying my need for money. This does not mean I live in a state of lack or want. It simply means that I realize what brings true happiness, and focus on nurturing that. My secondary approach has been to create a few, diversified income sources. In following my bliss and providing value to the lives of others, I have chosen to provide over 90% of my online creations for free so that money does not limit people who genuinely want to change and improve their lives. The remainder of my creations are offered at nominal costs to make them widely accessible.

The stage for this new teaching path was taking shape a few years before I left teaching, although I did not know at the time what it was all leading up to. My work does not blindly follow or adhere to limiting and faulty mainstream ideas regarding topics of the mind, body, and spirit. Instead, it follows the laws of nature and explores the unlimited potential of the human mind, body, and spirit, along with the nature of this reality. It is best suited for anyone who is ready to live from a higher state of conscious awareness, open-mindedness, personal accountability, and creative potential. Some of my new entrepreneurial teaching highlights include:

  • In January 2008, I began writing articles on my first website—EvolvingBeings.com and in March 2008 on EvolvingWellness.com to focus on health and wellness topics specifically.

  • In the summer of 2010, my education work expanded into video form, and to date, I have created, hosted, and shared over 300 videos that teach, inspire, and empower others.

  • In the fall of 2011, I published my first book—Healing & Prevention Through Nutrition. In the fall of 2014, I released its thoroughly revised and expanded second edition, and in the summer of 2018, an updated third edition.

  • In the spring of 2012, I officially launched Healthytarian - a lifestyle concept based on Fresh Thinking, Smart Eating, and Mindful Living that was conceived in 2008 and became a video library of resources for optimally healthy eating and living.

  • In the fall of 2012, I began to teach online in virtual classrooms, and have since created and delivered dozens of classes and courses via several online education platforms, including Udemy and Learn It Live.

  • From the fall of 2012 to the fall of 2019, I was also a regular presenter of classes, workshops, and retreats at the Grail Springs - Canada’s leading wellness retreat center.

Since the start of 2019, I have chosen to scale back from many of these areas and step away from others completely to enter a more introspective period in my life and focus on other creative, artistic, spiritual, and entrepreneurial projects.

My 20+ years in the field of education have included writing articles on my own websites and as a guest author on numerous other websites, writing books, creating classes and courses, creating videos, consulting and coaching people, providing media interviews, and giving presentations of all kinds. All of these made up what I considered to be my work, my life’s calling, and my passion. All these outlets enabled me to express my gifts, my talents, and my creativity to do what I love while adding positive value to the world and the lives of others. This was a very active and outwardly-focused time in my life.

My life passion and purpose has always involved teaching by educating, empowering, and inspiring individuals to experience the highest quality of life possible. Speaking to groups, both big and small, comes naturally to me, and has been one of the most fulfilling and stimulating experiences. It has been an incredibly humbling experience to connect with people whose lives I have had a positive impact on and something that fills me with immense gratitude.

Over the years, I have very much resonated with the Mary Poppins idea when it comes to helping others. The Universe always guides me to be where I am meant to be, to offer some help or value to the lives of others for a specific period. There is always a beautiful blend of purpose, meaning, synchronicity, and divine timing involved.

Then, when the purpose has been fulfilled, each person must proceed on their path and apply the new lessons and guidance as is most right for them. This also fits well with the nature of my being and work, as I never want anyone dependent on me. My work is based on empowering and liberating others to access their wisdom and guidance from within to create what they most desire.

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Confucius

Common Reasons People Seek My Resources

  • To learn how to eat a healthy vegan or whole food, plant-based diet.
  • To learn how to create vegan and plant-based meal ideas, which satisfy various time, financial, geographical, and social constraints.
  • To learn how to overcome stress, anxiety, and worry and live with more ease and inner peace.
  • To learn how to get to the root of any disease through the mind-body connection and heal emotional pain and trauma.
  • To learn how to live authentically and listen to your body, your intuition, and your inner knowing.
  • To learn how to be a conscious life creator, make good choices, and take responsibility for the state of your life.
  • To learn how to live a high-quality life based on purpose, meaning, happiness, satisfaction, and wellbeing.

I can point you in the direction you wish to go, but I cannot walk the path for you.

Evita Ochel

How I Can Support Your Wellbeing

  • Through my online classes and courses. To stay in alignment with my life path, the majority of my teaching and how I reach people takes place through various online platforms. This allows me to provide numerous classes easily to anyone in the world.

  • Through my books, videos, guides, and articles. Healing & Prevention Through Nutrition provides a complete resource where I teach you how to eat and what to eat as part of a whole food, plant-based diet for optimal health, weight, and wellbeing. And my video collection on Healthytarian.com provides hundreds of videos on healthy eating and holistic living. To date, I have also written numerous guides and articles that you can find on Evolving Wellness to enhance your understanding of healthy eating and living.

CONSULTING & COACHING: As of 2018, I have stopped providing personal counseling sessions and do not plan to resume such services for the foreseeable future. If you are seeking a plant-based healthcare provider or nutritionist, please explore the worldwide directory available on Plantrician to find one.

Consciousness shapes your reality. The more you expand your consciousness, the more you realize the potential of all that is possible.

Evita Ochel

Feedback From Others About My Work

Throughout the years I have been very blessed to come into contact and connect with many amazing beings who themselves are spreading so much love, beauty, and light in this world. I have been deeply moved and humbled by every note of gratitude, appreciation, and positive feedback that has come my way since I began this work. Some shared several words, others shared long letters of how my work has positively touched their life. Each one left me deeply grateful and humbled and encouraged to keep doing what I am doing.

It is, therefore, an immense pleasure to share some of the most meaningful feedback that has come my way over the years:

Hi Evita!! I am not sure if you remember me. This goes back 11 years ago. You taught me in grade 11 science. I have been browsing your website from time to time over the years, and I have got to say it is because of you that I have changed so much about myself. I have quit drinking alcohol in its entirety for over 10 months now, I am practicing yoga and since taking your class back in high school, I have been diligent and conscious about what goes into my body. I am currently working on a project that focuses on plant-based, organic, and fair trade skincare and your article popped up about the toxins in personal care products. I am very grateful you were my teacher many years ago. You have been an inspiration and the guiding light in my life since then. THANK YOU!

Christina A, (Canada) — March 2020

You are simply the best I have seen regarding recipes explaining perfectly the nutrition in food…SOO GOOD… You are my muse..Well Done XX

Annie F. (United Kingdom) — October 2019

I am blown away by your videos and teaching technique! You are very knowledgeable and engaging, and you present your material in a very easy to understand format. Your videos are by far some of the best, most comprehensive I’ve ever seen!

Chasity Lindsey (United States) — October 2019

You changed my life Evita Ochel! So I want to thank you, thank you so much, you are such a great teacher, other classes just bore me or just turned me off, they did not express, explain or show how to, like you did. I play the “Eat Real Food” course over and over again, it was great, and the “Cook Real Food” course FANTASTIC*!

Anabel Rivera (United States) — October 2019

Evita, you are a food genius. I have been vegetarian for 10+ years and about to shift to a full vegan diet/lifestyle. I have listened to many experts over the years but I rank your message and style of delivery up there with Dr. Fuhrman.

G.K. — August 2018

You have such an elegant, professional, intelligent and accurate way of expressing yourself dear Evita. It is a great joy to listen to your videos. You seem to have thought of every little detail and present everything wonderfully. :-) This refers to all your videos but also especially your recipe ones :-)

Christina Hees — July 2018

In December of 2012, as my awakening shifted into earnestness, it was a thing so alien to anything I believed, experienced or imagined. I was having a miserable time of it and certain I was losing my mind. Late one night, in crisis and tears of frustration, I punched the bizarre symptoms I was experiencing into Google and you came up. It was a Godsend beyond measure. You are my go-to source for information, inspiration and comfort. My wife thanks you, my children thank you and my soul thanks you!

Paul S. (United States)

You shattered my world to the core of my being, and I don’t know how I could ever thank you enough. It is true to say that you have a very great and beautiful impact on my journey (to growth, consciousness expansion, spiritual awakening and living a healthier and overall better life). If it wasn’t for your videos, articles, courses, etc. I wouldn’t have come so far already. Thank you so much, Evita! :) You are such a beautiful, pure and heartwarming soul and everyone who is surrounded by your beautiful presence, whether it be through the internet or otherwise, can count himself/herself lucky and blessed. :)

Denise K. (Germany)

Thank you so much for the work you are doing and the excellent information that you are providing us with. You really are helping to have a positive impact on some of our lives! Your insights were exactly what I was looking for.

Scot P. (United States)

It was a pleasure to be able to listen to Evita’s talk on “Yoga Path of Transformation” at Grail Springs. If I came away with anything from my stay at “the Grail”, I would say Evita’s 2-part speech on the 8 Limbs of Yoga was the most enlightening. I am now subscribing to her youtube channels and plan to incorporate more of her healthytarian way of eating into my diet. I’ve always thought of myself as a healthy eater, but Evita has changed the way I think about healthy eating. Thank you Evita. I’m so grateful I got to hear you and take part in your yoga practice at the Grail, and now find your healthy eating channels.

Susan (Canada)

I just discovered your wonderful channel on Youtube. It is awesome you are so open to the truth and consciousness expansion, no matter how uncomfortable some of these truths may be! you’re a great interviewer and it looks like I have a rich archive of videos I need to catch up on! Thank you for your great work!

Joe (United States)

Your work and videos are so amazing and helping me a lot on my journey and I am sure many others will be taking benefits from your work. I would like to thank you (so very much) from the bottom of my heart (Thanks for being on this planet) and wish you all the best with your personal journey too. Thank you Evita.

Sean (New Zealand)

Evita, I just came upon your website yesterday, and I can’t express how much you’ve inspired me to create the life that I love!!!!!!!!!

Julie T.

So THANKFUL for your work….the direct effect your work has had on my life, and the ripples thereafter, have created a huge shift in my being. I’m forever filled with GRATITUDE to you and your lovely, shining Light! With sincere gratitude and thanks.

Kim S. (Canada)

Since I found you online, I have really been inspired to change my way of eating and approach to it. You have really made my eating and thinking of food so much more natural and truly sustainable. My journey to simplicity, natural eating, connecting to my own life more fully is greatly enhanced by your teachings.

Joe D. (United States)

I would like to thank you for your great body of work, and I hope you continue your commitment to teach and enlighten others. Your voice and message have never come at a more crucial time and there truly has never been a more important point in the human history to promote consciousness expansion than right now! Our very survival as a species on this planet hangs in the balance.

Barry (United States)

Once in a while, I meet people who are walking through this world with no shield and no mask. Such people are ready to be inspired and ready to live their lives within the truth of who they are. Evita is such a person. She is a real teacher. She shows us what is possible by being a mirror of that possibility. We are lucky to have her as a guide and as an example of who we are.

Vironika Tugaleva - Speaker, Teacher, Author (Canada)

I love your interviews, and I love the way you express yourself. I’m from Spain, and your work has been very helpful. You ask the questions that I would like to ask to the people that you are interviewing. I resonate with your words and with your smile. I know that you have the same feeling in your heart that I have when it comes to Earth Changes and this challenging process. Thank you very much for your work and dedication for Humanity, you are making the difference. Life is easier for me, because people like you exist on Earth. Thank you from the bottom of my Heart. Lots of Love.

Mónica (Spain)

Dear Evita, I have to tell you that you have SUCH a rare quality about you that just bursts out of you unashamedly in the MOST refreshing way. It’s like you are so full of life that you can’t contain it. You are changing, and will continue to change so many lives.

Robin Easton - Author, Speaker, Musician (United States)

Hello Evita, I was guided by heart to your expression of self. I found your site to be an enriching contribution that showcases the light of who you are. I am impressed by what you have to share. By giving to others in such a positive way reach higher realms. Know that you are planting seeds of harmony and inspiration that walk people into a new reality. Your efforts help others flourish. Thank you for all that you are doing.

Micheal T. (Canada)

Hi Evita, you are a lovely spirit and a wonderful example for us all. Hearing you speak on the internet offered much joy. Thank you.

Anonymous

I finally understand why Evita Ochel calls herself a consciousness expansion teacher. Her lectures have allowed me to continue to question my daily habits. With Evita’s guidance, I feel like a balloon that continues to expand and will someday turn into a hot air balloon that can embrace freedom and fly away.

Ann Simone (Canada)

You reflected to me all that is truly possible if I follow my heart, and I thank you for that…for being you and so open and willing to try something new and perhaps uncomfortable for you at times. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share with you, Evita. I think you may not Know how much your presence truly means. I am honoring my gifts and I am using them to transform my life and others…in part because of what you reflect to me and how it is reflected…amazing!!!

Joy Holland - Energy Movement Facilitator, Author (United States)

Your shows are excellent, so much enrichment they provide.

Martin O. (United Kingdom)

Let me just say that you are amazing at what you do when it comes to health & wellness. You’re so unique & kind. Keep it up!

Jacob S. (Canada)

Thank you for caring so much about our planet and helping us, the readers to become better beings and appreciate this beautiful life we have. Your site is such inspiration for me.

Metod (Canada)

You ARE so creative! Your love of life shines through, and it’s clear that you’re very thoughtful. You see things (with your eyes and intuitively) and you think about them, and then you see even more, and the words are just emotions and impressions milling around waiting to be spilled out in any form… essays and photos…the things you see and the truths that come to you, and getting them on paper, and feeling them within.

Julie Riddle - Writer (United States)

I Love your site. I read about 4 articles this morning and I look forward to discovering your site, hoping to change my vibration any way I can to create the full life I should be living. Your bio page was especially rewarding to read, bless you for being who you are and spreading the message for all the me(s) out there.

Stephen (United States)

Thank you, Evita, your postings are always THE most ‘healthy’ postings for the Mind, Body and Spirit. You have a pure, magical feeling about you and it translates in everything you do, so thanks.

Helen P. (United States)

I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you tremendously. You are such an empowering and shining individual. Your presence these past few months has made a serious difference in what I’m going through. Your positiveness helped me to feel worthy, and to see and do certain things.

Ariel (Israel)

I wanted to tell you just how much of an influence you have had on my life. I have you to thank for making me so passionate on the topic of nutrition. Another thing that you taught me was the art of critical thinking. I cannot thank you enough for all of the support, inspiration and insight you have given me!

Kali (Canada)

Thank you Evita for your amazing eloquent words…..so beautifully written and I am grateful and wanted to express that to you. I love your words……you write and express so beautifully……such a great great gift truly…..keep your words coming. I am blessed to have met you……thank you!!!

Kate (United States)

A couple of years ago, I ‘friended’ you without really knowing why. I had not followed your videos, I had not read your words… nothing. Just a serendipitous discovery while web surfing and a little voice that seemed to say it was important to pay attention to you. Since then you’ve helped me become a better person… your insights have helped enrich my life. I just wanted to say THANK YOU.

Jerad (United States)

Thank you, Evita. Recently I left my 20-year career in high tech to finally pursue a life with purpose…your story inspired me so deeply that I am reaching out to thank you. I am a writer and have a blog. Part of my transition involves getting my inspiration writing out there to the world. Thank you again for inspiring me to keep going forward into my dream. Many Blessings.

Dove

Thank you so much for your inspirational words! You have helped me more than you know Evita! In so many of your amazing, insightful videos! Thank you for giving so freely of yourself to others! Blessings and Love to you! Namaste~ ♥ LuAnn

LuAnn (United States)

Just wanted to say thank you for the effort you have made to bring information to people that they may not have been able to attain otherwise. You have my gratitude and appreciation.

Scott (Australia)

The essence of who you are is communicated through your gentle and kind words. I am thankful I am able to meet like minded people and feel so inspired by your website and all of its beauty. They say the right people come into your life at the right time and again, you inspire me which will in effect create the ripple effect to so many others.

Wendy Carmichael Bauld - Artist (Canada)

Thank you for helping Humanity to Awaken.

Robert

I can’t even describe in words how much your sites move me. I was introduced to this site today and I just can’t stop reading, your writing is so inspiring and thought provoking, I can connect with everything! I’ve been very interested in everything you write about for years and when I read your sites, it’s like reading my own thoughts and opinions - except that you articulated in a way that I never could but its absolutely amazing. Your so insightful and your sites are such a pleasure to read, they motivate me to make changes in my life that I’ve been wanting and needing to change for a long time.

Audrey

I love reading your posts. They provide a wonderful insight into the journey of Conscious Evolution.

Nivedita Jagga (India)

Thank you so much for your videos and what you are doing to help others along. You have a special beautiful essence and I want to encourage you to continue as it has benefited me and I’m sure others.

Merlin (United States)