Chef LaLa, is an accomplished chef, cookbook author, food stylist, food consultant, LaLa certified nutritionist, and motivational speaker. With her creative talents and training, this fi rst generation Latina dynamo is making waves in food, nutrition, health, and lifestyle in both English and Spanish language media.

 

Inspired by her family of restauranteurs, LaLa is a creative entrepreneur of the fi rst order, operating a fi rst class catering company, launching a line of CHEF LALA HOMEMADE sauces and marinades, designing CHEF LALA housewares, and developing concepts for a bi-lingual lifestyle television show.

 

LaLa has devoted her life to her three passions. First, above all else is her family and her son Maddox. But when she is working, she is devoted to mastering and refi ning the art of cooking, and to educating communities about how to enjoy traditional cultural cuisine in a healthy way. “It is a lifestyle, not a diet,” LaLa says.

 

LaLa developed her love of food in her family’s Mexican restaurants. She then attended the famous Le Cordon Bleu and studied the intricacies of global cuisine. LaLa has been a guest on the Today Show, Martha Stewart, Discovery Health National body Challenge, Dr. Oz, National Univision, and National Telemundo Shows to name a few.

 

LaLa’s fi rst book titled “Latin Lover Lite” was widely popular and sold out its fi rst printing. Her second book “Best Loved Mexican Cooking with Chef LaLa” was released in expanding on her expertise in creating ethnic cuisine with all the traditional fl avors sans the fat. LaLa’s “Yummy for your Tummy” book was designed with First 5 to help young children grow up healthy and do well in school and in life innovative programs and services designed to help young children grow up healthy and do well in school and in life

 

As a certified nutritionist, with special interest in the obesity and diabetes crisis in urban America, LaLa is focused on inspiring families to live healthier lives. As someone who has struggled with her own weight, especially after her fi rst child, LaLa knows the challenges women face. As a result, she is able to motivate and inspire her audience in a personal way to accept their bodies and try their best everyday, to live a healthy life.

 

Over the years, LaLa has supported health and multicultural health education through her work with the following organizations:

 

The American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation, NBA (National Basketball Association) Fit, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, School Garden Network, Para Los Niños, L.A.’s BEST, Step Up Network, Speaking of Women’s Health, Step Up Network Mentoring program, Cancer Association- Susan G. Komen Foundation, First 5 California, Five a Day, The Culinary Institute of America, Power Women Power Tools, and the Sheriff Department V.I.D.A. (Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives) program.

 

LaLa has received numerous awards and her recognition for her work as a Latina business woman and for her community service:

 

- Joselin Institute of Health, Latino Initiatives at Harvard Medical School [2011-12 honoree]

 

- American Diabetes Association, Community Spirit Award In recognition for your unparalleled dedication and willingness to utilize your platform to change livers through education and to Stop Diabetes in the Hispanic/Latino Community. (2011)

 

- The NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) Inspiration Award (2008)

 

- MAOF (Mexican American Opportunity Found.) National Hispanic Woman of the Year Award (2008)

 

- Macy’s ‘Community Star Award (2007)

 

- General Mills’ ‘Corazon de Comunidad’ (Heart of the Community (2007)

 

- LBWA (Latin Business Woman’s Association), Latinas in Business Award. (2006)

 

Whether she’s teaching nutritious cooking at the National Association of Medical Hispanic Professionals,a community event, or on a TV show, or promoting her line of healthy and authentic Latin meal solutions,

 

LaLa is on fire with her desire to share everything she has learned to make peoples lives healthier and happier – one meal at a time.