Eden Grinshpan follows her passion wherever it takes her.

A devoted fan of the Food Network and an aspiring cook throughout high school, she enrolled in London’s Le Cordon Bleu right after graduation—a decision about which she has always been proud.

After earning the Grande Diplome in both pastry and cuisine, the TV food personality decided to travel throughout India and Southeast Asia. In North India, she fell in love with the kids of Ramana’s Children orphanage, eventually helping to revive a shuttered café in order to earn funds for the facility. She filmed the experience and, later, that edited footage caught the eye of executives at The Cooking Channel, who recruited her to host her own show, Eden Eats.

Here, Grinshpan shares how a mixture of indulgence and moderation has set her on a balanced path

Live The Process: When did you first become passionate about food? 

Eden Grinshpan: I became passionate about food when I discovered the Food Network in high school. I just couldn't get enough of it. I watched it so much that I started playing around in my own kitchen and started to bake and cook fun dishes for my family. (My sister loved my shortbread Toblerone cookies.) I became so obsessed that I enrolled in culinary school right out of high school, which was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.

After graduating, I backpacked and traveled all over India and Southeast Asia. I had the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage in the North of India and filmed a video of myself re-opening a cafe they had there. I edited the footage and that was the video that helped me land my first show, Eden Eats.

LTP: You eat for a living and don’t shy away from indulging. How do you prioritize wellness and find a healthy balance? 

EG: I am always aware of balance. I think you even enjoy things more when you do not overindulge. I am all about going for it, but I always share; that way you get to try more dishes. Plus, if you are eating heavier foods, you can add veggies or salad to the order and create a balanced meal. Also, when I am home, I try to cook light or go out for healthier options. I tend to cook Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meals, which are light and healthy. And I love staying active: I dance, practice yoga, run (or at least try to) and walk everywhere around New York.

LTP: What inspired you to volunteer during your stay in India?

EG: The first time I went to India, I went with a group called Leap Now. They organized the entire experience and showed us a really great way to travel the country. It was extremely immersive and introduced the group to some incredible places like the orphanage Ramana’s Garden. I fell so in love with the kids there that I knew I was going to come back there and spend more time volunteering, and that is exactly what I did. I spent around three months re-opening up the café and running it with the kids and other volunteers. It was such an incredible time in my life and I will never forget it. I can’t wait to plan my next trip back.

LTP: What advice would you give to those wishing to broaden their understanding of food and nutrition?

EG: I would say: go back to the basics. Great food is all about great produce. If you have so-so technique, then just make sure you pay attention to the quality of the food you are eating. Whole foods are the way to go. I truly believe that by trying to eat more whole foods and paying attention to moderation, you will find the perfect balance. Also, when you indulge, eat in moderation—eat bread, eat pasta, eat that slice of cake you have been eyeing—but eat one piece, not the whole cake.

LTP: What does happiness look like to you?

EG: Being surrounded by people that I love, laughing a lot, not taking myself too seriously, being able to stay creative and positive and always reaching further than I thought I could.

LTP: What does it mean for you to “Live The Process” and how do you do that every day?

EG: Always staying motivated, believing in myself and dreaming big!