Danielle in the kitchen of the Sakara HQ in Soho, NYC, wearing the Twill Wrap Dress. Photographed by Tommy Agriodimas.
School brought Danielle Duboise from Sedona to Manhattan, while yo-yo dieting and a background in biochemistry-slash-nutrition led her to founding Sakara Life with her business partner, Whitney Tingle. The organic, plant-based meal delivery service is also a nutrition program that cuts through the noise of today’s wellness woo-woo to focus on the actual science behind eating and the power of food as medicine. While recently publishing Sakara’s first book, Eat Clean Play Dirty, Danielle became a mother. Here, she tells us about how she sets priorities with her new schedule and how clean eating keeps her balanced.

I was inspired to start Sakara because…
I’d spent a lifetime dieting, falling on and off the “wagon” only to learn time and time again that diets don’t work. To build an empowered body, I had to nourish myself.

The philosophy behind the company is…
Sakara is about helping people access their most confident self through the power of food as medicine. We provide the healthiest food on the planet so that people can build an empowered body. There is no “no” list of foods not to eat. That means occasionally saying yes to other things that bring you joy like maybe a glass of wine, late night slice of pizza with friends or a fun Sunday brunch.

The thing that’s been most rewarding about Sakara is…
The lives we change every single day. We help people with chronic health issues, autoimmune problems, new mamas, and women and men who are seeking transformations. I’m honored to be a part of that kind of change in people’s lives.

The most challenging part of balancing the business and being a new mom is…
I don’t believe time is fixed or structured and there’s only a finite amount of it. I believe it’s malleable, moveable and infinite. This idea of balancing and juggling motherhood, career, relationships -to be honest, I just let them merge sometimes. Some days I have to bring my baby to meetings, some days my “me-time” is spent sitting and thinking about how to solve a work problem. Often times, at this chapter in life, my love life is spent watching my husband and daughter giggle, play and bond and my heart swelling with adoration for him. I try not to apologize for how my worlds collide. It’s life and I’m doing my best.

Since the transition from pre-baby to post-baby, my eating habits have changed because…
Actually, I am more grateful than ever for my consistent lifestyle of eating the Sakara way (it’s hard to find the time to eat much less order out every day!). It has allowed me to continue to be present with my daughter and my relationships, When I want to entertain, or make cooking an experience with my husband, I’ve been turning to our cookbook that just launched, Eat Clean Play Dirty. Specifically, the “Orgasmic Coconut Yogurt” is a crowd favorite — even the baby loves!

The best reason to eat organic is…
The best way I can explain the importance is by reminding people organic is just how food used to be.

My go-to snack when I’m having a busy day is…
Adding Sakara Life Source Super Powder to a shaker bottle filled with coconut water.

When it comes to eating well, never underestimate the importance of…
Fiber and the joy factor!

Best beauty advice I’ve ever received from mother is…
Getting older is fun. Relax.

The soundtrack that reminds me most of my own mother is…
The Sound Of Music. My mother and I would watch that on repeat together. All. The. Time.

Photographed by Tommy Agriodimas.

Image courtesy of Sakara Life