culturesrenowned for their health and longevity and appreciated the
different foods and ways of preparing them that were unique to each.
George's education in biochemistry helped his understanding of
what he learned through observing, tasting and formal training to
create this better and healthier way of cooking. George earned a
certificate studying French cuisine at the renowned La Varenne
cooking school near Paris. He studied Italian cooking at the Guiliano
Bugialli’s cooking school in Florence. He refined his skills at the
Gourmet’s Oxford in England.
George was disappointed that he couldn’t find nutritious, tasty, and
convenient foods for himself and his family, so in 1970 he founded
Health Valley Foods, the first company in the United States to offer
healthful prepared foods. As time went on, Health Valley produced
thousands of convenient, enjoyable products that were packed with
nutrition and flavor yet completely free of the white flour, refined
sugar, hydrogenated fats, excess salt, chemical preservatives, and
artificial colors that are standard in highly processed foods.
George not only focused on the preparation of healthy foods, he also
led the way in using safe, truthful, environmentally friendly packaging
and encouraged and supported organic farming. Health Valley Foods
has since become the gold standard for healthy, tasty, and conveniently
prepared foods.
In 1996, George sold Health Valley Foods. He felt that after 26 years
he had inspired a number of others to establish companies to produce
nutritious, conveniently prepared foods, and it was time to turn his
energies and resources toward the next phase of helping people
enjoy eating healthier. Today, he shares, free of charge, his passion
to help others, and his experiences and knowledge with everyone
who wants to know about the “Healthiest Way of Eating” through
the not-for-profit George Mateljan Foundation.
Over the years, George had come to identify which foods were
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