An interview with Michele Cooper from Michele’s Low Carb Lifestyle on July 19, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I ‘m married to Peter. And we have 3 boys, William, Freddie & Ollie. 2 dogs Cookie & Scoot, who are totally pampered pooches and very much part of the family. I live in a tiny village called Cranham in the Cotswolds, UK, which is very much my home for life.
Peter & I met over 4000 miles away, Dominican Republic. Yep, a big holiday romance …that resulted in our first son, William, being born 10 months later. My career initially started in fashion design, working for the Emanuel’s, who made Princess Diana’s wedding dress.
I have an enormous passion for creative cooking. Every day gives me an opportunity to do this and help people along the way, which I am passionate about.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
Peter, my husband was diagnosed, with young on set Parkinson’s Disease June 2016, he’s now 58.
Can you tell me more about M.L.C.L. Michele’s Low Carb Lifestyle?
M.L.C.L. Michele’s Low Carb Lifestyle. I run a small Facebook group, where we share our love of low carb & Keto food around our lifestyles. We believe that the choices we make with food makes such a difference to our long-term wellbeing.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
The food that Peter & I eat is driven by the knowledge that it’s making a difference to his general wellbeing and overall health. I have a passion for food and making a difference in helping others enjoy their food even though they are cutting down the carbs. Making a difference is what drives me.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when using Michele’s Low Carb Lifestyle?
So, when cutting out sugar, the benefits are massive for you neurologically. It may not cure Parkinson’s, but the energy it gives you is very apparent. Both Peter and I are walking evidence of this.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I believe that whilst, forever hopeful, there is a cure just around the corner, you can’t just sit around and wait for it to happen. So meanwhile the best course of action is bringing awareness and to encourage Parkinson’s sufferers to act themselves …it is a fight, but a fight worth fighting for.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
More awareness about the benefits of the right nutrition and tailoring it to people’s needs.
What events do you participate in?
Peter & I attend an annual football match raising awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. This is supported by Mike Tindall.
Regular meetups with other Young Onset Parkinson’s.
We used to take part in PD Warriors, which is an exercise and social program. I would love for the NHS to offer this to all the newly diagnosed.
I do live cooking shows and zooms, showing people how to cook without sugar and low carb.
How does Michele’s Low Carb Lifestyle assist caregivers?
We have massive community support in the group. Everyone who does this lifestyle is either to lose weight, health reasons or general long term health benefits. My group is passionate, loving and is very quick to answer questions of support if needed. I head the group, and spend my time creating recipes, so people don’t feel like they are missing out on the sugar.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Instagram @ Micheleslowcarblifestyle
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Take control of your own destiny & don’t disappear from society because you’re worth it.