Celene Bernstein (Abel)

Professor Celene Bernstein

Prof. Celene Bernstein is a prominent South African graduate of Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical practice, with over 45 years of experience in alternative health. Her journey in education began with a B.A. degree in Remedial Teaching from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where she worked extensively with mentally challenged children. This experience provided her with deep insights, which she later applied while teaching in local government schools. Prof. Bernstein identified a crucial link between children’s nutritional habits and their learning and behavioral challenges. Through dietary interventions, she observed remarkable improvements in students' behavior, learning capabilities, and overall health, even helping many children reduce or eliminate their reliance on medication such as Ritalin.

Driven by her passion for health, Prof. Bernstein pursued further studies in Health and Nutritional Science through the American College of Health Science, formerly based in Austin, Texas, and was later awarded a professorship in an honourary capacity for her thesis, "How the Body Acts on the Food We Eat." The work underscored her belief in the body’s innate ability to sustain good health when provided with optimal conditions.

As an educator and agent for the Life Science Institute's course in South Africa, she guided over 30 students to completion. Her career expanded to include public speaking engagements, seminars for executive companies, magazine contributions, and appearances on radio and TV, spreading her message of health and wellness.

Her book, Health Seekers, published in 1997, addressed the public’s need for accessible nutritional advice and has been praised by experts such as Dr. Andre Kruger and the late Prof. Reuben Musiker for bridging the gap between modern living and a healthier lifestyle.

Prof. Bernstein also served as the head of Zest4life in South Africa and as a mentor for other wellness practitioners under the guidance of Patrick Holford. Certified by COMENSA as a Health and Coaching Mentor, she refers to herself as "The Health Mentor" and continues to evolve her practice by integrating different programs of eating such as The Right Way To Fast; Whole Food Plant Based (Vegan and Vegetarian eating programmes); Low Carb, Moderate Protein High Fat and in 2022 she further expanded her expertise by completing The Fire Diabetes Course with Dr Snyman. Prof. Celene also promotes the Low Glycaemic load diet that she learnt from Patrick Holford. She ensures that any eating programme she advocates for her clients, is personally suited for them. “Everybody is different"

At 81 years young, Prof. Bernstein remains dedicated to her consulting practice, which includes in-person and virtual health and wellness sessions. Her wellness philosophy centres around the power of the mind in achieving optimal health, and she finds ongoing inspiration in the gratitude of her clients whose lives have been transformed.

Her mantra is simple yet profound: "Transform your plate, transform your life—healthier choices for a vibrant you." She embodies the belief that it is never too late to embark on a journey of health, wellness, and lifelong learning.