Richard LaMarita has been a student and practitioner of Ayurveda for 35 years and a chef instructor for 25 years. He has been working as a chef instructor at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City since 1994, and has extensive professional culinary experience. He has served in the kitchens at New York City restaurants like Tabla and Savoy, and also as a private chef for well-known families and individuals.

LaMarita has studied Ayurveda in the United States and India, with accomplished masters and vaidyas including Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He frequently leads workshops and retreats on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic diet.