Most people are cooking with oils that they think are healthy, but are wreaking havoc on their inflammation levels… and even their olive oil isn’t doing what they think it is. In this episode, Mona sits down with Katina Mountanos, founder of Kosterina, to unpack what real extra-virgin olive oil actually is, how to spot rancid or low-quality bottles on the shelf, and her POV on the notion that you “can’t cook with olive oil.”

In this episode of Mona-vated, Mona reconnects with her roots and explores the timeless rituals and remedies passed down through generations in her family. Long before beauty routines and wellness trends filled the internet, these traditions celebrated the harmony between nature and self. From the golden warmth of saffron and the soothing purity of rosewater to the healing strength of turmeric, Mona shares the powerful ingredients and ancestral wisdom that continue to shape her holistic approach to wellness. She also reveals her grandmother’s secret ritual for glowing summer skin, a timeless reminder that true radiance begins with simplicity and care.

In this episode, Mona reflects on the quiet art of giving yourself time to do nothing. She shares how moments of stillness, whether eating without distractions or simply sitting and being present, can feel meditative and revealing. In a life that is always busy, she invites us to pause, notice the little things, and create space for ourselves.