REAL FOOD. HEALTHY LIVING
MODERN WELLNESS
Get on track with free recipes, tips + inspiration
HI THERE. I’M AMANDA
I have been working in the natural food and wellness industry as a chef and educator for over 10 years. It was my own personal struggle with food and diet that led me to pursue this career path; the amount of conflicting information about nutrition and health was a source of fear and panic. I began to restrict calories and dreaded social situations where food was involved.
Through my own education, over time, I learned to have eat with confidence and nourish myself with a whole, balanced diet. My relationship with food become healthy and overwhelmingly positive.
My focus now is on educating and coaching the principals of a nutrient-dense and whole foods diet. I’ve worked with people navigating a new diagnosis, food allergies, disordered eating, and those simply looking to enhance their health and well-being.
That being said, through my work as an educator and coach for over a decade, I have seen diets, trends, and fads come and go. There are a few principals that have remained tried and true – and they are the tenants that ground my cooking, teaching, and coaching.
Real Food Always Wins – Ditch the Junk
There’s no way around it – a healthy diet is made up of real foods. Those without ingredient lists, and labels, that come without instructions, and don’t list the calories. Real food is usually found at farmer’s markets, and around the perimeter of your grocery store. Regardless of what diet you adhere to – this is the common thread in all healthy lifestyles.
Eat What You Like
Sure, food is our source of fuel and nourishment, but ideally, it should also be enjoyed. Mainly because if it doesn’t taste good, you’re not going to eat it regularly enough (see #3). There may be an adjustment period for taste buds to change or adjust to a new way of eating, and it’s always important to have an open mind and try new things; but if you don’t ‘care for’ something – don’t eat it. Find what you truly enjoy and make that the cornerstone of your diet.
There Are No Magic Bullets – but Consistency + Commitment Are Pretty Powerful
This might not be the sexy answer – but when it comes to wellness, it’s what you do consistently, over a long period of time that counts. Your habits didn’t develop overnight, and likewise, it may be a process to successfully create new ones. So, put the ‘magic pills’ back on the shelf, and examine what specific habits you can improve that will help you to reach your goals – even if it takes a little time.
These principals can sometimes be easier said than done, but when adhered to, you will develop a confidence in eating and nourishing yourself – and begin to look and feel your best.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BIO
Amanda is a natural foods educator, chef, health coach, and wellness expert with over seven years of experience. She graduated from New York University in 2005 with a degree in Communication and Nutrition Studies. Amanda went on to receive her culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute and furthered her holistic nutrition education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. After working in kitchens in New York City, Amanda relocated to Chicago and began to share her passion for natural foods and healthy living with her private cooking and coaching clients.
She believes that a healthy lifestyle is about balance, and encourages her clients to consume plant-based foods and seasonally vibrant produce. Amanda works with clients to create small shifts that have a big impact on health, weight and energy.
Amanda teaches public cooking classes at Whole Foods Market in Chicago, is the resident chef of Bump Club and Beyond, and is a nutritional coach for Ruth’s Hemp Foods. She has been featured in Daily Candy, Vital Juice, Mindful Metropolis and has appeared on I Am Healthy Radio, NBC Chicago and You and Me This Morning.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ME?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL BIO
Amanda is a natural foods educator, chef, health coach, and wellness expert with over seven years of experience. She graduated from New York University in 2005 with a degree in Communication and Nutrition Studies. Amanda went on to receive her culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute and furthered her holistic nutrition education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. After working in kitchens in New York City, Amanda relocated to Chicago and began to share her passion for natural foods and healthy living with her private cooking and coaching clients.
She believes that a healthy lifestyle is about balance, and encourages her clients to consume plant-based foods and seasonally vibrant produce. Amanda works with clients to create small shifts that have a big impact on health, weight and energy.
Amanda teaches public cooking classes at Whole Foods Market in Chicago, is the resident chef of Bump Club and Beyond, and is a nutritional coach for Ruth’s Hemp Foods. She has been featured in Daily Candy, Vital Juice, Mindful Metropolis and has appeared on I Am Healthy Radio, NBC Chicago and You and Me This Morning.
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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Here are some FAQ’s that might help.
If not. send me a note and I would love to answer you personally.
What is a health coach? How is it different than a nutritionist?
I usually say that most people KNOW what they should be doing to look and feel their best. The problem is, that there are all of these roadblocks in the way that prevent them from getting on – and staying on – the right track. A health coach is crucial to help identify what those blocks are – and move ‘em out of the way!
A health coach guides and support their clients towards sustainable behavioral change in the wellness realm. A coach helps to identify and realize goals – usually surrounding diet, weight, energy, and health. This is achieved through education, encouragement, and accountability. Everyone can use their own personal teacher and cheerleader, right?
Health coaches are similar to nutritionists as they are both super passionate about healthy, nutrient-dense food. Health coaches usually focus more on educating and creating behavioral change. Coaches do not have the science background nutritionists do, and are not qualified to prescribe specific diet plans.
What type of people do you work with?
I’ve worked with all sorts of people! College students, young professionals, new moms, and senior citizens have all been on my client roster. What ALL of my clients have in common is a desire to make real change in their life. Some people come to me with specific dietary restrictions (celiac disease, diabetes, food allergies, etc.) and are looking for support and guidance in transitioning to a new diet. Others are trying to lose weight, increase energy, recover from disordered eating, or provide their families with a healthy foundation.
How long do you usually work with people?
This is different for everyone. Sometimes I just meet with someone for a comprehensive consultation. They may just need a few tips or a nudge to inspire change. I may do a one-day cooking class with some people to provide inspiration to get them out of a rut. And there are some clients I have worked with for years!
Usually, it takes 3 months to create new habits – so if I am a fit with a client, I like for people to commit to a 12-week program to see real and lasting results in their lives.
With that being said, I am well educated and versed in a variety of dietary theories. Most of my public cooking classes are gluten-free and vegan.
I am interested in pursuing work similar to yours. How did you get started?
Working in the health and wellness field is truly a rewarding profession and I am so grateful I have a career I love. My career path unfolded in an organic way and my education and experience layered over the years to get me where I am today.
If you are interested in starting a career as a health coach, I encourage you to explore the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s distance based certification course. You can check out their curriculum guide here.
Are you a vegetarian?
I am not a vegetarian – but eat a mostly plant-based diet. I was a vegetarian for 2 years – and was at the time I attended culinary school. I will occasionally enjoy wild seafood or grass-fed/organic meat. I have found my body will crave animal protein and a little bit helps me feel strong and grounded.
I try to limit my dairy intake as I notice it can make my stomach feel kind of gross when I eat too much. I will have organic goat’s cheese or yogurt on occasion as it is easier to digest and tastes pretty great.
With that being said, I am well educated and versed in a variety of dietary theories. Most of my public cooking classes are gluten-free and vegan.
What is your favorite thing to cook?
This may be the question I am asked the most! And it is the hardest for me to answer. I usually am inspired by the seasons so my answer changes depending on the time of the year. But I HAVE to choose… I think I get pretty excited about cooking up hearty soups and stews in the fall. And fresh green salads in spring and summer.
With that being said, I am well educated and versed in a variety of dietary theories. Most of my public cooking classes are gluten-free and vegan.
What People
