FAQ

What is Paleo?

There are many definitions of what “Paleo” means, with some small variations between them. In the simplest terms, it is a diet that eliminates dairy, sugar, grains, legumes, and all processed foods. For some people, this also means no alcohol. Instead of looking at this diet as one of deprivation, I instead view it as one of abundance, full of grass-fed meat, wild fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats (coconut oil, lard, ghee, extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil).

Some people on the “Paleo” diet sometimes consume white rice, a bit of sugar in the form of maple syrup or local raw honey, and even a bit of grass-fed butter or cheese. In my opinion, the cleanest version of the “Paleo” diet is the Whole30. I’m a big fan of this inflammation-busting 30-day challenge, and its the only “diet” I’ve ever completed that didn’t leave me feeling unsatisfied. Nom Nom Paleo has a great cartoon about the Paleo diet, and is full of well-tested recipes that I cook for my clients often.

What is Primal?

The “Primal” diet is very similar to the “Paleo” diet, but also includes fattier meats and sometimes grass-fed dairy. The Primal Blueprint was created by Mark Sisson.

What do you eat?

I don’t like to follow a strict diet, but that being said I eat mostly Paleo. Sometimes I have a bit of goat or sheep dairy, which don’t have the same inflammatory casein as cow’s milk. If I do have cow’s dairy, its usually from Jersey cows. Other times, I don’t have any dairy. After I did the Whole30, I got way more in touch with my body and what didn’t make me feel good, so when I do indulge I know I’m going to have to deal with the consequences (i.e. tendonitis, acne, achey joints, sinus congestions). Confused about dairy? Check out this and this.

What is MTHFR?

Basically, MTHFR refers to a genetic mutation which affects how B-vitamins are absorbed. People with with mutation have a decreased ability to detoxify because their livers don’t have the vitamins to function. This post by Wellness Mama provides an in depth (but not overwhelming) explanation.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, farrow, and its relatives. Oats are also frequently eliminated for two reasons. First, the growing and processing procedures can be an opportunity for cross-contamination. Second, if you’re reacting to wheat, oats are similar enough that your body may not be able to distinguish the difference and instead react as if they were wheat.

I don’t have Celiac Disease, why should I eliminate gluten and/or wheat?

There a plenty of reasons to eliminate gluten. Leaky gut, food addictions, MTHFR, or thyroid diseases can all be helped by eliminating gluten and/or wheat at least for 30-days.

I’m a vegan on a juice cleanse. Can you cook for me?

Unfortunately, I don’t believe those plans are health-supportive. I can work with vegetarians, as long as they are able to soak and sprout their beans and grains, consume eggs, and eliminate unfermented soy.

What is a private chef?

A private chef works with multiple clients, usually 1-3 times per week, depending on the clients’ needs.

Can you deliver food to me?

Unfortunately, due to health codes, all of my cooking must be done in your kitchen or in a commercial space rented by the shift. Commercial kitchen rentals are cost-prohibitive and often an opportunity for cross-contamination. Since my focus is working with those with food allergies, this isn’t a safe option.

What if my kitchen doesn’t have everything you need?

Before we begin working together, I’ll provide a list of necessities.

Where do you buy food?

Depending on your budget, I prefer to shop at a combination of farmers markets, Whole Foods, local health food stores, or Fresh Direct. This also depends on the location of your home in relation to the grocery store.

What is your day rate?

Contact me to set up an initial phone call! We’ll go over your diet, likes/dislikes, health goals, and my day rate.

What does your day rate include?

My day rate includes up to 6 hours of cooking, menu planning, grocery shopping, and cleaning per day. This does not include the cost of groceries.

Can you cater my event?

Contact me to check my availability!

What is a nutritional consultant?

As a nutritional consultant, I work with clients who want to make a lifestyle change and are facing a health challenge. I have worked with people struggling with obesity, high cholesterol, rashes, breakouts, body aches, fatigue, leaky gut, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, Celiac Disease, diabetes, food allergies, and hormone imbalances.

Can you be my nutritional consultant AND private chef?

Absolutely!

I can’t afford you, but I’m very sick and I need to work with you! Do you offer a sliding scale?

Contact me to discuss your needs. I offer one pro bono program per year, and chances are we can find a way to work together.

Can you donate food or services for my event?

Possibly! In the past I’ve donated one-on-one cooking lessons for charity auctions. Contact me to discuss your event.