Holistic Chef
Let’s develop your food intuition!
What is a Holistic chef?
A holistic chef focuses on a whole-life approach to wellness. It is more than diet, it’s a way of life that all begins in the gut. Courtney focuses on creating nourishing food that satisfies the body, mind & the spirit. A busy lifestyle can make thoughtful meal planning a challenge. Courtney prepares meals full of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates using whole organic ingredients from local grocers and farmers markets.
Gluten Free . Dairy Free . Plant Based . Paleo . FODMAP . SIBO . Whole 30. Lectin Free. GAPS diet
Gut Health
Most people rarely think of the microorganisms in the world and how they impact our daily lives or how important they are to our very existence. There are more microorganisms on earth than stars in our galaxy with estimates of 1 trillion different species of microbes (Gilbert, 2017). They can exist in the harshest places on earth from the depths of the ocean to highest point in our atmosphere. Some microorganisms help create food products such as yogurt, vinegar, cheese and pickles while others break down matter in soil, sewage and oil spills.
The surface of your GI tract is larger than two tennis courts with over 10,000 different microbe species. There are enough microbes on your body to wrap around the earth two and a half times. The microbiota is defined as a set of microorganisms that exist in or on a particular part of the body. The mouth, gut, skin and nether regions have their own microbiota consisting of eukaryotes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea (Ferranti, Erin P et al. 2014). The body’s microbiome consists of 100 trillion microbial cells compared to 10 trillion human cells, which would make us 10% human (Knight, 2016).
Your gut microbiota is sometimes called the forgotten organ because it is responsible for many different aspects of health. The microbiota controls your body’s metabolism and immune system. It has a tremendous impact on brain function, behavior, and personality.
The diversity of your gut microbiota species determines the health of the individual. There is a growing amount of research that connects mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and autism to our microbiota. There is also a growing amount of research that can directly link the gut microbiota to chronic and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel disease, chronic inflammation, celiac disease, Alzheimer’s, asthma, arthritis, colon cancer and obesity (Sonnenberg, 2016). The Standard American lifestyle and diet contributes to the lack of diversity in the gut and to the prevalence in disease and illnesses.
The ecosystem in your gut has profound impact on how you feel and who you are. Courtney’s mission is to help empower you to tune into your body and rewild your health so that you can enjoy the happy healthy life that you deserve. Together we can explore your relationship to food, understand specific cravings, food related ailments, discover new food and recipes and optimize your vitality.
You'll have more flexibility and highly personalized food with your own chef Courtney. Her food is clean and delicious. Working with Courtney can free up time to spend with your family and enjoy all the splendors of the world. She can stock up a fridge or freezer as the needed. She cooks in your kitchen or a commercial kitchen, your choice. She has an extensive repertoire of recipes that you can select from. She can do all the shopping and is also willing to pick up extra grocery items if you need them. She can creating delicious meals so you can focus on what’s most important.
Think of the relief you will feel to not worry about cooking dinner every night. Think of the satisfaction you will feel of knowing that you and your family will be nourished with the best quality foods available. Courtney has experience cooking for a variety of health issues and dietary restrictions.
Let’s begin this beautiful journey with an in home consultation or zoom call. In our meeting we will discuss your dietary needs, allergies and culinary goals.
Weekly meal prep includes menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, packaging, storing & clean-up. Bi-weekly, or monthly cook schedules available upon request. Hourly rate + the cost of groceries. *Additional travel fees may apply.
Contact Courtney to schedule a consultation today!
Rewilding Your Health!
References:
Journal - 20 Things You Didn't Know About the Human Gut Microbiome in The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191858/
Book - Dirt is Good, The Advantages of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System by Jack Gilbert, Ph.D. and Rob Knight, Ph.D. with Sandra Blakeslee
Book - The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health by by Justin Sonnenburg and Erica Sonnenburg