The Many Hats of a Tiny Spoon Chef

That’s right - We definitely don’t just wear chef hats (or toques if you’re fancy!)

Each of us at Tiny Spoon brings our own unique gifts and personalities to the table.  Though we all have different backgrounds and skills, we do have one major thing in common (besides our chef skills!😉):

We are all in agreement that nothing is “off limits” when it comes to opening up to us! We want to learn about you so we can provide support in the best way possible.

This week’s blog is written by Chef Mandy who not only comes to the team wearing a chef hat, but also with experience as a certified nutritionist!

There’s almost no topic about nutrition, dietary needs, and digestion that Mandy has not covered with her clients and this week she’s here with an important message:

Being open with your chef is the best way to give your body what it needs! 

Here’s Mandy’s scoop:

To all my people out there struggling on a restive diet, healing protocol, or dealing with various food sensitivities: you are not alone!

I totally understand that prong of anxiety when a waiter at a restaurant asks, “What can I get for you?” and your follow-up is a long list of things you can’t have. Suddenly, you feel all eyes move in your direction as you’ve just publicly shared personal details about your life. I also know what it’s like to walk into a grocery store completely lost and overwhelmed with decisions you have to make that fit your new diet. This feeling of alienation and overwhelm is what drove me to become a professionally trained chef and certified nutritionist.

Food has enormous power over our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. As a personal chef and nutritionist, I want you to know that it’s possible to have amazing food every day that not only tastes amazing but also makes you feel your best.

But first, I want to introduce you to a concept that really impacted how I viewed my body and health: bio-individuality.

If you’ve never heard of it, bio-individuality is the idea that each and every one of us is uniquely different in a trillion tiny ways from everyone else on this planet.

What may decrease inflammation for one person, may cause inflammation for another. One person’s food medicine is another person's food poison. And that makes sense right? No one in this universe shares your DNA, microbiome, daily stressors, food habits, work drama, or lifestyle. That’s why one diet might change your best friend's life but may leave you feeling starved and still heavy.

You are completely unique and that deserves some appreciation!

One of my favorite aspects of working as a personal chef for Tiny Spoon is celebrating this uniqueness and finding ways to prepare delicious meals around what makes you and your family special.

As a nutritionist and as someone who has also been through the trenches with my own digestive disasters, food intolerances, and hormone imbalances, I know what it’s like to feel alienated by circumstances that feel out of our control.

I’m here to tell you, you’re not alone and our crew at Tiny Spoon Chef has your back!

Our chefs have seen and heard it all and we thrive on supporting and brightening up your day through incredible food.

Hearty kale and quinoa bowls with roasted falafel, cherry tomatoes, garam masala cucumbers, and tahini dressing – we’ve got you covered. Seared steak filet with chimichurri, garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes, and maple roasted carrots – we’re here for it. Classic lasagna with Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese – let’s go!

Food is powerful in providing nourishment and joy to our lives.

Our goal as your personal chef is to meet you where you are at and make your life easier and more joyous through amazing meals. 

A client recently opened up to me about their struggles with Crohn’s Disease and how it significantly impacted their life personally, professionally, and mentally. They couldn’t go out to eat with friends or on dates with their partner due to a super restrictive diet that alienated them from what felt like the entire world.

They sent me the list of foods that were “in the green” (things they could have) and “in the red” (foods they couldn’t have). After getting this list, I felt a sense of relief and insight into their world because I was able to understand what they were going through and exactly how I could help!

After creating a few weeks worth of delicious menus full of foods “in the green” they told me that one of the highlights of their week is coming home to a fridge full of meals that makes them feel taken care of, nourished, and most importantly, listened to.

So remember, nothing is “off limits” when it comes to opening up to your chefs! We want to learn about you so we can provide support in the best way possible.

Food is medicine after all.

By sharing what you’re going through, we are able to create meals that truly cater to your needs.

Ready to share your needs with a Tiny Spoon Chef?