My passion for cooking and good food inspired me to become a Personal Chef in 2001. As often happens to ‘foodies’ like me, eventually I found myself in a restaurant kitchen. Most who have been there will agree that operating a restaurant kitchen is a broadening experience if not rewarding. For me it was both. Although I soon discovered that being in ‘the back of the house’ wasn’t as much fun as being out front with the guests! So I returned to the kitchens of private families where I enjoy much more interaction with those I serve directly.

Today, people are scaling back household expenses by taking on tasks that were once provided by someone else, such as meal preparation. Many are seizing the opportunity to develop new skills that will serve them now and pay dividends later.

Taking my own advice, I have invested in professional certification in nutrition and wellness courses, both as a means to improve my own health and serve as an example for others. Many of our health issues these days are linked to our diet, lifestyle or both. I wanted to find a way to combine my cooking background with knowledge of good nutrition and pass that on to others. The result is a new and expanded curriculum that uses food to improve quality of life and promote healing from illness. Those who learn how to make better food choices each day, and prepare foods in a healthy way are reaping the benefits of increased energy and wellbeing.

I continue to provide in-home catering and cooking lessons for children and adults. As I add Natural Health Counselor to my services, I now offer counseling for individuals and families to identify the optimum foods for each person that enhances overall health and wellness. This includes the best cooking methods to preserve nutrients, creative and delicious ways to enjoy cooked and fresh (raw) foods, and lifestyle adjustments to achieve balance.

I invite you to learn new ways to provide delicious and nutritious meals for yourself and your family. So, invest in yourself and schedule a cooking class today!

* * *
Joy is a native of Tampa, Florida. She has owned and operated Comfort Cuisine since 2001 and manages a network of chefs serving the Tampa Bay area. Joy is a Certified Professional Food Manager ®, Certified Culinary Inspirations Instructor ®, Certified Natural Health Professional ® (graduating January, 2009).