GET TO KNOW US

My name is Victoria and healthy eating and living has become a way of life for me and for my family. I am not a chef, a physician, or a nutritionist but a mom who is passionate about promoting good health.  In a country where many thrive on processed foods and sugary drinks, public health authorities are reporting an increasing rate of childhood and adult obesity and diabetes, as well as other negative consequences of these lifestyle choices.  We can stop this growing number but we all have to commit to making changes.  I built this blog to help others learn and inspire people to make a change.

I am very excited to have Chef Amy partner in this blog so she can share her knowledge about nutrition and amazingly delicious recipes with all of us.  She has been a close family friend for several years and is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out.  She is a wife, a mother, a friend, a sister, and runs a business so I am very grateful she will lend her time to this site.

When you find what you are passionate about, you will inspire, change lives, and your own heart will be happy. Health and food are my passion. Get ready to be inspired!

  • I am a mother of two girls ~ 4, and going on 20, and 2 who follows big sis’ lead.  They have made me a better person and inspire me everyday.
  • I studied Finance and Accounting in college ~ Growing up my parents taught me about budgeting.  From a young age I had a job and had to earn everything.  My dad has a masters in Finance so I guess I wanted to follow his lead.  Although I enjoyed it, it was never a passion.  I have found my passion now!  I am hoping to go back to school soon for a degree in Nutrition.
  • I love to run and take hot yoga classes~ Nothing can clear my head, take away stress, and put a smile on my face like a nice long run or a hot yoga class.  The are my therapy.
  • I am a morning person ~ I am watching the sunrise as I write this. The sunrise reminds me of a fresh start, and everyday we get one.
  • Coffee is my first love ~ I’m always happy to see it, and it leaves me wanting more every time. Just two cups a day, and if it’s good coffee it does not need anything added.
  • Photography ~ you eat with you eyes first, right?! It is a big part of blogs and I am a beginner. Bare with me while I learn!
  • Moment that changed my life ~ There are many, but since this is a health / food blog focused on families, I will say when I learned a friend could see a difference in behavior in her toddler after cutting out Red–40 food dye in his food. Not as easy as you might think. Food dyes are in almost everything at grocery stores, other than health food and specialty stores. It made me start researching and learning about what all is in our food. Now I want all of you to know too!
  • Something I’ve given up and don’t miss ~ artificial sweeteners and counting calories.  My life used to revolve around numbers.  The number of calories in food, the number on the scale, and the number of minutes I worked out a day.  It was miserable and I was so unhealthy.  I feel better now than I have ever felt.

About Chef Amy:

Chef Amy is a graduate of the Culinary Business Academy, a premier member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA), as well as an active member of the Atlanta USPCA chapter.  She is the owner of A la Chef, a personal chef and catering service in the North Atlanta area.

  • I am a mom of 3 – 15 year old son who loves his momma’s cooking, a 13 year old daughter who started cooking with me before she could even see over the counter and a 10 year old daughter whose favorite vegetable is Brussel Sprouts – no joke!
  • I am a personal chef – I cook for many busy families, working professionals, and heath conscious singles which have become like my extended family.  During the day I do Custom Meal Service making up 5-6 meals that neatly stack in the freezer awaiting that busy evening when there is no time to cook.  I also teach cooking classes (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE) and prepare dinner parties so the host can concentrate on their guests.
  • Family dinner time has always been important – and something my kids look forward to each day.  Even with all the craziness that 3 kid’s schedules bring, we make it a point to eat together 6 out of 7 nights a week.  We share SO much laughter, thanks to my silly husband!
  • I have been cooking as long as I can remember – with my grandmother in the kitchen as she made homemade bread or chicken and dumplings and with my mom preparing her famous Crock Pot meals.
  • I DO like the feeling of when I exercise but finding the time can be challenging.  Can I get an AMEN?  Baby steps to my running shoes and baby steps mile after mile…  I see a marathon in my future…
  • I am a night owl as that is the only time I am not interrupted, just wish that I got a second wind around 11pm!  I love the quiet of the evening when the kids have gone to bed knowing that we are once again all under the same roof!
  • Food is full of love and art – I truly believe that you can taste the love in food.  Have you ever tasted the difference?  Someone told me that the way to my husband’s heart was thru his stomach – I guess they were right!   All the colors and shapes of fruits and vegetables you find in the grocery store are a playground for the kitchen.  The options are endless and creativity can be oh so delicious especially when you get to lick the spoon!
  • Special Moment – cooking for a client that was house bound, heavily medicated and not well.  After tailoring a special diet for him and his wife he got off a host of medications, gained health and strength, and was able to get up and around.  His doctor was amazed and wanted to see what on earth he had been doing to get such fabulous results!  Foods can make a big difference in your health now and for the future.  So why not start today?
  • Favorite quote – “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” Winston Churchill.  I really believe that it is better to give than receive and make it a priority to teach my kids this value!  It is not about what we don’t have but what we can be grateful for – everyday is a gift!
  • Something I have given up and don’t miss – fast food!