About Chef Maria
Some of my fondest memories dwell in hot summers spent with my grandmother baking Lebanese bread and fresh baklava, peering over her countertop, fearlessly tasting fresh, lemon-drenched raw lamb, seasoned with herbs from her fingertips.
Today, I love combining dynamic international flavors with healthy proteins and vegetables to create vibrant, nutrient-dense dishes, sourced from local, organic, and seasonal foods.
I'm a lover of food and flavor.
I simply love the way that food connects us to memories, loved ones, culture, to our very roots.
I started a Nourishment Coaching business in 2018 to guide individuals, couples, and families with tools in the kitchen to create clean, healthy, and delicious meals with ease. I enjoy supporting clients online and in-person.
I recently worked as the Executive Chef at the Highland City Club in Boulder, CO for 10 years. Prior to that, I was hired as the Chef and Consultant to open Harvest Restaurant in Madrid, Spain in 2008, Anjou in Boulder in 2007, and Café Zesta in Boulder in 2008. Since I began cooking professionally in 2005, I’ve worked in the field of natural and organic foods, and focused on special diet needs.
In 2010, after cooking professionally for over 5 years, I was diagnosed with two major autoimmune conditions as well as insulin resistance. This diagnosis was a huge turning point in my life: I had to immediately and drastically change my relationship with food. Although I was already practicing an organic, gluten-free, and dairy free diet, I knew I had to get creative to sustain a complete protein, vegetable, and healthy fat-based diet that would be delicious, exciting, and fulfilling.
It didn’t take long for this new way of eating to transform not only my health and well-being, but also that of my loved ones and customers.
“By removing sugars and other toxic foods from my diet and returning to protein and vegetable-driven meals, I found more balance, clarity, and energy in my system: physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
Since 2006, I have continuously chosen organic products in my restaurants and culinary projects, which has challenged me to experiment with ways to reduce food cost. I also understand the importance of time management in the kitchen. Therefore, you’ll find that simplicity and affordability are built into the core of all of my recipes.
Nowadays, my life is rich and full, between completing my cookbook, Heartful Kitchen, supporting my local and long-distance Nourishment Coaching clients, and teaching Soul Sweat dance. Balancing these aspects of my life inspires me to create simple, nutritious, and delicious dishes that fit my family’s diet needs and tastes with limited time.
“We are what we eat. I believe natural food helps ground us and build our relationship with our health, our bodies, and the good, sweet earth.”
I invite you to join me on this journey!
Experiment with the recipes I offer on the website.
I will open your palate with exquisite flavor combinations, while supporting you to simplify and nourish your life.
I invite you to dive into my brand new cookbook, Heartful Kitchen: A Cookbook for Every Body, and nourish your body with this helpful paleo handbook of 110 nutrient-dense recipes, guaranteed to simplify your cooking life, and bring vitality into your being.
Nourishment Coaching
Do you want support in feeling nourished in every aspect of your health and well-being?
Do you want to learn how to include clean, healthy foods and recipes that work in your unique lifestyle?
Are you looking for guidance in how to feel healthy, grounded, and alive? Wherever you are in that journey, you deserve to be nourished.
I provide one-on-one Nourishment Coaching to get you on the path of health and vitality.
Through tools, recipes, and education, I support you to fuel your life with what you need to thrive.
Contact me to re-energize your health journey and bring creativity, fun, and sanctuary to your kitchen and body.
I specialize in special diet needs, food allergies, and trouble-shooting food for busy cooks.
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