Hi!
I’m Michelle.
I’m a certified Plant-Based Holistic Chef and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, with a strong focus on Gut Health. My passion is creating conscious and nutritious meals to show people that 'eating healthy' can also be extremely delicious AND sustainable.
I graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts in Austin, TX, where I learned innovative coaching methods, practical lifestyle management techniques, and over 100 dietary theories like Ayurveda, whole30, paleo, gluten-free, lectin-free, raw, vegetarian, macrobiotic, and everything in between. I’ve implemented these techniques in my personal life, and have helped my friends and family do the same over the past 4 years.
My focus is on intuitive eating, self-care, healthy living, and holistic wellness. As the daughter of a Mexican restauranteur and a Polish chef, unique culinary experiences have always been a part of who I am. Growing up, my family and I traveled the globe extensively to satisfy my Dad’s passion for international cuisine and, more importantly, his desire to expose me to various cultures at a young age. For me, food is how I connect with my loved ones.
As you can imagine, being surrounded by diverse and delicious food at all times had its consequences, as well. Eventually I claimed the unofficial title as 'the chubby one' in my family, and thus began my struggle with my weight that lasted throughout my teenage years, and some time after. At the age of 14, my parents brought me to a nutritionist who helped me understand and implement crucial nutritional discipline that enabled me to lose almost 30 pounds in one year.
Sadly, due to some unexpected and disorienting life changes (including a sudden international move), I gained almost all of that weight back and quickly found myself back at square one — depressed, exhausted, insecure, and unmotivated. In an attempt to intervene in the way he knew best, my father sent me to “Rancho La Puerta,” a health camp in Tecate, Mexico. It was my experience here that really ignited my passions for conscious cooking, yoga, meditation, various types of workouts, and hikes in the mountains before sunrise.
“That’s when it all clicked for me — Food truly has the power to heal, and our health is determined by the choices we make every day.”
Let’s fast forward. It’s 2020. I now live in Austin, TX, and have been working full-time as a holistic chef for the last 4 years. After graduating in 2016, I sharpened my skills in the local food scene, and most recently found myself as the private chef for a billionaire in the West Lake Hills of Austin. As it has always been my goal to spread health, wellness, and the joy of cooking with more people, I became a certified Health Coach in 2018. By sharing my inspirations in the kitchen with my clients, I want to empower them to be the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.
As a chef, I will teach you how to nourish YOUR body.
As a coach, I will put your health back in YOUR hands.
Curious about how I can help you grow into a healthier YOU? Let’s talk.