What I’m Loving: Creating Curated Events

Mar 2

Recently I had an amazing opportunity to create and guide a group through a two day health retreat at a private residence. I was asked by a former client if I could come up with a coaching idea for her mom as a gift. (I was thrilled that she considered me worthy of giving as a gift to her loved one.) She enjoyed when we worked together, and wanted to give her mom a similar experience. After we brainstormed about some ideas, I followed up with an itinerary of activities, which included cooking lessons, a grocery store shopping trip and group coaching.

The group seemed to enjoy all that I had to share. For me, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to create a customized event around how to make healthier choices without really trying! People are learning, once you’re aware of what is in certain pre-packaged foods, sauces and dressings, how easy it is to make better choices. Learning a few new cooking techniques and how to use fresh ingredients changes everything. There is power in the food choices you make, and small changes can make a big impact.

I shared some of the things I do, and how easy it is to incorporate a few small changes. Starting with your first cup of the day. I always start my day with a full glass of water, and I add about a half teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt. Why? Your body is dehydrated from sleeping, and will absorb water more effectively with the addition of salt. Adding some health benefits to your coffee can kick start your day too. I make my coffee with a scoop of collagen, a squirt of MCT oil and a healthy non-dairy creamer. The right creamer is where you can really make a great or poor choice. So many creamers claim to be “healthy”. My rule is to read the back of the package, not the front. My favorite creamer right now is by Laird. It contains adaptogens, which work to combat fatigue and increase energy levels in a different way than caffeine. They balance the hypothalamic, pituitary and adrenal glands (otherwise known as the HPA Axis) which helps with chronic stress. Did you know your coffee could do all that? It was fun sharing such simple tips with the group and seeing the proverbial light bulb illuminate over their heads.

Knowing how to choose ingredients and understanding basic cooking techniques can elevate what you do in the kitchen from following time-consuming recipes step by step, to opening your refrigerator, pulling out some ingredients and whipping up a delicious meal in no time. Being able to offer this as a service to clients is special to me, because I love sharing what I know.

Having such a positive experience with this group last month made me enthusiastic to book more of these events, so I added it to my offerings here on the website, be sure to check it out. I tentatively have more upcoming speaking/cooking events. One at the Edible Education Experience, which is a program here in Orlando which is part of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. It’s one of my favorite venues. I’ll share more information as we confirm details, and would love to see some of my local community attend.