If you’re a regular class attendee at The Seasoned Chef, you may have noticed that there is a new series of classes on the schedule. And it’s a series that we’re extremely proud of, because it’s new, different than anything we’ve seen locally, and, most importantly, it touches directly on our health food philosophy – eating whole, complete foods as often as possible.

We believe that food is the fuel that can help you to live a truly wonderful life… but we also believe that healthy food can be delicious!

And that’s exactly what these classes teach – how to make healthy food that is simple to pull together and tastes absolutely divine.

These classes, that we’re calling “Lifestyle Cooking,” are taught by two dynamic individuals. Many of you are likely familiar with Chef Dan, who creates and teaches the recipes that we all want to know.  Though new to the programming is our resident nutritionist, Vicki Robichaux.

We took a moment to sit down with Vicki so that she can tell you a little bit more about herself and the unique programming she’s helping to lead.

And with that, let’s dive into it…

MEET VICKI ROBICHAUX

PLEASE SHARE A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR BACKGROUND. WHERE ARE YOU FROM, WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN NUTRITION, THAT MAKES YOU TICK?

Education-wise, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics with academic distinction from the University of Northern Colorado, where I also completed my internship in dietetics. I maintain my status as a Registered Dietitian through annual continuing education programs, and am certified in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I have completed the AFMCP, GI and Energy modules with the Institute of Functional Medicine, Advanced level III with Next Level Functional Nutrition as well as a variety of culinary trainings and nutrition seminars.

Personally, I consider myself a “foodie” and a wine lover. I enjoy traveling all over the world and eating at great restaurants to try new foods and new experiences. I enjoy an active lifestyle and take advantage of a variety of Colorado outdoor activities. I love to cook but I don’t want to spend all day doing it so convenience is key for me, which you’ll notice in most of the recipes that Chef Dan and I create together.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PHILOSOPHY WITH NUTRITION.

I believe in getting back to basics and using food as medicine. So much of the grocery store is filled with highly processed foods manufactured for convenience not health.  My goal is to help my clients to make the switch over to healthful food that is right for them as individuals, easy to prepare, and definitely tasty!

HOW DID YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEASONED CHEF COME TO BE?

I reached out to Chef Dan around the first of the year because I knew that our philosophies on nutrition were very similar.  I feel that health starts in the kitchen, but few of my clients tend to know how to prepare the foods we discuss in delicious and nutritious ways!  When I recommend specific foods, I’m recommending them as medicine to help my client get and stay healthy.  Chef Dan was the perfect partner to make this concept a related, and we were both very excited about the idea of a collaboration.

WHAT MAKES YOUR CLASSES UNIQUE?

These classes are unique because I spend the first half hour of the class talking about the “why” behind the recipe. What ingredients did we select, how do we choose and prepare those ingredients to get the highest nutritional value out of them, and how can they be combined in a nutritious way.

After the discussion portion, Chef Dan teaches the techniques needed to prepare those foods and we make the recipe during class.  His portion is very hands on and is a great way to experience actually working with the foods in the kitchen so that you know exactly what you’re doing when you’re cooking back at home.

To see Vicki and Chef Dan in action, their next class will be “Cooking for Vitality,” where we’ll discuss how to increase your energy naturally and increasing your vitality through food.  To learn more details and RSVP, click here.