FAQ2015-03-08T05:38:38+00:00
How does a personal chef visit work?2016-03-29T20:53:38+00:00

For complete information about our personal chef services, including current pricing, please visit our services page.

Below, we have put together a brief summary of all the steps involved so that you have a better idea of what a visit entails.

  • Call us, email or fill out the contact form. We will email or call you back, figure out your needs and schedule a visit.
  • If you have multiple food sensitivities, we will send you a link to an extensive survey to find out your food sensitivities and preferences.
  • Once we receive the survey, we will go over it and come up with a sample menu.
  • We will email you our menu ideas and work out a menu based on your feedback.
  • If you would like to do the shopping, we will send you a detailed list a few days in advance.
  • If you would like us to do the shopping, we will purchase the groceries and come to your house at the agreed upon date and time.
  • We will cook your meals in your kitchen and package them in containers if you prefer.
  • We will clean the kitchen and leave it looking just like we found it.
  • A few days after the visit, we will send you a brief survey to get your feedback on each dish and the visit itself.
  • We will invoice you for the visit and groceries if applicable. We accept checks or credit cards via Paypal. If paying via Paypal, be aware that we will add an extra 3% to the cost of the groceries only, in order to cover the costs of the credit card transactions. We will not charge extra for cooking or shopping. Usually, this comes out to a couple extra dollars.
What is therapeutic cooking?2018-02-14T20:41:20+00:00

The Secret Ingredient specializes in therapeutic cooking – the art and science of preparing meals designed to meet specific guidelines to support your health. Usually these guidelines are established by doctors or nutritionists that our clients work with. We support clients with a variety of health conditions, food restrictions, food sensitivities and needs. Whether you need one visit because you are recovering from surgery or regular weekly visits for the long-term, we are here to help.

We support all special diets, food sensitivities and food allergies. Some of the more common diets we work with include:

  • Autoimmune
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Dairy-free
  • GAPS
  • Gluten-free
  • Interstitial cystitis diet (IC diet)
  • Low-sodium
  • Low FODMAP (SIBO diet)
  • Crohn’s diet
  • Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
  • Sugar-detox and sugar-free
  • Paleo
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan

Below are some of the most common scenarios that we assist with on a regular basis.

Short-term (1-4 visits)

  • Recovering from surgery, hospitalization or illness
  • Help with switching to a new diet
  • Meal support for new parents

Mid-term (5-10 visits)

  • Candida
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth)
  • Meal support for new parents
  • Weight loss
  • Transitioning to a healthier diet

Long-term (10+ visits)

  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Cancer
  • Candida
  • Celiac

  • Crohn’s

  • Diabetes
  • Food sensitivities/allergies
  • Gastrointestinal conditions
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • MS (multiple sclerosis)
  • SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth)
  • Weight loss and management
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