Today we’d like to introduce you to Milena Papendick.
Hi Milena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in a household of naturopaths and chefs, I started to connect the dots between food and human health at an early age. We always ate colorful meals at the family table, which ignited my love for healthy food and nutrition. My mother is a great chef and has always taught me how to use the healing powers of herbs and plants in the kitchen. Practicing naturopathy, she faced many diet-related illnesses in patients and has passed on her valuable knowledge to me over the years.
During my years as an inflight chef on private jets, I collected transformative experiences in the fine dining industry around the globe. I’ve spent many months living in Dubai, the Caribbean, and Italy, where I learned firsthand about their local food and culture.
Whilst studying for my diploma in plant-based nutrition, I became fascinated with the remarkable healing properties of food, and I knew that I wanted to keep sharing this knowledge. I absolutely love what I do. My enthusiasm for nutrition science, new research, and genuine love for people makes my work so fulfilling.
In 2019 my parents and me founded Smart Cuisine consulting. We accompanied several restaurant openings in Switzerland and the United States since then. As experienced chefs and restaurant owners, we help other businesses expand their “palettes” and explore healthy solutions. After the pandemic, my parents are focusing on rental properties and private chef services in southern Italy, and I visit as often as I can.
In 2022 I moved to Savannah, GA, where I manage the wellness department at a local and independently owned Health Food Store. We specialize in botanical remedies, herbs, supplements, and of course, organic, farm-to-table produce.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Leaving my home country and moving to the U.S. was definitely a huge step for me, and conducting my coachings in another language was a big steppingstone.
When I decided to pursue a career in nutrition, I learned quickly that there are many ideologies, believes, and of course, certain teachings that I do not agree with. The science of healthy food is so broad and wonderfully expanding in all directions, so for many people, it can be a maze to find what fits their needs and physique. Personalized nutrition is a solution for this. My client is evaluated and guided towards intuitive choices for their goals.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My evidence-based nutrition and wellness coaching is for everyone, whether you’re curious about eating healthier, have fitness goals, or need answers about gut health. I work with mothers, fathers, health-curious vegans, experimenting meat eaters, handy cooks, and microwave-heroes; anyone ready for change.
We start by evaluating your goals, identifying where you are now and where you want to be. Together, we identify obstacles and habits, finding solutions that work for you. We’ll explore how your food choices impact your work, family, and health, and create your ideal weekly food plan. Aligning your mind with your goals is crucial, focusing on the psychology of eating and breaking habits.
We’ll dwelve into the latest nutritional science, helping you understand nutritional values, reading labels, and deciphering ingredients and key components.
We’ll cover macro- and micronutrients, their importance, and how to steady glucose levels. Gut health is also a priority, looking at the role of fermented foods and diverse plant fiber. We’ll address environmental factors and animal welfare, and how they affect human life.
Lastly, we’ll create a personal food guide, I offer lessons in meal planning, and provide easy kitchen hacks, ensuring your cravings are satisfied and your goals are met.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Respecting different perspectives in life. Often there is not one right answer or one solution to a problem.
Taking everything with a grain of salt and being able to laugh about my own mistakes 🙂
Also, 10 years of long-haul travel opened my heart to different cultures, foods, religions, societies, and people. Gratefulness is one of the most powerful tools to find happiness in life.
Pricing:
- Free consultation
- 30min = 35USD
Contact Info:
- Website: www.milena-rose.com
- Instagram: milenarosenutrition
