Client Testimonials
Going into this program, my wife and I didn't know what to expect. We knew that our eating habits were less than ideal, we knew that there was a lot we could learn about foods, and chemicals and such, but we didn't expect our quality of life to change so dramatically. Starting on the first day when we learned about the health benefits of "leafy greens", we were exposed to a variety of helpful information that allowed us to make the healthy changes we wanted all along, but didn't know how to make.
Wendy quickly put me at ease telling me that she doesn't subscribe to the typical strictly regimented "diet" plan. "I don't want to eliminate anything from your diet, only replace" she told us in our first meeting. And truly lasting change can never stick if you are on a check list diet. Rather the information given us was presented in an easy to understand way, that caused us to weigh the benefits against the downfalls. She has helped us understand the difference between whole foods, and processed foods, educated us on the benefits of healthy fats, and shown us why it's nourishing on several levels to sit down and eat a home cooked meal with your family.
The second component to this educational experience, the cooking classes, gave us a chance to meet some other people in pursuit of better quality of life, and get some great ideas for home cooking, the right way. For us, time was short and our recipe book was shorter. The classes gave us some great ways to make good quality meals, without hours of preparation. Plus the food is excellent.
The end result; better quality of life. Energy levels are up, sugar addictions are down, and food is actually tasting better! And that's only the start. Wendy's health guidance isn't limited to just the physical food you take into yourself, but your spiritual, relational, vocational diets too.
Wendy is a friendly and well educated professional, whose passion is to help people learn how to have a more healthy lifestyle. She is a good counselor and friend to my wife and I, and this class has been invaluable to us and our life together.
Brian and Joanna Ferree
"For us, learning what to eat and why has been a lifestyle renovation. Lots of facts and myths have been clarified: Why should we eat red potatoes instead of white ones? How should I cook my foods, steaming or sauteing? Can I prevent free radicals from entering my system? What types of veggie greens can expunge the ones already running in my body?
Even our 10 year old foster son who is adamant that only 'junk food' tasted good, admitted to completely changing his view on food and health after participating in the experiential cooking classes offered in the Be Well program. He participated with the rest of the group in creating the meal on his own. Not only is it a night out with your loved ones (my husband joined me every time and for free!) while enjoying cooking lessons through a live step-by-step demonstration in a fun, relaxed and comfortable environment, but clients are able to participate actively. We are being taught the reason why they are the best types of cooking techniques, quality foods, nutritional values, inexpensive alimentation, useful terminology to keep in mind when purchasing food, and incredibly, how to work up creative, healthy snacks and entire meals that literally take no time at all. The group workshops offer the finishing touch to the individual sessions and cooking classes which explain and emphasize facts about health and food which are intertwined and, as a matter of fact, affect all areas of life. You'll believe me once you go through this worthwhile life changing experience on your own. I can seriously and honestly say that I am not exaggerating.
Best of all, Wendy has introduced a wide range of food types and meal varieties all of which have specific meaning to them: from nutritional content to personal symbolism. These issues are discussed with the counselors in a safe, confidential face-to-face context in order to address one's particular problems and/or needs. The selected items that one purchases influence the nature of our being on all levels: physical, emotional and believe it or not, even behavioral. Thus the ascertained phrase: You are what you eat! Eat Well...Be Well!"
Maria Averza
