Deneen McQueen-Chippari & the Whole Soul Wellness Kitchen

Yesterday I introduced you to my friend Deneen.

As I mentioned, Deneen is a certified Holistic Health Coach.  Over the last couple of years she has worked enthusiastically first toward her certification and now building her business.  Previously I had known Deneen “only” as a dance instructor, a Cabaret star, an outstanding mother and wife and a devoted friend.  A few weeks ago however, I had the privilege of seeing Deneen in action as a Health Coach and Instructor at one of her Lunch and Learn programs.

No surprise, she was a star!…

Along with my sister Kate and friend Tina, I  ventured to the Whole Soul Wellness Kitchen to learn all about Sexy Summer Salads & Smoothies.

The sign at the entry set the tone…I love it!

Deneen had a  decanter of beautiful fresh-fruited water for our drinking pleasure.  This has quickly become a daily must on my kitchen counter as well during the summer.

Deneen kicked off the program with introductions with a twist:  she encouraged us to give a shout out to something we were proud of in our careers or our personal lives.  She then spoke about Feeding our Soul and that without happiness within us, our health is not complete.  Deneen illustrated this idea with a  pie chart divided into 10 categories.  That visual  really got me thinking and analyzing where I need to “do some work”.  Throughout the program, what struck me was how Deneen’s soft side really surfaced and her spirituality came through. It’s clear that she lives her message.  Before we even spoke about salads and feeding our bodies, she had us thinking about feeding and nourishing our souls.  It’s easy to see why her one-on-one clients rave about Deneen,  she was inspiring!

After Deneen’s uplifting remarks,  we got down to the business of Sexy Summer Salads ~ what an education and what a treat!

The first dish Deneen prepared was Kale Salad with Farro, Feta and Mint.  To die for!  Like many people, I’ve heard all about the health benefits of kale but I really wasn’t sure how to trim it, prepare it, or serve it.  Deneen took care of that…

Apparently the secret to working with kale in a salad is to massage it!

Ok, I know what you’re thinking…but handling it a bit breaks down some of the bitterness.  Another secret Deneen shared is to lightly blanch the kale by quickly pouring boiling water over it.

Another tip: prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and then just put them all together when you are ready to serve the salad. An added bonus of this practice for me: I think I would feel like I was on  Food Network Challenge!

Kosher Salt is a must seasoning. It has more health benefits than iodized salt and is lower in sodium. Deneen collects unique salts when she travels and this one is pink, her favorite color!

Voila, the finished salad, as delicious as it is beautiful!

This salad was so good, even I have made it twice (and most of you know by now that  I far prefer to set the table than prepare the food!).

Next, Deneen showed us how to prepare a version of  a Green Smoothie.

She started with baby spinach, though nearly any other dark green veggie can stand in.

Deneen used a VitaMix, though my regular countertop blender seems to be doing the job just fine 

She adds frozen banana slices, frozen berries ~ basically whatever frozen fruit she has on hand.

…and the “green” drink has been transformed into a purple-esque drink thanks to the addition of the raspberries.

Service with a smile a la Deneen:

Love the monogrammed kitchen towel ~ a woman after my own heart!

Onto the next dish: Shaved Fennel and Green Apple Salad with Orange Dressing and Parmigiano Reggiano ~ so yummy.

Are you familiar with fennel? Here it is ~it has a slight licorice taste, it is divine!

Here are the 3 Healthy Choices from our Lunch and Learn.  What a delicious and nutritious trio!

I am so happy I was able to attend and am looking forward to attending more programs this Fall!

To learn more about Deneen and her Health Coaching services, please visit her website at WholeSoulWellness.com, ‘Like’ Whole Soul Wellness on Facebook and sign up for her newsletter, it’s filled with uplifting and useful information, delicious recipes, and information on upcoming events!

“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

~Buddha

xo,

Pamela

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