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    sweet talk

     "...The food was creatively and beautifully presented.  the menu was fresh and healthy; and most importantly: DELICIOUS!"--Heather Fenwick, yoga retreat instructor

    "I learned an enormous amount about the nutritional aspects of food, in addition to making it taste good." --Angie Smith, nutrition and cooking skills client

    "...The meals were full of surprising tastes and textures, not to mention healthy and satisfyingly light. Perfect meals for a yoga retreat!" --Sukie Medina, retreat and workshop participant

    Read more testimonials

     

    From the time that Amy set foot on her first international flight at the age of 18, she has been traveling, learning languages, and immersing herself in the local cuisines. Her love of foreign cultures and desire to facilitate understanding between them led her to a degree in International Studies from the University of California, San Diego.

    Upon graduation, Amy briefly worked as a journalist, writing on arts and cultural topics. After resigning, she traveled a bit, then moved to Italy, where she taught English for three years and learned as much as she could about Italian home cooking (Grandma's food is the best, and anyone who tells you differently is not to be trusted).

    The time spent in Sicily was especially influential on Amy's cooking philosophy. Though the true "Mediterranean diet" is long gone, she could see traces of this traditional way of eating and living, and considered it much healthier what we are used to in our fast-paced world. Her admiration for open air markets and slow, seasonal cooking with local ingredients led her to study at the Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts in California.

    With a firm knowledge of nutrition and culinary technique, Amy founded Sweet Beet Nutrition in San Diego, California. She has since worked to improve the quality of life of business professionals, engineers, school teachers, musicians, athletes, chemotherapy patients, breast cancer survivors, recently diagnosed diabetics and celiacs, and those recovering from surgeries. 

     Amy continues to offer fresh, creative, and therapeutic cuisine in addition to sensible, paranoia-free nutrition guidance. She especially enjoys catering yoga retreats and other small events with a focus on health and well-being.

    Amy is also an herbalist, and makes her own teas, tinctures, and body care products. She is an avid yoga practicioner, and is constantly expanding her knowledge of ayurveda, and other lineages of oriental medicine.

    Some of Amy's favorite culinary travels have been to Thailand, Morocco, Jamaica, Brazil, and of course, Italy. 

     In 2012, Amy made Rio de Janeiro her new home. She loves the city for its mix of tropical climate, variety of fresh ingredients, and natural beauty combined with cosmopolitan elements and a rich musical culture. She considers Cariocas easy-going, fun-loving, and curious about other places and ways of life.