Culinary Nutrition
What is Culinary Nutrition?
Culinary Nutrition involves combining the science of evidence-based nutrition with the innovation and practical skills of being a professionally trained chef. This underpins all of Clare’s work, whether in her private nutrition practice or as a chef and nutritional consultant.
After several years spent working as a dietitian in the NHS, Clare trained as a chef in some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, to translate her knowledge of nutrition into delicious food people want to eat.
“I want to encourage people to eat in a connected way and feel passion and excitement about what they are eating, first by being involved in meal preparation but also by considering how those meals make you feel physically after you have eaten them. What we put on our plate, how we grocery shop, where ingredients come from, and how they have been grown or reared are all important aspects of healthy eating.”
Clare Gray
How can Clare help?
Clare achieved a Diploma in Health Supportive Culinary Arts from the Natural Gourmet Institute In New York (which has subsequently amalgamated with the Institute of Culinary Education). She then went on to train and work in critically acclaimed restaurants, most notably Alice Water’s Berkeley Culinary Institution Chez Panisse, whilst also volunteering in the Edible Schoolyard Project - teaching children to cook.
Clare has also been involved in recipe and menu development for private schools taking into account health policy and nutritional requirements for concentration, growth and development throughout all stages of education. As well as being involved in specialist nutritional strategies at leading restaurants such as Ting in Shangri La, The Shard.
This unique combination of significant clinical nutritional knowledge and credible culinary experience enables Clare to develop healthy, flavourful recipes and educate others on how to apply the science of nutrition practically in the kitchen.
In both her clinical practice, consultancy and her work as a chef Clare wants her clients to feel joyful and excited in the kitchen; food can be both nourishing and delicious!
In her clinical practice, Clare combines her culinary nutrition skills with clinical consultations, providing clients with a combination of bespoke prepared meals, tailored cooking lessons, menu planning, and ingredient sourcing based on their individual requirements. This includes cooking to support clients with gut issues, pregnancy planning; and providing optimum nutrition for a variety of health concerns along with great tasting, satisfying food.
