About Melissa Delport – Holistic Health Coach, Private Chef, and Author
As an intuitive chef, I specialize in creating high-vibrational, plant-based food that is as nourishing as it is delicious. My approach combines my qualifications as an integrative holistic health coach with my expertise in food, merging health and wellness principles to use food as medicine.
For those seeking a chef for private functions or events, I bring plant-led cooking that celebrates abundant flavors, simplicity, and exceptional quality ingredients. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about my approach.
On retreats, my food is designed with intention. Boundaries are set to help you engage deeply in the retreat process. Retreats offer a space to do inner work, and while it may not always be easy, resistance can be part of the journey. Boundaries create a safe space, allowing the food to support your body in a profound reset, fostering both physical and emotional healing. I encourage guests to surrender and explore something new by embracing plant-based food, which holds ancient wisdom—just as your body does.
For me, success goes beyond simply feeding my clients. It's about nourishing their souls, providing a sense of connection to something greater, and inspiring their future cooking and eating habits.
My bespoke services are tailored to meet your needs and include:
Intuitive Menus: I design menus based on seasonal, local produce, as well as my extensive repertoire of original recipes from my two acclaimed cookbooks. I handle all aspects of menu planning and on-site menu development.
Ingredient Sourcing: I source and transport ingredients as needed, ensuring the highest quality and sustainability.
Family-Style Service: All on-site cooking is presented on sharing platters, depending on the event, venue, and guest count.
Dietary Options: My fully vegetarian service includes a wide array of vegan, grain-free, nut-free, and sugar-free options to cater to all tastes and dietary restrictions.
Educational Experiences: I also offer talks on intuitive and mindful cooking, as well as cookery workshops and private classes, making your retreat or event truly unique and memorable for your guests.
My Philosophy as an Intuitive Chef
Being an intuitive chef is about expanding our understanding of food beyond its nutritional value. It’s about recognizing the mental and spiritual impact of our relationship with food. My mission is to elevate the joy and connection we feel with food and cooking, nurturing the mind, body, and soul in the process.
My food reflects my love for intuitively crafted dishes, influenced by my heritage and local, seasonal producers. I don't believe in labeling food as “good” or “bad” or promoting restrictive eating. Instead, I advocate for abundance, intuition, and self-empowerment. Through this lens, we can cultivate a fearless, joyful relationship with food—making choices that honor our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
What is Intuitive Cooking?
Intuitive cooking is about relying on more than just recipes. It’s an approach that considers the seasons, the environment, your senses, and your physical, mental, and emotional needs. It’s about cooking with confidence, trusting your senses over measuring spoons. This philosophy is deeply rooted in my experiences as a chef and a lifelong love of food, nurtured by memories of my mother’s table and my grandmother’s kitchen.