Who are you?

Hi, and welcome – I’m Alicia,  a Freelance Nutritionist and Culinary Tutor with a passion for sharing my love of cooking and healthy eating – (as featured on the BBC), with anyone who will listen!

I have always been into food, and to be honest it’s probably in my bones. Growing up surrounded by a food culture firmly fixed in grow-your-own, using produce in season, and make do with the ingredients to hand. I cooked my first family worthy meal at the age of 8 or 9, and the rest they say is history.

I was vegan from my teens to my late 20’s (showing my age now). Much of this was through personal choice, but I couldn’t deny the fact that my body just didn’t appreciate some aspects of animal produce. Namely dairy products, I won’t bore you with the horrific details – but if you have a food allergy or intolerance you will understand my plight.  My current diet is still for the most part, largely made up of vegetables and pulses, fruits, seeds and nuts; with the occasional animal protein thrown in for good measure.

I have always had an interest in the pathology of diseases resulting from poor dietary and lifestyle choices, this inspired me to study for my degree in nutrition. The desire to know why some foods pair better together than others, and also how different cooking methods using the same ingredients can give a completely different dish; intrigues me and pushed me to experiment in the kitchen. It is my love for the science of cooking and the health implications of the foods we eat, coupled with the desire to share my knowledge; and help individuals make positive lifestyle choices why I am here (I’d like to think I have found my purpose). I also have a keen interest in herbalism, growing up in the Caribbean it was common practice to use herbs and food in the treatment of common ailments, If I didn’t pursue nutrition I would have been a herbalist, it is still on my list though! 

In saying all this, the simple fact that all this comes down to, is that I L.O.V.E FOOD. And the desire for continued learning and improvement, led me to completing a Chef course and taking on subsequent shorter cooking courses in perfecting a number of cooking techniques.

Why  ‘KitchenTakeovers’?

The other name I wanted to use was already taken! But, that was perhaps a good thing as this name really does define to large extent what I do.

KitchenTakeovers Ethos – KitchenTakeovers is about empowering people to take responsibility for their health and well being through the foods they consciously choose to eat. 

It’s about bringing back the simple pleasures of togetherness and the warmth of a home cooked meal. It’s about immersing yourself in different cultures and experiencing some of the traditions associated with them. Through tasting and sharing in that experience from the foods we eat.

I want people to come on a journey with me through the food I cook, you may not be able to travel to a tropical or subtropical country but I can take you there through the cuisine. More than anything I want people to discover and rediscover the joys of cooking, sharing and experimenting with food. This, is the essence of KitchenTakeovers.

It is because of this passion you have found this space I currently occupy on the inter-web. So, welcome! I wish to share my kitchen creativity with you in the hope that you will be empowered to take control of your health, one wholesome dish at a time.

Where next?

Travel the world and feed my brain and stomach with the food culture of far flung lands (currently looking for sponsors – hahaha).

Disclaimer: I am by no means perfect, and you may find grammar and typos scattered throughout, don’t be disheartened – focus on the food. If you find any such ‘fat finger, mouth going faster than brain’ errors, please let me know I will endeavour to correct them.