A Journey into the World of Private Cheffing: An Interview with Millie Pike

Millie’s Journey

Millie’s journey began at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, where she completed the Natural Chef course in 2022. With no prior connections in the industry, she found this experience invaluable for networking and building a foundation in both cooking and nutrition.

Soon after qualifying, she set up her business and landed her first major opportunity—creating menu plans for wellness retreats in Kenya. With each job, her confidence grew, and today, she cooks for multiple retreats.

Advice for Aspiring Private Chefs

Millie stresses the importance of finding a niche. Whether it’s plant-based cooking, fine dining, or wellness retreats, knowing your specialisation helps set you apart. She also recommends working alongside experienced chefs to gain practical insights, rather than diving in blindly.

Simple Tips for Gut Health

Gut health plays a vital role in overall well-being, and Millie shares three easy ways to improve it:

• Avoid snacking between meals to give your digestive system a break.
• Incorporate kefir and other fermented foods for probiotics.
• Add nutritious elements to meals rather than eliminating foods—such as topping soups, salads, and breakfasts with nuts and seeds.

Nutrition and Its Impact on Mood and Energy

What you eat directly influences your energy levels and mood. Millie highlights the importance of consuming healthy fats, particularly omega-3s, to support mental clarity and sustained energy. An unbalanced diet can lead to fatigue and mood swings, making mindful eating essential.

Debunking Nutrition Myths

One of the biggest misconceptions in the wellness space is the effectiveness of fad diets. Millie believes that these short-term solutions rarely lead to lasting results. Instead, gradual dietary changes and sustainable habits are key to long-term health.

Overcoming Information Overload in Wellness

With so much conflicting nutritional advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Millie suggests starting small—whether it’s drinking more water, avoiding coffee first thing in the morning, or reducing snacking. Small, manageable steps lead to long-term change.

The Inspiration Behind Millie’s Dishes

Turning vegetarian was a pivotal moment in Millie’s life. It pushed her to explore creative ways to nourish her body while making food visually appealing. Sharing her dishes on Instagram became a passion, ultimately leading to the launch of her business in 2022.

Challenges and Triumphs

Starting out as a private chef came with its struggles—mainly self-doubt. The anxiety before her first jobs was intense, but each experience helped build her confidence. Her advice? Push yourself beyond your comfort zone—you never know where it might lead.

Wellness Non-Negotiables

For Millie, wellness is about consistency. Her top three non-negotiables include:

• Water – Essential for detoxing, hydration, and overall health.
• Pilates or yoga – Just 20 minutes a day supports both mental and physical well-being.
• Walking – A simple yet effective way to boost mental clarity and fitness.

A Peek into Millie’s Daily Eating Routine

Millie’s day starts with a matcha latte with soya milk and chia pudding with berries and quinoa granola. Lunch is often a hearty soup, like her favourite leek and butterbean soup. Snacks include energy balls or rice cakes with hummus, and dinner is usually a warming curry. If she craves something sweet, she opts for dried fruit and seeds or a collagen hot chocolate.

Building a Business: The Biggest Challenges

Running a business comes with its own hurdles. For Millie, learning to say no and avoiding burnout have been the toughest. She is working on setting boundaries while still maintaining her passion for food and creativity.

How to Get in Touch

If you’d like to work with Millie’s Dishes, reach out via:
Email: millie@milliesdishes.co.uk
Instagram: @milliesdishes
Mobile: 07920 776925

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