Livin Blog — Food, Nutrition & Family

Back to Family Dinner: The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Chef for Healthy Meal Prep

Erica TuggleJul 13, 20235 min read

Apr 10, 2026 · Chef Stories

How Erica Eats: A Day in the Life of Livin's Founder

Erica Tuggle built Livin to solve her own problem: wanting consistently good, real food at home without consistently spending hours preparing it. Here's how she actually eats.

Mary Jane Viador

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Chef Stories

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Chef?

Personal chef pricing varies by experience, location, and what's included. Here's what to expect — and how Livin makes the cost simple and predictable.

Chef Stories

The Secret Ingredient to Easy Meal Prep: Hiring a Personal Chef

Tired of the nightly what's-for-dinner scramble? A personal chef handles the shopping, cooking, and cleanup — so you can spend those hours on things that actually matter.

Erica TuggleJun 27, 20236 min read

Family

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Mary Jane ViadorApr 46 min read

Growing Up Strong: What Nutritionists Recommend for Kids

Childhood nutrition between ages 2 and 18 sets the foundation for bone density, brain development, and long-term metabolic health. Here's what the evidence actually says — by age group.

ErinOct 26, 20233 min read

10 Fun Movie Night Snacks

A great movie night needs great snacks. Here are 10 ideas — savory, sweet, and everything in between — to make your next family movie night something worth repeating.

ErinOct 17, 20234 min read

5 Easy Steps to Organize Your Kitchen

Atlanta-based professional organizer Gigi Miller of Vision Organizing shares her five-step approach to a kitchen that actually works — decluttered, zoned, and easy to maintain.

ErinOct 11, 20235 min read

Family Favorites: 10 Comfort Foods You and Your Kids Will Love

Sometimes you just need your food to give you a hug. Here are 10 comfort food classics the whole family will love — with a tip or two to make each one even better.

ErinAug 10, 20234 min read

School Fundraising Ideas That Maximize Earnings

Creative school fundraising goes beyond bake sales. Here are the ideas that generate real revenue — including Livin Pop-up Tastings, a crowd-pleasing way to raise money while bringing the community together.

ErinJul 21, 20235 min read

Top Five Tips for Getting Back to School Ready: A Guide for Parents

The transition from summer to school doesn't have to be chaotic. Five practical tips to help parents set their kids up for a strong start to the academic year.

ErinJul 14, 20234 min read

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Farmers Market Experience

Farmers markets are more than a grocery run — they're community, connection, and the best produce you'll find all week. Here's how to make the most of your visit.

ErinJun 30, 20233 min read

Irresistible Fourth of July Finger Foods: Easy and Kid-Friendly Ideas

Ten patriotic, crowd-pleasing finger foods for your Fourth of July spread — all easy enough for busy parents, all fun enough for kids to actually eat.

ErinMar 11, 20234 min read

Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids: Quick and Delicious Meals

Finding the right lunch for your kids doesn't have to be a daily battle. Here are our favorite quick, nutritious, and kid-approved meals — from pinwheel sandwiches to bento boxes.

Nutrition

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Sonja LutzMay 146 min read

Eating Well During Cancer Treatment: Without Spending Your Energy on Dinner

When you're fighting cancer, your energy is everything. Here's how real, chef-prepared meals can support your nutrition and protect the energy you need most.

Sonja LutzMay 146 min read

Fertility Nutrition: What to Eat Before and During IVF (According to the Research)

When you're doing everything you can to optimize your IVF cycle, food is one lever you actually control. Here's what the research says and how Livin makes the eating part easy.

Sonja LutzMay 147 min read

Feeding Your Student Athlete Without Losing Your Mind

Your kid is training hard. What they eat matters more than most people realize, and it's a lot to manage on top of everything else. Here's what the research says and how Livin makes it simpler.

Sonja LutzMay 146 min read

Postpartum Nutrition Without the Mental Load: Real Food, Zero Planning

Your body just did something extraordinary. The last thing you need is to figure out dinner. Here's what new moms actually need to eat and how Livin makes it happen without a single decision from you.

Sonja LutzMar 295 min read

Healthy Meals, Real Ingredients: A Look Inside Livin's Menu

A look at five dishes from Livin's menu and the nutritional intention behind each one — from anti-inflammatory cod to plant-based sweet potato and kale.

Sonja LutzMar 44 min read

Nutrition, Your Way

Rigid nutrition plans fail because they ignore how families actually live. Livin's approach shows one dish adapted three ways — dairy free, lower sodium, and kid friendly — without losing any of the flavor.

Sonja LutzFeb 256 min read

Why a Personal Chef Is Healthier Than Takeout And Smarter Than Doing It All Yourself

Takeout solved convenience but created new problems. Home cooking is noble but exhausting. There's a third option — and it's less about luxury than most people think.

Dr. Lauren PowellFeb 65 min read

Food As Medicine

Every bite sends signals throughout the body. Dr. Lauren Powell explains how thoughtfully prepared food works alongside medical care to stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and build lasting health.

Home kitchen counter with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and salmon prepared for cooking

Sonja LutzMay 4, 20255 min read

Metabolic Health Starts in Your Kitchen

Only 6.8% of American adults have optimal metabolic health. The most direct daily influence on your metabolic markers isn't a supplement or a doctor's visit—it's consistently eating home-cooked, real food.

ErinSep 13, 20235 min read

From Picky Eaters to Food Explorers: Nurturing Adventurous Palates in Kids

Most kids start as picky eaters. With the right approach — patience, consistency, and a little creativity — they can grow into genuinely adventurous eaters. Here’s how.

ErinAug 2, 20234 min read

Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast Ideas for Kids: Start Their Day Right

A good breakfast routine doesn't happen overnight — but once it's in place, it changes the whole morning. Nine principles for building one that actually sticks.

More Reading

10 Dinner Party Food Ideas to Make Ahead

Hosting a dinner party without spending all day in the kitchen is completely doable. Here are 10 make-ahead dishes that will impress your guests and give you more time to actually enjoy the evening.

Cooking with Kids

Dinnertime with kids is a whirlwind — but it's also where memories are made. Here's why getting the kids involved in cooking might be the most important thing happening in your household.

The Healing Power of Everyday Ingredients: Chickpeas, Spinach, Turmeric & Garlic

Four humble ingredients — chickpeas, spinach, turmeric, and garlic — each with centuries of healing behind them. Here’s why they deserve a regular place in your kitchen, plus a cozy anti-inflammatory stew recipe to make tonight.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Actually Want (With Easy Chef-Level Recipes)

Thanksgiving sides are often what guests remember long after the turkey is forgotten. Here are 7 chef-inspired recipes — each with simple techniques and pro tips — to upgrade your holiday spread.

The Only Thanksgiving Day-Of Timeline You Need

Every time I host, the menu feels solid until the timing gets messy. This chef-approved hour-by-hour schedule keeps the kitchen organized, the food on track, and the holiday actually enjoyable.

Healthy Snacking for Kids: Global Inspirations for Your Pantry

Snack time doesn’t have to be a battle between nutrition and ease. Here’s how global flavor traditions can transform what your kids reach for — and how to make it actually work in your kitchen.

Next-Level Grilling Tips: Pro Techniques for Healthier, Bolder BBQ

Great grilling isn't just about heat — it's about technique, prep, and flavor. Here are 8 pro-level techniques from Livin chefs that will help you cook smarter, eat healthier, and grill more creatively.

On the Go Dinner Ideas for Busy Families

Weekday schedules packed with sports, music lessons, and homework don't have to mean drive-through dinners. Here are 7 nutritious, convenient meals perfect for families on the move.

A Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gifts You Can Buy Right Now

Running out of time doesn’t mean settling for forgettable gifts. Here are last-minute ideas that deliver instantly, feel intentional, and actually get used — starting with one our clients love.