Welcome to Wholesomelicious!
I am so glad you are here. I am Amy Rains– Nutritionist, foodie, sports enthusiast and athlete, nutrition college professor, and busy mom of two. I spend my days in the kitchen, usually in yoga pants and a baseball cap, creating wholesome and delicious (“Wholesomelicious!”) recipes for my family to enjoy. When not in the kitchen, I am typically teaching my favorite subject to college students: Nutrition! My favorite time of day is at the dining room table with my husband and kids. This is my happy place.
As a nutritionist, I am passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle, and helping others learn that food can be both nutrient dense and delicious! I’d love to introduce you and your family to new foods, and to share nutrition tips along the way, so that you can live a healthier and more balanced life. The reason I started Wholesomelicious was to share nutrient dense recipes with nutrition clients, family, and friends.
How did you become a nutritionist?
I have always had a passion for food. Eating it, loving it, and studying the science behind it. After having my second child, I went back to school and earned a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition (MS) from the University of Bridgeport. I am currently earning my PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition with a concentration on sports nutrition.
For over 5 years now, I have worked privately with clients of all ages with an array of nutritional needs and requirements. I have also led many seminars and coached groups of individuals to help live a healthier life. Now I work full time as a lecturer of nutrition at the College of William & Mary, and when I need a break from nutrition research, I love using my creative brain to develop yummy and healthy recipes.
I use my research and knowledge to develop nutritious meals for all of you!
My approach to cooking:
My recipes are meant to inspire you to eat more whole foods, and to enjoy some healthier treats. All of my recipes are made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, are vegetable forward, and contain the critical nutritional elements: protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. My recipes are always tested multiple times, and I carefully consider ingredients for flavor and nutritional value to give you a nice balance.
Where to start:
Here are a few reader and family favorites:
- Creamy Carrot and Ginger Soup
- Easy House Salad
- Beef and Veggie Taco Skillet
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Hormone Balancing Smoothies
My Cookbooks:
I am the author of 2 cookbooks that embody my food philosophy: easy, wholesome, and delicious!
One Pot Gluten-Free Cooking has 75+ recipes that can be made in less than 30 minutes!
The Big Book of Instant Pot Recipes contains over 240 recipes all made in the Instant Pot!
Family Dinner Time:
If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, you know that I want you to eat nutritious foods. But what I really want, is for you to eat simple dinners, together with your family, as many nights per week as you can possibly manage.
Can we all please take the time to enjoy our food more?!?! Eat slowly; savor every bite. And, of course, you can feed your soul by connecting routinely and more deeply with your family. We make this a priority in our home. I promise you, this is my absolute favorite time of day!
I am so happy I found your website! I’m a new mama to a 7 month old while working full time and being in grad school. I just got an instant pot for mother’s day (thank you hubby) because we are on the go so much. I have browsed all the recipes and so far they are the simplest ones I can find for someone who has a busy life. I am excited to try them and I can’t wait for you to post more!!
Oh I love that! Thank you so much for leaving me a note, and happy cooking!
Where do I find ur smoothie recipes??
Hi Dot, type in smoothie under the search icon, or search under breakfast recipes in the menu bar.
Thank you for the slow cooker recipe Chicken Cacciatore, I am going to try this for Sunday dinner with multiple families that are gluten free, and dairy free, I have recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and am trying to start with dairy free eating. I really miss butter in cooking and am now trying to stop using flour. Thank you, so glad we share the same name.
I love your recipes and use them daily! We enjoy clean eating and your recipes make it easy for us.
Thanks so much, Deb! So glad you enjoy the recipes 🙂
Hi Amy- Your blog is my go-to for Whole 30 recipes…. everything I’ve made has been delicious! Thanks-Heidi
Thank you, Heidi! I love to hear that ????
I love your blog, I just discovered it and I’m looking forward to follow and try your recipes
So glad to have you here, Maria!
Hi Amy 🙂 I love your blog. Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes. I am curious as to which Instant Pot you have? I am in the market for one and you have lots of instant pot recipes! I appreciate your input 🙂
Thanks,
Wendy
Hi Wendy! Thanks for stopping by! I have this Instant Pot: http://amzn.to/2D50X3m It’s a 6qt, I know their is a newer version that is $20 more, but I love mine. Hope that helps!
I just happened upon your site and I’m thrilled to have found you! My husband and I are about to start our second Whole30. We really enjoyed it the first time and were able to keep up a Paleo (mostly) diet through the summer, but then school started (we are both teachers) and we totally fell off the bandwagon. All this to say, we really want to remain dedicated this time, but I find many Whole30 recipes to be, well…boring. Yours seem to be filled with flavor and I’m so excited to try just about all of your recipes! I haven’t seen one yet that doesn’t look great and I’ve been browsing your site for two days now! I even think my two kids would enjoy many of these recipes. Thank you so much for taking the time to come up with delicious healthy meals so that the rest of us (non-cooks) can just copy you! Have a blessed New Year! 🙂
That’s so great to hear, Alisa!! Hope you enjoy the recipes, and let me know if you have any questions!
Fellow Montanan….
Hi Daniella!! Love that you noticed my hat 🙂 I am actually not from Montana, but it’s my favorite place to visit in the US!!! I wear my hat as a reminder to work hard and one day afford for us to have a winter mountain home. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Amy ,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Wholesomelicious has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 50 Whole Foods Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/whole_foods_blogs/
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 50 Whole Foods Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.
best,
Anuj