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!
Thanks for being inspiring! wow I can’t wait to dive into some of these recipes. I recently finished the whole30 for the second time and have been looking for the right “next step” after the transition phases…justfound my inspiration on your site! I can’t thank you enough!
Thank you so much!!
Your site is awesome-Im wondering why you don’t have a cookbook on the shelves! I am curious about what state you live in. I recognize the brick fence of the governor’s mansion in Williamsburg! I am in Manassas Va.! You are now in my favorites! When I get off my whole 30 (or mostly 30) I plan to makethe gingerbread latte and the Carrot cake bread and the Apple and Walnut coffee cake. I found you looking for paleo coffee cake!
Hi Amy!
I just came across your site last night and am trying out 2 recipes today – Instant Pot Broccoli Potato Soup, and IP Spaghetti Sauce. I am a busy professional who likes to eat clean but am not a foodie or very efficient in the kitchen. I want to cook meals that my husband and kids will love, but have been needing some guidance – my dear husband has been doing most of the dinner cooking for the past several years. 🙂 I love that you have a weekly meal plan and I’m going to try it out!
Thanks for helping others.
Love hearing that!! Thank you for your support 🙂
Excited to try your recipes!
Hello Amy. First, you have a beautiful family! I’m so glad I came across your website! I’m trying the Whole 30 plan for the first time and I had NO IDEA what or how to prepare my meals. Thank you for putting in so much time and effort to help us newbies on this journey to becoming healthier! You–Are–Appreciated! God Bless!
Love to follow and use your recipes.
Thanks for being you!!!
I was very glad to find and follow you on pinetrist. Your recipes are helpful as they are gf, Paleo, and clean all things my health require.
I am celiac with additional food intolerances from decades of being misdiagnosed so your whole 30 paleo recips help keep my immune system in balance and happy. It has certainly helped my family too as we transitioned to a gf household.
Thank you ????
I love your recipes. I was looking for a mango-basil smoothie recipe. That’s how I stumbled upon you. BUT, I spent some time looking at other recipes and will definitely be trying some. I already know they’re yummy looking at the ingredients, seeing your photos and having tested some as well. Thank you for making it so easy to find great, easy, quick, healthy recipes!
Hi Amy, just found you looking for Indian Cooking recipes. I got my Instant Pot today! Im a teacher and want to make healthier food this year. Your recipes look great can’t wait to try them. Thank you for your posts, looking forward to more. 🙂
Great, Linda! So glad you are here, enjoy!