Jamieson Van Loan, founder & executive chef
instagram: @thefijianchef
YouTube: @jamiesonvanloan
Honestly, if someone told me a few years ago I would have a healthy food business I would have said when pigs fly. As a classically trained chef, I am really not what you would call a healthy eater. I am blessed with good genes and therefore pretty much ate what I wanted. But I realized that the food I was putting into my body wasn't helping me every day. I was lethargic, stressed, always hungry (hangry, if you will) and just not feeling my best. I realized that my day could revolve around fast foods that won't satisfy my body's needs OR I could make real, delicious, green, healthy, beautiful, colorful meals that create a life worth living. It is not as easy as it sounds. I still find it difficult to be healthy all the time. It's much easier to get a cheeseburger and fries than a wholesome quinoa salad power bowl.
After closing my widely popular restaurant in Costa Rica and moving back to my hometown of Darien, I decided to work on my eating habits and focus on wholesome real food. The same food that was so easily accesible in Costa Rica but not so easy (or cheap) in Fairfield County. I knew if I found it difficult to navigate this healthy path, even as a Chef, then so must a lot of people. So Maikana Foods was born! My goal with Maikana Foods is to make really and truly wholesome delicious power bowls and meals available to those who want to live a better, healthier life.
Bring on the pura vida!
Jamieson is an avid yogi, a not-so-secret pasta addict, sunset chaser and loves to dance!
Katie Diehl, MSACN, nutritionist
Katie is a known nutrition and health expert that believes that optimal performance and health is driven through the foods you eat. Katie received her Bachlor’s Degree from Marist College and Master’s Degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from the New York Chiropractic College. She is the owner and founder of Diehl Nutrition and notable food blogger of ‘TheDailyDiehl’. Katie understands and values the importance of proper health and is passionate about educating clients on the ‘why’ to nutrition. Katie offers nutrition and wellness counseling to individuals and corporations. She also hosts many public speaking seminars in the local area. Katie focuses on sports nutrition, weight management, wellness, meal planning and overall lifestyle.
Katie’s services are not limited to scheduled office appointments. She also plans shopping tours, helps individuals find their inner chef by teaching the art of getting creative in the kitchen, helps clean and organize the pantry and offers helpful tips on meal preparation and planning.
When Katie is not helping clients achieving optimal health, she is a trainer at Revelution Fitness in Norwalk, CT.
Katie’s Philosophy:
“I believe that overall health and longevity does not take a long duration of time. The human anatomy is a beautiful thing. It's amazing to see how far you can come in such a short period of time. All it requires is a little patience and dedication. I am greatly excited to utilize my education, knowledge and experience into helping others reach a place of life-long health, one bite at a time.”
For further information please check out her website at: www.diehlnutrition.com
Louise Schmidt, delivery
Louise is our amazing delivery person. She is a mom of three teenage kids in Darien. Please say hello next time you see her!