Meet Amanda: She Has the Secret Sauce for Aging Well
- Lia Rawlins
- Jul 28
- 11 min read
And yes, sometimes it involves broccoli
Welcome back to another edition of Friends of Leo's Friends — where I introduce you to the people I’d genuinely call if it were my own family that needed help.
This month, I want to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough credit when it comes to aging well at home: food. Not a diet. Not a program. Not a complicated meal plan that requires a nutrition degree to follow. Just real, nourishing, actually-enjoyable food — prepared by someone who genuinely knows what they’re doing and genuinely cares about the person eating it.
That someone is Amanda.
Amanda Gangoso is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and personal chef behind Oso Nourished, based right here in Nanaimo and serving clients across Central Vancouver Island. She comes to your home, cooks in your kitchen, fills your freezer with portioned, labelled meals, cleans up after herself, and leaves. It’s genuinely that elegant.
She’s worked in health, wellness, and nutrition for over 20 years. She studied in Vancouver, got her holistic chef certification, spent a year teaching English in Japan where she fell in love with cooking, and has since built a business around one quietly radical idea: that healthy eating should feel simple, personal, and actually good.
I put her on this list specifically because of the seniors she works with — and one story in particular that she shared with me that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since. You’ll find it in the Q&A below. It’s the broccoli one. You’ll know it when you get there.
Here’s what Amanda had to say.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business. What do you do, and who do you do it for?
Food has always been an important part of my life, but I really discovered the joy of cooking while living in Japan, where I spent a year teaching English. One day, I was craving my family's Greek lemon potatoes, but there weren't any Greek restaurants nearby. I decided to make them myself, and I remember thinking, I can make the food I love whenever I want. That simple experience sparked a lifelong love of cooking.
In 2010, I faced some health challenges of my own and began working with a naturopath. After making a few changes to my diet and lifestyle, I was amazed by how much better I felt in just a few weeks. That experience inspired me to study holistic nutrition and help others discover how nourishing food and simple, sustainable habits can support their health and well-being.
Today, through Oso Nourished, I offer personal chef services, meal prep coaching, and holistic nutrition support for busy professionals, families, and seniors who want a personalized approach to eating well. I love helping people make healthy eating feel simple, enjoyable, and realistic, so they can spend less time worrying about meals and more time enjoying their lives.
How long have you been doing this work?
I studied at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Vancouver, graduating in 2013 as a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. Since then, I've worked with nutrition clients in a variety of ways, including nutrition coaching, meal prep and delivery, and now primarily personal chef services, while also expanding my nutrition and meal prep coaching.
Oso Nourished was relaunched during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I realized I wanted to return to work that truly aligned with my passion for helping people. Since then, I've been growing the business throughout Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, supporting clients with personalized nutrition and practical meal solutions.
While my nutrition education provided a strong foundation, much of my experience as a personal chef has come from years of hands-on practice, continuous learning, and a genuine love of cooking. I also completed a holistic chef certification through Beyond Nourished to further develop my skills.
I've also been fortunate to travel extensively, and those experiences have greatly influenced the way I cook. I love introducing clients to fresh flavours, simple techniques, and globally inspired meals that are both nourishing and delicious. Healthy food should never feel boring, and sharing that excitement with my clients is one of my favourite parts of the job.
Altogether, I've spent more than 20 years working in the health, wellness, and beauty industry, helping people feel their best through education, nourishment, and personalized support.
What made you want to start this business? Was there a specific moment or experience that led you here?
Starting Oso Nourished was really driven by one simple idea: I knew I could help people.
After experiencing my own health challenges, I realized how overwhelming healthy eating can feel without the right support. At the same time, I discovered that it doesn't have to be complicated. With a little guidance, practical strategies, and meals that people genuinely enjoy, healthy eating can become something that fits naturally into everyday life.
I wanted to create a service that was more personal than a meal delivery program or a generic meal plan. By working one-on-one with clients, often in their own homes, I'm able to understand their routines, preferences, and goals and create solutions that truly work for them. I also love teaching along the way, whether that's helping someone feel more confident in the kitchen, reduce food waste, or make grocery shopping less overwhelming.
The relationships I've built with my clients have become one of the most rewarding parts of this work. Every family is different, and I love creating personalized support that helps people feel nourished, cared for, and able to enjoy more of their lives without constantly worrying about what's for dinner.
I also saw an opportunity to bring a more customized personal chef and nutrition service to Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island. For now, I really enjoy keeping the business personal and building meaningful, lasting relationships with the people I work with.
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve?
I'm based in Nanaimo and primarily serve clients throughout Central Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach. I travel to clients' homes for personal chef services and offer virtual nutrition coaching, customized meal plans, and grocery lists for those outside the area.
I'm always happy to discuss travel for clients in other communities. If I'm unavailable, I'm also fortunate to be part of a wonderful network of holistic chefs, so I can often help connect people with someone they can trust.
How much of your work involves seniors specifically, and what does that typically look like?
Working with seniors has become a meaningful part of my business, and it's something I truly enjoy. Most of the seniors I support are living independently and want to continue doing so for as long as possible. My role is to make healthy eating easier by preparing nourishing, balanced meals that fit their individual needs, preferences, and health goals.
Every client is different. Some need freezer-friendly meals that are easy to reheat, while others benefit from support with conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or changes in appetite. I focus on creating meals that are satisfying, practical, and enjoyable, while helping make everyday life a little easier.
Can you share a situation (without names, of course) where you realized seniors need more support in this area than most people think?
One of my favourite parts of working with seniors is getting to know them. I love hearing their stories, learning from their life experiences, and building genuine relationships. It's also rewarding to introduce simple new recipes, ingredients, or cooking ideas that help people enjoy food while supporting their health. My goal is always to help clients maintain their independence and feel confident that they have nourishing meals ready to enjoy.
One client really changed the way I think about aging well. She was living independently and was mentally and physically doing quite well, but severe arthritis in her hands had made everyday tasks like chopping vegetables, opening containers, and preparing meals incredibly difficult.
She was beginning to think that moving into supportive living might be her only option, not because she wanted to, but because cooking had become so challenging.
By preparing nourishing, portioned meals in her home a couple of times each month, she's been able to continue living independently while enjoying balanced meals that support her health. It was a reminder that sometimes people don't need full-time care. They simply need the right kind of support to help them stay in their own home safely and comfortably.
One of my favourite moments was when she smiled and said, "I hate to admit it, but I actually like broccoli now!" We both laughed because it wasn't really about the broccoli. It was about discovering that healthy food can be delicious when it's prepared in a way you genuinely enjoy. Those little moments of confidence, curiosity, and joy around food are some of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
What do families often get wrong or underestimate when they're trying to help a senior parent or loved one with [your area of service]?
One thing I think families often underestimate is that having food in the house doesn't always mean someone is eating well. I've visited homes where the fridge and pantry were well stocked, but preparing meals had become physically or mentally overwhelming.
Simple tasks like grocery shopping, chopping vegetables, lifting heavy pots, or cleaning up afterward can become real barriers, even for someone who is otherwise living independently.
I've also helped clients go through pantries, fridges, and freezers to clear out food that's long past its best before date. I know this can sometimes be a sensitive topic for families, and as a neutral person, I can help with kindness and without judgment. It's often a simple way to create a safer, more organized kitchen and make room for fresh, nourishing food.
While meal delivery can be a helpful option, many seniors also benefit from the personal connection that comes with having someone prepare meals in their home. We chat, share recipes, try new foods together, and sometimes those visits become an important part of their routine.
For families who live in another city or province, it can also provide peace of mind knowing there's another trusted person checking in regularly. My goal is to make healthy eating easier while helping seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and enjoyment of everyday life for as long as possible.
What's the most common question seniors ask you? And what's your answer?
The questions I hear most often are, "How does it work?" and "Do I have to be home while you're there?"
For the first visit, I like to spend a little time getting to know the client, their kitchen, and their food preferences. After that, many clients are happy to head out, relax, or go about their day while I shop, cook, portion everything, label it, and leave the kitchen clean before I go.
Another common question is whether I can work with dietary restrictions or recommendations from their healthcare team. Absolutely. Every menu is customized, and I'll never ask someone to eat foods they don't enjoy. I may encourage them to try something new from time to time, but only if they're open to it.
Families also ask if I do the grocery shopping, and I do. As I become familiar with a client's kitchen, I make a point of using ingredients they already have whenever possible. It helps reduce food waste, keeps grocery lists intentional, and can help manage food costs.
Many people wonder how often I visit. For most seniors, every two weeks or once a month works well, especially when we prepare freezer-friendly meals that are portioned, labelled, and easy to reheat.
Finally, people often ask if they can try the service before making a longer-term commitment. The answer is yes. I always recommend starting with a single session so we can get to know each other and make sure it's a good fit. My personal chef service starts at $309+ plus groceries and includes menu planning, grocery shopping, approximately three hours of in-home cooking, portioning, labelling, and kitchen cleanup.
What makes your approach different from others in your field?
I think what makes my service different is the experience as a whole. I'm a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, so every menu is thoughtfully planned around the client's preferences, health goals, and any dietary recommendations. There are no set menus because no two people are the same.
I cook in my clients' own kitchens using familiar equipment and, whenever possible, ingredients they already have on hand. I enjoy introducing new recipes and flavours inspired by my travels, but everything starts with the foods my clients already know and love.
I also make a real effort to reduce food waste and keep grocery costs reasonable. After each session, clients receive a menu with ingredients, reheating instructions, and labelled meals that are easy to enjoy throughout the week.
More than anything, I value the relationships I build. I've spent nearly 20 years working one-on-one with people through nutrition, wellness, and my career in the beauty industry. Inviting someone into your home is personal, and I never take that trust for granted. My goal is to make healthy eating feel simple, enjoyable, and tailored to each person's lifestyle.
When is the right time to reach out to someone like you? What are the signs a family should be looking for?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by meal planning or cooking, or you're helping a parent or loved one who could use a little extra support, know that you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
Sometimes a few hours of help each month can make a meaningful difference. Whether it's filling the freezer with nourishing meals, making grocery shopping easier, or taking one more task off your plate, my goal is to help people continue living independently with confidence.
Food has a wonderful way of bringing comfort, connection, and joy to everyday life. If I can make that part of someone's day a little easier and a little brighter, then I know I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do.
If you're wondering whether this service might be a good fit for you or someone you love, I'd be happy to chat. I offer a complimentary, no pressure phone call where we can talk through your needs, answer any questions, and see if we're the right fit for one another.
A note from me
Here’s what I keep coming back to with Amanda: she’s not just feeding people. She’s buying independence.
One thing I don't think we realize about our aging family members, is that they quietly struggle with a lot of things that they used to do without thinking — and meals are one of the first things that start to slip. It’s not because anyone stopped caring. It’s because chopping vegetables when your hands hurt, or standing at a stove when your energy is low, or figuring out what to make when you live alone and the fridge feels pointless — those things get hard. And then a well-stocked kitchen starts to feel like a lot of nothing, because having food and being able to turn it into a meal are two completely different things.
Amanda solves that problem. Quietly, personally, and with considerably more flavour than a meal delivery box.
What I love most is that she doesn’t show up with a set menu and a clipboard. She learns what someone actually likes — what they won’t touch, what they grew up eating, what they haven’t had in years and suddenly want again — and she builds from there. That’s not a service. That’s a relationship. And for a senior living alone, having someone show up twice a month who knows your kitchen, remembers you hate cilantro, and leaves you a freezer full of things you’re actually excited to eat? That matters more than most people realize.
If you’re a family on Central Vancouver Island trying to figure out how to support a parent who’s managing at home but struggling with the food side of things — or if you’re a senior who’s just done with the mental load of figuring out what to eat every day — Amanda is absolutely worth a call. She offers a free, no-pressure phone consultation, and I genuinely think you’ll feel better just from talking to her.
You can find her at amandagangoso.ca or book a free call directly at calendly.com/amandagangoso/30min. Tell her Leo’s Friends sent you.
Stay tuned for the next Friends of Leo’s Friends feature.
I’ve got a few more people up my sleeve I can’t wait to introduce you to.
Book a call
Comments