MEET

The Wellness Kitchenista

JESSICA DeLUISE
PA-C, CCMS

Physician Assistant, Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, AAPA Nutrition Fellow, TV Host, On-Air Guest Expert, Emmy Award Winner

Image of Jessica
Image of Jessica
Image of Jessica

ABOUT

Jessica

Jessica DeLuise, MHS, PA-C, CCMS, is a Physician Assistant with a master’s degree in Health Science and Physician Assistant studies. She is also a Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, TV chef, Emmy award-winning TV host, QVC on-air guest expert, wellness entrepreneur, and 2022 AAPA Nutrition Outreach Fellow.

Jessica is the founder of The Wellness Kitchenista. She believes food is fundamental to chronic disease prevention, lasting wellness, and mental health enhancement. Jessica delivers ‘easy-to-digest,’ practical information across social media, at private and corporate events, and as a valued expert on various media outlets around the country, including ABC, Fox, CBS, The Dr. Oz Show, and as the Calphalon brand expert on QVC. 

You can watch her Emmy award-winning show, Eat Your Way to Wellness, streaming on TubiTV.com and DBTV.TV. She recently worked with the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council (PAHIC) on a 2023 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Promotion Grant. In 2024, Jessica will launch a new TV show, food line, and an educational cookbook.

Jessica believes lifestyle and food choices can considerably impact overall wellness. Always an energetic go-getter (lovingly described by her husband as a ping-pong ball), Jessica faced many hurdles on her personal road to wellness. You can read about Jessica’s health struggles below – and how the lifestyle and dietary modifications she made now allow her to live symptom-free.

That’s why Jessica’s mission is to champion and share impactful information about the potentially life-improving benefits of food, wellness, and balance. To carry out her mission, Jessica committed to becoming well-rounded with her education and experience, which include:

  • Master’s in Health Science from Drexel University
  • Certification in Culinary Medicine from Tulane University’s acclaimed Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine
  • Accredited Physician Assistant
  • AAPA Nutrition Fellowship Program

 

Whether with patients, in front of an audience, or engaging with her social media following, Jessica demystifies food facts and science – and shares delicious meal ideas. A proud Italian-American, Jessica finds a way to bring her heritage into many of her recipes.

 

History

Jessica’s passion for culinary medicine is rooted in her own life experience. Jessica has fond memories surrounding food and her Italian American family home. She learned treasured family traditions and culinary techniques from her mother, a Sicilian American who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and worked in food service.  

Around the age of 16, Jessica began to have episodes of syncope (fainting). After seeking evaluation from healthcare providers and undergoing a variety of testing, Jessica was prescribed various medications. At this same time, Jessica began to experience symptoms of GERD (chronic acid reflux), and an endoscopy showed esophageal ulcers. She received two additional prescription medications for these diagnoses. 

The dietary recommendations included eating less GERD food triggers, such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, citrus, coffee, and peanut butter. Many of these restricted items were what Jessica and her family ate regularly. Meal time became confusing – and she also started to experience constipation. She recalls her primary care provider recommending that she address the problem by stocking up on stool softeners and taking them as often as possible.  

For years, Jessica managed her symptoms primarily with medications. When she learned about anatomy and science in college and PA school, Jessica decided to make a change. Jessica consulted with additional specialists regarding nutrition and her health, asking questions and advocating for herself. She used what she learned, began a food and lifestyle journal, and slowly implemented changes. 

Jessica learned which foods triggered her symptoms – and transformed her diet. She found that many of her symptoms were markedly improved with dietary interventions and lifestyle modifications like stress management, regular exercise, and quality sleep. 

While this isn’t the case for everyone, Jessica’s goal is to bring the potentially transformative benefits of food and life balance to the forefront.

 

Advocacy

American Heart Association (AHA) Advocate

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both men and women. Heart disease affects Jessica’s family, which is why she advocates for patient self-awareness, mindfulness of dietary choices, and widespread CPR education. Jessica was the 2023 Philadelphia AHA’s Woman of Impact for raising the most money in support of women’s health. Jessica continues to work with the American Heart Association to raise funds and partner on educational events. 

Hemp Industry Advocate

Due to its vast implications and eco-friendly attributes, Hemp is one of the Pennsylvania (PA) Foundation crops that Jessica believes will be part of its future. Hemp also has the ability to replace other commodities, such as plastic, cotton, and almonds.

 

In 2023, Jessica worked with the Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council (PAHIC) on a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Promotion Grant. The grant, which was for the promotion, education, and support of hemp hearts, aimed at the application of hemp in concrete, housing insulation, nutritive sources, and more. Jessica, along with a team of hemp professionals, created online content, cost models, and a cookbook. Their goal is to strengthen the crop infrastructure and build demand for Pennsylvania-based farmers and businesses.

 

Learn more!

PA Foundation

PAHIC

ABOUT

Jessica

About Jessica
Image of Jessica

The Wellness Kitchenista, Jessica DeLuise, MHS, PA-C, CCMS, is a seasoned medical practioner, culinary medicine specialist, TV-chef and wellness entrepreneur.

Jessica’s mission is to make the road-to-wellness fun, easy to follow, budget friendly, and delicious! Jessica holds a Masters degree in Health Science from Drexel University and certification in Culinary Medicine from Tulane University’s acclaimed Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine. She has more than eleven years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant.

Jessica’s passion for culinary medicine is rooted in her own life experience. As a teen and young adult, Jessica suffered from unexplained episodes of syncope (fainting), complex migraines, GERD, esophageal ulcers, and other intrusive health symptoms. At this time in her life, Jessica felt confused and frustrated with lack of guidance, prescription pushing, and cold bedside manner of many practitioners she visited with. As Jessica empowered herself and transformed her diet, she began to learned which foods triggered her symptoms. Now, due to her lifestyle and dietary modification, she is able to live symptom-free. While this isn’t the case for everyone, lifestyle and food, Jessica believes can have a considerable impact.

Image of Jessica
Image of Jessica

Inspired by her own experience, Jessica has made it her mission to bring to the forefront, the potentially transformative benefits of food and life balance. Whether with patients, in front of an audience, or engaging with her social media following,

Jessica can be counted on to demystify facts and science behind the food and share delicious meal ideas. Jessica is the host of “Eat Your Way to Wellness”, a cooking and lifestyle program streaming on Amazon Prime. You can also spot Jessica on one of her frequent TV appearances, include the Dr. Oz Show, Insider, Fox 29 and many others. She is a brand ambassador for several trusted national and local brands, including OXO, Calphalon, Tropical Fruit Box, Mooala, Hungry Harvest, and more.

Jessica’s social media content is relatable and easy to understand – plus, she makes everything fun! Her posts have encouraged me to try new recipes – and I’ve learned a lot about various wellness topics through the resources she recommends. I love seeing her posts and videos in my feeds! 

Jennifer M.

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWER

Meet Jessica

Thank you so much for welcoming me into your kitchen. I believe that wellness shouldn’t feel overwhelming and complicated.

Whatever wellness means to you, I can’t wait to share my journey and inspire you to make the food that makes you feel your best.

COOK WELL, EAT WELL, BE WELL!

Jess

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Questions

What is Culinary Medicine?

As a physician assistant, I’ve seen first hand how the nutritional choices people make on a day-to-day basis are powerful enough to change lives. For example, certain foods may decrease the risk of certain cancers, while others can lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Still others can be used as adjunct treatment for mental health. Knowing which foods are right for you given your health history and wellness goals, empowers you take an empowered and active role  in your own health and wellness. 

The field of culinary medicine has been steadily growing in popularity. There are various programs throughout the country geared to educating practitioners how best to support and guide patients through the choices they face at the grocery story and during meal time. In 2019, Jessica completed her certification as a culinary medicine specialist from the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University. culinarymedicine.org

Using this certification and more than 10+ of clinical practice as a physician assistant, Jessica educates and inspires individuals through The Wellness Kitchenista platform.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739343/

https://culinarymedicine.org

I’ve been hearing so much about people eating gluten-free lately. Is it something I should consider?

You may have heard friends or colleagues state they are eating a “gluten free” diet … or have seen the entire grocery store sections or restaurant menus dedicated to gluten free items. And you may be wondering, ‘Should I be eating a gluten free diet’? 

Here is what you need to know. 

First, what heck is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in a variety of grains such as wheat or barley. Items that contain gluten include malt, breads, cakes, desserts, food thickeners or additives, protein bars, crackers, seasoning blends, condiments, and so

many others.  Gluten may even be present by cross contamination with gluten containing items on restaurant work surfaces and deep fryers. 

 

In my experience, elimination of gluten from the diet is usually due to one of two main reasons. First, in an effort to reduce or resolve symptoms someone may be experiencing. Or secondly, because there is a misunderstanding about gluten containing items and the effect they may have on weight gain or health status. I will explain both below in a little more detail and then offer some ways I can support you 

 

Reactions to gluten are very real. For some people, gluten may trigger symptoms of bloating, upset stomach, migraine headaches, and even as severe as intestinal damage in those who have Celiac disease. If you are experiencing any symptoms you may believe are related to gluten or are otherwise unexplained, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. I have outlined three reactions you may experience to gluten below. 

 

If you are not experiencing symptoms, but rather, have chosen to eliminate or are considering eliminating gluten – keep reading. In my experience, the protein gluten has become synonymous with “processed food”. To that end, many people believe that items without gluten are better for overall wellness. Additionally, many people assume because it is gluten free, it is also free from carbohydrates, additives, or sugar. This is not the case! Let’s look at gluten free pasta as an example. Per cup of standard, wheat spaghetti, there is 200 calories, 1g fat, 42g cabs, 2g fiber, 2g sugar, and 7g of protein.  In the gluten free variety from the same company, where corn is used instead of wheat, there is 190 calories, 1g fat, 44g carbs, 2g fiber, 0 sugar, and 4g protein. You can see the nutrition profiles are quite similar. This tends to be similar with other gluten free items as well. Also, gluten free cookies, cakes, or snacks still contain refined fats and sugars. “Gluten free” does not necessarily equal “better for you”.  But, if you decide to switch from refined pasta and bread to a whole grain variety in an attempt to include

more whole foods in your diet – WONDERFUL! According to an article by Harvard Health, as compared to refined grains, whole grains provide more fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. 


Harvard Health has a great article: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/whole-grains/ . Remember to always discuss food choices with your health care

 

Three Common Gluten- Related Reactions:  

  1. Celiac Disease – Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. This means the body is triggered by gluten and creates an immune response directed toward one’s own tissues. Celiac disease is the only known autoimmune disease with a known trigger.  Symptoms of celiac disease vary and present differently in many people. They include stomach pain, bloating, change in bowel movements, headaches, infertility, low nutrition, body aches, amongst others. For diagnosis, a serum blood test and a small bowel biopsy, which remains the most accurate form of diagnosis. Prolonged and untreated celiac disease can cause damage to the intestinal lining. Treatment is patient specific and may include nutrition supplementation and removing gluten from the diet. There are many trusted organizations, like Beyond Celiac, which have great resources and info pages. 
  2. Wheat Allergy – A wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to the wheat proteins. This allergic reaction is histamine mediated, similar to other foods allergies like peanuts or shellfish. Treatment includes avoidance of wheat and similar to other allergies, may include carrying an epipen in the event there is allergen exposure. 
  3. Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity – This gluten reaction may be the most confusing of all! Some individuals report reactions when eating gluten but it isn’t autoimmune or allergy mediated. We, as a medical community don’t actually know why this is but have a few hypothesis. (1) It may be a symptoms of irritable or inflammatory bowel disease. (2) It could be a reaction to another ingredient in the food item. (3) It may be an intolerance to modern day wheat strains, that have been bread to serve the food markets, no the consumer, by being faster growing. (4) It could be from a shortened length of production of breads due quick rising yeast that don’t allow gluten and other proteins to breakdown. (5) Added herbicides and pesticides.

practitioner before making any changes.

I love eating out in restaurants.. Are there any quick tips that I can use to make eating out more healthful without depriving myself?

 Yes, absolutely ! Of course your individual choices should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner for your safety. To that end, here are a few tactics I use when eating at restaurants – whether for business or pleasure!

  1. I make sure it isn’t my first meal of the day! Many people fast all day long in anticipation for the meal, then end up overindulging at dinner. Rather, I am sure to have breakfast and lunch and drink enough water throughout the day so I am not ravenous when I arrive at the restaurant. 
  2. I limit alcohol consumption. For safety, 1-2 drinks per day for women and men respectively, is the limit we recommend as practitioners to otherwise health individuals over the age of 21 years. Anything more increases risk for disease or side effects. Additionally, alcohol limits your inhibitions, making it more difficult to listen to you body’s hunger and fullness cues. Always discuss how much alcohol consumption is right for your with your healthcare practitioner.
  3. If I order an appetizer, I try to choose broth based soups, garden salads, or lean protein, like a seared ahi tuna. These items contain fiber, lean protein, vegetables, and antioxidants so it makes me feel good to know I am getting nutritious items! Additionally, veggies and soups have water that hydrate me and stave hunger pangs, so I can then enjoy my meal with my company and eat with more mindfulness and intention. 
  4. I ask for olive oil and vinegar instead of dressing, which is often laden with processed oils, sodium, added sugar, or other preservatives and additives. I enjoy it just as much (I’ve been known to drink the vinegar at the bottom of the bowl at home!). If you prefer dressing, ask the restaurant to add your dressing on the side. Add 1-2 tbsp and toss together. Studies show when you toss the dressing into the salad, rather than dunking with each bite, overall you use less dressing! 
  5. For my main meal, I often look for the main protein to be grilled, baked, broiled, or seared, as opposed to fried. If I am really wanting something fried – I go for it because it isn’t something that I am eating on a regular basis. It’s all about moderation and feeling satisfied, not restricted, in my opinion.
  6. Instead of mashed or creamed potatoes, I opt for a baked potato. I find the butter and cream added to previous preparations tends to sit ‘heavily’ in my belly and causes me some GI upset, which is a no-no at a business dinner! Instead, I love to eat carbohydrates in their whole food and add butter myself at the and salt at the table. It isn’t about resurrection but rather knowing what makes me feel energized and satisfied! 
  7. When dinner arrives, I remember mindful eating practices and I listen to my body. For me, the portions at restaurants are HUGE and way more than I can comfortably eat. So I generally eat half. If, after that, I listen to my body and still feel hungry, I will eat more. But usually, I feel satisfied and comfortable, so I wrap the other half to go. Then I have leftovers for lunch the next day!
  8. After dinner, I like to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. This ritual feels like a “close” to a meal. If I am craving something sweet, I often split a dessert with my table mates. Half of anything chocolate is good for my sweet tooth! If there isn’t someone to split with or it’s a professional meeting, I use the ‘eat half -listen to my body- eat or wrap the rest’ method just like with dinner. 
  9. I never beat myself up. The thing is, life is LIFE! Of course, I try my best to make choices I know my physical body will love, but it is also important to indulge my mental health. No matter what I decide to eat, I eat it and MOVE ON. I don’t ruminate about it or feel guilty. NO WAY! I am healthy, I feel good, and for me that is more than most people have. All I can do is my best. RIGHT?? RIGHT!

Definitely. Believe it or not, I encounter may people who complain about bloating. The tricky part is, though, that even though bloating is very common, it is not very specific. This means there are multiple causes for bloating, including potential fatal causes – keep reading!

I often recommend starting with a food diary. This exercise alone can sometimes help you tease out the cause for bloating. If you can’t discern the cause on your own, then you will at least have some information to bring to a dietitian or healthcare practitioner. In the diary, it is important to log EVERYTHING; food intake, chewing gum, drinks, sleep, stress level, bowel movements – everything! All of this will be pertinent to figuring out the cause of the bloating. 

Some common food causes of bloating may be food intolerance or sensitivity, IBS, stress, irregular bowel movements, sleep disturbances, artificial sweeteners, menses, or eating processed foods.  Bloating may also be a sign of something more severe than food intolerance, like inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, or even certain cancers. It is important never to brush off bloating as “no big deal”. If it is, in fact, no big deal, let a professional tell you so after a full evaluation and examination. SAFETY FIRST!

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