We’re excited to introduce our two nutrition experts who bring complementary expertise to help you achieve your health goals.
JENNIFER – PROTEIN & WEIGHT LOSS SPECIALIST
Hi there! I’m Jennifer Collins, a proud single mom, seasoned food writer, and the heart behind I Love Cookin. For over 12 years, I’ve been on a journey that transformed not just how I cook, but how I live, heal, and find strength through food.
My Story: From Grief to Growth
A few years ago, life threw me a curveball that changed everything. I lost my husband, a strong, kind soul who proudly served our country. He was my rock, my partner, and my biggest cheerleader. His loss left a hole in my heart that I didn’t know how to fill.
In the wake of that grief, I found myself turning to food for comfort, using it as a way to numb the pain. But as time passed, I realized that I had to make a change. The weight I had gained during my darkest days was holding me back, both physically and emotionally. That’s when I decided to take control of my life and embark on a transformative journey.
The Professional Journey: 12+ Years of Expertise
What started as a personal healing process evolved into something much bigger. Through extensive self-study, collaboration with wellness experts, and years of experimentation, I developed a deep understanding of how balanced, high-protein meals can enhance strength, energy, and focus, without sacrificing the comfort and taste we all crave.
Today, I’m a protein recipe specialist and high-performance meal developer with over 12 years of hands-on kitchen experience. My expertise spans:
- Protein-rich comfort classics that satisfy your soul
- Post-workout smoothies and functional drinks that energize your day
- Low-carb snacks and family-friendly meals for real-life busy schedules
- Weight-loss-friendly recipes that don’t compromise on flavor
- Smart meal-prep solutions for active professionals and parents
What I Love Cookin Represents
This little corner of the internet isn’t just about recipes, it’s about stories, healing, and rediscovering joy in the kitchen. I’ve spent over a decade helping busy professionals, active parents, and wellness-minded readers eat better with less effort.
My approach combines expert nutritional insight with warmth, storytelling, and a genuine love for real food that heals and energizes. Every recipe I share is designed to help you feel your best in body and mind, because I believe that food isn’t just fuel, it’s a form of self-respect, strength, and connection.
My Mission: Healing One Recipe at a Time
Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of:
- Contributing to wellness blogs and health publications
- Collaborating with personal trainers and health brands
- Guiding thousands of readers toward better eating habits
- Sharing practical, protein-powered recipes that work for real life
Whether you’re here for comforting dishes that warm your heart, weight-loss-friendly meals that fuel your goals, or protein-packed recipes that power your active lifestyle, I want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re all on this journey together, and every meal is an opportunity to nourish not just your body, but your soul.
The I Love Cookin Promise
In my kitchen, every meal is made with love, and every recipe has a story. I’m passionate about creating recipes that are:
- Simple and satisfying — because life is busy enough
- Built for real life — tested in my own kitchen as a working single mom
- Nutrition-focused — without sacrificing the comfort we all crave
- Accessible to everyone — regardless of cooking skill level
A Personal Note
The process of healing through food didn’t just transform my body, it transformed my entire life. That balance I found between nourishing my body and enjoying the foods I love became the foundation of everything I share here.
Every recipe on this site comes from a place of understanding. I know what it’s like to cook through grief, to meal prep on a tight schedule, to want something healthy that still feels like a hug on a plate. I’ve been where you are, and I’m here to walk this journey alongside you.
Connect With Me
So, come on in! I hope you find recipes that not only fill your belly but also warm your heart. Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey, looking for family-friendly meal solutions, or seeking that perfect post-workout fuel, there’s a place for you at my table.
Thank you for being part of the I Love Cookin family. Together, we’re proving that good food, made with love and intention, has the power to heal, strengthen, and bring us joy, one delicious bite at a time.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Jennifer Collins
Founder & Recipe Developer, I Love Cookin
Have a story to share or a recipe request? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at [email protected] . Because in this kitchen, everyone has a seat at the table.
MAYA REFRESHER, CNS – BEVERAGES & WELLNESS SPECIALIST
Maya Refresher, CNS – Beverages & Wellness Specialist
Meet Maya Refresher, our certified nutritionist and beverages specialist who brings over 8 years of professional experience in functional nutrition and wellness coaching to ilovecookin.com. As a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Maya has dedicated her career to helping people transform their health through the power of strategic hydration and functional beverages.
Professional Background:
Maya’s journey in nutrition began with her own wellness transformation, leading her to pursue advanced certification as a CNS and specialize in the often-overlooked area of therapeutic beverages. Over the past 8+ years, she has worked as a wellness coach, workshop leader, and consultant for wellness retreats and health spas across the country.
Expertise & Specializations:
- Functional Beverages: Creating drinks that serve specific health purposes beyond basic nutrition
- Seasonal Wellness: Optimizing beverage choices based on seasonal ingredient nutritional peaks
- Hydration Strategies: Developing personalized hydration plans for active lifestyles and health goals
- Complementary Nutrition: Designing beverages that enhance and support protein-rich meal plans
Professional Experience:
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) with 8+ years of practice
- Former wellness coach specializing in hydration and functional beverages
- Workshop leader for “Nutrition Through Beverages” seminars
- Consultant for wellness retreats and health spas
- Contributor to healthy beverages cookbooks and wellness publications
Maya’s Philosophy:
Too often, people focus on what they eat but ignore what they drink. The right beverages can be just as transformative as the right foods, they can boost energy, support recovery, enhance digestion, and even improve mood. My goal is to help you discover how strategic hydration and functional drinks can complement your healthy eating journey.”
Why Beverages Matter:
Through her years of practice, Maya has seen countless clients transform their energy levels, workout recovery, and overall wellness simply by optimizing their daily beverage choices. She believes that drinks should be functional, seasonal, and perfectly paired with your meal planning for maximum health benefits.
At ilovecookin.com:
Maya creates science-backed beverage recipes that perfectly complement Jennifer’s protein-focused meal plans. Whether you need pre-workout energy, post-workout recovery, seasonal wellness support, or simply want to enhance your daily hydration, Maya’s professionally-tested recipes deliver both exceptional taste and measurable health benefits.
Personal Touch:
When she’s not developing new functional beverage recipes, Maya enjoys hiking, seasonal farmers market visits, and teaching nutrition workshops in her local community. She believes that wellness should be accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyday life.
TOGETHER, WE CREATE COMPLETE WELLNESS
Jennifer and Maya work together to provide you with comprehensive nutrition guidance, from protein-rich meals that fuel your body to functional beverages that enhance your health goals. Their combined expertise ensures you have everything needed for sustainable wellness success.
