From Personal Trainer to Chef: Jillian’s Origin Story & Top Summer Picks

Zoe Ratchelous 🦎

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From Personal Trainer to Chef: Jillian’s Origin Story & Top Summer Picks

When you taste a fit-flavors meal, you’re getting more than just convenience and nutrition you’re getting a story. Specifically, Jillian Tedesco’s story.

Jillian is the founder of fit-flavors, but long before she was a chef and entrepreneur, she was a personal trainer with a passion for helping others live well. Her path from gym to kitchen wasn’t a straight line, it was a turning point.

A Defining Moment

“Honestly, it wasn’t an inspired transition it was a turning point in my life,” Jillian shares. “When I lost my personal training studio or more accurately, walked away after a falling out with my partner, I spiraled into a dark place. In that darkness, for the first time in my life, I sought God. And He revealed Himself to me.”

What followed was hard but powerful. “He gave me a divine message: Follow your passion for nutrition and culinary, and I will have your back. I never set out to start a business. I just made the choice to pursue what I loved, helping people eat better with everything I had.”

And that’s how fit-flavors was born. Out of a need Jillian saw again and again in her clients: they wanted to eat well but didn’t have the time, energy, or knowledge to do it consistently.

A Fitness-Driven Approach to Food

With a background in fitness and personal struggles with food herself Jillian brought a unique, empathetic perspective to meal prep.

“I didn’t always have the best relationship with food,” she says. “But I understood the mental and emotional struggles people face when it comes to food and body image. I’ve been there. That’s why our meals offer a sustainable, no-nonsense approach. No gimmicks. Just quality ingredients, proper portions, and real balance.”

It’s also why fit-flavors champions the 80/20 lifestyle because it’s realistic, effective, and doesn’t rely on perfection.

From Gym Hours to Kitchen Hustle

Transitioning from the gym world to food entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges. Jillian worked every weekend for five years straight, missing out on church and rest. But she never lost sight of the mission.

“The shift was actually really fun I loved the change and the new challenges it brought.”

An Evolving Philosophy

Over the years, Jillian’s outlook on health has matured.

“One word: moderation. That goes for everything: alcohol, sugar, even eating perfectly and working out. Too much of anything can become an obsession. I’ve learned that disciplined balance is where true wellness lives.”

And at the heart of it all? Gut health.

“A healthy gut is foundational. It protects you, strengthens your immune system, and helps keep sickness and disease at bay.”

Jillian’s Top Picks from the Summer Menu

When asked about her current favorites, Jillian lit up. Here are her top summer picks:

  • Chimichurri Steak:  “Bright, herbaceous, and bold. It’s hearty but still feels light and fresh—perfect for summer.”

  • Mongolian Meatballs:  “Garlic, ginger, Chinese 5-spice, and red miso. Rich and umami-packed—I worked hard to perfect the sauce.”

  • Peas, Carrots & Corn in Butter: “Simple and nostalgic. It rounds out a meal in the best way.”

  • Chinese Chicken Salad: “It eats like a full meal. The crunch of toasted cashews with the sweet orange segments it’s satisfying and super flavorful.”

Real Advice from Someone Who’s Lived It

After helping thousands of people transform how they eat, Jillian’s core advice is simple:

Stop overcomplicating healthy eating. Focus on quality, portions, and balance. Read labels. Avoid added sugars, dyes, and preservatives.”

Here’s her basic formula for a balanced plate:

  • Protein: 4–6 oz lean source

  • Starch: ½–1 cup (or 3–5 oz)

  • Fats: Healthy fats like olive oil or avocado

“When your portions are on point, your macros usually are too.”

Looking Ahead

So what’s next for fit-flavors?

“In the early years, we were just trying to stay afloat, figuring out labor, inventory, tech. Now, we have a solid foundation. Our team is strong, our food is better than ever, and our systems are dialed in.

What lights me up most is seeing fit-flavors grow into a trusted, go-to brand here in St. Louis. That’s the dream and it feels more possible than ever.”

Want to try Jillian’s top summer picks?
👉 Order now at fit-flavors.com or stop by your nearest location.

Because healthy eating shouldn’t be hard. It should be real, flavorful, and sustainable just like Jillian imagined.


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