Written by: Abby de Riel

Our team of 85 WITS Chefs has had a busy school year so far: in NYC alone, we have reached over 200 additional school buildings with side-by-side culinary training and 27 schools with nutrition education; we piloted a New WITS Lab, Apple Citrus Pico de Gallo; and we supported the addition of new recipes to the lunch menu like Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, Egyptian Chickpea Stew, and Sweet Potato Quesadilla. 

With January coming a few months into the school year, the New Year offers our WITS Chefs a chance to reflect on their practices in and out of the kitchen and center wellness practices that help them to show up for themselves and the students they serve. A few WITS Chefs share their wellness goals for the New Year below. 

Be more present in the moment, and take more time to slow down and create a memory from the joyous moments. 

– WITS Chef Greg Lingaya 

Increase my activity so I can enjoy the foods I love without concern. Also, build stamina and continue with my practices of self-care. Although the lifestyle of a professional chef is already active, it is not considered exercise. Overall health physically, mentally, and emotionally is very important to me; it helps to maintain positivity in all areas of my life. 

– WITS Chef Brenda Jenkins 

Listen to my body and what it needs to feel more energy daily as well as strive to eat healthy every day — even if that includes a bit of dark chocolate each day for healthy skin!” 

– WITS Chef Rebecca Frisher 

Implement more portion control; eat more fresh and local produce, and visit more local farm markets in general where I can get fresh produce; and drink more water and remove sodas from my regular diet.

– WITS Chef Diego Biondi 

Put on 20 pounds of muscle mass and work on being more flexible. 

– WITS Chef John Watkins 

More with intention, say what I mean, and mean what I say. Also to find pleasure in the little things and take the time to process them more often.

– WITS Chef Michelle Boitel

‘Read it before you eat it’ — taking the time to check food labels and learn about what we’re putting into our bodies, which can make a big difference in how we feel every day. Wellness means feeling good both in your body and your mind, and I believe it’s about making choices that help us stay strong, healthy, and happy. My strategies for this goal are to 1) stay curious: what am I eating and are there healthier options? 2) stay informed: look out for when food gets recalled, and 3) stay inspired: healthy choices don’t have to be boring, explore new recipes or try making your favorite snack with natural, wholesome ingredients! 

– WITS Chef Tyrik Smith 

Eat more plant-based meals. Run and weight train again. Read more and keep up with my New Yorker subscription.

– WITS Chef Elisa Sarno 

Stay on track of eating more healthy options. Meals can be hard during stressful moments throughout the day, but I hope to prevail through it all this year.

– WITS Chef Diamond Murichson 

Walk more. I already try to get in a workout, but even if I can’t, I want to make time to go for a walk every day. Whether it’s through my neighborhood, to the grocery store, or a mile to Prospect Park, it helps me mentally to get some fresh air and movement.

– WITS Chef Somi Disla

Make time for the little things: taking time for my vitamins, stretching, walking, massages, and all of the other daily pieces of self-care.

– WITS Chef Charlene Johnson

Do what our organization is out to do in advocating for and teaching children how to learn, live, and thrive through the healthy choices we can make. I started my journey with Wellness in the Schools in September 2024 and I’m proud to say I am a part of making a difference in the health of our future.

– WITS Chef Teak Nam