Fascinating Women 2024: Plant-Based Wellness Chef & Consultant Cinty Yniguez
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Fascinating Women 2024: Plant-Based Wellness Chef & Consultant Cinty Yniguez
Olivia Sylvia Estrada
Published Mar 20, 2024 04:31 PM PHT
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Updated Apr 24, 2024 05:03 PM PHT
When they say that prioritizing your health shouldn’t be limited to a number on the scale, it should be a lifestyle, Cinty Yniguez takes it miles and miles further. She puts new meaning into creating a holistic life in her life as a consultant, chef, and entrepreneur.
When they say that prioritizing your health shouldn’t be limited to a number on the scale, it should be a lifestyle, Cinty Yniguez takes it miles and miles further. She puts new meaning into creating a holistic life in her life as a consultant, chef, and entrepreneur.
It’s only natural for her to be part of this year’s Fascinating Women 2024 as she makes it her mission to make conscious eating and living accessible and relatable to all. She doesn’t only do it through her words but also with all her actions. Her multi-faceted career identity covers all aspects of wellness, from the dinner plate to the yoga mat.
It’s only natural for her to be part of this year’s Fascinating Women 2024 as she makes it her mission to make conscious eating and living accessible and relatable to all. She doesn’t only do it through her words but also with all her actions. Her multi-faceted career identity covers all aspects of wellness, from the dinner plate to the yoga mat.
If there’s one person you need to follow, Cinty’s social media feed will truly nourish you. Below is our interview with Cinty, as we found it fitting and an honor to let her words do the talking.
If there’s one person you need to follow, Cinty’s social media feed will truly nourish you. Below is our interview with Cinty, as we found it fitting and an honor to let her words do the talking.
Cinty Yniguez Photography by Pat Buenaobra
Cinty Yniguez Photography by Pat Buenaobra Metro.Style: How do you introduce yourself and the work you do?
Cinty Yniguez: I’m a wellness chef and consultant, a certified plant-based and raw vegan chef, a whole food plant-based food curator and recipe developer, a whole food plant-forward lifestyle advocate and educator, a lifestyle medicine and culinary nutrition coach, a certified yoga instructor, and an entrepreneur.
Cinty Yniguez: I’m a wellness chef and consultant, a certified plant-based and raw vegan chef, a whole food plant-based food curator and recipe developer, a whole food plant-forward lifestyle advocate and educator, a lifestyle medicine and culinary nutrition coach, a certified yoga instructor, and an entrepreneur.
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As the CEO and founder of The Well Nourished Company, together with my team and collaborators, I curate purposeful and relevant bespoke evidence-guided Wellness Lifestyle Solutions (WLS) programs for companies and individuals that are relatable and approachable and designed to guide people in their wellness journey. Our programs are designed around the Three Paths to Wellness: Mindful Eating, Regular Movement, and Mindful Living, simply called EATWell, MOVEWell, and LIVEWell.
As the CEO and founder of The Well Nourished Company, together with my team and collaborators, I curate purposeful and relevant bespoke evidence-guided Wellness Lifestyle Solutions (WLS) programs for companies and individuals that are relatable and approachable and designed to guide people in their wellness journey. Our programs are designed around the Three Paths to Wellness: Mindful Eating, Regular Movement, and Mindful Living, simply called EATWell, MOVEWell, and LIVEWell.
As a wellness chef and consultant, I work with companies (primarily hospitality, food & beverage) to uplift or enhance their current wellness offerings through food or their wellness activities. I design holistic programs that cover the Three Paths to Wellness or specific programs and/or training to help them better cater to the needs of their discerning guests, especially those who want to adopt a healthier and sustainable lifestyle.
As a wellness chef and consultant, I work with companies (primarily hospitality, food & beverage) to uplift or enhance their current wellness offerings through food or their wellness activities. I design holistic programs that cover the Three Paths to Wellness or specific programs and/or training to help them better cater to the needs of their discerning guests, especially those who want to adopt a healthier and sustainable lifestyle.
A lot of my time is also spent conducting group and private-themed plant-based cooking classes and workshops, which run regularly. These focus on plant-based cooking and its therapeutic benefits. I share a ton of comprehensive information and materials with the participants who sign up.
A lot of my time is also spent conducting group and private-themed plant-based cooking classes and workshops, which run regularly. These focus on plant-based cooking and its therapeutic benefits. I share a ton of comprehensive information and materials with the participants who sign up.
At Naked Foods, the sub-brand I also founded, we curate and develop plant-based food products that are supplied to specialty stores, including the Pure Nectar branch at The Rockwell Club. We are also poised for some private dining events in the coming months.
At Naked Foods, the sub-brand I also founded, we curate and develop plant-based food products that are supplied to specialty stores, including the Pure Nectar branch at The Rockwell Club. We are also poised for some private dining events in the coming months.
Related Story: I Took a Plant-Forward Cooking Class. Here's What Happened!
MS: What do you love the most about your career?
CY: I love everything wellness. I believe it’s my life-long passion and mission to help, guide, and inspire others to lead a healthy and sustainable life. Seeing change and transformation in people fills me with immense joy and fulfillment. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to carve a path that is all about wellness, well-being, and connections.
CY: I love everything wellness. I believe it’s my life-long passion and mission to help, guide, and inspire others to lead a healthy and sustainable life. Seeing change and transformation in people fills me with immense joy and fulfillment. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to carve a path that is all about wellness, well-being, and connections.
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MS: How supportive is your working environment of women?
CY: Women run The Well Nourished Company, and we love creating a nourishing “SPACE” for women to harness their potential and cultivate small, mindful steps to create the healthiest relationship with their bodies and minds. We believe that everyone has the power to transform their lives and be their catalyst for change.Our core values guide everything we do. We believe in the power of SPACE (Sacred, Purposeful, Authentic, Centered, and Enduring) that allows you to unleash your greatest potential, explore and grow in your way, and nourish all parts of your well-being.
CY: Women run The Well Nourished Company, and we love creating a nourishing “SPACE” for women to harness their potential and cultivate small, mindful steps to create the healthiest relationship with their bodies and minds. We believe that everyone has the power to transform their lives and be their catalyst for change.Our core values guide everything we do. We believe in the power of SPACE (Sacred, Purposeful, Authentic, Centered, and Enduring) that allows you to unleash your greatest potential, explore and grow in your way, and nourish all parts of your well-being.
MS: What have been your most significant accomplishments?
CY: Some of my key milestones include the launch of Naked Foods (a plant-based product line) that reached specialty stores in Manila and Cebu, such as Real Food, The Vegan Grocer, and The Only Vegan Store.
CY: Some of my key milestones include the launch of Naked Foods (a plant-based product line) that reached specialty stores in Manila and Cebu, such as Real Food, The Vegan Grocer, and The Only Vegan Store.
We also have continuing partnerships with companies such as Ayala, Seda Hotels, Maxicare, Unilab, Synnovate, MindYOU, Anya Resorts, The Rockwell Club, and Pure Nectar, to name a few. We also launched our comprehensive Culinary Wellness Academy workshops where we lead a #culinaryLIFE – a culinary-based lifestyle integration for food and eating. This refers to the long-term and holistic approach of integrating food and eating habits into one's overall lifestyle sustainably and enjoyably for optimal health and well-being.
We also have continuing partnerships with companies such as Ayala, Seda Hotels, Maxicare, Unilab, Synnovate, MindYOU, Anya Resorts, The Rockwell Club, and Pure Nectar, to name a few. We also launched our comprehensive Culinary Wellness Academy workshops where we lead a #culinaryLIFE – a culinary-based lifestyle integration for food and eating. This refers to the long-term and holistic approach of integrating food and eating habits into one's overall lifestyle sustainably and enjoyably for optimal health and well-being.
Cinty Yniguez Photography by Pat Buenaobra
Cinty Yniguez Photography by Pat Buenaobra I must also add that one pivotal moment I had was when we launched a six-week holistic wellness pilot program for a company’s employees. It was our collective goal to empower the individuals to take what they’ve learned, share, and be inspired to start and sustain their wellness journey through mindfulness practices, movement, managing stress and sleep, and mindful cooking and eating. The best feeling was knowing we somehow helped with the results like losing one to two kilograms or three inches off the waist and having more energy. It was just amazing.
I must also add that one pivotal moment I had was when we launched a six-week holistic wellness pilot program for a company’s employees. It was our collective goal to empower the individuals to take what they’ve learned, share, and be inspired to start and sustain their wellness journey through mindfulness practices, movement, managing stress and sleep, and mindful cooking and eating. The best feeling was knowing we somehow helped with the results like losing one to two kilograms or three inches off the waist and having more energy. It was just amazing.
We also curated, organized, and mounted a successful wellness event, 'WELLFest Philippines,” immediately after the pandemic to reignite a culture of wellness within the community. We collaborated and connected with teachers of various healing modalities (yoga, sound healing, meditation, breath work, soul music), health and wellness speakers, partners, and participants from all over Metro Manila.
We also curated, organized, and mounted a successful wellness event, 'WELLFest Philippines,” immediately after the pandemic to reignite a culture of wellness within the community. We collaborated and connected with teachers of various healing modalities (yoga, sound healing, meditation, breath work, soul music), health and wellness speakers, partners, and participants from all over Metro Manila.
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MS: What is a constant stumbling block you have with your job?
CY: While it is obvious that with every job, work, or business, there are stumbling blocks or challenges, some easily overcome and others that may take time, I see these as opportunities for growth and improvement.
CY: While it is obvious that with every job, work, or business, there are stumbling blocks or challenges, some easily overcome and others that may take time, I see these as opportunities for growth and improvement.
In my business, my stumbling blocks are oftentimes the challenge of educating and changing consumer perceptions, which includes consumer education, debunking myths, overcoming preconceptions, and cost considerations.
In my business, my stumbling blocks are oftentimes the challenge of educating and changing consumer perceptions, which includes consumer education, debunking myths, overcoming preconceptions, and cost considerations.
I find that many consumers still may not be familiar with plant-based products or their benefits or even a plant-forward lifestyle. Educating them about the advantages of a plant-based diet and lifestyle, such as improved health and environmental sustainability, can be a significant hurdle.Some consumers may have preconceived notions about plant-based products, such as concerns about taste, texture, nutritional adequacy, accessibility, and affordability. Part of my job is to address these concerns through product development, marketing, and consumer education.
I find that many consumers still may not be familiar with plant-based products or their benefits or even a plant-forward lifestyle. Educating them about the advantages of a plant-based diet and lifestyle, such as improved health and environmental sustainability, can be a significant hurdle.Some consumers may have preconceived notions about plant-based products, such as concerns about taste, texture, nutritional adequacy, accessibility, and affordability. Part of my job is to address these concerns through product development, marketing, and consumer education.
When it comes to cost considerations, I also don’t scrimp on quality plant-based ingredients. Plant-based ingredients can sometimes be more expensive than their animal-based counterparts, impacting pricing and profit margins. Since I don’t scrimp on quality ingredients, finding cost-effective sourcing solutions without compromising product quality is a crucial challenge.
When it comes to cost considerations, I also don’t scrimp on quality plant-based ingredients. Plant-based ingredients can sometimes be more expensive than their animal-based counterparts, impacting pricing and profit margins. Since I don’t scrimp on quality ingredients, finding cost-effective sourcing solutions without compromising product quality is a crucial challenge.
Yoga in the wild @cintyyniguez
Yoga in the wild @cintyyniguez MS: What is one thing you could tell your younger self?
CY: There is a mantra that has always stayed with me since I started on my wellness journey, It’s by Lao Tzu and it goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step.” If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to trust in your journey.
CY: There is a mantra that has always stayed with me since I started on my wellness journey, It’s by Lao Tzu and it goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step.” If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to trust in your journey.
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Every twist, turn, and stumble is a stepping stone toward growth and wisdom. Embrace your uniqueness, follow your passions, and never underestimate your worth. You are capable of achieving incredible things, and the challenges you face will only make you stronger.
Every twist, turn, and stumble is a stepping stone toward growth and wisdom. Embrace your uniqueness, follow your passions, and never underestimate your worth. You are capable of achieving incredible things, and the challenges you face will only make you stronger.
Believe in yourself, stay true to your values, and always be kind to yourself (and others) along the way. Your journey is yours to own, so walk it with confidence, courage, and an open heart. Your story is also yours to tell, so always be proud of the big and little achievements that shape it. Embrace setbacks and failures and always trust in the journey. Trust in God’s divine plan. Something bigger and better always comes along. Your grit and determination must come from a belief that anything is possible.
Believe in yourself, stay true to your values, and always be kind to yourself (and others) along the way. Your journey is yours to own, so walk it with confidence, courage, and an open heart. Your story is also yours to tell, so always be proud of the big and little achievements that shape it. Embrace setbacks and failures and always trust in the journey. Trust in God’s divine plan. Something bigger and better always comes along. Your grit and determination must come from a belief that anything is possible.
Related Story: Achieving Inner & Outer Beauty at the Metro Beauti Brunch
MS: What is one thing that makes you proud to be a woman?
CY: One thing that makes me proud as a woman is that women are strong, fierce (in the good sense), independent, resilient, relentless, and especially now, breaking barriers, trailblazing, and defining boundaries. Women have grit and determination, and whether it's excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields, advocating for gender equality, or simply being true to themselves, women take pride in their ability to make huge impacts and create positive changes in the world.
CY: One thing that makes me proud as a woman is that women are strong, fierce (in the good sense), independent, resilient, relentless, and especially now, breaking barriers, trailblazing, and defining boundaries. Women have grit and determination, and whether it's excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields, advocating for gender equality, or simply being true to themselves, women take pride in their ability to make huge impacts and create positive changes in the world.
MS: What is the best piece of advice you constantly try to follow?
CY: I have a few pieces of advice that I try to keep in mind. There’s to find joy and peace from within; if you can achieve this, you can radiate this brightly towards others. I also believe that you should do something that sparks joy and fuels your inner fire, but do it with kindness and grace. It’s also important to be passionate and compassionate. Of course, you have to strive to find balance and be healthy in all aspects: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and financially. My final piece of advice would be how consistency in everything is key.
CY: I have a few pieces of advice that I try to keep in mind. There’s to find joy and peace from within; if you can achieve this, you can radiate this brightly towards others. I also believe that you should do something that sparks joy and fuels your inner fire, but do it with kindness and grace. It’s also important to be passionate and compassionate. Of course, you have to strive to find balance and be healthy in all aspects: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and financially. My final piece of advice would be how consistency in everything is key.
Raw Plant-based Pink Hummus @cintyyniguez
Raw Plant-based Pink Hummus @cintyyniguez MS: What’s next for you?
CY: We are stoked about the many opportunities ahead: more workshops, classes, programs, food offerings, dining experiences, partnerships, and expansion.
CY: We are stoked about the many opportunities ahead: more workshops, classes, programs, food offerings, dining experiences, partnerships, and expansion.
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We aim to provide more value to our community and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community and the world.
We aim to provide more value to our community and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community and the world.
We stay the course in the pursuit of our mission. Our success is defined by our ability to help our clients, team, and community sustainably. Enduring— one of our core values, means being consistent even when things are tough. It means having the courage to show up day in and day out, not just when it feels easy or convenient. This only means that I, with my team, will power through the good and tough times with patience, perseverance, and consistency.
We stay the course in the pursuit of our mission. Our success is defined by our ability to help our clients, team, and community sustainably. Enduring— one of our core values, means being consistent even when things are tough. It means having the courage to show up day in and day out, not just when it feels easy or convenient. This only means that I, with my team, will power through the good and tough times with patience, perseverance, and consistency.
Photographer and Videographer: Pat Buenaobra
Editor-in-Chief: Geolette Esguerra
Sittings Editors: Red Dimaandal, Kate Paras-Santiago, and Grace Libero-Cruz
Makeup retoucher: Team Muriel Vega Perez for Dior Beauty
Hair retoucher: Dwayne Santos Bautista of Marqed Salon BGC
Shoot assistant: Mika Yusay
Shot on location at Moda InterniSpecial thanks to Jenica Chuahiock, Nikki Sindiong, and Manam Comfort Filipino
Photographer and Videographer: Pat Buenaobra
Editor-in-Chief: Geolette Esguerra
Sittings Editors: Red Dimaandal, Kate Paras-Santiago, and Grace Libero-Cruz
Makeup retoucher: Team Muriel Vega Perez for Dior Beauty
Hair retoucher: Dwayne Santos Bautista of Marqed Salon BGC
Shoot assistant: Mika Yusay
Shot on location at Moda InterniSpecial thanks to Jenica Chuahiock, Nikki Sindiong, and Manam Comfort Filipino
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