CHEW Chicago Inc – Complete Health Education & Wellness

Joining my friend and the rest of the CHEW crew in front of the Green City Market sign was a great way to start a late Saturday morning. Besides the abridged versions of yoga and boot camp class, it was a great way to be introduced to yummy food: yogurt, vegan snacks, Whole Foods fresh salads, and vitamin filled juices. Besides the tour of local businesses, Jessica included several tasty snacks in the tote we received too!
Now, Jessica… what a smart, intriguing, and entertaining walking host. I try to consider myself a health conscious person (about 77%), but Jessica brought up several ideas and topics I have never thought about. Thanks to her, I am now a fan of maca.
How can a person pass up a three-​hour wellness tour that includes a mini-​workout, some free, healthy, yummy snacks, a tour of boutique workout clothes, and a trip to Lush?!? Sign-​me up!

I purchased a ticket through a meetup group I belong to for $ 26.50. I was really happy with the tour of various places in the city, although I had been to many of them before. I think that the tour was well-​paced with exercises and samples throughout. Jessica seemed very knowledgeable in answering he questions that others on the tour had. I also felt that the staff at the stores we interacted with were not pushy in trying to sell us anything. The samples sizes were substantial at the tour stops. We also got a very nice bag of granola bars and various water along with a lot of savings for places on the tour. The savings for Karyn’s were well worth the cost of the tour. I usually don’t like these kinds of events where I go on a tour, (but what do you expect from a self-​exploring world traveler), but this one was really well laid out, and I suggested that our group do it each year.
This is what we were given at the itinerary:
The Green City Market — Walk through market, sample foods, mingle with farmers. (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
CorePower Yoga — 20 minute Intro yoga class/​warm up in the park.
Starfruit Café — Sample low fat smoothies, frozen treats and yummy parfaits that are more than delicious — they’re astronomically nutritious, too.
Lululemon — Explore Lululemon clothing and culture.
LUSH — Information on natural beauty products, LUSH beauty product consults, demonstrations, and sampling. Personalized product suggestions, and a FREE hand treatment.
FIT Lincoln Park — 20-​minute Boot Camp! Get ready to sweat!
Karyn’s Raw — Raw smoothie, raw foods samples, raw foods talk, video, and discussion.
Peeled — Sample exotic juices, smoothies, and superfoods from around the world. Learn about juice fasts & detoxes.
Whole Foods Market — «Health Starts Here» tour of the store and lunch in their delicious café. (Lunch is not included but is available for purchase.)
Complimentary eco-​friendly, reusable CHEW Chicago bag full of awesome goodies, coupons, samples, and information!
Taste of Wellness Tour, Lincoln Park Information: How long: 3 – 4 hours, 3 mile tour — BURN up to 500 Calories! What’s included: All food and beverage tastings, all classes and discounts! Reusable eco-​friendly gift bags Who: All age groups (10 and up) and all fitness levels. Everybody is WELCOME! What to wear: Comfortable athletic gear and gym shoes, this is a walking tour with fitness classes Weather conditions: Tour takes place rain or shine

I met Jessica and was introduced to CHEW Chicago thanks to Groupon. I am SO glad that I bought that deal otherwise I may not have found out about this wonderful business!
I really enjoyed the Wellness Tour. As someone that finds the raw/​vegan/​organic/​extremely healthy types of lifestyles intimidating and too expensive for my budget, this tour was a wonderful way to open my eyes to the healthier lifestyle I want for myself.
I may not be able to run out and purchase a $ 100 pair of lululemon yoga pants, but I learned a lot about fitness wear. I may not normally patronize Karyn’s, but it was awesome to learn more about and try raw foods. I could go on and on, but almost every stop along the tour was something new-​to-​me. I am so glad I gave it a whirl!
The best part was my consultation with Jessica. From the beginning I felt like she so genuinely cared about my health and helping me achieve a healthier lifestyle… without overwhelming me or breaking the bank. I truly wish I could afford to enroll in one of her programs, I think it would be such a positive experience. Jessica is a wealth of knowledge! She recommended a bunch of baby steps, that weren’t overwhelming, I can implement into my lifestyle that will also fit in my budget.
If you aspire to lead a healthier life and don’t know where to begin… enroll in a CHEW Chicago Wellness Tour STAT! Jessica’s awesome.

I wish I could have even gotten to be able to take the tour. I signed up for the Groupon deal — which she only gave 3 months to do – way too short. Hello — people are busy!
Tried to sign up on her website around 10/​14, when I realized the last day of October was when the Groupon expired. Looked like all days were full in the website’s scheduling system. Sent her an email through the website stating the problem and asking if there would be an extension, due to the short time frame of the Groupon. She responded to my email about 5 days later, on the 19^th, saying if I couldn’t get in (as people had been waiting until the last minute — um, that’s not too professional, thanks), that I could apply the Groupon to her regular tours (which are, of course, more expensive).
I replied that I actually had gotten in, a couple days earlier, and it looked like there was just a glitch /​problem with her website, I guessed.
She said she was glad I was able to register (no apology for the website issues).
I actually had to go out of town the day I registed for, which was at the end of the Groupon period. I sent an email and asked if I could still put the Groupon towards another tour, due to this unforeseen circumstance.
Well, I am STILL waiting for a response, 10 days later. At this point, I don’t even want to take the tour. I will be disputing the charge with the card company.
I have to agree with some of the others here that it looks like she needs to put more into the business than just the upfront marketing efforts — need some better customer service, as well.

I really enjoyed the wellness tour, despite the intermittent showers. I found out about many places in the area that are health-​conscious and environmentally friendly. I really wouldn’t have known about CHEW if it wasn’t for the great Groupon deal.
I enjoyed everything about the tour… the large open Green City Market, the yoga session outside, the Starfruit samples, Lush hand treatment, Karyn’s Raw Café, trip to the largest Whole Foods in the nation, Lululemon (which is a great store with quality items, but too pricey for me), and the walking! Lots and lots of walking! I already visited some of these places last week, using coupons provided by CHEW for Karyn’s and Starfruit. Also, Lush is on my mind for possible stocking stuffers. I already knew that these places existed and walked by them many times. However, when you learn about these businesses and about what their missions are, you become more inclined to patronize them. And that’s what I intend to do!
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and passionate about wellness. Overall, my husband and I had a fun time! Great tour, great concept!

The Wellness Tour was a fantastic way to walk our way through Chicago and all for $ 22/​pp!!! Scored the deal on Groupon, the normal rate is $ 40.
Two time slots are available 11am and noon, Wednesday through Sunday. Weds and Sats are popular b/​c the Green City Market is open.
Unfortunately, the weather called for rain, Jessica called me the morning of and gave us the opportunity to reschedule so we could get the most of the tour. I thanked her and let her know we’d risk it, since we already had our days in the city fully arranged.
The weather gods were smiling on our tour, b/​c there was not a drop of rain and the sun actually came out! Sweet.
The itinerary:
–Infuse Yoga — 20 minute Intro Yoga class/​warm up in the park.
–Starfruit Café — Sample low fat smoothies, frozen treats & parfaits
–Lululemon — Lulu store tour, Lulu clothing talk, fittings.
–LUSH — Information on natural beauty products, LUSH beauty product consults, demonstrations & sampling.
–Karyn’s Raw — Raw smoothie, raw foods samples, raw foods talk, video & discussion. Tour of wellness center.
–Balance Health + Wellness — 20 minute intro to Pilates class, tour of center.
–Whole Foods Market — «Health Starts Here» tour of the store.
It was great to walk around the city and see the different neighborhoods from a local healthy perspective. I never thought of Chicago as a leader in the health initiative, but my mind has changed!
The website states we burn about 500 calories over the 3+ hour tour, but w/​our bodies acclimating to the humidity, it felt like more, I was famished!!! Good thing we had our CHEW reuseable bags w/​a natural Clif bar & a Vitamin Water, oh and all those yummy food stops helped too.
Jessica is definitely very knowledgeable and passionate about nutrition and wellness, afterall she is the founder. Most of the time she has other staff who host the tours. Chew Chicago is a great way for locals and tourists alike to check out the health movement that is shaking up the city!

I don’t get all the negative reviews… I’ve had a great experience with Jessica. I also tried the $ 30 offer, and if I wasn’t a completely broke college student, I would definitely extend way past the two months. She has been incredibly accommodating of my crazy schedule and her meal plan gave me a good sense of what and how I should eat each day while still allowing me plenty of freedom in preparation.
She asked about my eating habits, but also other factors in my life, and took both into account in her recommendations.
Following her suggestions made me feel so much better, especially in terms of mood! If you’re looking for a nutritionist who will help you change your eating patterns permanently, I highly recommend Jessica at CHEW.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the other 1 stars. I had a very similar experience with Jessica and the You Swoop offer. I ended up asking for my money back after scheduling conflicts, lack of follow through and poor information.
I think my biggest disappointment was when I finally received the «meal plan» she had designed for me (not emailed on the day she said she would, but several days later after I reminded her). I was expecting a two week plan filled with lots of good suggestions and ideas for healthy meals. I was incredibly disappointed to receive a plan for one day that I was supposed to repeat for 14 days in a row. AND it was literally this — oatmeal for breakfast, grilled chicken and greens for lunch, grilled chicken, brown rice and steamed veggies for dinner. And repeat. For 14 days. I’m no expert, but I know that grilled chicken, greens and brown rice are health foods. And I also know that a normal person cannot eat only that for 14 days in a row. Maybe if it were a competition and someone was paying me $ 100,000 at the end.
I hate to write such a harsh review, because Jessica did seem like a nice person. But I hope this serves as a learning experience and motivates her to put more time into her product and less into marketing and making money.

I love this place.
I have some serious issues with my digestinal tract and i have slowly come to realize that I may have some sensitivities to wheat and dairy. I have been tested for celiac but the test came back negative. I have been to internal doctors who want to put me on all kinds of medicines, none of which have helped. In step
. I purchased the $ 30 offer and figured what the heck, I am not getting anywhere with doctors… maybe CHEW can help me.
I went to CHEW for my first consultation which was supposed to be an hour, although my session was not an hour… I had plenty of time to speak with Jessica and explain my situation. She gave me suggestions and a few supplements to try. Oh boy… supplements? I felt as I had been down this road before. Nope, I haven’t. She didn’t want me to buy her supplements, in fact she gave me a list of places where I could find the best prices. WHAT! This never happens. She also wanted me to start a food journal, which I did (no wonder I am having issues :)
I went back this past week and she gave me a personalized meal plan. So far it is a bit difficult bc I am pretty much off of everything because we are trying to figure out if I am allergic to anything. I have to say I feel great!
She also gave me a great recommendation to an allergist. I am excited to meet with her. I am really looking forward to being independent of medicine to regulate my digestive system. I am hoping that whole, healthy foods will do the trick.

So far so good! I am going to Jessica bi-​weekly for nutrition counseling. I have about 5 more months to go (I was/​am really lost), so I am reserving a star for future/​final progress.
As of right now, I feel awesome and look forward to the bi-​weekly meetings. I think CHEW is great for anyone who is highly dependent on processed foods, wants to increase their energy and revamp their nutritional lifestyle. Previously, I was either low carb or super high carb. There was no happy medium. Jessica is helping me get there.

OK I’m grateful for
for offering the following below for $ 30… It’s almost too good to be true. I mean a $ 150 consultation for $ 30. of course I jumped on it!
*****CHEW Nutrition & Weight Loss Consultation: $ 150
In this supercharged 60-​minute session, we will discuss your current health status, diet hardships, and overall health goals. This also includes supplement, food, fitness, and lifestyle recommendations and a 30-​minute revisit session to discuss your success and FUTURE goals.**********
OK I’m a pretty active person. I work out 5 days a week on most week but I have a Fetish with SUGAR!!! and I was hoping to find a way to cut it out of my life this year: smile:. SO i decided to purchase this deal!
During my very first and last visit. I made it to the Gym where Chew is located. (Inside of the gym)
Which is fine with me .I mean health inside and out in the same location is cool so I wasn’t bothered by the office inside of the gym
I was able to meet the Lovely owner of Chew. and she asked me a few questions. I told her about my Sugar addiction :). and our consultation was approx 28 minutes. Jessica gave me a food journal that she printed out (2 sheets) and I was supposed to print off more from home and track my food intake for 1 week and do a follow 1 week later. i’m not sure if that was going to be for another 28 minutes or what. however
1. I felt extremely rushed during my time there. There wasn’t a ton of talk from Jessica except that she said that she knows of natural ways to curb my sugar desire. and a few other little tid bits about green tea.
2. She mentioned that her partner in the gym gives 2 «Free» training workouts (my assumption is so that you’ll purchase more)
This consumed our supposed 1 hr chat but it ended up being 28 minutes.
Now after writing my journal down. Something told me that of course. me being the workout person that I am. I already know that i need to curb my sugar intake. I think i was looking for some Guru to give me some solid information during our first visit because there was only 1 more follow-​up in person visit left with this package. however looking at the website. you can pay $ 199 per month to speak to her however i’m not sure if your visits will be cut down to almost nothing AFTER you pay.
I was supposed to have my 2^nd meetup with Jessica yesterday but declined the offer… I called her to let her know. She just said «Ohhh K» and that was about it. Thanks and goodbye. That sums up our time together other than the nice email that she sent out (So much for SUPPORT). but This is simply a place to purchase and purchase and purchase more things and since there was a deal for $ 30. I got my money worth ($ 30) and that was I got.
Hopefully the others who purchased the $ 30 will feel unrushed and buy into the program. I