Bill Blackburn, or Chef Beau as he’s known at his Klean Kitchen, has been on a mission to bring clean eating to the masses and help educate as many people as possible on the benefits of unprocessed eating. His qualifications? Bachelors from DePaul University, culinary degree from Kendall College and some post-graduate work studying Macro’s and autoimmune, anti-inflammatory health issues. He is living proof that clean—or in his case, klean—eating really can change a person’s life.

In 2009, Chef Beau was having a hard time, going through a divorce, struggling with his health, and the loss of his sister. When a friend suggested he just cut out gluten to feel better, he was dubious. But after just five days of being gluten free, he was convinced.

“All the noise in my head turned off,” says Chef Beau. Then, he eliminated dairy (from a cow) and saw his habitual back pain vanish, he knew he was onto something. First gaining popularity with his in-home dining parties and events in which he has served over 575 of them, now Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen has expanded into a comprehensive weekly meal service as well.

After working the first 10 years of his culinary adventures serving clients on the North Shore, Blackburn is now based in La Grange. Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen is unlike any other kitchen in the greater Chicago area. All the food that Chef Beau and his team cook is completely unprocessed.

Blackburn proudly touts that the food he serves is just as high quality as what’s plated at Michelin star restaurants Alinea and Everest. The only difference? Chef Beau can guarantee that what you’re eating is 100 percent clean. Blackburn and his chefs do all their own shopping with the mindset that they would never purchase something they wouldn’t purchase for themselves—seeking out the best grade products, like 100 percent grass-fed beef, wild caught seafood, and organic poultry.

He doesn’t like to use the term “healthy eating,” as it’s too subjective. Although, Chef Beau is quick to clarify that his philosophy on clean and unprocessed food isn’t just a passing whim or fancy. He embarked on the Klean Kitchen journey long before dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan diets became a household adjetive, and he’s here to stay.

“Eating itself is an act that we’re addicted to ourselves,” Chef Beau says, adding that it’s all too easy, especially in stressful times, to turn to familiar comfort foods, even if it’s not the healthiest option. And as the philosopher and theologian Augustine wrote, “habit not resisted becomes necessity.”

Chef Beau’s menus are proof that with the right ingredients, dairy-free, gluten-free, and clean eating can be just as delicious if not better than your standard American diet. Each week, Blackburn chooses from over 500 Air/Land/Sea entrees he and his staff collaborate over and over 125 plant-based menu options along with breakfast, snacks, kid-friendly items, soups and salads to offer a diverse, delicious, and nutritious new menu for clients.

The Klean Kitchen weekly meal service is a great option for anyone with autoimmune disorders, someone who may have an intolerance to certain foods, or athletes who want to perform at the elite level, but their service is also great for picky eaters and families whose members have different dietary needs or restrictions. Blackburn is all about making clean and unprocessed eating as easy as possible.

Unlike meal kit services like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron, the Klean Kitchen’s meals come ready made so no is cooking required. Arriving in glass-locked, airtight containers which keep meals fresh for up to five to seven days, your meals are all prepared by educated chefs. All you need to do is warm them up and enjoy!

The big secret to turning your diet around and starting fresh? You have to want it and you have to commit to it.

“No one wants to believe that the food they love is making them sick,” Blackburn says. He maintains that you have to stick with it, even if you don’t think you’re seeing results. But even more than seeing a result, you’ll feel the results. He recommends giving his Klean Kitchen’s weekly meal service just a three to four week trial and see how you feel, no cheating! In the end, you have to be the one to decide that the long-term benefits of a lifestyle change outweigh the short-term cravings satisfaction.

“A healthy immune system starts with eating Klean,” says Blackburn. And really, when it comes down to it, who can argue with that?

Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen is located at 26 Calendar Avenue in La Grange. For more information, call 708-354-4844 or visit chefbeauskleankitchen.com.