Chicago North Shore Moms is pleased to bring you a delicious Small Business Spotlight with Brynn Scheinberg, the founder of Balanced Plate featuring personalized meal prep designed and prepared by your personal dietitian and chef. YUM!
Meet Brynn, the vibrant, peanut-butter-loving founder of Balanced Plate, who brings warmth, humor, and serious culinary chops to the North Shore. As a registered dietitian and personal chef, Brynn’s passion lies in making nourishing food approachable, stress-free, and genuinely enjoyable, especially for busy families. With a relatable beginner’s mindset and a personal journey through celiac disease, she offers empathy and expertise in every custom meal she prepares. Whether you’re navigating picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or just need a break from kitchen duty, Brynn’s thoughtful, in-home service might just be your family’s new favorite secret.
Get to know more about Brynn, her favorite local restaurants, reads, binges, a business mantra for all and, of course, all of the fabulous meal prep services she offers – yes services include kitchen clean up! Mention Chicago North Shore Moms for 10% off your first month through September 1st to Welcome, Brynn!
Photo credit: Jamie Benjamin
Hi Brynn! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hello! I am a registered dietitian and personal chef and the founder of Balanced Plate. Originally from Cleveland, OH, I moved to Chicago almost 2 years ago with my husband. We relocated here for my husband’s residency in Urology at Rush Medical Center. We absolutely love being close to the city while still enjoying the midwest (you just can’t beat that “midwest nice!”)
I received my degree in nutrition from Ohio State University and have since worked directly with pregnant and postpartum mothers, and infants through teenagers focusing on family nutrition and/or disordered eating, and those experiencing gut issues. I’m passionate about helping families enjoy nourishing food with less stress.
Do you have children of your own?
While not yet a mom myself, I have worked with kids and families since I was old enough to get a job! I started with babysitting and nannying, moved to teaching swim lessons for children, and now with nutrition in my professional career.
What are one or two fun or interesting facts to know about you or something ordinary that friends might not know about you?
I love peanut butter, I could and probably do eat it every day. If we ever run out, I will make a special trip just to re-stock. Costco’s Kirkland brand natural peanut butter is by far the best!
You can apply to win free tickets to different live shows in New York City…. A few years ago I got tickets to Jimmy Fallon and the musical guest he had that day was The Who. I’m a HUGE fan and they basically did a mini concert for us 75 audience members!
When you’re not eating your own wonderful meals, what are your favorite North Shore restaurants you love?
Pomeroy for a special occasion! Great atmosphere and we love to experience new dishes. Longitud315 serves up DELICIOUS South American food. Everything tastes super fresh, we haven’t had a bad meal here! Spirit Elephant is a great place to go for those with dietary restrictions. I am always impressed by chefs that can make such delicious plant-based meals!
What North Shore area boutiques or other spots do you love?
Ravinia Festival is always a good time! I’m honestly doing so much work in the North Shore I don’t have any great recs. I would love to learn about them though!
We love a good cozy read or binge…. What are you reading and watching?
I’m loving The Pitt on MAX right now. I wait every week for Thursday when a new episode comes out! I also loved Hacks, so funny!
I love reading, of course I devoured (pun intended) Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. My other top reads this year were Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan and I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.
Your mantra or words to live by?
Right now, as I have embarked on a totally new chapter starting my business, I am, “owning the beginner mindset.”
Speaking of business, please introduce your professional endeavor as a personal chef, Balanced Plate. What is it and when did you start this?
I’m a registered dietitian and personal chef who started Balanced Plate Nutrition & Cuisine in October 2024. With my custom meal prep service I take care of the planning, shopping, cooking, and cleaning for you each week. Picture more time in your busy schedule and delicious and healthy meals that your kids will actually want to eat! Everything is tailored to you including a weekly menu based on your family’s nutrition goals and the amount of food needed.
On prep day I grocery shop then cook and clean in your kitchen.
This allows me to use up items you already have to prevent waste and reduce grocery bills. In addition, current clients rave about having more variety and tastier meals, healthier eats, exposure to new foods for their children, and even less fights with their partners! This service is also wonderful in lieu of a meal train for those who have just had a baby, recently experienced an illness or surgery, or just need a little extra help around the house.
You can trust that with my expertise as a dietitian, your nutrition needs will be covered.
Photo credit: Jamie Benjamin
In a nutshell (food pun intended), tell us about all of your wonderful services.
In addition to my weekly meal prep service, I offer custom cooking classes and party prep. You tell me what you want to learn or choose from a variety of options and I come to your kitchen with everything you need. These are super fun in a group – think girls night, book club, unique and intimate parties, as a gift for a loved one, or a fun spin on a realtor’s gift.
I also offer pantry clean-outs and resets. I help you clean out anything expired or that doesn’t meet your health goals. Then we organize and discuss different ways to use what you have on hand. This is perfect for those who are switching up their diet, or grocery shop every week but still feel they have nothing to eat.
Photo credit: Jamie Benjamin
Are your meals family friendly? What’s one or two popular dinner entrees you provide?
Since everything is custom, my meals can be made very family friendly! Clients often come to me looking for ways to introduce their children to new foods. Having someone prepare the meals can take the stress off of working through picky eating. Also, I’ve had plenty of moms worry their kids won’t like something but then they try it and say, “this is the best chicken I’ve ever had!” Family favorites include:
- Lightened up shrimp or chicken hibachi with un-fried rice and mixed vegetable stir-fry
- Chicken tikka masala with turmeric rice, and cucumber yogurt sauce
- Turkey and cheese meatloaf packed with shredded veggies (they blend right in)
- I also love to provide a little something sweet for the children (and adults!) but with a healthy twist like almond flour blondies or high protein brownie bites.
Photo credit: Jamie Benjamin
Speaking of cooking classes, do you host parties for clients?
Yes! I can cater a party in your home or with access to a kitchen. Preparing for a party is no small feat. Let me cover the menu so you can focus on having a good time. Small, interactive dinner parties are also super fun in a cooking class-style!
You’ve mentioned that you have celiac disease, which greatly affects what you’re able to eat. How does your own experience with celiac affect your private meal prep business?
I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which requires a strict gluten free diet, right before college. I had so much anxiety navigating a diet change while living without my family for the first time. Food no longer brought me joy and I felt very alone in that. I think my personal experience with celiac disease has been invaluable in shaping my practice as a dietitian. I created Balanced Plate to provide personalized, in-home services to specifically cater to those with dietary restrictions. You can be confident your food is not coming into contact with foods you avoid, you have options from a variety of different meals/snacks that fit your needs, and you don’t have to risk getting sick from takeout just because you’re short on time.
Photo credit: Jamie Benjamin
What’s on the horizon for Balanced Plate?
As we’re about halfway through our first year in business, we are always looking to expand our clientele and offer a unique service that fits your needs. Schedule a free intro call on our website or pass our info along to a loved one or neighbor.
Summer is just around the corner and that means schedules can get a little hectic! I want to help make summer a time to relax and enjoy all the delicious produce that we can get locally. Families who heard of Balanced Plate Meal Prep services through North Shore Chicago Moms and who schedule meal prep services from now through September 1st get 10% off their first MONTH of meal prep.
Photo credit: Jamie Benjamin
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Balanced Plate?
I’m looking forward to meeting more North Shore Chicago Moms and making your lives easier and more delicious!
Ready to stress less and enjoy more mealtime magic? Connect with Brynn and Balanced Plate to simplify your week, explore new flavors, and feel confident about what’s on your plate. Visit balancedplatenutrition.com to schedule your free intro call—and don’t forget to mention Chicago North Shore Moms for 10% off your first month through September 1st!
