What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 2pm Tuesday 7am - 2pm Wednesday 7am - 2pm Thursday 7am - 2pm Friday 7am - 2pm Saturday 8am - 2pm

Chia Leah

Fueling a Healthy Lifestyle I stumbled into a new mom boot camp and so began my love for group fitness and appreciation for nutrition.

If we make some simple changes in lifestyle, we can get well - I am living proof! 9 years and 40lbs ago, I was struggling with a lack of energy among other health issues. I am a certified and practicing fitness instructor through Maddogg Athletics, AFAA, Schwinn and Stages Cycling. I am also a certified health coach through Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). I am motivating clients to rea

ch their long term health goals, one small habit change at a time. At my office in Wilmette, IL, I work with men, women, whole families, teens, lead small groups and workshops on specific topics. I also enjoy going out and speaking to corporate groups. Thanks to modern technology, I work remotely with clients in several other states. Some clients come to me with a Dr.'s order to implement a specific plan, and others come to me on their own with more general goals in mind that we work to refine and accomplish. We are all unique and my passion is to understand each client's health history and guide them with tools that will be successful for their way of life.

09/03/2026

Yes!

We are open on Labor Day
Monday, Sept 7
noon-3pm

and in the spirit of Labor Day, it will just be Leah (me) so that our incredibly hardworking team can all take the day to relax!
Oh, and we will have salads including Rachel Family Size Salads for your gatherings, while they last!!!
So, pop in to say hi and pick up your usual or something new!
Speaking of NEW, read on for some of our newest products!

NEW PRODUCTS!

With so much positive feedback about our house roasted sweet potatoes in the Lake Avenue Salad, we have now added a "side" of Roasted Sweet Potatoes in the fridge.

Leah's favorite combo snack: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with FueledAF Pistachio Butter! Perfectly balanced snack!

Angelica with Fueled AF is another local woman owned business. Her nut butter packets are a hit, (try other flavors Maple Pecan and Chocolate Peanut Butter). Of note, she is passionate about inclusivity and employs individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities in an environment where everyone thrives.

Can't keep these locally made chickpea based Moonbeans Granola on the shelf! It's literally flying out of here with repeat buyers just in the last week that we've started carrying them. The crunch is just right, the taste is not too sweet, and the nutrition is bonkers good!

Have a little extra time with your day off? We have the most special line of cards from Tiny & Snail, (one of the owner's is also LEAH!!), so pick one out and take the time to write a note and send it snail mail to make a friend's day as they hit the mailbox. Anyone else miss penpals? Let's bring it back! My address is...

Another local woman owned brand to help round out our self-care island in the shop. The sweetest smelling soaps that are thoughtfully packaged are such a nice gift for you or someone you appreciate. SLS and Phthalate free, palm oil free, handmade in the USA. Very "off brand" for me, but my favorite scent is "B**r + Ci******es!" Curious? Smells like dried to***co leaves, lavender and hops. Stop in for a sniff and a giggle.

Are you still thinking about the trucker hat I'm wearing at the start of the newsletter? It can be yours too! Wear it with pride, near, far or wherever you are. We appreciate all of the love and support. Have a wonderful long weekend!

The Chia Leah Storefront is open
M-F 8am-530pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm & Sundays 10am-2pm
Online shop always open.
We offer local delivery & national shipping.
Care packages, corporate gifts, holiday lists

08/30/2026

August Health Coaching Newsletter

Hey friends, it's your health coach, Leah, with a few thoughts about why we should add in beans for overall wellness! 11 years as a certified health coach, I still totally geek out over the power of food as medicine.

With Chia Leah, our team is proud to not only empower & encourage all of us to be well, but we are also here to offer grab-n-go options when you don't always have the time to cook but you DO have the desire to eat well!
It's not all or nothing. We've all BEAN there, done that!!!! 😉
It's about adding in one healthy habit at a time in creative and easy ways. I hope this newsletter sparks curiosity, which in my opinion, is the spice of life!
Chia soon,
Leah

Fact: legumes, more commonly known as beans, are a super food.

Here's what happens when we add in just 1 serving* a day to our diet:

*1 serving of beans = 1/2 cup

1/2 cup of beans equals 7grams of fiber, which takes a serious dent out of the 25grams/day we need.
Did you know that 90% of Americans do NOT get adequate fiber?

1/2 cup of beans = 8grams of protein to support muscle maintenance. Adding in more plant based protein is not only good for the planet, but it provides vitamins & nutrients that animal proteins lack AND beans do not contain saturated fats that many animal proteins contain.

Beans can help lower cholesterol over time when eaten regularly. This also means that beans are a heart healthy food!

Beans are amazing for digestive health, not only in helping prevent constipation but also contain prebiotics that feed good gut bacteria. That's right, beans are great for the gut microbiome!

The list goes on.....

Ok, we know that beans are healthy.

But, how we do implement a
bean-forward diet?

1. The initial most important theme is to START SLOWLY. Do not eat more than 1/2 cup of beans a day when first implementing this new habit. This is where a lot of people get tripped up and end up with digestive issues. Once we have adjusted to the magic of beans, we can slowly add in more.

2. The KEY TO IT ALL IS CONSISTENCY. If we are consistent with a new habit, we can gage if it is working.

3. Fiber loves water! So, we need to make sure we are drinking enough water. Water makes sure that our digestive system can process the extra fiber. PLUS, hydration improves the functions of ALL of our systems.

4. Okay, now for ideas on simple ways to add in beans:
-Eat a salad every day that has beans in it. Chia Leah offers delicious fresh salads with beans.
-Eat a soup every day that has beans in it or ADD beans to it for more texture and health. Try our Chia Leah soups including: White Bean Green Chile, Sweet Pea + Mint and Jen's Red Lentil.
-Buy 3 cans of beans/week. Diversify with a variety of beans: garbanzo, black bean, cannellini, and lentils. We just open, strain and rinse the beans and place in airtight glass containers to keep in the fridge for "easy access" and a visual reminder every time we open the fridge. Then, we add beans into our familiar meals:
-Add beans into omelettes, soups, burritos & sauces.
-Add beans into baked goods. Google black bean brownies and prepare to be mind blown.
-Buy high quality hummus for a different texture and quick snack dip. Avoid hummus with additives and canola oil. And, don't forget Chia Leah makes some great hummus! Hummus is also a great spread, so if for any sandwich lover, simply upgrade by adding in a dollop of hummus for that extra boost of nutrients.
-Air fry or roast garbanzo beans for crispy texture. The perfect after school snack for the kiddos or addition to a side salad at dinner.
-Check out our website for delicious and super easy recipes at Chialeah.com

5. Finally, from a mom who has been trying to add in more health to our family meals: make it family affair. Share good info about the super food power of beans. My kids favorite: Black beans boost brain power! Our cheese quesadillas and burritos are NEVER without plenty of black beans. Small but mighty victory for me!

Note: These ideas are "add ins" for a more healthy lifestyle and longevity. We are not suggesting to cut out animal protein, but simply to add in more plant based protein over time. Interestingly, historically beans have been a staple in all 5 blue zones (the places were people live the longest!)

Shop Chia Leah for beans!!

The Chia Leah Storefront is open
M-F 8am-530pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm & Sundays 10am-2pm
Online shop always open.
We offer local delivery & national shipping.

08/27/2026

As summer comes to an end, so does our seasonal
Zucchini Breakfast Cookie

Made with fresh local zucchini, fresh banana, organic almond butter, almonds, certified organic gluten free oats, organic chia seeds, organic coconut oil, organic cinnamon, organic cacao nibs,
baking powder & pink Himalayan salt.

Pre-Order NOW for Tuesday
anytime after 1030am pick up.

Anything else in your order along with a pre-ordered Zucchini Breakfast Cookies will be

ready on Tuesday at 10:30am.

Leah's August Favorites

1. The Zucchini Cookie because it's seasonally nostalgic, so fresh with the shredded zucchini grown at a farm just 20 miles from here, and the recipe is crave worthy with that dash of cinnamon & crunch of cacao nibs, both high in antioxidants! Remember that we use fresh bananas to naturally sweeten ALL of our Breakfast Cookies. Plus, we bake 'em small batch with love. We are what we eat!

2. Carmel Berry Elderberry Gummies for their potency to aid the immune system for all of those going back to school. PSSST...They ship well for a college care package. Elderberry is known to reduce the duration of cold & flu symptoms. This product is one of our best selling products b/c it works. Try the syrup too!
3. Steepers Only Hibiscus Apple Cinnamon Tea made into ICED TEA! It's still hot out, so in the morning while I make my coffee, I also boil water and brew a cup of tea, let it steep for 5 mins, then pop it in the fridge for later. It's ready for afternoon refreshing iced tea when I get home from work! I tend to be busy in the afternoons so I often "accidentally" get dehydrated. This is the perfect hack to hydrate! Plus, it's herbal so no caffeine in the afternoon for me and my precious sleep!
4. The Rachel Salad for its insane yumminess (obvi!), for the way it makes my body feel, and because I deserve take good care of myself! This salad hits the spot on its own or I throw it on top of even more greens, (arugula is my BFF)!

The Chia Leah Storefront is open
M-F 8am-530pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm & Sundays 10am-2pm
Online shop always open.
We offer local delivery & national shipping.

08/09/2026

Soak up summer fun!

And, save time with Chia Leah!

Leah's Go-To meal for a Cub's Game at Wrigley? The Rachel, of course!

The Late Summer Season is Here
and with it brings:

Zucchini* Breakfast Cookies

Roasted Red Beet* Hummus
*locally grown!!

Back to School "Chaos" as the summer break days are numbered!
Try these tips for easy
summer meals:

For an out-the-door breakfast:
As you make your coffee, turn the oven to 325, then bake our Original Breakfast Cookies straight from the freezer. Your coffee and cookies will be ready in under 12 minutes. Tell the kids to grab a napkin and a cookies and out the door you all go.

For a one pot crowd pleaser:
Dilly Dally Garlic Scape Pesto (the whole jar) mixed into a bag of pasta (cooked) along with some shredded parmesan and chopped cherry tomatoes. Our team member, Jen, came up with this brilliant and quick dinner hack - and her young adult sons approve!

For that last beach night with buddies:
Our Family Size Rachel Salad + add 2 containers of our Roasted Cumin Tofu for a fresh and filling meal. We love filling smaller ball jars with the salad and bring spoons for easy eating and clean up on the beach.

The Chia Leah Storefront is open
M-F 8am-530pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm & Sundays 10am-2pm
Online shop always open.

Many members of our summer team recently celebrated

our hard work & dedication with some laughter and fun
at local establishment, Barnaby's.
Don't worry, we ordered plenty of salads!

08/03/2026

The Late Summer Season is Here
and that means
Our
Zucchini Breakfast Cookies
are Back!

Made with fresh local zucchini, fresh banana, organic almond butter, almonds, certified organic gluten free oats, organic chia seeds, organic coconut oil, organic cinnamon, organic cacao nibs,
baking powder & pink Himalayan salt.

Pre-Order NOW for Wednesday
anytime after 1030am pick up.
And, if you can't come Wednesday, these cookies will be available in store for a few weeks!

Anything else in your order along with a pre-ordered Zucchini Breakfast Cookies will be

ready on Wednesday by 10:30am.
Or, shop now for anything else we offer!

Leah's August Favorites

1. The Zucchini Cookie because it's seasonally nostalgic, so fresh with the shredded zucchini grown at a farm just 20 miles from here, and the recipe is crave worthy with that dash of cinnamon & crunch of cacao nibs, both high in antioxidants! Remember that we use fresh bananas to naturally sweeten ALL of our Breakfast Cookies. Plus, we bake 'em small batch with love. We are what we eat!

2. Carmel Berry Elderberry Gummies for their potency to aid the immune system for all of those going back to school. PSSST...They ship well for a college care package. Elderberry is known to reduce the duration of cold & flu symptoms. This product is one of our best selling products b/c it works. Try the syrup too!
3. Steepers Only Hibiscus Apple Cinnamon Tea made into ICED TEA! It's still hot out, so in the morning while I make my coffee, I also boil water and brew a cup of tea, let it steep for 5 mins, then pop it in the fridge for later. It's ready for afternoon refreshing iced tea when I get home from work! I tend to be busy in the afternoons so I often "accidentally" get dehydrated. This is the perfect hack to hydrate! Plus, it's herbal so no caffeine in the afternoon for me and my precious sleep!
4. The Rachel Salad for its insane yumminess (obvi!), for the way it makes my body feel, and because I deserve take good care of myself! This salad hits the spot on its own or I throw it on top of even more greens, (arugula is my BFF)!

The Chia Leah Storefront is open
M-F 8am-530pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm & Sundays 10am-2pm
Online shop always open.

07/30/2026

HAPPY SUMMER, friends!
Have 2 minutes to pause your day
& enjoy an epic video
by our very own multi-talented Chia Reece?
Inspired by The Bear...
Are we working hard? Yes, Chef!
We also insist on having a little fun! Heard!
As our loyal customers, we wanted to share with you!
LET IT RIP!

As a thank you for spending

a few mins with us,
we're offering $5 off
of your purchase of $11 or more!
Use code CHIABEAR
at checkout through 8/2.
Please share with your friends too!

click HERE (https://vimeo.com/1214372290?fl=ip&fe=ec) for our Blooper reel, (volume ON for best laughs!)

04/17/2026

NEW WORKSHOPS ADDED!

📅 Session Details:
Price: $50
Date: Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Location: 3217 Lake Ave , Wilmette, IL 60091
Dietary Note: This workshop is 100% gluten-free and vegan. While the recipe is nut-free, we operate in a shared facility where nuts are present.

Session A (Ages 10–11)
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Session B (Ages 12–13)
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM

👩‍🍳 In this workshop, your chef will:

🫛 Prepare crispy green pea nuggets from scratch while exploring fresh, seasonal flavors.

🔪 Develop foundational kitchen skills including zesting, precise measuring, and safe knife techniques.

🌿 Craft a creamy garden-style ranch dip with dill, parsley, and chives—building an understanding of flavor, texture, and balance.

✨ Take home a personalized, decorated box with their creations (like a happy meal they made themselves but fresher, tastier, and way more fun!).

Add on an apron!

✨ Curious what sparked Chia Leah Cooking Club?

Watch the video below to meet Rachel Kaufman,
the founder and lead instructor!

Any questions? Contact [email protected]

04/09/2026

Only 4 spots remaining in the Spring Baking Workshop on
Saturday, April 11th!

🥣 Explore fresh basil while building essential kitchen skills, from safe knife techniques to beginner-friendly baking.

🍋 Bake a batch of mini lemon chia donuts completely from scratch and create a vibrant blueberry basil jam to pair.

🎁 Take home a personalized box of donuts, printed recipes, and a live basil clipping to start their very own kitchen garden!

📅 Session Details

📍 Chia Leah — 3217 Lake Ave , Wilmette, IL 60091
📅 Saturday, April 11

Dietary Note: This workshop is 100% gluten-free. While the recipe is nut-free, we operate in a shared facility where nuts are present.

Session A (Ages 8–9)
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM - 4 spots left

Session B (Ages 10–11)
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM - SOLD OUT 🚫

Ready, Set, Cook!
Official Club Aprons are HERE! ✨

We’re so excited to introduce the official Chia Leah Cooking Club Youth Apron!

We designed these because we know that when a kid puts on their own apron, something magical happens: they stop being "helpers" and start being creators. It’s more than just a way to keep flour off their pants—it’s a boost of "I can do this!" confidence.

Why your little chef will love it:

Grow-with-me Fit: One size to fit most rising chefs!

Earth-Friendly: A super-soft, durable blend of 65% recycled polyester and 35% cotton.

Mess-Ready: We know that the best recipes usually involve a little splatter. These wash up super easily!

Registration is open for our Mother's Day Workshop on Saturday, May 9th!

🥣 Create a custom batch of superfood granola, choosing from a variety of nourishing, dairy-free add-ins.

🌱 Learn about the health benefits of each ingredient while building their blend—from brain-boosting seeds to antioxidant-rich treats.

🎁 Package their creation in a beautifully decorated jar, complete with a heartfelt handwritten note for Mom.

📅 Session Details:

📍 Chia Leah — 3217 Lake Ave , Wilmette, IL
📅 Saturday, May 9th

Dietary Note: This workshop is 100% gluten-free and vegan. While the recipe is nut-free, we operate in a shared facility where nuts are present.

Session A (Ages 8–9) (https://www.chialeah.shop/product/chia-leah-cooking-club-kids-mother-s-day-workshop-ages-8-9-/I25JLNMCGMLYEPFINAWJJGXY?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=BM7NBGGNZJTTOZ37KGOPYXZF)
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Session B (Ages 10–11) (https://www.chialeah.shop/product/chia-leah-cooking-club-kids-mother-s-day-workshop-ages-10-11-/UZWSAD7IYAQPFUM4VJLXSXRH?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=BM7NBGGNZJTTOZ37KGOPYXZF)
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM

Not a kid but want to join the fun? Join the waitlist and let us know you’re interested in future workshops and classes!

✨ Curious what sparked Chia Leah Cooking Club?

Watch the video below to meet Rachel Kaufman,
the founder and lead instructor!

Any questions? Contact [email protected]

04/06/2026

This recipe was created in the spring of 2022 by Mom & Daughter, Leah and Ella. Nostalgic in flavor profile, LITERALLY THEY TASTE JUST LIKE CARROT CAKE!

Keep these bites refrigerated (2 weeks) or frozen (6 weeks) since they are made with FRESH SHREDDED ORGANIC CARROTS.
Ingredients: Dates, organic gluten free rolled oats, crimson raisins, organic fresh carrots, organic coconut, organic pumpkin seeds, organic cinnamon, organic chia seeds, Himalayan pink salt, pure vanilla extract.

She was, and still is, so cute and caring!

Keep taking good care of yourself. You are worth it!
XO Chia Leah

04/01/2026

This is no joke!
Rachel's Tarts Are Back
-limited supply!

Tarts can be refrigerated for up to 1 week OR frozen for 1 month!

Snickers-Inspired Dark Chocolate Peanut Caramel
+
Wild Mushroom & Herb

AVAILABLE NOW! LIMITED SUPPLY.

Your favorite candy bar, upgraded the Chia Leah way.

Made in small, limited batches, this indulgent tart features a chewy oat, almond, coconut, and date base layered with creamy date caramel, peanut butter, and coconut milk, topped with dark chocolate ganache, roasted peanuts, and a touch of pink salt.

Naturally sweetened and rich in fiber and healthy fats—decadent, yet nourishing.

Now featuring our BRAND NEW

Wild Mushroom & Herb tart,
available for pick up April 2.

NOTE: EARLIEST PICKUP IS APRIL 2ND AT 8AM.

A savory classic—basically an eggless quiche!

These are made in small batches with a flaky gluten-free crust and a nourishing, plant-based filling of caramelized mushrooms, shallots, and fresh herbs.

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and gut-supporting probiotics, they’re as functional as they are delicious.

Thanks again for supporting small business, our grateful team,
local innovative brands, and healthy choices made fun!

Address

3217 Lake Avenue 4C
Wilmette, IL
60091

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 2pm
Tuesday	7am - 2pm
Wednesday	7am - 2pm
Thursday	7am - 2pm
Friday	7am - 2pm
Saturday	8am - 2pm

Telephone

+18477280053

Website

http://chialeah.com/

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