Open for Biz: Seattle Sutton

"It's the way you should eat for the rest of your life." — Seattle Sutton

It’s February. For most of us this means that our shiny New Years Resolutions are gathering dust. We’ve binged on chocolate and champagne over Valentines weekend, and we’re stuck in a slow trudge towards spring. The only light at the end of the tunnel is the hope of warm weather; and for those of us not on the West Coast, that damn groundhog said it ain’t coming anytime soon.

But all hope isn’t lost! There’s still something to celebrate in February- Presidents Day! Okay, okay, it’s not exactly the most exciting holiday on the calendar but we at Gutsy Gals Inspire Me believe that this is the perfect time to highlight the goals and aspirations of our modern First Lady, Michelle Obama. With her vegetable garden planted and a new young chef by her side, Michelle is on a mission to make America a healthier place.

Another woman on this mission is fellow Illinois resident, Seattle Sutton. Her company, Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating was a pioneer in the weight loss industry before it was en vogue. What began as a small, local venture is now a nationwide operation that ships its healthy and freshly prepared meals to all 50 states. And in a world where convenience and taste reign supreme, we think Seattle is on to something.

Seattle Sutton was a small town girl who earned her bachelors of science and then nursing degrees at Jamestown College in North Dakota in 1953. Upon graduation, she married her husband, a doctor, and the two moved to tiny Marseilles, Illinois where he became the towns’ physician. Seattle worked beside her husband as his nurse for nearly 25 years until his retirement in 1991. She also raised five children!

We think Seattle really got gutsy when she proved that unimaginable success could come in the later innings of life. Inspired by the work she did with her husband’s patients, Seattle recognized that there was a health crisis emerging in our country. In 1985, using her science background, she devised a plan of home-cooked healthy meals that could be delivered or picked up on a regular basis. With no calories to count or fat grams to add, Seattle Sutton’s meals are guaranteed to be healthy and suitable for those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, or just plain bad eating habits. The Chicago Sun Times wrote of her food, “Its so convenient - there are no gimmicks - a bargain that cannot be matched by restaurants or even supermarkets.”

Now to the fun part: once Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating took off in Illinois, she grew her company ten-fold by employing one simple idea, FRANCHISE! There are now Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating franchise owners all over the country and the number grows each year. Franchising allowed Seattle to keep her product and message consistent while minimizing the risk involved with expanding too quickly.

Besides being a savvy businesswoman, Seattle Sutton is also on top of changing trends. She writes a hugely popular blog where she comments on anything from recent health studies to nutrition advice. Above all else, Seattle knows that if people trust her, the food will sell. The company is also moving towards being “green” and will begin using biodegradable packaging soon.

Forget knitting! This grandma is environmentally friendly, a multi-million dollar mogul, and a knowledgeable health professional all in one. What a role model!

To learn more about Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating or to order the plan yourself, visit her website or call 1-800-442-DIET.