Mia Evans, a 12-year-old girl from Leander, Texas, was born with a genetic condition called PKU that prevents her body from digesting protein. But that didn't prevent her from recently competing on season four of "MasterChef Junior" on the Fox TV network.
For the past few years, physicians, nurses, genetic specialists and nutrition experts at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, part of the Ascension Texas Ministry Market, have worked with Mia to ensure she gets the nutrition her body needs.
"I can only have 20 grams of protein a day," Mia said in a recent ChopChop Magazine feature story. "The genetic specialists at Dell Children's have been there since the beginning helping my parents and me understand how my body works and maintain my diet my entire life."
With her mother's encouragement and nutritional advice from her doctor, James Gibson, MD, and a team of dietary experts at Dell Children's, Mia began cooking her own vegetarian cuisine at the age of 4. Her attention to her vegetarian diet instilled a culinary love that earned her a spot on season four of "MasterChef Junior," a prime-time reality television cooking competition show.
Mia watched previous seasons of "MasterChef Junior" regularly and noticed a casting call not too far from her home. Once on the show she completed challenges ranging from cooking a signature burger to creating a decadent French dessert called croquembouche.
Mia not only put her culinary skills to the test during "MasterChef Junior." She also stood as a testament to children living with PKU and other medical conditions – showing them that having dietary restrictions doesn't mean eating has to be boring or bland.
"Living with these restrictions encourages me to be creative in the kitchen," Mia said. "My mom and I are always thinking of ways to make vegetarian versions of traditional dishes so that I can enjoy them as well."
Click here to watch a local news station showcase Mia's signature spicy potato tacos.
