My overriding philosophy when it comes to cooking and eating is balance. Instead of separating food into categories of healthy and bad, I strive to combine the health benefits of unprocessed, fresh food with the flavor and texture of my favorite classics in every single bite. I’m known for eating slowly, navigating my plate to make sure I get every component of a dish on my fork before it goes into my mouth, which isn’t too far from my culinary approach.
Eighty percent of the time, I eat and cook gluten-free and vegetarian, with emphasis not on substituting those products, but on eating whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, eggs, gluten-free grains, and full-fat dairy products. I can tolerate some gluten and a little meat without an adverse reaction, so I haven’t completely cut out either. However, witnessing the effects of cancer, stroke, and heart disease in my family inspires me more than anything to constantly learn about and integrate whole foods, plant-based eating. For me, the link between diet and health is undeniable.
So what does this mean for my everyday cooking and eating? To start, I’ve never been a calorie, fat, or sugar counter. You won’t find nutrition facts on my site intentionally, because one government-prescribed size does not fit all, and I’ve had great success with how I feel and look without ever keeping a food journal. I cook something different for dinner almost every night, experimenting at every opportunity! I love one-dish meals—soups, enchiladas, stir fries—reminiscent of the weekly appearance of a hot dish on the dinner table growing up in Minnesota.
Thanks to my parents, though, I’ve also learned to try everything once, which has led to an addiction to big flavors and international cuisine, my favorites being Mexican, Indian, and Thai. It’s increasingly difficult for me to find satisfaction from eating out, after realizing that I can make almost any of my favorites at home, including a killer Chicago-style deep dish pizza. When I do eat out, I frequent my old standbys (any friend will tell you that if I’m allowed to choose the place, this is where we’re headed), newly opened restaurants, or a carefully researched venue on my wish list. The biggest advantage to living an hour from New York City is, by far, the proximity of amazing restaurants.
I could go on for days about my cooking habits, but that’s exactly the point of the blog. So check out my recipes, meal plans, and anything else I happen to post.
