My story
Every day, I look forward to stepping into the kitchen. It’s where I feel free. Cooking has transformed for me; it’s no longer a chore that results in a pile of dirty dishes and something more or less edible, nor is it a game of trying to fit anything that looks remotely healthy onto my plate. I’ve learned to improvise and create recipes specifically tailored for me and my three children. I no longer need to rely on cookbooks to conjure up meals from basic ingredients that we all enjoy and that provide our bodies with exactly what they need.
I no longer feel the need to follow diets or restrict my eating. Advertisements for ‘superfoods’ or products ‘essential for your child’s healthy development’ no longer sway me. My children and I can walk through the sweets section at the supermarket without feeling tempted. I manage my time in the kitchen effectively, planning meals so that even during a busy week with the children, I don’t need to resort to expensive and unhealthy ready meals.
Back when my first daughter was little, this idea of stress-free, healthy eating seemed like a complete utopia.
I wanted our family to eat healthily because of her, but I didn’t understand what that truly meant. Moreover, I had no cooking skills. I felt overwhelmed by all the ‘expert information and advice’ on children’s nutrition that often contradicted each other. My attempts to replicate healthy recipes often ended in a messy kitchen full of dirty dishes, with meals that nobody enjoyed and that left us feeling far from healthy. As my daughter grew, so did my stress with every supermarket visit, especially in the children’s sections. There were so many products I felt I should buy and so many sweets I wanted to avoid. But I wondered, is there any point in worrying when she’ll encounter these everywhere anyway? I was left with too many questions and uncertainties, and very few clear answers.
I embarked on a journey to break free from the vicious cycle.
This was a major issue for me, so I tackled it from the beginning by intensively learning how to cook. I aimed to grasp the basics of everything. Gradually, I gained confidence and began to discern between quality and poor recipes, organizing my kitchen to avoid the dreaded post-meal chaos.
I explored various diets, eating styles, and healthy eating programs, but found them overly complicated, restrictive, and unsustainable. This led to a cycle of motivation, restriction, resignation, and late-night fridge raids.
Delving deeper into nutrition, I discovered that the principle of eating well is simpler yet more vital than I had realized. Quality food profoundly affects many aspects of our lives. Improvements included the obvious ones, like stabilizing at my ideal weight, eliminating digestive issues, but also other benefits like clearer skin, and enhanced mood and patience with my children. My children also thrive on a balanced diet, avoiding pickiness, mood swings from sugary foods, and frequent illnesses.
I ultimately freed myself once and for all from sugar addiction and industrially processed foods, embracing the freedom to cook with quality, natural, real foods.
Now, I want to share my experiences with you.
After nearly a decade of learning and growth, I’ve decided to pass on what I’ve learned and support your journey toward healthier eating for your entire family and greater confidence in the kitchen.
In my e-book, I show that learning to cook healthily isn’t difficult if you take a direct path, avoiding the detours I experienced. You’ll find practical advice and a collection of versatile recipes that will become a springboard for your creativity.
Instead of rigid recipes, I prefer to use the term ‘template,’ into which you can plug ingredients you have at home and enjoy. I aim to prevent situations where you rush to the store for an ingredient like broccoli, only to realize that nobody likes it in your household.
In my e-book focused on children, drawing from my nearly 9 years of motherhood, I address key questions new parents may have. These include whether special foods are necessary, how to handle a child’s refusal to eat certain items, ensuring healthy eating in a world where sweets are common rewards, and continually coming up with snacks. I also include a few ‘best of’ recipes according to my three girls, which are always a hit with children.
Through my journal, I aim to support you in creating a menu tailored to you and your entire family. With simple rules, I’ll guide you to tune into your body’s needs, so you feel good in it.