About
I have to thank my friend Krista for the above cartoon because I really couldn’t think of a better rendition of myself. What better way to share what I’m all about? I’m a health and fitness nut with a passion for indulgence as well. So how do I balance that? I work out hard and eat well! Eating well to me is being able to enjoy delicious, healthy food without sacrificing flavor or texture, and I love coming up with new recipes to satisfy that criteria. Of course, I make exceptions for holidays and other special occasions, but I take pride in making healthy, seasonally-inspired and flavorful food to nourish my body whenever I can.
A few of my favorite recipes I’ve developed are:
- High Fiber, High Protein Pumpkin Pancakes
- Black Bean Tortilla Casserole
- Pomegranate-Chili Glazed Tuna
- Tropical Butternut Squash Salad
- Thai Peanut Turkey Burgers
- Moroccan Chicken with Chickpeas, Dates and Raisins
It wasn’t always this way. I was obese for most of my life, and it wasn’t until I was 21 or so that I really started thinking about my health more than wanting to be thin and look a certain way. This mentality truly kicked my weight loss success into high gear. I knew that the earlier I started my journey towards a healthy lifestyle, the more likely I would be to have healthy pregnancies, be a fit and active mom who could teach my children healthy habits, and live a long, healthy life with my husband and future children and grandchildren. Of course, at that time in my life, I was years away from thinking about marriage or children, but I knew in my heart that someday I would find my love and want to enjoy every moment to the fullest with him.
I’m now lucky enough to have a husband, Ben, who not only puts up with my sometimes-lengthy cooking experiments, but is also adventurous enough to try whatever I make. Together we are committed to an active and healthy lifestyle, and indulging when appropriate. And even better than that? He thinks I’m the best cook, ever.
Here’s a real picture of us. I love finding fun foodie events, and this is from one of my favorites. Here’s Ben and me from an August 2009 Outstanding in the Field in Burlington, VT.
When I’m not cooking, you can find me in the gym (my current passion is heavy lifting and intense cardio intervals, but I still fit in an occasional run), developing chemicals for use in electronic materials (for as much time as I spend on this blog, I actually get paid to be an engineer), exploring fun new decor for my home, and spending time with the many friends and family I’m fortunate enough to have close by.
I always welcome feedback from readers. It absolutely makes my day to hear someone loved my recipe, but I also need to know if something didn’t work for you so I can make it better. Never hesitate to comment or drop a line.
Photography
I don’t consider myself a natural when it comes to photography; I’ve worked hard to teach myself the basics. I still get giddy when my photos appear on Tastespotting and Foodgawker. Practice pays off! In April of 2012, I will be sharing knowledge of photography with other budding bloggers at Nourished Food Blogger Conference.
Published Work
I am a contributor to Clean Eating Magazine and serve as the recipe developer and photographer for the Clean Eating Exclusives e-newsletter. Visit Clean Eating Magazine to view my featured recipes or pick up a copy to view my print work:
- Best-Ever Slow Cooker Meals, CE 26, January/February 2012
My recipes have also been featured in The Kitchn and A Sweet Life.
Media Relations
I enjoy reviewing products that are relevant to healthy living. I am available for freelance recipe development for your publication or product line. Additionally, I have advertising opportunities available. Please contact me.
2011 Statistics
- 18,500 Unique Visitors per Month
- 55,000 Pageviews per Month