I love food, cooking and eating. Cooking is a creative outlet for me and a way I show love to my family and friends.  Over the last 6 months or so, though I have focused on nutrition, my passion for creating "yummy" hasn't changed.  If anything, it has reinvigorated the passion through learning more about ingredients, and how nutritious food can benefit our bodies, while being just as, if not more delicious!

The result... I have been eating (and walking) my way to losing over 25 lbs, and most importantly to me, much improved levels for cholesterol and triglycerides - lowering my risk of heart disease, AND a newly found peace mentally. I really just feel the best I have in years overall!

Why the change.... well just after turning 40, I had a routine blood test done that showed I needed to make some changes in my diet and lifestyle, so I went all in (after I completely freaked out, cried, felt embarrassed, asked for guidance, and eventually realized I wasn't dying tomorrow).  I researched, I learned, and I found a better understanding of food.

 I decided to focus on moderation and nutrition and took the best advice- "it is about what you can add" (I am not one that does well with feeling I can't have something I want, or really the word "can't" in general).

So, I have focused on a few things- adding additional nutritional elements to every meal-by choosing foods that will fuel and benefit my body, reducing fat-especially trans fats, and cholesterol, adding in "good fats", paying attention to sugar, and adding fiber. 

Ultimately, I came to the understanding that I need to take in less or the same, as my body is burning most days, so I work to maximize the nutritional value of the food I eat.

From there I have been cooking, eating and walking, slowing building to running, (30-40 min a day 4-5 times a week- best thing ever!), and now I want to share some of the yummy creations, as well as continue to learn new dishes from others.