I’m Jen and, even from the very beginning, I’ve loved food.
But there are a few sides to my story…
My father (the very helpful assistant in this photo who would like you to know he no longer bakes with Crisco) runs a family owned wholesale produce company and works with farmers, grocers and restaurants throughout the country. My grandfather owned the business before him.
So I am, and always have been, a big fan of fresh produce…
And cooking is a part of my heart and soul.
In addition to plenty of fruits and veggies, I like to cook with fresh, whole foods like whole grains and lean meats, and I try to buy organic items when they’re available.
I also try to avoid sugar and processed foods as much as possible because these foods tend to add lots of calories, salt, and saturated fat without many healthy nutrients.
I do believe in the ever-emerging research linking healthy, whole eating with numerous huge benefits …
- maintaining a healthy weight,
- preventing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease,
- promoting anti-aging and clear, youthful skin,
- helping the environment…
I don’t believe that living on processed diet foods (you know the kind – they list 20+ ingredients such as “cellulose gum”) leads to a long-term healthy lifestyle.
In my experience, these meals leave you feeling deprived in the long run. What does it matter if your meal was extremely low-calorie and low-fat if you’re heading back to the fridge two hours later because you’re starving and completely unsatisfied?
Instead, my goal is to maintain a healthy weight by:
- trying to keep sugar and processed foods to a minimum,
- creating tasty recipes that (though not super low-calorie) keep me feeling so full and satisfied I’m not constantly tempted to snack,
- and, most importantly, cooking with tons of low-calorie, high-nutrition fresh produce to allow for generous portions for my meals.
However…
I met and fell in love with a Meat-and-Potatoes-Guy.
When we met, my husband Chris believed in two main food groups:
Meat.
And Potatoes.
He was wary of nearly all types of healthy foods (salmon, brown rice, broccoli, you name it!).
So I’ve learned to cook meals that satisfy us both: filling, satisfying, substantial, and hearty for Meat-and-Potatoes-Guy.
And filled with fresh, whole ingredients for me.
Today Chris loves tons of healthy foods if they’re prepared in a delicious way.
My promise: only Meat-and-Potatoes-Guy approved tasty, delicious, and satisfying recipes will ever make it into this blog.
These days, there’s one more member of the family to cook for…
My rambunctious beagle Calvin.
Calvin happens to be heart-meltingly, absolutely, over-the-top adorable.
And he knows how to milk it.
So he gets lots of homemade treats.
My second promise: Only Calvin approved dog treat recipes will make it into this blog…
However, to be fair, Calvin loves eating wood chips.
So make of that promise what you will.
It’s sometimes challenging to create healthy dishes that also taste great – especially when you’re leading a hectic and busy life – but I believe it’s all worth it when you dig into a warm, home-cooked, amazing-tasting dish made with fresh ingredients.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you!
