What is your mission here at Zen & Spice?
Welcome to my business and blog, where I explore the two essential components of a fulfilling life: zen and spice. I believe that balance is key, and that nourishing our bodies and souls with flavorful, nourishing foods is just as important as cultivating inner peace and mindfulness. All of my recipes are designed to be both enjoyable and satiating, while also providing essential nutrients to support overall health and wellbeing.
As a Registered Dietitian, I am committed to promoting a healthy relationship with food, mind, and body. I firmly believe that by cooking more at home and embracing intuitive eating and mindful movement, we can achieve lasting peace of mind and happiness in the present moment. Whether you’re looking to become more comfortable in the kitchen or seeking to cultivate mindfulness in your daily life, my blog offers a wealth of easy-to-follow recipes and strategies to help you get started.
Despite my credentials as a dietitian, I’m not one to shy away from the occasional indulgence in “bad” foods like chocolate, beer, chips and salsa, and ice cream. I believe that indulging in the foods that nourish our souls is an important part of a healthy relationship with food. I’m a big proponent of Intuitive Eating, which allows for the enjoyment of all foods while paying attention to how they make us feel after eating them. Join me on the journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life!
What do you consider a “healthy” lifestyle?
A truly healthy and balanced lifestyle encompasses so much more than just nutrition and diet. To achieve true wellbeing, we must also prioritize stress management, exercise, healthy relationships, restful sleep, and mindfulness.
As a proponent of Intuitive Eating, I firmly believe that nourishing our bodies with adequate energy and nutrients is essential for optimal health. This means giving ourselves unconditional permission to eat and listening to our bodies’ signals to determine when we’re truly full. It also means finding ways to honor our feelings without turning to food, through activities such as mindful self-care and relaxation.
Staying active is also crucial, but it’s important to choose physical activities that we enjoy and that make us feel good. Quality sleep is equally important for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. And in our fast-paced, often chaotic lives, it’s crucial to make time for relaxation and social activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. By prioritizing these aspects of our lives, we can cultivate a truly holistic and fulfilling approach to health and wellness.
What do you eat every day?
As a Registered Dietitian, I am committed to promoting a healthy and balanced approach to eating that encompasses both nourishment and enjoyment. Just because I’m a dietitian doesn’t mean I avoid so-called “bad” foods altogether. Instead, I prioritize choosing foods that nourish both my body and my soul, while paying close attention to how certain foods make me feel after eating them.
Of course, I enjoy indulging in treats like chocolate, beer, chips and salsa, and ice cream from time to time. But I also recognize the importance of incorporating a variety of wholesome, nutrient-dense foods into my diet. Some of my favorite foods include cheese in all its glorious forms, milk, beef, fish, pasta, pizza, burgers, soups, carrots, green beans, and berries.
At the end of the day, my approach to food is all about balance and mindful enjoyment. By embracing a healthy and balanced approach to eating that incorporates both nourishment and pleasure, we can achieve lasting health and wellbeing.
How many calories are in this?
None of the recipes on my site will ever have the calorie count listed. I am not a calorie counter. I find that it makes me stress out about the foods I eat and feelings of guilt occur. By focusing on nourishing our body and mind, and how foods make us feel, you can be sure you’re choosing the right types and amount of food.
What’s your joyful movement of choice?
Staying active and healthy is an important part of my daily routine, and I enjoy a variety of different workouts to keep myself in top form. At home, I love to practice yoga, cycle, or engage in high-energy boxing workouts. I’m also a proud member of a local mommy bootcamp, where I have the privilege of working out alongside a fantastic group of supportive and inspiring women. By prioritizing my physical health and wellness, I’m able to maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that supports my overall wellbeing.