Surprise: I am not alone!

Not too long ago, I figured that my beliefs on healthy eating and cooking homemade meals were shared by only few people. Sure, we all have the desire to eat healthy, but it truly is hard to dedicate the time and effort that goes into planning meals and later on fixing them. My simple ways of thinking have been opened by talking to friends, acquaintances and of course, reading a large number of blogs, all of which are dedicated to a healthier eating lifestyle. I underline the word lifestyle, because it truly does become part of your life. I read at least one healthy eating blog a day. I’m forever learning new recipes, ingredients and ways of cooking that will hopefully help me put a healthy plate of food at the family dinner table.  

Some of you may ask: But why are you so concerned with eating? You seem healthy, you’re not overweight. I think the answer is probably the same one any one of the bloggers I read would give—it was not a want but rather a need. Once I was aware of some of the preservatives and additives in some of our packaged food, it became harder and harder for me to turn my back and plead ignorance. Of course, I’m not a scientist and no one will probably ever crack the code for what exactly you have to eat to be at your optimal best. But why not, try to cook at home where you can at least control some of the extra ingredients that do not have to go into your food and then your body. So cooking has evolved for me, from something I dabbled in whenever I had to take a dish to a party, to something that is part of who I am.  I’m not an excellent cook by any means. I’m just a mom, trying to eat healthier and get my children and husband to do the same. I know many excellent cooks and truly admire their innate talent. While I still use my measuring cups and spoons religiously, they’re out there using the palm of their hand to measure a teaspoon of salt and have no problem throwing an extra pinch of this or that. Someday, someday I hope to be there too! For now, I’ll settle for a smile and thumbs up from my kiddos after cooking a healthy meal.