I love to cook. And even more, I love to eat. I eat healthfully most of the time—but decadent treats have a place in every woman’s life. Good food helps make life worth living!

I’ve had a passion for nutrition my whole life. How many kids would list grapefruit and spinach as their favorite foods? I did. My curiosity about what I ate and how it affected my athletic performance turned into a lifelong pursuit. It led me to earn bachelor’s degrees in dietetics and exercise as well as a master’s degree in health promotion from Purdue University. My mission is to use what I’ve learned to help people balance their energy, work at staying healthy and perform their best in all their life pursuits.

I most enjoy taking the confusing, complex science of nutrition and making it approachable for consumers. That’s why I’m so excited to be invited to blog for Eat Better America. We all have healthy eating challenges and questions—I want to help you get the answers you need.

In my spare time, I love to try new recipes and stay fit by running with my husband, Stephen, and running after my two young boys, Basil and Levi.

Food and eating healthy are my life’s passions. I’ve developed recipes for over 30 years, so have enough experience to make almost any recipe better. I revel in taking shortcuts and finding ways to make great food easy.

When not in the kitchen, I’m usually enjoying nature and love to garden. I also like entertaining, traveling, and dabbling in writing and watercolor art. Exercising, particularly walking, is another healthy habit of mine. It’s not uncommon for me to walk 20 to 25 miles a week. Although winter weather sometimes cuts this endeavor short, I make up for it with other activities.

Look for me to write about making recipes easier, healthier, and a little more interesting. You’ll probably also read tales of my son who lives in Montana and often has great cooking stories to share.

I have a zest for making technical food and nutrition topics easier to understand. I draw on my years of experience as a health and nutrition writer and editor – as well as my Master’s degree in nutritional sciences – to share healthy eating and lifestyle info with people who are interested in eating better.

I’m a foodie who loves to cook, especially vegetarian dishes with fresh ingredients and global flavors. My family and I often celebrate holidays and birthdays with other families, sharing traditions and creating new ones.

Born in Philadelphia, I call Minneapolis home after 20 years here—but traveling the country and the world is a passion. It’s a good thing my husband Andy works in the travel industry! Even our 7-year-old son is a well-seasoned traveler and adventurous eater – I’m not sure what we’d do if he wasn’t!

I’m a curious and spontaneous person, especially when it comes to food. I like to “play in the groceries” and create new recipes. The only downside is when my husband really likes a dish, he knows he may never get it again! I’m an accomplished cook, with experience as a cookbook editor, recipe developer, and teacher, but I’m all for shortcuts to make cooking easier.

Outside of the kitchen, I’m just as curious and adventurous. I enjoy food, art, music, and travel and will try a new restaurant at the drop of a hat, or take advantage of a travel deal when time permits.

Like many, I’ve had a lifelong struggle with weight control. Food and exercise are all about choices, so I strive to remain diligent with small, healthy changes. I enjoy sharing tips and encouragement for eating better, and living a healthier life—and now I look forward to sharing the journey!