I’ve always carried a bit of weight, and for so long, I was ashamed of it. Nevermind the fact that my body type is identical to the other women in my family. I didn’t like having wide hips, and I certainly didn’t like being told that my numbers categorize me as “obese.” I constantly fell for cycles of yo-yo dieting where I would lose the weight…but always gain it back. Was I bound to a life of serious food restriction—and was I never allowed to eat ice cream again?

This particular subject has become the cornerstone of my life’s work. In my years working as a food writer and editor, I have learned about the toxicity of diet culture and how food restriction actually isn’t the answer. Yes, you can be perfectly healthy without being stick thin.

As a journalist, I am dedicated to reporting the truth on food, nutrition, and health. No gimmicks or diets. Real food, real recipes, real medical experts. Weight loss or not, eating healthy foods and moving your body is the ultimate form of self care. Your body will feel amazing, and who wouldn’t want that?

This blog is a place where I share some of my work, as well as my newsletter. My articles and recipes have been featured in multiple national publications including Taste of Home, Eat This, Not That!, Buzzfeed, Reader’s Digest, Bustle, and many more.

So pull up a seat. And bring a fork. You’re going to get hungry.