I’m Cat, a former professional chef turned Registered Holistic Nutritionist. My culinary journey has taken me from the bustling kitchens of Vancouver to sunny San Diego, crafting delicious meals that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nourish the body and soul. Today, I want to share a piece of my story—how I turned my professional focus towards helping midlife women like you combat stress, hormonal imbalances, and the sugar spikes that throw our bodies off balance.
Like many of you, I found myself caught in the endless cycle of sugar highs and crashes. Despite my background in culinary arts, I wasn’t immune to the effects of a diet laden with processed carbs and sugary treats. The result? Frequent fatigue, mood swings, and a pesky skin disorder called eczema. This journey wasn’t just about cutting calories; it was about revolutionizing my relationship with food.
It took a blend of curiosity, creativity, and a deep dive into the sciences of food, mindfulness, neuroscience, habit change, and even trauma biology to fully understand the impact of what I put on my plate. I began experimenting with recipes and ingredients that were rich in nutrients yet low on the glycemic index, transforming the way I cooked for myself and for others.
Here’s What I Found:
Substituting the Substitutes: Instead of reaching for store-bought items packed with hidden sugars, I opted for whole, minimally processed foods. Think coconut or almond flour instead of refined white flour, or fresh berries sweetened with a dash of cinnamon instead of sugar-laden jams.
Reinventing Recipes: I revamped my favorite dishes to boost their nutritional profile. For example, my traditional pasta dinners turned into lentil or zucchini noodle extravaganzas tossed with homemade pesto rich in healthy fats and proteins.
Smart Shopping: I navigated grocery store aisles with a new mantra—whole and wholesome. I became an avid label reader, choosing products that support not just the taste buds but also effective blood sugar and craving management.
Through this post, I want to guide you on how to make these smart swaps in your own kitchens. Not only will you learn how to choose ingredients that have little to no effect on blood sugar spikes, but you’ll also discover recipes that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive.
The best part? This approach can help us all foster a healthier relationship with eating, one delicious meal at a time. And remember, when your body feels better, it continually seeks that feeling, creating a virtuous cycle of well-being. As you start feeling good and energized by eating the right foods—and less of the others—you interrupt the behavior triggers and patterns that keep us stuck in familiar craving cycles. This shift allows you to enjoy food more fully, appreciating each meal as a step towards better health.