New Year, Fresh Start - Finding Balance: A Foodie's Journey to Health

Happy New Year!!

There are many differing opinions on New Year's resolutions from "don't feel pressured to make a change" to "resolutions shouldn't exist, you should be disciplined all year long!!" The thing is, its so personal, I don't feel that messaging is helpful to anyone. Only you know what you can handle/what you want, to be able to make a lasting change - if you even want to make a change! Some people need to hit rock bottom to make a change, some just need the last digit in the numeral year to change. Again, some people may not need/want to change at all, cool!

Personally, I LOVE the idea of goal setting at the beginning of the year, and a fresh start to kick off my goals. Whether my goals are progressing on the previous year's goals or completely new goals... I feel invigorated when the new year rolls around.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, my life has always revolved around food. Food has been my love language and creative outlet. At the same time, I’ve also been passionate for health and wellness—weight-lifting, red light therapy, and even the occasional ice bath. These practices give me a sense of strength and vitality, but for years, I struggled to find a balance between my love of indulgent food and my desire for a healthy lifestyle.

This past year, I lost 20 pounds and maintained it—not by giving up the food I love, but by focusing on nourishing meals that fit my goals without sacrificing flavor... And building muscle.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t claim to have it all figured out. As you can see, I still have more weight to lose. Also, this past month, I indulged more than I worked out—because, hey, holidays happen and I intended to enjoy them! But what matters is that I always come back to my goals.

My goal for 2025 is to lose another 10-20 pounds while focusing on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods with an emphasis on protein. Prioritizing vibrant, colorful produce and high-quality protein has been a game-changer for my energy, workouts, and overall health. This year, I also plan to dive deeper into where my food comes from by sharing gardening tips as we head into late winter and spring. Growing my own fresh produce feels like a natural extension of my health journey and a way to inspire others to connect with their food on a deeper level. It’s all about fueling your body and mind while continuing to grow stronger—both inside and out.

As we kick off the new year, I’m excited to share a series of posts featuring healthy, protein-packed recipes to inspire your 2025 goals. First up, I’ll be sharing a delicious, satisfying, SUPER-EASY breakfast recipes to start your day right, followed by a quick and nutritious lunch ideas. Each recipe will focus on mainly whole foods, vibrant flavors, and, of course, plenty of protein. And when spring rolls around, I’ll be diving into gardening tips to help us grow our own fresh, nutrient-packed produce.

Join me on this journey of health, strength, and delicious food—let’s make this year our best yet!

Last but definitely not least, I can't do anything with His grace. So thankful for His plans for my life, whatever they may bring.