I’ve always been an adventurous person — and that sense of adventure definitely shows up in the way I approach food. I love trying new flavors, different cuisines, and anything that adds a little excitement to mealtime. But like most people, I’ve also reached a point in life where I have to be a bit more mindful about what I eat, especially now that I’ve hit menopause.
Someone once told me, “If you saw the kitchen of some restaurants and fast food joints, you might not want to eat there again.” I laughed at the time, but it stuck with me. While eating out is fun, I realized I tend to eat more than I normally would at home just because the food’s already on my plate — and let’s be honest, I’m not great at leaving good food behind.
That’s one of the reasons I prefer cooking at home these days. I can control what’s going into my meals and tweak recipes to suit both my cravings and my health goals. I’ve become a bit of a “copycat” chef — I’ll taste something I love at a restaurant and then try to recreate a healthier, homemade version in my kitchen. It’s a fun challenge and keeps things from getting boring.
River and I have slightly different goals when it comes to food. While I’m watching my portions and calories to avoid weight gain, especially during menopause, River is actually trying to put a little weight on. It’s funny how one kitchen can be working toward two opposite goals! We’re considering using the MyFitnessPal app to track our meals and calories — me for maintenance and River for adding a few pounds.
I’m always on the lookout for quick, healthy recipes too. Anything I can whip up in under 30 minutes is a win in my book. It’s all about keeping things simple, fresh, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you’ve got any go-to speedy recipes or creative copycat meals you’ve tried at home, send them my way. I’d love to give them a shot!
Leave a Reply