What is your blog about?
Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re an athlete, a young professional, or just looking for some inspiration or cooking tips, I’m here to teach you how to make simple, quick, and easy recipes to fuel your life.
My recipes emphasize a plant-based lifestyle filled with fresh wholesome foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, grains, and some dairy (and of course some treats too!). I love knowing exactly where my food comes from and building recipes that revolve around bountiful seasonal produce, bold spices, and super foods that make us feel like we can take on the world.
What’s your cooking philosophy?
- Food is nourishment.
We don’t know how good our bodies are designed to feel. I want my readers to experience how amazing it feels to have a beautiful, nutritious meal—to feel strong, confident, vibrant and bold. When we get into a pattern of eating wholesome foods that nourish us rather than processed ones that making us feel groggy, we can do anything we put our minds to.
- Food is medicine. By eating the beautiful foods that we were intended to, we can actually heal our bodies and prevent illness and disease. Our Creator has provided us with all of the resources we need to live in total health with foods uniquely constructed to provide all of the nutrients we need to be healthy and strong.
- No more rules or diets. Dieting is exhausting, and it takes all of the fun out of cooking. You won’t find any purposefully carb-free or fat-free recipes here, and that’s intentional. Dieting teaches us that we can’t trust our bodies and that we need to deprive ourselves of the foods that we love. But by practicing intuitive eating, listening to what our bodies are craving, and eating whole foods instead of processed ones (particularly processed sugar and flour), we can pursue our full health without guilt or stress. Cooking should be colorful, playful, and creative, and it’s time to bring the fun back into it. There’s too much going on in life to stress about food too–right?
- Practice self-love. Rather than comparing ourselves to others and others’ body types, embrace yourself as you are. You are uniquely and wonderfully made, and there’s nobody else in the world like you.
What kind of camera do you use? Who takes pictures for your blog?
I take all of my own pictures using Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera with an EF-S 118-55 mm f/3.5 – 5.6 IS Lens. This particular model has since been discontinued, but I highly recommend the Canon Rebel series for food bloggers looking for versatile yet sharp, crisp shots.
What does the title of your blog mean?
The first reason I chose this blog title is because all of my recipes are California-inspired. My recipes are all inspired by sunny beach days, outdoor farmer’s markets, and fresh, local ingredients.
Most importantly, I believe that we live our best lives when we have positive attitudes and practice gratitude for the many blessings God has given us. In the midst of the chaos around us, I wanted this blog to be a celebration of life, of color, and the joy of sharing meals in community and with loved ones.
Breathe, kick back, and never forget that each day is a gift and a new opportunity to serve and love others, which we can do best when our bodies are nourished by a healthy, natural diet. That’s what life on the sunny side is all about. 🙂