Hi, I’m Lily – the cook, writer, and wellness enthusiast behind SimplyHealthyEats.com. I’m so glad you’re here.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the health advice out there… or if you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge thinking, “What can I actually make that’s healthy and satisfying?” — you’re in the right place.
This blog is my space to help you cut through the noise, reconnect with food in a joyful way, and bring more ease, color, and balance to your everyday meals.
A Bit About Me
I’m 35 and living in sunny Santa Barbara, California, with my husband, our two wonderful kids, and our goofy, lovable Australian Shepherd named Ollie (he’s the real kitchen supervisor!). I’m not a trained chef or a dietitian – I’m just a passionate home cook who’s spent the last 10+ years learning, experimenting, and finding joy in plant-forward, whole-food meals that actually taste good.
I believe food should nourish your body and your soul. It shouldn’t be about restriction or perfection. It should feel warm, uplifting, and sustainable – like something you can stick with because it works with your real life.
My own food journey has had plenty of ups and downs. I’ve tried the extremes – raw food, juice cleanses, low-carb, no-sugar – you name it. But over time, I found my way back to the middle. What I learned? Real food, made with love, using ingredients you recognize, can change your energy, your mindset, and your relationship with your body.
That’s what SimplyHealthyEats is all about.
What You’ll Find on SimplyHealthyEats.com
This blog is for anyone who wants to feel better, eat better, and live with more intention – but without making life harder. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student learning to cook, someone trying to reset your eating habits, or just looking for fresh recipe ideas that aren’t boring – I’ve got you.
You’ll find:
- Easy recipes that use accessible ingredients you can find in any grocery store
- Healthy meals that are filling and flavorful, never bland or restrictive
- Vegetarian and plant-based options that are family-approved and weeknight-friendly
- Meal prep ideas that save you time without sacrificing nutrition
- Naturally sweetened treats that satisfy cravings in a feel-good way
- Smoothies, soups, salads, bowls, and more – all organized by category to make browsing simple
Every recipe I share is one I make in my own kitchen, often with little hands helping (or stealing toppings). I test them until they’re just right, and I write them with clarity so you can follow along even if you don’t consider yourself a “great cook.”
My Food Philosophy
I truly believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods you love. In fact, when you focus on adding more good things to your plate – like leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, fruits, and healthy fats – the rest just naturally balances out.
I don’t count calories. I don’t label foods “good” or “bad.” I believe in eating mindfully, listening to your body, and building habits that make you feel your best in the long run.
That might mean a vibrant lentil bowl on Monday… and a homemade banana chocolate chip muffin on Tuesday. It’s all part of the same balanced lifestyle.
Why I Started This Blog
The short version? I wanted to help people feel better through food – without the overwhelm.
The longer version? After my first child was born, I went through a season where I felt completely disconnected from myself. I was sleep-deprived, stressed, and constantly grabbing snacks that left me feeling worse instead of better. I missed feeling energized. I missed feeling me.
That was the turning point. I started cooking again – not fancy, Pinterest-perfect meals, but simple things that made me feel nourished and grounded. A green smoothie in the morning. Roasted veggies on the side. A cozy lentil soup I could throw in the slow cooker.
Slowly, I noticed a shift. My mood improved. My energy came back. And most importantly, I started to trust myself again in the kitchen and in life.
I realized I didn’t need to follow the latest trend – I just needed to focus on food that felt good. And I knew I wasn’t the only one craving that clarity.
So in 2021, I launched SimplyHealthyEats.com with one mission:
To help women like me rediscover the joy of eating well – without stress, shame, or confusion.
What “Healthy” Means to Me
The word healthy gets tossed around a lot, and sometimes it can feel loaded or confusing. Here’s what it means to me:
- Wholesome: Made with real ingredients that fuel your body
- Balanced: Includes all the macronutrients your body needs
- Satisfying: Leaves you full and happy – not reaching for snacks 20 minutes later
- Flexible: Works with your lifestyle, not against it
- Enjoyable: Something you want to eat, not just something you should
Healthy food should make you feel empowered – not restricted.
Beyond the Recipes
SimplyHealthyEats isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s about the bigger picture – how you feel in your body, how you care for yourself, and how food fits into the life you actually live.
In addition to recipes, I also share:
- Meal planning tips to make weeknights easier
- Kitchen hacks that save time and reduce food waste
- Grocery guides to help you shop smarter (and healthier)
- Wellness reflections on everything from emotional eating to body kindness
This blog is growing into a resource that supports your whole wellness journey – not just what’s for dinner.
Who This Blog Is For
I created SimplyHealthyEats.com for people who want to:
- Eat more plants without becoming 100% vegan
- Cook meals that taste great and make them feel great
- Simplify their food routines without sacrificing variety
- Learn how to fuel their body in a sustainable, joyful way
- Feel empowered in the kitchen – no matter their skill level
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to meal prep every Sunday. You don’t even have to love kale (I mean, I’ll try to change your mind… but I get it).
You just have to be open to trying, learning, and treating yourself with a little more kindness.
A Few Fun Facts About Me
- I drink a green smoothie almost every morning – my go-to is spinach, banana, almond butter, and frozen mango.
- I’m a huge fan of Sunday soup nights – lentil, sweet potato, and white bean kale are my top three.
- I always keep a stash of dark chocolate in the freezer. Always.
- I love yoga, coastal hikes, and curling up with a good book and a cup of rooibos tea.
- My favorite kitchen tool? My high-speed blender. I use it daily – for smoothies, sauces, soups, you name it.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you’ve made it this far – thank you. Truly. I know the internet is full of wellness advice, and it means the world that you’re spending a little of your time here with me.
If you want to keep in touch, I’d love to connect with you:
- Follow me on Pinterest for meal inspiration
- Sign up for the newsletter for new recipes, meal plans, and little love notes from me
- Drop me a message anytime – I read every one
My hope is that this blog helps you build a gentler, stronger, more joyful relationship with food – one recipe at a time.
Let’s keep it simple, nourishing, and fun.
With warmth,
Lily & Ollie 🐾