How illness transformed my diet, and how my diet transformed my health

Living with chronic pain and fatigue can make it difficult to have the energy to cook, let alone to make something that is healthy. Because of this, I have learned to keep my everyday cooking simple, quick, and healthy (while living in a university dorm, no less). Listening to my own body has led me to a Whole-Foods, Plant-Based diet. Scientific research shows that this kind of diet is the best for the human body. I also follow an anti-inflammatory diet to combat my autoimmune diseases: unprocessed, low sugar, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and mostly Vegan. To complicate my diet further, I have numerous food allergies and food sensitivities which have forced me to get creative with different ingredient substitutions and cooking methods. Through my recipes, I hope you can see that with a little effort and creativity, anyone, even if you are exhausted and in pain and/or led a busy life, can maintain a healthy diet. You do not have to eliminate everything inflammatory, you do not have to become completely Vegan or Gluten-Free, all you have to do is find what works for your body and helps you feel your best. The key is fresh, seasonal, organic (and/or non-GMO), and local when possible, and mostly plant-based.

One of the most important things I have learned that completely changed my relationship with food is this: the food you eat literally becomes a part of you. Your body breaks down the cells of the foods you eat, uses them to create energy, and uses that energy to build your cells. In short, the energy from the food you eat becomes the energy your body exerts, so it is in your best interest to give your body the best energy source possible by eating well.

Just for some background, both sides of my family come from the Mediterranean basin (Southern Italy, France, and Jordan) so many of my recipes are informed by this or are traditional and family recipes with my own twist. If you want to learn more about the basics of Mediterranean cooking like which oils to use and about various spices please see those posts under the recipes section.

Buon Appetito! Bon Appetit! Sahtain (صحتين)!