The goal of this blog is to provide you with inspiration, healthy living tips that I use on a daily basis and of course simple healthy recipes that are family friendly.
Well, I hope you find your new definition of “healthy.” I grew up not really knowing what that was for me. I felt like I had to live off of lettuce and air in order to be healthy or that skinny girl in the magazine. I’ve since taken on the 80/20 philosophy – 80% of the time I eat things that are supplying nutrients to my body and 20% of the time I let myself eat what I want. That means if I want a cookie, a glass of wine, or wings and beer on game night with my husband that’s what I’m going to do. With no GUILT!
On Joyful Healthy Eats, you’ll mostly see simple healthy recipes for the family. Most of my recipes are 30 minute meals (because that’s all I have time for) all of them are broken down by category (i.e. gluten free, paleo, vegan, etc.) and have nutritional info. I absolutely LOVE grilling, salad and chocolate so expect to see a few of those.
I started Joyful Healthy Eats in 2013 because I loved food, cooking and needed something to do. HA! My son had just turned 9 months old and I wanted to be home with him, but during nap time I needed something to occupy my mind. This blog was born and what a blessing it has been. It’s allowed me to work from home, watch my babies grow up and gives me the freedom to work when I choose to work or go to the beach with my husband if I need “sun time.”
I strive to share my heart, my story and my recipes. I like to say that my mission is to “feed peoples hearts and their tummies.” I’m an open book and truly believe that there is healing in sharing our stories. So you’ll read about accomplishments, fun adventures and then hard journey’s we’ve had to walk – like our 4 year journey of infertility. That is why I blog! I cook to eat it. haha!
He saw me in spandex and fell in love. At least that’s the way I like to start the conversation when people ask, “where’d you meet your husband?” And honestly, it’s the truth. He came to one of my college volleyball games, to watch his sister play, and met his wife. Although truth be told, he pursued me for about 3 years before I said yes. But when I did we knew it was right! We dated long distance for 11 months were engaged for 5 months, got married in Wisconsin and moved to Houston, Texas. We’ve been happily married and navigating the crazy of life ever since!
Mike and I had our first sweet baby in 2012, and he’s been such a blessing. He definitely brings excitement into our lives and has such a tender heart, although he’s a choco-aholic and regularly negotiates for dessert. Like every night! Sheesh! In 2018, after 4 years of infertility, 1 miscarriage and 1 failed IVF treatment we had our rainbow baby. A sweet baby girl who beams joy with a big dimpled filled smile and bright eyes that melt you in seconds. And now our family is complete.
These lovelies are the joy of my life and the reason I do what I do!
I am a lover of Jesus Christ, and desire to honor Him in all I do and say.
I grew up in the Midwest. Wisconsin to be exact – which mean’s I’m a Cheesehead through and through. Although, truth be told I’m so glad to live in Texas now… finally warm weather and NO shoving snow! I do miss the four seasons through. In Texas, we basically go from green to brown, there’s no in between.
I received a scholarship to play Volleyball in College and graduated with a degree in Sports Wellness and Management. I love working out, it makes me feel sane and balances me. If I’m a bad mode my husband will say, “when was the last time you worked out.” Should I be offended by that or thank him? I’m not sure yet. Haha!
I have hit a person with a car. Now I know that sounds bad, but I had just got my temporary drivers license and I was only going 15 MPH… it was his fault, he walked in front of me!!
I LOVE everything about the Fall season.
I ate a whole batch of brownies BY MYSELF the night before my wedding.
I live on coffee by day and wine by night, because well… motherhood. 🙂
Have questions, thoughts, ideas? Send them my way! I love hearing from you, connecting with readers is one of favorite parts about food blogging. Comment your heart out on my posts, post on Facebook, or email me directly info@joyfulhealthyeats.com. You can also follow my adventures and crazy family life on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
*** If you like the photography, almost all of the photos on this page are shot by my talented friend Marsais Photography! BOOK HER! She does family, lifestyle and weddings. PS she travels too! ***
30 Min
Paleo
Gluten Free
Low Carb
Vegetarian
Kid Friendly
Vegan
Whole30
As your mother I can’t tell you how proud I am of you,as a Godly woman, wife, mother and an AWESOME cook. I taught you the basics but you have taken it to another level of healthy and excellence. Your love for your family and wanting them to eat healthy food shows that you will stop at nothing until you know they are eating right. I feel anyone who follows you will be blessed with Love and Healthy recipes.
I love you and happy blogging
MOM 🙂