You likely have at least one person in your life who is endlessly inspiring, always pushes the limits of their fitness, and dreams up healthy meals that taste better than takeout.
That person in my “blogging life” is Janetha Gallegos – author and creator of the healthy living blog, Meals and Moves.
Janetha is one of the fittest women I know and is always churning up healthy, mouth-watering recipes much to the delight of her ever-growing readership. We had the pleasure of talking with Janetha recently about her blog and where she draws her inspiration for healthy living. Here’s what she had to say.
Why did you start your food blog?
I started Meals & Moves to share my healthy meal ideas with friends and family and also to keep myself accountable for what I was eating. Since I had recently lost a lot of weight, I wanted to be sure to keep it off and my blog helped me do just that.
How would you describe your approach to eating/health?
While I used to be very meticulous about tracking macronutrients, my eating approached has evolved over the years to be more intuitive. I know a lot about what I am eating just by looking at it, so I use my knowledge to make healthful choices. Of course, I always leave a little wiggle room for treats! I would say I use portion control as my #1 weapon – that way you can have a little bit of the bad stuff without totally blowing your progress.
Have you always had an interest in healthy food or did it come later in life?
Oh, it definitely came later! I used to eat fast food every day – sometimes for every meal of the day! I was also a big soda and beer drinker. While I have always had a passion for cooking (I played “restaurant” as a child instead of “school” or “house”), my passion for healthy food did not show up until 2024.
What is your favorite (or a few of your favorite) food/ingredient to use in the kitchen?
Spices I cannot live without are cinnamon (for the sweet stuff) and cumin (for the savory stuff.) I also love Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute – it has it all. Also, I go through a bottle of vanilla bean paste in about two weeks. I use it in everything!
Has blogging changed the way you view food and cooking? If so, how?
Blogging has definitely given me a different view on food and cooking. I have seen the beauty in everything I eat. Every meal is a chance to express myself artistically through food. I also appreciate food much more now that I am so aware of it. This awareness has come from not only writing a blog, but also from reading so many food blogs.
Favorite recipe to date?
My taco soup, and my husband would agree! It is made in the slow cooker, so it’s super easy! It makes a lot, so there are always leftovers. It’s good and good for you. I make it a few times a month.
Three healthy recipes you’d like to share with our readers:
Protein Pancakes / Waffles (These are great to make-ahead and freeze.)
Better-For-You Banana Bread (you would never guess that it’s been healthified!)
Pumpkin Pasta With Basil & Goat Cheese (Such a fantastic and delicious replacement for calorie-laden creamy pasta dishes.)
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Janetha is the third in a series of spotlights on healthy food bloggers. Be sure to check back next Sunday to meet another healthy food blogger in our midst.
Also Read:
Intuitive Eating Puts the Dieter in Charge