🍴 About Me – Lisa from Zinnia Recipes

Why I Started Zinnia Recipes: A few years ago, I found myself exhausted and juggling more roles than I could count – from school pick-ups and soccer practices to work deadlines. My energy was low, and I realized my diet had a lot to do with it. After experimenting with high-protein, low-carb recipes, I felt a remarkable difference: steadier energy, fewer afternoon slumps, and a happier mood. (No more reaching for candy at 3 PM!) I learned firsthand how important protein is for women like me – we need it to build lean muscle, strengthen our bones, and keep our metabolism hummingucihealth.org. I also discovered that embracing a lower-carb lifestyle (hello, keto!) helped me avoid those sugar crashes and constant cravings; it kept my blood sugar stable and my hunger in checkitsskinny.com. This wellness aha-moment sparked my passion to help others. I started Zinnia Recipes to share what I was learning – that you can cook meals that fuel your body and please your family, without spending all day in the kitchen or giving up the foods you love.

My Food Philosophy & Values: I like to keep things simple and positive. My cooking philosophy boils down to three main values that guide every recipe I create:

• Balance: Life’s too short (and busy!) for strict dieting. I’m all about balance – enjoying wholesome, nutrient-dense foods most of the time, while still savoring the occasional treat. Kale salads and chocolate chip cookies can coexist in a healthy lifestyle! For me, balance means listening to my body and never feeling guilty for a slice of birthday cake or a family pizza night.
• Nourishment: I believe food should nourish both body and soul. That’s why my recipes focus on whole ingredients packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to keep you energized. Nourishing also means making meals that bring comfort and joy – like a warm bowl of veggie-packed soup on a cold day or a zesty grilled chicken that makes you feel amazing after you eat it. Every dish on Zinnia Recipes is created with the goal of helping you feel good from the inside out.
• Simplicity: As a mom and a home cook, I thrives on simplicity in the kitchen. You’ll find that most of my recipes are straightforward, using accessible ingredients and minimal steps. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a total beginner, you can recreate these dishes on a hectic weekday. I’m a big fan of 30-minute dinners, one-pot meals, and anything that cuts down on cleanup. Healthy eating shouldn’t be complicated – or expensive – so I keep things down-to-earth and doable for real-life schedules.

A Bit About My Life: When I’m not chopping veggies or stirring something on the stove, I’m probably chasing after my kids or sneaking in a yoga session. I’m in my early 40s, navigating that blend of family life and personal wellness. Mornings start with coffee (a must!) and a quick jog or walk with our dog to clear my head. By afternoon, I’m answering emails for the blog with one hand and prepping a high-protein snack with the other. I often have my two children helping in the kitchen – you’ll catch us mixing almond flour pancake batter or assembling lettuce-wrap tacos together. (It might get messy, but it’s so worth it!) My husband and I have a rule that we sit down to family dinner most nights, even if it’s something simple. Those moments keep us connected.

I also love exploring farmers’ markets on weekends, which is where I get inspiration for new recipes (and where the name Zinnia comes from – it’s my favorite bright and hardy flower I often spot at the market). In my downtime, you can find me curled up on the couch with a good book on nutrition or a cozy mystery novel, always with a cup of herbal tea in hand. Cooking is truly my happy place and my creative outlet – it’s how I show love to my family and take care of myself.

Finally, I want you to feel at home here. I write just the way I’d talk to a close girlfriend sharing tips – with honesty, warmth, and a sprinkle of humor. I know first-hand that wellness is a journey, not a destination. Some days are green smoothies and yoga, other days are leftover keto casseroles and driving kids to practice in yoga pants – and that’s perfectly okay! Through Zinnia Recipes, I’m here to support and inspire you with practical ideas and a friendly voice. Thank you for stopping by and being part of this community. I’m so excited to share my kitchen adventures with you, and I hope my recipes bring a bit of nourishment and joy to your busy days. Happy cooking, and cheers to a balanced life!

With warmth,
Lisa
Founder of Zinnia Recipes 🌸