About

I believe good food is not only about how it tastes but where it comes from. Knowing where and how your food is grown and harvested can improve the way we eat and the overall health.

Therefore combining your special diet with high quality ingredients is the key to maintaining health.

A Mother’s Journey to Wholesome Nutrition

My adventure into healthy cooking began as a personal quest for health and wellness. After facing my own health challenges, I delved into the world of nutrition to heal myself from the inside out. This journey led me to create my first website, HealthyTasteOfLife.com, where I shared recipes and insights that transformed my health.

The next chapter of my journey began when I became a mom in 2015 and faced the challenges of feeding my child nutritious meals amidst a sea of processed options. Like many parents, I wanted the best for my baby but found myself overwhelmed by conflicting information and hidden ingredients in store-bought baby foods.

The Birth of ThrivingNest

Seeing how impactful healthy eating was for my family, I felt inspired to help other parents on the same path. That’s why I created ThrivingNest—a space dedicated to sharing wholesome recipes and practical tips for raising healthy kids. Here, I combine my passion for cooking with my commitment to child nutrition.

My Mission and Values

• Healthy Eating Should Be Accessible: Every parent deserves simple, nutritious recipes that fit into busy schedules.
• Food is Foundation: The meals we prepare lay the groundwork for our children’s lifelong health and relationship with food.
• Knowledge Empowers: Understanding the “why” behind nutrition helps us make better choices for our families.
• Community Matters: Sharing experiences strengthens us—we’re all in this together.

My Experience and Commitment

• Certified Health Coach: I earned my certification through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, equipping me with a holistic understanding of wellness.
• Author and Recipe Developer: In 2020, I published a 284-page recipe book focused on healthier gluten free and dairy free recipes (also available on Amazon) that has reached thousands seeking healthier lifestyles.
• Food Industry Insider: My background in the food industry opened my eyes to the importance of transparency and quality in what we feed our families.
• Dedicated Mom: Every recipe is tested in my own kitchen, approved by my toughest critic—my daughter.

What You’ll Find on ThrivingNest

• Nutrient-Dense Recipes: From purees for babies to fun healthy meals for picky eaters, all crafted to support your child’s development.
• Practical Tips: Guidance on everything from introducing solids to handling food allergies and keeping up with elimination diets when necessary.
• Evidence-Based Information: Articles backed by research (linked to original sources and medical journals) to keep you informed about the latest in child nutrition.

Join Our Community

I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate feeding a family. My goal is to make it a joyful and fulfilling experience for you.

• Reach Out: Have questions or suggestions? Feel free to contact me — I love hearing from fellow parents.
• Follow Along: Join me on social media: Facebook or Pinterest for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our life.
• Stay Connected: Subscribe below to receive new recipes and tips straight to your inbox.

Why I Do What I Do

Every child deserves to thrive, and every parent deserves support on that journey. By sharing what I’ve learned, I hope to make your path a little easier, less stressful and a lot more delicious.

And here is why I think focusing on homemade food is essential:

• Home-cooked baby and infant foods are far superior to store-bought varieties, especially when you are sourcing organic clean ingredients and are properly preparing it.
• You do not have to worry about added sugars, salt, flavorings, thickeners, dyes and other scary ingredients.
• You have complete control over what goes into your baby’s food.
• And guess what it may even be more cheaper to make baby food at home!

Allergies and Eczema on the Rise

More children today suffer from food allergies and eczema than ever before—about 1 in 5 kids. Not only has the rate increased, but the range of allergens has widened. Environmental, genetic, medication, and dietary factors all contribute to these conditions, but thankfully, some of these factors can be controlled.

When it comes to food, identifying triggers is often tough because symptoms may not appear until days later after exposure. Eliminating suspected foods and reintroducing them cautiously can help pinpoint allergens. This process works best with homemade food, where you have full control over the ingredients.

Our Personal Journey

Our story mirrors that of many families. My baby girl developed severe eczema at just 2.5 months old, triggered by the foods I was eating while breastfeeding. Through an elimination diet—cutting out dairy, gluten, and additives in packaged foods—her eczema improved dramatically and disappeared completely by the time she was 15 months old. By age three, she could even enjoy some of the previously triggering foods without any flare-ups.

Concerns with Store-Bought Baby Food

Unfortunately, reports have revealed that store-bought baby food can be contaminated with heavy metals and other chemicals due to sourcing, packaging, and processing methods intended to extend shelf life. Excessive heat used during processing lowers nutrient levels and may introduce unwanted substances.

Most jarred baby purees and cereals contain multiple ingredients, and there’s no guarantee against cross-contamination in manufacturing plants. That’s why I believe the safest way to nourish our babies is by making homemade food, allowing us to know exactly what’s in each meal.

By sharing my experiences and what I’ve learned, I hope to help other parents navigate these challenges. Together, we can make informed choices that support our children’s health and happiness.

P.S. All products and recommendations are shared from personal experience and genuine enthusiasm to help your family thrive.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your child’s health or diet. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.