Cooking has always been one of my greatest passions. It’s never just been about eating, it’s about the love that goes into preparing a meal, the memories attached to favourite dishes, and the joy of sharing food with the people I care about. From my Mum’s Stuffed Artichoke Hearts to the countless recipes I’ve experimented with over the years, food has always been a source of comfort and creativity for me.
But when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my relationship with food shifted. I started seeing it as more than just something to enjoy; it became a way to nourish and support my body through healing. I knew I needed to be more mindful of what I was eating, not just for the sake of my health but to give myself the best possible chance of feeling strong and energized.
One of the biggest changes I made was transitioning to a pescatarian diet. It wasn’t about giving up the dishes I loved but rather finding new ways to enjoy them. Instead of traditional meat-based meals, I started exploring different sources of protein, incorporating more seafood and plant-based options. I even reimagined one of my Dad’s dishes and a family favourite, Sfeeha, using plant-based meat instead of meat, proving to myself that I could honour tradition while still making choices that aligned with my new lifestyle.
But the journey hasn’t just been about swapping out meat for fish. I’ve also embraced a wider variety of fruits, vegetables and legumes, making sure my meals are filled with a rainbow of fresh, vibrant foods. I’ve learned how to incorporate ingredients like nut butters and nutritional yeast flakes to supplement the nutrients I’m no longer getting from chicken or meat. It’s been an exciting learning process, mixing different sources for added protein like rice and quinoa, or using pulses like lentils and chickpeas to create hearty, satisfying meals.
I’ve also found ways to make my favourite comfort foods healthier, swapping out processed ingredients for real, nourishing ones. Healthy fats like avocado and olive oil have become staples in my kitchen, and I focus on using unprocessed, whole foods whenever possible. But the biggest shift for me has been in my mindset, it’s not about restricting what I eat but about embracing foods that make me feel good, energized, and strong.
This journey has shown me that food is medicine. Every bite is an opportunity to nourish my body, to reduce inflammation, and to support my healing. Eating mindfully, drinking plenty of water, and listening to what my body needs has made such a difference in how I feel.
Cooking has always been something that brings me peace, and now it’s become an even more powerful part of my self-care. Every meal I prepare is a reminder that I’m taking care of myself in the best way I know how. Whether it’s a fresh seafood dish, a hearty bowl of lentils, or a vibrant salad packed with healthy fats and plant-based proteins, I know I’m giving my body the love and nourishment it deserves.
So, as I share my recipes with you, I hope they inspire you to cook with intention, to embrace whole, nourishing foods that make you feel good inside and out. Food isn’t just about eating; it’s about healing, joy, and connection.
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