About Janine
My Story
I grew up in a big family, with 4 brothers! Yes...it was busy, and loud, and it definitely got crazy sometimes. But there was a lot of adventure, laughter and fun! Food and family meals were always a priority. Some of my best and earliest memories are from around the dinner table, and not just during special occasions. This was a standard, daily practice in my home.
My mom was an amazing home cook who was resourceful and always knew how to pull a meal together. We were always well fed, even when money was short. I learned from her that a good meal, not only nourishes the body, but brings a family together. She taught me to cook from a young age. When I became a mom, 17 years ago, she was my inspiration in feeding my own family.
Today, I am a busy mom of 3 amazing kids. Family meals are now a priority in our home. Most days, we try to eat together at least once. It gives us a chance to reconnect and is a time we all value. There are many days when this is the only time all five of us are all together. These moments create lasting memories, and are something we all treasure.
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But it’s not always rainbows and unicorns. I too have experienced the challenges of feeding a family. The feelings of worry and guilt around feeding a fussy eater, and the dilemma of not knowing what's for dinner at 5 o'clock, are very familiar to me. I have made it through the toddler, preschool and school age phases and have three healthy teenage children. You will do it too! Through Real Life Nutrition I am excited to share this experience and wisdom with you.
Managing the nutrition programing in 1100 child care facilities for almost 10 years, showed me just how unique every family is. There are countless ways to feed your family well. Let me support you through your own unique family mealtime struggles. Personalized, nutrition support for families struggling to feed their children is the foundation of Real Life Nutrition!
My philosophy on food and nutrition
It's all about balance & variety
I believe...
✓ healthy eating is all about balance.
✓ all foods can fit.
Having days when we eat mostly nutrient rich foods, and others when we survive on coffee and take-out, is completely normal. The most important thing we can do is eat a variety of foods and move our bodies in ways that feel good to us. This goes for ourselves and for our children. It's important to look at the big picture.
Dietitians are not the food police!
I will not judge what's in your grocery cart or what you order for lunch because there's a good chance I'm eating the same thing...unless you're eating cauliflower rice (that's not for me!) You can bet I have ice cream and chocolate in my house, but I also have a fridge full of veggies and fruit because I love them and know they make my body feel good. I don't believe in food rules. My focus is always on balance. Finding the right balance for you is the key to success!
Food and Cooking
I am a passionate home cook. Most days, I choose to cook simple, delicious meals. When I have more time and energy, I love trying new recipes and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Right now, I'm into making sourdough bread and experimenting with tofu. Cooking is my creative outlet.
Teaching my kids to also love food and cooking is very important to me. Childhood is the best time to learn this valuable lifelong skill. Involving children in mealtime tasks, teaches them responsibility and respect, and is one of the BEST ways to help them enjoy new foods.
"Finding the right balance for you is the key to success and happiness!"
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Healthy eating is so much more than the food we eat
HOW you eat matters just as much as WHAT you eat. Being mindful when we eat, enjoying our food, cooking more often and eating meals with others are essential to establishing healthy eating habits. Start with HOW and the WHAT will follow!
Empowering Moms
Moms are hard-working busy people, and we can be really hard on ourselves. I believe we need to give ourselves more grace, and accept what we are capable of each day. Let's stop comparing ourselves, and end the guilt and shame. We all just want what's best for our families.
Through REAL LIFE NUTRITION, I am excited to share my passion for cooking, nutrition and family, with you.
Feeding a family is big job but it doesn't have to difficult. I'd love to help you simplify meal planning and prep and take that heavy weight off your shoulders!
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