But Dessert, First.
It is finally time to share with the world how I keep myself fit, trim and full of vitality, with just a hint of a six pack. I’m 45, so while being physically active and getting quality sleep are a big part of the equation, the hardest part for me to solve was figuring out what I needed to eat. The reason? Because there was so much misinformation out there. Too many fad diets and quick fixes.
Ok. So this isn’t your average cookbook—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the meal hustle that changed everything for me and a way for you to play along, if you’re local. What started as a personal challenge to consistently meet my daily nutritional needs evolved into a full-blown system—a way of planning, prepping, and eating that fuels me with intention and it’s all based on the Recommended Daily Allowances that have been established by Medical Professionals. I have accomplished this by not restricting myself from certain foods. Back 15 years ago when I was overweight, unhealthy and having daily migraines, I used to think if I just cut out dairy, if I just cut out this or that… things would improve. I was wrong. It turned out what I needed to do was fix my weak digestion. Once I figured out how to stoke my digestive fire and nourish my body with Whole Foods, the weight and fatigue melted away. And in many ways, I feel better than I did 20 years ago.
The thing is, it’s not just about the macros. It’s about hitting the full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, every single day. Ones like Choline, that aren’t even labeled as “essiental” although it should be! Dialing in my fat ratio and eating well balanced meals are what keep me full of energy. This means embracing whole foods, smart pairings, and strategic variety—never restriction. No food groups are off-limits here. The goal is to simply meet the Recommended Daily Allowances for adult women through meals that feel satisfying, energizing, and totally doable. It’s about small shifts like pairing foods rich in vitamin C with Iron for better absorption.
I won’t sugarcoat it (well, maybe a little for dessert)—but it really is a hustle. But once you find your rhythm, it can become second nature. You build a routine and suddenly you're eating in a way that feels radically different—and radically better—than what most people consider “normal.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency, nourishment, and enjoying your food without overcomplicating things. It’s catching yourself in a mirror and shocking yourself with how good you look.
And yes, definitely dessert has a place in this system too! Even processed sugar and simple carbs once a week is totally within reason! Everyday? Absolutely not ideal but once a week, for me, feels like exactly the right balance. I can grab that croissant at the bakery or have fries with a burger. I just don’t do that everyday and that is the key. I allow myself to enjoy treats because the rest of the time I am eating for nutritional quality, not nesessarily just for taste. So when I am eating for taste, it better be really, really good.
The best place to start is with dessert. That is why I’m inviting Friends of BB Lane Gardens to test taste all of my recipes and follow along with me as I write this book. Your money is no good here— everything I invite members to share is completely free. Please join me at the Lunaria Estate Kitchen to help test some of the dessert ideas I’m weaving into this project. These aren’t empty-calorie sweets—they’re fun, nutrient-aware creations designed to keep you on track without feeling deprived. And if dessert isn;t your thing, there will be plenty of garden fresh meals to sample as the summer progressed.
This isn’t a diet. God knows the last thing any of us need is another diet, am I right? What we need is a sustainable lifestyle. A strategy. A food philosophy that’s as much about how you live as what you eat. And once you dial it in, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
Let’s make this sustainable, satisfying, and just a whole lot sweet.
1. Chocolate Mug Cake for One (or Two, if You Must)
This is my rescue remedy. Deeply chocolatey, rich like a truffle, and ready in under five minutes. It’s the dessert I turn to when the world feels heavy and I need grounding.
You’ll Need:
2 tbsp oat or almond flour
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp nut milk
1 tsp coconut oil
A pinch of baking soda and sea salt
Enhance It:
A swirl of peanut butter if you’re in that mood
Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
A drop of peppermint or rose extract
A few cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips
Stir it all in a mug, microwave for 45–60 seconds, and let it be your soft landing.
2. Almond Butter-Stuffed Date with a Walnut Crown
This one is for the mid-afternoon slump, the evening sweetness ritual, or a hike break with cold river water nearby. It’s decadent in its simplicity.
Just do this:
Open a Medjool date, remove the pit, spoon in almond butter, press in a walnut half, and dust with sea salt if you’re feeling it.
Each bite is grounding and subtly energizing—like a secret only you know.
3. Tahini Chocolate Cranberry Granola
This is your crunchy comfort. Toasted and tangled with bitter, sweet, and nutty notes, it’s perfect over yogurt or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or let it be your breakfast on those mornings you need something a little less eggy and a little more indulgent.
To make:
Rolled oats
Tahini
Maple syrup
Dark chocolate chunks or cacao nibs
Dried cranberries
A sprinkle of chia or flax seeds
Toss it all together, bake until golden and fragrant, and store in a glass jar. It keeps beautifully and is always ready to be that something extra.
4. Tahini Freezer Fudge with Toasted Nuts
This is the one you make when you want to impress yourself or delight a fellow healthy foodie. It's rich, smooth, and wildly satisfying. Small bites. Big pleasure.
Mix:
1/3 cup tahini
2 tbsp raw coconut oil
1–2 tbsp maple syrup
Spread in a parchment-lined dish, top with toasted chopped nuts, and freeze until solid. Slice into little squares. Store in the freezer, but don’t be surprised if they disappear too quickly.
