Hey there, I’m Jess — welcome to whatocooknow.com where I share the healthy-ish recipes that have kept me sane (and full) over the last few years.
I didn’t grow up in a health-conscious home. Honestly, the first time I bought kale I had no idea what to do with it. It sat in my fridge for a week before I finally blended it into a smoothie with way too much banana. But things changed after my dad had a heart scare. That was the wake-up call. Suddenly, food wasn’t just food anymore — it became this daily decision that mattered.
At first, I tried all the “clean eating” fads. I failed at most of them. Too strict, too complicated, too…unrealistic. So I started creating my own recipes that felt doable. Stuff I could whip up after work without an epic grocery list. Meals that tasted like comfort food but wouldn’t leave me feeling sluggish or guilty after.
Now, I cook mostly plant-forward, but I’m not militant. You’ll still see cheese, chocolate, and the occasional lazy night pasta here. I believe in balance, not perfection. My friends used to joke that I’d never touch a chickpea. Now I have at least three cans in my pantry at all times.
Family means everything to me, and a big part of why I started this blog was to create meals we could all enjoy together — even on the busiest weeknights. That’s my crew in the photo: the reason I keep experimenting, laughing, and sometimes burning things in the kitchen. Cooking for them is my favorite kind of love language.
This blog is just me sharing what works in my real, messy, trying-her-best life. If you’re here looking for 3-hour prep meals with microgreens… probably not the right spot. But if you want to eat better without losing your mind (or your taste buds), stick around.
Grateful you’re here.