Real Food Bites

09/08/2025

✨ Today marks day one of my Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) journey. ✨

For those who don’t know, I have Raynaud’s syndrome along with an underlying primary autoimmune condition—whether it’s lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, we don’t yet I am meeting with a rheumatologist here soon to get to the bottom of this. What I do know is that food is powerful, and while I’ll continue medical care, I also know and truly believe that diet is one of the strongest tools I have to feel better.

So, here’s the plan: a strict elimination phase. That means no dairy, gluten, or eggs. I’ll be avoiding nightshades, limiting red meat, and focusing more on fish and leaner cuts of meat (think Mediterranean). Will it be tough? Absolutely—mainly because your girl LOVES cheese 🧀—but I’m more tired of feeling achy than I am of giving up foods that don’t serve me.

I’ve built out a full plan and I’m excited to get started. At the end of the day, the best diet protocol is the one that works for your individual needs and that you can consistently follow. For me, after I turned 40 it has been a wake-up call: there’s just no room for “trash” food or drinks anymore, I feel all of it, And honestly, I’m okay with that—I like taking care of myself this way.

Here’s to healing, learning, and finding what truly works for my body. 💪🌿

08/29/2025

I have been pretty quiet about posting lately, there have been some huge things going on behind the scenes in my life and I’m just trying to find my rhythm in my routine before coming back on here to be more present for you all. Our family successfully moved to the Woodlands TX this past summer and between moving in, exploring the area, getting my son Eric settled in high school and with his soccer club here things have been BUSY!

On top of all of that I recently started working as an Independent Contractor for The Heights Treatment Center as a Nutritionist for clients that would like nutritional therapy in conjunction with their other therapy modalities. I am so grateful for this opportunity it has been tremendously rewarding to help others and guide them nutritionally in such a holistic way.

I also began my first semester as a Grad student at Texas Woman’s University in the heart of the Houston Medical Center. I am currently taking 12 credit hours this semester and starting to realize just how important my time management HAS to be and how much I have to refresh myself on all that biochemistry asap! I commute multiple times a week to downtown Houston so that is new, but I am ok with it because it requires effort to go great distances 😉

I am very excited but definitely working on my routine to ensure I can adequately take care of myself, my family and my work and school schedules. It’s a definite learning curve!

I feel very blessed that these goals I’ve had for myself for years are coming to fruition after YEARS of grit and manifesting. I appreciate all of you for always supporting me along the journey and cheering me on!

Swipe through to see my first day of work pic, my office, first day of school pic and a lecture 🤪 it’s a wild ride but I’m here for it!

08/26/2025

Morning habits = morning magic ✨

After I get my high schooler out the door, I stack my favorite habits:
📖 Daily devotional
✍🏼 Journaling
📚 Nonfiction reading
☀️ Morning sunshine

…all while sipping on my morning adrenal cocktail! It’s refreshing, grounding, and helps me feel energized without relying on coffee right away.

My Adrenal Cocktail Recipe:
• 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (I grab mine at H-E-B—nothing added 🍊)
• 1 scoop colostrum
• 1 scoop creatine
• 1 tsp sea salt (or 1 packet LMNT)
• Ice (because I like it chilled ❄️)
👉 Mix with a little whisk, sip slowly, and enjoy!

Building small, consistent routines has been a game-changer for me—body, mind, and spirit.

💭 Question for you: What’s one morning habit that makes your whole day better?



Do you have a morning routine you love?

07/22/2025

🌈 Kids Can Cook Series: Rainbow Wraps!

👩‍🍳✨ BIG NEWS! I’ve been working on something special behind the scenes—creating a hands-on kids cooking curriculum for STEM schools! 🎉

And now, I’m bringing the fun to YOU with a new series called Kids Can Cook—made just for kids ages 7–11 to help them build confidence, creativity, and real-life kitchen skills. 💪

We’re kicking things off with one of my favorite no-cook recipes: Rainbow Wraps!
This fun, colorful meal teaches kids how to build a tasty wrap and why eating lots of different colors matters for their health. 🌈

🧠 Skills Learned:
• Spreading and layering (fine motor)
• Color variety = nutrition
• Intro to balanced meals

🥕 What You’ll Need:

• 1 soft tortilla
• Hummus (or sunbutter/avocado spread)
• Strips of colorful pre-cut fruits/veggies:
🔴 Red bell pepper
🟠 Carrot shreds or orange bell pepper
🟡 Yellow bell pepper or squash
🟢 Green Bell Pepper or lettuce
🟣 Purple cabbage or grapes

👣 Step-by-Step:

1️⃣ Spread hummus on your tortilla
2️⃣ Lay veggies in rainbow order
3️⃣ Roll it up tightly
4️⃣ Slice in half & enjoy your edible rainbow!

💬 Talk about it:
“Which color helps your eyes? Your brain? Your tummy?”

Let your kids taste the rainbow while learning something new—because Kids Can Cook!

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom.
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend — it’s a time to remember the lives lost in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion will never be forgotten.

May we live each day with gratitude for the freedoms they fought to protect.

05/23/2025

🥤 Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Shake
Need a quick, protein-packed snack or post-workout boost that actually tastes like a treat? This shake is rich, creamy, and made with real food ingredients—no chalky aftertaste here!

✨ Made with almond butter, banana, cacao powder, and your fave protein powder—this shake is fueling, satisfying, and totally kid-approved too.

💪 It’s one of my favorite ways to hit my protein goals without reaching for processed bars or packaged snacks.

📲 Get the full recipe on the blog now at [realfoodbites.com] or tap the link in bio!
(Or comment “shake” and I’ll send the recipe to your inbox!)

🧡 Save this post for your next busy morning or afternoon slump!

05/22/2025

Tuna salad, but make it Tex-Mex.
Because who said healthy has to be boring?

This easy Tex Mex Tuna Salad is my go-to when I want something:
✅ High in protein
✅ Full of flavor
✅ Fast to prep
✅ Not another sad desk lunch

With crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty kick, this is not your typical tuna salad. It’s light, energizing, and surprisingly satisfying.

Bonus: no reheating required — perfect for on-the-go lunches, meal prep, or even a high-protein snack.

Grab the full recipe here:
👉 https://realfoodbites.com/texmextunasalad/

Tag a friend who’s bored of their lunch routine!

Meal Prep | Salads | Salads Tex Mex Tuna Salad August 19, 2024May 6, 2025 Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review Looking for a quick and refreshing meal that’s bursting with flavor? This Tex Mex Tuna Salad is just what you need. Combining the protein-packed goodness of canned tuna with the...

05/21/2025

Which one are you grabbing first? 👇

Let’s play a quick round of This or That: High Protein Snack Edition
🍎 Apple slices + almond butter
OR
🥚 Hard Boiled Eggs
Both are quick, satisfying, and packed with protein — perfect for busy days when you need to keep going without crashing.

Comment your pick below! 👇
I’ll tally it up and might just share a new twist on the winner later this week 👀

05/20/2025

Masters Degree Loading….

I’m beyond excited to share that I’ve officially been accepted into the Master’s program in Exercise and Sports Nutrition at Texas Woman’s University!

If I’m being honest, I never thought I’d go back to school. I’ve always preferred hands-on work over living in textbooks—but in this field, a higher degree truly matters. It’s the key to reaching more people, making a bigger impact, and doing the work I love on a deeper level.

This program will take me further into the science of how nutrition fuels performance, recovery, and resilience—from the pros to the everyday athlete. I’m especially thrilled about the portion of the program where I’ll get to work in person for 6 weeks with either a collegiate or professional sports team or with the Ironman Memorial Hermann team. I mean… how amazing is that?!

I’m also setting my sights on becoming an RD in Exercise and Sports Nutrition—so the journey’s just getting started.

But this milestone wouldn’t feel nearly as sweet without you—my community. Thank you for always giving me a reason to try harder, dream bigger, and become a better version of myself every day. I truly couldn’t do this without your support, encouragement, and trust.

Here’s to fueling the future—mind, body, soul, bite by bite.

Let’s go!

05/20/2025

🥱 Tired of eating the same 3 snacks on repeat?
🍿 Grabbing quick bites that don’t keep you full?

It’s time to bust out of your snack rut with my FREE guide: 60 High-Protein Snack Ideas! 🎉
These are real food snacks that are easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy days when you need energy without the crash.

💡 Inside you’ll find ideas like:
• Turkey + avocado roll-ups
• Greek yogurt with berries and h**p seeds
• Apple slices with almond butter
• Cottage cheese + pineapple
• Protein muffins, smoothies, roasted chickpeas & more

I made this guide for women who are ready to nourish their bodies in a way that’s simple, sustainable, and actually enjoyable — especially during those hectic mid-afternoon hours when energy dips and cravings hit. 🙋‍♀️

If you’re trying to:
✔ Eat more protein
✔ Support your metabolism
✔ Feel more energized between meals
✔ Avoid mindless snacking that leaves you hungry again an hour later…

Then this guide is 100% for you. 💪

👉 Grab your free copy herehttp://realfoodbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/60-High-Protein-Snack-Ideas-Freebie.pdf

Let’s make healthy eating easier, one snack at a time. You deserve to feel good — even between meals.