About

Hi there! I am Aleyda…. thanks for stopping by! I’m the blogger, photographer, & REAL food advocate behind this site.

I’ve always had an all-encompassing love of food. That said, I didn’t always eat right; or paid much attention at all to what I consumed. In the summer of 2008, I was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune condition; ankylosing spondylitis. There were many “not-so-good days” ahead. Days when I would be entirely bedridden; unable to go to work or have much of a social life or active routine. I was put on NSAIDS, medical-grade painkillers, & oral steroids-as well as having steroids injected directly into each of my affected joint sites just to help with my mobility.

After 5+ years of chronic pain, an incredibly draining medicine roulette, & 2 children later, I decided to make a major dietary change and see where it would take me. I read about how gluten and dairy are highly inflammatory. I had friends in fitness circles who also shared the same views and passed on tips and encouragement. I was finally willing to try something other than medication. And just like that- I decided to give up gluten, refined white sugar and dairy. 

Looking back…. I did it for myself, but most of all; I did it for my munchkins. I wanted to be an active and present mom; to take them to the park and chase after them. This is the story of how I took control and got inspired to get myself back to “healthy”. Really healthy. I started eating whole foods: real, unprocessed & nourishing foods. I leveraged superfoods that would do something for me & not work against my body. Within 2-3 months, I was able to drive my illness into remission. I have been off medications for over 3 years now and have never felt better. In the process, I lost a total of 50 pounds! I feel like the best version of myself and I did it very slowly, and mainly through a change in diet.

I want to share with you that it’s fully possible (and effortless) to eat gluten/dairy/refined sugar free while continuing to enjoy the food and flavors you love. I want to share my story in hopes of helping or inspiring others. 

 -Aleyda xx

7 thoughts on “About

    1. Zsu! I was so happy to see your comment, thanks for checking the site out! I just posted a delicious recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Tartelettes that your girls would probably looooove! I call it Healthy Nutella! 🙂

  1. How is it possible I did not know about this side of you? All of this is just awesome and the fact that you have come so far is nothing short of amazing!! Kudos to you! So now that I know this side of you and am following you now on Instagram, you are inspiring me to get back on the healthy.

    1. @Joel (the culprit) thank you SO much! this comment made my day, and yes- getting back on the road to healthy is good! It’s a great feeling. Fancy seeing you here friend, all the best to you and your family! 🙂

  2. Wow..I totally remember when you were going through that period Aleyda. Im super happy that you are doing so well and feeling great. Such an inspiration to many and most importantly to you and your family. Strong willed and motivated!.

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