Shelley Loving’s passion lies in helping others cook and eat a little healthier without dieting or having massive restrictions. After her husband’s heart attack, she decided to take ownership of their health by cleaning up what they were eating. After two nutrition schools and culinary school, she now teaches others what she applied to her own life. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or boring. And Shelley is on a mission to teach you how to do it in a way that will leave you feeling great. Her certifications include Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Culinary Nutrition Expert, and Certified Professional Cook.
Hi Shelley! How did this feel like the right move for you releasing your upcoming cookbook?
I created ShelleyCanHelp.com in 2018. As I was navigating my way through entrepreneurship, I made some hefty goals. One of those goals was to publish my first cookbook within the first 5 years of business. And here I am 4 years later…publishing my first book.
Talk to us about the narrative of the project and why it’s so important?
I have always loved to cook. My mom got me in the kitchen at an early age. I also started a family very young, and I had to cook for my kids in my 20s. I always just followed a recipe. I never questioned it or the ingredients. After attending 2 nutrition schools, I learned that when making a meal and following a recipe, the question to ask yourself shouldn’t be “how” to make it. The questions should be “what” is in it and “why”. Every ingredient in my cookbook is intentional. It has the reader’s health in mind. Every ingredient serves a purpose and promotes an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. But the best part, the recipes are also delicious.
What kind of storytelling style did you apply in the book?
Just like any cookbook, I’ve broken it up into chapters. Each chapter is a different cuisine. For example, there is a soup section, a hearty salad section, and so on. In between the delicious recipe chapters, I have also incorporated my personal journey into the book; telling the “why” behind my business and my recipes. I take the time to explain some core ingredients and why they are so important to your daily food. I want healthier cooking and eating to become more normal. With my real and honest approach to healthier cooking, my hope is to inspire and encourage more readers to also make some positive changes in their kitchen.
How do you make sure your beginning, middle and end feel like it flows into each other with purpose?
Being a cookbook, I definitely wanted a theme. But I also wanted it to serve all taste buds. The theme is “Healthy meals for everybody”. The cookbook is filled with nutritious (and delicious) meals from soups, salads, vegetarian, poultry, fish, and more. And I wrapped up the last chapter with a fun section I call “Mix-n-match”. Sometimes we don’t have time to make a full blown-out meal. This section gives you many “protein” options” and “vegetable” options. You pick your quick recipe protein, along with your snappy vegetable recipe and BAM! You have a quick and healthy meal. This section offers over 50 meal ideas that can be made in under 30 minutes.
Give us a sentence to describe your book?
What’s on Your Fork is a cookbook filled with nutritious recipes using anti-inflammatory ingredients that a person with any cooking level can follow.
What is the most special part about finally releasing this work?
There are millions of cookbooks out there, and they have some delicious recipes no doubt. I wanted a book that people could trust. I want this book to be the go-to book in their kitchen. A reliable, trustworthy book that provides delicious food that’s easy to make and when they make it, they know every ingredient is serving their body for good. With my anti-inflammatory approach, I feel it creates a unique space for my cookbook to reside. Although every recipe is gluten, dairy, and sugar free, I think what is more important is that it’s anti-inflammatory.
Leave us with a significant part of your journey that is going to remind you about this book forever?
I did it all. From the planning of the theme, layout, and recipes. I (along with my guinea pig husband) tested every recipe 2-4 times. And what surprised me the most…I took every picture of every recipe myself. I knew I could do it, but looking back, I really had no idea how much work it would be. But I’ll tell you this, my entire heart is in that book with YOUR health in mind. Think of this cookbook like a giant hug from me to you.
All your socials and where this audience can support your book!
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/shelleycanhelp
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/shelleycanhelp
PINTREST: www.pinterest.com/shelleycanhelp
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjcMnhFYxjG3SNDk1fEPtDA
LINKED IN: www.linkedin.com/in/shelleycanhelp
TIK TOK: www.tiktok.com/@shelleycanhelp
End of Interview