Good Food, Real Life

  Welcome to Good Food, Real Life: Where Flavor Meets Real Life Health Who I Am Welcome to Good Food, Real Life, a food blog created for anyone who’s ever stood in their kitchen, feeling the tension between wanting to eat well and needing to eat practically. I’m Joanna, and I know that tension intimately—not just as a home cook, but as someone living with chronic illness, including lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, spondylitic arthritis, and inflammatory-onset diabetes. My health means I have to pay attention to inflammation, blood sugar spikes, nutrient density, and energy conservation every single day. But I also refuse to eat sad, lifeless food. That’s the heart of this blog—finding that sweet spot where health-conscious meets deeply satisfying. My Culinary Background Before health challenges changed my life, I built my career in professional kitchens. I studied at The Art Institute’s Culinary Arts Program, and then at Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas, honing classical techniques and lear...

  Introduction: Why Willpower Alone Doesn’t Work You're not alone if you’ve ever found yourself craving something intensely, only to feel powerless against it. Cravings aren’t just about willpower—they’re your brain’s reward system at work. For years, the advice has been “Just say no” or “Distract yourself”—but cravings wouldn’t be such a struggle if that worked. The truth is that cravings come from deeper biological and psychological processes. Instead of fighting against them with sheer willpower, you can outsmart them with these three science-backed craving hacks. These strategies aren’t about deprivation. They’re about understanding how cravings work and using that knowledge to take back control. Hack #1: Figure Out What Your Body Really Wants Sometimes cravings are not actually about the food itself. They’re your body’s way of trying to fill a deeper need. But because modern food is designed to be hyper-rewarding, your brain can mistake one need for another. How This Works You...

  I’m not here to tell you never to snack. Snacks are life. But I want you to know—there are ways to snack smart without giving up all the joy. These five swaps are my tried-and-true favorites when I’m craving something indulgent but want to keep my blood sugar happy and my energy steady. 1. Crispy Beans Instead of Potato Chips Crunchy, salty, satisfying—and packed with protein and fiber instead of just empty carbs. You can make crispy beans in a pan (like we do in the Crispy Bean Power Bowl) or roast them in the oven for hands-off ease. Pro tip: Season them boldly! Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a little chili lime. 2. Greek Yogurt & Berries Instead of Ice Cream I love ice cream. But when I want something creamy and sweet without the sugar spike, full-fat Greek yogurt with fresh berries hits the spot. If you use frozen berries, the yogurt actually turns into a kind of frozen yogurt around the fruit—like a creamy, fruity surprise in every bite. It’s rich, tangy, a...

  When I’m craving something hearty, fresh, and packed with protein—but I don’t want to mess with complicated cooking—this Crispy Bean Power Bowl always comes through. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but is secretly good for you. I love how versatile it is—you can keep it vegetarian, or add a simple grilled chicken breast if you want extra protein. Either way, it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and bold flavors that make healthy eating feel easy. The Star of the Show: Crispy Beans If you’ve never crisped beans in a pan, prepare to fall in love. They turn golden, crunchy, and ridiculously snackable. Plus, they bring protein and fiber to the bowl, which keeps your blood sugar steady and your hunger satisfied. My Version: Balanced, Fresh, and Full of Flavor This is my go-to formula, but you can swap ingredients based on what you have: Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (or your favorite ...

There’s something magical about roasted vegetables—the way a hot oven transforms them from humble produce into caramelized, golden bites bursting with flavor. But when you add turmeric and ginger, that magic gets even brighter. Not only do these spices wake up your taste buds, they also bring powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to the table. This is one of those recipes I make when my body needs a little extra love—when my joints ache, my energy dips, or I can tell inflammation is running the show. It’s comforting, vibrant, and packed with nutrients that help fight back. Why Turmeric & Ginger? Both spices have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, especially in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern healing practices. Modern science backs up their benefits, showing they can help: Calm inflammation (thanks to curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger) Support digestion Add warmth and depth to simple dishes Roasting Tip: Turn Up the Heat If you’ve ever wondered why your ...