Hello,
I’m Nicole Bonilla!
An urban cowgirl deliciously supporting your digestive and mental health!
Do you feel like you’re pushing so hard through stress that your
body is on
the verge of waving the white flag?
That was me in 2019 when my body yelled, ‘Enough,’ and staged an intervention!
Years of stress, trauma, and overworking had caught up with me, leaving me in a chronic “fight or flight” state.
As a mother of six and a business owner, I powered through stress without realizing how deeply it was affecting me—until my digestive health completely unraveled. I experienced intense bloating, IBS, and relentless anxiety, and I knew something had to change.
The small changes that brought big results
Through working with a naturopathic doctor, Brett Brimhall of Brimhall Wellness, I discovered that stress was impacting my gut health, and I began exploring nutritional changes to support my digestion. Removing processed foods and refined sugar, along with incorporating mindfulness and meditation, helped me experience a significant improvement in both my digestive and mental health.
While these changes worked for me, I always encourage consulting with a licensed healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
So, what’s in it for you?
Deliciously simple, gut-friendly recipes that nourish both body and mind!
What can you expect from my recipes?
- Naturally sweetened (no refined white sugar or powdered sugar)
- Nutrient-dense ingredients that support gentle digestion
- Clear, step-by-step recipes with photos & videos for easy success
- Gluten-free and high-protein recipes, with vegan and dairy-free options
How my recipes have helped others
But don’t just take my word for it—here’s what others are saying after trying my recipes.
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“I just came across your site a couple of weeks ago, and I was soooo excited! I have already made everything bagels and your chocolate sweet potato smoothie, and I have more on my To-Make list! Everything has been so delicious, and I have shared your site with several friends! It’s so wonderful to be able to finally enjoy ‘normal’ food and treats again! Thank you, thank you, Thank You, Nicole!!! ❤️” –Dana
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“What I love about your recipes is how much healthier the result is! My husband is such an avid health food investigator, he relates what he wants and I try to give him healthy food. “No white flour, sugar, dyes, preservatives”…etc… Your recipes actually pack great flavor into GOOD FOOD! Thank you! I’ll be watching for more GREAT ideas!!!” –Julia
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“Your recipes and videos have been such a blessing in my life. I believe healing starts with what we eat, and your approach resonates so deeply with me. I love cooking from scratch and have found so much joy following your recipes. Thank you for helping me take control of my own health journey in a way that actually tastes delicious!” –Val
A little about me
and my Wild West roots
Did my anxiety start in childhood? Probably.
Performing in my family’s Wild West show was a unique and unforgettable experience—but it also came with intense physical demands and pressures.
The Carson Family Western Show
began in the early 1930’s with my Grandfather, Buss Carson, and included roman riding, trick riding & roping, liberty drill, and dog acts. I started singing in the show with my 5 siblings at the age of 3, and singing, dancing and trick-roping by age 6. At the age of 15, I took over the main horse act with my beautiful palomino stallion, Majestic (great-grandson of Roy Rogers’ horse Trigger). I’ve continued to honor my western heritage with the Cowgirls Historical Foundation.
Our horses were spirited stallions, and performing with them required grit, discipline, and a strong work ethic—qualities that shaped me into who I am today. However, it also contributed to my lifelong struggles with anxiety, claustrophobia, and perfectionism.
That same resilience and discipline I learned performing now fuel my passion for recipe creation—where I love finding creative solutions to make healthier versions of classic favorites.
Our family’s journey through anxiety
Through my own struggles with anxiety, I’ve learned how deeply it can impact a family. My husband and six children each have incredible gifts, talents, and strengths, but like so many, they also face insecurities and fears. What I’ve learned is that healing doesn’t just come from what we eat but also from how we process emotions, create space for honesty, and support one another through the highs and lows of life.
In our home, we prioritize open conversations about mental health, making room for emotions, and acknowledging the hard days. Tears, laughter, and honest discussions are part of our healing process. By embracing both the struggles and the victories, we’ve found ways to navigate anxiety together.
Navigating dietary restrictions & emotional health
I know how it feels to receive ‘bad news’ requiring unwelcome dietary changes. I’ve been through gestational diabetes, gluten restrictions, dairy restrictions, and calorie deficits. Each change felt like a gut punch—literally and figuratively. The silver lining was knowing I was helping to bring six incredible humans into the world who call me ‘Mom.’
But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. The sorrow and frustration that come with dietary restrictions are real, and the lifestyle changes can be challenging. Yet, through trial, creativity, and persistence, I’ve learned how to make food that nourishes both the body and soul.
Facing postpartum mental health struggles
No one warned me about the emotional storm that can follow childbirth. Postpartum ‘baby blues’ hit me like a tidal wave. I felt like a stranger in my own body, trapped in exhaustion, sadness, and anxiety. The sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and demands of motherhood were overwhelming in ways I hadn’t expected.
That experience changed me forever. It gave me deep empathy for anyone struggling with mental illness and reinforced the importance of self-care—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Healing wasn’t instant, and it wasn’t linear, but through nutrition, emotional work, faith, and support, I found my way back to myself.
If you’re in the thick of that struggle, know this: You’re not alone, and there is hope.
Dietitian-Reviewed & Expert-Approved Recipes
At GentleTummy.com, we’re committed to evidence-based nutrition and balanced eating. Our recipes are reviewed by trusted health professionals:
Dr. Erin Ellis, a Naturopathic Medical Doctor with Hope Natural Health, specializing in gut health and nutritional wellness.
Christina Manian, MENV, RD, a Registered Dietitian, Writer, and Sustainable Nutrition
Elizabeth Harris, MS, RDN, a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Media Dietitian
Our commitment to expert review means:
- Whole, minimally processed ingredients that support overall health
- Nutritional balance to keep meals satisfying and nourishing
- Ongoing feedback from our experts to ensure accuracy and relevance
We believe that transparency and trust are essential. By working with qualified professionals, we aim to provide you with reliable and trustworthy recipes that empower you to make informed choices about your health.
While we strive to create well-balanced recipes, these are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for individualized dietary recommendations.
Why You Can Trust My Recipes
I’ve spent decades cooking, learning, and refining my approach to food—so you can trust that every recipe here is tested, reliable, and designed for success.
- 28 years of marriage, 25 years working from home while cooking daily for my family.
- Trained in food science in college and took healthy cooking courses to deepen my knowledge.
- Taught cooking classes to help others gain confidence in the kitchen.
- Created and tested 350+ recipes for this blog, ensuring they are easy, delicious, and reliable.
- Every recipe has a full video tutorial of me making it in my own kitchen, where I explain ingredient choices and expert tips for success.
AS SEEN IN
Enjoy your favorite foods with my healthier creative modifications!
Creative problem solving happens to be my business—especially for those with unwelcome dietary restrictions.
I’ve worked as a creative director for Bonilla Design & Advertising since 1998 with my husband, Gabe, also a designer. Our creative services include graphic design, website design, commercial photography, fine-art portrait photography and videography.
From Design to Delicious:
Creating Recipes for Confidence in the Kitchen
My background in design gives me a unique perspective on food blogging—helping me create visually appealing recipes, clear instructions, and engaging content to make cooking easy and enjoyable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a nutritionist or dietitian?
No, I’m not a nutritionist or dietitian. I’m a recipe developer with a deep personal focus on digestive health and anxiety-friendly eating. My recipes are reviewed by Dr. Erin Ellis, ND, for nutritional balance, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Do your recipes follow a specific diet?
My recipes don’t fit into one strict diet, but they follow key principles: higher protein, naturally sweetened, gluten-free options, and easily digestible ingredients. This approach aligns with research on the gut-brain connection and recommendations from organizations like the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
How do you test recipes?
Each recipe undergoes a minimum of 4 test iterations in my home kitchen, plus additional testing by volunteer recipe testers from our community. I personally prepare, photograph, and film each recipe to ensure they work reliably.
I have a specific health condition. Will your recipes help?
Many readers managing digestive issues and anxiety have found my recipes beneficial, but I cannot promise specific health outcomes. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine if my recipes align with your individual health needs.
Hexclad Cookware: Trusted by Chefs, Loved by Me
As someone who spends countless hours creating and testing recipes, I believe having the right tools makes all the difference. That’s why I’m proud to be an affiliate with Hexclad, a brand known for its innovative hybrid cookware. I use Hexclad in my kitchen to achieve precise results, and I’m excited to share how their products support both professional-level cooking and everyday family meals.
Note: As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, but I only recommend products I personally use and love.
