Hello, I’m Nicole!
Your kitchen bestie sharing healthy recipes that actually taste amazing!
Hello,
I’m Nicole Bonilla!
Your kitchen bestie sharing healthy recipes that actually taste amazing!
Do you feel like you’re pushing so hard through stress that your
body is trying to get your attention?
That was me in 2019 when my body yelled, ‘Enough,’ and staged an intervention!
As a mother of six and a business owner,
I’d powered through stress for years without realizing how deeply it was affecting me—until my digestive health completely unraveled. Between the bloating, inflammation, anxiety, and trying to feed a family with multiple dietary restrictions, I knew something had to change.
The plot twist?
Learning that simple food swaps could make me feel amazing AND taste incredible.
What I Discovered
(And Now Teach You)
Working with my naturopathic doctor, I learned that removing processed foods and refined sugar—while adding mindfulness to my cooking—transformed both my digestion and my family’s relationship with food.
And the Yummiest Part?
I figured out how to make healthier versions that everyone actually requests again. No more separate meals. No more kitchen battles. Just delicious food that works for sensitive systems.
While these changes worked for me, I always encourage consulting with a licensed healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
What Can You Expect From My Kitchen?
Recipes that solve your biggest food frustrations:
- Naturally sweetened (no refined white sugar—but still satisfying!)
- High-protein options that keep you full and energized
- Always gluten-free with dairy-free and vegan alternatives
- Family-tested by my crew of six picky eaters
- Step-by-step videos so you can cook along with me
- Ingredient swaps for whatever dietary needs you’re juggling
And a lot of fun doing it! 🙂
Real Results from Real Kitchens:
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.
Growing up and performing in the Carson Family Wild West show was a unique and unforgettable experience—but it also came with intense physical demands and pressures.
It taught me grit and discipline—but also contributed to lifelong perfectionism and anxiety. Performing with spirited stallions required intense focus, but it also meant living under constant pressure.
That same resilience now fuels my passion for recipe creation, where I love finding creative solutions to make healthier versions of classic favorites.
The Difference?
Now the pressure is fun, and the results taste amazing.
From Food Stress
to Food Joy
I know the gut-punch feeling of unwelcome dietary changes. I’ve navigated gestational diabetes, gluten restrictions, dairy limitations, and the challenge of feeding growing kids while managing my own health. Each change felt overwhelming at first.
But here’s what I discovered:
Dietary restrictions can actually lead to creativity and better health for the whole family. Those limitations pushed me to create recipes that are more satisfying, more delicious, and more nourishing than what we were eating before.
Our Family’s
Real-Life Recipe Testing
Through my own anxiety journey, I’ve learned how food affects our whole family’s wellbeing.
My husband and six kids each have different preferences, restrictions, and comfort foods—which means every recipe I create has to pass the ultimate test: Will everyone actually eat it?
The result?
Recipes that work for real families dealing with real challenges. No separate meals required.
Through my own anxiety journey, I’ve learned how food affects our whole family’s wellbeing.
My husband and six kids each have different preferences, restrictions, and comfort foods—which means every recipe I create has to pass the ultimate test: Will everyone actually eat it?
The result?
Recipes that work for real families dealing with real challenges. No separate meals required.
Why You Can
Trust My Kitchen
I’ve spent decades perfecting the art of making healthy food irresistible:
- 25+ years cooking daily for my family while working from home
- 400+ tested recipes on this blog—every single one filmed in my real kitchen
- Multiple test rounds for each recipe, plus friends/family testing 🙂
- Full video tutorials where I explain ingredient choices and share success tips
- Taught cooking classes to help others gain confidence with healthy cooking
Dietitian-Reviewed & Expert-Approved
Every recipe is 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
What this means for you:
- Nutritionally balanced meals that actually satisfy
- Whole, minimally processed ingredients
- Ongoing expert feedback for accuracy and safety
These recipes are not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for individualized recommendations.
AS SEEN IN
From Creative Director
to Recipe Creator
I’ve been solving creative problems professionally since 1998
as a creative director for Bonilla Design & Advertising with my husband, Gabe. Our work includes graphic design, photography, and videography—skills that now help me create visually appealing recipes with crystal-clear instructions.
Creative problem-solving is my specialty—especially for families dealing with dietary restrictions who refuse to sacrifice flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to transform your kitchen stress into cooking confidence?
I’m here to be your kitchen bestie—the friend who’s already figured out how to make cottage cheese taste like ice cream, turn cauliflower into pizza crust that actually satisfies, and create protein-packed breakfasts your kids will request again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to transform your kitchen stress into cooking confidence?
Let’s start with my most popular recipes!
