Hi, I’m Nella!
I’m a passionate home cook, certified nutritionist, and mum to twin boys. My journey with food began in my Italian family kitchen, where meals were, and still are, sacred gatherings.
My love for cooking started at a very young age, evolving from a cherished pastime into a significant part of my life’s mission.
The Lean Cook™: Recipes for a Leaner Life is a culmination of this journey. This collection features recipes from my popular mydietburble blog, which I started in 2017, alongside my more recent creations and insights.
My Transformation Journey
After welcoming my twin boys in 2015 (in my forties!), I felt a strong need to prioritise my own health. I was determined that any lifestyle change had to involve real food – no fads or restrictive diets. In July 2016, I embarked on The Body Coach’s 90 Day SSS plan, and it reignited my culinary passion. I discovered I could transform beloved family dishes into leaner, healthier versions without sacrificing flavor. This personal transformation, coupled with a desire to maintain my health for my young family, spurred me to start blogging and sharing my recipes. The incredible feedback from others trying my dishes was truly inspiring, and I haven’t looked back since.
In 2019, I further solidified my commitment to health by becoming an MNU Certified Nutritionist. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping many others achieve their personal health goals through sustainable, real-food-focused approaches.
My Approach to Lean Cooking
My recipes are centered around lean versions of your everyday favorite dishes, proving that eating well doesn’t mean compromising on taste. You’ll find recipes that are packed with the flavors you know and love, simple to make, and perfect for the whole family. While the focus is on lean eating, I also believe in enjoying delicious, indulgent dishes as they are – because balance is key! You can easily tailor spice levels to your preference, and prepare to be amazed by the dedicated “Fakeaway” section!
I’m not a professional chef, just a dedicated home cook who genuinely loves creating delicious and healthy meals for my family and myself. Every recipe you see here is a dish I’ve made on my own journey to a leaner life. And yes, if you ever see steam in my food photography, it’s because I make, photograph (and then usually eat cold!) every single dish before my family and I sit down to enjoy it together.