About Berry Rooted – berry rooted

Welcome to Berry Rooted!

This is where healthy food meets real life—and a little bit of chaos.
I’m Karen, a home cook turned nutrition nerd who believes good-for-you meals shouldn’t taste like cardboard or drain your bank account. Around here, recipes are rooted in whole foods (yes, berries make frequent appearances), balanced flavors, and just enough shortcuts to make them doable on a Tuesday.

This is my journey to better health—and I’m sharing everything I’m learning along the way.

Why I Started Berry Rooted

I’m not a doctor or dietitian. I’m just a mom in her 40s who got tired of feeling like crap, fed up with her body, and decided to do something about it.
In my younger years, I was a Division 1 college runner—weight was never an issue. But after having my second child, it all changed. My body didn’t “bounce back” this time. I was exhausted, burned out from high-performance running, and had zero interest in lacing up for that level of training again. I craved comfort foods and sugar and coped with life by drinking wine and eating fast food.

Right around this time, I learned my Dad was sick. I watched him suffer and pass away from cancer in just 14 months. That was the breaking point. I knew I had to change my habits—not someday, but now.

I’m not about strict diets or cutting out entire food groups. I still drink red wine. I still eat birthday cake with my kids. But I am about feeling strong, seeing my abs again, having less joint pain, and not feeling self-conscious in a two-piece swimsuit. I follow an 80/20 approach—80% whole, nourishing food, 20% life’s little indulgences.

For me, it’s all about fueling with protein- and fiber-packed meals, moving with purpose, building strength, and feeling confident. I choose workouts that leave me stronger, not wiped out—intentional, feel-good movement I can actually look forward to and stick with.

What You’ll Find Here

Healthy recipes, snacks, and meal prep ideas that actually taste good
Nutrition and wellness tips for feeling your best
Honest updates on my weight loss journey—what’s working and what’s not
My favorite Amazon kitchen gadgets, workout gear, and activewear
Macro-friendly meal inspiration for busy women who love food as much as I do

My Food Philosophy

Whole foods first. One ingredient is the goal.
Read the labels. If I can’t pronounce it or picture it, I probably don’t eat it.
Avoid seed oils (like canola, soybean, and corn) when possible. I stick to real-food fats—olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, cream, and butter.
Understand the “why.” I include nutrition tidbits in my recipes so you know exactly how each ingredient is helping your body.
Healthy should taste good. If it’s bland or boring, it’s out.
Balance over perfection. I eat clean most of the time, but I enjoy wine and dessert guilt-free.
Nourish, don’t punish. Fuel your body instead of depriving it.
Listen to your body. Recognize real hunger vs. boredom or stress eating. Eat with intention, slow down and stop when you feel satisfied.
Start where you are. No overnight overhauls—small changes add up.

Berry Rooted is my way of showing that you can lose weight, feel strong, and enjoy your food without giving up everything you love. I’m living it, learning it, and sharing it with you—one delicious, protein-packed recipe at a time.

Disclaimer:
I’m not a doctor, dietitian, or licensed medical professional—just a passionate home cook who loves learning about wellness and nutrition. Everything shared on Berry Rooted is based on personal experience and research. If you have a medical condition or specific dietary needs, please check with your doctor or a qualified health provider to find what’s best for you.