Meet Jeanette from Jeanette’s Healthy Living

I have a real treat for you today: Jeanette from Jeanette’s Healthy Living shares some of her favorite gluten-free recipes, gives a glimpse into life running a household with four boys, and makes us wish we were part of her family so we could enjoy all of her delicious food.
Jeanette and I share a similar approach to healthy eating—flavor doesn’t have to be sacrificed for nutrition. With four boys, Jeanette creates meals that are nutritious, hearty, and satisfying (just look at those homemade Clif bars).
While Jeanette is hosting here today, you can find me over on her blog chatting about my personal road to health and some of my favorite allergen-free recipes. I’ve also announced the winners of the Meal Planning Giveaway—be sure to check the results on my site.
Take it away, Jeanette!

Hi everyone! I’m Jeanette, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Jeanette’s Healthy Living. Leanne and I thought it would be fun to write guest posts for each other so our readers could learn more about us. I’m excited to tell you a little about myself and to introduce Leanne to my readers.

I discovered Leanne’s blog last year when my youngest son was found to be allergic to several foods, including gluten, dairy, and eggs. After putting him on an elimination diet, I’m happy to report he’s now only gluten-free. Leanne and I share a food philosophy that delicious flavor and good health can go hand in hand.

About Me and My Family

I’m a mom of four boys—ages 9, 16, 16 (twins), and 19—and married to my college sweetheart. I spent 15 years in corporate finance before deciding to stay home full time with my boys. After years of long hours and travel, I realized I wanted to be present more for my family.

Life in a house full of boys is loud, messy, and lively. There’s always laundry to do, sports on TV, noise, wrestling, and running around. Friends often think we’re having a party when they call. My days are filled with the chaos of teenage voices, playful scuffles, and my little guy keeping his older brothers in check. They also eat a lot—so I’m constantly in the kitchen, which I love.

Breakfast Favorites

Many of the recipes I make are naturally gluten-free or easily adapted. For breakfast, try a green smoothie for a nutrient boost—my kids enjoy both green and easy fruit smoothies. For a special morning treat, my Strawberry Banana French Toast Casserole is a real crowd-pleaser.

After-School Snacks and Dips

My kids are always hungry after school, so dips and salsas are staples. Popular options include a spicy black bean salsa, roasted corn with avocado and black beans, and a hot black bean dip. These are quick to prepare and great for sharing.

Dinner: Family Favorites

I cook dinner nearly every night and enjoy testing new recipes on my family. Tacos are a big hit—Pollo Asado, chicken with garlic and chile, and Korean-style chicken tacos are regular requests. Korean lettuce wraps are another favorite and a smart way to get kids to eat more vegetables.

Pasta Nights

My kids could eat pasta every night. A simple Tomato Paste Pasta is my oldest’s favorite and my vacation standby—I often pack the ingredients so I can make it the first night away. Other go-to pasta dishes include sundried tomato pesto, basil garlic scape pesto, and a crockpot turkey Bolognese that’s great for busy evenings.

Whole Grains and Allergy-Friendly Treats

I’ve worked to add more whole grains to our meals without sacrificing taste. When my youngest faced multiple allergies, I developed gluten-, oat-, casein-, and soy-free granola bars that became an instant favorite. Other whole grain recipes my boys enjoy include gluten-free blueberry crisp, quinoa pilaf with mushrooms, and vegetable fried rice.

Gluten-Free Baking Wins

One of the most rewarding parts of adapting recipes was creating gluten-, dairy-, and egg-free baked goods that tasted great. My pumpkin spice donuts, soft pretzels, Chinese-style dumplings, allergy-friendly Toll House cookies, and marbled coconut cupcakes helped my son feel included and “normal” despite food restrictions. Those moments of joy make all the experimentation worthwhile.

Thanks so much for having me, Leanne! If you’d like to explore more recipes and ideas, please visit Jeanette’s Healthy Living and check the recipe index. I share daily kitchen creations and health tips on social platforms where readers can follow along and find inspiration for real, family-friendly meals.

*All photos in this post are © Jeanette’s Healthy Living