About Me
Hi, I’m Shadera Slatter and I am here to show how easy, delicious and nutritious traditional recipes can be. All you need is a little mindfulness. These recipes are by no means restrictive; they are packed full of every nutrient your body needs to thrive. My nutrition and cooking expertise have been engrained in me since childhood; you could find me on a step-stool whipping up some pancakes at the age of 4.
Professionally, I have over three years of clinical research experience which requires an inquisitive mind and a never ending desire to push the known boundaries. Cooking and nutrition have always been a passion of mine and I am ready to combine my personal passions with a professional career.
I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Master’s of Science in Global Health. I am on my way to becoming a Registered Dietician, and knowing myself, most likely more 🙂 In my free time I am reading countless nutrition research articles and books. My current favorites are Deep Nutrition, Gut and Physiology Syndrome, Whole, and Food Fix.
My Food Philosophy
Food is medicine. The healing powers of food should not be overlooked. It is my mission to inspire those around me to eat wholesome, nutrient dense foods that not only improve your health, but taste fantastic. Sally Fallon in Nourishing Traditions will be my forever inspiration.
So what is my food philosophy? I recommend consuming whole, un-processed, un-refined, nutritious foods. Choose organic when possible and better yet choose regenerative and local sources. Only eat grass-fed, grass-finished meat and dairy products. Eat to nourish your body including nutrient rich in season fruits and vegetables, nose-to-tail meats, wild caught seafood, nuts and seeds, full-fat dairy and cold pressed oils. Most importantly, listen to your body as it will often tell you what foods are beneficial and which are better left untouched.
Say goodbye to processed and packaged foods, your gut will thank you for it. My cooking methods may seem daunting at first but don’t worry, in no time at all you will be a culinary expert! It’ll take a little planning but cook the majority of your meals at home. Start small and work your way up; it takes practice. Keep nutritious snacks on hand and have easy to make recipes in mind in case you don’t have time to prep.
My desire is to create greater awareness of and access to nutritious foods including clean ingredients from the soil to the plate. This requires systematic changes to our current food and agricultural systems. It all starts with awareness and collectively our actions make an impact. Health is a human right and thus, nutritious food is a human right. However, many of us do not have the luxury to prioritize these foods or even have access to them. With systematic efforts, we can make nutritious foods more available and accessible globally. Do what you can and don’t get discouraged, whatever efforts you make go a long way.
My Health Journey
I was lucky to be raised through natural health practices prioritizing nutrition. However, a series of events in my adulthood lead to chronic stomach issues in which it was impossible for me to eat without significant discomfort. In college I indulged in junk food and was addicted to processed foods and sugar. I “knew” better but that didn’t stop me. I then further destroyed my microbiome and gut lining with countless rounds of antibiotics, not understanding at the time how this could result in long-term consequences. For years I struggled with IBS-like symptoms, which was not only embarrassing, but painful.
I tried everything but nothing seemed to work. This is where I began to research. I read everything I could get my hands on. No matter what I read, the common denominator was returning to a whole, traditional diet and restoring your gut microbiome.
My cooking skills served as an asset as I finally began practicing the same ideology my mom instilled in me, to actually use food as medicine. I can happily pronounce that I am on my way to healing my gut. I know I have a long way to go but I finally found my solution. We are always students, and in my view, researchers. We are continuously learning new concepts and methods, and I will always have so much to learn. I promise that as I learn, we will all learn together. That’s the fun part.
You Don’t Need a Fancy Kitchen
I have been creating recipes in this mini kitchen for over two years now. If I can do it with a fridge shorter than I am and a stove one third of the size of a normal one, you can too! It’s all about staying organized. I use the kitchen table for extra space, place a cutting board over the sink, and am constantly rearranging the fridge to make everything fit.
You will realize that far from being restrictive, my recipes will awaken your tastebuds and infuse your body with nutrients. If you have had similar health struggles, know you are not alone. Use food as medicine and take control of your nutrition.
You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Dedication and desire soon become intertwined as your body responds to the nutrients its been craving. Use my recipes as a guide for your own tastes; modify them, use them to inspire your own creativity and share your creations with others. Join me on this traditional, nutrient dense food train!
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