Hey there Reader,
Before we get into this week’s newsletter…
I want to share something I’ve been working on behind the scenes for a while now.
In-person (dietitian-led) cooking workshops are coming to Ottawa! ✨
This has been a long time in the making, and it feels so special to bring Cooking with Cat to life in a whole new way—getting to cook together, in real time.
The very first workshop is happening this April (!!), and I’ll be sharing more details soon on the location, theme, date, and time—so stay tuned.
Alright, let’s get into this week’s Sizzle, Crunch, Scoop!
- SIZZLE: Cooking hacks, shortcuts, and tools/products I love.
- CRUNCH: Easy meal & snack ideas + practical tips to keep you inspired.
- SCOOP: Real talk on nutrition trends, mindset shifts, and building a healthier relationship with food.
SIZZLE 🍳
Common Weeknight Dinner Mistake #5: Choosing meals because you “should” not because you want to
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This one sneaks up on a lot of my clients.
You scroll recipes or plan meals thinking, “I should be eating this, or making that, because it’s healthy,” instead of choosing something that actually sounds good — or that you’ll actually enjoy eating.
The result? Ingredients go to waste, or worst – you make the meal but it just sits in the fridge until it goes bad.
The reframe: meals are meant to fuel your needs — both physically and in a way that actually satisfies you.
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A few ways to shift your mindset:
- Start with what you actually feel like eating, then see how to make it balanced.
- Don’t force a “perfect” plate — think in terms of food groups and satisfaction, not rules.
- Mix in a few meals you genuinely look forward to — even if they feel indulgent — to make weeknight cooking more enjoyable.
When your meals are chosen because you want them, cooking becomes easier, eating is more satisfying, and healthy habits are easier to sustain without guilt.
Stay tuned for more common weeknight dinner mistakes in my weekly emails.
CRUNCH 🍿
This Weekend's Meal Prep Inspo: Viral No-Fold "Blanket" Dumplings
If you’re looking for something a little different to shake up your usual lunch rotation… this is it.
These viral no-fold “blanket” dumplings are on the menu for this weekend’s Mocktails & Meal Prep, and they’re the perfect mix of impressive + practical.
Think: all the cozy, satisfying vibes of dumplings—without the time-consuming folding.
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The best part? You’ve got options.
👉 Keep it simple: Grab store-bought dumpling wrappers
👉 Or DIY (and save $$): All you need is flour + water + a pinch of salt
No fancy ingredients. No complicated steps. Just a flexible, budget-friendly win.
Make them ahead, pack them up, and suddenly your work lunch is looking next level.
Don’t be surprised when your coworkers start asking what you brought (and wishing they had the same 👀)
SCOOP 🍦
Cravings… what are they actually telling you?
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If cravings feel random or hard to control, this is your reminder—they’re not a lack of willpower.
More often, they’re your body asking for something:
Fuel, balance, convenience… or even just enjoyment.
The goal isn’t to fight cravings—it’s to understand them.
✨ Want to know what yours might be telling you and how to respond?
See the full post where I break it down simply and practically.
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As always, if you have any questions or need any additional support, feel free to hit reply or book an appointment.
Stay well,
