Hey there Reader,
If you’re new here—hi! I’m Cat, Registered Dietitian and the owner of Cooking with Cat.
Every week-ish (because, well, I’m a one-woman operation 😅), I send out a few tips, ideas, and reminders to help make cooking and healthy eating a little easier.
Before I leave you to this week’s tips, here’s your weekend reminder:
Set aside 10–15 minutes to make your week ahead a little easier!
Wash and chop some produce, do your grocery shopping, or double a batch of protein or grains while you’re already cooking.
It doesn’t have to be a full meal prep session. A few small things done now can save you time and effort later.
Okay, enough about that - let's jump in to 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 🍳
Your Shortcut to More Flavour This Summer
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One of my favourite ways to make cooking easier is to keep a few good seasoning blends on hand.
They’re a simple shortcut for adding lots of flavour without pulling out 10 different spice jars. I especially love using seasoning blends for dips, roasted potatoes, sheet pan meals, chicken, or roasted chickpeas.
You can use the same basic ingredients you already have on hand and completely change the flavour profile simply by switching up your seasoning blend.
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One Canadian company I’ve been loving is The Spice Age. I appreciate their focus on simple ingredients, and their products are made in Canada and free from additives. They’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free, making them a convenient option for those navigating food intolerances or cooking for groups.
Beyond spice blends, they also make convenient mixes for dips, dressings, sauces, popcorn, mac & cheese, and even hot chocolate!
You don't need a complicated recipe to make a meal exciting. Sometimes, a good seasoning blend is all you need to make cooking faster, easier, and super tasty.
CRUNCH 🍿
The Sheet Pan Meal You Need to Make More Often
I’ve shared this meal before, but I think it’s time to bring it back because I clearly need to make it more often (and you do too!): sheet pan gnocchi.
It’s one of those meals that feels way more elevated than the effort it actually requires. You basically throw everything onto a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing.
The best part? There’s no real recipe.
Use up those veggies that need to be eaten, swap in a different protein, add whatever cheese you have in the fridge, and finish with your favourite sauce or seasoning.
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For this version, I used:
- Gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- Italian Sausage (but any protein works!)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Homemade pesto (because when you buy a giant bunch of basil at the farmers' market, you need to find a way to use it up!)
- A little Parmesan for garnish
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you put in way more effort than you actually did. And honestly, those are my favourite kinds of dinners. 😏
SCOOP 🍦
One of The Most Underrated Pieces of Nutrition Advice
Someone recently asked me: “What’s the most underrated nutrition advice you would give someone?”
My answer? Eat regularly.
It’s nothing exciting, I know. But it influences practically everything else.
Going long periods without eating can contribute to low energy, irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and that “hangry” feeling many of us know all too well.
And once we reach that point, it can be much harder to make thoughtful food choices. Your brain is focused on getting fuel—and fast. You don't need more motivation in those instances ; you need to prevent how often you get to that point in the first place.
Your brain and body need a steady supply of energy throughout the day, and eating regularly can help support your energy, focus, and mood.
This doesn’t mean following a strict schedule. Sometimes, it simply looks like:
- Eating breakfast a little more consistently
- Packing a snack when you leave the house
- Prioritizing time for meals during your busy days
It’s about building consistency and making sure your body gets the fuel it needs throughout the day, predictably.
As always, if you have any questions or need any additional support, feel free to hit reply or book an appointment.
Stay well,
