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Home » Minimalism & Simplicity

Simplifying Life in Your Kitchen

Julie Gaeta smiling.
Modified: Apr 7, 2025 by Julie Gaeta · This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content

Sometimes easy is healthier

A pot on the stove.

Years back, I remember feeling overwhelmed after baby number eight.

I was struggling to keep up, especially in the kitchen. I was still trying to make everything from scratch.

When I confided in a friend, she gently offered advice I needed to hear.

It was simple yet profound:

“Buy canned beans, store-bought bread, precut/frozen veggies, anything that saves time. It’s still healthy — and you’re still a great mom.”

The last part sealed the deal.

It’s easy to get caught up in standards, even when they’re not helping. Having ideals is good, but when it causes too much stress, it isn’t. Sometimes easing up and slowing down is exactly what’s needed during busy seasons in life.

This delicious and healthy chili recipe is a perfect example. It can be made as simple or elaborate as you need right now.

Julie Gaeta smiling

Julie Gaeta

Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.

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Julie Gaeta smiling.

Welcome!


Hi, I’m Julie, a plant-based cook, recipe developer, and health coach. I've been cooking this way for over 20 years (and still get excited about trips to the grocery store and farmers market). Here, I share flavor-packed recipes from my Minneapolis kitchen. If you ever have a question or just want to say hi, I’d love to hear from you.

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Becoming You With Julie has been featured in Foodgawker, Huffpost, MSN, Yahoo, BetterHumans, The Good Men Project, YourTango, Redfin, Flipboard, Newsbreak, and Mamamia.

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