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Home » Minimalism & Simplicity

Simplifying Life in Your Kitchen

Modified on Apr 7, 2025 by Julie Gaeta · This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content · Leave a Comment

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 Certified Holistic Health Coach (IIN) with advanced training in hormone health and a background in yoga and mind-body wellness.

As a plant-based recipe developer, writer, and mom of nine who’s been cooking plant-based for over 20 years, I share recipes, wellness tools, and honest stories of resilience, growth, and creating a life you love.

More About Me
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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