My name is Charlotte Shapiro, and I’m thrilled to have you here exploring the world of easy, nutritious, and delicious recipes. As an Alaska-based registered dietitian, food has always been a deep passion of mine, and I’m excited to share my love for healthy eating and creative cooking with you.
Who I Am
I’m Charlotte Shapiro, a registered dietitian from the beautiful state of Alaska. I earned my degree in Nutrition from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I developed a profound understanding of how food impacts our health and well-being. Alaska is a unique place to live—it’s full of rugged beauty, fresh ingredients, and rich culinary traditions. The long winters, vibrant summers, and access to wild and locally sourced foods inspire many of the recipes you’ll find on Freshly Ingredients.
My journey with food started long before I became a dietitian. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my family, learning how to turn simple ingredients into something magical. After pursuing my degree and working with clients to improve their diets, I realized how powerful food can be—not just for health, but for bringing people together.
What Is This Blog About?
Freshly Ingredients is all about helping you make nutritious meals that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. I know how busy life can get, and I want to show you that cooking healthy doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners, meal-prep ideas, or healthy snacks, my goal is to provide recipes that fit seamlessly into your life.
This blog is also about breaking down the barriers to healthy eating. As a dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing it can be to navigate nutrition advice. I’m here to simplify that for you by offering clear, practical tips on how to nourish your body with real, wholesome foods. And while nutrition is a core part of this blog, you’ll find plenty of indulgent treats and comfort foods too—because I believe in balance and enjoying the food you love.
Mission
My mission with Freshly Ingredients is simple: I want to inspire you to make healthy, delicious meals that are easy to cook and enjoyable to eat. I believe that food should be a source of joy, nourishment, and connection, and I’m here to help you build confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep your meals fresh, exciting, and nutritious.
Through this blog, I hope to empower you with:
- Accessible Nutrition: Easy-to-understand nutrition information that helps you make informed choices about what you eat.
- Simple Recipes: Delicious, straightforward recipes that use fresh ingredients and don’t require hours in the kitchen.
- A Balanced Approach: A healthy relationship with food that embraces both nutritious choices and occasional indulgences.
Vision
The vision for Freshly Ingredients goes beyond just sharing recipes. My dream is to create a community where food is celebrated not just for its taste, but for the way it nourishes our bodies and connects us to one another. I want to show that healthy eating isn’t about restriction or dieting—it’s about finding joy in fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors, and home-cooked meals that make you feel good inside and out.
I envision a world where:
- People feel empowered in the kitchen, no matter their skill level.
- Fresh, wholesome ingredients are the cornerstone of every meal.
- Nutrition advice is accessible, understandable, and practical.
- Food is celebrated for its ability to bring people together, nourish communities, and support overall well-being.
Recipe Development
Creating recipes for Freshly Ingredients is one of my favorite parts of this blog. Every recipe I share is developed with the goal of being simple, flavorful, and nourishing. Here’s how I approach recipe development:
1. Using Fresh, Real Ingredients
As the name Freshly Ingredients suggests, I’m passionate about using whole, real ingredients in my cooking. I try to avoid overly processed foods and focus on fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Whenever possible, I encourage using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, as they tend to be fresher, more flavorful, and often more nutritious.
Living in Alaska has given me a deep appreciation for fresh, wild ingredients like salmon, berries, and root vegetables. While not every recipe on the blog is specific to Alaskan cuisine, many are inspired by the unique flavors and ingredients that I have access to here.
2. Balanced Nutrition
As a dietitian, I’m always thinking about how to create balanced meals that provide a variety of nutrients. Whether it’s a hearty salad packed with fiber and vitamins or a cozy soup loaded with lean proteins and vegetables, I aim to develop recipes that support your health goals without sacrificing flavor. I also include tips for how to adjust recipes to suit different dietary needs, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or looking to cut back on sugar.
3. Ease and Simplicity
Let’s be real—life is busy, and not everyone has time to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I focus on creating recipes that are simple to follow and don’t require a ton of prep or specialty ingredients. Most of the recipes on Freshly Ingredients can be made in 30 minutes or less, using everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
I love one-pot meals, sheet pan dinners, and other minimal-effort recipes that pack a punch of flavor with little cleanup. My goal is to help you enjoy the process of cooking, even on busy weeknights, and to show you that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.
4. Testing and Tasting
Before a recipe is shared on the blog, I test it multiple times to make sure it’s just right. This means checking that the flavors are balanced, the instructions are easy to follow, and the result is consistently delicious. I also encourage feedback from readers—if you try a recipe and have tips or suggestions, I’m always eager to hear them and incorporate improvements.
5. Inspiration from Around the World
While Freshly Ingredients is rooted in healthy, simple meals, I love drawing inspiration from different cuisines and cultures. You’ll find recipes on the blog influenced by Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, and other global flavors. Exploring new ingredients and cooking techniques is a great way to keep meals exciting and broaden your culinary horizons.
A Little More About My Approach to Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is at the heart of everything I do, but I want to make it clear that Freshly Ingredients is not about following a strict diet or counting calories. Instead, it’s about listening to your body, eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, and enjoying your meals.
I believe in the power of balance—sometimes you crave a nourishing bowl of vegetable soup, and other times, you just need a slice of chocolate cake. And that’s okay! Healthy eating should be sustainable, enjoyable, and flexible. My recipes reflect that approach by offering a mix of wholesome, nutritious meals along with the occasional treat.
What You’ll Find on the Blog
Here are some of the key types of content you can expect to find on Freshly Ingredients:
1. Quick and Easy Recipes
As mentioned earlier, I love creating recipes that are simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone with a full schedule, these recipes are designed to help you put a healthy meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
2. Healthy Comfort Foods
Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. I’m always looking for ways to make classic comfort foods a little lighter and more nutritious, without sacrificing the flavors you love. Think mac and cheese with a healthy twist, hearty stews packed with veggies, and satisfying casseroles that won’t weigh you down.
3. Meal Prep Ideas
Meal prepping is one of the best ways to save time and stay on track with healthy eating. On Freshly Ingredients, you’ll find plenty of meal prep-friendly recipes, from batch-cooked soups to easy make-ahead breakfasts and lunches. I also share tips for how to store and reheat meals so that they stay fresh throughout the week.
4. Special Diet Recipes
If you follow a specific diet, whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, you’ll find plenty of recipes tailored to your needs. I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy delicious food, regardless of dietary restrictions, and I’m committed to creating recipes that are inclusive and adaptable.
5. Nutritional Tips
Beyond recipes, I also share practical tips and advice for eating healthier in your day-to-day life. Whether it’s how to build a balanced plate, how to shop for nutritious ingredients on a budget, or how to make healthier choices when dining out, I’m here to guide you.
Join the Freshly Ingredients Community
I’m so excited to have you here, and I hope Freshly Ingredients becomes your go-to source for easy, nutritious meals. Whether you’re here for a quick dinner idea, nutrition tips, or just to explore new recipes, I’m grateful to be part of your cooking journey.
If you ever have questions, suggestions, or just want to share your experience with a recipe, feel free to reach out—I love hearing from my readers! You can connect with me via email, social media, or by leaving a comment on the blog.
Thank you for joining me at Freshly Ingredients, and I can’t wait to see what you cook up!