TheGraciousPantry.com. Like in my previous post, I mentioned I had learned about Clean Eating when I became a Independent Team Beach Body Coach. Basically not eating processed foods, more homemade and natural cooking. I was told about TheGraciousPantry.com. It was hard deciding what recipe I wanted to try so I decided to try Bubble and Squeak because it had all my favorite things in it and I absolutely loved the name LOL! Now, I have an opportunity to interview the author of TheGraciousPantry.com. So here is Tiffany and her story ENJOY!

Tell me a little bit about you – name, where you live, family etc…

My name is Tiffany McCauley. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m married to a marine corps veteran, and I have a 4 year old son who I refer to as Mini Chef.

What initially made you decide to start “Clean Eating” ?

The day my son was born, I knew I had to do something about my health. I had been eating like a crazy person for years. But the moment I looked into my little boy’s eyes for the first time, I knew I needed to be a healthy mama for him.

Why did you decide to publish content about “Clean Eating” ?

I originally started my blog as a way to keep track of what I was eating. I hoped to get some input from, and share ideas with other clean eaters starting out like me. Over time, it really grew and I realized that people were actually interested in what I was cooking. With a significant love for cooking, I knew I had to keep sharing my recipes and I’ve never regretted it once. I love what I do and I’m incredibly fortunate that I have the opportunity to do what I do.

What is your favorite “Clean Eating” recipe?

Hands down… taco salad. We have it about once a week, sometimes twice. It’s quick, it’s easy, and I can use just about anything I have in the fridge. It changes every week depending on what produce I have on hand. It’s definitely something the whole family loves. Chicken and Dumplings is a close second!

How much weight have you lost “Clean Eating” ?

To date I’ve lost 59 pounds. I have a total of 114 to lose.

What are some of your hobbies? (aside from your site)

I love to knit, garden, go to the beach with my son and hunt for shells or chase waves. Cooking and writing would be close to the top of that list as well. I’d do both even if I wasn’t blogging. I’ve written a children’s book for my son and will have a new cookbook out in February.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Gosh, that’s hard to say. Life has been pretty good to me, but it definitely keeps me on my toes. I never know where I’ll end up next! I certainly intend on blogging for years to come.

What advice would you give to new Clean Eaters?

Make sure you take those baby steps. It’s unrealistic to think you can jump into this lifestyle immediately and 100%. It’s also unrealistic to expect to be perfect all the time. I shoot for eating clean 85-90% of the time. You have to make allowances for life’s special occasions. If you do have a “treat”, remember that you absolutely have NOT blown your whole day. You’ve blown one meal, and that’s perfectly acceptable and expected as long as your next meal gets you back on your eating plan. Clean eating is very realistic if you apply a little common sense. Remember, this is a lifestyle. Not a diet, and lifestyles take a while to change. So be realistic with yourself and what you can do. It’s okay to change over slowly, as long as you are actually changing something on a regular basis until you get to where you need to be.

Thanks Jacquelyn!