About

My Culinary Journey

My relationship with food transformed about 12 years ago when I began exploring the connection between nutrition and overall wellness. What started as a personal journey to create healthier meals for my family evolved into a deep passion for cooking that balances flavor with nutrition.

To build my skills and knowledge, I completed multiple online nutrition and home cooking courses, diving into topics like balanced meal planning, ingredient substitutions, and cooking techniques that preserve both taste and nutritional value. I also spent several years working part-time in a local café kitchen here in Raleigh, where I learned the importance of efficiency, consistency, and creating dishes that people genuinely enjoy eating.

Before focusing on food full-time, I worked as a wellness coach and fitness studio assistant. Those experiences taught me that sustainable healthy eating isn't about restriction or bland food—it's about finding joy in nourishing meals that fuel your body and satisfy your cravings.

Why I Started ReneeCooks

I launched ReneeCooks.com in 2019 because I wanted to create a resource for health-minded home cooks who were tired of choosing between flavor and nutrition. As a mom cooking daily for my husband and teenage son, I know the challenge of preparing balanced meals that everyone actually wants to eat—not just tolerate.

What began as a simple recipe blog has grown into a collection of over 380 tested recipes, all created in my Raleigh kitchen with real families in mind.

What Makes ReneeCooks Different

My Specialty: I focus on healthy comfort food, efficient meal prep strategies, and quick Southern-inspired dinners that bring warmth to the table without weighing you down. My recipes celebrate the flavors of the South while incorporating wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition.

My Cooking Philosophy: Healthy food should still feel comforting and satisfying. I believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice flavor to eat well, and every recipe I share reflects that balance. Whether it's a lighter take on a classic Southern dish or a meal prep idea that saves time during busy weeks, my goal is to make healthy eating feel effortless and enjoyable.

Who I Cook For: My recipes are designed for health-minded home cooks across the United States who want nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen or following complicated plans. If you're looking for recipes that fit into real life—whether you're managing work schedules, family activities, or simply trying to eat better—you're in the right place.

What You'll Find Here

• Healthy comfort food that satisfies without compromise
• Southern-inspired dishes with a nutritious twist
• Meal prep strategies to simplify your week
• Quick weeknight dinners ready in 30-45 minutes
• Balanced recipes that work for the whole family
• Practical kitchen tips from years of coaching and cooking

Every recipe on ReneeCooks has been prepared and tested in my own kitchen. I'm routine-oriented and practical in my approach, and I only share recipes that have become staples in my household. My teenage son is my toughest critic, so if a recipe makes it onto the site, you know it's passed the ultimate test.

Let's Connect

I love connecting with fellow home cooks and health enthusiasts! Whether you've tried one of my recipes, have a question about meal prep, or just want to share what's cooking in your kitchen, I'd be thrilled to hear from you.

Email: [email protected]
Pinterest: pinterest.com/reneecooks

Follow along on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, meal planning ideas, and healthy cooking tips straight from my Raleigh kitchen.

Thank you for being part of the ReneeCooks community. I'm so glad you're here.

— Renee Thompson
Creator & Recipe Developer
ReneeCooks.com
Raleigh, North Carolina