Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) | Healthy Cooking Advocate | Meal Prep Specialist | Age 41
Chicago-based nutrition expert who believes that nourishing food should be simple, joyful, and accessible to every kind of home cook.
Hey There! I’m Jason Cole
I’m the nutrition specialist behind your favorite balanced, feel-good recipes. My mission is to make healthy eating realistic—not restrictive—and to help people build a better relationship with food, one delicious meal at a time.
After nearly 15 years working in nutrition, I’ve learned that health isn’t about perfection.
It’s about consistency, compassion, and flavor.
I’m here to make nutrition understandable, doable, and genuinely enjoyable.
My Story
I grew up in a small suburb outside Chicago, where food was always a part of family gatherings. Sunday meals were sacred—big pots of chili, homemade cornbread, and warm apple crisp in the fall. Healthy eating wasn’t a concept we talked about much, but connection definitely was.
I fell in love with nutrition during college when I took an elective class on food science. Suddenly, everything clicked. I realized food wasn’t just emotional—it was powerful. It shaped energy, mood, sleep, long-term health… everything.
That curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and eventually my RDN certification. I spent the next several years working at hospitals, wellness centers, and later, digital health apps like MyFitnessPal.
But something was missing:
People didn’t need more rules.
They needed more confidence.
I wanted to help real home cooks, not just patients. That’s when I shifted toward culinary nutrition.
The Turning Point
My big “aha” moment came while teaching a cooking class for busy parents. I watched them struggle with confusing labels, conflicting diet advice, and complicated recipes. Most of them admitted they felt overwhelmed by healthy cooking.
So I simplified everything.
We made a basic 20-minute chicken-and-rice bowl.
Fresh. Balanced. Tasty.
Nothing fancy.
They loved it.
Not because it was perfect—
but because it was possible.
That moment changed my approach forever.
Healthy food shouldn’t be stressful.
It should feel empowering.
What I Learned the Hard Way
Nutrition isn’t black and white. And neither are people.
I’ve made mistakes:
❌ Overcomplicating meal plans
❌ Focusing too much on numbers instead of lifestyle
❌ Creating recipes that were “healthy” but not satisfying
❌ Expecting people to change faster than real life allows
But the toughest lesson?
Healthy food means nothing if it doesn’t taste good.
Flavor matters. Comfort matters. Joy matters.
Otherwise, people won’t stick with it.
My Approach Now
My philosophy blends:
✔ Evidence-based nutrition
✔ Simple, everyday ingredients
✔ Comfort-food energy
✔ Practical tips, swaps, and time-savers
✔ Meals that make the body feel good AND the heart feel full
No guilt.
No restriction.
Just real food you’ll want to eat.
What I Believe
✨ Healthy eating should feel freeing, not frustrating.
✨ Balance is better than perfection.
✨ Every recipe can be made lighter without losing flavor.
✨ Meal prep is a foundation—not a limitation.
✨ Food is part science, part comfort, part joy.
How I Help Your Blog
As the Nutrition Specialist on your team, I:
● Ensure recipes are balanced, realistic, and family-friendly
● Provide nutrition facts and helpful ingredient swaps
● Adapt dishes for gluten-free, low-carb, keto, and dairy-sensitive readers
● Create meal prep guides and weekly plans
● Bring credible, trustworthy expertise to your brand
My goal is to help your audience eat well without stress, confusion, or sacrifice.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not reviewing recipes or analyzing ingredients, I’m usually:
🚴 Cycling along Lake Michigan
📚 Reading research studies (yes, for fun!)
🍲 Meal prepping with jazz music in the background
👨👧 Cooking pancakes for my daughter every Sunday
🌿 Growing herbs on my kitchen windowsill
Nutrition is my science. Cooking is my comfort.
Helping people feel good is my purpose.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for healthier, simpler, flavor-packed meals, I’d love to join your journey.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @JasonCooksSmart
🌐 More tips & balanced recipes: www.easycookingus.com