Chef E's Blog

Why Your Body Craves Warm Food in Winter (and What to Cook Instead)

Hi friend — Chef E here. Have you ever noticed that cold smoothies and raw salads just don’t hit the same when it’s chilly outside? That’s not just a preference — it’s wisdom. Your body is smart, and in the winter months, it shifts focus. Instead of spending energy trying to digest raw, cold food, it wants to keep you warm, supported, and steady. That means: hearty, cooked, grounding meals.

Why Your Body Craves Warm Food in Winter (and What to Cook Instead)

Real Food Is a Powerhouse — Not Just a Macro

Hi friend — Chef E here. If you’ve been around New Leaf Table for a minute, you know I’m passionate about getting real food on your plate. Not just to “hit macros,” but because it truly matters. Food was designed to nourish every corner of your body — and when we choose quality ingredients, the impact is powerful.

Real Food Is a Powerhouse — Not Just a Macro

Let’s Love on Winter Veggies: Cozy, Clean, and So Nourishing

There’s something so grounding about cooking with what the season gives us. Winter is quieter, slower. It invites us back to the stove, to slower roasting, longer simmers, and meals that warm you from the inside out. And let me tell you—winter veggies are having their moment. They may not be flashy, but they are so full of depth, nutrients, and cozy magic when cooked the right way.

Let’s Love on Winter Veggies: Cozy, Clean, and So Nourishing

Real Food Is Finally the Headline — And We’ve Been Living It All Along

Hey friend, you know those quiet little wins that feel huge? That’s what this moment feels like. After years of “low-fat this” and “sugar-free that,” the world is finally catching up to what we’ve been doing at New Leaf Table since day one: cooking and serving food that’s real, beautiful, and deeply nourishing—without fear, shame, or fake ingredients. Recently, there’s been buzz around new national nutrition guidelines highlighting things like: Prioritizing protein, Reducing added sugar, Calling out ultra-processed foods, Encouraging full-fat, nutrient-dense, whole food. And I couldn’t help but think… This is exactly what we’ve been building together. This isn’t a trend for us. This is home.

Real Food Is Finally the Headline — And We’ve Been Living It All Along

Beginning Again with Grace (and a Full Spoon)

I don’t know about you, but when the new year rolls in, I’ve often felt this pull to rush—to get back on track, jump into plans, or somehow “fix” whatever didn’t feel perfect last year. But over the years, I’ve come to learn (and keep learning) that real transformation doesn’t come from striving or shame—it comes from slowing down, listening to your body, and taking care of what’s been entrusted to you. That’s one of the reasons I started New Leaf Table—to create a space where food doesn’t feel like pressure or performance, but like a steady, nourishing anchor in the middle of whatever season you’re in. Whether you’re recovering from a holiday that was a little too rich (I see you, cheese boards and sugar cookies), or stepping into 2026 feeling tender, tired, or hopeful… know this: You don’t need to start the year with intensity. You can begin it with kindness.

Beginning Again with Grace (and a Full Spoon)

From My Table to Yours: A Grateful Heart as the Year Ends

As I wrap up another year in the kitchen—and in life—I’m filled with gratitude for you and for what we’re building together at New Leaf Table. 2025 was a full year. It stretched us, grounded us, and reminded me (again and again) that nourishing food really is one of the greatest gifts we can offer—to ourselves, our families, and our communities.

From My Table to Yours: A Grateful Heart as the Year Ends

Finding Peace in December (One Nourishing Bite at a Time)

Hi friend — Chef E here! The other day, someone sweetly asked me, “Are you ever in a bad mood?” And I had to laugh… because yes, of course I am. I’m human! I get overwhelmed, tired, cranky — especially in the swirl of December. But I’ll tell you what’s changed the most over the years: my foundation. These days, our home — and my heart — is anchored in rhythms of peace. And while it’s not always perfect (hello, toddlers + deadlines + Amazon returns!), I’ve learned something really important…

Finding Peace in December (One Nourishing Bite at a Time)

When Your Nervous System Just Needs a Little Extra Nourishment

Hey friend — If you’ve felt off lately — tired, edgy, overwhelmed, or like you're living in a swirl of noise — you're not alone. Sometimes it’s not just what we’re eating, it’s everything else we’re trying to digest. I’ve been there too. And I just want to say: your nervous system might be craving a little reset. At New Leaf Table, we talk a lot about food — but the deeper reason is because real food is a daily rhythm of care. A way to support your mind, body, and soul through the chaos. A way to tell your nervous system: you are safe here.

When Your Nervous System Just Needs a Little Extra Nourishment