THE OVERACHEIVER
I have always been an overachiever, with endless to do lists and daily schedules jam packed from the time I wake up to when I fall asleep. Naturally, when I became a doctor, I took on as many shifts as possible, trying to help as many patients as possible. Even having two kids didn’t slow me down. I was proud that even though I moved around and worked at different hospitals over the years, many patients would still recognize me from ages ago and stop me just to thank me for what I’ve done for them. I felt blessed to be able to change patients’ lives, one at a time.
I was proud of myself for being a super mom, multi-tasking to the extreme. In between my busy work schedule, I somehow managed to squeeze in volunteering at the kids’ schools, raising funds for charities, cooking meals daily, and making sure I could be there at important events in my kids’ lives. In the kitchen, I felt like I was creating magic by using different equipment efficiently rather than standing in front of the stove for hours, always surprising my picky eater kids with mouthwatering new dishes.
THE LOOK
Life was fulfilling, so I thought, until one night when my daughter told me, “Mommy! I wish we could all sit down and eat at the dining table, like a normal family!” She looked so sad when she told me about her new wish, and a sudden gush of guilt swept through me. Earlier in school that day, her teacher had told the class that the happiest time of the day is when he gets to sit down at the dinner table and talk endlessly with his family while they take the time to enjoy their meal.
THE WAKE-UP CALL
It was one of those moments where you thought you were moving along life perfectly and suddenly everything came to a screeching stop. Yes, it was definitely my wake-up call!
SO I THOUGHT
For years, my friends have always been impressed that I could cook everyday despite my crazy schedule. Even though my kids were picky eaters (my son doesn’t like meat, and my daughter doesn’t like veggies), magically, I could make them finish everything on their plate.
I would do all my grocery shopping on the weekends, run home during my little breaks to cook and pack up the kids’ “dinner boxes”, so they could eat it after school in the car before dropping them off at their after-school activities or grandma’s house before I continue on to my night shifts. I’ve always thought the kids were happy, because they were always so excited to see what I had prepared for them, and they would finish everything and tell me how yummy it is every time. It had never crossed my mind that the kids would wish for a “normal family”!
THE REFLECTION
Finally, I decided to stop and reflect on my life. I realized that I’ve been so busy taking care of others that I had no time for myself and very little time for my kids. Growing up, my parents were always busy, and I spent most of my time with my grandmother. I didn’t notice that I had recreated this cycle for my kids. It was time for me to make a change, but the problem was I loved my job.
THE JUMP
At the same time, as a parent, I knew that it is important for me to be present in their lives. So, the decision was made. I decided to make the jump! Ever since I made the transition from family physician to food blogger, the kids have been much happier, and friends and neighbors still ask me for medical advice.
MORE HELP
Others may question why I am throwing away my years of medical education and training, but to me, knowledge is power. I still have all the knowledge in my head. By combining my medical knowledge with recipe development, I am still achieving what I wanted all along—disease prevention by promoting healthier lifestyles. Even though I no longer work in a clinical setting, now I am actually helping people from all over the world over the internet.
GIVING THANKS
I am a firm believer in “You are what you eat.” I feel grateful to have a partner who fully supports me, and my two kids as my loyal “food tasters”. All of my recipes have been thoroughly tested to make sure they can be made quickly, taste healthy and yummy, and are doable for everyone.
SPECIAL MEMORIES
I love making food look as good as it tastes! I am passionate about plating food to look like a work of art. To me, food is an expression of love to my family. It’s about creating special memories together, remembering the look, taste, and stories of each dish. Together, I hope I can help you create special memories for yourself and your families that will last for years to come!
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Hopefully, I will be able to help more people achieve healthier eating habits, and continue to change lives, one at a time. One day, I hope that I can be an inspiration to those who are on the fence about making a change in their lives. Let’s all gather our courage and make the jump and decide to live life to the fullest starting from today!
♥Love♥, Doctor Diana