Eating With Intention This New Year

For a long time, I thought being “healthy” meant rules, restrictions, and saying no to everything I loved. Now, wellness looks very different. It’s about balance, joy, and feeling connected to myself.

My entire wellness journey was shaped by my brother, Jack A”H. He had a way of fully enjoying life—good food, good company, real moments—while always finding his way back to a routine that grounded him. He taught me that balance isn’t something you chase; it’s something you practice daily.

For me, that shows up in simple, everyday choices. Instead of sitting all evening after work, I go outside for a 30-minute walk to reflect on my day and breathe fresh air. I start my mornings with a breakfast that gives me about 30 grams of protein so I feel steady and energized. I work out once or twice a week not because I “have to,” but because it’s an opportunity to feel grateful and appreciate that I can move my body. From Jack, I learned to focus on progress, not perfection—and to remember that wellness is a lifestyle, not a punishment.

My relationship with food has shifted because of him. Wellness isn’t just what’s on your plate—it’s how you speak to yourself, how you move through your day, and how you allow yourself to enjoy life. I focus on making the right choices, but I also make space to savor, celebrate, and leave room for joy.

Cooking has been a big part of that healing. What started as sharing recipes on @sarahs.cookbook became a space to redefine healthy eating—where I share meals that make me feel good both physically and emotionally. Starting Sarah’s Sweets Quinoa Crunch in Jack’s memory is my reminder—and hopefully a reminder to others—that happiness is also about savoring the small, sweet moments in life. Those moments of joy, connection, family, and friends matter just as much as anything on our plate.

Taking care of myself has been about living fully, with intention, balance, and joy—the way Jack showed me how.

- Sarah Levy Zarum