Fifteen years ago, if you’d told me that one day I would be publishing my own cookbook, I would have never believed you. This was partially because at that time I was a horrible cook—I literally ruined boxed brownies. But determination, trial and error and becoming a wife and mother transformed me into who I am today. And while I can’t thank every person who has made an impact in my life and this book, I want to try to acknowledge at least a few of you. This book would not have ever been a reality without the following people.
First, to my husband, Eric. As a health care provider, he was one of the first to introduce me to the Ketogenic diet. His work and research in treating a Type II DM patient with a Ketogenic diet inspired me to want to make a healthy change in our lives. His support for Keto4Karboholics was more than just financial—trust me when I say sometimes it takes many fails in the kitchen to make a winner, and ingredients aren’t free. He pushed me to share my journey with others and open myself up by sharing my struggles, victories and delicious recipes. He has also been vital to this book’s research, and he has become my lead taste tester. More than anything, he has been my best friend and kept me sane throughout my entire journey. I love you.
Thank you to my two children, Aryia and Cooper. They are honest to a fault, and my toughest critics. Thank you for letting your mom know when things were gross. I am sure the readers appreciate you screening the recipes for them. They have been amazing in sharing their mom, and even helping by typing on my laptop—doing “puter” work—in the middle of a deadline.
Thank you to Robyn, my amazing mother-in-law. I am so lucky to have a friend in you. The behind-the-scenes support that you give by coming over and helping to tackle the sheer craziness of the dirty dishes I make daily in my attempts to create delicious masterpieces. Helping me with the kids and letting me catch up on sleep when I work late, gossiping with me when I need a break and need adult conversation and just being there. I couldn’t do this without you.
Grandma. You know I couldn’t forget you. A strong, independent woman that has supported my dreams since I was a child. Always pushing me to do my best and telling me that I would be great. The never-ending support from you has got me to where I am today. You not only helped build my confidence, but you also helped me see that I can do whatever I put my mind to. While I am sorry this isn’t the mystery novel you wanted from me, I know you will still read it and tell your friends about it.
Morgan, my baby sister. You keep me hip and tuned into pop culture, and without you I would be so behind the times and probably wouldn’t have started an Instagram. But most importantly, you keep me organized. You are the woman standing beside me keeping me on task, simplifying my life and cheering me on. You win employee of the month … the century! You could never be replaced, and I am so happy to have you.
A very special thanks to Page Street Publishing. This process has been so smooth—and, dare I say, easy. For someone that has never written anything professionally besides research papers and proposals, I had no idea how to put a book out into the world. You reached out to me at the perfect time. I had wanted this book for some time, and you made this a reality for me. But even more, you allowed me to write this in a way I could stay true to myself and followers. Thank you so much.
Finally, to my followers and my challenge participants. The support I have received from you, the messages, transformation photos and everything you have shared and let me be a part of, have been my inspiration. We work together. We share and change each other’s lives. You have become my friends. I look forward to our daily interactions—the jokes, the memes, the struggles. All of it. This has never been just a job for me. This is a calling, something I can’t imagine not doing. Thank you for giving it to me. And thank you ALWAYS for being there. You are my biggest cheerleaders. And remember, “Keto works if you work it!”