First and moremost, I want to thank my fantastic editor, Allison Janice. Without you, this book wouldn’t exist, and your guidance and vision are an invaluable resource. Thank you to the staff of Women’s Health magazine and the incredible Rodale Test Kitchen.
To my wonderful parents, Sally and Todd Whitchurch and Norman and Lynn Walker, I owe you absolutely everything. My grandparents and my siblings, Chris, Tyler, Haley, Leslie, and Jenny, have always been my cheerleaders, and my nieces, Claire, Amelia, and Addison, and my cousins, Judith, Elle, and Sylvia, are my constant inspiration. This book is also for my aunt Deborah and my cousin Savannah, whose strength inspires me every day even though they’re no longer with me.
Thank you to my friends who contributed to, critiqued, and supported me through the process of writing this book: Bethy, Stephanie, Becca, Melissa, Mimi, Amy, Deb, Jen, Mary, and Peter. Your faith in my ability to do this work allowed me to think it was possible. And much appreciation to the Fishtown cafés, coffee shops, and bakeries that let me sit and drink coffee and soak up ideas from their amazing food.
Finally, thank you to you, dear reader, for picking up this book and taking the first step toward creating a healthier, happier life for yourself. This book exists to help you treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated—with care, love, and respect. I hope it does just that.
Kate Walker, 2017