About me

Hi, I’m Zaya Dawson—a passionate home cook on a mission to make healthy eating simple, joyful, and delicious.

Zaya Dawson

Welcome to Just Healthy Bites—a cozy corner where flavor meets balance, and wholesome food is for everyone. I’m so glad you’re here! Whether you’re new to healthier cooking or simply looking for real recipes that fit real life, you’ve come to the right place.

Why I Started This Blog

For years, I thought “eating healthy” meant bland salads, complicated ingredients, and a whole lot of rules. It felt overwhelming—until I started reimagining what wholesome cooking could be.

I created Just Healthy Bites to prove that nutritious food can be full of flavor, simple to prepare, and something you genuinely look forward to. No strict diets, no endless prep, no guilt—just honest, nourishing recipes designed for busy schedules, hungry families, and everyday joy.

What You’ll Find Here

🧡 Easy & Wholesome Recipes
From cozy one-pot dinners to vibrant salads and simple snacks, every recipe is designed to be approachable, satisfying, and full of real ingredients. Think: delicious meals that happen to be healthy—not the other way around.

🧡 Time-Saving Kitchen Tips
I share practical strategies for meal prep, smart grocery shopping, and streamlining your cooking—so you can eat well without spending all day in the kitchen.

🧡 Simple Swaps for Smarter Eating
Small changes can make a big difference! I’ll show you easy ingredient swaps and flavor-boosting tricks to add more nutrition to your favorite dishes—without sacrificing taste.

🧡 Family-Friendly Ideas
Healthy eating works best when everyone’s on board. You’ll find recipes and tips to please picky eaters, simplify weeknights, and bring more color and balance to your table.

My Food Philosophy

To me, healthy eating is about:

  • Balance over perfection — enjoying real food without strict rules.

  • Flavor first — because food should taste amazing.

  • Simplicity always — no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

  • Joy in the process — cooking should feel good, not stressful.

A Little More About Me

When I’m not in the kitchen, you can find me:

  • Exploring local farmers’ markets for seasonal inspiration

  • Perfecting my morning smoothie bowl (always with extra berries!)

  • Testing new recipes on my family (my toughest—and kindest—critics)

  • Probably reorganizing my spice drawer… again

Let’s Cook Together

I truly believe that good food brings people together—and that eating well should feel like a gift, not a chore.

Thank you for being here, for trying the recipes, and for trusting me with a small part of your kitchen journey. Whether you’re cooking for one, for a family, or for a table full of friends, I hope Just Healthy Bites becomes your go-to spot for feel-good food.

Here’s to simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and meals that make you feel nourished and happy.

With love and a little spice,
Zaya Dawson

P.S. Have a question, a recipe request, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime at hello@justhealthybites.com or connect with me on Instagram @justhealthybites.