A few years ago, Kimberlee realized she needed to eat a healthier diet. After experimenting with new savory ingredients, spices, and zests, she found it easy to give up the bad food because the healthy food tasted so good. She has submitted a guacamole recipe with one ingredient you might not expect

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

In 2016 I had an awakening. My weight was out of control. My father died of liver disease and complications of diabetes when he was 63. I was approaching that age and knew I had to get healthy.

I started to research healthy recipes online and found nutritionist JJ Virgin. Something spoke to me about how she explained the science of the body. I also decided to explore integrative medicine where the doctor looks at the patient as a whole. They look at your hormones, blood, and sleep patterns. They check you out from head to toe. It took several hours, and I found it fascinating. Blood tests indicated I had metabolic syndrome and, left unchecked, was on track for a heart attack or stroke. 

I started to follow JJ’s advice and began to lose weight and feel better. The body can heal itself if you treat it right. The guacamole is something I have two to three times a week. Avocado is good for you.

How did you become interested in cooking.

I wasn’t interested in it per se - it was a necessity. I started subscribing to Blue Apron and Hello Fresh and found them fun. They opened up a whole new world of different foods, spices and combinations I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. 

How did you create your guacamole recipe?

I’d never had guacamole until 2013. I was visiting Phoenix and ate at a Mexican restaurant when someone ordered guacamole. The server made it fresh at the table, and I’d never seen that done before. I tried it, and it was absolutely delicious. My secret ingredient is pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top.

Who is your cooking inspiration and why?

I read JJ Virgin’s books. How she talks about food inspires me.

What’s the most memorable meal that you’ve made?

I have a recipe for Korean Beef Bibimbap that is so good and easy. And, you can vary the ingredients, so it’s a very versatile dish.

What advice do you have for people just starting out on culinary pursuits?

Try something new. Try different flavors - lime zest, oyster sauce, miso. You can get away from bad food when healthy foods taste so good. 

Watch Kimberlee’s cooking demo and learn to make her guacamole with pomegranate seeds.