welcome!
Hi! I'm Joanie
Lifelong food lover, recipe developer, and Certified Health Coach helping you enjoy delicious food while keeping your blood sugar steady.
The Glucose Gourmet is my virtual kitchen, where I share recipes that balance blood sugar, flavor, and enjoyment. From nourishing weeknight dinners to indulgent sourdough bakes, every recipe here is about sustainable wellness. I believe food should fuel us and bring us joy.
Food Philosophy: Balance without Restriction
I don’t believe in cutting out food groups unless health requires it. My family includes loved ones with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, celiac disease, and soy allergies. I’ve learned how to create recipes that are inclusive, nourishing, and full of flavor.
That means:
- Blood sugar–friendly dinners packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Sourdough breads and desserts that can be enjoyed in balance
- Allergy-aware recipes that still feel like comfort food
- Quick, everyday staples for busy family life
Whether it’s a cottage cheese bagel, a sourdough garlic knot, or a protein-packed slow cooker meal, you’ll find recipes here that fit real life and real people.
Our Blood Sugar Journey
In 2024, I hit a turning point in my health. I was struggling with brain fog, poor sleep, painful cycles, and weight I couldn’t shake. I started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) through the Levels ap. I wanted to see if I could solve some of my symptoms with food and lifestyle changes before resorting to medication.
The data was eye-opening. By focusing on meals with protein, fat, and fiber, I stabilized my blood sugar, reduced inflammation, gained energy, and lost the weight, without dieting or deprivation.
I still enjoy ice cream pie for birthdays and cinnamon rolls at Christmas. For me, this isn’t about restriction. It’s about nourishing my body most of the time and celebrating food all of the time.
Not long after, my husband Ryan decided to test one of my CGM devices just out of curiosity. He’s always been fit, active, and symptom-free. His job as a handyman keeps him moving all day, and he eats well. But over a month of tracking, the data consistently showed he was in the pre-diabetic range and beginning to show signs of insulin resistance. It was a shock to both of us.
Since then, we’ve continued to focus on blood-sugar-friendly meals at home while keeping his favorite treats in the mix through food pairing and timing. It’s been encouraging to watch his fasting glucose move in the right direction!
Where I Fell in Love with Cooking
I’ve been food-obsessed since childhood, thanks to 90s PBS cooking shows. At ten years old, I was attempting homemade pasta and tandoori chicken.
Over the years, my culinary education came from:
- Dining in NYC as a newlywed on a budget (stretching dollars, exploring flavors).
- Working in Phoenix restaurants, learning from chefs and purveyors.
- Competing on Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network.
- Years as a professional food photographer, capturing recipes for cookbooks and brands.
All of this hands-on experience shapes the recipes I create for you.
What You Can Expect Here
Every recipe on The Dinner Bell is:
- Well-tested (so it works in your kitchen).
- Kid-approved (my boys are my toughest critics).
- Made with real ingredients.
- Inclusive (options for gluten-free, soy-free, and diabetic menus).
Let’s Stay Connected
Thanks so much for stopping by! You can see more of my food in action on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
If you’d like to collaborate, sponsor content, or need food photography for your business, email me at joanie@joaniesimonmedia.com.
And if you’re just here to cook, grab a recipe, gather your people, and let’s eat!