About Me
I’m a Vancouver-based fitness and nutrition enthusiast who grew up baking for my family and friends. I’m a manager by day at a not-for-profit organization that provides programs and services to older adults, and I can be found at the gym lifting weights by night. Oh, and I also take pleasure in dyeing my hair different colours!
The Story of Take on Treats
My mom and my grandma often got me involved with baking for the family when I was growing up. These baking ventures ranged from pies to cookies to cakes to mochi and more. I believe that my early family experiences developed my enjoyment of baking, and I have since been designated a dessert-maker for my family’s dinners. One of my favourite gifts to give are homemade goodies!
Up until a few years ago, “baking” and “desserts” have been associated with terms like “unhealthy,” “indulging,” “weight-gain”, and the like. As someone with a degree in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, my affinity for baking does not gel with the fitness and nutrition industries I am immersed in. Furthermore and more personally, treats that are high in fat, sugar and calories do not align with my physique, nutrition and overall lifestyle goals.
Nowadays, I try to make healthier treats for my family, friends and myself. Maybe there is less sugar or a replacement for oil or butter such as applesauce or Greek yogurt. Maybe there is no flour, but rather oat flour or almond flour. Maybe something consists of beans. I do not go for a healthier treat all of the time – sometimes things just are not the same. I believe that treats fuel the soul and provide balance in life – moderation is the real key, here. This is why Take on Treats features a mix of healthier goodies and more traditional, standard-recipe ones. If you want a Levain-style jumbo cookie that has butter, sugar, flour, and loads of chocolate chunks, go for it. Do not deprive yourself.
Take on Treats also features original, Asian-inspired treats that I develop. As a third generation Canadian, my family is Westernized. Throughout my adulthood thus far, though, I have been looking to more closely connect with my heritage. Finding ways to incorporate Asian flavours into treats is a fun way to showcase my background and adds a twist for people to enjoy.
If you try out any of the recipes on the blog, let me know in the comments and #takeontreats in any social media posts!
Follow me on Instagram at @takeontreats.