“I Can’t Believe This Is Flare Free” — Why I Stopped Telling People My Food Was Healthy (Until After They Ate It)

When I first started teaching cooking classes in Nashville, I had a little secret…

I never told people the food was gluten-free. Or dairy-free. Or sugar/corn/soy/peanut-free.

I definitely didn’t say the words “anti-inflammatory.”

Because if I did?

Nobody signed up.

People didn’t want “healthy.”

They wanted delicious.

So I gave them that—without the disclaimer.

One night, I was teaching an Italian class at Whole Foods. We were making lasagna. The vibe was good. Then someone raised their hand and asked:

“Why are we using dairy-free cheese in this?”

Fair question. I told them the truth:

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and I feel my best when I eat Flare Free. That means I’ve learned how to make comfort food that won’t make me feel like 💩 the next day.

Their response?

“Can we make one with regular cheese too?”

So I went downstairs, grabbed the full-dairy ricotta and mozzarella, and we made two trays.

At the end of class, when everyone was full and happy, that same student raised her hand again.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this... but I actually prefer the dairy-free one.”

Mic. Drop.

That moment changed everything for me.

It showed me how much our mindset affects our tastebuds. If we expect healthy food to be bland or boring, our brain goes into taste-test sabotage mode.

But when we taste with curiosity instead of judgment? We open the door to healing food that actually hits.

That lightbulb moment inspired what is now my go-to framework for helping foodies with autoimmunity create real change:

The EPIC Method

(Because healing through food doesn’t work unless it’s actually sustainable—and enjoyable.)

Here’s what it looks like:

E – Embrace a Healing Mindset

Get out of your head and into the kitchen. Drop the idea that Flare Free = flavorless. Your tastebuds—and your joints—deserve better.

P – Peacefully Transition Away From Your Current Diet

No food fear. No sudden pantry purges. Just slow, realistic swaps that your body—and your family—can actually get behind.

I – Indulge in Your Flare Foods Carefully

This isn’t about restriction. It’s about knowing what your body can handle and giving yourself permission to enjoy the foods you love without guilt or flare-ups.

C – Cook Flare Free Consistently

Because nothing works if you don’t keep doing it. I show you how to make it simple, batch-able, and crave-worthy week after week.

This method has helped hundreds of foodies with autoimmunity eat to heal without burnout, deprivation, or “starting over on Monday” vibes.

Since that night at Whole Foods, I’ve cooked for Grammy winners, NFL players, national TV hosts, and some of the pickiest eaters in Nashville.

And they’ve all said the same thing:

“I can’t believe this is Flare Free.”

Here’s what I know for sure:

✅ Anything can be made Flare Free with the right guidance

✅ Most people eat with their minds before their mouths

✅ Tasting is believing

Want proof?

👇 Watch the replay of my Flare Free Mac ‘n Cheese cooking class 👇

It’s quick, fun, and full of flavor-forward tips to help you cook anti-inflammatory meals your family won’t just tolerate—they’ll request. (Includes a link to the recipe in the video description!)

Let’s make delicious your new normal.

xo,

Laura