I’ve been a dietitian for over 40 years, and if there’s one truth I’ve learned, it’s this: once you start on chips or cookies, you can’t stop. That’s why I never keep them in my home. My grandchildren joke, “Grandma’s got no food,” but they know better. I stock fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and whole grains—not ultra-processed snacks. I’ve seen what poor nutrition does—obesity, diabetes, hypertension. I’ve watched patients transform just by changing what’s on their plate. So yes, I’m strict. But I’m also loving. Because real love means protecting the people you care about—even from the pantry.
When I was raising Elon and his siblings, I didn’t have much money, but I had knowledge. I knew that food could heal or harm. I ran a private practice, helping people reverse chronic conditions just by eating better. Now, as a grandmother to 14, I still believe in that power. I don’t compromise. I’ve seen communities struggle with food addiction, and I know how hard it is to pull back once you’ve started. That’s why I support initiatives like “Make America Healthy Again”—because change starts with education, and education starts at the dinner table.
I’ve lived long enough to know that health isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling strong, staying sharp, and aging with grace. My flexitarian diet keeps me energized. I walk, do yoga, and lift weights at home. I don’t chase trends—I stick to what works. And I don’t let junk food sneak into my life, because I know how addictive it is. If you start, you can’t stop. So I don’t start. It’s that simple. And if my grandkids want cookies, they’ll have to bake them—with whole wheat flour and a lot of love.
I’m not trying to be the “mean grandma.” I’m trying to be the wise one. I want my family—and my community—to live long, vibrant lives. Chips and cookies may taste good, but they don’t love you back. Real nourishment does. So I’ll keep saying no to the snack aisle, and yes to health. Because when you’ve seen what food can do, you don’t just eat—you choose. And I choose to live well, every single day.
