My Story
3 DIAGNOSES. ONE STUBBORN SWEET TOOTH.
Hi, I'm Tanika 👋🏽
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 17, PCOS, at 21, and Hashimoto’s, at 25. So I completely overhauled my diet, but my sweet tooth did not get the memo and stayed... aggressive.
The deep dive.
I was tired of collecting chronic conditions like Pokémons, and of the side effects from medication. So I researched everything about how food and lifestyle affect my gut, hormones and mood. I went so deep I even wrote a book and hosted a podcast.
Now I manage my health through diet and lifestyle, not medication, and it’s why I’m so particular about what goes into my body.
PICK YOUR PUNISHMENT.
Eating well was sorted but dessert wasn’t. I had three bad options:
- The traditional kind: tastes incredible, full of ingredients I wouldn’t eat.
- The “healthy” kind: it tastes healthy, or the ingredients aren't ACTUALLY good for you, so it never hits the spot.
- DIY: making an Instagram recipe from scratch only to be catfished by it, have no time left and a very messy kitchen.
STUBBORNNESS: MY BEST QUALITY
I grew up in an Indian household, and live in London, so flavour has always been everywhere. I wasn’t about to give up the joy of a sweet treat or eat one that tastes like a compromise, because compromise is a slippery slope. First you settle for a sad dessert, then before you know it your standards are so low you’re dating a man who gives you the bare minimum.
So I took matters into my own hands and started creating healthier versions of my favourite desserts at home, with my dad as the very honest taste-tester.