The Happy Belly Kitchen (Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Recipes for Gathering, Nourishing, and Everyday Living)

A collection of gluten- and dairy-free recipes inspired by a holistic nutritionist's personal journey toward healing.

Nara Paliga never considered herself a cook. But after a sudden diagnosis for gluten intolerance, she was forced to rethink her entire relationship with food. What began as an unexpected setback soon became a creative turning point—an invitation to step into the kitchen and explore cooking as both necessity and newfound passion.

Through this journey, she came to see that removing gluten and dairy did not mean giving things up but rather learning how to build something new. Now as a registered holistic nutritionist, Nara blends her lived experience and professional training to share a collection of recipes that are grounded in whole foods, designed for everyday life, and intended to nourish both body and spirit.

From veggie-packed morning waffles and one-pot Southwest chicken tortilla soup to creamy caramelized onion pierogies, seventy recipes are supplemented with simple meal plans that support structure and ease in the kitchen. Vivid photography and intimate reflections are featured alongside practical guidance to gently encourage readers to listen to their bodies.

Much more than a collection of substitutions and restrictions, this is accessible gluten- and dairy-free cooking reframed through one woman’s transformative first-hand experience. Consider it a personal pivot to re-engage with food as something restorative, creative, and tailor-made.