I'm Dr. Nena Stefanovic (pronounced Nay-na)-nutrition coach, PhD biochemist, and mom of three active kids. I help busy families nourish their bodies with clean, Mediterranean- and Balkan-inspired meals that are both practical and delicious. With a strong foundation in science and a deep love for healthy cooking, I focus on anti-inflammatory nutrition that supports energy, immunity, and growth-especially for young athletes. Whether you're juggling sport practices or just trying to feed your family better, I'm here to make healthy eating simple, sustainable, and enjoyable. My philosophy is simple: enjoy food, eat mindfully, and don't overcomplicate it.
I help people struggling with inflammation, weight issues, and chronic pain find real solutions so they can feel better, move more, and live healthier. Join me if you want to enjoy life more and focus on your goals without being held back by health problems.
My journey into health and wellness began back in 2009 when I found myself struggling with weight gain, particularly around my waistline. That challenge sparked a deep curiosity in me to learn more about how our food choices impact our bodies, which led me to where I am today.
I'm a mom to two girls and a boy, a wife, a scientist, and a lifelong learner. There's always something new to discover, and I've devoted my energy and focus to exploring the world of nutrition.
IF YOU WANT...
- easy clean recipes for every meal
- easy tips for following an anti-inflammatory diet for beginners
- healthy tasty snacks for kids and adults
- tips and plans for weight loss
- stories and tips from my health journey
- downloadable meal planning ideas for families, weight-loss ebooks and extra resources for healthy living
...THEN YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
HOW MY JOURNEY BEGAN
With a background in Biochemical Engineering, I've always been fascinated by how things work, especially when it comes to food. But after spending years in chemical labs, I realized my true passion was in the kitchen, creating nourishing meals that taste as good as they make you feel.
In 2021, I started this blog to share my love for healthy eating recipes and to help others on their journey toward better health. From Mediterranean-style meal plans to delicious Balkan-inspired recipes, I'm here to show that eating well doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're looking to lose weight, gain energy, or just feel better, I believe food can be a powerful tool in transforming your life.
MY FOOD PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy is simple: enjoy food, eat mindfully, and don't overcomplicate it. Life taught me this the hard way after experiencing a life-threatening event during the delivery of my third child. That experience reminded me to slow down, embrace simplicity, and appreciate what truly matters.
On this blog, you'll find easy-to-follow recipes that celebrate whole, natural ingredients. Whether you're new to healthy eating or a seasoned pro, I hope to inspire you with meals that fuel both your body and soul.
Mission Statement
On Nena's Wellness Corner, my goal is to share my love for healthy cooking and help you make simple, smart choices about food. Here's what you'll find here:
- Healthy inspiration: Enjoy recipes that bring out the best in natural ingredients. From whole grains to fresh veggies, each meal shows that eating well can taste great.
- Celebrate real food: Embrace the flavors of unprocessed whole foods. My recipes focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Easy tips: Get practical tips to make healthy eating part of your daily life, no matter how busy you are or how much you know about cooking.
- Everyone is welcome: I create recipes for all diets, from vegan to meat-eaters and those with specific needs. There's something here for everyone who loves good, real food.
PROFESSIONAL BIO
I hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Biochemical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Additionally, I am a PN1-NC certified nutrition coach. I was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, and now live in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, with my husband, Dusan, our daughters, Teodora and Lana, and our son, Andrej.
Please check out my other food blog, Healthy Snack Foodie, for a variety of healthy snack recipes!
Please visit my LinkedIn profile and check out my certification details below.
In case you're wondering, can I trust the information on your website?
I'm passionate about helping you make smart choices for a healthy lifestyle. This blog is here to offer helpful advice, tips, and tasty recipes to nourish both your body and mind.
I hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, which means my expertise lies in the field of biochemistry and related scientific research. I am not a medical doctor or a medical expert, and the information provided here is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or advice related to medical conditions.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
- LAB TO KITCHEN: I spent years working in chemical labs before discovering my true passion for cooking healthy meals!
- SURPRISE CHEF: My family is often my test audience for new recipes, and they never know what's coming next!
- SECRET INGREDIENTS: I always sneak in extra veggies where you'd least expect them!
- KITCHEN SCIENTIST: My background as a scientist means I love experimenting with ingredients and cooking techniques to create the healthiest, tastiest meals possible.
- BALKAN ROOTS (BORN AND RAISED IN SERBIA): I love blending my Balkan heritage into my recipes, mixing tradition with modern healthy twists.
- COFFEE LOVER: I can't kick off my day without an espresso-it's my daily ritual!
CONTACT ME
I want to build a community here at Nena's Wellness Corner where you can find easy, delicious recipes made with fresh, natural ingredients.
- You can connect with me on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see what's new.
- You can also contact me by commenting on one of my recipes.
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Edythe says
I made your "Banana Almond Flour Brownies without Butter". Wanted to comment on the order of the ingredients. It is customary to list ingredients in the order that they are required in the recipe. So, for example, you have "egg" listed as number 3, but it is not needed until the end of the recipe. As I added each ingredient, I had to scan the list again to find how much I needed, instead of just having it listed as the next thing required. Maybe you would like to consider that for future recipes. Also, many people would not have a 4x6 baking pan as 8x8, or 9x9, or 9x13 are the common ones. It is not worth making a recipe for so small an amount. I know a person can double the amount, but still it is something to think about when you are creating recipes. Last comment: In number 4 of the Instructions, you say the size of the bowl at he end of the ingredients, , but that information needs to be at the beginning of the sentence. In other words, first you get the right size bowl, then you add the ingredients.
Check other plant-based cookbook and write your recipes in the order they are to be made. Try "Plant You" by Carleigh Bodrug and The Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook by Linda Tyler of Gracious Vegan.com
Nena says
Thank you so much for your comments, Edythe! Your advice is really helpful, and I’ll definitely keep it in mind next time I write my recipes. I’m still learning, as my background is in science, so feedback like yours truly means a lot to me. Thanks again!