For This Busy Mom, Her Kitchen Is Her Sanctuary — And Where Her Keto Recipes Come to Life

If there's one thing a mom needs to have an unlimited stash of, it's creativity. It's something that California-based mom of three Sonia Coronado couldn't do without in her daily life — and is a big reason why she loves keto. It's when she's in her kitchen creating new recipes (after all the kids are up, fed, and out the door), that she feels truly happy.

For Sonia, keto is more than a meal plan — it's a state of being. "I am forever grateful to have found keto," she said. Keep reading for a few of her helpful tips on getting into the keto groove, as well as recommendations for her favorite snacks.

Part of being a mom is imparting wisdom — and good habits — to your kids. This is something Sonia thinks about a lot when cooking for her family. "I teach them about healthy choices," she said, as well as understanding what each ingredient brings to their food. For Sonia and her family, it's all about feeling your best and making smart choices — without sacrificing flavor. "I keep my meals simple but full of flavor," she said.

Sonia also said that maintaining a healthy lifestyle goes beyond food choices — it's about nurturing your mental health as well. "As a mom of three, I make sure to wake up before my kiddos to get some quality quiet time with myself, move my body, [do my] skin care, [and have] coffee," she said. "Every Friday I do what I like to call, 'Treat Yourself Friday,' where I take time to do something that makes me happy. It can be as simple as a coffee run, reading, a quiet drive, or a new nail color."

What Sonia loves best about keto is that "it still allows me to enjoy so many of my absolute favorite foods." There's often the misconception that eating keto — especially when cutting carbs — means bland food and uninspiring meals (think: boiled chicken and wilted veggies). However, Sonia said keto meals are anything but. The key: "Season your food."

She said her favorite things to cook are 20-minute, one-pan meals — time savers that are essential when mom-ing for three kids. "I love being in my kitchen keto-fying old favorites that are typically higher carb meals," she said. "The challenge is both exciting and rewarding."

Need a little inspo to get started on your keto journey? Here are two of Sonia's favorite keto recipes that prove that following a keto lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavor.

Creamy Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 3 cups spinach
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup diced cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup bacon crumbles
• 1 tbsp. Knorr chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp. onion salt
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. organic garlic salt

In a large skillet on medium heat, cook the chicken tenderloins 3 to 5 minutes on each side in 1 tbsp. avocado oil. Add in butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken bouillon, spinach, and tomatoes, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Add in bacon crumbles and turn heat off. Serve immediately.

Brussel Sprouts Preparados

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Brussels sprouts sliced or shaved
• 1 tbsp. avocado oil
• 1-2 tbsp. mayo
• 1-2 tbsp. cotija cheese
• 1/4 tsp. Tajin chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. Trader Joe's Everything But the Elote Seasoning
• Sprinkle of salt

Direction:

In a medium skillet, heat up avocado oil. Toss in Brussels sprouts. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat. Turn off heat and add in mayo and seasonings. Remove from skillet and sprinkle with cotija cheese.