About Us – Viva Lyze
Welcome to Viva Lyze, where healthy weight loss meets everyday flavor. We’re more than just a recipe site, we’re your kitchen companions on a journey toward better eating habits that are easy, delicious, and actually sustainable. Our goal is simple: to help real people make real food that supports real health goals, one dish at a time.
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At Viva Lyze, we specialize in Healthy Weight Loss Recipes – Easy, Delicious, & Sustainable Meals. This means meals that aren’t bland or restrictive but rather full of flavor, comfort, and nourishment. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between enjoying food and reaching your health goals. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, maintain a balanced diet, or simply cook more at home, our recipes are built for your everyday life.
Who We Are
Viva Lyze was born from the shared vision of three passionate home cooks, each with their own journey, flavors, and life experiences:
Casey Monroe – Asheville, NC
Hi, I’m Casey. I’m 38 and living in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, a place where every season brings its own set of flavors. I didn’t go to culinary school, but I did grow up in a house where my mom made dinner from scratch nearly every night. That’s where I learned the most important cooking rule: do it with love.
I fell in love with food not because it was fancy, but because it brought people together. Over the years, I taught myself how to elevate comfort food, like turning Sunday pancakes into protein-rich stacks or reinventing mac and cheese with roasted veggies and cauliflower sauce. Cooking is my creative outlet, and I love using it to help others eat better without sacrificing joy.
In Asheville, I spend my weekends roaming the local farmers’ market, experimenting with fresh produce, and turning traditional American comfort dishes into wholesome, weight-friendly versions. My kitchen is a no-judgment zone. It’s okay to mess up. That’s how we learn.
Marla Jennings – Knoxville, NC
Hello there! I’m Marla. I’m 45, and my kitchen looks out onto a little garden that feeds both my table and my soul. My roots are Southern through and through, but I’ve always had a curious palate and a hunger to learn.
I was never trained in a kitchen, but I learned from the best, my grandma Mae and her famous biscuits, my mom and her sweet porch tea. Their cooking was about comfort, but also care. That’s what I bring to every recipe: warmth, simplicity, and a deep sense of nourishment.
I especially love creating hearty dishes that support weight loss goals without feeling like “diet food.” Think skillet shrimp with zucchini noodles, or baked pecan-crusted chicken with roasted sweet potatoes. I want people to feel full, happy, and connected after a meal, not deprived. And if you need someone to cheer you on when your pie crust collapses, I’m your gal.
Jake Hollander – Charlotte, NC
Hey y’all, I’m Jake. I’m 42 and proud to call Charlotte home. My culinary background? Sundays in my grandma’s kitchen, elbows deep in biscuit dough, and later, a whole lot of trial and error (emphasis on the error).
Growing up in a big family, food meant everything, it was how we celebrated, comforted, and connected. I bring that same energy to Viva Lyze. My style is all about Southern comfort meets global flair. I like tossing unexpected spices into old favorites. My turkey chili might have some turmeric. My collard greens might get a splash of soy sauce. I want food to feel familiar but fresh.
I’m also big on honesty. Some days cooking is a joy. Other days, it’s a chore. We’re here for both. I share the wins and the flops, because perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.
Our Food Philosophy
At Viva Lyze, we’re not about diet culture. We’re about nourishment and joy. Our recipes are designed to help you:
- Lose weight sustainably, with meals that keep you full and energized.
- Avoid ultra-processed foods, while still saving time in the kitchen.
- Feel empowered in your cooking, no matter your skill level.
All our recipes are tested in our own kitchens, with real ingredients and honest results. We focus on:
- Seasonal produce
- Lean proteins and plant-based alternatives
- Smart carbohydrate swaps
- Flavor-forward, low-calorie cooking
We believe eating healthy should never feel like punishment. That’s why we lean into spices, herbs, and bold flavors that transform simple meals into crave-worthy dishes.
What You’ll Find on Viva Lyze
- Breakfasts to fuel your mornings, think avocado toast upgrades, protein pancakes, and smoothie bowls.
- Main Dishes that satisfy without the heavy aftermath, like cauliflower tacos or turkey zucchini lasagna.
- Desserts that hit the sweet spot without blowing your goals, hello, Greek yogurt brownies!
- Drinks that hydrate and nourish, from detox teas to vitamin-packed smoothies.
Each recipe is tagged by dietary focus, low carb, high protein, vegetarian-friendly, so you can find exactly what fits your plan.
Why “Viva Lyze”?
Because this isn’t a sprint. It’s a journey.
We know that building healthier eating habits doesn’t happen overnight. There are ups, downs, and a whole lot of trial and error along the way. We’re here to make that path a little easier, a little tastier, and a whole lot more fun.
Our community is built on shared experiences, from busy moms juggling meal prep to 20-somethings learning to cook for the first time. Whatever brought you here, weight loss, curiosity, or just needing dinner inspiration, you’re in the right place.
Join the Trek
Our blog is more than just recipes. It’s a growing hub of:
- Meal plans tailored to your health goals
- Smart grocery shopping tips
- Ingredient swaps and storage hacks
- Kitchen gear guides for beginners
- Food stories that nourish the soul
We also love connecting through our newsletter, where we share exclusive tips, weekly plans, and behind-the-scenes looks from our own kitchens.
So pull up a seat at the table. Let’s make healthy eating a habit that sticks. One delicious meal at a time.
With warmth and whisk,
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Casey, Marla & Jake
Viva Lyze