After Health Crisis, Mother Learns to Cook and Eat 'A Little Less Toxic'

A California mother who once famously celebrated her wedding day with Taco Bell has transformed her approach to food after battling a serious health crisis. Shawna Holman, who shared her story with Fox News Digital, started cooking her own meals in 2013 to take control of the ingredients she consumed. The result? A journey that's led her to become a successful content creator under the brand "A Little Less Toxic" and an author.

The shift came after years of struggling with debilitating health issues like brain fog, sinus infections, and chronic migraines. "It's a lot of small things over time, adding up until it just tips the scales," Holman explained. Once she started making incremental changes to her diet, she noticed a dramatic improvement in her well-being. Small steps, big results.

Holman began by cutting down on seed oils, artificial dyes, and sweeteners, focusing instead on "real foods." She discovered how much her taste buds had been manipulated by processed foods when, only two weeks into her new regime, an almond tasted like dessert to her. "It’s such a weird experience," she admitted. "I used to think almonds were boring and bland, but now real food tastes really, really good."

Her transformation wasn't just about removing harmful ingredients but also about recreating the foods she loved in a healthier way. A self-proclaimed "Crunchwrap Supreme girl," Holman found it surprisingly simple to recreate her favorite meals at home with better ingredients. Her rule of thumb? If she wouldn’t use an ingredient in her own kitchen, she questions whether it deserves a place in her body.

Holman’s approach is refreshingly balanced. While she avoids high-fructose corn syrup and other additives when possible, she doesn’t describe herself as extreme. "If I have an alternative or don’t need it, I just won’t buy it," she said.

For those looking to make similar changes, Holman advises starting simple. "You can make a burger with more simple and real whole-food ingredients to make it nourishing and supportive of your body," she suggested. Contrary to popular belief, healthier eating doesn’t have to break the bank. Buying in bulk, choosing seasonal produce, or even shopping the freezer aisle for fruits and vegetables can make a significant difference in cost without sacrificing nutritional value.

Holman also keeps it minimal when it comes to kitchen tools. "All you really need are some pots and pans, good utensils, and a stovetop or oven," she said. While she’s a fan of a good kitchen gadget, her go-to items are durable stainless steel and cast-iron cookware, which can last a lifetime—or longer.

Her story is a testament to how small, mindful steps can lead to transformative changes. And let’s face it, if a former Crunchwrap Supreme enthusiast can make this shift, maybe it’s not so far-fetched for the rest of us.