Welcome! I’m Jean Choi — recipe creator, food photographer, and the voice behind What Great Grandma Ate. This is where I share nourishing and flavorful recipes inspired by my Korean American upbringing, my love of all types of food, and the belief that healing starts in the kitchen. I started this space as a way to combine ancestral wisdom with modern nutrition, creating recipes that are both satisfying while healing.
How It Started
I started this blog in 2014 after years of struggling with IBS, hormonal issues, and adrenal fatigue. I went to several doctors who couldn’t pinpoint why I was so tired and bloated all the time. That’s when I started doing my own research and learning about food sensitivities.
When I eliminated gluten, dairy, and processed sugars, I started feeling SO much better: I started sleeping better, my digestion improved, and my skin cleared up too. This began my healing journey as I started cooking more at home and started experimenting in the kitchen to accommodate my new diet.
I stuck with the paleo diet and Whole30 for a few years (I even wrote a cookbook, Korean Paleo), and that’s when I became passionate about nutrition. I decided to share my story and recipes with others so I could help those struggling with similar health issues.
These days, my body has healed enough that I can eat sugar and some forms of dairy without any negative consequences. I’m still mostly gluten free, since it does still affect me if I over-consume it.
My blog has transformed as my healthy journey progressed. I now focus on gluten free meals that are quick, easy, and flavorful, while also enjoying treats every now and then too! I have two daughters now who can get picky, so I also have been loving sharing more kid-friendly recipes.
How I Came Up with My Blog Name
This is one of the most common questions I get. When I first started my real food journey to heal from my health issues, I read a quote by Michael Pollan that stuck with me: “Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”
I really connected to this quote at the time, and that’s when I chose What Great Grandma Ate as my blog name. While my philosophy and perspectives have changed a bit and I now recognize that issues in health and food are much more complicated, I do love the unique name and how it’s always a conversation starter when I mention it!
Thank You For Being Here
I’m so excited to share my delicious recipes with you and to prove to you that eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult, bland, or boring. Being creative in the kitchen is my favorite part of this job, and I want to share that joy with you.
Whether you’re looking for nourishing meals, quick and easy comfort food, or a taste of Asian cooking made approachable, I’m so glad you’re here.
Have More Questions?
I always encourage you to use the comment section on the specific post you have questions or comments about. If you have a more general question, please feel free to email me at: jean[at]whatgreatgrandmaate[dot]com
For partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to: jean[at]whatgreatgrandmaate[dot]com
Find me on Social Media
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
