Episode 377: Recipes, Resilience, and Creating In Good Health with Rachel Riggs

Cookbook Love Podcast

Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Rachel Riggs, author of In Good Health. As a former specialty food shop owner, Rachel's life dramatically changed due to chronic illness. Refocusing her work toward healing, she started developing anti-inflammatory recipes rooted in her California sensibilities.

Rachel now lives with limited stamina and, despite that, wrote her cookbook with a focus on celebrating what's possible, flavorful, and aligned with her healing. Her mission is to inspire readers to transform their health and well-being through modern, vibrant food that excites the senses, rejuvenates the palate, and liberates readers from outdated habits.

In Good Health features over 75 recipes designed for those with chronic illness, dietary restrictions, or anyone craving nutrient-dense, grounding, everyday food. Ingredients lists are short, prep times are reasonable, and each recipe includes a photo to guide readers with clarity and confidence.

In This Episode We Talk About:

• How Rachel approaches cooking by celebrating what's included, not what's missing

• The art and challenge of baking with almond flour and maple syrup

• What it means to create dishes from scratch rather than adapting traditional recipes

• Her message for cooks and bakers navigating new dietary needs or chronic illness

• Why she encourages writers to create organically, long before a book deal

Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that creativity and nourishment can flourish even in seasons of limitation. You can write a cookbook and rebuild a meaningful cooking life from exactly where you are.

Things We Mention in This Episode:

Cookbook Author Platform Checklist

Rachel Riggs In Good Health