Carla Lalli on life after divorce, online dating and pepper jack cheese

Cooking functions as an emotional tool for healing and self-discovery, moving beyond the traditional service-oriented view of recipes. Carla Lalli, author of *Food Is A Feeling*, explores how her transition from a long-term marriage to single life reshaped her relationship with food, framing it as essential nourishment rather than a source of guilt. The discussion critiques the classist and restrictive nature of "clean eating" and "guilty pleasure" marketing, advocating instead for intuitive, personal cooking habits. Lalli reflects on her extensive industry background, including her tenure as the first general manager of Shake Shack, and offers practical advice on fridge management and intentional shopping. By prioritizing smaller, mindful purchases, home cooks can reduce waste and cultivate a more authentic, sustainable connection to their daily meals, ultimately transforming the kitchen into a space for genuine self-care.