We’re looking forward to introducing you to Emily Dingmann. Check out our conversation below.
Emily, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I enjoy an early wake-up time (before everyone else gets up!) and will plan out my day, sneak in a bit of work, and do some movement like weights or yoga. Then it’s time to feed myself (protein overnight oats are a current favorite, along with a cappuccino or two!) and help my family get ready for their day. My food goal is to help them fit in a satisfying breakfast while also packing a balanced and yummy lunch to take to school, but it’s also time that I try to sneak in some connection moments with my kids and husband before everyone parts ways for the day. Once everyone is ready, it’s back to my office for some journaling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the creator and founder of My Everyday Table, which is a recipe website that’s been around for more than 15 years! My goal is to help busy families simplify mealtimes with easy and nourishing recipes that are always delicious. I would consider my recipes nutrition-forward, but my approach to nutrition is always through delicious food first, instead of the other way around! I also aim to model having a healthy relationship to food as well, and I do this through the types of recipes I share (that include all types of food) and how I talk about food (in a positive, morally neutral way).
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents always had a really healthy relationship with work, and while that’s something I am still striving towards myself, I find myself looking to that for inspiration. I love working – maybe a bit too much – so finding that balance where it’s a part of life, but not ultimately who you are, is such an important lesson. I think for entrepreneurs, it’s so easy to slide into the habit of making work everything. So I’m always looking to their example of making space for other parts of life as well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Last summer, I was seriously considering leaving my business and looking for full-time work. Sometimes the struggles of entrepreneurship – the ups and downs, the experiments, the risks – all feel so hard, and it can feel that things are going in the opposite direction.
But I’ve also learned that the only constant in the digital world is that things are always changing. We have to pivot, experiment, and most of all, be open to change to work through the shifts and bumps along the way.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
That nutrition doesn’t have to be black and white. Healthy foods don’t have to taste bad, and delicious foods don’t have to be unhealthy! There is nuance in it, and also, there is so much more to food than nutrition.
I lead with delicious food and weave the nutrition into it where it fits because it’s my opinion that if food doesn’t taste good, it’s not sustainable (or enjoyable!) for the long-term. I’m interested in long-term healthy habits (for myself and my family), not fads that will come and go with the news cycles and social media.
I prefer to focus on ways to add IN nutrition instead of focusing on things to remove, as I find this approach much more doable and enjoyable. I love to add extra veggies into a stir-fry or swap some regular flour for oats in a muffin recipe, while still maintaining the delicious flavors and textures we’re looking for. It’s definitely a balance!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
As someone who is constantly striving for more, I’ve thought a lot about this! Because yes, I’ve made certain income goals for my business, hit them, and then just moved the goal bigger and bigger, without really taking a pause. There is a book called The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan, which is all about looking back at your accomplishments, instead of just looking forward and constantly moving the goal post. It’s been really helpful for me to feel moments of success. While I still look ahead and make big goals, I’m also more aware of how far I’ve actually come, and how many goals I’ve already hit!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myeverydaytable.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myeverydaytable/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myeverydaytable/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myeverydaytable
Image Credits
Headshot: Jess Stroebel Photography
Food shots: Loren Runion Photography
