Jessica Merchant is the author of How Sweet It Is blog. As a certified personal trainer that can’t stay away from bacon and chocolate, Jessica blogs about healthy eating and living. Because we rarely meet anyone that successfully blends eating decadent foods and staying fit, we decided it was time to chat with Jessica and see how even we could make it happen. (Mini Disclaimer: Links to recipes below have been provided by Plummelo)

What was your inspiration for How Sweet It Is?
Both of my grandmothers inspired me to start my blog. They were amazing women who set wonderful examples of being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I also enjoy cooking and baking and wanted to mix that passion with my passion for writing, all while sharing with others.

What’s the one thing you want people reading your site to take away?
That living a healthy life can be enjoyable! I believe in doing everything in moderation, which includes eating. My life would not be complete without butter, bacon, and chocolate–but that is not only what my diet consists of. I think finding a healthy balance is key–and it must be enjoyable and realistic.

What resources do you turn to for food ideas or recipe inspiration?
I read cookbooks like novels. I also have a lot of recipes from my grandmothers–going through those is similar to a history lesson–crumpled, yellow pages and all. I also have found myself eating incredible meals and cooking things that have been inspired by other bloggers. Blogging has changed my life in and out of the kitchen.

As an exercise enthusiast, what foods do you turn to to boost your energy and get you going?
My favorite pre-workout snack is fruit and nut butter! It gives me energy and holds me over during a workout. I also love Greek yogurt with fruit and granola–huge energy booster for me.

If you could only eat one more meal on earth, what would it be?
I don’t know if I could choose! The starter would have to be fresh bruschetta. The entrée would be lobster mac and cheese–maybe sprinkled with bacon? And the dessert would be chocolate peanut butter cheesecake. Beverage may be a glass of Riesling… or even just water. Yes, I love my water.

You’re not known for loving your veggies. What tricks do you have for fitting them in your everyday diet?
I have a smoothie with spinach every day–this is a MUST for me because it guarantees me veggies without having to actually TASTE them! I also roast a pan of veggies at the beginning of the week and sneak them into lunches and dinners throughout the week–such as wraps for lunch and pasta or salads for dinner.

At Plummelo, we’re all about recipe organization. How do you keep your kitchen organized?
Oh dear–can you give me some tips? In all seriousness, I find the key to staying organized is to deep clean once a week and purge any items that I have no use for twice a month. I also do a pantry-check each week, trying to fit items I already have into weekly recipes. This helps keep the pantry organized and eliminate wasting food. As for my fridge–well, it needs all the help it can get.

In honor of Jessica’s love of bacon and chocolate, here are some recipe ideas:
More bacon recipes than you can imagine.
A chocoholic’s cornucopia of chocolate recipes.

Visit Jessica’s Website: http://www.howsweeteats.com/ Join her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter

Laura Troyani heads up Marketing and Business Development for Plummelo. Not content with just being another behind-the-scenes pencil pusher, Laura decided to give blogging a shot and writes practical, everyday tips for the home cook (or aspiring home cook). Laura’s favorite foods are ice cream, olive oil, ice cream, parmesan cheese, ice cream, and occasionally ice cream.