Balanced Living with Michelle

Simple Recipes, Balanced Living, Real Life Wellness

Hi, I’m Michelle, creator of Diet and Fries, where healthy living meets real life.

I’m Gen X and part of the hybrid generation, blending cultures and flavors in everyday life. I grew up eating Filipino and Asian food, and living in California means being surrounded by so many different cuisines. California culture is all about variety-Mexican, Asian, American, and everything in between. It’s normal to mix flavors, try new foods, and keep things fresh, simple, and diverse.

That’s exactly what you’ll find here—easy, approachable recipes inspired by real life, made for busy days.

I share quick meals, affordable food ideas, and easy workouts you can do at home or at the gym. My approach is all about balance, following an 80 20 lifestyle that focuses on nourishing your body, staying active, and still enjoying the foods you love without guilt.

If you’re looking for easy recipes, budget friendly meal ideas, balanced lifestyle tips, and realistic wellness routines that actually fit into your everyday life, you’re in the right place.

My Latest Posts

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• Easy Summer Float Recipe (The Baking Soda Trick That Makes It Extra Fizzy)June 3, 2026
  This 4-ingredient summer float takes two minutes to make — vanilla ice cream, sparkling water, fresh lemon, and a pinch of baking soda for an extra fizzy, soda fountain-style treat.… Read more: Easy Summer Float Recipe (The Baking Soda Trick That Makes It Extra Fizzy)
• Low-Carb Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas RecipeMay 29, 2026
  Craving enchiladas but keeping it low carb? These green chile chicken enchiladas are the answer. Shredded chicken cooked down in a savory green chili sauce, rolled into Mission Carb Balance tortillas with melty queso cheese, topped with more sauce and baked until bubbly. Finished with sour cream, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime — they’re high protein, under 15 net carbs per serving and honestly better than takeout. This one is going on repeat.

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