Mary Papadimos on a table with a drink

welcome!

I’m Mary Papadimos

I’m the creator behind Upbeet & Kaleing It, a space for simple, nourishing recipes that feel good to eat and easy to make. I share healthy, high-protein meals, snacks, and desserts made with real ingredients and real life in mind.

My goal is to make healthy eating feel approachable and enjoyable, not stressful or restrictive. The kind of food you can actually cook, enjoy, and come back to again and again.

How It All Started

I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember. I started developing recipes at home around the age of ten, inspired by my mom, who is an incredible cook, and my yiayia, who was truly the best cook I’ve ever known.

I was raised on Greek and Mediterranean food, and many of those flavors and traditions still shape the way I cook today. Food was always about more than eating; it was about care, connection, and sharing something meaningful with the people around you.

That foundation is still at the heart of everything I create.

Mary Papadimos in the kitchen with a lovely showlderless shirt holding a dish filled with salad

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How Upbeet & Kaleing It Came to Be

I started blogging in 2016 as a way to share the recipes I was already making at home. Over time, it grew into something much bigger: a place where I could connect with others who wanted nourishing food that still felt comforting, satisfying, and realistic.

After graduating with a dual JD/MBA in 2020, I made the decision to turn Upbeet & Kaleing It into my full-time focus.

What started as a passion project became a space I could pour my creativity, care, and energy into every single day.

How I Create My Recipes and My Approach to Food

My recipe development process is very real-life driven. Most of the recipes I share are dishes I already make regularly for myself and my family, so they’re naturally tested through repetition. I care deeply about taste, texture, ease, ingredient quality, and macros because that’s what make a recipe successful and worth coming back to.

If something doesn’t turn out exactly how I want, whether it’s the flavor, texture, or consistency, I adjust and retest until it does. I focus on making sure each recipe works reliably in a normal home kitchen and feels approachable, not overly technical or intimidating.

What Healthy means to me

To me, healthy food is food that nourishes your body, supports how you want to feel, and still brings joy. It’s about balance and sustainability, not perfection. Healthy does not mean restriction, cutting out entire food groups without reason, or feeling guilt around eating.

I intentionally avoid extreme trends or approaches that make food feel stressful or unrealistic. My goal is to create recipes that feel supportive, satisfying, and easy to fit into everyday life.

When it comes to sharing products or brands, I only recommend things I genuinely use and trust in my own kitchen. Quality always come first. Any sponsored content is clearly disclosed, and a partnership never changes my honest opinion. Maintaining trust with my readers is always my top priority.

What you will find on this blog

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“These were legitimately some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. I’m mad I’ve ever eaten unhealthy pancakes before. They’re so fluffy and delicious I’m still in shock. Thank you!!!”

Where to find me…

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You can find me on social media, where I share recipes, food inspiration, and updates. You’re also welcome to subscribe to my emails or reach out through the contact page anytime.

My Top 4 Smoothies

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