is especially known for her vegan lasagna – a hearty tofu-based dish that is made without meat or cheese . She also can make it with gluten-free noodles for friends who are allergic to wheat .
One of the first times she shared the lasagna was with church members , who were doing a short-term fast from meat to kick off the new year . “ Everyone loved that meal ,” she said . Jones was a dietitian for years before shifting to education , but she said she still fell into the habit of eating unhealthy “ soul food ,” including foods prepared by her mother , who has now passed away . When her mother was alive , Jones ate most of her meals with her , and much of what she made was deep fried .
“ Many of us have bad habits ,” she said . “ We know what we should do , but it can still be hard .”
Jones said that to her , many of the most cherished moments in life happen around the table .
“ So many family conversations , story-telling , really connecting with other people – that happens around the table and around food ,” she said . “ We get together and we cook and we eat and we talk . And I actually think that those times around the table are important – are good – but the key is that we also need to consider health and try to make choices that are healthier .”
Jones has made dramatic improvements in her own health since she has started cooking for herself more . She has lost about 50 pounds and has become a self-described “ gym rat ,” enjoying both cardio and strength training .
“ I have more energy , more focus ,” she said . “ I don ’ t have some of the feelings of exhaustion and brain fog that I had before . I ’ m really thankful for that . I am a much healthier person .”
Now , she has taken her cooking efforts a step further , and is offering her food to others who are trying to make more healthy choices with limited time .
She sometimes posts on her Facebook page , Bettye ’ s Table , about meals she is preparing that week and offers them for sale . Everything is made fresh and delivered , she said .
Typically , Jones prepares the meals that morning or the night before , works a full day , and then comes home and puts the meals in the oven . She then delivers them to people near dinnertime .
“ When I take something to someone , it is usually going to be their dinner that evening ,” she said .
Some of her more popular dishes include her vegan lasagna , chili macaroni , and goulash . She also makes a variety of healthier cakes , including sugar-free cakes made with Splenda . She said she is still experimenting with more sugar-free and gluten-free cake options .
Jones said the pandemic has brought a greater demand for home-cooked meals , since people have had to learn to rely less on going to restaurants .
She said many people in Meridian are shifting to healthier , more nutritious eating . She said she has met numerous people who have meatless Mondays or who don ’ t eat meat on weekdays – a practice sometimes called “ weekday veg .” Others are shifting to sugar-free or gluten-free lifestyles . Some people also are working hard to eliminate processed foods from their diet .
“ I don ’ t want to call it a trend , because trends don ’ t last ,” she said . “ I think what we are seeing is changes in the way people live and eat . They feel better , and the changes last .” Jones said there are a few tricks that can help make food healthier , while still tasting good . One of her favorite tips is to use lemon juice in place of salt . She also said that using more spices and other seasonings can help people to reduce both their salt and sugar intake . She also tries to avoid condiments including hot sauce and ketchup , which can be high in sugar and salt .
“ There are other , healthier ways to get that flavor ,” she said .
Jones said most people – like her – know what they need
“ So many family conversations , story-telling , really connecting with other people – that happens around the table and around food . We get together and we cook and we eat and we talk . And I actually think that those times around the table are important – are good – but the key is that we also need to consider health and try to make choices that are healthier .”
Bettye Jones
46 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN