About Gitta's Kitchen - Gitta's Kitchen

Welcome to Gitta’s Kitchen!

Hello! I’m Gitta Grether-Sweeney, a Registered Dietitian with a passion for simple, wholesome, and delicious meals. Here at Gitta’s Kitchen, I share easy-to-follow recipes that make healthy eating enjoyable—without sacrificing flavor! Whether you're a busy parent, a home cook looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves good food, I’m so happy you’re here.

Why I Love to Cook

Blog author-Gitta in the kitchen holding a head of cabbage.

The kitchen has been my happy place since childhood. My mother, a wonderful cook, encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen from an early age, never chasing me out. She inspired my love for food, and at 90 years old, she still enjoys cooking and trying new recipes! Cooking has always been more than just preparing meals—it’s a way to connect with family, unwind after a busy day, and bring joy to the table

My Journey into Food and Nutrition

During my first year of college, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This experience gave me firsthand insight into how food impacts health and chronic disease. I quickly realized the importance of making thoughtful food choices, which inspired me to become a Registered Dietitian.

Early in my career, I discovered that hospital settings weren’t for me. Instead, I found my passion in school food service, where I had the opportunity to improve the quality of meals for millions of children. As a food service director, I focused on eliminating unwanted ingredients like antibiotics in chicken and implementing farm-to-school programs to bring fresher, healthier meals to students.

The Importance of Family Meals

Even while working full-time outside the home, cooking dinner every evening was my way to unwind. I loved trying new recipes and making mealtime a special time to connect with my husband and two sons.

Family meals weren’t just about eating; they were about bonding, sharing our days, and teaching my boys valuable cooking skills. Today, they are both excellent cooks who prepare their own meals from scratch—a skill I’m proud they’ve carried into adulthood!

My German-Austrian Roots

My heritage deeply influences my love for food. Both of my parents are from Germany and Austria, and I grew up enjoying the delicious traditional dishes they prepared. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, these flavors hold a special place in my heart. I’ve dedicated a section on my blog to sharing some of my favorite German and Austrian recipes so you can enjoy them, too!

Explore My German & Austrian Recipes

What You'll Find on Gitta's Kitchen

Through this blog, I continue my passion for cooking healthy, delicious, and approachable meals. My goal is to help you create:

Simple, nutritious recipes perfect for busy weeknights
Healthier versions of classic dishes (with less fat, salt, and sugar!)
A mix of wholesome and indulgent meals—because balance is key!

I believe that preparing meals from scratch is one of the best ways to nourish yourself and your loved ones, and I’m here to make that easier for you.

Fun Facts About Me

My favorite meal to cook is a hearty German or Austrian dish that reminds me of my childhood.
I can’t live without my chef’s knife—it makes prep work so much easier!
If I could travel anywhere for food, I’d go to Austria or Germany to enjoy the authentic flavors of my heritage.

My Kitchen Helpers and Walking Buddies

My three Golden Retrievers—Kepler, Lili, and Maisey—are my ever-present kitchen companions (and expert crumb cleaners!). When we’re not in the kitchen, we stay active with daily walks to keep us all healthy and happy.