Greetings from Dane and Becky at Four Score Living, thank you for stopping by!
We are here to share our love of food and our belief in the 80/20 rule - enjoying delicious nourishing meals, while allowing space for culinary indulgences - because life is to enjoy! Connecting with others through food has always inspired us to open our home and set a welcoming table.
About Us
Becky: For more than 15 years I have been busy in the kitchen developing recipes with “alternative” ingredients to increase the nutritional profile of our favorite meals. Often omitting gluten, refined sugar and exploring dairy free options in the process. I am a mom who adds zucchini to muffins, kale to fruit smoothies, and spinach to pancakes. I have also been known to stir black strap molasses into almond milk to make “chocolate milk.”
Bottom line… I believe nutrition is important. Years of coursework, fieldwork, and clinical practice have enabled me to experience firsthand how lifestyle choices can impact our overall health. As a licensed RN for 20 years I have explored the concept of “food as medicine” and how what we eat influences how we feel.
At age 15 I became extremely ill with a virus, causing me to miss more than half of my Sophomore year of high school. Since that time I have always had to “walk a line,” and consider what I was putting into my body as well as ensure that I was getting enough rest. As a consumer of healthcare for more than 25 years, and as a mom, I have focused on nutrition to optimize my health and the health of our family. This enriching journey has led me to consult and learn from countless MDs and holistic physicians along the way.
Education and Healthcare Background
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences - Florida International University – Miami, FL.
Master of Health Sciences - Florida International University – Miami, FL.
2003- 2008 – Registered Nurse at Cleveland Clinic Hospital
2018-2019 – Anatomy & Physiology adjunct instructor, Durham Technical Community College
2019- 2023 – Consultant as a healthcare provider for specialty equipment and in home assessment.
Dane: The 10 gallon cast iron pan in our kitchen is more than 50 years old, and a tangible link to my food journey. Growing up in the small country of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, a cultural melting pot, the shared experience of good food narrowed cultural divides. Those who could combine the authentic curry and other spices to prepare meals with a “sweet hand” created community by welcoming everyone to enjoy their specialty cuisine. Everyone lined up for “Pholourie round de savannah” or a road side breakfast of “Doubles” (curried chickpeas and fried dough). Food traditions also bridged the gap among generations. I fondly remember the assembly line of cousins, aunties, uncles, parents and grandparents, working together to create hundreds of “pastels” during the holiday season.
Growing up, and well into my twenties I never cooked. I was spoilt to have a mother with a “sweet hand.” My cooking journey began when I moved to Miami in 2003 to start a shipping business to the islands of the Caribbean. After a few weeks of ordering takeout, I called my mom and asked for two recipes – Stewed Chicken and Curry Chicken. My first few attempts could politely be described only as “edible,” however, I enjoyed the process of experimenting in the kitchen and soon recognized it as a new found outlet. There is a satisfaction in creating a delicious and flavorful dish – one you couldn’t wait to eat – using just a few ingredients and simple techniques. As my skills improved, it was gratifying to see others enjoy the various dishes that I had mastered. For the last 18 years I have been the one with the “sweet hand” for savory foods in our household, and I have never looked back.
Influences
Living for 15 years in south Florida allowed us to mingle with individuals from around the globe – Slovenia, Turkey, Brazil, Columbia, Japan, Germany, France, Cuba, Honduras, Jordan, Venezuela, and Chile were home to those who became dear friends. This experience and our love of food has inspired us to travel and explore the favorites of various regions, from “shark and bake,” in the Caribbean, to “poutine” in Canada. In 2019 we spent two weeks traveling in Japan exploring the rich culture and cuisine. Since 2016 we have eaten our way through Europe on several occasions for weeks at a stretch.
A sweet or savory dish brightens a special occasion or a family gathering, and adds sparkle to our holidays. We hope to inspire you to get into the kitchen, prepare food with love, and set a table - for one, or for a crowd - and ENJOY!
What Will You Find on Four Score Living?
Grain free, gluten free, and keto friendly recipes. Nutrient dense “dupes” of traditional dishes and comfort foods, with a focus on whole foods and healthy fats to promote overall health.
Unique splurges and sweets. We love to create and share unique desserts and conversation starters, “Hangover cake? Avocado Chocolate Pudding? Biscoff Cheesecake?”
Practical Recipes. Simple, yet elegant dishes with minimal ingredients and easy preparation. Our recipes are suitable for any skill level, from beginners to experts. With detailed instructions, follow-along photos, and plenty of expert tips, anyone can find success in the kitchen!
Informative Articles. We have done the research for you to answer frequently asked questions about the ketogenic diet and high quality brands to source when following keto or any healthful lifestyle.
Dane and Becky's Favorite Recipes
More About Dane, Becky & the Blog
Four score means 80/20, reflecting our approach to preparing and enjoying healthful, nutritious meals with the occasional splurge.
We provide guidance on sourcing, storing and using alternative ingredients (such as almond flour and diary free substitutes) to create delicious and healthful dishes.
Four Score Living has been a platform for sharing reliable and approachable recipes since 2019.
Eliminating grains and refined sugars are known to support gut health, therefore promoting digestive health and immune health. We are also advocates for clean keto and cyclical keto with a focus on healthy fats and whole foods.