Valerie Bertinelli, the renowned cookbook author, has learned an important lesson in life – to indulge. In her new cookbook, Indulge, she shares mouthwatering recipes like Classic Eggs Benedict, Brown Butter Banana Walnut Muffins, and Crispy Chicken Thighs with Radishes and Fennel. But it’s not just about the food for Valerie. She has discovered a newfound freedom where she no longer denies herself anything.

“I don’t deny myself anything anymore,” Valerie confesses in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Instead of obsessing over calories, she focuses on what she truly wants. If she desires a plate of pasta alle vongole, she makes it without an ounce of guilt. However, Valerie is also mindful of nourishing her body with nutritious choices.

Indulge not only provides tantalizing recipes, but it is also interwoven with Valerie’s personal essay-like vignettes. In these essays, she delves into topics such as forgiveness, finding joy, and embracing the sweetness of life. Writing the cookbook became a transformative journey for Valerie, especially after going through a divorce in 2022 and the emotional tumult that followed the loss of her first husband, Eddie Van Halen, in 2020.

Valerie discovered a renewed purpose in cooking, expressing joy, and being intentional about her well-being. With the help of consistent therapy, journaling, and meditation, she was able to let go of the body shame that had plagued her for years. This newfound perspective became even more evident when she tried on her old “fat clothes,” the ones she wore for her Jenny Craig “before” photos in 2008. To her surprise, they fit perfectly, and she realized that she looked beautiful even back then. It was a powerful realization that challenged the damaging effects of diet culture.

But Valerie’s journey to healing didn’t stop there. Along the way, she found something unexpected – new love. Despite the unexpectedness of it all, she describes the relationship as feeling incredibly right. Valerie felt compelled to share her story because of the supportive and compassionate community she has built online. With over 1.5 million Instagram followers, she wants her audience to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that things can get better.

Valerie Bertinelli’s story is an inspiration to all, reminding us to let go of body shame, embrace the joys of life, and indulge in what truly brings us happiness. As she says, “I swear it’s going to get better.”