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Does interacting with your audience
on social media drive the direction of
your content?
Absolutely! They guide me toward
what they want to see more of and
what is lacking in the plant-based and
wellness communities. I’ve been able
to make wonderful lifelong friends and
connections through Instagram. I focus
my energy on Instagram more than any
other platform and use Pinterest to promote
my recipes.
Why are you so passionate about
plant-based eating? What keeps you
going on your vegan journey?
For me, it always comes back to
the animals, and I don’t ever see that
changing. Of course, the nutrition and
health benefits have played a major
part, but my heart lies with animals in
factory farms who are mistreated and
deserve a different life. Our food system
has failed them.
I’m also genuinely drawn to the vibrancy
and beauty of plant foods. I love turning
classic comfort foods like mac and
cheese into decadent but healthier plantbased
dishes. There are so many milk,
cheese and meat alternatives nowadays
that make it much easier to be vegan.
You say transitioning to veganism
doesn’t have to be scary or difficult.
What is your advice to people who
want to give up animal products?
While I transitioned overnight, I
wouldn’t necessarily recommend that.
Start slowly. Explore meat and dairy
alternatives while gradually increasing
your intake of legumes, vegetables and
fruits. Think about how you can make
your favorite recipes vegan. Use Google
and Pinterest, and have fun with it.
In the beginning, you may accidentally
eat something that isn’t vegan or plantbased.
Don’t sweat it; get back on track
with your next meal. My blog, theglowingfridge.
com, has hundreds of delicious
plant-based recipes for inspiration.
Tell us about the recipes you create.
Are they geared toward women, or
do they appeal to everyone?
I try to keep my recipes balanced,
colorful and delicious. My husband is a
foodie, so the food needs to wow him. My
recipes are also gluten-free as I find women
do much better in general without gluten.
While they cater to the phases of the
cycle, they are also family-friendly. Your
family will benefit from healthy, balanced
and vibrant foods without knowing they
are eating for your cycle.
What are some of your favorite
ingredients to use when cooking?
Are there any new ingredients you’re
excited about right now?
I love cooking with fragrant herbs
Tempeh Chop Salad
with “Honey” Dijon
Dressing. Recipe on
opposite page.
and spices like fresh dill, basil, ginger
and turmeric. They add so much depth.
I have fun with beans and legumes and
am loving all the alternatives to wheat
flour, such as gluten-free, almond and
oat flours. Vegetables are always the
base, though, and I love how plantbased
eating inspires me to branch out
and try new vegetables I may have overlooked
in the past, like jicama, parsnips,
bok choy and beets.
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