I grew up in the Florida Panhandle, and I never ventured much farther than Orlando for school trips and Disney World. So South Florida was new territory for me.

I had this irrational fear of acupuncture for many years that stemmed from some imaginary reason I created in my head. I’ve never been afraid of needles, but I was somehow convinced acupuncture would cause me pain. After suffering with severe pain for years, I figured a few small needles couldn’t be worse than that.

After months of trying to discover what triggered my stomach and pelvic pains, I tried an elimination diet … well kind of followed one to be honest. I cut out a certain food for 2-3 weeks and almost immediately returned to eating it when I saw no improvement.

While I focus mainly on plant-based foods for my physical health, I recognize that caring for my mental health is just as important. To care for this aspect of my health, I focus on affirmations, mindfulness, and meditation.

I absolutely love food! For me, it has always been more than just what you eat when you’re hungry or a way to get the nutrients your body needs. It will never be simply what is on my plate or in my bowl.

After the initial shock wears off when I tell people I rarely eat meat, the first question I’m asked is where I get my protein.

It all begins with an idea.Eating healthy is super affordable.

Okay, you can stop laughing now.

Seriously, it can be. I admit that I do most of my shopping at Whole Foods, organic markets, and farmers markets. When I first started regularly shopping there, I was spending $150 a week for groceries for 2 people.

If you told me 5 years ago I wouldn’t eat meat every day, I wouldn’t believe you. Had you said I’d give up dairy even 2 years ago, I would say you didn’t know me obviously since ice cream was my weakness.