Roots and Thrive

Growing up in an Italian family, food was always more than just nourishment—it was a way of expressing love and bringing people together. But for me, food also became a source of struggle. From an early age, I developed a complicated relationship with my body and weight. As an athlete, I learned to control my weight through exercise, but the more I tried to control my body, the more I found myself trapped in a cycle of restriction, guilt, and shame around food.

Becoming a mother to three beautiful girls changed my perspective on food and body image. I didn’t want them to face the same struggles I had, so I became determined to help them develop a healthy relationship with food, feel empowered in their bodies, and make confident choices. This desire to guide them led me to explore nutrition more deeply—both for my own health and as part of my professional development as a physical therapist. My education, grounded in science and focused on prevention and wellness, inspired me to view nutrition as the foundation for true health.

As I immersed myself in nutrition education, I came to realize that I had been unknowingly battling food addiction. For years, I had blamed myself for a lack of willpower when I couldn’t make the “right” food choices. Despite my growing understanding of how nutrition can manage inflammation and prevent chronic disease, I struggled to apply that knowledge in my own life. The science was clear, but the practice felt elusive.

Everything changed when I took the Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) certification course through eCornell. By that time, my journey had already begun, sparked by documentaries like Forks Over Knives and books like How Not to Die, which opened my eyes to the profound impact food choices have on long-term health. I began to see nutrition as far more than a tool for weight control. For the first time, I was able to “trust my gut,” listen to my body’s signals, and nourish myself with whole, unprocessed foods that left me feeling energized, satisfied, and free from the addictive cravings.  It also inspired me to create delicious plant powered cuisines.

Now, my mission is to share the transformative power of nutrition with others—not just to eat healthy, but to truly feel healthy and learn to listen to what our bodies need. It’s about taking responsibility for our wellness and creating a lifestyle that nourishes our bodies, minds, and spirits. Food is not just fuel—it’s love, connection, and a powerful tool for healing. I believe plant-based meals can be both delicious and deeply satisfying, providing the nourishment we need to thrive.

In a world filled with confusing messages, societal pressures, and the influence of the food and pharmaceutical industries, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly best for us. But I believe that by embracing a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, we can build a “plant-powered village.” This approach not only helps us thrive, but empowers us to teach the next generation to do the same—by listening to their bodies, honoring their needs, and living their healthiest, fullest lives. Together, we can create a future where wellness is not just a goal, but a way of life.