Hi, I’m Amanda! We’re off to a great start because I already think you’re pretty awesome for wanting to know more about me. So big thanks for being here, I appreciate you! I’ve been vegan for 5 years now and couldn’t imagine living my life any other way.
My philosophy on health is simple: feel your best by eating fresh, natural, living, unprocessed foods. Many of you may know me from my Instagram, which I started as a way to hold myself accountable when I changed my diet. All my life I always enjoyed being creative and taking photos. Shortly after that I built this space to provide plant-based recipes, inspire healthy habits and share my experiences as I was learning how to live a vegan lifestyle.
My vegan journey began in March 2014 and the lifestyle quickly taught me to intuitively listen to my body for cues on what to eat, how much to eat (think abundance!) and when to eat. My diet consists primarily of nutrient dense fruits, vegetables and a small amount of healthy fats. Switching to a vegan diet meant saying good-bye to empty calories, unshakeable cravings and mindless snacking. Not only did I make life-changing dietary improvements, I gained a sense of purpose.
I’m passionate about spreading the message about this lifestyle. It has been a rewarding experience to finally feel connected to the foods I eat. No matter what diet or lifestyle you follow, my hope is that there is something that you can to take away from my website!
Thank you so much for taking interest in my experiences, recipes, lifestyle or whatever else your reason for stopping by might be. I value the time you have spent here on my blog getting to know me a little better. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me to let me know a little more about you and what brought you here.
I hope you have a happy and healthy day. Blessings!
Im staring to eat better is been only a moth and I feel amazing! Im so happy I’ve found you, this will help me to continue growing on the raw life. Great blog btw. !
I LOVE it Elisa!! Thank you for sharing!!!! Keep it up girlfriend! XX
Hi
I really like your blog and the recipes looks amazing! Can’t wait to try more out
I would be really happy of you came with any suggestions for lunch. That Is something I personally struggle with everyday for work and uni.
Or do you know any blogs or anyplace else I could find any good vegan lunch recipes? :)
X
Hi Gina! Thanks for stopping by my blog!! I just posted a recipe for Buckwheat Tabbouleh, this is a great lunch idea :) Hope you love it! xoxoxo
Hi Amanda! I’ve just recently been looking into becoming vegan and your blog has been very inspirational. You make it sound so simple and fun but I’ve been struggling to really focus on making the change. I’m a college student and while I’m at home for the summer, it’s hard for me to try and change my eating habits because of how my family eats. Do you have any advice on what I can do so that I don’t get so tempted with sweets and junk food?
Thank you, I look forward to trying out your recipes!!
-Kaitlyn
Hi Kaitlyn! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I hope your vegan journey is going smoothly, it’s a very rewarding feeling to know how much you’re doing for your health, animals and the environment – so bravo for taking the first step!! I recommend always keeping fresh produce around. If snacking is an issue for you, try taking a moment to pause before you grab a snack and take a deep breath asking yourself if you’re hungry or if you’re just bored. Drink some water and go on a walk. Sometimes I’m just bored or thirsty and actually not hungry for junk food! Hope this helps, keep it up girl!! XX
Hello!
I came across your Homemade Pomegranate Chocolate Bark recipe and absolutely love it! I want to feature this recipe and a photo in our Find Me Gluten Free blog post this week. The blog post will be linked in our weekly newsletter that is sent out to over 80,000 gluten-free consumers. Do I have permission to include a photo of this recipe on our blog? I am not planning to post the full recipe and instructions, but rather just include the title of the recipe that links to your site, a photo, and of course where we found the recipe. Please email me if I have permission. Thanks!
I look forward to hearing from you,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks for being in touch! Feel free to post this recipe on your blog with a link back here. THanks! xx
I was also wondering when you started this website and if you are still adding recipes! I love your recipes but I don’t see that many main dishes and I really want to see more because they are all so delicious sounding!
Amisa
Hi again! :) I started this website in the Fall of 2014. I am definitely going to add more main dishes, my latest post Crunchy Asian Slaw is a delicious main meal! Enjoy! xx
what does “80/10/10” mean?
Hi Amisa!
Check out my post “A Day in the Life of a Raw Foodie” where I explain 80/10/10! xx
Hi Amanda! I read that you live in D.C which is right by New England. Where do you purchase all your raw foods? I alive in Maine and I find it difficult to afford all the organic veggies and fruits that are offered at the supermarket. Perhaps you could make a post about smart buying? :) Great job by the way. Your photos are absolutely stunning. Keep it up Amanda! <3
Hi Alicia!
Thanks for stopping by :) In the winter I purchase my raw foods from my organic grocery store, MOM’s. In the other months I normally shop there and local farmers markets. If you are on a budget it’s good to know which types of produce are more likely to be contaminated and make sure to purchase those organic. Google “Dirty Dozen” for a list of fruits and veggies to avoid buying non-organic. Bananas are less likely to be contaminated so they’re always a great staple to have around! I’ve been meaning to create a post on tips for this lifestyle, so thanks for your comment – I needed a reminder! Stay warm!! xo
I’ve been reading about the raw food diet for years. Ever since reading this book I seen in Barnes & Noble a few years ago. “Eating in the Raw” by Carol Alt. Officially, my New Years resolution is to switch my current diet of “meat and potatoes” to raw vegan. I’ve tried a couple recipes, started drinking herbal tea and less coffee. And I’m enjoying cashew milk. I feel better since I’ve been doing this.
So anyways. I’m thrilled over you’re mentioning and even posting of nut free recipes. Not that I mind them, but they get redundant. Kind of a raw vegan crutch.
Now for questions, lol. I’m a beginner weaning myself off. Covered that, plus I have to self educate myself also. Anything you can share with me that you wished you’d known when you started? And do you send recipes to viewers emails? Just wondering, I signed up to another raw vegan site, where the host does that. Tried one of her recipes. Curried Zuchinni Hummus. Deelish!! Thanks for reading.
-Andrew…
Hi Andrew!!
I love that you are embracing this new lifestyle! I am fairly new as well, using my blog and social media to motivate myself to be innovative with recipes! Yes, the heavy use of nuts in raw vegan recipes can be a little aggravating at times. I wish I had more time to participate in vegan meet-ups and fruitlucks where you can connect with like-minded people. This is a great way to learn about things like the best deals on local produce. Yes, I have a newsletter that I send out with a collection of recent recipes. Thanks for leaving a note here for me, good luck with your journey – it sounds like you’re doing all the right things so far! xx
I just discovered your blog tonight thanks to an instagram post from the plant strong vegan. I’ve been plant based/vegan for almost 2 years and am constantly looking for ‘healthier than regular vegan’ inspiration. Thank you for all your hard work. You have come so far in less than a year! I browse your blog in awe and hunger. Thank you for sharing your journey. P.s. I am quite sure you are an inspiration to more people than you realize… and i love that you are staying away from the current nut based trend!!!
Hi Karen!
So nice of you to stop by :) Yup! I get frustrated looking for vegan recipes because they are often outrageously high in fat. I never feel that great after I make recipes that contain lots of nuts so I am very happy to be able to share them here with people looking for healthier options. I seriously appreciate your comments, it’s very reassuring to hear feedback like this so thank you very much for taking the time to leave me such a sweet note :) xoxo
I came across it a few weeks back, and I am so happy I did, as I am in LOVE! Your recipe photos are beautiful, and I love the simplicity and low-fat content of your recipes. Your recipes are similar to mines :)
Your story is very inspiring. You just got into this lifestyle, and already you’re blowing up (in an amazing way!!) =) You’re an inspiration, Amanda, and so are your recipes!!!
Xo,
Miliany <3
Hi Miliany!
So glad you found my blog :) Thanks for all of the kind words here, it’s always great to connect with like-minded people. I’m thrilled that the response has been positive, I’m thankful for all of the support I’ve had on this journey so it means so much to me that you’ve taken the time to write such a nice note here. Have a wonderful day!
xx Amanda
i love the setup of your blog and your Instagram! (And I just followed you on Pinterest. ^.^) It’s amazing to hear how you’ve grown your “empire” (woah that sounds intimidating) so quickly. It’s inspiring how dedicated and talented you are, I hope one day my “empire” can reach out to as many people as the crowd you encourage.
Hi Elim!
Empire? Wow, I’m blown away by your kind words! If you’re passionate about the movement you will be an inspiration and the rest will come naturally :) Thank you so much for all of the support!! xx
Hi! I am a legislative advocate and grassroots organizer in DC living on an entry level salary. I’m so inspired by all of your produce hauls and I’m wondering where you shop for groceries here! Groceries in DC can be terribly expensive and even farmers markets can be pricey here. I shop at Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Safeway, and the Dupont farmers market. I am not fully raw but I eat as many raw meals as I can prep for/afford. Otherwise I’m mostly vegan. Any DC food shopping suggestions?
Hi Sally!
Thanks for leaving me a note here. I shop at MOM’s Organic Market, there is a new store that just opened in DC! I actually just went to the new store this weekend and that location rocks (I usually go to the Merrifield one)!! Ask your produce manager if you can buy items in bulk. I get 10% off when buying in bulk (i.e. 40 lbs of bananas). I freeze my ripe bananas for smoothies and banana ice cream. At the farmers markets they usually will have discount cartons of “uglier” bruised fruits, but they are perfectly fine to eat! Also, in Union Market during the week you can buy produce in bulk from wholesale distributors. Cutting the middleman out will save you lots of money. This is where the grocery store buyers go to get their produce :) Hope this information helps!! xx
Love your page! Can’t wait to try some recipes!
Oh thank you so much Lilly. I hope you enjoy them! X
I would love to take up this lifestyle of yours! It’s looks so amazing and peaceful! But I feel like I’d miss my vegan baking
I’m glad to hear that Marika :) Raw vegan desserts are so much fun, you might be surprised! X
Really excited for you and looking forward to more on the blog! I will be bookmarking it for sure. I also recommend your IG whenever possible lol- you and your beautiful pictures have for sure been a big part of my Interet in raw vegan eating and I hope to seriously go there at least as a trial- actually starting now …
Tammy (@vegetablesforeveryone )
hi Tammy! thx for the kind words! I appreciate your support, your comments always put a smile on my face. I applaud you for starting your raw vegan journey. Good luck! xx
Congratulations on your amazing new blog! And kudos to you for building it yourself! I’m going through that process at the moment and I know how hard it is ;)
Your Instagram is one of my faves and I always recommend it to others. I hope this blog goes from strength to strength for you – you deserve it!!!
Wow! Thank you so much Claire! You are incredibly sweet :) I am so happy you enjoy my Instagram account, hopefully I can make the same impression with my blog. Good luck building your new site, let me know when it launches! xx