In 2022, I was convinced to read How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger and Gene Stone. I wasn’t particularly interested—until I read the preface. It tells the story of a miraculous turnaround in the health of Dr. Greger’s grandmother. What healed her? Whole, plant-based food.

Until that point, I assumed vegans—those who follow a whole, plant-based diet—were mostly people deeply committed to protecting animals or the environment. I never realized the greatest impact of a vegan lifestyle might actually be on the person living it.

Now, let me be clear: I don’t promote a strict vegan lifestyle. About 80% of people who go vegan quit within the first year. And let’s be honest—cheese and steak are delicious. That’s why I created The Pretty Vegan (TPV).

The Pretty Vegan’s goal is to soften the stigma around being vegan with the concept that choosing whole, plant-based foods doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing journey. It’s about incorporating small changes into your everyday diet that will reap short and long-term health benefits. 

For example, when I’m cooking at home, I prepare mostly whole, plant-based meals—with the occasional cheese or yogurt. But when I dine out, especially for a celebration, I’ll happily enjoy a juicy steak or a bowl of cheesy gnocchi. I love food too much to cut it all out. This way of eating has worked well for me for over three years. If my health ever calls for a change, I’ll make it. Above all, I believe in balance.

Hopefully, you can already tell: I’m not trying to turn anyone vegan. But leading a healthy lifestyle and eating more whole, plant-based foods? That’s something that’s been proven to make a real difference.

So where does it all fit in?

The Pretty Vegan was one of the earliest ideas I developed on my path toward building Healthy Habits Santa Cruz. What began as a personal shift in how I approached food became a catalyst for deeper change. In fact, TPV is what ultimately inspired me to pursue my certification in functional nutrition counseling—because I wanted to understand why this way of eating made such a difference in how we feel.

Although TPV isn't the central focus of Healthy Habits today, it laid the groundwork for everything that followed. It showed me that lasting wellness doesn’t come from extremes—it comes from balance, flexibility, and the willingness to grow. That same mindset now shapes the entire Healthy Habits platform.

Looking ahead, I see TPV eventually becoming a branch within the practice—an approachable, inclusive space for anyone curious about incorporating more plant-based meals into their life, without the pressure of going fully vegan. As part of that vision, I’ll be sharing delicious vegan recipes that align with both the TPV spirit and the broader Healthy Habits’ mission:

Eat Smarter, Live Better.