Our spotlight today is on Caroline Ginolfi, a certified plant-based nutritionist and health coach that runs the popular blog PlantBasedBlonde.com. She started her blog as a way to share her passion for mindful eating and plant-based living and the wealth of knowledge shes accumulated over the years. Shes a passionate advocate of all things cruelty-free, as well as a proponent of alternative healing and environmental sustainability.She loves coaching clients on their path to wellness and mindful eating and collaborating with brands that are eco-friendly and share her passion for conscious consumption. Shes worked with a variety of clients in the past, including private clients, corporate clients and primary care providers.She blogs because she wants more people to know how tasty, nourishing and simple plant-based eating can be. She believes that food is medicine, and powerful medicine at that. She feels that eating the right kind of foods can not only treat and cure many of the illnesses we suffer from in our own bodies, eating the right kind of foods can be better for others as well.There should be balance and harmony, both within our internal eco-systems, and in the world outside of us. She helps people find that balance and merge those two worlds in a way thats simple, sustainable and enjoyable. Her blog is a beautiful reflection of that harmony she strives for and its loaded with good-for-you plant-based recipes (with mouth-watering photos) suitable for all meals and occasions.Here is more from Caroline, in her own words.
How did you become an influencer/blogger?
I guess just with time, being vulnerable, sharing my truth and of course my food too. When I began my page, it was mostly a creative outlet and a way to connect with like-minded people at a time when I felt a little alone and isolated in my choices and lifestyle. I didnt begin with the intention that it would turn into what it has become today but Im very grateful for how it has grown and the amazing humans I share my platform with.
What started your journey into health?
Like many, leading a more conscious lifestyle was not linear but rather is, and continues to be, a journey. I would say the evolution began over a decade ago in high school when I developed a very unhealthy and disordered relationship with food. This along with a series of other life events motivated me to dive deep, learn more and share my experiences.
Do you follow a modified diet?
I eat a plant-based vegan diet.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I really dislike sweet potatoes. I know how nutritious they are, but I think I overdid it on them in college and have taste aversion now.
One tip for finding time to cook and bake amidst a busy schedule?
I like to prep a big batch of grains at the beginning of the week. One large pot of brown rice can quickly be transformed in a stir fry, burrito bowl, sushi bowl, veggie fried rice etc. It makes meal time so much easier!
Oats person or a smoothie person?
Oats in the colder months, smoothies when its warmer.
Any exciting announcements or plans for your Instagram or blog this year?
Yes! I am in the beginning stages of planning a couple projects to take my community offline and connect a bit more in real time. Stay tuned!
Who are some of your favorite influencers?
Oh gosh, there are so many people whom I admire but two of my favorites are Erin Ireland and Sophia Bush.
What do you like to do when you aren't working on recipe creation?
Spend time with friends and loved ones, be outside, do yoga, listen to podcasts, snuggle my rescue dog.
Favorite season or holiday?
Summer! I love sunshine, the beach and being barefoot.
Top baking tip?
Truth be told, traditional baking is not my strong suit at the moment. Thus, my best tip would probably be to keep it raw so you can taste things and adjust to your liking.
Name three words to describe yourself.
Empathetic. Passionate. Direct.
Quinoa or rice?
Rice!
Favorite food brand?
Miyokos! They are changing the game when it comes to non-dairy food products. Their smoked farmhouse cheese is out of this world!