Frequently Asked Questions, a response.

What is my mission?

My mission is to construct plant-based whole food meals that create memories, have flavor and flare, all while nourishing my family. Really, it is as simple as that. I have a passion for food, it is my love language, and it is what feeds my heart and soul. Feeding my family and really anyone else, brings me joy and I want to share that joy with others.

Why focus on vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free recipes?

Aside from my passion for creating meals that nourish my family and create memories, I am hope to create vegetarian and vegan adaptations of common foods. There are two major reasons that I am focused on creating meals like this. The first reason is my diet, which I refer to as “predominately vegetarian”, but more on that later. The second reason, is that I have extended family that is allergic to dairy, and vegan recipes or veganizing recipes, is the easiest and safest alternative way to create meals for them.

How do I define “predominately vegetarian”?

I define “predominately vegetarian” as a person that focuses their diet on devouring plant-based, whole food meals, 95% of the time; while the remaining 5% of the time, consuming what one craves. “Predominate Vegetarianism” is a lifestyle I lead, because I feel healthiest when I eat this way. Within this lifestyle 95% of the time, aside from the focus on plant-based, whole foods, I do consume eggs and some hard cheeses, but I am lactose sensitive and avoid most soft and short cured cheeses. For the remaining 5% of the time, I consume my cravings, through which I have found that my body needs some micro/macro nutrient(s) that, that food offers, and often times, there’s a vegetarian or vegan counterpart, which I reach to first. I have been eating this way, for well over 5 years, and find myself having less and less frequent cravings for meats. Further, I try to avoid foods that I call “overly processed”, like fast foods and many convenience foods in the freezer isle.

What is plant-based whole food?

A quick google search of this terminology, “plant-based whole food”, reveals an abundance of definitions, ranging from veganism to lacto-ovo vegetarianism. I define “plant-based whole food”, leaning more towards the lacto-ovo vegetarian definition, but treating plant-based meats (plant-based grounds, sausages, deli-style slices and plant-based cheese), cheese, natural sugars (honey and maple syrup) and eggs, as indulgences. Here’s my full definition, in plain language. Plant-Based Whole Foods spotlights un-processed or minimally processed foods that come from the earth, this includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, healthy oils, natural sugars and whole grains, that are enhanced by the minimal addition of, or indulgence in, animal products, like eggs, cheeses and yogurts. Namely, I really focus on avoiding those overly processed food, plant-based meats, meat and plant-based cheeses. This is an incredibly debatable topic, and I may be wrong in my definition, but I am growing and doing my best, just like I want for anyone reading this.

Who do I have to thank on this journey?

The most important person to thank is my mother, as she let me help her cook when I was a child and always encouraged my exploration. Next, I want to thank my sisters, their husbands and children, for trying my food at any family gathering, you all have been my biggest supporters as I have worked through this journey. Thank you to my kids and husband, they are the inspiration and constant eaters of the recipes I make, without them, I would not experiment as much as I do. Finally, all my coworkers and anonymous recipe testers, your feedback is essential to growing and perfecting my passion. Thank you!

Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact me veronica@veronicacultivatinglife.com