ABOUT ME

I grew up in Germany on a pretty standard Western diet, including meat, dairy, eggs, fish and processed foods. Although my parents, in comparison to most families, always emphasized the need for fresh foods and vegetables, a “healthy diet” for most of my life included home-cooked meals, full of animal products, oils and refined sugars. My favorite meals were whole wheat toast with butter and chocolate sprinkles for breakfast (pretty weird, I know), rice pudding or apple pancakes with milk and cinnamon sugar on top for lunch, and some sort of bread with cheese and a salad on the side for dinner. Snacks were usually some sort of fruit, nuts, or the occasional chocolate bar. As you can see, I always had a really sweet tooth and was pretty much addicted to any sort of dairy products!

Despite this, I never experienced weight issues until my early teenage years, mostly because I was very active, doing sports 5-7 days a week. As a result, I was always really skinny and never had to look at the food I was eating. When I stopped doing sports excessively, this naturally changed. In less than a year, I gained 25 lb. (11kg) and ever since struggled with unsuccessful diets, binging, malnourishment, cellulite, lack of energy, self-love, and poor digestion.

I have finally found a lifestyle to ground me and enable a positive relationship between food and my body, leaving me with the desire to become the best and healthiest version of myself. Instead of falling for short-term weight loss promises, I now thrive on vibrant and simple healthy living in all aspects of my life. I’ve come to find that a balance between healthy plant-based eating, exercise, sleep and relaxation is where the magic happens for me.

In 2015, I became vegan overnight after watching Earthlings. By that time I already wasn’t eating meat anymore and had severe stomach pain every time I consumed dairy (hello lactose). Despite my transition, I basically switched from a sugar-addicted animal-based junk foodie to a sugar-addicted vegan junk foodie, completely disregarding my health issues. Only half a year later, when first starting The Tasty K, did I become more interested in health and nutrition.

After hours and hours of research on plant-based nutrition and its effects on health, I decided to switch to a whole foods plant-based diet and completely cut out refined sugar, oils and heavily processed foods in general. And, oh boy, I haven’t looked back since. The immediate changes I saw, felt and continue to experience are amazing. After being iron deficient for almost all my life, my iron levels are finally steady, I’ve easily lost 25 lb (11kg) by eating the right foods in abundance, my digestion is on point, I am as energetic and active as ever and just continue to thrive and feel amazing!

I now commit myself daily to be the best and healthiest version of myself. That’s why I am promoting a long-term sustainable lifestyle, without calorie restriction, quick fixes or excessive exercise. Health is as personal as it gets and the way to optimal health is a long journey. Ultimately, though, that’s all that matters. Prevention is the best medicine, and a healthy lifestyle is the best investment in yourself you can possibly make!

Making healthy foods tasty, easy and accessible for everyone is one of my biggest passions. That’s why my recipes are completely plant-based with an emphasis on natural, wholesome and healthy ingredients. Also, the vast majority of my dishes are refined sugar-free, oil-free and mostly gluten-free.

This is much more than a diet – it’s a lifestyle! By eating plant-based, not only do I invest in my personal health, but also in the future of our planet and the well-being of animals.

‘Healthy Sweets & Treats’ – My first cookbook was published in May 2017 and combines nutritious plant-based eating with mouthwatering recipes that will leave you wanting more! It is meant to be a road map: A guide for the notorious sugar addict to embrace the sweet side of the whole food plant-based lifestyle. Instead of trying yet another never ending yo-yo diet, this book shows you how easy it can be to create healthy desserts, without that guilt-feeling.

I’d love to connect with you – you can best reach me through my Facebook or Instagram (where I share much of my personal life). Any questions? Leave me a comment under my recent blog posts or direct message me on Facebook or Instagram.

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Lots of love,

Kirsty ♥