I believe food is the ultimate medicine. I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist with Certification in Plant Based Nutrition through Cornell University. All of my research has led me to the conclusion that a plant based diet is optimal for health.
At a young age I experienced health problems. Despite numerous doctor appointments and a plethora of tests, no one had any answers as to why I was so ill. Unfortunately I also experienced health issues in high school and college which at times were debilitating. Toward the end of college after having been to many specialists and receiving many wrong diagnosis’ (along with suggestions that my health problems were psychosematic) my parents convinced me to try one last specialist, Dr. Arnold Kresch of Stanford University. Dr. Kresch finally had a diagnoses for me; endometriosis. After performing surgery to remove my lesions, Dr. Kresch encouraged me to research how nutrition could be a powerful force in my quest for health.
For the past 15 years I have been able to manage my endometriosis through diet and exercise. I have personally experienced the healing powers of nutrition and have been able to nurse myself back to even better health than before through a plant based and gluten-free diet. While I am not gluten intolerant, my daughter is (along with being allergic to dairy and eggs) and because of that whatever I bake or cook is gluten-free as well as vegan.
I am passionate about sharing my nutrition knowledge with others and can be found doing so through Veggie Grettie, as The Editor of Chic Vegan, a Recipe Columnist for GoodVeg as well as Culinary.net, a freelance writer (featured on Crazy Sexy Life), and a Brand Ambassador for NEXT by Athena.
Peace and health!
Gretchen
Founder / Editor-in-Chief
Good for you Grettie!
!
I look forward to following your blog and staying inspired to stay healthy
xxoo
Good luck Gret!! You have so much knowledge on healthy living, I’m sure glad you can share it with all of us!
Thanks Tina!
I can’t believe you got Tina to eat Kale! It speak volumes on your skills!!
Slowly but surely we are getting her to cross on over to our side
I agree! Plants are the best.
Gret, your website is great! I cannot wait to try some of your recipes out!
Thanks Kayleigh! Spread the word for me…Facebook, e-mail
Grettie
I love your website and your name!! LOL- cant wait to read more posts
Hey, I discovered your blog via The Kind Life and I love it. I think of myself as being relatively but I know I can eat so much better – those vegan treats should remain that, a treat! I’m gonna put you on my blogroll. I’ve already earmarked several of your recipes. Keep up the great work!
Thanks…I checked out your blog too and really liked it as well! I’ll add you as well
I found your website by noticing how often you replied to things on the The Kind Life Diet pages. I am VERY unhealthy, overweight, tired all the time and depressed about it. I really enjoyed the Kind Life Diet Book and have bought several others on veganism and on being a vegeterian. I have been trying for serveral months to convert and keep “falling off the wagon”. My cholesterol and trigs. are over the top. If you can offer any advice about staying true to this lifestyle change I would appreciate it. I WANT to change to be healthly and to life a long life. Thanks for your website I can’t wait to try out some new receipes.
Melissa
What an inspirational story, It goes to show just how important eating clean is! I look forward to learning more from you!
I agree about how changing diet can impact your life. I was sick for years! Tried everything but refused to just take medicine or it was in my head, found out that gluten was the main event. Love your site!
That’s great that you figured out gluten was the culprit…we definitely have to take charge when it comes to our health!
Gretchen:
It has been a little over a week since I tried your first tool of eating a pound of raw veggies a day. It does fill me up more than I thought it would. I am still a “in the works” person in regards to changing my eating. I read “EATING ANIMALS” over the weekend, it helped me when I felt the urge to “eat animal flesh” along with my co-workers. I did make a fantastic fresh spinach and tomato pizza and veggies burgers both of which even my meat loving husband enjoyed.
I am really for my next tool, thanks for all your help and the information and encourgement your website gives.
Melissa
I haven’t actually read that book yet…I need to get on it!
I am glad to hear that the veggies are helping fill you up. Just think of all those good nutrients you are getting now on a daily basis. Good stuff.
Before I can give you your next tip, I have a few questions for you:
1. Do you eat dairy?
2. What kinds and how much (milk, cheese, yogurt)?
3. If you do eat dairy, rate milk, cheese, and yogurt) from your favorite (would be #1), to least favorite (would be #3).
Ok, dairy is diffently something I do eat, more than likely more than I should. Cheese is my #1 favorite, 2nd would be yogurt and then milk. I will try whatever you suggest. I realize I am making a life change and not something temporary and that it will not happen over night. I also realize that if I want to get healthy, lose weight and hopefully live a fuller, longer life I can’t put off the changes any longer. I am your willing pupil, just let me know what to try next.
Melissa
Ok…here’s what you do. Since milk is the dairy product that you are the least attached to, let’s give it up! There are so many good alternatives out there now. So Delicious makes an AMAZING milk substitute that is a great milk replacer. I find that their unsweetened version is the most like dairy milk. I have tried other brands and I find that they have a coconut aftertaste…this one does not. It is great for putting into cereals and baking with, etc. (I even use it in my vegan mac and cheese recipe). They also make a really yummy Original and Vanilla flavor, but those are a little sweet (which is fine for foods that you WANT to be sweet). Nut milks are also good alternatives.
I love how you are game to change and that you “know” yourself well enough to know that for you personally it needs to be gradual…we will get you there
Try this for a week (or two) and then phase out yogurt. I know I sound like I am a paid salesperson for So Delicious (I am not), but they also have some really good yogurt alternatives.
Let me know how it goes!
Thanks for the help, I will give up the milk and try to cut back on the cheese (it is a weakness of mine). Your wonderful for working with me on this and I really appreciate it. By the way, I started this journey at 5’4″ and 224 which is way over the top for what I should be, I am a big boned person (doesn’t every overweight person say that) but I did lose 2.5lbs last week!!!!!! I will keep you posted and check in with you in a week or so, if you come up with any other ideas I read your blog daily just send a note my way. Thanks.
Melissa
I love that you lost 2.5 pounds! Small changes really can make a difference.
Thanks so much for commenting on my blog! I would have never found you otherwise!
Endometriosis? Really?! Sounds like a House episode.
I’m glad you found something that works for you. I’m still looking for my panacea, but I suppose my issues are from different sources.
I’m looking forward to more insightful posts!
“McDonald’s announced it’s considering a more humane way of slaughtering its animals. You know they fatten them up and then kill them. You know that’s the same thing they do to their customers, isn’t it?” -Jay Leno
That’s a great quote from Jay Leno…pretty darn insightful!
hi grettie! i am so happy to see you around reading my blog! you have a very inspiring story – i am looking forward to coming here for inspiration on some healthy recipes
thanks so much for stopping in, and i am looking forward to following you!
xo, cory
Thanks Cory…I look forward to following you too!
Thanks so much for checking out my blog. And now I have found you! I look forward to following you on your on going journey.
I have endo as well- I think it’s fascinating how much food can affect the body! It’s quite obvious sometimes what I eat and how it relates to how I’m feeling when it comes to endometriosis. For me, dairy and meat is the worst! I definitely stray away from meat- but I’m so attached to dairy. Looking forward to following you!
I agree. My triggers are definitely dairy, meat, and SUGAR. Sugar is a bad one for me. When I indulge in sugar I get cramps during my period!
Now that you mention it, sugar could be a possibility to me too. I’ll keep an eye on it.
Gretchen, Nice meeting you too! (I figured I’d leave the reply message on YOUR blog instead of mine!) Let me know next time you’re up in the LA area and perhaps we can go to Shojin!
That would be fantastic!
I became a Vegan 2 1/2 years ago cold turkey. I gave up coffee and sugar at the same time. My teeth are brighter, my face is clearer, I don’t have to wear deodorant and I lost 20 pounds. I found your website from TKD. You have the best recipes! I am glad I found you. People don’t realize food effects every part of our lives!
Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments. I am so happy for you that you found veganism and the health benefits it brings. People don’t realize how amazing they could feel if they stopped eating animal products and refined foods. Congratulations on your success and thank you for being a reader…I am glad you found Veggie Grettie!
Happy Holidays!
Gretchen
I’m excited to find your blog today and I’m looking forward to more.
Holly
Hi Gretchen!
I’m so happy to have found your blog, and thanks for visiting mine as well. It’s amazing how nutrition and exercise can totally change your life. I wish that we could share this philosophy with more people!
I am so looking forward to reading your recipes. I just had your chocolate molten cake for dessert tonight and I was in awe. It reminds me how awesome living gluten and dairy free is!
Wishing you well!
Alyssa
I just found your blog and love it! I’ve been a vegetarian for many years, but currently trying to move towards a vegan diet with much less sugar (& possibly gluten-free) to achieve optimal health myself.
Thank you so much for your kind words…I am so glad you like what I am putting out there! Be gentle with yourself as you transition to veganism…you will get there and will be so glad that you made the change. Let me know if you ever have any questions.
Your story is so encouraging. I’ve read it before but I like to revisit those things that inspire me, it helps me stay focused on my health.
Also, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Your blog is one of my favorites and I could imagine not putting you on my list. The details are at http://myplantbasedfamily.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Thank you so much! I am honored that you nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award
Thought you might find this interesting.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/holland-america-line-now-serves-a-new-vegetarian-only-alternative-menu-2012-05-02
That’s brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing… I know vegans will love to know about this!