As a kid, I was labeled as a picky eater because I’d never really liked meat (let’s just say our family dog made out like a bandit in table scraps!) So, when I hit my teens, I decided to become a vegetarian. I was an elite-level soccer player and at a crucial age for bone and muscle development. My mom, bless her soul, was really concerned about my health and in her wisdom decided not to oppose my decision. Instead, she booked appointments with a dietitian and with our family doctor. Mom wanted to make sure I wasn’t hurting my body. Thank goodness for the supportive doctor who not only confirmed that I was more fit and healthy than many teens my age, but actually encouraged me to keep up the good work.

Faced with the prospect of having to prepare a separate meal for me, on top of cooking for the rest of the family, Mom promptly armed me with cookbooks and drove me straight to the nearest health food store. And, so it was that I began my love affair with vegetarian cooking. That’s not to say that I was a saint: I still ate “normal” teen junk foods like fries, milkshakes, and sugary cereals but I found that, as I added the good foods, they kind of crowded out the bad stuff.

My family and friends graciously sampled my tofu burgers, rice salads, and crazy smoothie concoctions and were willing testers as I kept on developing my talent as a cook and devouring recipe books.

I also maintained an active lifestyle: running, playing soccer, going to the gym, and refining my diet, all the time staying lean, healthy and of energy. I took cooking classes, signed up for cleanses and, eventually, dropped dairy altogether to adopt a vegan diet. Along the way, I met the most amazing mentors and thrived in my busy life.

OK – reality check… before I sound too pious here, I need to confess that, yes, I drink coffee and, damn it, I love my chocolate and potato chips. But, the great thing is: I’ve found the perfect balance, and it’s working beautifully. I feel like I’m getting younger as I age!