Today is the day where I answer all of your deep, dark, burning questions about mah crazy life, nutrition, plants, and all that jazz!
WHO'S EXCITED.
I was recently interviewed for an article and I kept thinking "Man, I should really just share these responses with my readers!" Why not answer all of your emails in one tidy little post?
I'd like to squeeze in more snapshots of my personal life and nutrition posts here and there in addition to recipes, so I thought this Q&A really fit the bill. If this is something you'd like to see more of, please let me know! If there are any questions I didn't answer, don't hesitate to email me so I can include them in a future Q&A!
Oh, and if you're dying to know what I would order at MdDonald's if it were the only option on a road trip, check out my response in this Huffington Post article!
1. What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about healthy eating and nutrition?
The most misunderstood thing about healthy eating is the HUGE difference between being healthy and being thin. The reliance on “diet” foods (low-fat, low-sugar, sugar-free) may help you shed pounds temporarily or win a body-building competition, but it won’t make you feel radiant or reduce your risk of the chronic diseases that plague our generation. People eat reduced fat peanut butter on 30-calorie “lite” wheat bread and wonder why they’re not feeling better. Achieving optimal health is not a simple caloric equation. It’s personalized, and at the end of the day it’s all about eating nourishing whole foods, most of which are hopefully plant-based.
2. How did you get started with Alchemy? What exactly do you do? Was something like Alchemy always what you wanted to do? What have you done to get to the position you're at currently?
I went to undergrad with one of the brothers that owns A & R Creative group, the company that owns Alchemy. We became good friends and always talked about opening a healthy café, something I never dreamed would actually happen. One day it became a reality and we created Alchemy! My official title is Director of Nutrition and Communications, but I act as the general manager, chef, and dietitian. I basically have my hands in everything, including managing the staff and operations, ordering, catering, directing communications, providing on-site nutrition counseling, and developing the menu. Alchemy has been the biggest challenge of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Hummusapien was a huge stepping-stone to getting where I am today. It basically personifies my passion for food, nutrition, and recipe development. Half of Alchemy’s menu is actually on my blog!
I never thought I would be in a position that’s so heavy in food service and management, but I’m fortunate to be able to also do what I love, which is create amazing food that I believe in, impact people’s long-term health with personalized nutrition counseling, and engage with the media.
3. What are some of the common things people want to change about their nutrition/ lifestyle when they reach out to you for nutrition counseling?
Most people come to be to embark on a clean-eating journey. They essentially want to clean the crap out of their diet and re-set with a whole foods lifestyle. Many people come to me with an interest in plant-based diets as well, which I love!
4. What is the most frustrating part about your job/ having a blog? and why? And what is the most rewarding part?
The most frustrating part about my job with Alchemy is that there is an immense amount of constant responsibility because of all the moving parts of running a restaurant. I’m never really “off” work. When I’m not at Alchemy, I’m either thinking about what I have to do for Alchemy or working on the blog.
The most rewarding part is that I’m truly in love with my career. I’m living my dream by creating healthy food for the masses and inspiring people to embrace a healthy lifestyle. I wouldn’t trade Alchemy or Hummuasapien for anything, no matter how many hours a week I work.
5. Have you always been interested in nutrition/what sparked your interest?
I traveled to Israel in college, and that really sparked my passion for plant-based eating. I was also incredibly inspired by healthy food blogs, which inspired me to start Hummusapien three and a half years ago! Reading Skinny Bitch didn't hurt either.
6. Have you always eaten a plant-based diet? When and why did you start eating that way?
Nope—I grew up eating meat and dairy. I had a pretty normal upbringing when it came to food. My mom would cook chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner, but she always taught me about ingredients and wouldn’t buy anything with “chemicals.” I became super inspired by plant-based eating after I took a trip to Israel the summer going into my junior year of college. That trip combined with reading Skinny Bitch, watching the “Forks Over Knives”, documentary, and discovering my love for food blogs ignited my passion for plant-based eating.
I did it for my health. I read tons of research (including some of the largest nutrition studies in history) on plant-based diets reversing chronic disease and ultimately being the most optimal diet for long-term health. I had never felt better, so I challenged myself to eat a vegan diet for a year. I of course went off course here and there, but overall, I learned how to cook with new-to-me foods and fell more in love with plant-based health. I don’t like to label myself, and I want to have the freedom to eat eggs or cheese or wild salmon when I’m in the mood without being patronized.
7. What was your trip to Israel like? Why did you go? And how did that spark your passion for plant-based eating?
I went on a 10-day trip called Birthright. I met a couple inspiring vegan friends, was surrounded by beautiful produce, and ate at a bunch of vegetarian restaurants. I had also just finished reading Skinny Bitch so it was already on my mind. I started opening up my eyes to life without meat and dairy!
8. What benefits do you personally see from plant-based eating and why do you recommend it for others?
Eating a plant-based diet is not only amazingly beneficial for health and proven to reverse an array of chronic diseases, but it’s also great for the environment and for animals. I recommend it to other because it’s the most nutrient-dense way of eating and I want my clients to feel their absolute best and live long lives. I love showing people that eating this way isn’t hard—it’s delicious!
9. For people who consider plant-based eating a challenge what would you tell them?
I would tell them to experiment with different recipes and get comfortable in the kitchen! You’d be shocked at how easy it is to live without meat and how satisfying meals can be with fruits, eggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, and legumes. Cooking with new foods is SO exciting!
10. Would you have ever considered yourself an "unhealthy eater"? If so, when? And what brought about change? (even if there was a small change)?
I’ve had my fair share of eating one too many pieces of pizza, eating carbs all day, and drinking too many vodka sodas, but I wouldn’t ever consider myself an unhealthy eater. It’s part of being human. Eating a “perfect” diet is no way I want to live my life! Having unhealthy days is all part of balanced, healthy living.
11. Why do you promote balance while eating?
You only live once, and it’s important to enjoy yourself! Being overly focused on healthy eating can just as harmful for the body as eating unhealthy foods. I believe everyone should have a positive relationship with food and reconsider his or her lifestyle when food becomes stressful. Food is meant to be celebrated—it shouldn’t be a stressor!
12. What is the best part about helping others with their nutrition journey?
There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve impacted some one’s life with nutrition education. Nutrition is so critical for long-term health. Our generation is plagued with chronic illness, and I consider it my job to help change those statistics. The bottom line is that I love helping people and I love food, so it’s a perfect match!
13. What do you hope to change about the way people approach food and nutrition in general?
I want people to eat real food and enjoy it! I dream of a world where people find the joy in cooking, where they get back to basics and eat food without chemicals, additives, fake colors, and flavors. Enjoying food while eating well is a huge obstacle for people, one I love to help people overcome.
14. What else do you do around Columbus to promote a healthy lifestyle?
I do a bunch of different workouts in order to stay active, including Body Pump classes and Barre3. The main way I promote a healthy lifestyle is by creating nutritious and tasty food for Alchemy! I love showing people that nutrient-dense foods like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts can actually taste incredible. The blog is my main communication channel with regard to promoting healthy food. I’m always posting nutritious recipes to try to get people on board with trying more whole, plant-based foods.
15. How do you incorporate these things into your own life? What is most important to you personally regarding nutrition?
I eat really healthy because I honestly adore healthy food. Breakfast everyday is steel-cut oatmeal with chia seeds, almond butter, and berries or a big green smoothie. I always eat every 3-4 hours (something I always recommend to clients!) and I’m always quipped with lots of healthy snacks, like fresh fruit, hummus, no-bake bites, etc. The most important aspect of nutrition to me is balance. I think eating a delish piece of dark chocolate is just as important as eating kale salad!
16. What do you think of the current situation regarding nutrition in the United States?
I think healthy eating is becoming much more mainstream, almost trendy! People are starting to embrace health and see the connection between nutrition and chronic disease. With that said, obesity rates are way higher than they should be and we have a lot to learn!
grow plants says
Hi Alexis, I have never thought that somebody would put a post like this where one would share his interview on the blog post. But this is a unique way of doing it. It contains so much of information about food and nutrients that one could take away a lot of ideas from here. Food and nutrients are probably the most important part of our lives and we should not ignore it. Healthy living is what one should aim for.
Jen says
I really respect you and love your site/what you are doing, but I was strictly vegan (ethical reasons) for 5 years and suffered so many problems and deficiency's even eating well over 3000 cals a day and seeing THREE RD's. It doesn't work for my body and it seems like you're promoting it as the only way to go. From a biological stand-point ( I have almost completed my Bachelor's in Dietetics so clearly I still have things to learn) it's not fair to say you have to eat 100% clean vegan or a SADiet. I am now thriving wit goat's dairy and eggs (Certified humane and organic)
I also take issue with you referencing Skinny Bitch so frequently. Again, I WAS a strict vegan for 5 years and still don't eat meat, yet I found that book offensive and misinformed. The research wasn't accurate and they attempt to shame you into being vegan. It's also all a out being skinny which supposedly contradicts what you say you believe about skinny not equaling healthy.
Really, I know I sound like a critic right now, but I truly do love your site and posts and am normally only saying positive things. I enjoyed this post overall but just saw some red flags that maybe you could explain to me so that I understand better! Keep on keeping on! 🙂
Alexis says
Hi Jen! Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I must have come off different than I meant to in the post because I MAJORLY preach balance. I eat pizza and ice cream like anyone else and I had no intention of coming across with the "all or nothing" mentality. I work with my clients to find what works best for their body, to embrace whole foods, and to add plants to their diet when they see fit. I'm FAR from a strict vegan (I eat fish, eggs, dairy, etc) and I don't encourage anyone else to become a strict vegan. I try to take the approach of finding wholesome plant-based foods to supplement the diet rather than focusing on what to take away from the diet. With this post, I basically wanted to answer questions about the history of my plant-based transformation since I get so many emails asking about it. I know it's not meant for everyone--nutrition is SUPER personalized. Hope this explanation helped clear that up!
Lesq says
I use to be totally plant based. The problem is over the past few years I developed some health problems all related to my healthy eating choices. I am very very thin and each day is a constant struggle for me with my diet. I suffer such bloating and pain. I follow the FODMAP Diet but still have not gotten down after all this time. Just curious all the veggies, salads and beans you consume in a day don't bloat you? Armand once wrote a post regarding knowing when to much is to much. It is very individual I know. Just wanted your thoughts. Thanks for a fantastic blog. It is informative, mentally stimulating and entertaining. Have a great weekend girl!
Alexis says
Being totally plant-based (AKA vegan) is not easy. I ate that way for a year and then incorporated eggs and fish back into my diet. I feel great! You have to find what works best with your body because nutrition is so personalized. Recently I have been feeling a bit bloated, but normally I feel totally fine. I'm kidding when I say I eat chickpeas for every meal--that's usually not the case 🙂 If I ate beans for every meal all the time I'm sure my stomach would not be happy with me!!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
Such a good post! I love hearing people's back stories on how they got to where they are now in terms of eating. I also ready Skinny Bitch and was a veggie for 5 years after! I kept eating seafood though because I love it! Good choice on the oatmeal, lol to the one with a fries and a milkshake. I guess they just wanted to go all out haha!
Alexis says
Me too--I love seafood! It's all about balance and finding what works best for your body. Like fries and a milkshake.... 😉
Karen says
I will read the entire questions later; off to work soon but I have a question. I would love to hear what you have to say about gluten, it is in grain naturally but appears to be added even to pet food.
Alexis says
I eat tons of gluten, but usually in the form of natural whole grain bread (I like Ezekiel), farro, barley, oats, etc. I think we all eat too much refined white flour, but unless you have an intolerance to gluten, I'm not in the bandwagon of convincing society that it's ruining our health. A lot of people eliminate gluten and inherently eliminate lots of processed snacks and associate that with feeling better from removing gluten. There are plenty of gluten-free snacks made with refined white rice flour and starches and other crapola!
Jbrulz says
Alexis,
Thank you so much for giving your readers an insight to your very interesting nutritional world. I loved reading about all the great things that you do. Your passion for eating good quality foods is an inspiration for me. I enjoy all your recipe posts and the pictures are awesome 🙂 I don't know how you fit all your responsibilities into each day! I know you love your job, but please make sure that you take some time each day for yourself. Thanks again.
Jan B
Alexis says
You're so welcome! I love that you love reading about the craziness 🙂 Thanks for being so sweet!
She Rocks Fitness says
I wish we lived closer to each other, because I think we could definitely have a lot of fun together...So happy for you and all that you are doing. It was fun to learn more about what you do at Alchemy! Happy Friday Friend! 🙂
Alexis says
We would seriously have ALL the fun. We need to visit each other sometime!!! Seriously.
Georgie says
I loved reading this Alexis! So cool to hear about your background. I share so many of the same philosophies around food and nutrition. Would love to visit Alchemy one day <3
Alexis says
Thank you, Georgie. Come visit puh-lease!
April says
love this style of post!
Alexis says
Thanks lady frand!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I really love this! Would definitely like to see more.
Alexis says
Thanks for your input, Megan! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
A says
I'm wondering if you would ever feel comfortable shedding some light on why certain practicing RDs still cling to "diet" foods or low carb/low fat diets.
Alexis says
Everyone has different philosophies and views on nutrition--sometimes there's so much out there that it's hard to know what to believe! Hopefully in the future we can all come together and use sound science to make unified nutrition recommendations.
Shannon says
LOL at the Huffington Post article. Some of the responses from other nutritionists were kind of shocking!
Alexis says
I know right?! Fries and a milkshake....Hmmmm.
Emily @ Glitz Glam Gluten-Free says
Ohh loved this Q&A and reading more about what you do at Alchemy! It really sounds like such an unique, awesome job! And I couldn't agree more about the people eating the diet foods and expecting to be healthy when really they are filling themselves up with processed foods and chemicals! I hope more people begin to learn how great they can feel on healthy, real foods!
Alexis says
Thanks dear! It's definitely unique and hella stressful at the same time!
Jackie Chlebeck says
i am intrigued with the Alchemy partnership of exercise and healthy food bar. Is this rare? I belong to LAFitness and have been to other gyms where food does not come into the equation. Do you believe this is a movement that will eventually include more fitness outlets?
Alexis says
Alchemy is its own business, so it complements the gym but isn't part of the gym if that makes sense. It is pretty rare--most bars in gyms just have protein smoothies. We hope to be creating a model that changes that! They really do go hand in hand.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
Great post! I love your outlook. I'll be sharing this for sure. 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Maryea!
catherine says
Oh snap, "Optimal health is not a caloric equation." So good! Love this post! 🙂
Alexis says
Ain't that the truth!
Dana | fresh simple five says
I really enjoyed reading this type of post. It's fun to hear more of your perspective on the nutrition side of things. This year, I challenged myself to not eat meat during Lent and it's going really well. Like you mentioned, one of the reasons I chose to do so was to try new foods. I've found I don't miss meat much in my everyday life (sometimes when eating out), but it's given me the confidence to eat mostly meat-free when cooking at home. I do still enjoy seafood, eggs and cheese, but I feel healthier overall.
Alexis says
Good for you for taking on that challenge! Discovering new foods can be strange and overwhelming at first, but overall a great learning experience. I'm with ya--I still like seafood and eggs but I also love finding new ways to use tofu, tempeh, and chickpeas 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Alexis! I love this style of post, and I really feel like I get a better idea of your experience and background here. It's awesome that you pour your heart into your work in both places. And I do not live by a plant-based diet, but I do live by a healthy-eating philosophy much more about real food than anything else. Being properly nourished is an amazing thing. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks, Ashley! You go girl! Finding what's right for your own bod is what it's all about.
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
very neat.. its always nice to read back story on how things came together.
Alexis says
Thanks, Dixya! I figure a little background info never hurt anyone 🙂