I am a plant-based vegan and loving it. I feel truly alive. My body and mind are thriving, my allergies are gone, my cholesterol dropped and my energy level has increased. I learned how to cook plant-based meals by taking the Rouxbe Professional Plant-Based Certification program. This course was life-changing and is a great foundation for plant focused cooking. I create my recipes from this foundational course as well as draw inspiration from other food blogs, cookbooks, travels and eating at a variety of vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants.

I was exposed to the organic and farm-to-table movement early on when I moved to Northern California where I earned my B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley.  Currently, I live in Los Angeles and work with corporate clients as an accounting consultant in the office environment during the day and train students as a yoga instructor in the studio where well-being is a priority and work on True Forage at night.

I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. I challenged myself and made a commitment to be a triathlete and marathoner, which I have succeeded in doing by competing in races such as the Arizona Ironman, Half-Vineman and the Nike Women’s marathon.

I love how much more mindful and grateful I am when I lead a truly plant-empowered life. I love sharing food with everyone and helping people take a step in a healthier direction. Wherever you are in your health journey you can start just where you are.

When my amazing friend and soul-sister Naesa (True Forage Co-Founder) approached me about starting this website I was totally honored and thrilled to go on this journey with her. I am so excited to share wellness and food with you.

With Love and Gratitude,

Eileen

I truly feel stronger, healthier and happier on a plant-based diet and I want to share my passion with others, who may be new to plant-based cuisine to those who embrace a completely vegan diet. The options available now for people to choose what feels right for them is endless.

I’ve always loved to eat. I was exposed to many different cultures and cuisines since I grew up in a U.S. Navy military family. From my native country of the Philippines to living and traveling to many other countries, I developed an open mind and fondness for a variety of food and flavors.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I adopted a plant-based diet. This was a gradual process for me because I had to break poor eating habits. There was so much to learn, understand and try for living a healthier lifestyle. Conquering health challenges also served as a catalyst to change my diet and focus on wellness. The benefits have been undeniable. As my experience expanded along with the evolution of plant-based and vegan cuisine, my palate transformed and now I crave more fresh, organic whole food and drinks!

With my background in digital marketing coupled with my love of plant-based cuisine and wellness, I hope to impart our insights via True Forage in an accessible and inspirational way. I graduated from the University of CA, San Diego in La Jolla, CA and earned my MBA at Loyola Marymount University in “Silicon Beach” Los Angeles, CA. Currently I reside in sunny Las Vegas, NV. 

When not cooking and developing recipes, you can usually find me gardening, savoring a cup of tea, admiring art, enjoying the outdoors, practicing meditation — or simply trying my best to live a more active, conscious and mindful life, with my beloved family and friends (including my soul-sister, fellow True Forage Co-Founder, Eileen), fur babies and husband who loves to eat vegan food too.

Cheers to you and please enjoy True Forage!

With Love and Gratitude,

Naesa