Integrative Nutrition Health Coach & Chef
Hey there, I’m Carly!
Welcome to my little corner of the world :)
I am an ever-evolving, multi-disciplined artist, chef, entrepreneur and coach on a life-long quest for freedom, truth and ultimate well-being. I believe that true wellness and happiness is achieved through a harmonious balance of mind, body, and spirit. From the fresh, organic ingredients I use in my culinary creations to the holistic practices I incorporate into my coaching, my love for nature and plants is at the heart of everything I do.
My Story
You can first trace my story back to 2015, when I was a 21–year-old college student, circumnavigating the globe while enrolled in a special semester-long study abroad program, Semester At Sea. Exposed to so many new ideas and thoughts, cultures, lifestyles, philosophies, and ways of life, my life and mind were forever shaped, and ever since, I’ve been committed to a life of learning and discovery.
In an effort to better support my health, the environment, and animals, I decided to go vegan two years later, a decision that, too, greatly opened up my worldview. Soon after, I also quit drinking, and was amazed to see how much healthier and empowered I felt when I made choices that were aligned with my values.
A year later, upon entering my first long-term relationship, I began to suffer from recurring urinary tract infections that, despite several bouts of antibiotics, continued to resurface and impact my life, body, and relationship. Every doctor I talked to insisted that yet another antibiotic would do the trick, but after several failed attempts, a deteriorating immune system and a heavily disrupted gut microbiome, I knew I needed to consider other alternatives to get my health back on track. After months of research and experimentation with a series of holistic treatments, including diet and lifestyle changes, plus professional help from several functional medicine practitioners, I soon began to heal. My fascination with the human body and its ability to heal itself holistically, continued to grow.
In the following years, and when Covid-19 took the world by storm in 2020, I discovered a newfound passion for vegan cooking. Blending my love for vegan food and global travels, I soon made it my mission to “veganize” my favorite world cuisines. Aiming to do things as sustainably as possible, I found myself deep into research rabbit holes on sustainable food systems, circular economies, and regenerative agriculture. Deeply moved by my learnings, I felt called to share this with the world, and began hosting a series of themed plant-based dinner parties in Brooklyn, New York, where I was living at the time.
My cooking journey continued to deepen, as did my relationship with plants and holistic living. This eventually led me to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, where I participated in a transformative permaculture immersion course that further cemented my fascination for plants, regenerative agriculture and living in harmony with oneself and the natural world. It was during this time, however, that I contracted a parasite that resulted in debilitating digestive issues that lingered for months on end. From strict parasite cleanse protocols and elimination diets to several rounds of antibiotics, to thousands of dollars spent on diagnostic tests and doctors’ visits, my gut health continued to deteriorate, and my mental health followed suit. Frustrated and confused, overwhelmed and alone, I was still seeking answers. Endlessly committed to learning and healing, I found the missing puzzle piece to my health and life when I came across the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in due time. I later received my Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certificate in May 2024.
Combining my passion for plants, food and health, it is with great joy to do work that I love while helping others heal (and enjoy life and plants!) along the way.