About

Meet Michelle | Vegan Recipe Developer & Founder

Hi, I’m Michelle! I’m the vegan recipe developer, food photographer, and creator behind The Happy and Wholesome Mommy. I’m a wife, mom and stepmom to four, and above all, a child of God.

I started this blog in 2021 after becoming a Holistic Nutritionist, inspired by my passion for wholesome cooking and helping families create delicious, nourishing meals using simple ingredients.

With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry and a lifelong love for health and wellness, I believe that healthy living starts with the everyday choices we make, especially in the kitchen. My goal is to inspire you to feel confident creating easy, flavorful vegan recipes that nourish your body and bring joy to your table.

My Mission

As a busy mom, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize your health while juggling the demands of everyday life. Between raising a family, managing a household, and wearing countless hats, finding time to prepare nourishing meals isn’t always easy.

That’s why I’m passionate about making wholesome vegan cooking simple, approachable, and enjoyable. Here, you’ll find delicious, nutritious recipes made with simple ingredients that the whole family can enjoy. My hope is to inspire you to embrace a healthier lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed, one delicious recipe at a time.

I’d love for you to join me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipes, kitchen inspiration, and everyday wellness tips!

About Me

To say I feel blessed is an understatement. My faith and family are at the heart of everything I do, and I am endlessly grateful for the life God has given me. My wonderful husband, Andrew, is my biggest supporter, my favorite recipe taste-tester, and my partner in all of life’s adventures.

Being a mom to my two beautiful daughters and a stepmom to two wonderful children is one of my greatest blessings. I believe God has called me to embrace motherhood with grace, purpose, and a whole lot of love. I cherish being present in their lives, creating meaningful memories, and celebrating all the little moments along the way.

When I’m not in the kitchen creating new recipes, you’ll likely find me at church, working out, enjoying family walks, hosting gatherings, decorating our home, volunteering with the PTA, or getting creative with a new project. I also love leading my daughters’ Girl Scout troops, traveling with my family, enjoying date nights with my husband, and making time for the friends and loved ones who make life so special.

My Health Journey

My journey toward a healthier lifestyle began with one of the most difficult experiences of my life: losing my father to heart disease at a young age. His passing profoundly changed my perspective on health and inspired me to become more intentional about the choices I made for my own well-being.

At the time, I was struggling with weight gain, acne, fatigue, digestive issues, and anxiety. After welcoming my first daughter, my desire to prioritize my health grew even stronger. I wanted to feel my best, not only for myself but also for the family I was raising.

After 25 years as a vegetarian, I made the transition to a vegan lifestyle, embracing a diet centered around wholesome, nourishing foods. Over time, I began noticing meaningful improvements in my overall well-being, including increased energy, weight loss, healthier skin, and better management of my anxiety.

Today, my personal health journey continues to inspire my passion for creating delicious, nourishing vegan recipes. I believe healthy living is about progress, not perfection, and my hope is to encourage others to make simple, sustainable choices that help them feel their best.

My Background & Culinary Experience

My passion for cooking began long before I started The Happy and Wholesome Mommy. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen alongside older family members, learning the joy of preparing homemade meals and creating memories around the table. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong love for cooking that continues to inspire me today.

With over a decade of experience preparing vegan meals, I’ve developed a passion for transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into delicious, approachable recipes that anyone can recreate at home. In 2021, I earned my Holistic Nutritionist certification through the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), further expanding my knowledge of nutrition and healthy living.

As a recipe developer and food photographer, I take pride in creating original recipes and bringing them to life through beautiful, inviting photography. I also received professional training in food photography from an experienced food photographer, helping me develop the skills to capture and share my creations in a way that inspires others to get into the kitchen.

I’m always looking for opportunities to grow, refine my culinary skills, and expand my knowledge. I believe there’s always something new to learn in the kitchen, and I look forward to continuing my culinary education as I grow both personally and professionally.

Michelle

My Favorite Recipes

These are a few of my tried-and-true favorite vegan recipes that I find myself making time and time again. They’re wholesome, full of flavor, and loved by my family. I hope they become favorites in your home, too!

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