How Francesca Nardelli Built a Plant-Based Wellness Lifestyle

More Than a Diet

When people ask me about being plant-based, I always remind them: this isn’t just a diet—it’s a lifestyle. For me, it was never about a quick fix or chasing a trend. It was about building habits that would fuel long-term wellness, help me stay fit, and support the glow-up I wanted in every part of my life.

That shift became the foundation for MyPlantBasedKitchen, my recipes, and ultimately, the way I live today.

Why I Shifted to Plant-Based Living

Like many people, I started my wellness journey with curiosity. I had always been into fitness and health, but I wanted more energy, clearer skin, and a way of eating that felt aligned with my values. Plant-based living seemed like the answer.

What surprised me was how powerful the change was—not just physically, but mentally. Within weeks, I noticed less bloating, more energy in my workouts, and a lighter, clearer mindset.

The Early Challenges

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth. In the beginning, I had to figure out:

• Protein goals: Could I really get enough protein without meat or dairy? (The answer: yes. Tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, Meati cutlets, and sprouts became my staples.)

• Social settings: Going to dinners, parties, and even family gatherings sometimes meant explaining my choices over and over. It forced me to get creative and bring plant-based dishes that everyone could enjoy.

• Experimenting with sprouting: Sprouts became my superfood secret. From broccoli sprouts to lentil sprouts, they made every meal fresher, higher in protein, and more nutrient-dense.

Those early experiments were the building blocks of the lifestyle I live now.

My Core Practices

Weekly Farmers Market Shopping

Every week, I make time for the farmers market. It’s not just shopping—it’s a ritual. Walking through colorful produce stalls, picking up seasonal fruits and vegetables, and supporting local farmers connects me to the food I’m eating in a deeper way. Freshness matters, and when your fridge is stocked with vibrant produce, healthy eating becomes effortless.

Cooking High-Protein Vegan Meals

If there’s one myth I love breaking, it’s that plant-based eaters don’t get enough protein. My meals are built to fuel strength and glow at the same time. Some of my go-to staples:

• Tofu & Tempeh: Versatile, high-protein, and delicious when seasoned well.

• Meati Cutlets: A favorite for quick, high-protein meals that taste amazing.

• Beans & Lentils: Affordable, filling, and packed with nutrients.

• Sprouts: Tiny but mighty—they add crunch, flavor, and protein to salads, bowls, and even smoothies.

These aren’t “diet foods.” They’re powerful, nutrient-rich ingredients that keep me energized through workouts, workdays, and creative projects.

Fitness Routines That Match My Goals

Food was only half the equation. Pairing a plant-based lifestyle with fitness has been the key to transforming my body and mind. I focus on:

• Strength training for toned muscles and long-term metabolism.

• Cardio for endurance and overall heart health.

• Daily movement like walks or yoga to reduce stress and keep my energy flowing.

Wellness isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about how you move your body every day.

Transformation Beyond Food

Energy, Mood, and Confidence

The most powerful change I noticed after going plant-based wasn’t just physical—it was internal. My energy stabilized, my mood improved, and I felt more confident in my own skin. When your body feels fueled and supported, everything else becomes easier: work, relationships, creativity.

Building Community Through MyPlantBasedKitchen

Sharing recipes and wellness practices online started as a hobby, but it quickly became a way to connect with people around the world who wanted the same thing: more energy, more glow, more alignment. That’s how MyPlantBasedKitchen grew—a space to inspire, teach, and share the lifestyle I live every day.

From Personal to Professional Mission

What began as a personal choice has become my professional mission. I’ve built guides, challenges, and recipes to help others experience the same transformation. Plant-based living gave me back my energy, my clarity, and my glow—and now it’s what I share with others.

Going plant-based wasn’t just about food—it was about becoming the healthiest, most aligned version of myself. If you’re curious about what that could look like for you, start small. Swap in a high-protein vegan meal, explore sprouting, or spend a morning at the farmers market.

And if you want more guidance, I’ve created resources to help:

Because this isn’t just a diet. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a glow-up. And it can be yours too.