About
Welcome to the Recipe Ideas!
Hey friend—I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m Maria, and as you’ve probably guessed, I’m the heart behind Recipe Ideas. While delicious recipes are a big part of what I do, what truly lights me up is helping people create a healthy and joyful relationship with food. I’m passionate about sparking meaningful conversations, encouraging small lifestyle shifts, and breaking free from the unrealistic expectations of one-size-fits-all dieting.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!About Me
I’m a wellness enthusiast, a wife, a proud mom of two energetic toddlers, and a big fan of long walks with our playful boxer. As a military spouse, I’ve called many places home along the East Coast, and I’m currently soaking up the beauty of Northern Virginia.
Professionally, I’m a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP™) through the Nutritional Therapy Association®, and a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA®) Certified Personal Trainer. I’m the founder and main voice behind everything you’ll find here on recipe-ideas.com, and I’m the author of the best-selling cookbook, Recipe Ideas. I also host a top-rated women’s wellness podcast, Well-Fed Women, run a holistic supplement brand called Well Minerals, and created a personalized fitness program, Strong From Home.
Before launching this journey into nutrition and entrepreneurship, I was the marketing director for a major triathlon retail chain. That role had me directing races, coaching workouts, and giving health talks at medical clinics and military bases—including Semper Fit (USMC), which is where I met my amazing husband.
Now, my husband and I use our shared passion for fitness and endurance sports to organize community races that support local causes and give back in a big way.
My Story
Starting at a young age, I was on a diet. Like many women, I thought that’s what I was supposed to do. I ate vegetarian for most of my adolescence, and as my body started to change in high school, I started drinking diet shakes and working out to lose weight.
While making these “lifestyle changes” started out innocent, I quickly became obsessed with counting calories and felt shame and guilt for missing a workout. Even though I had lost the weight I thought I needed to, I still felt like I needed to fix myself.
Over the course of 10 years, I went vegan, ran marathons, read endless self-help books, and tried every new diet under the sun. In the process, I ran my health into the ground. I dealt with chronic back pain on a daily basis, I lost my period, was always getting sick, and my metabolism was completely destroyed. I also struggled with anxiety and digestive issues, including IBS.
Eventually, I had a moment. After experiencing a severe injury, I asked myself, “Maria, who are you doing this for?” It wasn’t for me. I was being driven by what the world thought I should do and be. And in that moment, I started on a new path.
In 2008, I started focusing on strength, muscle, and protein—and it completely changed my life. I stopped eating gluten and it healed my gut, which is why all of my recipes are allergy-friendly.
Ultimate freedom came for me when I stopped finding my worth in what I ate or did for a workout. I stopped doing the endless amounts of cardio to “burn calories”, and switched to doing movement I genuinely enjoyed. Instead of putting my worth in my weight and thinking I needed to be a specific weight or have a six-pack to be healthy and worthy, I started doing what was right for my health—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
While I’ve made just about every mistake with health and fitness, I wouldn’t change a thing. Experience has been my greatest teacher, and I am right here in this moment with you because of everything I’ve been through in life.
Fun Facts:
- I eloped and got married on a gorgeous beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
- My favorite dessert is paleo chocolate cake. And yes, I eat cake for the icing.
- My favorite food is tacos.
- My favorite workout is cycling. There’s nothing better than being on the bike.
- I’m a Notre Dame football fan, and got to watch a game from the sidelines in South Bend.
- My happy place is HomeGoods. I mean… you try coming out of there without buying something. It’s impossible.
- I have a large collection of “rare” and “valuable” beanie babies in my attic.
- I danced ballet for ten years, then did competitive cheerleading in high school and college.
- The first triathlon I did, I didn’t finish because I forgot how the brakes worked and wrecked on my bike.
I’m Maria, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, personal trainer, author, and podcaster. I love helping people improve their physical and mental health through easy-to-understand wellness advice and delicious recipes made with nourishing ingredients. Pull up a seat—you’re welcome at this table!
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