Judi was working for The Oprah Winfrey show as an editor, when a vegan author came on the show and challenged the staff to eat vegan for a week. While it was a fun experiment, Judi went back to eating meat and dairy. Coming from a large Italian family, it was natural to wake up to a pot of “gravy” simmering on the stove every Sunday morning. Sunday dinner was pasta, meatballs, sausage, cheeses — you know how it goes.

A few months after the short-lived vegan challenge, Judi came across a documentary called “Forks Over Knives”. This had a different, lasting effect. Judi was shocked to learn she could prevent and even reverse chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and even cancer with food! Armed with information about how a meat and dairy-free diet is better for our health, animals, and the planet, Judi was sold. She was ready to go plant-based.

The problem was that she didn’t know how to even begin.

Judi immersed herself in everything plant-based she could find: books, documentaries, cooking classes, podcasts. She loved it. Her family (including her brother Phill) was surprised and at times upset wondering how family dinners and holidays might change. This didn’t

detract from Judi’s passion, though. She became certified in plant-based nutrition from eCornell, and she wanted to shout her newfound knowledge from the rooftops.

It started with her brother, Phill. He struggled with his weight for years, which led to some minor health issues in his forties. His doctor told him if he didn’t get his blood pressure under control soon, he’d need to go on medication. He was scared.

On a family trip to Florida, Judi noticed him struggling with walking in the heat. They discussed his health concerns, and Judi begged him to give plant-based eating a try. Phill was skeptical, but decided to give it a go. That weekend, Judi returned home and crafted a month-long meal plan of plant-based breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. She gave Phill a shopping list, sent him to Whole Foods, and told him not to come out until he had everything on the list.

During that first month Phill lost 17 pounds, and his blood pressure came into the normal range within two weeks. He was sold — mostly thanks to Judi’s tofu Italian sausage crumble recipe. Judi couldn’t believe it. Her meat-loving, eye-rolling brother was totally on board. Together, they began exploring ways to make this plant-based lifestyle more accessible to everyone, and SmartyPlants was born.

Whether you are new to plant-based eating, plant curious or plant passionate, everyone is welcome here! We are a brother and sister team who love food, cooking and connecting with people. We'll be sharing exciting new recipes, holding live events, contests, giveaways and more! We'd like you to feel comfortable and empowered on your plant-based journey and to discover the same excitement that we have for this health promoting, compassionate and planet-healing lifestyle. So, kick off your shoes and stay a while!

SmartyPlants is an evolving digital platform that promotes and educates people on the benefits of eating a whole food, plant-based diet; radiant health and living a compassionate lifestyle. Our goal is to inspire a shift in mind, body and spirit and to see more and more people lean towards (or jump into!) a plant-passionate lifestyle. Our goal is to create and grow a community of like-minded people who are interested in being healthy and being a part of the plant powered change that is happening in the world right now!

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