This weeks influencer spotlight is on foodie, recipe developer and photographer Alexa Soto of the blog FueledNaturally.net. She has a passion for sharing her creative endeavors with the world, whether its a new recipe she came up with at midnight, taking photos, or food styling. She believes that vegan food is so much more than just food. Its nourishment for the body, its delicious and its beautiful, too! These days shes having a blast doing what she loves, sharing her vegan lifestyle with the masses, taking mouthwatering photos of her recipe creations and running a small business. All of this is done with a little help from her partner in food and love, Chancy. We say, what better way to live a life?
Heres more from Alexa, in her own words.
How did you become an influencer/blogger?
I started my blog Fueled Naturally nearly 4 years ago after I decided to adopt a vegan diet and lifestyle. I always had a deep appreciation for culinary arts and loved
to cook. It was something I knew I naturally had a passion for and when I found myself in a major diet change, I really dove deep into getting creative in the kitchen and learned all about plant-based cooking.
What started your journey into health?
[caption id="attachment_1174941" align="aligncenter" width="769"]
Photo credit: fuelednaturally.net[/caption]
In my late teenage years, I really struggled with body image and self-esteem, and had behaviors of an eating disorder. I tried nearly every crash diet, restricted calories and developed a negative /bad relationship with food. It was not until I found the vegan diet where I became conscious and mindful of how food truly nourishes our bodies from the inside out.
Do you follow a modified diet?
I follow a plant-based vegan diet. It has been 4 years since changing my diet and I am really committed to the way I eat because it aligns with my beliefs and personal ethical morals.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Most people would probably not know that I was really close to having a career working with children. I studied child development in college. I have always had a love for working with kiddos. Around the time I was just getting into blogging, I was working with elementary students and would bring in vegan baked goods and fresh tropical fruit, every chance I could!
What is your favorite BRM product?
My favorite BRM products have to be wild rice or oat flour. I used to make my own oat flour for a few of my recipes, and its just so convenient having it ready to go!
What is your favorite BRM recipe?
[caption id="attachment_1174934" align="aligncenter" width="769"]
Photo credit: fuelednaturally.net[/caption]
My favorite BRM recipe has to be my creamy wild rice and mushroom soup.
One tip for finding time to cook and bake amidst a busy schedule?
Plan ahead. Figure out what recipes you want to make on maybe a Sunday night or your day off and make an organized grocery list with sections. For example, write out a produce list, pantry list, frozen items list, etc. The more organized you are, the easier and more efficient things will be!
Oats person or a smoothie person?
This is a difficult question to answer. I am always up for some creamy, overnight oats, but smoothies are always refreshing and sometimes all I want in the morning! Depends on my mood.
Any exciting announcements or plans for your Instagram or blog this year?
Expanding into the video world very soon! I focus mostly on getting really nice shots but I think most like to see things in action. So finally, its happening! Videos are happening very soon.
Who are some of your favorite influencers?
I have a lot of interests outside of food. So, I really try to follow a variety of influencers and accounts. Although one of my favorite accounts on Instagram has to be Food52. They feature a lot of their own recipes, but they also like to feature a ton of influencers and bloggers. So, it gives me a good variety of food inspiration that I can later turn vegan.
What do you like to do when you aren't working on recipe creation?
I love to travel. I really love experiencing other cultures and living in the present moment. I also gain a lot of inspiration for recipes when I am traveling.
Favorite season or holiday?
My favorite season has to be fall. I love fall colors, the weather, the food and the little sweet time of the holidays beginning.
What is your top baking tip?
[caption id="attachment_1174942" align="aligncenter" width="770"]
Photo credit: fuelednaturally.net[/caption]
My top baking tip is to measure things properly. I always say baking is a science. It is important to be precise. So, for example, when measuring out flour, I will spoon the flour into my measuring cup, level the top out with the back of the spoon or butter knife and then add to the bowl.
Name three words to describe yourself.
Creative. Determined. Compassionate.
Quinoa or rice?
Rice. Rice always!!!
Favorite food brands?
Some of my favorite food brands are Artisana Organics, Kite Hill, Oatly and Daves Killer Bread
Name: Alexa Soto
