Hey there, fellow foodie! I'm Tali, the creative force behind TooYummytoBeleaf, and I couldn't be more excited to invite you into my cozy online kitchen.

Let's dive right into how an anime-loving gamer, who happens to be a vegetarian, started on the path to wellness, shall we?

My journey into the world of vegetarianism began at the ripe old age of 23. Blame it on my mom – she's been rocking the veggie life since the '90s, and her culinary prowess made it easy to love my meatless dinners. Although she encouraged me to go full vegetarian, it took a while to rub off on me (I really loved char-grill hotdogs and all things chicken.) But when it finally did, I went full dive into the world of plant-based goodness.

In 2022, my mom's sudden passing plunged me into a profound state of grief. As I grappled with this loss, life continued to throw obstacles my way. Job loss, car troubles, and a series of personal setbacks followed in rapid succession and lasted a year without stopping. Amidst the challenges, I found solace in the kitchen, turning to cooking as a source of comfort and healing during this difficult time.

I later would begin to start my wellness journey. With the original intention of learning to cope with my grief. I discovered there were many old wounds that needed to heal. Through therapy, physical and mental exercises, and nutrition, I would begin to heal my body from the years of neglect built up to this climax in my life.

Grateful for my supportive partner at the time who later became my husband, he kept me grounded and away from drowning in ice cream (the struggle was real.) Together, we've faced life's challenges and emerged stronger for it.

Now, let's talk cooking. It's more than just a hobby to me – it's therapy, art, and a source of joy. I love the challenge of making all kinds of recipes from different cultures, and I love surprising friends & family by whipping up dishes that even dedicated carnivores would enjoy. Cooking with my mom was always a cherished experience, filled with our goofy sense of humor and love. Now, I continue to enjoy the kitchen with my husband, as we explore the world of vegetarian cuisine one delicious dish at a time.

But enough about me – let's talk about you! Whether you're a seasoned veggie veteran or new to plant-based eating, I'm hoping to share some delicious ideas with you and I hope you’ll share some of yours with me too!

So grab your utensils (or don't, no judgment here), and let's embark on this flavorful journey together. Because in life's challenges, we find opportunities to create something extraordinary – like a killer tofu stir-fry! (am I right?)

With love, laughter, and plenty of veggies,
-Tali