Annelina runs a successful blog and popular Instagram page through which she shares her favourite vegan recipes and inspires her community to lead healthy, conscious lives! We chatted to Annelina about her blog, lifestyle and inspiration.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi there! I’m Annelina. A few years ago I moved to the vegan capital of the world, Berlin! Actually, there is a duel with LA which is one reason why I love both cities so much. I love to inspire people to live a healthy and active life to get what they serve – happiness.
In January of 2017, I finished my Master of Science in Sport Health and Communication Management and then three months later, I launched my first book titled Buddha Bowls, which is now in the sixth edition. I am currently working on my second book, which is an exciting project! I am a full-time blogger and am also a yoga teacher.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
- Yoga gives me the feeling of peace, balance and being ‘at one’ with myself.
- I’m the worst person with technical stuff; my data is always full, at least one of my techniques isn’t working (right now it’s my pc).
- I can’t wait to get up in the morning.
- I love my sneakers and jeans and am too lazy to dress up.
- I spend ages food shopping while clothes shopping is kind of annoying!
- Cinnamon is my favourite spice and I have a huge weakness for cinnamon buns.
- I listen to audiobooks, almost every single free minute. On my bike rides, train rides, during cooking or cleaning.
- I believe that everything happens for a reason.
- You are amazing, thank you for reading!
When did you start food blogging on Instagram and what inspired you to start?
In 2014, my best friend told me that I should post my food on Instagram. I said that I didn’t understand why at the time, but I did it anyway, because why not! I have always loved to arrange my food and sort by colors. Initially, I didn’t get the whole Instagram craze, but somehow others did and started following me. One and a half years later, I launched my blog which quickly became my happy place.
What are the biggest challenges and greatest rewards of being a food/lifestyle blogger?
To always live healthily while being on the road all the time, having no routine and rushing through your day. It’s important, not to want too much, to stay focused on your skills and be your authentic self. I always ask myself, “Is this what you really want?” and “what’s the impact of this?”.
In saying this, it is a wonderful reward when other people become inspired. The friendships and connections that I have made through blogging and turning vegan is what I love the most.
You are such a positive advocate for plant-based living. What led you to this lifestyle choice?
Oh, thank you! When I was travelling in New Zealand, I run out of money so starting working for a butcher. I was asked if I’d like to kill a chicken. I said, NO! I was then asked if I would like to watch it, which I responded: NEVER! This prompted me to ask myself, “if I can’t even watch it, how can I eat it?”. This was a turning point for turning vegetarian. Through some books, my own health problems and documentaries, it took me 2 more months until I followed a whole plant-based lifestyle. It was my New Year’s Eve Resolution in 2013.
What are your top tips for someone looking to transition to a vegan diet?
My advice would be to try a sustainable plant-based diet for a certain period of time and become aware of the benefits or disadvantages. Try to stay positive through your new goals and always keep in mind that you are doing this for yourself but also for the animals, for your children and for the planet.
Where do you get your recipe inspiration from?
I love to browse through old non vegan and unhealthy recipes. My challenge is to make them vegan and healthy. Sometimes I go on Pinterest or Instagram!
What are some things you like to do in your spare time?
Yoga and exercising, meeting friends in cafes or restaurants, being with my family.
If you could live off one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Summer Rolls!
You serve up some pretty amazing dishes in our Coconut Bowls! What has been your favorite so far?
Acai Bowls. Coconut Bowls seem to be made for them!
What is your favorite thing about your Coconut Bowls?
That I can take them everywhere and anywhere. I even traveled through California with this bowl in my backpack.
To learn more about Annelina: @annelinawaller