Candice Oliver is the talented foodie behind @candicelynnfitvegan. Candice lives a plant-powered lifestyle, which partnered with her passion for fitness, she uses to inspire people around the world to lead healthier, happier lives. She is a contributor to our Vegan Bowls cookbook, and it is a pleasure to have her be a part of our Coco community!
Tell us about yourself!
I am originally from South Georgia, but currently live in the state of New York. I am passionate about health and fitness and hope to motivate others by means of social media. Instagram is not my job – it’s an outlet to share my motivation and, in turn, motivate others.
When did you start food blogging on Instagram and what inspired you to start?
I started about 5 years ago just as a way to find inspiration and to hold myself accountable. I had no idea that others would be interested in my own journey to better health. What a fun surprise!
How long have you been vegan and what lead you to this lifestyle?
I have been vegan for over 5 years now. I was motivated by others who I came across on Instagram, who were stepping into veganism and experiencing success. I was vegetarian for a year or so prior.
What are your top tips for someone looking to transition to a vegan diet?
For me, it was a gradual approach. When I finally made the leap to be fully vegan it was overnight, but I had eliminated a lot of animal products from my diet in years prior. Focus on adding more and more whole plant foods to your diet while decreasing the number of animal products.
Explore healthier vegan alternatives to the foods and meals you love most and be patient. Your taste and your body will need time to adjust to your new way of eating and for you to see results but over time, the results are exponential.
What’s your go-to breakfast?
Soaked oats – a version of which is featured in the Coconut Bowls cookbook! I also love granola and unsweetened plain non-dairy yoghurt.
If you could only have four ingredients in a buddha bowl, what would they be?
Avocado (of course), quinoa, beans, and greens.
When your not food blogging, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I really enjoy fitness! I do a variety of workouts to ensure I’m all kinds of strong – HIIT, weights, callisthenics, barre, and lots of stretching. But of course, other aspects of my health are also very important too – my spiritual and emotional health. I dedicate much time to caring for these needs as well which includes spending time with loved ones.
You serve up some pretty amazing dishes in our coconut bowls! What has been your favourite so far?
So hard to choose! But I do love a good bowl of ramen. Really any noodle dish would be my fav!
What is your favourite thing about your Coconut Bowls?
My Coconut bowls bring my meals even closer to nature. I love that we are reusing something that would usually be trashed, as something beautiful and functional.
We are so excited to have one of your recipes included in our new cookbook ‘Vegan Bowls’. Tell us about the recipe you chose and what it means for you to be apart of the book?
The recipe I chose is a staple in my diet! I eat overnight soaked oats almost daily for breakfast and thought many could benefit from how quick and simply it is prepared. You can make it ahead of time and grab it on the go too! It’s perfect for busy people who want to stay healthy.
To learn more about Candice: @candicelynnfitvegan