About
Welcome to Venga! Nutrition
Hi, my name is Florence and I’m originally from Paris. I lived in London for 11 years where I used to prioritise my career in marketing over my personal health. That changed when the global pandemic happened, forcing me to reassess my priorities in life. I spent a few years wondering how to make the right changes and decided to relocate to Valencia in 2023 – vitamin D is important to boost morale and this city is definitely sunnier than London! This is when I also decided to focus on what I truly felt passionate about and make a career change to become a nutritionist.
My own path to wellness was full of obstacles
As I was a fussy eater as a child, I was often “forced” to eat vegetables at meal times, in an attempt to give me a balanced diet. As an adult, I developed an unhealthy relationship with food – anything green in particular – which means I didn’t get anywhere enough fibre in my diet. Instead, I had a tendency to indulge in ultra-processed foods and prioritise what made me feel good. My unhealthy habits didn’t have much impact on my weight until I turned 25, which is when I decided to do something about it… I just didn’t know how.
Back then, I reached out to a nutritionist online to get some meal plans and recommendations that I could put in place quickly. It worked well at first because I lost 12 kgs in 3 months, but I was still overweight. I needed regular follow-ups and a complete change of habits rather than a “diet” that was never going to be sustainable. A year later, I inevitably put back on the weight I initially lost (and more). So I went to another nutritionist online and this time, we focused on the behaviour behind my eating habits rather than the food itself. I eventually reached my desired weight.
It was still not a success story though. Why? Because once again, my weight went back up a few months later. I was at my worst when I turned 35 when my BMI reached 31 (you’re considered clinically obese with a BMI over 30). I was tired of this yo-yo situation, I wanted to learn how to eat balanced but also feel good about it, not just “eating the right thing” only when I was overweight. As a result, I completely changed my eating habits by making better food choices, reminded myself I wasn’t on a diet and became aware of emotional cravings. I lost more than 25 kgs that way, which I’ve managed to keep off since by going vegan.
“Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present to live better for the future.”
William Wordsworth
Going vegan was the best decision I’ve ever made
I went vegan in January 2021 as I challenged myself to leave my childhood traumas in the past, keen to bury the hatchet with plant-based foods. It turns out my tastebuds did evolve over time, and it’s easier to “learn” how to like eating healthily by taking the time to cook more. My overall energy and fitness level increased, no more sluggish feeling after a big meal. With more than 70% of our immune system found in the gut microbiome, the food we eat has a direct impact on our immunity. It’s easier to adopt good habits in the long term when you see a direct positive impact on your health & wellbeing, isn’t it?
Today, not only do I feel more in tune with my personal beliefs and values, I also feel better overall because so many things are linked to the way we eat… If I managed to successfully transition from an omnivorous diet (with lots of meat and not many vegetables) to a 100% (healthy) vegan diet, anyone can! But I know it’s hard to do it alone, so I want to be here to assist you in the process. My goal is to inspire others to improve their lives too, through optimal nutrition.
My Mission
You can find plenty of advice and amazing recipes online so you may be wondering: why would I need a nutritionist? My role is not to teach you what you can read yourself in a book or online, I want to add value by coaching you through the process because I’ve been there before.
My Focus
I can help you with:
- Optimal vegan nutrition
- Assisted transition to a vegan diet
- Healthy & sustained weight loss on a vegan diet
Vegan nutrition involves a plant-based diet that excludes all animal products: meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived ingredients. While rich in many nutrients, a healthy vegan diet requires careful planning to meet specific nutritional needs.
Nutritional challenges in a vegan diet may arise from inadequate planning, lack of variety, or misinformation about nutrient sources. Personalised nutrition therapy is key to provide the necessary support to manage these challenges effectively, with a focus on individual preferences and ethical considerations.
Poor planning in a vegan diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, such as B12, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is strongly recommended to consult a nutrition expert on minimising these risks, ensuring a vibrant and healthy vegan lifestyle.