Green Bites 2024: Where Practical Nutrition Meets Planet-Friendly Palates!

As the Founder and Practical Dietitian behind Green Bites™, Elisa has transformed a lifelong passion for food and wellness into a mission to make plant-based eating accessible, delicious, and impactful. The journey began with inspiration from her mother and blossomed during her graduate studies in Nutrition Education. Through years of experience and collaboration with brilliant colleagues, Elisa realized a profound truth: what’s good for our bodies is often just as good for the planet. By incorporating sustainability into her approach, she empowers clients—adults and children alike—to embrace simple, plant-based meals that not only nourish the body but also contribute to the fight against climate change. Since 2020, Green Bites™ has been making plant-focused eating practical and appealing. Elisa's programs meet clients where they are, offering quick, nutritious solutions that redefine how we view food. With a firm belief that sustainability and great taste can coexist, Elisa is proving that every green bite matters. Join Delivery Rank as we explore Elisa’s journey, the inspiration behind Green Bites™, and her vision for a healthier, greener future—one meal at a time.

Green Bites™ started as a personal journey inspired by your mother and evolved into a mission-driven business. Can you share the story behind this transformation and the values that drive your work?

My mom had an interest in healthy food and she was a great cook. Growing up, we never had soda or Twinkies in the house and the one sugar cereal that made it in was Life (barely a sugar cereal by today’s standards!)...but only when grandpa was visiting. I learned to cook by helping in the kitchen and watching the magic (my mom once made a meal out of celery!).

Once I embarked on my second career (nutrition), I knew that I wanted to work in public health. From personal experience (and the research of course), I knew that many people know what to do, but just need more help with the how. Throughout my career, I always focused on helping clients/patients eat more vegetables, because that was the most effective way to improve their diet.

My husband and I were never huge meat-eaters, but we found that, after the kids moved out, we were eating smaller portions of it, and less often. When covid hit and group workshops halted, I had an opportunity to look into the data on healthy diet and sustainable eating, cooking and experimenting with more vegan options. I set my mind to finding or developing recipes that were quick, easy and delicious and sharing this knowledge with others. I started Green Bites™ to help make plant-based eating accessible to everyone. 

My mom had a knack for connecting with people. She was compassionate and interested in others, from her stint as our Brownie Troop Leader 40+ years ago, to volunteering on the Welcome Committee at her Independent Living residence last year. My mom developed a glioblastoma in 2023 and passed early this year, but she remains an inspiration to me.

You highlight that what's good for us is also good for the planet. How do you help clients see and embrace this connection in their everyday food choices?

I think the number one way to get to that connection is by showing them how delicious and easy it is. Many things we can do about climate change involve restriction or inconvenience…fly less, drive less, limit single-use plastic, etc. But with plant-based eating, the solution also enriches our life. It’s not about limiting animal foods as much as increasing the diversity of our diet and being mindful about it.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about plant-based diets, and how do you address them through your Green Bites™ programs?

A lot of people think a plant based diet is boring and restrictive. The truth is it’s anything but that. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds add texture, color and flavor to your meals. Animal foods, on the other hand, are generally just white or brown and there are not that many types. I love showing people how interesting and delicious plant foods can be.

With the current protein craze, many people express concerns about getting enough on a plant-based diet. The truth is that most plant-based foods contain protein. Legumes are, in fact,  a protein super-food, rich in fiber for a healthy gut microbiome and possessing the ability to sequester carbon in the soil (they create their own fertilizer!). Most Americans (including vegans) are consuming adequate protein. But guess what we’re not getting enough of…fiber, which is found in all plant based proteins! 

Climate change can feel overwhelming for many. How do you balance promoting plant-based eating for health and sustainability without making it seem daunting or restrictive?

First off, taking climate action with your fork is a simple and empowering step we all can take. It’s not necessary to go cold turkey; choosing sustainable foods should be additive, not punitive. Whether you eat smaller portions of meat or eat it less often, any increase in the predominance of plant foods will improve your health. I like to meet clients where they are. If you eat hamburgers every day, start with mixing the meat with mushrooms, or maybe just try an impossible burger on Mondays. But if you eat mostly plant-based already, we can figure out how to add more variety to your intake or fine-tune your nutrients.

How do you engage children and families in adopting more plant-based habits, and what creative approaches have you found to be particularly effective?

I started my nutrition career with Cornell Cooperative Extension, so I have an extensive background in working with families and teaching healthy on a budget. I’ve worked with teens, seniors and developmentally disabled young adults. Engaging people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of ability starts with listening to understand. And, of course, food is the great motivator. Gaining confidence in the kitchen and sampling what they make are the best ways to motivate healthy habits.

To read more about Green Bites, please visit https://www.green-bites.com/