Organic Dill Pickles
About Me
Hi there. My name is Nicole, and Food For Vitality is a weekly blog created to share the recipes and ideas that have changed my life. I didn’t start out eating well. Far from it. Here is a bit of my backstory:
I had an unlucky start: Not one, but two drug addicted parents. I grew up drinking Sunny Delight and eating chocolate-covered donuts for breakfast. Trust me, imitation orange juice and donuts were the tip of the iceberg. One thing led to another, and my sister and I were put into foster care for seven years. The script of my life could have read like an entire season of The Jerry Springer show, but I got lucky. Even though I was finally in a safe environment, my feelings fluctuated from quiet relief to depression. In these difficult times, food became my best friend. It offered a way to comfort the pain I felt inside.
My foster mom was incredibly passionate about food. She was also the proud owner of an ever-expanding library of cookbooks, and a monthly subscription to Gourmet Magazine. I loved to watch her cook. As far as I was concerned, the kitchen was where all the action was. One day I asked if I could make something myself, and she swiftly took me to the library to pick up a few kids cookbooks. I started out with the usual: Scrambled Eggs and Chocolate Chip Cookies. I enjoyed cooking so much that it didn’t take long to graduate from kid’s cookbooks to helping out with the Gourmet recipes. It was a wonderful feeling to see the joy on people’s faces at the dinner table. I was having fun and making a positive contribution.
At the age of 17, I was introduced to natural cooking by my friend Malina who is a Macrobiotic chef. I was inspired by the wholesome and healthy meals she was making for her clients. After years of cooking, and quite literally a lot of eating, I was lovely, but chubby. Food had become my friend and enemy. Naturally cooked meals were simply prepared, delicious, and had nutritional benefits to boot. Within a month I lost 20 pounds. My weight has finally stabilized, and it now fluctuates between 125 to 130 pounds. I feel lighter and brighter.
Over the years, I have tried many conscious-cooking styles, but quite honestly, I am just too greedy to commit to one. I would love to be 100% raw, but in the winter I crave a creamy squash soup topped with toasted tamari pumpkin seeds. I could be macrobiotic, but my mood will shift, and I will yearn for a mildly spiced pilau with currants, toasted slivered almonds, and topped with cauliflower bhaji. Oh, lime pickle and mango chutney on the side please. I am inspired and in awe of the staggering benefits of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. In recent years, I have also discovered the power of superfoods. My humble intention is to share with you the recipes and information that have healed me emotionally and physically.
A bit of career history: I lived in London for 12 years working as a session singer on tv, in the studio, and performing live around the world. Some of the more notable artists are Sly Stone, and from the UK, Robbie Williams, Simply Red, DReam, and Texas. While on tour, I would take photos for fun to document my travels. Photography had always been a treasured hobby. After five years it became a career. I have shot fashion and music for British Vogue, I.D., The Face, Interview, Dazed and Confused, Arena, Arena Hommes Plus, NME, and Oyster. I also had the privilege to work on the Oscar nominated documentary, “Deliver Us From Evil.”
With a bit of determination and luck, I made a great life for myself. Currently, I live in my hometown of Los Angeles with my husband Toby, and our son, Jake.
I love your story, what a passionate and beautiful person you are. I doubt luck had anything to do with it. It’s amazing what happens for a person when they put themselves “out there”. I wish you much continued success in your life. You are a credit to this planet.
In fun,
Eva Suzuki
Hi Nicole just wanted to tell you how great your website is looking and it was nice seeing you today.
Best,
Rona Navales (English 10)
Hey Rona! Great to see you too. I will never forget English 10, What an experience that was, eh? In the next few months, I’ll be introducing lifestyle photos and laid back food with a Laurel Canyon twist. I’m very excited!
See you soon,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
I just wandered up on your website and I must tell you I am already a fan of your site, you, and your beautiful family.
What great a blog this is.
All the best to you and yours!
-Kevin in Florida
Nicole WHEN are you going to make your recipes, dishes, etc. available as maybe an e-book so I can order it – I really want a compilation of your dishes and am anxiously awaiting for “FFV-I” to come out – Amazon perhaps??? Good place to put it so I can share with friends to download on our Kindles! Let us know.
Thanks Nicole!
Hey Deby,
Nice to hear from you and thanks for the enthusiasm in getting a book to you! I’m not sure if I will publish an ebook or to pursue the traditional route. I will let you know soon:)
Peace and kind thanks,
Nicole
Used to see you doing back-up for Texas back in the day, you were brilliant! And your life story really touched me. I hope you guys live a wonderful life in that adorable home of yours!
xoxo
Thanks for the kind words Mats! Singing and taking photos with Texas was a blast. I was VERY lucky to work with the band and their fans are THE BEST! So loyal and fun-loving. We are enjoying the house and when I think about my life so far I pinch myself. How did I get this lucky?
Big hug and much much love,
Nicole xo
Hey Nicole, was great seeing you in London a few months ago, I’ve had a look at your site, Amazing!
Your house looks like paradise but I’d have left in a few of the slot machines ( only joking ).
The Texas days seem like a lifetime ago now haha but many new better things are happening.
All the best
See you
Allyx
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Great to hear from you Ally! Let me know when you gig in L.A. or I will give you a jingle when I’m back in London. So cool that you’re working with two great bands. Lucky you
Sorry about the slot machines mate. Whenever you’re in town, come on over for a drink and a round of Candyland or Connect Four…lol
Love to you, Shar, and the band!
Nicole xo
Love your bio! Your son is adorable (and so is your dress)! Will be back to read more … printed out the veggie meatballs recipe to try (linked via Huff Po). Thanks!
Just ran across your site. Very inspiring. I will definitely be trying out some of your vegan recipes. Btw, your home is gorgeous & so is your family. I think I’m also going to have to try out some hiking in Laurel Cyn this weekend as well