Discover Ilaria Pierini’s Journey: From the Marche Region to a Sustainable Lifestyle
In recent years, more and more people have been embracing a mindful lifestyle, striving to reduce their environmental impact through more sustainable daily choices.
Today, we introduce you to Ilaria Pierini, a passionate food blogger specializing in vegan and gluten-free cuisine, who has transformed her love for nature into a true philosophy of life.
From the rolling hills of the Marche region to the bustling city of Milan, Ilaria has found the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, sharing healthy recipes, eco-friendly home tips, and ideas for a greener lifestyle with thousands of followers.
In this interview, she tells us how the 2020 lockdown became a turning point for a newfound awareness, leading her to revolutionize her eating habits and daily routine. Discover her story and get inspired!
Ilaria Pierini Sustainable Lifestyle Interview
Hi Ilaria, welcome! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi everyone! I’m Ilaria, and I’m 37 years old. Since childhood, I have always had a strong connection to nature and the traditions of my homeland. Growing up between the rolling hills of the Marche region and the sea, I learned to appreciate slow rhythms, authentic flavors, and respect for the environment.
Today, I live in Milan with my husband and daughter, where we strive to maintain a simple and mindful lifestyle despite the fast-paced city life. The move to Milan was driven by job opportunities, but I like to think that I brought a piece of the greenery and serenity of my homeland with me.
During the lockdown, you experienced a “personal awakening” that led you to reflect on your daily choices. How did these reflections influence your journey towards a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle?
The 2020 lockdown was a time of deep introspection for me. When the world came to a halt, I found myself reflecting on my daily choices and their impact—not only on myself but also on the environment and other living beings.
I realized that some of my habits did not align with my ethical values, especially when it came to food. That’s when a strong desire emerged to live in a way that was more consistent with my beliefs, adopting a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle.
This was the starting point for many of the choices that now define my daily life, from a plant-based diet to a more eco-conscious approach to home management.
Your passion for cooking is evident in your blog. How did this passion begin, and how has it evolved over time?
My passion for cooking has been with me since childhood. I grew up watching my mother and grandmother cook, learning from them the value of homemade dishes made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Over time, this passion evolved, especially when I embarked on my journey toward a more plant-based diet. It has been an exciting adventure—I started experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, creating both completely original recipes and vegan adaptations of traditional dishes.
I love alternating between these two approaches: on one hand, exploring new flavor combinations, and on the other, maintaining a connection to my culinary roots. Today, through my blog, I strive to share this joy and inspire others to discover the potential of vegan cuisine.
On your blog, you share many vegan and gluten-free recipes. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in adopting and developing these recipes?
There have been two main challenges: finding alternative ingredients and balancing flavors. At first, it wasn’t easy to find the right substitutes for traditional ingredients like eggs or cheese, but with some research and experimentation,
I discovered amazing ingredients such as tofu, coconut milk, and chickpea flour. The second challenge was creating dishes that were not only healthy but also delicious and satisfying—for both me and my family.
It has been a continuous learning process, but I can now say that every challenge overcome has made my recipes even more special.
Do you have a favorite recipe among those you’ve created?
Absolutely! My favorite recipe is azuki bean brownies. It’s a surprising dessert because it contains legumes, but no one can tell from the first bite! Azuki beans give the brownie a soft and rich texture without altering the sweet chocolate flavor.
It’s a recipe I love to make to impress friends and family, showing just how creative and delicious vegan cooking can be. I’d be happy to share the full recipe and a photo!
As a mother, what strategies do you use to teach your daughter values related to environmental respect and a sustainable lifestyle?
I try to lead by example and make learning fun. I involve my daughter in small daily activities, such as separating waste, taking care of plants, or choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables at the market.
I read her stories about nature and animal welfare, and sometimes we cook simple, healthy recipes together. I believe the key is making her feel involved, showing that even small actions can make a difference.
Your blog also offers eco-friendly and budget-conscious home tips. Could you share some of your favorite tips for a more sustainable household?
Of course! One tip I love to share is reducing food waste by planning weekly meals and using leftovers creatively. For example, leftover vegetable soup can be a great base for veggie patties.
I also recommend paying attention to cleaning products—I prefer using homemade natural cleaners, such as a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Lastly, using reusable bags and glass containers significantly helps reduce plastic waste.
What are your main sources of inspiration for creating new recipes and content for your blog?
My primary source of inspiration is nature. I love observing the colors, aromas, and textures of seasonal ingredients. I also find many ideas in traditional Italian cuisine, which I try to reinterpret in a vegan way.
Lastly, I love discovering new flavors and techniques from different cultures—every trip or cookbook gives me fresh inspiration.
How do you balance managing your blog, family life, and other daily activities?
It’s not always easy, but I try to stay organized by planning in advance. I set aside specific hours each week to create content for my blog while leaving time for family and relaxation.
For me, it’s essential to establish priorities and remind myself that it’s okay to slow down when needed.
Finally, what advice would you give to those who want to start their journey towards a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle, both in the kitchen and in everyday life?
My advice is to start small, without pressure. Every little change is a step towards a better world. In the kitchen, experiment with plant-based and seasonal ingredients—you’ll be amazed at how versatile and flavorful they can be.
In daily life, be mindful of your consumption habits and always ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Remember, sustainability is a journey, not a destination.
Thank You, Ilaria!
We hope Ilaria’s story has inspired you to explore new ways to make your daily life more sustainable—from the kitchen to home management. Her journey shows that small changes can make a big difference, turning everyday habits into meaningful acts of mindfulness.
A huge thank you to Ilaria for sharing her experiences, passions, and valuable advice with us! If you’d like to keep following her and get inspired by her recipes and tips, here’s where you can find her:
📸 Instagram → @ilariafoodandhome
🌍 Website → ilariafoodandhome.it
📘 Facebook → ilariafoodandhomeofficial
📺 YouTube → ilariafoodandhome
Don’t miss out on her content and get inspired by a more mindful way of living!
