Exclusive Interview: Inside Santa Verde’s Vegetarian Journey

Embark on an inspiring journey: this exclusive vegetarian lifestyle interview with Santa Verde, a vibrant soul from Naples who has woven her love for adventure, storytelling, and a compassionate lifestyle into a tapestry of life that many dream of but few dare to live.

In this exclusive interview, Santa shares the serendipitous moment that transformed her from a curious explorer to a dedicated vegetarian, marking a decade of living in harmony with her ethics and the environment.

As a Tour Leader, Travel Writer, and Content Creator, Santa’s life is a testament to the beauty of embracing change and the power of influence one person can have on another’s life choices.

Santa’s narrative is not just about removing meat from her diet; it’s a profound exploration of adopting a balanced lifestyle, overcoming stereotypes, and finding joy in the simple act of eating consciously.

Whether it was the challenge of giving up certain foods or the journey towards a balanced diet with the help of a nutritional coach, Santa’s story is imbued with the spirit of discovery and the pursuit of wellbeing.

For those seeking inspiration to embark on a path towards a healthier, more ethical diet, Santa’s experiences serve as a beacon of motivation and practical advice.

From debunking myths associated with vegetarianism to sharing her methods for maintaining a balanced diet, Santa’s insights are a treasure trove for anyone looking to make a life-changing dietary choice.

Below, Santa Verde opens up about her life, her decision to become vegetarian, and the joys and challenges of her dietary journey:

Santa Verde ’s Vegetarian Lifestyle Interview

Hi Santa! First of all, introduce yourself: tell us who you are, how old you are, where you are from, what you do in life, and how long you have been a vegetarian!

Hello! So, my name is Santa Verde, I am from Naples, and I like to say that I play with my life (I am a Tour Leader, Travel Writer, and Content Creator).

I have been a vegetarian for 10 years. It’s a funny story because I hadn’t planned it. I went to Berlin for an Erasmus + project, where I met Claudia for the first time (who is now one of my best friends).
She had been a vegetarian since she was 14, so when I met her, I thought, “Okay, let’s try,” and I never ate meat or fish again.

To be honest, I had already tried eating vegetarian before meeting Claudia, but I failed!

Is there any food that you found more challenging to eliminate from your diet?

In my family, we have always eaten a lot of meat, so I expected I would miss eating meat. Nope, I started craving fish, which I didn’t often eat before.

But I wouldn’t call it “complicated.”

For those wondering: How do you ensure you follow a balanced diet by eliminating so many foods from your diet?

I wasn’t sure at all that my diet was balanced; I just did it. But after 10 years, it’s a completely different story. I have my meal plan, and a nutritional coach helped me create it. My blood tests say it works, at least.

Are there still many stereotypes associated with this type of choice?

It depends on where you are. In big cities, it’s completely normal; in small towns, people are sometimes curious about it, sometimes ironic.

Do you feel better since you adopted this dietary path?

Absolutely! My diet was completely wrong, and I didn’t know it. I started to feel lighter and – unpopular opinion – with more energy!

Have you ever thought about transitioning to veganism?

Yes, of course, I did, and I still do. The reason why I stopped eating meat and fish was that I felt guilty for the animals. But being vegetarian is not enough. When I’m home, I eat almost vegan, but when I’m around, I don’t.

There are some habits I’m not ready to leave, but I think that one day I’ll just quit, without planning it, as I did when I turned vegetarian.

What methods or tools help you maintain this lifestyle?

I don’t have any in particular. What really helped me improve my diet was having a nutritional plan. I decided I wanted to lose weight, and I started eating better by balancing all the nutrients I needed and learning to read labels.

This helps a lot, whatever diet you choose for yourself. I feel better now and know how to eat.
Then, I am that kind of person who really cooks recipes found on the Internet, the vegan ones of course. I want to start preparing cheese by myself.

Would you like to give some tips and advice to those who are thinking of embarking on this path?

Just be ironic with people who want to make jokes about it or ignore those who want to start a discussion, attack, and end up saying that you’re aggressive.

Accept that plants also suffer and, of course, do it by having a balanced plan, not like me at the beginning.

Just to finish up this vegetarian lifestyle interview: what are the joys of living this way?

The same as living with other lifestyles! And of course (for me) the feeling that I’m not eating animals. I’m eating less and less, also eggs and dairy.

Thank You, Santa!

As our conversation with Santa Verde comes to a close, we can’t help but be inspired by the passion and thoughtfulness she brings to every aspect of her life, especially her vegetarian journey.

Her story is not just one of dietary change but a holistic transformation that embraces travel, friendship, health, and a deep respect for all living beings.

Santa’s approach to life, characterized by openness, experimentation, and a commitment to personal and environmental health, offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a similar path.

Santa’s experiences remind us that adopting a vegetarian lifestyle is a journey filled with discovery, challenges, and immense rewards.

Whether you’re motivated by health concerns, ethical considerations, or environmental sustainability, Santa’s insights provide a practical and motivational guide to making sustainable changes that resonate with your values and lifestyle.

We are incredibly grateful to Santa for taking the time to share her journey with us, offering a glimpse into the life of someone who has not only embraced vegetarianism but thrived because of it.

Her story is a beacon of inspiration for those on the brink of making life-altering decisions towards healthier and more ethical living.

For readers who wish to follow Santa’s adventures more closely and draw daily inspiration from her travels and culinary explorations, we warmly encourage you to visit her website, WanderWave, and to connect with her on Instagram:  @wanderwave.it.

Through her engaging content, Santa continues to share her love for the world, her culinary discoveries, and her insights into living a balanced, joyful life as a vegetarian.

As we bid farewell to Santa and this enlightening conversation, let’s carry forward the message of change, resilience, and the joy of living in alignment with our beliefs.

May Santa’s story inspire you to explore, question, and perhaps embark on your own journey towards a more sustainable, compassionate, and fulfilling lifestyle.

Thank you, Santa, for your openness, wisdom, and the gentle reminder that the journey towards change, much like life itself, is an adventure worth embracing.