Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiorella Anda.
Hi Fiorella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Let’s take it back to 2016 where I began to notice that I wasn’t feeling optimally in my body. I’ve always been very self aware and in tune with myself, so I knew something was off. At just 20 years old I was feeling lethargic after eating, bloated, moody, gained at least 15 pounds in a couple months and much more. I had heard about how closely connected the food we eat and our health was so I thought to myself, “What if I switch up what I’m eating and see if that helps?”
At the time, I was already in college beginning my prerequisites for the Pre-Vet track at the University of Central Florida and one day after classes I went to my apartment and started searching the internet for alternative ways of eating that can help relieve some of the symptoms I was experiencing (I was desperate) and in my search I came across a free 30 day vegan challenge hosted by a Vegan Dietitian and was instantly intrigued due to the structure and evidence behind it. Plus, I love a good challenge, so I thought, why not? Coming from a Hispanic background, my entire family is Ecuadorian and are huge fans of meat, fish, dairy, etc., so as you can imagine this would be a big change for me, especially as a former meat-lover!
I set out to do this challenge in hopes of feeling a difference in my body and to my surprise I DID! However, I only got through the first 21 days and then caved and had something with a little dairy in it. But because I felt so much better already, I started the challenge over again and successfully completed the 30 days. I was so proud of myself and truly felt such a difference, that I stuck it out for another month, then another, the another and the rest is history. (I’m still predominantly plant-based 8 years later)
I knew I was on to something and quickly realized that I actually really loved nutrition and decided to switch majors and transfer back to my hometown in Miami. I went on to get my Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University and graduated in 2018 and completed a 1200 hour supervised dietetic internship during the peak of the pandemic so after the first few months, I was forced to finish the internship virtually.
After that, it was time for me to prepare to take the exam to become credentialed as a Registered Dietitian. This was during a very tumultuous time of course and I just couldn’t seem to get my head in the game. This isn’t something I’ve really ever shared publicly. At first, I thought it was test anxiety, but after 4 failed attempts I knew that it wasn’t necessarily because the material was hard (although it was), but I realized I didn’t actually want to become a Registered Dietitian. Western dietitians are trained to follow what I like to call the “sick-care method”, putting bandaids over people’s symptoms and I knew that I wanted to do much more than that and have a bigger impact in the lives of the people who crossed my path.
When I graduated, I was already immersing myself in holistic routes of health and how to look at the body as a whole, not just a part to the whole and realized health is much more than JUST nutrition. So ultimately, that career path no longer aligned with me either. So I set out to do things a little differently-the non-traditional route if you will. I had seen other healthcare professionals promote their services on social media and make a living from it and that’s exactly what I wanted to do as well. I wanted to build my own virtual practice and with zero experience, I dove in and made many many mistakes along the way. Hired mentors, coaches, that didn’t really take me very far, a lot of trial and error and with not a lot of money in my pocket. I was in a lot of debt, but I knew that this was the path I wanted, so I persevered. I had many stumbles along the way, but in 2021-2022 I started my virtual practice PlntMore Nutrition and decided to go all in.
Fast forward to today, I am a proud business owner of PlntMore Nutrition, founded in pursuit of solution-based, science-backed, and sustainable-sourced methods in guiding you towards achieving your version of wellness and cultivating body wisdom. I offer 1 on 1 coaching, group programs, bootcamps, speaking engagements for workshops or community events and run my own social media platform creating content for not only my brand, but other health and wellness brands that align with me and my ethos as well. I strive to offer the best of the best to my clients and community and I’m really proud of where I am today. Although I’m still not where I want to be, I know this is only the beginning for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like I mentioned before, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I took an untraditional route and with that comes a lot of skepticism. My family nor friends really understood what I was doing at the time and although they ultimately came around and did their best to support me, it did plant a little bit of doubt inside of me. I had imposter syndrome, believing that even after 4 years of studying for a college nutrition degree, I still didn’t “know enough” or “sound professional enough” to help others and teach them the information that helped ME transform my health, which looking back now is absolutely crazy! But hey, we all learn somehow right?
In full transparency, I also had a lot of financial burden since I had to take out over 30k of student loans and after that continued to invest in business coaches and putting it on credit cards, some of which I never saw a return on. With that, came a lot of money blocks and stress around finances. I had to do a lot of personal development to get out of that mindset and shift into an abundance mindset and over time was able to pay off most of my debt.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about PlntMore Nutrition?
I specialize in holistic health, with a focus on women’s health, hormonal balance, and gut health. I would say I’m known for my comprehensive approach to nutrition that emphasizes plant-based eating without being restrictive. My key areas of expertise are hormone health and cycle syncing, gut health optimization, intuitive eating and developing a healthy relationship with food, environmental wellness and reducing exposure to toxins.
What sets me apart are my 8 years of experience in the field, my personal journey of healing, including overcoming mold exposure, and my thorough and honest approach to sharing information. I also avoid sensationalism and fear-mongering and most importantly I combine my scientific knowledge with practical, intuitive approaches.
My services and offerings include one-on-one consultations and personalized programs, group bootcamps, digital products (e.g., meal plans, guides, masterclasses), and educational content across various social media platforms.
I am most proud of my authentic, no-nonsense approach to health and nutrition. I value providing real, sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes, and take pride in helping clients develop a better understanding of their bodies.
I want readers to know that PlntMore Nutrition is about empowering individuals to take control of their health through education, personalized strategies, and a holistic approach. Optimal health is achievable without extreme measures, and understanding your body is key to long-term wellness.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the health and wellness industry transforming in some exciting ways. I believe personalized health plans will become the norm, thanks to advances in technology and data analytics. Imagine having nutrition, fitness, and mental health strategies tailored just for you based on your own data. I also think there will be a greater acceptance of integrative and holistic approaches, combining traditional medical practices with alternative therapies to really get to the root of health issues.
Mental health will take center stage, and we’ll see more emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices as well as preventive health measures. Tech innovations like sophisticated wearables and health apps will let us monitor our health in real-time, making it easier to stay on track. Plus, the rise of virtual wellness communities will give us platforms to share experiences and support each other. I’m excited to be part of these changes and to share insights to help all of us navigate this evolving landscape together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/plntmorenutrition
- Instagram: instagram.com/plntmorenutrition
