EAT WELL, LIVE WELL

Savor the Goodness of Plants

Rediscover the wisdom of whole foods and let nature do the nourishing!

Savor the change!

Hi there! I’m Vanessa – a plant-based chef, psychologist, and educator with a mission to empower your food choices and inspire a sustainable, healthful plant-based lifestyle.

AlegrΓ­a embodies a holistic approach to plant-based lifestyle, offering personalized guidance and invaluable educational resources. I provide unwavering support for those ready to embark on a journey toward mindful living and lasting well-being.

At the heart of AlegrΓ­a is a profound commitment to fostering health, sustainability, and ethical consciousness. With my expertise and passion, clients not only savor the exquisite flavors of plant-based creations but also embark on a transformative journey toward a more vibrant, compassionate, and sustainable life.

SERVICES

  • Plant-based culinary skills

    With a culinary background in the plant-based world in New York City, I offer menu creation, recipe development, catering, and my participation in your events or pop-ups

  • Plant-based health coaching

    I use an educational approach to guide you through simple yet powerful habits that transform your physical and mental well-being. Together, we’ll create a personalized journey toward vibrant health, empowering you to uncover your best self through mindful living and plant-based choices.

  • Cooking classes

    Cooking has many benefits for your health, whether you're a beginner in the kitchen, aspiring to elevate your culinary skills, seeking a memorable experience with your pals, or transitioning to a plant-based diet, I'm here and eager to share my knowledge with you. Let's embark on this wonderful journey togetherβ€”I promise, we'll have fun while learning! Classes available for one-on-one, couples, groups, schools, community centers, and more.

  • Pizza classes

    Pizza classes for couples, families and groups. In the hearth of Brooklyn, I host pizza classes during spring and fall for those who are interested in learn more about pizza making. Learn more

  • Food For Life Classes

    Food for Life is an award-winning nutrition education and cooking class program that provides an innovative approach to diet-related chronic diseases. Since 2001, Food for Life has been a pioneer in delivering hands-on information about the direct role of plant-based nutrition in health and disease prevention to communities around the world. More information will be post soon, or you can contact me!

LEARN MORE

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

  • β€œVanessa, also known as Alegria Vegana, has been delighting attendees at events hosted by Barrio Collective with her cruelty-free cuisine. She has treated our neighborhood to a delectable array of vegan pastries, skillfully recreating Colombian classics with plant-based ingredients. Through her culinary creations, Vanessa actively advocates for the rights of animals and emphasizes the importance of good nutrition in relation to physical and mental health."

    Barrio collective

  • "I'm grateful to find a teacher that loves what she does. I loved to learn in a dynamic way with hands on practice in a very welcoming environment."

    Susana Velez

  • "I loved the class, I was able to learn and solve all the standing questions I had. It was very hand on and easy to follow. Loved the snacks and the tips. Thank you for creating spaces like this✨🀘Barriga llena corazΓ³n contentoπŸ™"

    Diana Hernandez

  • "Thank you for a great class! I had so much fun learning how to make pizza dough from scratch as well as a salad and dessert. I love that Vanessa tried to be mindful of the environment throughout the class (and her life) by composting, not using harsh cleanings or synthetic products in her home and not using any single use plastic/paper during the class. The backyard was a beautiful place to cook pizza as well as relax after the class to eat together and enjoy them! I’m looking forward to taking more classes in the future"

    Lisa Distasi

  • "La clase de cocina vegana con Vanesa fue una revelaciΓ³n. En un ambiente Γ­ntimo y personalizado, aprendΓ­ a manejar el cuchillo con confianza y descubrΓ­ algunos secretos de la cocina vegana. Cada corte para lograr un plato fue un aprendizaje valioso. Al final, degustamos lo que preparamos, y fue simplemente delicioso. Β‘Una experiencia culinaria que recomiendo a tod@s!"

    Ana MarΓ­a Pedraza

  • β€œWe loved the pizza class! The toppings (particularly the truffle mushrooms) were to die for - fresh, excellent, if unexpected combinations with the pizza itself. The value of the class; the easy to follow recipes; and the kind teachings of Vanessa are absolutely worth it.”

    Indira Rambarran

Nourish yourself with sustainable, Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB), and transformative living 〰️

Nourish yourself with sustainable, Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB), and transformative living 〰️

LET’S CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM!

Behind the scenes of your virtual classes πŸ’• Cooking and teaching are my passions, and I'm so happy that both are part of my professional path πŸ™ŒπŸ» Thank you to all for your support and love through all this journey πŸ’œ and thank you to mi detras d
Today is #WorldFoodDay, and I would love to say THANK YOU to the farmers who provide us with vegetables, fruits, and an immense variety of plant-based food πŸ₯¬πŸŒ½πŸ“ I also want to thank those who are following a plant-based diet, which happens to be t
Have you ever felt guilty because you had to do something you know is beyond your control, yet you still wish you could change it? I have, and I think we all do! That's when reality hits, and you realize that sometimes, you just have to move forward&