A few things you should know about me right off the bat, I’m an avid yogi and ultimate pizza lover. Doesn’t matter what time of day, hot or cold, if there is pizza anywhere in the vicinity, I will eat it. Saying that “out loud” seems somewhat contradictory…daily power vinyasa followed by (delicious) cheesy, greasy pizza. But hey, I like what I like.

Many of my friends subscribe to the “clean eating” lifestyle, some due to food allergies, others for the inherent health benefits this kind of diet provides. I have, until recently, held firm in my pizza eating ways…mostly because the thought of drinking a green smoothie or eating kale chips triggered a mild gag reflex. How could that possibly taste good, let alone fill you up? We’re people, not rabbits!

I’ve been bombarded with nutrition facts and healthy recipes for years, most of which I tuned out…it wasn’t for me. Then, while working on the most recent issue of WO Magazine, something clicked. I was reading “Super Foods, Super You” and thought, I’m putting this much effort into my fitness, maybe I should give these “super foods” a try. Plus Michelle Vogiatzis (author of the Superfood article and yoga teacher extraordinaire at White Oaks) promised I would feel like a super hero, which was pretty enticing.

So off I went, to the grocery store, then the health food store, then Costco, and back to the market. Loading up on ingredients I couldn’t pronounce and had no idea how to cook with. It was scary, weird, and I was way, way out of my element. I got home, unpacked, stared at my haul and pondered what to do next.

Step one: purchase a butt load of super healthy food – check. Step 2: figure out what it is and how to eat it. Step three: turn it into pizza??

It took me a couple of weeks to adjust, and learn new recipes, (lots of great ideas on this site Tasty Yummies) but let me tell you, spicy quinoa with roasted tomatoes, kale and goat cheese is delicious! And surprisingly, so are green smoothies. I drank the koolaid, and honestly I feel great. I have more energy, my skin is clear and glowing, and have even shed a couple pounds – not my intention but I’ll take it!

If you’re like me when it comes to this “clean eating” business…curious, hesitant and maybe a little (very) stubborn, just suck it up and give it a try! Seriously. You can thank me later.