Fridge Voyeur is a virtual visit into the chill zone of the Spoon Crew — our team, our friends, and some of your favorite wellness gurus. We may eat a lot of plants, but you better believe there’s a whole lot of variety, and a little bit of naughty, going on behind closed doors. We know you want a peek!

This week, we’re peeking into the fridge of personal trainer and personal development junkie, Julie Soviero.

Splendid Spoon: Hey Julie! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Julie: Hi Splendid! I became a personal trainer and personal development coach because I love helping people with their health and fitness.

Personally, I’ve had a challenging wellness journey. As a young adult, I tried every diet and fitness program out there, but nothing had lasting results. I constantly lost weight only to gain it again. Worse yet, I never felt good. I always felt deprived, irritable, or achy.

After years of research and education, I realized that eating nutrient-dense, plant-based food was the best way to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. I made the decision to change my diet to be 100% plant-based seven years ago. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Since then, I’ve learnt so much about micronutrients and health. I love being able to help other people avoid making the mistakes I did.

SS: What staples can you not live without?
JS: My staples change seasonally, but right now I can’t live without cashew milk yogurt, lettuce (I know it sounds boring, but it’s a must!), tea, and chickpeas.

SS: What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge?
JS: It has to be “hempeh,” a plant-based protein made of fermented hemp seeds and peanuts. I buy mine from a great company called Smiling Hara, who are based in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s seasoned so beautifully: it has that great umami taste and can be sliced up and used like chicken.

SS: What’s your fave sweet and what’s your fave savory?
JS: My favorite sweet has to be raw cookie dough butter [Try it yourself with this recipe! — Ed.]. It’s not that bad for you: it’s basically a nut butter with chocolate added. I love it. My favorite savory is Ethiopian food. I could eat it all the time.

SS: If you were one thing in your fridge, what would it be?
JS: I would probably be a Chicken of the Woods mushroom. I know it’s a strange answer, but I promise it makes sense! As much as I love to help people, I also like to hermit away. I need my personal development time.

Chicken of the Woods mushrooms grow where you don’t expect them to (on tree bark!), and then suddenly become this delicious, nourishing ingredient. I like to grow in my own quiet way, and then bring value to everyone around me when I’m ready to! (This is the best question, by the way!) [And one of the best answers we’ve ever had! — Ed.]

SS: What food do you turn to when you want something comforting or nostalgic? Although we eat to keep our bodies strong and healthy, food also connects us to our past, to friends, and to different times in our lives.
JS: Enjoying food is so important. I love making vegan grilled cheese on gluten-free bread. I don’t crave sweet things. However, a grilled cheese (especially when made with homemade vegan cheese) is my ideal comfort food! Soup is another favorite comfort food: it’s so warm and nourishing. I love it when the weather gets colder.