About
Hi, I’m Angela and it’s a pleasure to meet you! Thanks for stopping by my blog…I’m happy to have you here.
On October 31, 2008, I started Oh She Glows to document my road to recovery from an eating disorder while learning how to love food -and myself – once again. Oh She Glows chronicles my passion for vegan baking, cooking, running, yoga, and inspirational women’s topics. I’m now working on my first cookbook to be published early in 2014 and I couldn’t be more excited.
But first, let’s rewind a little and I’ll tell you a bit about my life…
In 2008, I married my high-school sweetheart, Eric, and I graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Psychology. Life was wonderful, yet not so wonderful at the same time. I was in recovery for disordered eating and compulsive exercise since I was just 11 years old. Despite the great things going on in my life, I couldn’t enjoy them fully while I was obsessing about calories, exercise, and my weight. I knew that I had to overcome the struggles holding me back in my life.
During university I took several nutrition courses as I have always been passionate about nutrition. I’ve done psychology research until I was blue in the face. During the last semester of my Master’s degree, I started working full-time as a researcher. In my job I did lots of hands on, practical research and I even had the opportunity to write a book chapter, but ultimately I found that research did not fulfill me like I thought it would. I longed to express my creative side more. Thankfully, Oh She Glows was a great outlet for me.
In 2009, I took the leap and left my unfulfilling research career to start up my own business, Glo Bakery – a healthy bakery filled with wholesome goodies. At this time, Oh She Glows was several months old and achieving success and it gave me the inspiration to follow my dreams. Walking away from a career that I went to school for 7 years was not an easy thing to do, but it turned out to be the best career decision I could have made. Finally, I felt passionate and in control of my own happiness.
My background in psychology and nutrition has inspired me to show others how to lead a healthy lifestyle without deprivation. I love to write about how I finally found peace with my weight and my body and want to show others how to listen and trust their body and that it is ok to eat lots of nutritious food.
I eat a vegan and mostly unprocessed diet which was a gradual shift over the years as I learned more about nutrition, health, animal welfare, and the environmental impacts of factory farming.
My goal is to show you healthy, good tasting, and animal-product free recipes that I create to keep myself inspired about food.
Food used to be the enemy for me, but now it is a huge source of pleasure in my life! You can also check out the Green Monster Movement which is a website I created about healthy green smoothies!
Contact me:
Twitter: @ohsheglows
Facebook: Like my Facebook page (The fastest way to receive a reply from me is by posting something on my facebook WALL. Please note that I do not reply to direct emails sent to my facebook page account, but I do however, reply to everything on my wall.)
Pinterest: Follow me on Pinterest!
Questions/comments? Please see my FAQ page. Or say hello on my Facebook page ,Twitter, or via email: angela [at] ohsheglows [dot] com. I love hearing from you!
For my Press page, see here.
{ 250 comments… read them below or add one }
How do you not have a book deal yet?? I hope you are contacting publishers because I would personally love to buy a book by you. Your wit, photography, recipes, and support of women is top notch and inspirational. Your press and popularity are undeniable. Hoping to hear you with good news about about a book deal soon!
I second that! I want all your recipes in one place. I LOVE your recipes! I just made the gluten free pizza crust tonight and my KIDS ate it without complaint! WOO HOO.
I tell my clients about your site all the time. (I’m a Holistic Nutrition Counselor)
Absolutely!! My husband and I just started our journey of eating a plant-based diet and your website has been amazing! You’re fabulous! If you publish a book we are definitely buying it!
Hi Angela! I hope this comment doesn’t get lost amongst the MANY you probably receive daily! I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I have really enjoyed your blog and reading your story. You (and a few other vegan food bloggers) have inspired me to finally start my own vegan blog, although focused more on babies, toddlers and new Moms. I can only hope to reach as many people as you have. Thank you for everything that you do
Thank you Dana! I’m off to check out your blog
Aww thank you, Angela! I hope you like it
hey! i read your story and it’s very inspiring. i’ve just recently changed my diet as well because of health issues. i do still eat fish but other than that i’m vegan so i tried your iron woman smoothie/parfait (i accidentally mixed them together adding oatmeal to the shake) but this was one of the best things i had in a long time. it was nearly like banana chocolate ice cream and as i haven’t had ice cream or chocolate in ages, it was unbelievable. the fact that it was also healthy, is amazing. so thank you soooo much!!!
I’m drooling over your recipes. Can’t wait to try some! I love your photos by the way. What type of camera do you use?
Thanks, I use a Canon 30D
I was looking at your “Best Chocolate Pudding (tofu-free!)” recipe and it calls for “1 cup, melted (optional)”.
Looks like the actual optional ingredient was accidentally left out…..since I’m guessing you didn’t literally melt a cup.
Can you fill in the ingredient for us?
thanks!
I tell everyone about your blog! I hope you write a recipe book soon
Hi Angela,
You re column is a wonderful inspiration to me, and I follow your recipes and articles when I can!
I am also a hot yoga enthusiast, and huge advocate of the benefits.
I am a Registered Nurse working in downtown Toronto. I am interested in starting a blog. Mostly about how to be a healthy nurse (how I maintain a healthy lifestyle) Help for nurses dealing with shift work, diet, exercise, etc.
I love the set up of your blog, and was wondering how and where I could access a program to set up my own? Did you use a program? How would I get started?
Sorry for all the questions, i understand if you aren’t able to answer them all
With respect,
Andrea
I have just been introduced to “juicing”…after doing green monsters for a few months….LOVE smoothies, but LOVED the juice even more!!!! It was unbelievably good! What are your thoughts??? I would just like feedback from some folks who do this. I am military wife stationed in Italy as of June, and in an attempt to meet new people, I am putting together a “healthy habits” group to share tips/tricks/substitutions/and recipes. I am thinking I could use the leftover pulp in spaghetti sauces/baked goods/etc? Or, freeze and dump in my smoothies
! I LOVE this blog and it’s where I first learned about the green monster! I love trying new recipes I find here….and can’t wait for you to get an awesome book deal! So inspirational!
Hello! I am pretty certain I made a recipe (one of MANY) from your blog and cannot find it. I have searched and searched like crazy. It had butternut squash in it and was a stew or soup. It had curry and potatoes in it too I believe. I made a it a few mths ago and it was a complete hit with the husband and 1 yr old. If you have it on hand could you please re-post it or e-mail it to me pretty please!
Thank you so much. I made the ultimate veggie burger for my husbands b-day on the wkd and we all loved them!!! We all just love your recipes, easy and super tasty!!!
okay!… where did you find that awesome apron in the Blondies video?… am just new to this site and already feeling addicted and thankful for you!!
Hi Angela!
I don’t know if you’ve heard of this website before, but its called stereomood.com and i use it ALL THE TIME when I’m cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Some good old motivational music always pumps me up when I cook and sometimes I like to believe it makes the food taste better
It has a mood called “Cooking Time” that I like to use. There’s also some good working music, workout music, and meal time music! You should check it out.
Love the blog, I’m only 18 years old and its funny because already think we’ve gone through a similar life path only mine has gone a bit quicker. I’m studying psychology now and I plan to take some college nutrition and other holistic courses during summer months and after I graduate. Hopefully I can learn a couple things from you haha.
Anyhow, all the best in everything you do, you’ve done great so far.
Much love and appreciation,
Emma
I just stumbled across your blog today and I can’t wait to explore it more. I love your wedding video. It looks like the perfect day. I can’t wait to try some of your recipes! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Angela,
I love your blog, I find myself visiting your blog every day now! I’m not a vegan, but I’ve been trying to eat healthier and your blog has inspired me! I try your recipes all the time and I love them! I especially love your muffin recipes, the blueberry muffins are delish! Thanks
Leila
Thank you Leila
I love your recipes! Looking forward to your cookbook
I have just discovered your blog and I am so excited! I too suffer from an eating disorder and I recently decided to go vegan after doing a lot of research into the animal industry’s effect on the environment, as well as its ethics, and its impact on health. I am so excited to discover your blog and I can’t wait to read everything in it!
Dear Angela,
I’ve been using your recipes for sometime and love them all. Used to be vegan many years ago and would like to go back to it. We run a bed and breakfast in Israel and would like to offer vegan cooking as an option. I’m looking for a short cut in restocking my kitchen. Did you ever make a shopping list of the most important things to have in a vegan kitchen?
Thanks so much and keep on inspiring!
I am very encouraged by your site and “About” page. I, too, have struggled with disordered eating. I have gone from one extreme to the other. I started out anorexic, then when people noticed I wasn’t eating, I turned to bulimia so they would see me eat. I was a chubby pre-teen and then with a growth spurt before high school, I was finally thin. I was so happy about this and felt like I was beautiful for the first time in a long time. I started dating a BOY that made a simple comment, “If you ever get fat, I’ll leave you.” That started the downward spiral. After being SUPER skinny, and not being with the boy, I met and married my first husband. Things were not good and I turned to food as my comfort, within a year, I had put on nearly 100 lbs. We divorced and I lost 100+ lbs in about 16 months with strict portion control and walking with my mother EVERY day. That was over 17 yrs ago. I have since had two children and my weight has been an issue off and on for the last 11 yrs. I had had it with feeling horrible on the inside and feeling worse about how I looked on the outside. I hadn’t figured out why I was so unhappy most of the time. Then I read a book about Veganism and a lot of my mental issues were associated with dairy products. I decided, on that day, that I would not only eliminate meat from my diet (I’ve never been a huge fan anyway.) but I would also eliminate dairy and animal products altogether. It’s been 15 days ( I know, very short time.) and I feel so much better already. I feel happy and my body is getting healthy again.
Thank you for sharing your story and for your site, it’s very motivating and has helped me stay on track by making me remember to tell myself that I am beautiful how I am.
I loved your vids!
Hi Angela!
My name is Lisa and I’m the owner of Bearded Owl’s Hoots. I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for the shout out on your blog! I really really appreciate it and I wanted to send you a free Ellie Eternity Scarf as a thank you. Just send the color you would like and an address you ‘d like it shipped to through a message on my etsy or thru the email provided and I’ll get it to you asap!
Again, thank you so much. My friend Taylor and I have been fans of your blog for quite some time:)
All the best, Lisa
Thank you Lisa Marie! That is so kind of you. Why don’t we do a giveaway on the blog instead? Let me know if you’re interested.
Hi there! I just discovered your blog yesterday afternoon and I am SO thrilled. I have already collected several recipes to try out for my little family. I have a new appreciation for my health, body and mind, as well as for my daughter and husband, and I have changed the way I look at food and how I cook it. Although not vegan, I am dairy-free and red meat-free and rarely eat poultry (I never make it for myself). Very exciting times for our family, and I am SO excited I found your blog. Thank you so much!
Hey Sarah! Thanks for your comment…I’m so happy to hear that!
Dear Angela,
Your sight was sent to me by my best friend of 39 years who’s family is primarily Vegan. Both my mother and I are Celiacs (gluetin intolerant) and because of some issues with minor arthritic back and knee my doctor and nutritionist put me on a Vegan diet. So now my dietary restrictions are no gluten, dairy, white potatoe, and banana. Good thing they left wine on the list. I have been on this diet now for two months and must say aside from eliminating all the foods which causes internal inflammation, which has improved my well being, I enjoy the challenge of eating clean and healthy. My dream.. to open a vegan restaurant with an amazing menue. Thank you for developing this incredible sight. I love it! and look forward to incorporating your ideas into my repetoir. Joanne Birnbaum
Hey Joanne, Thanks for your comment! I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying improved health. Take care!
Hi Angela,
I have been vegan of over a year now, and I do not think my husband or myself would have gotten to this point without the inspiration we find on your website. Thank you so much for what you do!
On a side note…I would love to see printable (eco-friendly) versions of your recipes. I’m not a super tech-savy person and it is hard to drag the desktop into the kitchen.
I love collecting recipes in a binder and would love to have neat versions of yours in there as well.
Take care and thanks again!
Your recipes are fantastic, I use them all the time! This is an amazing blog – it inspired me to start my own!
http://globalvegan.blogspot.com/
I have always wanted to try Hot Yoga, but I am kind of nervous. When you first started was it difficult? Did you ever feel overwhelmed by the heat?
Hey Kelly!
The heat was the most difficult thing to get used to. A couple times I felt a bit light headed, but I found that when I drank lots of water beforehand and had a large banana, I was usually fine. The instructors are always very easy going and encourage everyone to take breaks if necessary. I found that some days I had tons of energy in the heat and other times my body wanted a bit more rest. My best advice is to just listen to your body and take it as it comes. You can also leave the room for a few minutes if necessary. Generally though I didnt find the Moksha yoga rooms to get *too* hot, but I’ve heard other types of yoga like Bikram can get intensely hot, so it just depends. Goodluck if you end up trying it!
Angela-
I stumbled upon your webpage…I love it.I am a regisitered dietitian in Florida/your blog is interesting and I am crazy about your recipes. The photos make everything look so inviting,and I have to say how impressed I am. This is such a great webpage and blog for anyone who wants to try slow food and eat healthy. i really commend you on your approach….
Thank you and I will keep reading and cooking!!!
Jennifer Licata, RD
Hi Jennifer, thank you for your kind words! Take care, Angela
Hi Angela, I was just introduced to your websites from a friend and avid follower of yours….After viewing your site (which I’m now thoroughly addicted to) I have one question, actually, I have many questions….Any plans for a cookbook, recipe book in the near future? I feel like a kid in a candy store reading through everything! Thank you for the websites, your inspiring stories and transformations….Gives me a lot of hope!! Happy New Year!
Hey Paula, Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. I am hoping to write a cookbook in 2012. I will report news as soon as I hear!
Love the “About” page Angela! And I love that you’re Canadian (I am too!). Looking forward to more recipes to try!
I just found your blog and I love it! Your story is inspirational and very relatable — I can’t wait to read more!
Hello! I am starting my all vegan diet this weekend. I am very excited but also scared that I won’t be able to do it!
you can do it!
Your site will be very helpful with my new all vegan diet! You are amazing and your pictures are breathtaking. I am not a huge cooking type person so that is what scares me but I am sure I will adjust. How do you deal with parties or nights out when people offer you food and you have to ask what is in it? Or when they ask you why you are vegan in a mean way?
My husband and I started following a plant based diet about four months ago. Our son has been vegan for awhile and had us watch “Forks over Knives” and we were hooked. I have been a vegetarian for awhile so the jump was not too bad. My husband…who loves seafood…had no problem. All I can say is it has been AMAZING! I have dropped 30lbs and my husband 15lbs. This was without exercise. I have loved all the recipes I have found on-line and have purchased a lot of vegan cook books. I have even updated my Grandmother’s recipes to meet my new eating habits. We just purchased bikes and are excited about this new adventure. I have always had major issues with food and it is all gone. Have found my “happy place”!!
Hey Angela, that’s amazing!! Good for you guys…I hope that you continue to enjoy it!
The fact that you use ‘pop’ instead of soda warms my heart hahaha
I just recently discovered your blog while searching for vegan recipes. I just started a detox/vegan program at the beginning of this year and was immediately inspired by your story. I am loving this lifestyle and while my “formal class” is almost over, I plan on eating this way forever. I feel so much healthier and lighter and have tons more energy!
Thank you so much for your blog, recipes, and inspiration!
P.S. My name is also Angela and my husband’s name is Eric!! How funny is that?! And we have been working on a renovation project at our home these last few years too!!
Hi Angela
I want to say thank you, for putting your story out for the world, and for having the strength to overcome a battle that burdens so many people, especially young women and girls. I have struggled with these kinds of problems for years, and still do to this day, and I hope every day to be rid of it. What you’ve shown here is that we need to do more than just hope that our problem will go away, and that our thinking will change. We need to actively make the change for ourselves, for our health. Thank you for being an inspiration, you give me hope that I can finally make my change for good, and not go back to old and hurtful ways.
Hi,
I just found your blog and really could appreciate all you had to say. I am currently working on my undergraduate thesis in social psychology and have been doing research till it drives me crazy. Not to mention my constant struggle with my weight here at college. I’ve been slowly making the decision that its not for me and that I really want to study nutrition instead and hopefully become an RD. I feel like I understand a lot of what you write here as, I’m currently struggling with it. Thank you for the inspiration.
Hi Angela!
Congratulations! I love your take on nutrition and your openness about bad relationships with food. You can read the little write-up I did about you under the ‘food blog’ headings here: cordonbleuinblue.blogspot.com
Just thought I would let you know that I have selected you as one of my top favourite food blogs!
I’d love to get some constructive commentary from you as well! I really admire where your blog has headed so far!
Great job!
Hilary
Hey Hilary, Wow thank you so much. Going to check it out now.
Hey Angela,
Just discovered your website through a tumblr post and i am SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY I DID. I am in college and I am currently battling some obsessive eating/exercising disorders, just as you did. I am happy I found your website because I am trying to release and relieve myself of these obsessive tendencies and just live my life loving healthy food. Your story inspired me and I hope that you find the time to email me as I would love to speak with you.
PS I have a “marble” bengal cat named Joey and he is the LOVE of my life… its so hard being away from him while I am at school.
anyways, thank you so much for sharing your journey.
I’m looking for the recipe for spicy black beans with chipotle avocado sauce, cilantro, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, & sprouts. I can’t seem to find it on the website.
Hey Heather, It’s actually from a restaurant called Fresh in Toronto. I get asked that a lot…I think someone pinned it on Pinterest?
Hi Angela,
As a ‘rookie’ vegetarian not yet vegan, I was really excited to find your blog! There are lots of yummy recipes I can’t wait to try! I was wondering if you ever considered adding meal plans to your blog? That would be really helpful for newbies like myself – I want to make sure my diet is well-balanced.
Thank you for your initiative – you are a true inspiration and I hope to ‘glow’ as you do!
I was curious if you grow a lot of your own food?
I did start my own garden last summer, so I grew some of it yes!
Angela,
Can you please help me out? The tagline for it on pinterest was “spicy black beans with chipotle avocado sauce, cilantro, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, & sprouts”
While on Pinterest I found a wrap of yours that I want to try out very much, but I am unable to find the recipe on your site
Hi Amy Im sorry there is no recipe, it’s from a restaurant in Toronto called Fresh.
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