The Lean + Light Body Blueprint Program 🤸

Whether you’ve gained 15, 5 or 30 pounds in recent years, you’re in good company of those wanting to make a change.

How did I get here?

As an educated professional, you are quite accomplished. You see success in your work and the various roles you play as manager, spouse, parent, friend….

….but this one elusive goal causes you to wonder, “I know I’m smart – why is the process of losing weight so confusing and frustrating? Why do I fail at this?”

What life looks like now:

• Every time you go down the stairs, you feel the disconcerting jiggle of your belly and derrière. Your mood drops.
• The scale either sets your bad mood for the day or you just avoid its judgmental response altogether.
• You’ve purchased groceries but at most mealtimes you either ‘wing-it’, eat cereal for dinner (again), or fall victim to convenience and order DoorDash delivery.
• Your baking skills are rivaled only by your stress and comfort-eating.
• The gym membership is like a donation you make each month – you feel shame about not exercising but the idea of starting is overwhelming.
• Alcohol has played a bigger role in dealing with long work days, stress and boredom, or is one of the few joys of daily life.
• It is often only when the chip bag is empty or the pint of ice cream scraped clean do you realize you ate the whole thing. And, on top of the shame, your stomach feels bloated and ‘gross’.
• You recognize that you’re emotional eating, but you’re not sure how to stop it.

Each night, you beat yourself up over your food choices and pledge to do better tomorrow.

In the words of Dr. Phil, “how’s that working for you?”

Probably not well.

Despite your intelligence and success, you realize that you have intentions of weight loss and maybe some willpower, in fits and starts, but you’ve white-knuckled your way through weeks of fad diets, tracking points, and counting calories before. Though these deprivation diets temporarily ‘worked,’ they were never really sustainable. All the weight you lost came back, and then some. Remembering this, you feel out of control with eating and yet dread the thought of starting one of those restrictive diets again. There must be a better way.

We’re here to tell you: indeed, there IS a better way.

If we haven’t met yet, greetings! I’m Adrienne, the founder & director of One Bite Wellness and an integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist.

Ever since adolescence, I’ve had a passion for the art and science of nutrition, lifestyle and mindset coaching, and tailoring dynamic personalized programs to help people. Part of my mission in life is to educate and inspire people to live full and vital lives – whether one-on-one or speaking at numerous conferences around the U.S. and on TV segments. The message is this: you can transform your life. With a mind-body-soul approach to weight loss, you’ll find the process deep, self-connecting, fun, and achievable!

Fox28 Good Day Columbus – Foods to Fight Belly Fat segment

This program has been over a decade in the making, as we’ve worked together with clients to move from feeling ‘gross’ and ‘stuck’ to looking and feeling great!

The Lean + Light Body Blueprint program is a path which has steady steps leading to a firm foundation for your new life.

And it’s not a diet.

Surprised? Well, food is a key component, but it’s not the only answer to lasting weight loss.

Before we deal with the fat on our bodies, we have to deal with the fat between our ears – our thoughts and beliefs. We all have old stories of shame and not being enough to memories of failure. These negative thoughts keep us stuck and reluctant to even try again.

Mindset matters. We have to deal with the mental adversary’s lies about us, our bodies, and our ability to change. We must delve deeper into the reasons behind our emotional eating. As we know by now, cookies only comfort in the moment.

Our mindset keeps us living small, while our bodies grow larger.

So during this program we are utilizing key mindset, diet AND lifestyle concepts. When everything works together, the synergy is astounding. These new habits replace your old ones and your results seem effortless.

Instead of rigid rules, there will be education and guidelines.

Instead of white-knuckling and starving your way through, you will feel confident on your path and nourished.

You will not hate or beat yourself into a new body. You will learn to love and enjoy yourself into a new body.

Instead hoping for change, you will be creating change in your life.

Lean + Light Body Blueprint was designed to solve the most common challenges around sustainable weight loss. From combating cravings and our negative thoughts to inconsistent eating and sleeping patterns – everything is addressed!

The 6-week program runs from July 9th to August 13th, giving you plenty of time to get in better shape this summer and enter the autumn season feeling rejuvenated!

Have more questions or want to get acquainted before grabbing your seat? Check out our full page with more details or schedule your introductory “Lean + Light Body Blueprint – let’s talk!” phone call. We’re happy answer questions and help ensure that we are a great fit for you and your needs before you join. Let’s make the coming 6 weeks better than the last 6 months!

Recipe: Caprese Salad 🇮🇹

Mamma mia! Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, a Caprese salad is the epitome of Italian simplicity and elegance. Named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated, this classic dish captures the essence of summer with its ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with a touch of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal on your patio at home, this salad is a perfect starter or main meal. It couldn’t be easier to put together – just think of the colors and sequence of the Italian flag! Enjoy a dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients and pleases the palate as much as the eyes. La cena è servita. Dinner is served!

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Servings: about 3

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links or discount codes, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may make a commission.

Ingredients

2 ripe medium tomatoes (about 2-3″ in diameter)

4oz of mozzarella (dairy or dairy-free)

1/2 cucumber, sliced (optional)

4 sprigs of fresh basil (from the grocery or grow your own!)

1 tbsp olive oil, organic

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, organic

Instructions

It’s easy; è facile! Slice the tomatoes about 1/4″ thick and the mozzarella too. Pluck the leaves off the stems of the basil and leave whole. Upon the plates, assemble the items in this order: tomato, mozzarella, and (cucumber with) basil. Repeat until you are satisfied with the amount of food on the plate. Drizzle each plate or piece of artwork with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Share a smile with your loved ones and enjoy!

Fitness + Nutrition Podcast Gems 💎

The Fireside Chat for Fitness + Nutrition is evidence-based, actionable education and inspiration. No Tik Tok influencers here, only two people who have deeply studied their fields.

Join us – Adrienne (registered dietitian-nutritionist) and Ken (exercise physiologist); we’re pretty happy to be able to share our combined knowledge so that you can benefit. Here are a few recent episodes:

Episode 9: Hydration + Workout Performance

Episode 10: Healthy Holiday Treats and Exercise While Watching TV

Episode 11: Easy Ways to Keep New Years Resolutions

Episode 12: How to Lose Fat and Build Muscle

Want more? You can access our entire podcast library!

Also, please let us know your comments, questions, or requests for specific topics.

4 Reasons Behind your Resistance 😶‍🌫️

It’s a tale as old as time: the wish that we were healthier, wealthier, in better relationships, able to run a marathon, or _____ ← insert your desire that hasn’t come into reality. Sadly, often years (or decades!) pass where we then express regret:

“If only I had been checking my blood sugar levels earlier and changing my food choices…now I have diabetes.”

“If only I had started investing in mutual funds when I meant to…now I’m wondering when I’ll be ready to retire”

“If only I had paid attention to those little red flags and reversed my path rather than gathering the flags like flowers…now I’m getting a divorce”

“If only I had started jogging months ago like I said I would…now I have to bow out of that Hawaii marathon”

The tricky thing is that we know that taking the actions we talked about would have benefited us, we just either saw early obstacles and decided not to go down the path OR we hit some sticky mud traps early on and retreated back to our old ‘normal’.

Our clients are often very intelligent, curious and competent people who excel in many areas of their lives, and they tend to be very hard on themselves about their ability to make positive changes in their personal lives – whether that’s losing those extra pounds, making sleep a priority, taking laxatives for their constipation instead of dealing with the root-cause, not exercising even though they know the benefits, and more.

We’ve seen countless clients struggle with making healthy changes, and, believe it or not, we’ve had our own issues with immobilization. Often, the resistance isn’t due to a lack of knowledge or desire, but deeper, more complex reasons. Let’s explore four key factors that might be holding you back from embracing a healthier lifestyle and what to do about it.

1. Emotional Comfort and Trauma

Imagine you’ve had a pret-ty rough day at work. You come home and your first instinct is to reach for that tub of delicious ice cream in your freezer. You know what ice cream isn’t a health food and won’t help you drop those extra pounds. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about the ice cream; it’s about seeking comfort and emotional relief. For many of us, food becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma or stress…or just even emotions we’d rather not feel. Childhood experiences, like being soothed with sweets when upset, can create lasting associations between food and comfort.

A way out of this: begin by identifying your emotional triggers. When you feel the urge to eat for comfort, take a moment to pause and ask yourself what you’re truly feeling. Are you stressed, sad, or lonely? Maybe you need a hug, a bath, a nap. Try alternative coping mechanisms, like journaling, calling a friend or therapist, or engaging in a relaxing activity. Nutritional therapy can also be a powerful tool to address and change behaviors and thoughts, reducing the need to seek comfort in food.

2. Fear of Change and Uncertainty

Switching to a plant-based diet can seem daunting. The discomfort associated with not knowing what to eat or how to cook plant foods can make it hard to even start. There is fear associated with summer barbecues or other gatherings where people might see you as ‘difficult’ with your dietary requirements “oh, I didn’t know that when I bought these hot dogs to grill out” or “can’t you still just try the macaroni salad? I just used a little bit of mayonnaise and it’s your grandmother’s recipe”. The guilt, shame, or fear of being ‘weird’ or missing out on favorite foods can create resistance. Change often involves stepping into the unknown, which can be uncomfortable and intimidating. Which can lead us right back to the ice cream example above!

A way out of this: Start small and gradual. Introduce one plant-based meal per week – like a Meatless Monday – and slowly increase as you become more comfortable. Educate yourself about new foods, protein sources, possible nutrient deficiencies that may need correction, and recipes! Seek support from friends, healthcare providers, supportive family members, or online communities with people who are on a similar journey. Remember, it’s okay to take it one step at a time and not go full-bore. In fact, it’s probably better that you don’t!

3. Self-Sabotage and Negative Self-Beliefs

You’ve decided to start exercising regularly, but after a week, you find yourself skipping workouts (always with a creative rationalization!) and feeling guilty. This self-sabotage often stems from deep-seated negative self-beliefs, like doubting your ability to succeed or feeling like your health is ‘good enough’ …and little devil on your shoulder wins again.

A way out of this: This won’t be easy as it’s like catching a fish or wild rabbit with your hands – you have to ‘catch’ the thoughts that led to a certain action (or inaction, like not working out). Once you’ve caught the thought, use your imagination and turn it over in your hands – look at the thought, examine where it might have come from, ask what the meaning is behind the thought. Once you understand it a little better, it’s easier to ‘catch’ next time, you may be able to work through the issues it represents, and you can build a more balanced and positive mindset. Perhaps set more realistic and achievable goals to build confidence. Remember to give yourself grace and some self-compassion too. If you’re finding all of this very difficult, you may want to consider working with a therapist to uncover and address the root causes of self-sabotage.

4. Environmental and Social Influences

Aha – a very common issue, especially during our current ‘25’ Sugar Detox Challenge: you’ve decided to cut down on sugar, but your workplace or work-from-home space is filled with sweets and sugary snacks. The other challenge is that social gatherings often revolve around unhealthy food choices, making it challenging to stick to your goals.

A way out of this: Create a supportive environment by keeping healthy snacks at your desk and in your fridge/pantry. Ask your spouse and kids for ideas about creating a healthier home environment. Consider suggesting healthier options for social events or bring something to contribute. Communicate your goals to friends and family, and ask for their support. Seek out like-minded communities, a health coach or a wellness buddy who can provide the encouragement and accountability you need.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the reasons behind your resistance to healthy changes is the first step toward overcoming them. Whether it’s emotional comfort, fear of change, negative self-beliefs, or environmental influences, each factor can be addressed with patience and persistence. Remember, it’s a journey. Get a health coach to help guide you and, remember, every small step forward is a victory. Embrace the process (not perfectionism), seek support, and celebrate your progress along the way!

Navigating the Maze: Thyroid Disorder OR Perimenopause? ⚠️

Wake up in the morning feeling like Bea Arthur (Golden Girls, not P. Diddy)* wondering if you even really slept. Though your head is cloudy, you can remember being too hot and tossing covers off and then back on again all night. As the fatigue and irritability start to set in, knowing what’s expected of you today, you emit a low growl at both the scale and anyone who tries to talk to you before coffee. This exilir is what you’ll rely on to drag your human meat suit around and attend to all things you have to do. Sure, “maybe we’ll have a salad for lunch” you think before another part of you says “you’ve been gaining weight anyway so might as well choose something you really want for lunch.” What’s the point? Oh then it’s meetings, meetings, meetings the rest of the day. At least you have coffee to keep yourself propped up and for some mental clarity. You wonder, “is this what life is supposed to look like at this age?”

As women journey into our 40s and 50s, we often encounter a unique intersection of health challenges. The overlapping symptoms of thyroid disorders and perimenopause can create an incredibly confusing landscape of changes that affect both physical and mental well-being. At One Bite Wellness, this is one of the crucial complexities we attend to in order to offer comprehensive support and guidance.

Understanding the Thyroid and Perimenopause

Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, marks a time when estrogen and progesterone levels ebb and flow. This period of fluctuation can be both liberating and daunting, as it marks the end of reproductive years and the onset of new health challenges…and it can feel like an emotional and physical rollercoaster. Adding thyroid issues to the mix complicates matters further as the thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and overall hormonal balance. Symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and persistent brain fog can amplify the already challenging perimenopausal experience. If one has both thyroid issues and perimenopause, the interplay of these conditions can leave you feeling overwhelmed, battling not just the external changes but also the internal struggle of managing your well-being and energy levels daily.

Overlapping Symptoms

• Fatigue: Both thyroid issues (especially hypothyroidism) and perimenopause can cause fatigue, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause without proper testing. Hint: it’s probably not a caffeine deficiency!
• Weight Changes: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight can be attributed to both thyroid dysfunction and hormonal changes during perimenopause.
• Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety, which may also be present in thyroid disorders.
• Sleep Disturbances: Both conditions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or frequent waking during the night.
• Brain Fog: Cognitive issues such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fogginess can occur in both thyroid disorders and perimenopause.

What Can Be Done

Comprehensive testing is key for proper diagnosis. Comprehensive thyroid testing, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies, can help differentiate between thyroid disorders and perimenopause-related symptoms. Testing female hormones can also shed light into what’s going on behind your symptoms.

For perimenopause symptoms, supporting hormone balance through diet and lifestyle changes can be beneficial.

A diet rich in nutrients essential for thyroid function, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc, can support thyroid health. Additionally, incorporating foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as flaxseeds and soy, can help balance hormones during perimenopause.

Chronic stress can exacerbate both thyroid and perimenopause symptoms. Stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, or tai chi can be beneficial.

Overall health can be supported by engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol (and coffee!) intake.

What to Do Next

Navigating the overlapping symptoms of thyroid disorders and perimenopause requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. As an integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist, supporting clients through proper testing, personalized nutritional support, and lifestyle modifications can help them manage symptoms effectively and improve their overall well-being.

* P.S. Apologies if the reference above makes an öhrwurm or earworm out of Ke$sha’s “Tik Tok” song for you!

Recipe: Ginger-Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower 🫚

Introducing our vibrant Ginger-Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower recipe – a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and also packs a powerful nutritional punch! This colorful creation brings together the mild, earthy flavor of cauliflower with the warm, spicy notes of ginger and turmeric, creating a symphony of flavors. Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is loaded with health benefits.

Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and fiber, while ginger and turmeric are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they create a dish that not only satisfies your palate but also nourishes your body. Try this culinary creation that celebrates the synergy of deliciousness and wellness!

Prep time: about 8 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links or discount codes, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may make a commission.

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp avocado oil

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ginger powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place parchment paper on baking sheet. Start removing the leaves and stalk of the cauliflower and then cut each section into bite-sized pieces. Rinse. Place cauliflower pieces on parchment paper and drizzle avocado oil on before adding salt, pepper, turmeric and ginger powder. Use a spatula or tongs to ensure cauliflower pieces are coated. Bake for 20 minutes and flip over pieces before baking another 20 minutes. Pull from oven and serve immediately or allow to cool before putting into the fridge. Enjoy!

Client Spotlight + the ‘Evil Little Journal’ 😈

“Well fun story, I tried several nutritionists before you while shopping around and one…was literally saying ‘eat less move more, here is a flyer to help..’

It [the program] made me become more aware of the reasoning related to food choices. It also made me become more aware of past incidents and how my actions can affect the future depending on the choices I make currently.

I was actually hoping to get personalized nutritional information on how to eat better and not be fat but I was not expecting the way you handled things in regards to behavioral rather than just habitual changes. I believe that my expectations once I understood how you were going to direct these sessions were all fulfilled in a manner that I was unexpecting.

I think the biggest insight or breakthrough was realizing that it’s not the food I eat but the reason I choose or pick that food. I mean no food I guess can really be considered too bad if you choose wisely so by looking and reviewing the way I respond to food and food situations initially I believe is a big breakthrough. I found that so much of my eating is just either boredom or habit that it’s very interesting to see just how much you don’t think about your food choices.

I think the biggest strength I’ve noticed is that I’m now more fully aware of my behaviors and how and where they come from and how and where I may be able to better direct them or change them to be more effective in making food decisions.

I was fairly surprised at how I was able to quickly adapt to where you were suggesting I change habits and behaviors. The ‘evil little journal’ was a wonderful tool that you introduced to me that really allowed me to review and prepare for situations that might pop up.

I’m not really too sure what could be further supported as I was 100% unprepared for you to take this in the direction you took it so I feel that currently right now I’m beyond satisfied with the results and information that you have passed on to me.”

Timothy O’Brien, client

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We love surprising our clients with something other than a handout with a 1600 calorie diet and wishing them luck. Why? We know it doesn’t work in the long-term.

The openness to self-examination and trust in the guidance and the process is what leads to true transformation and lasting change. We are extremely proud of Timothy for doing the deep work necessary to achieve his results!

Are you looking for a whole-health approach to your health issues and desired results? It all starts with a simple phone call. Schedule your complimentary, 20-minute Discovery Call today!

Fitness + Nutrition Podcast Gems

The Fireside Chat for Fitness + Nutrition is evidence-based, actionable education and inspiration. No Tik Tok influencers here, only two people who have deeply studied their fields.

Join us – Adrienne (registered dietitian-nutritionist) and Ken (exercise physiologist); we’re pretty happy to be able to share our combined knowledge so that you can benefit. Here are a few new episodes:

Episode 5: Flexibility, Mobility and Nutrition for Joints

Episode 6: Muscle Recovery after Thanksgiving and What to Eat or do about Bloating

Episode 7: Stress Management through Nutrition and Exercise

Episode 8: Building a Strong Immune System

Want more? You can access our entire podcast library!

How to Grow Basil Indoors 🌿

Looking to add a burst of fresh flavor to your meals while also enhancing your indoor space?

Growing basil is a rewarding and surprisingly simple way to do both! As a registered dietitian-nutritionist, I often recommend herbs like basil for their nutritional benefits as well as culinary versatility. Let’s explore the basics of growing this aromatic herb right in your own home.

Can I actually grow this?

Yes! We previously had what some would say were ‘black thumbs’ and were only reliably able to keep our aloe plant alive (which we did for decades, throughout college and through many moves). Here’s our general recommendation for growing plants – start small. Maybe begin with basil, which we’re covering here, and then try rosemary or thyme. Add to your knowledge, don’t do it all at once!

Why Choose Organic Basil?

Organic basil offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as minerals like manganese, which supports healthy bones. Choosing organic ensures that your basil is grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, promoting both your health and the environment’s well-being.

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links or discount codes, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may make a commission.

A Guide to Getting Started

To start your indoor basil garden, you’ll need a few key items:

Basil loves sunlight, so choose a sunny windowsill or a spot where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent over-watering. A 6-8 inch diameter pot should be sufficient for one basil plant.

Use a well-draining, organic potting mix to ensure proper root growth and prevent waterlogged soil.

You can start with basil seeds or purchase seedlings from a nursery or garden center for quicker results.

Planting Your Basil

Fill your pot with organic soil, leaving about an inch of space below the rim. If using seeds, sprinkle them evenly over the soil and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil. If using seedlings, gently remove them from their nursery container and plant them in the center of your pot.

Water your basil plant regularly (at least once per week), keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings (use your finger to estimate and don’t let it dry out further than that inch or you may lose the plant).

Place your pot in a sunny spot where it can receive plenty of sunlight each day (we use the south side window). Pro tip: rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth.

Caring for Your Basil

Regularly pinch off the top leaves of your basil plant to encourage bushier growth. This also prevents the plant from flowering too soon, which can affect the flavor. If a flower bud appears, snip it off just above the pair of opposing leaves beneath the bud. You (and your bunnies) can eat those tasty basil buds!

If you want to be a truly awesome plant parent, use a balanced organic fertilizer once a month to provide your basil with essential nutrients for healthy growth. Sometimes we do great parenting and sometimes we just throw some occasional coffee grounds or stale beer on it (these are also natural fertilizers, by the way).

You can start harvesting basil leaves once the plant has grown to a reasonable size of about 6-8 inches tall. Use those sharp scissors to snip off the top leaves and leave at least a few sets of leaves on the plant to continue growing.

Now for the Most Fun Part – Eating Your Homegrown Basil!

Fresh basil adds a delightful flavor to a variety of dishes, including Caprese salads, pasta, soups, pizza, and sauces. You can also use it to make pesto, a versatile sauce that can be used in pasta dishes, as a spread on sandwiches or substituted for marinara sauce on pizza!

With these simple steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of organic basil right from your own home. Not only will you enhance your culinary creations, but you’ll also reap the nutritional benefits of this versatile herb and save money (and the environment) on those grocery herbs in little plastic containers. You can do this! Happy growing!

Recipe: Plant-based Pizza 🍕

Circa 2010, the world – or at least the Midwest – seemed devoid of gluten-free options that tasted good and held its shape. This was the “dark ages” for those with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance. Pasta that fell apart as it boiled. Pizza crust that was flimsy and tough. One hardly wanted to eat the foods of one of the world’s most delicious cuisines.

Thankfully, as with history, after the dark ages came enlightenment and food companies became interested in supplying more delicious alternatives for people with food allergies and intolerances. Pasta could be pierced with fork without falling to pieces. Bread and pizza crusts actually tasted like their names! Even dairy-free companies have upped their games in the realms of non-dairy milk, cheese, and ice creams.

And so, we share with you today a version of pizza that is plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free, yet delicious enough that our bisnonna (Italian great-grandmother) would approve. We hope you enjoy it as well!

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Servings: about 2

Ingredients

4oz dairy-free cheese (we used Misha’s black truffle)

1 chickpea pizza crust (frozen section)

1 bell pepper

2 tbsp vegan Parmesan (optional)

1 tbsp fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees (or temperature instructed on pizza crust box). While waiting for it, slide frozen pizza crust onto a plate and smear dairy-free cheese to cover it, leaving 1/2″ around the edge uncovered. Slice bell pepper and vegan cheese and place on top. Chop fresh basil and keep aside. Once pizza has cooked (usually 12-15 minutes), use tongs to carefully pull pizza from the oven rack and onto your plate. Cut pizza into 4 or 6 slices. Add fresh basil and any other desired Mediterranean herbs. Buon appetito!