In today’s Witty Conversation With I’m excited to be profiling Arielle Haspel, the nutrition and lifestyle expert and board certified health coach behind Be Well With Arielle.

I first met Arielle at this brunch and immediately upon hearing Arielle describe what she does for a living, you realize she’s one of the few people who really, truly loves what she does. With her bubbly personality and glowing skin you are instantly left wanting to know more about her “healthifying” habits.

So in today’s Witty Conversation With you can get to know some of Arielle’s secrets when it comes to eating better, how she got started in her career and some of her favorite recipes (which I will personally be trying out very soon – they sound SO good!) We share a love of ABC Kitchen and Classpass so I have a feeling you’ll really this edition of WCW!

Tell us about yourself in 3 sentences.

I was born in Manhattan. I’m obsessed with cooking with my two nephews. I love turning junk food into healthy food.

What first got you interested in “healthifying” foods?

When I started working after college, I would walk home from work everyday and smell all of the delicious scents of New York City restaurants diffusing into the air – hot pizza, chinese food, spicy beef tacos. Instead of ordering take-out every night, I started experimenting in my kitchen. Now, I “healthify” pretty much all of favorite indulgent foods so that there’s zero deprivation or guilt when I sit down to eat.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Hmmm. I don’t really have a typical day, but I always start off the morning with a full breakfast – usually 2 eggs sunny side up with sweet potatoes or a brown rice cake. I also typically work out in the morning – whatever yoga, barre or Pilates reformer class is available on Classpass! Oh, and I try to meditate. Recently, I’ve been listening to Esther Hicks while I shower and put on my makeup and that adds the perfect dose of positivity to my day.

You’re having people over, what’s your go-to recipe?

Butternut Squash Soup as a starter. It adds a gorgeous pop of color to the dinner table, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free for your guests with food restrictions, and it’s super easy to make and BEYOND delish!

Favorite ingredients to cook with?

Coconut oil and good quality, fine sea salt.

What are your top 3 favorite places to eat and drink in NYC?

ABC Kitchen, Sadelle’s and Hu Kitchen.

And what are 3 of your favorite recipes from Be Well With Arielle?

Apple Pie Smoothie, Fried Rice Quinoa and Healthified Blondies.

What advice do you give to people struggling to eat healthy?

When we view something as a struggle, it will be a struggle. So ask yourself…“what do I want and how do I want to feel? What support do I need to make this happen? How can I view this differently? How can I add ease to the process? What can I do to make this more fun?”

Also chew! Being mindful of how we eat is often as important as what we eat.

Here’s how: 1. sit down when you eat. 2. before you take a bite, take a deep breath and thank your food. 3. chew well (about 15-30 times per bite), until it liquifies in your mouth 4. then, swallow with a relaxed mind. Sounds a little crazy, but it’s pretty simple… and a total body and mind changer.

You do nutrition coaching, what’s something people are always surprised by that you teach?

My clients are always surprised how easy and fast it can be to cook their own food. Oh, and that I advocate full-fat foods!

3 favorite Apps?

Via, Snapseed and Instacart.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Breathe.

You can connect with Arielle on Twitter & Instagram (be prepared to instantly want to start living a healthier lifestyle!)

And see past Witty Conversation With features here.

[Photos thanks to Arielle Haspel]