Diamonds aren’t this girl’s best friend. No, that would be quinoa. Alyssa Rimmer, the woman behind Simply Quinoa, knows firsthand how improper nutrition can take a toll on the body and mind. Before she became a talented food blogger and recipe developer, Alyssa was a college student who struggled with chronic stomach pains, brain fog, and other digestive health issues.
Although she tried to convince herself that this daily discomfort was normal, Alyssa’s view on food changed forever when she decided to ditch processed junk food and consume only natural, whole foods instead. As she prioritized healthy eating, Alyssa noticed a reduction in her discomfort and brain fog in just a few weeks.
With her newfound mental clarity and relieved stomach pain, Alyssa knew she couldn’t return to her old eating habits. She began developing her own nutrient-dense recipes. Eager to share her whole food, nutritious creations, and personal experience with others, Alyssa started her own food blog (cleverly dubbed Simply Quinoa) while working in marketing.
After splitting her time between her marketing career and food blog for five years, Alyssa left her marketing gig to devote all of her time and energy to managing her blog. She has since turned her passion into a fulfilling foodie community. “I never used to think I would start or run my own business, but I feel so damn lucky that I get to do what I love and share my passion with all of you each and every day,” Alyssa wrote in a blog post.
Alyssa’s creative recipes are simple, approachable, and often feature different superfoods in addition to healthy twists on classic indulgences. From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, Alyssa has your table covered. She even provides recipes for those who have food allergies and sensitivities.
Originally from Vermont, Alyssa now lives in New York City with her boyfriend, Matt, and furbaby, Trevi. Alyssa and Matt both share a love of travel and adventure, but they have their differences when it comes to food. Alyssa’s current diet is mostly plant-based, and she considers herself to be about 95 percent vegan, occasionally working eggs, honey, and fish into her meals. Matt doesn’t eat a plant-based diet, but the couple still makes shared meal times work by using the same base for their meal then adding in their own proteins and other flavors based on individual preference.
As if she couldn’t get any cooler, Alyssa is also a fabulous photographer specializing in natural-light food photography that really captures the beautiful colors of her fresh ingredients. From recipe ingredients to makeup, Alyssa strives to use only all-natural, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly products. In addition to foodie content, Alyssa’s blog focuses on other components of a healthy lifestyle such as the importance of exercise and meditation, using natural and cruelty-free products, and how to use essential oils properly.
In a YouTube Q&A, Alyssa revealed that she works up to 60 hours a week between her blog, YouTube channel, and the rest of her social media platforms. Now that’s how you hustle like a boss babe! It’s evident that this hard-working foodie is on a mission to change lives by sharing her personal insights and colorful creations.
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
I wake up around 6 a.m. each morning, drink a HUGE glass of water, and then head outside with my dog. We take a long walk in Riverside Park (in NYC), then I come home and either do a quick 30-minute at-home workout or head to my local yoga or SoulCycle studio.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
I love spending time outside, totally unplugged. It’s a great way for me to recharge but also gives me time to think and brainstorm for my business. I also am addicted to face masks and am a HUGE believer in exercise. I love yoga, spinning, strength training, and of course, walking!
How do you stay inspired?
I get inspiration from all around me, but I feel most inspired when I travel. I love seeing new cultures, exploring new places, and trying new food. I always come back with a new sense of vigor and can’t wait to recreate some of the flavors in my own cooking.
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Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
I absolutely love this new skincare line I just discovered called Laurel Whole Plant Organics. Their serums and facial elixirs are out of this world! I also am seriously loving my jade roller.
What are your favorite apps?
Instagram is a great way for me to stay connected to my audience as well as my friends in the blog space. But I also love my meditation app, Calm, Overcast for podcasts, and one just for fun is called Night Sky, which you hold up to the sky at night and it shows you the star constellations.
Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag
There are so many! It’s funny because I now actually use Instagram more for keeping up with all my other blogger friends rather than pure inspiration. If I had to choose a few just for fun, it would be icanteven (cute animal videos), thedogist, and bestofvegan.
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
Depends on what I’m craving (i.e., sweet or savory), but usually it’s an apple and almond butter, an energy bite, some hummus and crackers, or a protein bar.
Alyssa IRL
If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?
Caring, goofy, game for anything, snuggly
What would the title of your autobiography be?
I’m not sure, but probably something to do with quinoa!
What’s your most-used emoji?
Heart eyes or the dancing girl
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
Princess Diana—I love how she followed her heart, was super passionate about her causes, and was an amazing and caring mother all at the same time.
What superpower would you like to have?
I think I’d want to teleport, so I could explore even more places.
What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?
I don’t really have any hidden talents (wish I did!), but I’d say that I’m really great at listening. I’m an introvert at heart, and so I’d much rather be the listener than the talker. I think this makes me a great friend, a great partner (most of the time!), and also really helps me with my community since I listen to what they’re saying and try my best to give them solutions that will actually help them reach their goals.
Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?
The ocean. I grew up going to the ocean in the summer, and I just love it!
What’s your coffee order?
I’m not a coffee drinker, so usually an herbal tea.
What piece of advice has impacted you the most?
That many great things come from failure. It’s hard to build your own business and not get discouraged when things don’t work out as you might have planned. But knowing that everyone who I admire has also had to struggle, has failed countless times, and still picked themselves back up and succeeded helps me look at things in a more positive light.
Looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt? Be sure to check out Alyssa Rimmer’s Pinterest or her cookbooks.
Featured Image by DAG Photography