Laura Antonelli is 47 years young and currently living in the beautiful city of Raleigh, NC. She began her health and fitness journey at the age of five when she fell in love with the sport of gymnastics and the game of soccer. Years later her passion for wellness grew after serving as a caregiver for her father that suffered from many preventable chronic health issues.
Through this experience, Laura was determined to take better care of herself through exercise and healthy eating. These changes soon led her to a full-time career in wellness.
Laura is living her purpose by helping others reap the benefits of a vegan lifestyle . As a certified personal trainer, certified holistic wellness coach and certified plant-based nutritionist, she firmly believes in the collective healing powers of the mind, body and spirit.
Laura made the transition to a vegan lifestyle five years ago when she began to question her conformity to unjust social norms. Consuming animal flesh meant participating in horrific, violent acts. She no longer wanted to remain a bystander to what was going on around her.
Laura also embraced a plant-based diet for optimal health and vitality . She believes disease manifests in the body when the vibrational frequency is low and teaches others to be conscious of what we feed our body and mind.
Choosing this lifestyle was her gateway to greater emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth.
Tell us more about yourself, please
I’m Laura Antonelli, and at 47 years young, I find myself nestled in the charming city of Raleigh, NC. My venture into health and fitness traces back to my early days at just five years old, when the enchanting worlds of gymnastics and soccer captured my heart.
Little did I know that these passions would set the stage for my lifelong commitment to well-being.
However, it was a pivotal moment caring for my father, who battled chronic health issues, that became a defining chapter of my life. This experience transformed my outlook on health, inspiring me to embark on a personal journey toward better self-care. The trifecta of exercise, mindful eating, and stress reduction became my guiding principles. These changes resonated so deeply with me that they guided me toward a fulfilling career in the wellness sphere.
Could you share more about the turning point when you decided to prioritize your own well-being? How did this journey lead to your career in wellness?
My vegan journey, which began five years ago, was a monumental shift in my life. It wasn’t just about dietary choices; it was a fundamental decision that stemmed from questioning societal norms. The realization that I was participating in the violence of consuming and utilizing animal products became too stark to ignore. I wanted to be an active advocate for change, rather than a passive bystander.
Certified as a personal trainer, holistic wellness coach, and plant-based nutrition expert, I have found my calling in promoting the harmony between mind, body, and spirit.
Today, I proudly serve as a Wellness Director within my local community, where I have the privilege of mentoring and inspiring others to integrate wellness into their lives.
This shift in perspective also revealed the health benefits of a plant-based diet. I firmly believe that disease finds its foothold when the vibrational frequency of the body is low. Nourishing our bodies, minds, and senses with intention becomes crucial. As I embraced veganism, my compassion expanded, and my personal growth took on new dimensions.
Can you tell us about any specific challenges you faced during your transition to a plant-based lifestyle, and how you overcame them?
Absolutely, challenges were not in short supply during my transition to a plant-based lifestyle. One of the initial hurdles was redefining my approach to meal planning. I had to familiarize myself with new ingredients and cooking techniques. Fortunately, the internet and supportive online communities provided a wealth of information and creative recipes that eased my transition.
Another obstacle was social situations that often centered around non-vegan food. Attending gatherings or dining out sometimes presented challenges, but I learned to communicate my dietary preferences in advance and often brought my own dishes to share. Over time, these experiences not only strengthened my commitment to veganism but also inspired conversations around plant-based options.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that the choices we make truly reflect our values. Each step I take is a stride toward aligning my beliefs with my actions. As I share my story and insights, I hope to inspire others to recognize the transformative power of holistic well-being and the profound impact it can have on our lives and the world around us.
You’ve mentioned the power of community support. How have you managed to navigate social situations and gatherings as a vegan, and what advice would you give to someone facing similar challenges?
As I continued to grow within my journey, I found that my holistic well-being expanded beyond my personal sphere. My approach to life shifted, and I began seeing connections between the choices I made and their impact on the environment and other beings. This realization further fueled my commitment to advocating for a compassionate lifestyle.
In the broader context, embracing a vegan lifestyle has enabled me to engage in meaningful conversations about sustainability, animal welfare, and personal health. I’ve had the privilege of inspiring others to consider these aspects and make mindful choices that align with their values.
Your journey has evolved into a mission for positive change. How has your perspective on the world and its interconnectedness transformed since embracing veganism?
Through my experiences, I’ve come to understand that holistic well-being extends beyond the physical and into the realm of emotional and spiritual growth. Embracing a plant-based lifestyle was my catalyst for profound self-discovery and personal evolution. It taught me to be intentional in every aspect of my life, from the food I consume to the relationships I nurture.
The power of aligning our beliefs with our actions is truly transformative. It’s not just about a diet; it’s about the ripple effect of conscious choices on our own lives and the world we inhabit. My hope is that by sharing my journey and insights, I can inspire others to embark on their path of holistic well-being and compassion, for themselves and the greater good.
Follow me @plant.proof.phitness for more vegan fitness and nutrition inspiration 🌱💚🌱💚
LALA ANTONELLI
Providing you tools, education and guidance for optimal vitality with a plant-based lifestyle.
CPT, Cert. Plant-Based Nutrition, Cert. Health Coach.