Hi, I’m Gina Fontana
certified health coach, whole food lover, health enthusiast, CREATIVE, and MOTHER OF TWO.
All throughout my childhood and young adult life I suffered from a lot of health ailments. My parents took me to numerous doctors, who just didn’t have a clue what was going on with me. They tested me for numerous diseases with no conclusive answers. I felt disappointed and hopeless.
After years with no answers, I was finally able to transform my life from chronic health struggles to vibrant wellness. Through my journey of self-discovery, I learned the power of whole foods. Having awareness to what my body is telling me is key, and through my own experience I hope to empower others to embrace healthy living, using my passion for cooking, photography, and creativity. Nutrition plays a pivotal role, and my faith has been the foundation of this life transformation. I give all glory to God!
In my late twenties, I decided to give my life to Jesus and take the next step in my faith. I decided to partake in a religious fast, the Daniel Fast, as a next step to grow in my commitment to God. During this fast, I ate only vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and only drank water for 21 days. Within the first week, I felt amazing! That was the AHA! light bulb moment; that a majority of my symptoms were related to my diet and what I was putting into my body.
After the fast ended, I began to experiment with my diet and I would keep food journals and take extensive notes about how certain foods would make me feel. Did I have a headache after I had cheese? Did I feel bloated after I ate bread? (Yes, was the answer to both of those by the way!). I knew that I was going to have to make some serious lifestyle changes. I started with cutting out gluten first and that helped me a lot. Then, over time, I moved to cutting out dairy and eggs.
With what God had revealed to me, it wasn’t until I decided to take control of my health that things began to change. By educating myself about whole foods and nutrition, I learned over time how certain ingredients could either contribute to my struggles or facilitate healing.
Going gluten-free and eventually plant-based became my turning point, significantly alleviating my symptoms. Sometimes I would feel quite terrible for days after I “cheated”, sort of a food hangover, if you will. I knew I had to fully commit to this lifestyle change or I would continue to stay stuck in this merry-go-round of good days and bad days.
I continued to research different gluten-free products and recipes, read articles about the ongoing advancements in the gluten-free lifestyle, and I enrolled in a year-long online health coaching program to become a certified health coach. It was a result of my education on the benefits of a plant-based diet that I decided to adapt a vegan diet. I’ve always been a huge animal lover and have always hated eating meat, even as a child. I experimented with cooking different foods in the kitchen and it became enjoyable for me to cook and develop new recipes.
I started Healthy Little Vittles (formerly called Happily Ever After Gluten) not only to help others out there like me, but also to help hold myself accountable to this lifestyle.
Community has played an integral role in my journey to health and happiness. My husband has always been very supportive, but throughout my struggles, I often felt isolated. But as I began to share my story and recipes on this blog and social media, I discovered a supportive network of like-minded individuals. This sense of community not only provided encouragement but also fostered meaningful connections. It’s so important to surround yourself with positive influences and find a tribe that uplifts and inspires you.
At Healthy Little Vittles I strive to cultivate a supportive environment where individuals can share their stories, ask questions, and celebrate their health journeys together. I believe that no one should have to face their struggles alone and that together, we can lift each other toward a healthier, happier life.
Although my initial path led me through nursing school, I found that my true calling lies in creative expression. From cooking to photography, to music and fine art, I embrace my artistic side, using it as an outlet for my emotions and experiences. Through this blog, I infuse my recipes and photography with stories and personal anecdotes, inviting readers into my world and encouraging them to be bold and brave, maybe try new produce, enjoy more cooking at home, or to express their creativity in the kitchen.
We can all benefit from eating more plants- regardless of the state of our health. I want to reassure you that there is NO JUDGEMENT here! We all start somewhere, it takes awareness, taking that first step, time, perseverance, and a lot of grace. Your mental health is just as important, so be kind to yourself and to others on this journey. I hope to keep sharing the message and my story so that people know they are not alone. YOU are not alone. It’s hard, but it’s one million percent worth it!
My journey from health struggles to wellness is a testament to the power of nutrition, creativity, faith, and community. Through Healthy Little Vittles, I hope to inspire others to embrace whole foods, believe in yourself, explore your creative sides, and seek out supportive communities.
My story is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s about thriving in the face of challenges and using those experiences to uplift others. As I continue to create, cook, and connect, I invite everyone, regardless of dietary choices, to join me on this empowering path to wellness. I truly believe that my recipes are inclusive to everyone, and that regardless of whether you’re vegan or not, gluten-free or not, that you will find something here that you like.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you, thank you for continuing to hold me accountable, and thank you for supporting my small business!
Biography written in collaboration with Clive Nyawo – Uptime
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