Hey everyone! I’m Natasha—the stay-at-home mom (SAHM), recipe innovator, passionate cook, and NEWEST writer behind Our Plant-Based World (OPBW). I have a background in digital media design, worked in preschool education, and taught speech and drama before moving to the US in 2021 to be with my husband Mitri. Together we raise our son, Zander.
Now, I’m on 24/7 “house arrest”—no parole, no passing go, and definitely no $200 (I joke, mostly). Curious how I ended up here? Read on to find out!
Background
Born in Singapore with South Indian roots and raised in a Catholic household, I enjoyed a diverse range of cuisines without restrictions.
As the second of three girls—the classic middle child—I developed a unique perspective on life. From a young age, I learned to be adaptable, and independent, and to embrace my individuality, all while nurturing a deep sense of empathy.
My culinary journey reflects that same spirit. I was always more adventurous, compared to the rest of my family. In the kitchen, I loved pushing boundaries, exploring new ingredient combinations, and "veganizing" classic comfort foods. Here's a picture of me, on the extreme left, with my sisters over at grandma's place.
The Spark: Where My Culinary Passion Ignited
My love for cooking and writing about food started with some of my fondest memories—sitting with my mom, watching cooking shows or competitions, often recorded on the good old VCR (remember those?). I’d be the one she turned to for help in translating written recipes from Tamil into English too.
I’d jump at any chance my mother ALLOWED me to experiment (she is very territorial about her kitchen). Even if my father was the only one brave enough to try the final product, it still felt like a win—especially for someone who's their own toughest critic!
If I wasn’t cooking, I was helping with prep work or watching the women in our family work their magic, soaking up everything I could. Those moments not only deepened my connection to food but also sparked my passion for sharing recipes and food stories with others.
Through this blog, I aim to share the treasured recipes, cooking tips, and natural remedies for hair and skin health, that I’ve inherited, along with a touch of my own family's culinary adventures.
A Silent Desperation
As amazing as Singapore is, work-life balance was particularly challenging. The pressure to maintain productivity and the pervasive expectation of wearing many hats often led to stress and burnout, making it hard for me to carve out time for personal well-being, family, and leisure.
I thought I'd only signed up to be a kindergarten teacher in a preschool and yet balancing the demands of my profession led to stress-eating and poor sleep habits which in turn altered my mood. Dining out became a regular way to catch up with friends and a "cheaper" alternative compared with paying for many recreational activities as it often is on our small island.
Over time, I started losing touch with my self-care, feeling drained by the endless cycle of work, home, eat and sleep. With bags under my eyes, hair falling and silent cries, I knew something needed to be done yet being surrounded by people who were in a similar position as me and didn't take being fit seriously, I too fell, stuck in that loophole.
Winds of Change
In late 2017, I was ready to quit the dating app, Tinder, when I met my now-husband, Mitri. He introduced me to Spartan races, inspiring me to pursue a non-work-related goal.
Beginning with Zumba for fun, I then cut out rice from my meals and embraced a flexible, plant-based diet. I reduced sugar, drank black coffee with cinnamon, and followed a workout app I found through a YouTube ad. I also tried intermittent fasting, combining it with my other habits. Like many beginners, I was experimenting to find what worked for me.
The little changes made consistently caused immense differences I could not only see but feel. I knew then, I wanted to maintain. It was nice to hear how I inspired some in my circle to make small changes themselves!
Embracing A Plant-Based Lifestyle
Now, together with my family, we've been embracing the plant-based diet since 2018. By definition, a plant-based lifestyle is about focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds as the foundation of your meals. Unlike a strictly vegan or vegetarian diet, a plant-based lifestyle emphasizes the quality and health benefits of plant foods rather than rigidly excluding all animal products.
Zander, for instance, does not take any added sugar products or dairy and loves his homemade juices, smoothies, fruits, black bean patties, and potatoes! We didn't even have cake for his 1st birthday, substituting it with a rainbow fruit platter. He would occasionally have chicken or beef though.
NOTE: We at Our Plant-Based World blog only create recipes and posts related to plant-based food or self-care WITHOUT animal products.
Fun Facts About Me
Being raised in a small city/island with 1 of the best public transportation in the world, I can neither drive nor ride a bike! Plus owning a car in Singapore is ridiculously pricey(look it up!)
I sing and dance pretty well.
Contrary to common associations (being Indian), I do not care for bread, rice or Indian curries. I prefer dry-curry based dishes.
I'm into both Western horoscopes and Chinese astrology (and no, not the daily horoscope reader) just fascinated with esoteric knowledge.
I enjoy murder mysteries, fantasy, supernatural, and thriller-based books and movies. I love watching tattoo and cooking/baking competitions and local gameshows too!
I like looking up dream interpretations and throughout my life have had signs and symbolisms shown to me. Yes, call me crazy, but I believe the Universe gives us signs if we’re open to them. For example, after a fight during our dating stage, I got into a minivan taxi and noticed the first three letters of our names, 'Mit' and 'Nat,' reflected to me. It felt like a message as I was questioning whether we were right for each other. (Just 1 of many instances!)
Personal Favorites On OPBW
Explore some of my favorite recipes:
- Russian Beet Potato Salad
- Vegan Coconut Pineapple Thai Curry
- Vegan Lava Cake
- Juice for Bloating
- Crispy Vegan Falafel
And because he can't quite type yet, here are some recipes that we save for Zander:
- Mushroom Soup (No Cream)
- Healthy Homemade Guacamole (No jalapenos for him of course)
- Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream
- High-Protein Pasta Sauce
- Carrot Beetroot Juice
Connect and Collaborate
Whether you’re seeking culinary inspiration, a partnership, or share tips about your stay-at-home mom life, I would love to connect at natasha@ourplantbasedworld.com or visit my socials!
Singapore's Dynamic Food Culture
Cradled in a multicultural society; woven from a rich blend of ethnic influences, where the kitchen was always abuzz with the exquisite scents of global spices and the nostalgic family or community-shared recipes, I developed a deep appreciation for the flavors and techniques that define our Singaporean cuisine.
Just a quick history to understand my country of origins' food influence.
1. Multicultural Melting Pot: Singapore's diverse population of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Eurasians has created a rich culinary tapestry. With the influence of other ethnic groups over time, this multicultural blend has resulted in a harmonious fusion of East meets West in the food scene.
2. Hawker Centers: These bustling food courts are a hallmark of Singaporean dining, offering an array of affordable, high-quality dishes from different cuisines. Popular stalls serve everything from spicy laksa (a noodle soup) and savory chicken rice to rich biryani and aromatic satay (grilled skewers).
3. Festive Feasts: Food is at the heart of Singapore's festivals, from Chinese New Year feasts to Deepavali's curries and sweets. These meals, often shared with neighbors and friends of different backgrounds, showcase the nation's rich cultural tapestry.
Curious to see what vegan options Singapore has to offer? Here are some useful links to check out:
- Green eats reign supreme: Best vegan restaurants and cafes in Singapore
- Vegan Singapore Guide | Best Restaurants & Cafes For Vegan Food
- Vegan Guide to Singapore
About Our Plant-Based World
Welcome to Our Plant-Based World, your go-to source for global-inspired, quick, easy, and affordable vegan food. Our mission is to deliver recipes that are so simple, nourishing, and delicious that they’ll have the potential to become staples in your kitchen.
Here's What to Expect in OPBW:
- Each recipe is plant-based, mostly focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Of course, we all deserve a treat occasionally, so you'll find some indulgent recipes too!
- Most recipes are gluten-free or can be easily adapted with a simple swap for a gluten-free alternative.
- I provide oil-free or gluten-free variations with tips on brands and substitutions wherever possible. You can find those in popular categories on the blog if you want to adhere to those dietary preferences.