Giovanna Cicerchia, former trainer on NBC's series "Strong", founded a meal prep & lifestyle blog for moms
Not Just a Pretty Plate is a meal prep and lifestyle blog for moms who know that they’re worth more! On the blog, I share meal prep ideas, recipes, fitness tips and how each of these fit into my personal lifestyle. Meal prep is not new but NJAPP differentiates itself by offering meal prep ideas and presentations that make meal prep, well, pretty. Instead of 7 days of bland grilled chicken and pale green broccoli complimented by a sweet potato that doesn’t look so sweet, NJAPP offers 3-day meal prep ideas that make you feel catered to when you take the time to sit down and enjoy your meal using real utensils and fine china.
What was the inspiration behind starting Not Just a Pretty Plate?
As moms, we are generally consumed with getting our home in order and taking care of everyone else in the family first, which is well-intentioned, yet many times this leads to neglecting our own mental and physical health. I was guilty of this to a certain extent, but after being casted in STRONG, NBC’s fitness reality show, I became living proof that discipline, patience and consistency in both exercise and diet really does work, which can be seen in my amazing physical and mental transformation. The realization that I was “worth more” (keeping myself as a priority in a balanced way) allowed me to clearly see that healthy sacrifices (not unhealthy choices) lead to a happier and healthier home. Meal prepping is a huge help when trying to eat right. Pretty meal prepping is even better!
What advice do you have for others who are inspired to start their own platform in the lifestyle/wellness space ?
I would say to literally speak your desire into existence and never give up until it becomes real. There is power in our words and attitude. Talking about it is one thing though, but walking the walk is another. You cannot be afraid of the work even if the work creates some scrapes and cuts along the way and even if you don’t know exactly what it will lead to. Just start whatever it is that you want to start! I started exercising and eating right and taking pictures of my food a year before the opportunity for STRONG even came up. If I hadn’t gotten into somewhat decent shape and took all of those foodie pictures in the year before the casting call, I would never had made the show and would never have had the content to launch my blog as the show aired.
Why do you think now is the time to be a female entrepreneur?
No matter female or male, there is never a time like the present. Although I think women have always had a strong voice, it does seem that we are living in a time where people are listening to us more carefully. It is our season to reap the harvest for what we have sown for so many years and causes.
What do you envision for your future endeavors?
It is my hope to eventually transition the content from NJAPP into a cookbook and possibly into a clean eating door-to-door concept. Expanding NJAPP will be all about inspiring anyone to learn about the simplicity and benefit of a 3-day clean eating lifestyle. Everyone has the ability to realize they are "worth it", but few realize they have to have the courage to take the first step. NJAPP is about setting obtainable goals and feeling victorious as opposed to defeated. Inspiration needs motivation and with that comes satisfaction. Not Just a Pretty Plate is filled with the perfect ratio of humor, fitness, and motivation. Join me as I discover more about myself and turning more of my insecurities into strengths.