Welcome!
I'm Victoria Lostaunau, a fine artist specializing in Mixed Media Acrylic painting, based in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. Before dedicating my time to raising my family and selling my art, I had a background in Computer Information Systems and worked as a Front-End web developer, JavaScript developer, and graphic designer. But my life took an unexpected turn, and I found myself on a profound healing journey that has reshaped my perspective on health and well-being.

In November 2020, amidst the global pandemic, I started feeling worse and worse, experiencing symptoms like exhaustion, dizziness spells, and heart palpitations. Despite multiple visits to my primary care physician (PCP), my concerns were brushed aside, attributing my issues to food sensitivities and anxiety. My A1c in 2019 was 6.1 and even though i asked if maybe my symptoms might be related to blood sugar I was told I didn't present that way, so they didn't order a new A1c test. I knew something wasn't right, I did not feel healthy, but i followed my PCP's advice ate a "bland" diet, removing and adding in foods to try and find what i was "sensitive" to. In my attempts to 'be healthy' I consumed ALOT of artificial sweeteners. Vitamin waters, calorie free flavored water, pretty much anything that was 'sugar free' 'natural and artificial flavors' I was eating it.

By October 2021, I had a life-changing experience. I collapsed in my kitchen while cooking dinner for my family. I was rushed to the hospital, where I was diagnoised with Type 2 Diabetes with an A1c of 12.6 and blood glucose levels over 300. It was a devastating moment, but I was fortunate to have a sister who is a clinical researcher specializing in reversing cardio metabolic diseases through Whole Food Plant-based (WFPB) eating and lifestyle changes.

Sitting in my hospital bed, feeling hopeless and scared, I turned to my sister for guidance. I asked her directly, "Do you promise me that if I go all in on this, it can reverse my condition?" Her response, "Yes Tori, it works, I promise." Filled with hope, I immediately changed my eating habits, embracing WFPB with no chemicals, artificial sweeteners, or processed foods. I became my own advocate, meticulously tracking my glucose levels, exercise routines, and overall well-being in a daily journal.

Despite my PCP's skepticism that Type 2 Diabetes could be reversed, I was determined to be a success and heal. Within a month, my A1c dropped from 12.6 to 9.3—a remarkable improvement. I was excited to share this progress during my follow-up appointment, but my PCP dismissed it as "terrible uncontrolled diabetes" and insisted that my pancreas was broken, with no hope for reversal. Nevertheless, I refused to give up.

In February 2023, (just 2 months after I was told i was "broken") I achieved a significant milestone. My A1c dropped further to 6.8, surpassing even my own expectations. This time, my PCP had to acknowledge the effectiveness of my WFPB lifestyle change, he wanted to keep the insulin on my chart. I remained determined to continue improving my health.

Through unwavering perseverance and a whole-food centered approach, I experienced extraordinary transformations. By May 2023, I eliminated insulin from my treatment regimen entirely, moving to  only a low dose of .25 Ozempic once a week. My current A1c is at 6.1 (pre-diabetic), my overall health has improved dramatically. I've regained energy, eliminated pain and inflammation, and bid farewell to the constant exhaustion and joint discomfort that once plagued me.

I created this site to share my personal journey, favorite recipes, and to inspire others who may find themselves on a similar path. I firmly believe in the power of food as medicine and its ability to heal. Through my blog, I aim to provide hope, share valuable insights, and recommend practical resources. I will delve into intriguing studies, present delicious recipes, showcase success stories, and offer links to online resources that have supported me throughout my healing journey.

Thank you for joining me on this transformative adventure. Let's explore the remarkable impact of whole-food eating together and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life.

With gratitude, Victoria