Check out this interview with plant-based cook, recipe developer, and mission-driven entrepreneur.
Meet our latest inspiration, Radhi Devlukia. She’s a plant-based cook and recipe developer, mission-driven entrepreneur, trained dietitian, nutritionist, ayurvedic student, and co-founder of the adaptogenic tea brand JUNI. As the cherry on top, Devlukia is married to podcaster, author, and life coach Jay Shetty—can you say couple goals? Most recently, Devlukia launched her debut vegan cookbook, JoyFull. The book features over 125 droolworthy plant-based recipes with mindfulness at the heart of each dish. In honor of JoyFull’s release, we spoke with Devlukia about her vegan lifestyle and the inspiration behind her book. Here’s what she had to say!
Courtesy of Radhi Devlukia
VegOut (VO): As someone who grew up vegetarian, what first drew you to ditch the dairy and adopt a fully vegan lifestyle?
Radhi Devlukia (RD): I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer and couldn’t unlearn what I had learned from reading it.
VO: How does veganism align with your beliefs as a dietitian, nutritionist, and ayurvedic student?
RD: It completely aligns! Health is about eating food and living practices that don't just fuel your body but also uplift your energy, mood, and mindset. When you eat animals, you’re essentially eating their suffering and that becomes part of you.
VO: Have you always had a knack for cooking, or is that something you got into after going vegan?
RD: Growing up, my mum's love language was cooking. I feel like watching her and eating the food she made for us infused that same relationship with food into me.
VO: What is your advice for those looking to follow a more whole food plant-based diet with a busy schedule?
RD: Meal planning, one-pot meals, experiment and have fun in the kitchen, don’t try everything all at once, start with dishes you love and repeat them, then add new ones slowly until your week is filled with meals you absolutely love. Also, plan around your macros to make sure your meals are balanced—pick your favorite veggies, proteins, carbs, and fats and then mix and match.
Courtesy of Radhi Devlukia
VO: Congrats on your new vegan cookbook, JoyFull! How did the idea of this book first come about?
RD: After studying nutrition, being a dietitian in a hospital, and studying Ayurveda, I learned and practiced so many things that changed my life from the way I eat to the wellness practices I use during the day, and I wanted to share that with others in hopes it does the same for them!
VO: Tell us the story behind the name of your cookbook.
RD: I believe life should be about creating more moments of joy every day and we have the choice through what we eat, the thoughts we think, and our daily practices to do that for ourselves. JoyFull is vibrant, colorful, and filled with goodness for the mind, body, and heart to give people those moments of joy!
VO: What kind of recipes can readers expect to find in JoyFull?
RD: Everything from Smashed Chipotle Beans and Avocado Quesadillas to Roasted Red Pepper Tagliatelle, Spicy Bean Burgers, wholesome curries, lentil dishes—and of course, cheeky treats! Basically there’s a dish for everyone and every craving!
VO: We love that veganism extends beyond your diet, and into your lifestyle. What are some of your favorite cruelty-free beauty products?
RD: I love Ranavat, Live Tinted, OSEA, Milk Makeup, and Ilia.
Courtesy of Radhi Devlukia
VO: You’re also an avid yogi. What are the parallels that you’ve found between yoga and veganism?
RD: Yoga means connection to ourselves, nature, and everything and everyone around us; compassion for all is a universal principle of both.
VO: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
RD: We should learn to listen to our bodies more than what others tell us are good for our body. Our body speaks to us every day in every moment and tuning back in is the beginning of improving our health!
Ready to dig into Devlukia’s delicious recipes? Purchase JoyFull online now!
