Welcome to plantybar
A space where plant-based family cooking meets toddler nutrition, inspired by our everyday life in the kitchen.
hi,
my name is Tamara, and I’m the creator of Plantybar. I live with my fiancé Francesco, our toddler Samuel, and our black Labrador Luna in the mountains of Italy.
We only moved here a few months ago, and it has been quite the change. Before that we lived in Brighton, England right by the sea. Now we are surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and incredible local food.
My Food Journey
My relationship with food changed many years ago. In 2012, I gave up meat for Lent. What was meant to be a short experiment quickly became a permanent lifestyle change — I never went back and honestly haven’t missed it for a single day.
This is where I truly became aware of what’s happening in the meat, dairy, and egg industry, and I quickly decided that I no longer wanted to be part of it.
Over time my diet became more plant-based, with only a few occasional exceptions like honey. I’ve always loved cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and plant-based cooking opened a whole new world of creativity in the kitchen.
Luna – Our First Baby
A year after moving to Brighton, we fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine: adding a dog to our family.
We visited a breeder in Sussex and met the most beautiful black Labrador Retriever puppy. Luna was the biggest of the entire litter — even bigger than the boys.
She ran straight toward me, I picked her up, she covered my face in kisses, and that was it. I didn’t even want to look at the other puppies. I knew she was the one.
We had to wait two more weeks before bringing her home — the longest two weeks ever.
Today Luna is still very much the heart of our family.
Studying Infant & Pediatric Nutrition
The deeper I went into researching, the more I realized how confusing nutrition advice can be — especially when it comes to feeding babies and toddlers.
To better understand the science behind it all and feel more confident in the kitchen, I decided to complete a certification in Infant and Pediatric Nutrition.
Studying this subject gave me a much deeper understanding of how nutrients support children’s development, and how families can create balanced meals without overcomplicating things.
It also inspired me to share what I was learning with other parents who might be searching for the same answers.
Meeting Francesco and Life in England
Francesco and I met during Covid in London
– thank you Tinder 🙂
After dating for about a year, Francesco moved to Brighton to be with me, since my job was based there.
Before that I had spent more than a decade working in hospitality, eventually becoming a Guest Relations Manager in luxury hotels, taking care of the rich and famous.
When Covid hit, everything changed. I suddenly found myself covering night shifts at the front desk — which really wasn’t for me. So I decided it was time for a new adventure and moved into customer service for a large finance company, based in Brighton.
Becoming a Mom
A few years later, our beautiful baby boy Samuel joined the family. He is recently started walking and growing into a curious little explorer.
Samuel and Luna together are double trouble, but also the sweetest little duo. Seeing them grow up together and become best friends is something I always dreamed of.
Becoming a mom also changed my relationship with food in a new way. As a breastfeeding mother, I suddenly found myself constantly researching nutrition, ingredients, and meals that support healthy development.
Like many parents, I spent countless hours googling toddler nutrition, balanced meals, and the best foods for growing little bodies. I wanted to feel confident that I was giving my child everything he needed.
Why Plantybar Changed
I originally started Plantybar about three years ago as a place to share simple plant-based recipes for everyone.
But after becoming a mom, and after studying infant and pediatric nutrition, the focus naturally shifted.
These days I spend a lot of time creating meals that nourish both adults and toddlers at the same table — because I truly believe family meals should be enjoyable for everyone, not separate “baby food” and adult food.
Today Plantybar focuses on family meals with toddler nutrition in mind.
Here you’ll find:
• nourishing plant-based recipes
• family meals toddlers can enjoy too
• ideas for introducing little ones to diverse flavours and spices
• personal blog posts and experiences from our family kitchen and my personal life as first time mother.
• stories about motherhood, breastfeeding, and feeding little ones
I hope you stick around
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