My Personal Origin Story
In 2010, during a typical autumn visit to my family’s farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I found myself deeply reflecting on my upbringing surrounded by nature’s bounty.
It was in the midst of helping with the annual pumpkin harvest that I had a moment of clarity.
I realized my lifelong exposure to farming and natural foods wasn’t just a background detail of my life; it was a foundational element of who I was meant to be.
This realization sparked my interest in plant-based nutrition. I began to see food not just as a part of my heritage, but as a tool for health and sustainability, a perspective I was eager to explore and share with others.
I pursued my Master’s in Nutritional Sciences at Oregon State University. This choice was motivated by the university’s commitment to these fields and its proximity to the fertile Willamette Valley, allowing me to stay connected to the region that inspired my passion for plant-based nutrition and sustainable living.
My journey wasn’t a smooth one. There were challenges and setbacks, but each of them reinforced my belief in the power of natural, sustainable nourishment.
One significant challenge was the severe drought of 2012 in Oregon, part of the 2012–2013 North American drought. This event devastated local crops, including pumpkin harvests, and served as a profound lesson in resilience and the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and nutrition.
I transformed these experiences into a platform for advocacy and education, launching PumpkinProteinHub.com. This wasn’t just a website; it was a manifestation of my philosophy: “Nourish your body, respect the planet.”
Avery’s Guiding Principles
In navigating the intricate world of nutrition and sustainability, I’ve anchored myself to several guiding principles. The realm of health and wellness is as complex as it is fascinating, and these tenets help me maintain my focus and integrity.
1. Unplanned Lessons are Often the Most Valuable
Just as the most bountiful harvests can come from the most unexpected conditions, life’s unplanned events often bear the richest lessons. I’ve learned to embrace these surprises, extracting wisdom and insight from each.
2. Ownership and Authenticity in Success and Failure
In this journey, the successes are as sweet as freshly harvested pumpkins, and the failures as instructive as a wilted crop. Both are mine, and I cherish them equally. They are reminders of the authenticity of my path and the reality of my mission.
3. Personal Happiness is the True North
My definition of happiness is rooted in sustainability, health, and community. I believe in carving a path that aligns with these values, a path that may be different from others but is uniquely mine. This journey is about finding joy in the simple, sustainable choices we make every day.
At PumpkinProteinHub.com, we’re not just sharing recipes and nutrition tips; we’re cultivating a community where every individual can find their own path to a sustainable, healthful life. It’s about more than just food; it’s about a lifestyle that honors and sustains our planet and our bodies.