From SAHM To Plant-Based Pro: Alisia Essig’s Path to PlantWhys
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Ali Essig—a former Capitol Hill communications director who now empowers women from the kitchen and the Pilates studio. As a holistic plant-based nutritionist, Pilates instructor, and mom of six (including twin boys!), Ali is the founder of PlantWhys, where she helps women heal from the inside out through plant-predominant eating and core-focused movement.
Ali’s journey began when her husband suffered a stroke at just 37. Paired with the early loss of her father, this sparked a deep dive into holistic wellness and a shift that transformed her family’s lifestyle. What started as a personal transformation became a passion-fueled purpose to support other moms in building vibrant, resilient lives.
Tune in as Sharon and Ali explore practical wellness, finding joy in the mundane, raising responsible kids, and the power of small steps in creating real change. Ali’s motto? Paced progress over perfection.
[00:00] Introduction
[00:55] Meet Ali Essig
[03:20] A family health crisis sparks a mission
[06:45] Transitioning a family of eight to plant-predominant eating
[08:40] What sets PlantWhys apart from other programs
[13:50] Transferring mom skills into entrepreneurship
[17:35] Pushing through imposter syndrome
[22:45] Non-negotiables for balance as a mom and business owner
[25:30] Ali’s advice for her younger self
[29:30] Favorite plant-based comfort food
Meet my guest Ali Essig:
Website: plantwhys.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantwhys
Instagram: @plantwhys
Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.
Keep an eye out for episode #40 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Cristan Crocker, documentary filmmaker and producer. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
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Sharon (01:09)
welcome back to a new episode of Mom to More. So my guest today went from Capitol Hill to the kitchen and swapped
politics for Pilates and is now helping women heal from the inside out. Alicia Essig is a holistic plant-based nutritionist, Pilates instructor, and the powerhouse mom behind PlantWise, where she empowers women to take charge of their health through a plant-predominant diet and core-focused movement. Before stepping into the wellness world, Alicia worked on Capitol Hill as a communications director and legislative aide, so she knows how to advocate for change.
whether in policy or in personal health. Alicia is also a stay-at-home mom of six, yes, six, I bow down to you, including twin baby boys. Her wellness journey began when her husband had a stroke at just 37 with no clear answers from doctors. That experience combined with the earlier loss of her father to a heart attack at only 55 sparked a deep dive into the research and a total lifestyle shift. Now,
She blends nearly two decades of Pilates experience with plant-based coaching to help other women and their families live healthier, more vibrant lives. Well, welcome, Allie. I am so thrilled you're joining me today.
Ali (02:29)
thank you. It's so great to be here.
Sharon (02:32)
Thank you. Okay, so I realized that this episode is going to resonate with all moms and it doesn't matter how old you are, how many kids you have, nothing like that. Because healthy, vibrant living is something we all strive for. And for us older post-menopausal mamas, it is especially relevant. But first, I'd like to start all of my podcast episodes with what I call my essential mom question. We know you have six kids, amazing, where are you raising them?
Ali (03:02)
I live in the Washington DC area. So it's so fun. There's always a lot going on out here.
Sharon (03:09)
It's terrific. Actually, one of our daughters lives there and she loves it. Absolutely loves it. Okay, so
why was it important for you to lean into family life and be there with your kids?
Ali (03:19)
Yeah, I think you know, I worked on Capitol Hill and I absolutely loved my job so much. And then I had my first baby. And it's amazing where your passion just changes. I really wanted to spend more time with her and I went back to work, I still was working my Capitol Hill job. And then luckily, I got an offer to work on a campaign instead from home and
I just, wanted to be my nanny. You I would look at her and, and all the things that she was doing. I'm like, I'm actually jealous of you that you get to just hang out with my, my sweet little girl. But I, I knew I needed a mix of both. You know, sometimes I feel like it's the all or nothing that had to be complete full time, full nanny or nothing. And I was grateful that now I feel like a lot of women have these opportunities. But for me, it was kind of rare to be able to still work more part time from home, you know.
Sharon (04:09)
Yes.
And I lived that as well. There's women of a certain age that we were either working in the home or we were working outside of the home. And the two did not meet up.
Ali (04:19)
Yeah, yeah. it was and I back then too, I couldn't even work on Capitol Hill part time at home. Like they there was no option. It was work a full, you know, full time schedule or nothing. And so I had to give up a job that I loved, but I still was able to work on campaigns and do something similar that was more flexible. But I'll never forget when I sent out that email to everyone, you know, on my list, like, I'm, you know, I'm, I got a new job, I got a promotion. It's, you know, working from home with my kids.
And there was a woman who sent me an email that said, you know, I worked full time and tell my second child and when I quit, we were outside having a picnic and one of my older daughter was telling me, Hey, mom, look at this ladybug, like look at it. And she sat down and looked at the ladybug what the ladybug was doing and realize I never ever have had time to notice what a ladybug is doing. You know, to just like be just
one with nature for just five seconds to actually notice and have that time. So anyway, I'll never forget that email. And she was just all about, she's like, I'm all about you doing this, taking this time. And then, you maybe you'll come back, maybe you won't, but it is it is really important to take the time.
Sharon (05:29)
And it's so nice to hear. And it takes a kid to notice little things like ladybugs. Right, right. Unless they're swarming in your house, but that's a whole other thing. All right. So you have had such a powerful personal journey. Can you take us back to the moment that sparked the shift toward plant-based living for your family?
Ali (05:32)
Right. Right. It's so true.
you
Right. think, you know, after having multiple children and I worked part time for a while and then I ended up having to give up my part time job after three kids. I was like, OK, you know, it's enough just for me to teach Pilates. And so I just taught Pilates on the side and was home mostly with the kids. But then something happens. when when you have something happen to your family, like when my husband had his stroke, I there's the mama bear came out of me. You know, I'm like, there has to be something that I can do that's within my power.
And when he had a stroke, his vision was affected. And so we would be just praying constantly, you what can we do? How can we get his vision back? Because he couldn't drive, he couldn't work. You know, we had all of our six children and I'm trying to handle that and try to help support my husband at that time. It was a lot, it was a lot. And I just had to focus on what I could control in the moment. And what I could control was what we were eating and.
Sharon (06:36)
That's overload. Yeah.
Ali (06:45)
diving deep into that, realizing that there's one way of health, which I always thought would cover everything was, you know, if you lose weight, that you'll naturally be able to improve everything. And that is true. But we had been losing weight, I just had my twin babies, we had both gained the twin baby weight, we were eating more of the typical like high protein diet. And it was at this time that he had a stroke. And so I realized, okay, maybe there's more to help than just weight loss.
And maybe that involves eating as many plant foods that we can, eating more fiber. Most of us are deficient on fiber, eating more nutrients. And as I saw the benefit that came to his health, his cholesterol numbers improve, his blood pressure go down, all of these other things and his vision come back most importantly.
just became so passionate and I'm like, everyone needs to know this, you know, like from politics to Pilates to plants. So, you know, it's like, when I get passionate about something, I just love to share it. And so that's where, you know, the desire to kind of go back to work, to start something just came out of passion really, because I love this so much.
Sharon (07:54)
And people say you make your pain your purpose and your passion. And you did that. So think back to those early days. What was it like transitioning a family of eight to more of a plant-based or plant-predominant lifestyle? I remember having a child who was anaphylactic to tree nuts and then found out that one of my other kids had some serious allergies and
looking at a list of things that they could no longer eat. And I remember starting to cry because I thought, how am going to figure this out with all of these limitations? So tell me how you did it because I know it can be a challenge.
Ali (08:32)
Yeah, and I think it's drawing upon your strengths. One of my strengths is that I'm not an all or nothing person and that it wasn't an allergy. This was just me wanting to be a little healthier. So was like, okay, I don't have to be 100%. I don't have to give up, you know, going, getting pizza on Friday nights. I don't have to give up everything. And so that was really helpful. And so I just started
experimenting with recipes where it called for chicken, I would use chickpeas when you know, it was a lot of ground beef, I just add in more beans, I'd see where can I add in. And I never told the kids, hey, we are not gonna eat this anymore. You're never gonna have a hot dog for the rest of your life. You know, like I never was like that. So it didn't have to be an event. It was just me experimenting with new recipes. And so they didn't feel like it was something that mom's forcing us to do.
And in fact, even if they have a special event, can still, one of my daughters was like, all I want on my birthday is for you to get an egg of a muffin for breakfast. like, that's fine. You can do that, you know, and we can still have it. Yeah.
Sharon (09:34)
I can do.
But you know what I like about your approach, Allie, is it is pragmatic and measured. And like you said, it's not all or nothing. I mean, I know people who are wholly plant-based to a fault.
it sounds like you are getting enough protein, but you are getting enough fiber and you are getting enough of the vegetable. So more of that Mediterranean type diet, right?
Ali (09:57)
Right,
right, exactly. And I think it's different for everyone. For me, I can control what I control and what I buy from the grocery store. And I buy pretty much 90 % of everything I buy is plant-based. I do still buy some Greek yogurt, non-fat Greek yogurt, and occasionally I'll buy eggs and sometimes cheese sticks for my kids. But overall, it's mostly plant-based. And then when we're social, like there's an event with church, I let my kids eat whatever they want.
And sometimes I'll have it too. If I'm eating dinner with family, when we go back home to visit family, it's like there's all these delicious foods that I grew up on and I still want to partake. But for the most part, what I'm cooking in my house isn't what I used to cook. I used to make cheese quesadillas every day for lunch. And now I'm like, okay, what can I make when I open the, open the fridge? Like, what can I make for lunch? That takes just as long as cheese quesadillas used to take, but maybe
isn't based in cheese. What's something else that I can make that has more fiber and more nutrients and including that protein too. So yeah, it requires a little extra mental effort, but it doesn't have to require extra time.
Sharon (11:03)
Right, that makes a lot of sense. You know, I remember when our kids were younger making tacos and I would use turkey meat and I would put in a block of tofu and I would grind up zucchini and that was their tacos. But years later, the kids all said to me, mom, we knew what you were doing. I'm like, you made it, so that's okay.
Ali (11:24)
Exactly, exactly. Of course, I'm not hiding. I put beans and everything. It's like my son just had his birthday and he knows that there's going to be chickpeas in that cake instead of eggs and oil. And it's fine. It tastes great. You know, I'm not hiding anything from them. They know that that's what they're going to get, but it still can taste really great.
Sharon (11:42)
100%. Allie, we are going to take a quick break. And when we return, we are going to dive into Plantwise and your mom skills. Be right back.
So Ali, I'm gonna quote you and you said, feeling good should be the norm, not the exception. And I love that. So talk to our listeners about what sets PlantWise apart from other plant predominant programs or coaching services out there to help women achieve that good feeling as the norm.
Ali (13:18)
I think sometimes we forget the wisdom that our body holds, you know, that not one diet is perfect for everyone. And to really dive in to not only how your body feels, but also test it a little bit. I think sometimes we don't, we think, okay, well, when I eat beans, I get gas, so therefore beans are bad. Like, no, you want to still dive into how does your body feel, but also maybe train your body to be able to consume foods that you know are healthy.
but you just need a little bit more time. It's just like going to the gym. And if you were to go to the gym and you were to lift weights, you're gonna be sore. You're not gonna feel good the first time, but does that mean that it's bad for you? Not at all. In fact, none of the best things you can do, right? But you do also need to do it in a way that's paced progress over perfection, that you're slowly lifting a little bit heavier, a little bit heavier, instead of just going all in, changing the whole.
Sharon (13:58)
Not at all.
Ali (14:12)
whole spectrum of your life. And that's what happens sometimes when we join programs that we have all this excitement beginning and we just want to change it all right away. And sometimes it's not the best way that maybe let's just add in a little bit more foods before we take things away, pace progress, you know, making little baby steps so that it's actually a lifestyle change and not just a temporary diet.
Sharon (14:32)
Absolutely. And that's just smart. I mean, you can't, you don't go to the gym and all of sudden pick up a 25 pounder and start doing it. You've got to, you've got to get used to it. You've got to build up to it. And yes, you're right. It's the same thing with food. And I will admit, I definitely eat a plant predominant diet and I love it. I love it. So.
Ali (14:50)
Yeah. It
feels so good. And I think that's it. was eating a cinnamon roll the other day made out of it's a sweet potato. It's like sweet potatoes and dates is like the sweetener. And I ate it and I'm like, that feels so good in my body. You know, I think just taking the time to recognize, yeah, it was sweet. Was it as good as a real cinnamon roll? No. But did it feel? Yeah. And it felt 10 times better in my body afterwards. I'm like, that was amazing. I want to have more of that because of how I fell afterwards.
Sharon (15:11)
but a whole lot better for you. Yeah.
Right, that makes so much sense.
Okay, Ali, you have raised six kids. So clearly you have so many mom skills and super powers that are now an essential part really of who you are. So let's talk like the top three or so skills.
that you fine-tuned while you were raising your family and how they segued into your entrepreneurial side.
Ali (15:42)
You know, I think it's funny that sometimes we feel like we need to do everything for our kids. But One of the gifts of having multiple kids is that I don't have time to be on top of everything. Like my kids need to tell me
when they have when they need me to give them a ride, it's like, Hey, mom, you need to pick me up at this time. And this is making them so much more responsible. And it takes a huge load off of my shoulders. You know, I, don't have to feel like I need to know every time that they have an event at school that I need to be there for or They know that if I don't show up, it's because they didn't tell me. Exactly. exactly. And if they, you know, The more that they can
Sharon (16:15)
love that, but you're making them more You're making them more responsible. I love that.
Ali (16:21)
take charge, I think it helps them to become their own leaders. too.
Sharon (16:26)
Right, okay, and a couple other mom skills that you have honed while you were with the kids and you're now using every day.
Ali (16:34)
I think One of the biggest mom skills, and it goes back to cooking, that I have, that I love, is just the creativity process of making food. It can be so fun, and I find a lot of joy in it. Even if it's just, okay, my kids, I made this meal, they didn't like it, right? So there's leftovers. So say it's like a pasta dish.
And so it's like, I love to open the fridge and think, okay, what are we gonna have for dinner? And how can I make these leftovers taste so good that they'll eat it tonight? And so sometimes, sometimes I'll make like a very healthy plant based dish and they didn't eat it. But if I add in some like beyond meat to it, or you know, something like that has a little bit more flavor, and I cook that add it to it, it's amazing. They'll eat it like sometimes, you know, it requires a little bit of more process things. But I think it's so fun to
to ask that question. You know, in fact, One of my favorite meals of all time is called almost rotten vegetable soup. And it's on their website. You can look it up. But My husband coined the term. Yeah, I know, right. But it's because I opened the fridge and it's like, what's about to go bad right now? And I'm going to turn this into a soup. So I just pull out whatever vegetables that are almost ready to go bad, I chop them up, put them in my instant pot.
Sharon (17:31)
Almost rotten vegetable soup. Okay. Yum.
Ali (17:48)
There's two things that make it so good, Old Bay seasoning makes it really good with some veggie broth and then cashew cream. So then at the very end, I'll cream up some cashews with just water in my blender and throw it in there and it's so good, right? And so It just came out of the creativity of not wanting to waste food and to give my kids as much nutrition as possible. So finding joy in the mundane, I think is a huge skill, especially when it comes to being a mom. Like it's really mundane to cook.
And there's something to me that makes it so fun to try to make something plant-based. It's like, yeah, I could make lasagna, but ooh, how could I make it plant-based? That's exciting to me. And that helps me find joy. But it could be anything, like doing the dishes. It's like, how can I make this more fun? I can listen to my favorite podcast. I'm always asking myself, how can I make this more fun? Especially if it's just a really boring, mundane mom job.
Sharon (18:44)
But how nice, it just adds a little joie de vivre to life. And I love that being a mom has really opened up and supercharged your creative side. I think that's really lovely. I haven't heard that before. I really like that. All right, so was there ever a moment when you doubted this new path or you felt like imposter syndrome creeping in because you also coach? So how did you push through that? Because I think so many moms, I know so many moms,
are struggling with that imposter syndrome thing? Am I really good enough to do X? Will people really want to listen to me? The answer is yes.
Ali (19:23)
Yeah, I think it's how I consistently push through because it's not just like a one time when we feel that way. think anyone who goes on social media, it's every time you open social media. And there's so many times where I'll open social media and I see someone doing something similar or making a recipe and they're, you know, it went viral. And I really, it's like, I have the thought of why even try like, why try? I'm not as good as this. Why even why even make like, am I even making a dent?
And something for me that I love is I see a lot of symbolism in the stars in the sky. It's like we're all kind of trying to be stars out there, especially on social media. And you look up and it's like, does one star even matter? Does it make that big of a difference? And for some people it does. And that light could be the only light that some individuals see, that you're the only star that can actually reach that individual, even if that individual is my own family.
And I always look back and think, okay, so if I never make a difference in other people's lives, I know that what I've had to learn, the skills that I've had to gain have transformed me. I know that before all this, when my husband had a stroke and we were going through COVID, I was in my lowest point and me starting a business saved me. So if the only person this has helped is me to try something out, to gain different skills, to be better, and then in turn, I have a daughter that struggles, she's on the spectrum.
And every single time I feel like I learned something from my business, it helps me be a better mom to her. It's some skill that I had to learn for business, but sometimes that's how life works, right? It's like, this is what I want. So I learned this skill, but then in another way, it's helping me to be a better mom. It's helping me to see things differently because I was forced to go beyond my comfort zone. And so I think regardless, if you're the only one that's converted because of what you're trying to preach,
then it is worthwhile because your soul is worth so much. It is great. And so just keeping that in mind and that you do make a difference even if your light doesn't shine as much as other people's lights do shine to just keep going and keep trying. And that sometimes it's just a matter of timing, that sometimes it's the most patient person wins.
Sharon (21:36)
absolutely. think it is a, it doesn't happen overnight, right? You hear of actors who were overnight sensations, but they've been toiling in the background for 20 years. And then I think it's the same on social media, right? Necessary evil that we all have to to be on. But you said something about pushing past the uncomfortable.
I know that's where the creativity really happens and the progress really happens.
is when you push yourself, even baby steps, just a little more each and every day, that's where the work is, but that's where the magic happens.
Ali (22:08)
Yeah, it's that paced progress over perfection. You know, it's just, am I a little bit further than I was before? Have I learned a little bit more? Am I a little bit stronger? You know, that paced progress, it really is.
Sharon (22:12)
Exactly.
And that's beautiful
progress. Absolutely. Absolutely. So for someone who is, let's call them plant curious, but overwhelmed, what would you advise would be the very first step that they could take?
Ali (22:33)
I think every time you look down at your meal, just think, okay, what could I add to this? It's sometimes so simple. It's like, I could add an apple. And it makes a huge difference. think sometimes we forget the small and simple things. Even just eating one mushroom a day, one little button mushroom, even if you hate mushrooms, that could significantly
decrease your risk of getting cancer. Like something so small. Yeah, one little mushroom.
eating leafy greens, having a serving of leafy greens every day can make your brain 11 years younger, you know, just adding something, don't worry about taking anything out. Like I'm not going to take anything away from you that you love. You can have your cake, you can have your ice cream, you can have your bacon, whatever. But first, let's put in a little bit more of the nutrients that your body needs is going to help protect you. So that could just be berries. Like when you when you look down at your cereal, which I used to just eat cold cereal,
Sharon (22:59)
Wow.
Ali (23:27)
in the morning. I don't anymore. I'm an oatmeal fan. at first it was like, okay, I'm just gonna add a handful of blueberries. I didn't even like blueberries, but I started doing that and now I absolutely love it. And now it's like, okay, can I add frozen rice cauliflower on top of that? right, you know, it's like, what can you add in to just add in more plants, you know, and it can be as simple as when you're making dinner and it's like, well, I can throw in some, some oranges, let me just slice up oranges for our dinner on top of everything else I'm making.
Sharon (23:43)
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Ali (23:57)
know,
adding in is key.
Sharon (24:00)
It's easy to do just again, taking little food chances. The worst that can happen is you're like, okay, I didn't like that combo. And then you move on. So we all know as moms that life with kids is a total balancing act.
Are there any non-negotiables or rituals that keep you grounded being both a mom and an entrepreneur?
Ali (24:22)
100%, I early on and always have, you probably have heard this example of you can take like a glass and if you were to put rocks and sand and pebbles and water into that glass, you probably couldn't fit it all unless you put it in the right order. You put in the big rocks in first, then you put in the pebbles, then you put in the sand, then you put in the water and it all fits, it all works.
And so that's how it is, that's how I structure my day when I sit down to journal about all the things I need today. I'm like, number one, where am I with God? Did I spend time to pray? Did I meditate? Did I read my scriptures? Number two, where am I with my own health? And I think that's key. A lot of moms put their family number two, but you have to be number two. It's like there's God and then it's you and then it's everyone else. So did I get enough sleep? Did I work out? Did I exercise? Am I feeding myself healthy, nutritious foods?
then number three now sometimes my family is number three and sometimes they're gonna interrupt number number two or even And sometimes that has to happen like you have a newborn and sleeps not gonna happen Sometimes there's an event that you know, I would have loved to have worked out But I have to be there at my kids school But overall at the bigger picture in my pudding number one and number two number number one number two, know And then number three was my husband and my family and then number four is my work
Sharon (25:23)
Oh, 100%. Yeah. Yeah.
Ali (25:44)
And I always outline, and I think as a mom, I understand, you my husband, he gets to go to work and he doesn't have to think about it, but I'm the primary caregiver when it comes to my children and knowing that, so I don't get bitter at my husband when my daughter throws up at school because they fed her milk and she's like, there. And I'm the one that has to drop everything and go pick her up. And it's like, I know that's my role. I'm right. That's my role. And I'm happy to be there.
Sharon (25:59)
Ha!
That's our job. Yep.
Ali (26:08)
And it's funny because while I'm working, I'm home and my daughter was saying, mom, when I grow up, I wanna be like you, I wanna be a stay at home mom. And I was like, do you view me as a stay at home mom? She's like, yeah. And I love that, that even though I am working, I'm home and I'm here and she sees me as being there for her. And I love that. Sometimes you think in the past, was like, you can't, you work or you don't, you're either there for your kids or you're not. And there is a beautiful middle ground and making sure that your priorities are in check makes it all possible.
Sharon (26:17)
Aww.
Ali (26:37)
You can do it all if it's done at the right time, in the right timing, you know.
Sharon (26:43)
Very wise advice. Thank you for that.
that might actually feed into the next question I want to ask you, which is if you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice before all of this began, before PlantWise began, before everything began, what would it be?
Ali (26:58)
⁓ that's such a good question. You know, I'm a big napper. I love taking naps. Like I feel like it's just like you have to get through life during every phase of my life. When I was in school, I'd come home from school and take a nap. And then I felt like I could do my homework. You know, when I was a young mom, I'd nap with my baby. And and I would just say, it's okay, keep napping, keep putting like rest, rest is okay. Because then you if you take the rest, then you're strong enough to be able to keep going.
and that you are stronger than you think you are, but also to prioritize that rest and to prioritize your own health and prioritize God and then you'll be able to do everything, but you have to take time to rest. It's okay, it's okay to rest.
Sharon (27:44)
We have to rest because as moms, we all know that there is a significant lack of rest. So that is, and you're right, that afternoon nap when you can sneak it in is so, it's so fabulous. It's really so nice. So I know you do coaching and I'm curious, does one person stand out as like, wow, look what they have been able to do with the advice that I gave them and me working with them. One person that just sort of blew your mind.
Ali (28:15)
Yeah, you know, it's funny. I usually I work with women. and I, I do work mostly with women. Sometimes the women want me to change their husband. And I always say change yourself. I right? I'm always like, change yourself first. But this this particular couple, they worked on it together. It was beautiful. And his name was Carrie. And he it was the beginning of my journey, actually.
Sharon (28:24)
Can't do that.
Ali (28:37)
And he had diabetes and he was at the point where he was on dialysis and it was just really not looking good. He'd always eaten exactly what the doctor had said to eat, right? Which was the typical low carb diet. But then one doctor finally said, you know, this hasn't been working for you. Maybe you should try plant-based eating. And they'd recommended the book, Mastering Diabetes, and they'd read it. And that book is fantastic because it shows you that you actually can heal.
and can improve your health when you are prioritizing plants and that you can eat starch when you have diabetes. In fact, it's one of the best ways that you can address the underlying symptoms of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes and not just the cause, or sorry, not just the, sorry, you can address the underlying cause and not just the symptom. And so we worked on a plant-based diet. He ended up losing 32 pounds in three months. He got off almost all of his blood pressure medication.
I mean, his health improved significantly and his wife lost 10 pounds right along with her. And he was just so supportive and on our last call, he was just so grateful. And I was in tears and I hung up the call. My husband walked in and he's like, why are you crying? And I was like, cause it hit me that I, you know, I couldn't save my dad. My dad died of a heart attack. He's 55 years old.
And Carrie reminded me so much of my dad. He would just be like, you're so awesome. I mean, he say things to me just like my dad would say to me. And while I couldn't save him, I could help Carrie. And it was just this realization of how When we go through something traumatic, one of the most healing things to help us over time is to be able to help someone who's going through something similar. or to prevent something that you've been through, that It's through serving others that we heal our own trauma.
And so I think it was just so powerful. I would never wish anyone to have to go through what I've gone through, whether it was my dad's heart attack and death or it was my husband's stroke. But it's through those that I've been able to help other people. who are going through something similar. And it's just the deepest, most beautiful joy that you can experience.
Sharon (30:45)
Yeah, I think that's so beautiful, Allie. Thank you for that. And also, what a fabulous way and beautiful way and empowering way to pay it forward in your own unique style. So I love that. Thank you. Thank you. So I have a fun question for you. What is your favorite go-to plant-based comfort food?
Ali (30:56)
Thank you.
Ooh, dates with a little bit of peanut butter and then some chocolate chips on top. I love my chocolate, but I used to make like energy bites all the time, but sometimes I just don't even have the energy to do that. And I want something sweet. It hits the sweet tooth, like nothing else. And it feels good in my body. Right. So dates with a little bit, just tiny little bit of peanut butter and the chocolate chips on top. It's like a cookie.
Sharon (31:09)
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
You don't have the energy to make energy bites. Okay.
Ali (31:32)
It's so good.
Sharon (31:34)
Ooh, all right, I'm going to have to try it. Have you seen the date sweetened chocolate chips? I don't even know the brand. They come in a purple package and yeah, date sweetened chocolate chips.
Ali (31:42)
⁓ all right, I'll check
Sharon (31:45)
Oh, Ali, so interesting and so inspiring and empowering. Unfortunately, our time is drawing to a close and I have a question that I ask all of my amazing moms that I have the privilege of interviewing.
Since this is the Mom2More podcast, Allie Essig, what is your more?
Ali (32:05)
think my more is understanding that through motherhood and through learning from motherhood and through all this is just the personal growth that can come if you choose to accept the more. I look at some of my friends who are amazing and do amazing things, but they spend 80 % of their day in entertainment and maybe 20 % in service or personal development. And I found that my happiness really comes when I flip that, when I'm spending
80 % of the time really trying to help someone else or 80 % of the time trying to strengthen my own self because I think personal development is just as important as serving and helping others and and still letting myself have that 20%. You don't want to go all in at 100 % but sometimes it feels like when you're a mom you don't have time to you know you're always like serving and serving and so we tend to just scroll and scroll because you only have five minutes here or five minutes there but maybe in those five minutes of time picking up a book
learning something, it just fills your soul so much more than scrolling. you could just, and then spend 20%, maybe at the end of the day, enjoying the movie with your kid, you'll feel so much more satisfied if you're choosing more instead of just social media, you know, that really take.
Sharon (33:25)
Absolutely. I try to stay as far away from that as possible whenever possible.