We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Zonca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendra, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“I treat my body like the temple it is.” From the foods I eat to the way I move my body to the way I speak to myself, I am honoring my worth of the best health. Mind-body connection is everything; actions and thoughts are a self-fulfilling prophecy, so it’s important to be intentional. By taking care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually, I can operate at my highest potential and live a fulfilling life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My biggest creative outlet and passion project began my sophomore year of college. I created @kaleitwithkendra on Instagram in 2018 as a way to document all my favorite healthy food from traveling and studying abroad. Cities like LA, Sydney, Prague and Rome have incredible foodie scenes that I longed for long after my travels were over. Realizing I could recreate those healthy experiences at home, I took inspiration from my favorite restaurants and cafes by replicating their tastiest dishes and smoothies. To this day, I’m known to take photos of menus from the places I love for future recipe testing and later showcasing online.

By following other food bloggers on Instagram, I discovered dorm hacks that made the whole college eating experience actually enjoyable and healthy. I had so much fun making sweet potato boats, chia pudding, overnight oats, baked oatmeal, and nourishing dinners from Trader Joe’s. You don’t have to cook complicated meals from scratch to have a healthy diet. Just ensure your meals include complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein. Based on how good I felt by eating the way I did, I wanted others to feel the same; that’s what kept me sharing online.

The summer going into junior year, I got a Vitamix for my birthday and brought it to my campus apartment. And so began my smoothie bowl craze!! My classic green smoothie turned into an easy balanced meal (that tastes like ice cream!) with all the frozen fruit and veggies, greens, superfoods, nut butters, and protein. Having kitchen access in the dorm that year also led to more creative cooking and playing with food photography. If I can inspire just one person with one recipe that they can implement into their life… that’s what keeps me motivated.

I’m constantly inspired by recipes online. Instagram is the greatest cookbook! It’s also a true wellness community. I never expected to be connected with so many like-minded ladies on and offline; many of them are my closest friends today.

For a time, it was challenging to find a middle ground between health and social life. Because I prioritized my wellbeing, I often let food control the fun of the college experience. This looked like: avoiding eating out for fear of unhealthy options, asking for substitutions at restaurants I did eat at, taking time to make every meal photogenic, portion-controlling my meals, tracking my food and calories in an app, counting my steps, overexercising and under-eating. In the moment, none of my actions raised a red flag in my mind. In retrospect, my orthorexia was so obvious. And exhausting. That was my body’s way of wanting security and control over my life. I’ve learned an important lesson here. Food is meant to be fun, delicious, a shared experience, and meant to sustain our lifestyles, so we should fuel our bodies properly. For me, this looks like fueling with real, wholesome foods: lots of fruit and veggies, healthy fats, lean protein, and red meat in moderation.

We can “follow” another’s journey without copying their exact rituals. It’s all about finding inspiration and discovering what works best for you. Being “healthy” is flexible and unique to each person; it doesn’t have to be time-consuming, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Do what works for you and stay confident in your choices. Eating well makes me feel good on the inside, and that shows on the outside! Feeling great allows us to embrace all aspects of life.

In 2020, I extended my brand into a website (kaleitwithkendra.com) as a one-stop-shop for my top recipes, favorite products and travel guides. @kaleitwithkendra has evolved into a platform serving holistic, high vibe inspiration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Miami for nearly a year, I’ve quickly become well-versed in the different neighborhoods and can easily pick out my top favorite spots in the city. Here’s what I recommend checking out while you’re here for a full week.

MONDAY: So you just landed in Miami, and right away I’m taking you to everyone’s favorite healthy hotspot, Pura Vida. They have locations across Miami, but on your first day in town, we’ll explore Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. There’s lots to see and shop on Miracle Mile and CocoWalk, plus a scene along the bayside parks if you want water views. Spend the afternoon/evening in the Grove, and dine at Bellini, Planta Queen or Jaguar. Make a note to come back for brunch at B Bistro or Sadelle’s.

TUESDAY: You woke up in Midtown and I’m bringing you to one of my favorite fitness studios for a morning workout (your choice: Barry’s, solidcore, Yoga Joint). On our way there, we’ll get caffeinated at The Chocolate Chip Bakery or Angelina’s. Midtown is flooded with food options, so we’ll grab our post-workout fuel at Carrot Express, Fresh Kitchen or FlyFuel. Then it’s time to chill at the pool! Once we’ve got our sun, we’ll freshen up for wine and cheese at Lagniappe. End the evening over authentic Italian at Salumeria 104 down the street.

WEDNESDAY: Head to Brickell and stroll for a mile along Brickell Key. Raccoon is a cute coffee stand outdoors, otherwise check out Capital One Cafe. It’s the perfect place to get a little work done or just check email (plus they offer a discount on coffee!). Highly recommend eating at Ojo de Agua, then shopping around Brickell City Centre. Make it sushi night at Osaka, Komodo, or Sexy Fish.

THURSDAY: Walk to Dreamer for matcha or Green G for the *best* smoothie bowls. Hideout Cafe is also an Edgewater hidden gem. Amara at Paraiso offers an idyllic bayside setting and delicious Latin American cuisine. Stroll through Margaret Pace Park, rent bikes and ride over the Venetian Causeway. Freshen up and head to Zuma or Sylvano for dinner.

FRIDAY: Reset in a restorative Ahana Yoga class, then do the Design District! Get coffee/light bites at Dior Cafe, OTL or Sabal (in MIA Market), then window shop around the neighborhood. It’s also an ideal area for pictures. My top fancy food spots are Mandolin, Le Jardinier and Cote.

SATURDAY: Taste Cuban coffee at Suite Habana Cafe, then explore Wynwood! Mr Baguette makes dreamy croissant sandwiches. There’s also the award-winning Zak the Baker. I recommend signing up for a heated yoga class at Mimi Yoga, followed by eats at Love Life Cafe. Another option is YO BK followed by eats at Novela Cafe Social next door. Check out the art walls and keep your eye out for the Wynwood sample sale store – there’s always great deals and brands. You must try Doya or Kyu. Dr Smood and Freehold are great spots to work from.

SUNDAY: Start with early brunch at Little Hen, Ol’days, All Day (best nitro and matcha), or Orange Blossom before Sunday mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Now that we’re on Miami Beach, the rest of the day has endless possibilities. Lincoln Road Mall is a beautiful outdoor shopping center, just blocks from the water. Make sure to stop in TimeOut Market (insane food hall). Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, South Pointe Park is a stunning coastal walk. There’s also a three-mile park on Key Biscayne (Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park). Take your afternoon nap on the sand, and decide where you want to wrap up your night/week in Miami. For a laid back scene, try Bodega, Delicious Raw or Avo. For a fancier setting, I recommend Esmé or Bagatelle.

Check out my other city guides here: https://www.kaleitwithkendra.com/guides

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be who I am – or where I am – without the love and support from my family. Team Z, you are my rock!

Website: https://www.kaleitwithkendra.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleitwithkendra/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrazonca

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kaleitwithkendra?wtsid=rdr_0msgIq7KdTd1OvkNe

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kendrazonca

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaleitwithkendra

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