"I feel the most connected when I'm engaged in a good conversation and I think communicating is a gift our community will always value. Dining at local restaurants, purchasing from individuals, supporting the small guy has always felt right. Spreading good to me means being open, honest, transparent, encouraging, and kind as a real person in real life in addition to our purchasing habits."

We’re so excited to continue our She’s Empowered series and introduce you to the next gal we’re featuring, Leesa Morales of @purposefulplate. It’s been so fun getting to know Leesa through her beautiful food photography, hanging with her at farmers markets and food events, and through reading her blog (which is a great resource for health + wellness!).

Check out Leesa's delicious recipe for Carrot Noodle Bowls with Walnut Sauce using our Walnut-Cashew nut butter.

Tell us a little bit about you!

Hi! I'm Leesa. Nutritionist, photographer, and recipe curator at Purposeful Plate, a wellness blog dedicated to thoughtful ingredients and functional foods to reduce disease and promote longevity. 

What's the story behind your blog, Purposeful Plate?

The idea started in graduate school while getting my Master's degree in nutrition. We learned that whole, fresh foods from the earth contain powerful vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and even more compounds that we haven't fully identified yet that positively impact the body in specific ways. I knew right away I wanted to share this information with the world in a beautiful, colorful, delicious way -- so my blog was born!

When you're not creating amazing recipes, how are you spending your time?

I'm a city girl at heart and love to wander around PDX in my free time, soaking up the amazing community and connecting with other female makers and doers. I am so grateful for that! I also love to explore and see the outdoors, so hiking, camping, and road trips are almost always in rotation.

What ingredient is your kitchen NEVER without?

TOO many to list. But if I had to pick one... some kind of vegetable. They are the foundation of almost every meal in our house, and a stocked fridge or an empty fridge always has at least one to choose from.

Ok, we have to ask. What's your favorite way(s) to eat your Ground Up PDX?

I know this is not a unique answer, but honestly -- by the spoonful. It's a treat in itself! Otherwise, drizzled on fruit is a close second.

How do you stay inspired?

Luckily I have never been short of inspiration. In fact, my head is buzzing constantly with ideas. The challenging part for me personally, is following through and seeing an idea all the way through. If I'm in need of direction for an idea, I brainstorm, ask around, research, and make a plan. When I'm ready to make it happen, I generally do it quickly so as not to lose focus.

What are your favorite ways to #spreadgood in your community?

I love to connect with others in the food/bev/wellness industry. Mentoring new graduates, meeting other entrepreneurs, supporting friends following their dreams...I feel the most connected when I'm engaged in a good conversation and I think communicating is a gift our community will always value. Dining at local restaurants, purchasing from individuals, supporting the small guy has always felt right. Spreading good to me means being open, honest, transparent, encouraging, and kind as a real person in real life in addition to our purchasing habits.