Despite her young age, Carla Zaplana has a long track record in the world of nutrition and is a pioneer in the field of healthy living. Originally from the Empordà, Carla set off for the United States after finishing university. While in the US, she devoured the latest in the world of nutrition and healthy eating. She is the author of six books: Green Juices, Green Smoothies, Superfoods, Clean Eating, The Wooden House, and Intermittent Fasting, hot off the press.
What does a healthy diet mean to you?
A plant-based diet without counting calories. I recommend avoiding dairy products and greatly reducing animal protein intake. It's more than just a diet. I view it as a philosophy and a lifestyle. You brought the latest trends from the US back home: kale, green juices, raw food, detox, kombucha, and more. You’ve recently published the book Intermittent Fasting. What are the biggest mistakes people make
when trying out fasting?
Thinking that the longer you hold on without food, the better. It’s not about suffering or going hungry. It's about finding the right time frame and schedule without food to benefit your body without suffering or causing more stress than we all have already.
After all your time working in the field, what surprises you most about the evolution of nutrition?
People get carried away by trends instead of observing and listening more to their body. Eat healthy, meditate, and breathe and you'll see how verything comes together for you. I’ve tried out various things too but, in the end, I've ended up with a more plant-based diet (the “clean eating” philosophy). It makes me feel great and it also feels right to me in terms of ethics and sustainability.
Aside from food, you also place a lot of importance on more emotional and spiritual aspects.
Luckily, people are becoming increasingly aware of these aspects and how stress is the gateway. Even if you eat spinach, your health won't improve if you're dissatisfied. We need to address our emotions more.
What makes you feel connected?
Nature, without a doubt. Having contact with nature doesn't mean you need to hug trees. It's about the energy and vibration that nature exudes.
What does the healthy living cycle mean to you?
Sleep well, eat well, exercise, have spaces for growth (such as nature or meditation), and understanding how to set healthy boundaries with the relationships we have. Less is better than more. We don’t need to just grab any old thing to feel less alone. Be clear about what you want in your life and what you don’t.
You have traveled to over 35 countries including authentic paradises such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Cuba. What does traveling give you?
Life! I’m passionate about discovering new cultures, new countries, tasting different foods, and embracing the cultures I visit. It makes my heart full! It gives me meaning.
Just when you decided to live in Catalonia again, you took a trip to Peru and got stuck in the lockdown there. Do you think it was your destiny?
I believe my soul wants to be in this part of the world. I tried to return to Barcelona, but it didn't last long. I took a vacation to Peru and ended up getting stuck there. It wasn't a decision, it was more like fate. I bought a new computer and it was all I needed to continue working here. I've decided to stay for the time being.
What does the Empordà mean to you?
I love the Empordà. My best memories are from when I was little and spent weekends with my grandparents in their wooden house in Mollet de Peralada. When I come home, I always go to La Bisbal de l'Empordà to see my family, but Illa Roja cove is a must too. I also love the Peratallada, Begur, and Calella de Palafrugell trail. //
