Welcome to Simple Veganizer!

Hi, I’m María Echaniz — so happy you’re here!

Simple Veganizer is where I share easy, nourishing, and flavor-packed plant-based recipes to help you eat well, feel good, and enjoy the process. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, plant-curious, or just looking to eat more whole foods or veggies, you’re welcome in this kitchen. 💚

Who am I?

I’m María Echaniz, the creator of Simple Veganizer. I was born in Argentina and now live in the U.S. In addition to being a blogger, I’m a mom (and wife to a fantastic husband), a software engineer, a self-taught photographer/videographer, and a forever student in the kitchen.

In January 2022, I completed the Forks Over Knives Ultimate Cooking Course and became certified in plant-based cooking. But my personal journey began much earlier — in 2016, I decided to avoid animal-derived ingredients for my health and to live more respectfully toward God’s creation. I’m the only one in my family who eats this way, and it’s been a meaningful, evolving path rooted in intention, not perfection

I didn’t always eat this way. I used to rely on processed foods and struggled to maintain a balanced diet.

Over time, I transitioned to a 100% whole-food, plant-based lifestyle — and while that approach worked well for a good season, I’ve since adopted a more balanced one.

Now, as I approach my 50s, I’ve become more focused on sustainable habits that support both physical and mental well-being. During a recent trip to Argentina, for example, I chose to be more flexible while eating out — occasionally opting for vegetarian meals when fully plant-based options weren’t available. It’s a personal decision that helps me connect more easily with others, reduce stress, and still stay grounded in my values.

At home, I continue to cook and share fully plant-based recipes — no dairy, no eggs, no animal products — because that’s how I eat day-to-day, and what I feel best passing on to you.

These days, I’m passionate about creating simple, flavorful, and approachable plant-based meals that support real life — especially for women navigating changing seasons of health, family, and balance. Because healthy eating should feel good, not rigid.

My Approach (Healthy, Flavorful, Realistic)

Health-First

I choose to eat this way for my well-being. Mostly Whole-food, plant-forward meals make me feel my best.

Flavor Matters

Healthy Does Not Mean Boring! I make sure every recipe delivers big flavor using approachable techniques and everyday ingredients.

Mostly Oil-Free & Refined Sugar-Free (But Always Realistic): 

My cooking is rooted in an oil-free, refined sugar-free, whole-food, plant-based approach, and many of my recipes still reflect this.

Over time, I’ve found a more balanced approach — allowing for small amounts of oil or minimally refined ingredients when they truly enhance a dish.

I also occasionally use ingredients like protein powder, peanut powder, or vital wheat gluten (for seitan) to boost plant-based protein in a practical, satisfying way.

Healthy eating should be sustainable and joyful — not rigid. I always try to offer substitutions and flexible options so you can adapt each recipe to your own needs.

Family-Tested

My family isn’t 100% plant-based, but they try everything — and they’re my most honest taste testers. If it doesn’t pass at home, it doesn’t make it here.

What types of recipes can I find in Simple Veganizer?

Wholesome Plant-Based Meals: Made with real, minimally processed ingredients.

Every recipe is dairy-free and egg-free, and many are also oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free (with flexible options and substitutions when needed).

Latin American-Inspired Favorites: Argentinian and other Latin American dishes — plus global comfort foods — reimagined in a healthier, plant-based way.

Practical Cooking Guides: Tips for cooking without oil, stocking a smart pantry, and building flavor the healthy way.

Videos + Step-by-Steps Visual guides to help you cook with confidence — no fancy chef skills required.

Rooted in Research, Evolved for Real Life

My recipes are also guided by the principles of leading plant-based researchers and doctors, including Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Michael Klaper, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. John McDougall, and Dr. Alan Goldhamer, among others.

Their work continues to shape my approach to food, focusing on nourishing the body, supporting long-term health, and ensuring everything tastes really good.

In fact, a Whole-Food, Plant-Based (WFPB) diet is still the foundation of how I eat and cook today — just with a bit more flexibility. Most of my recipes are oil-free and refined sugar-free.

Still, I’ve learned that adding a small amount of oil or other minimally refined ingredients can sometimes make a dish more accessible or enjoyable — and that’s okay. I always aim to provide options and substitutions whenever possible, so you can adapt each recipe to what works best for you.

You can find more information about what a Whole-Food Plant-Based diet is and how to start on this guide. It’s still the way I prefer to eat and cook, but I’ve learned to be a little more flexible with it, since my health allows it.

💬 Note: If you have specific dietary needs or medical conditions, please check with your healthcare provider to decide what’s best for your health.

Disclaimer: Our content, including videos, recipes, and blog posts, is for informational and entertainment purposes and should not be considered professional health advice. Find the entire TERMS OF USE here: https://simpleveganizer.com/simple-veganizer-terms-of-use/

Why I Share?

Choosing healthier foods has helped me feel better and live a more intentional life. My goal is to make that journey easier (and more delicious) for you by sharing recipes that are doable, satisfying, and kind to your body and the world around us.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog — I hope you find something nourishing and flavorful to cook today.

Happy cooking — and of course, eating! 😋

— María

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