Allow Me to INTRODUCE MYSELF…MY Name is CJ!

I’m Chelsei James, born and raised in the vibrant town of West Columbia, South Carolina. Growing up with a Trinidadian mother and a Dominican father, I learned to appreciate the rich flavors of my heritage alongside cuisines from around the world.

My passion for food led me to study Human Nutrition at Winthrop University, where I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Through my experiences volunteering at a local food bank and working as a SNAP-Ed nutritionist, I saw firsthand the importance of nutritious food access. These experiences fueled my desire to become a registered dietitian and advocate for improved food systems and nutrition care for all. I am getting closer and closer to my goals with my current placement at the University of Maryland, College Park Dietetic Internship. Through schooling, I have learned the evidence-based effects of our diets on our health, and through this blog, I will share what I have learned with all of you.

The idea of Eating With CJ first came into fruition about 6 years ago in May 2018 when I started my fully vegan lifestyle. I decided to document my journey on an Instagram account, mostly for friends and family. I had no idea that within those two years, I would not only grow into a fully committed vegan, but also inspire so many friends and strangers to take interest in the lifestyle as well. With this blog, I aim to equip everyone reading this with the tools and confidence needed to start their journey towards health and wellness. The best place to start your journey towards a healthier diet is to eat more fruits and vegetables. Even though fruit and vegetables are supposed to make up 50% of our daily diet, intake is low across the United States. I challenge you out there reading this to eat 5 servings of fruit or vegetables daily. As you explore my blog, I hope to give you the colorful and flavorful inspiration you need to succeed in this goal.