Nisha Melvani MS, RD
Of Indian origin, born in Jamaica, and educated in England and Canada, Nisha Melvani has grown up with a myriad of cultures and ingredients around her.
Nisha Melvani is a registered dietitian nutritionist, content creator, and advocate for accessible plant-based eating. With a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Columbia University and culinary training from New York’s Natural Gourmet Institute[1][4][5], she combines scientific expertise with practical cooking skills to demystify vegan cuisine. Born in Jamaica and raised in a boarding school in England, her early exposure to diverse food cultures—from Indian heritage to Jamaican Ital cuisine—shaped her approach to creating flavorful, globally inspired recipes[1][4].
After a brief career in finance, Melvani pivoted to nutrition, driven by her passion for food and health. While raising three children, she launched her Instagram account, @cookingforpeanuts, in 2017 as a creative outlet to share quick, budget-friendly vegan meals[1][4]. The platform grew into a thriving community, leading to her debut cookbook, *Practically Vegan*, which offers over 100 easy, family-friendly recipes designed to make plant-based eating affordable and approachable[1][4][5].
Melvani’s work emphasizes **simplicity** and **accessibility**, often debunking myths about vegan nutrition—such as protein adequacy—through evidence-based guidance[2][3]. Her recipes prioritize ingredients that are versatile and widely available, reflecting her belief that “vegan cooking shouldn’t be hard or expensive”[1][4]. She also integrates SEO strategies and detailed blog content to reach broader audiences[1][5].
A mother of three teenagers raised on a plant-based diet, Melvani’s personal journey underscores her professional ethos. She credits her energy and health to this lifestyle, which she adopted after the birth of her second child[5]. Beyond recipes, she advocates for culinary education and sustainability, frequently highlighting legumes, tofu, and spices as cornerstones of nutritious, planet-friendly meals[4][5].
Melvani continues to inspire through social media, her blog, and public speaking, proving that plant-based eating can be both nourishing and delicious.
Citations:
[1] https://www.netinfluencer.com/nisha-melvani/
[2] https://www.plantbasedmealplan.com/ep-88
[3] https://www.karinainkster.com/post/cookingforpeanuts
[4] https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/nisha-melvani-practically-vegan
[5] https://cookingforpeanuts.com/about/
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