Plantuary 2026
Start the new year with a healthy mindset and join us for 31 days of plant-focused meals and healthy ideas.
Eat More Plants this January!
This year we’re starting 2026 off with a simple intention: eat more plants.
At Unite for HER, we know there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, and eating in a plant-based or plant-centered way doesn’t mean you have to be vegan or vegetarian. It simply means you intend to eat more plants! So, we’re officially proclaiming January 2026, as Plantuary – a fun and approachable way to help everyone not only make healthy upgrades, but find new ways to squeeze in an extra serving of veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and herbs and spices!
Join us throughout the month for new recipes, cooking demonstrations, live virtual events, and more!
Take the Pledge
Take the free Plantuary Pledge and join us this January!
Recipes
Vegetable Barley Soup
We all need a staple vegetable soup recipe – and this is it! It’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavor. Tender vegetables simmer with pearl barley in a fragrant broth, creating a soup that’s hearty without feeling heavy. Barley adds a nutty flavor and a creamy...
Butternut Squash Farroto
Creamy and comforting, this butternut squash farroto offers all the richness of risotto with the nutty chew of farro. The roasted squash adds natural sweetness and a vibrant golden hue. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate the dish into a cozy yet elegant meal....
Creamy Wheat Berry Porridge with Gingered Blueberry Topping
This nourishing porridge is a cozy, whole-grain twist on a breakfast classic. Chewy wheat berries simmer slowly until tender, then are blended with a creamy non-dairy milk, chia seeds, and a touch of coconut oil for a rich, satisfying texture. A vibrant gingered...
Crunchy Almond Seed Chocolate Cookies
These crunchy cookies are a delightful blend of nuttiness, texture, and just the right touch of sweetness. Packed with almonds, seeds, and coconut, they make a satisfying snack or dessert. Their crisp texture pairs perfectly with a warm mug of coffee or tea. Plus,...
Flaxseed Banana Bread
Moist, lightly sweet, and full of wholesome flavor, this banana flaxseed bread is a delicious twist on the classic favorite. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while ground flaxseeds add a subtle nuttiness and a boost of fiber and omega-3s. The result...
Carmelized Onion, Pear, Walnut, and Sage Flatbread
Sweet, savory, and beautifully aromatic, this caramelized onion, pear, walnut, and sage flatbread is a celebration of simple ingredients layered with cozy flavors. Slow-cooked onions bring deep, jammy richness; ripe pears add a delicate sweetness; toasted walnuts lend...
Red Lentil Hummus
Red lentils are a perfect foundation for a dip or spread because they blend beautifully into a smooth, creamy consistency. The blend of spices is brightened with the juice and zest of lemon, creating a vibrant, uplifting flavor that feels both comforting and...
White Bean and Lentil Soup
This nourishing soup is comfort in a bowl! It’s hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and creamy white beans, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The parmesan rind adds a subtle richness...
Marry Me Beans
Inspired by the famous “Marry Me” chicken, this vegetarian twist swaps chicken for creamy beans in a savory, herb-infused sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes and cream bring richness, while garlic and herbs add depth. It’s a hearty, protein-packed dish that’s perfect over...
Recipe Videos
Grocery Store Tour
We’re going on a field trip! Michele DiCristofaro leads us on a tour through the grocery store to talk about
healthy food choices to add to your weekly diet.
Meet the Culinary Nutrition Team
Erin Pellegrin RD, LDN
Senior Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education
Michele DiCristofaro MS, RD, LDN
Culinary Dietitian, Senior Nutrition Associate
Aubrey Redd, MS RD, LDN
Culinary Dietitian, Senior Nutrition Associate
Katheryne Romero, RDN, LDN
Culinary Dietitian, Nutrition Associate
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Erin Pellegrin RD, LDN
Senior Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education
Erin Pellegrin RD, LDN is Unite for HER’s Director of Culinary Nutrition. She joined as a full-time staff member in 2018 after working as a contributing dietitian for 5 years. As part of the Culinary Nutrition Team, she shares their nutrition mission and philosophy at their virtual wellness conferences and by providing education via a variety of offerings as part of the Wellness Program. This includes nutrition counseling during treatment and side effect management, education about healthy eating and grocery shopping, virtual cooking classes and as a contributor to the UFH blog and social media outlets.
Prior to joining Unite for HER, she worked as a clinical dietitian at a Philadelphia Hospital where she focused primarily on the inpatient and outpatient oncology population. She received her nutrition degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Journalism from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. She currently lives in Center City, Philadelphia with her partner, Jason, and their dog, Kiki.
Katheryne Romero, RDN, LDN
Culinary Dietitian, Senior Nutrition Associate
Katheryne Romero RDN, LDN was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She completed her B.S in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University. After her experience working as an inpatient/outpatient dietitian in the clinical setting and as a nutrition manager for a food bank in South Florida, she now serves as our Bilingual Culinary Dietitian and Nutrition Associate. Aside from providing individual nutrition counseling and grocery gift card appointments, she serves as a contact person for our Hispanic participants.
Michele DiCristofaro MS, RD, LDN
Culinary Dietitian, Senior Nutrition Associate
Michele DiCristofaro MS, RD, LDN is a Senior Culinary Dietitian at Unite for HER. She received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from York College of Pennsylvania and obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Immaculata University in Malvern, PA. As a Senior Culinary Dietitian, she supports Unite for HER’s nutrition mission by providing nutrition consultations, hosting virtual cooking demonstrations, and contributing to Unite for HER’s growing library of nutrition education. She currently resides in West Norriton, PA with her husband and son.
Aubrey Redd, MS RD, LDN
Culinary Dietitian, Senior Nutrition Associate
Aubrey Redd, MS, RDN, LDN joined the Unite for HER team as a Culinary Dietitian and Senior Nutrition Associate after her experience working in outpatient nutrition counseling, and as a community nutrition educator. She is a seasoned West Chester University alumna – attending the university for her bachelor of science in nutrition & dietetics, master of science in community nutrition, and supervised dietetic internship practice. As a Culinary Dietitian and Senior Nutrition Associate, she assists participants 1:1 with their nutrition needs, hosts group cooking demonstrations, and supports creative and culinary endeavors with the rest of the Unite for HER team. She currently resides in King of Prussia, PA.