A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and hoop earrings wearing a pink turtleneck sweater. She is smiling slightly and looking at the camera. The background features a chandelier, curtains, and decorative items in a cozy indoor setting.

This is me, today.

An elderly man and a young woman sitting at a table outdoors with food and drinks, smiling at the camera.

With Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn—
whose unwavering dedication to healing others has been a guiding light on my path. I’m also deeply grateful for the encouragement
and kindness of Ann Esselstyn.

With Dr. T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study—a mentor with whom I share a deep thirst for knowledge and a commitment to speaking nothing but the truth.

An elderly man and a young woman standing together at an outdoor restaurant under blue umbrellas. The man has gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a blue plaid shirt with a name tag that reads "Caldwell Esseltyn Jr.". The woman has long, brown hair, and is wearing a white tank top with text and jewelry. There are tables with tableware behind them.

In loving memory of Dr. John McDougall—whose fearless dedication to truth, healing, and nutritional medicine shaped the lives of countless people, including mine. His legacy continues to inspire the work I do every day. 🙏

Cover of a cookbook titled "Wholeoween" featuring Halloween-themed vegan cake balls decorated with icing to look like ghosts and skulls.
A woman sitting on a concrete ledge by a pond, holding two small pink and yellow water lilies, wearing sunglasses, a light gray tank top, and blue jeans, smiling at the camera.
Cover of the 'Naked Food Cookbook' showing an orange slice and a pair of lips, with text about plant-based, organic, whole food recipes.

I’m not a fan of social media or self-promotion, which is probably why you haven’t seen me in the spotlight or calling myself an “influencer.” My focus has always been on sharing the message—not promoting myself. I’ve made a conscious effort to stay behind the scenes and keep the attention on natural healing, conscious living, and questioning the mainstream, particularly pharmaceutical-driven narratives.

That said, I deeply value meaningful connection with others who share a similar vision.

You can find me on Facebook and Instagram, where I occasionally share whole food, plant-based recipes, health guidance, and simple tools for everyday living. 🌱

Cover of Naked Food magazine featuring a woman holding an assortment of fresh green vegetables including broccoli, kale, and romaine lettuce, with text about plant-based nutrition and health topics.

The first printed issue of Naked Food featuring actress Laura Prepon + me holding the power of healing in the palms of my hands.

This is my story.

In 2011 life hit hard. I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous ovarian disease and acute anxiety disorder. At the same time, my boyfriend was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. An MRI revealed a 5cm tumor. Doctors gave him just 10–30 days to live.

Out of desperation—and hope—we made a radical choice: we ditched all animal products, processed sugar, flour, and added fats, and turned to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. No doctor had suggested it.

But three months later, his follow-up MRI showed a 25% reduction in tumor size. A miracle.

Amidst morphine, hospital stays, and countless tears, we found a spark of something bigger. Although he passed five months later, we both knew we had stumbled upon something powerful. The cure had come too late—but the truth had arrived just in time.

As for me, I kept going.

I was living with my family while rebuilding my life in pieces. I had lost my job and my home. It took me a year to have the courage to face life again. I had my abilities, my beautiful little dog, and fortunately, a laptop, which I used to create a platform to share my experience— and the “spark of something bigger” or message of healing that we both had found. It was then that Naked Food was born. I chose to transform my experience and its energy into something positive for me and for anyone who was open to listen. I had to “unlearn” what I thought I knew, and question what I thought was unquestionable. That included health, nutrition, my relationship with Mother Nature, with myself and my own mortality.

I’ve been cancer-free ever since. I dove deep into the science of healing—becoming a certified naturopath and gaining expertise in brain health, microbiology, and nutritional therapy. All things I wish I knew back then. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been real. Raw. Transformational.

Today, I’ve built a library of healing protocols focused on fasting, detox, and nutritional medicine. I’ve written five culinary medicine cookbooks and I’m writing a cancer recovery protocol book as a tool for those suffering from this condition. I’m also hosting WFPB Wellness Tours, Culinary Medicine Immersions, and Reversive Medicine Retreats in Tuscany, Italy—because healing shouldn’t mean giving up on beauty, adventure, or joy.

I’d love to welcome you into this growing community of truth-seekers and healers.

From pain grew purpose. And that purpose is now my path.

Namaste,

Margarita Restrepo
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Naked Food Magazine
Founder, The Whole Food, Plant-based Initiative, WFPB.ORG
Founder, Reversive Medicine

My Education

  • Certified in Naturopathy

  • Cellular Biology, Mitochondria, Harvard University

  • Cognitive Fitness, Harvard University

  • Virology and Microbiology, Columbia University

  • Plant-based Nutrition, e-Cornell

  • Graphic Design and Illustration, Florida Atlantic University

  • Marketing, Florida Atlantic University

Other Studies and Interests

  • Four Body Healing

  • Spirituality

  • Semiotics, Fractals, and Sacred Geometry

  • Meditation

  • Permaculture

  • Foraging and Wild Edibles

  • Medicinal Plants and Phytomedicine

  • Digging for Truth!

My Work and Publications

Throughout my learning journey, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with some extraordinary people who have inspired me to dig deeper. Among them is Dr. T. Colin Campbell, to whom I owe my deepest respect and admiration.

I’ve also had the honor of working professionally with Dr. John McDougall, supporting the development of the McDougall Program for the corporate world.

And I’m truly humbled to share a precious connection with Ann Esselstyn and her husband, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, who have graciously offered their encouragement and blessings for the work I continue to do.

I’ve included some of my most meaningful work with these inspiring individuals throughout my work, as part of what I hope will be a rich and empowering experience for you.

Below are some of my completed works and there are other interesting ones in the pipeline. Follow me if you would like to stay updated. (Links below!)

The cover of a book titled 'Universal Guideline for Human Health' featuring a close-up image of a baby's face, with text about health recommendations and a green logo indicating whole food and plant-based guidelines.
Book cover for 'Big Book of Naked Recipes,' featuring a sliced, brownie-like food item garnished with green herbs on a wooden board, with smaller bowls of seeds and other ingredients nearby.

Explore My Work

Whole Food, Plant-Based Practitioner Course
A comprehensive program for those ready to go deeper—to unlearn, relearn, and empower themselves through truth, nature, and conscious living
→ Explore the Course

Naked Food Membership
Exclusive content, resources, and community for those walking a path of awareness, health, and purpose
→ Explore Membership

Healing Protocols, Guides, and Culinary Medicine Cookbooks
A practical library of whole food–based tools and resources
→ Visit the Library

WFPB Wellness Tours, Culinary Medicine Immersions & Retreats
In-person experiences rooted in education, nourishment, and connection
→ Explore Tours & Retreats

One-on-One Appointments
Personalized guidance for those ready to go further into healing, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency
→ Book a Private Session

Explore My Initiatives

WFPB.ORG: The Whole Food, Plant-based Initiative
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram

Naked Food Magazine
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram

Naked Earth: Official Online Store for WFPB Merchandise
Naked-Earth.net

Cover of a cookbook titled 'Master Plants' with a subtitle 'The 33 Most Healing Superfoods for Optimum Health.' The cover features a bowl of colorful quinoa salad with chopped vegetables and garnished with a sprig of cilantro.
Cover of Naked Food Magazine's Whole Day Cookbook featuring various plant-based, vegan, organic, and gluten-free dishes including salads, desserts, and appetizers.

Where You Can Find Me

A collage of photos including a large picture of a smiling woman and man, and smaller photos of various people, a woman with a guitar in a hospital bed, and a couple outdoors, with text saying 'Bless your heart Mooky' and 'Always and forever' with a heart symbol.

The music never stopped. We were musicians at heart also joined by struggle and a diagnosis that changed our lives forever.

Young woman sitting on a bed with blankets, working on a laptop in a minimalistic room with beige walls and carpet.

Starting over from zero. A picture taken by my dad while I was working on the first ideas for Naked Food.