Meet the one and only Maria Longo.

Nutrition Coach Maria Longo

Maria, what is happening in your career/life right now? Anything you want us and the world to know? 

Right now, I’m dedicated to expanding the reach of my work through Art Flow Mind Body and Art Flow Design Studio, which beautifully blend creativity, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. These platforms serve as powerful vehicles for fostering personal transformation and resilience through diverse workshops and community programs. 

My workshops—including Overcoming Overwhelm, Getting Unstuck, Empowering Through Adversity, and Fear and Anxiety—are thoughtfully designed to help individuals navigate stress, build resilience, and cultivate grounding. We prioritize providing practical, lasting resources enriched with visual inspiration, enabling them to stay present and seamlessly integrate the tools and lessons into their everyday lives.

Through Art Flow Design Studio, I also host vendor craft events and create custom art that raises awareness for critical causes such as mental health, suicide prevention, and human rights. My work is rooted in a commitment to creating safe spaces for those who feel lost or overwhelmed, reminding them that they’re not alone and empowering them to take meaningful steps toward growth and well-being. Our Etsy shop offers unique pieces that reflect these values, allowing others to support our mission through art.

I’m truly excited about the potential impact we can make and the connections we can foster through this work. Together, we’re cultivating a community where creativity meets compassion, and personal growth flourishes.

What inspired you to enroll in the Nutritious Life Studio and become a nutrition coach?

I was inspired to enroll in the Nutritious Life Studio because of my deep desire to understand nutrition and its impact on the body. As a chef, I learned to plan menus and create flavorful dishes, with a focus on incredible presentation, but I only scratched the surface of nutritional science. I wanted to dive deeper into how food affects us at a physiological level.

Years after transitioning from a chef to a kitchen manager, I had a dietetic intern who sparked my interest. During her retail project, we had conversations about sustainability, our love for food, and how it influences our well-being as humans. She encouraged me to check out the Nutritious Life program, and I’m so glad I did! It resonated with me on so many levels, igniting my passion for nutrition and how it can transform lives. I truly loved every moment of it.

What was your favorite lesson, and why?

I loved how the Nutritious Life program was so thoughtfully designed, with each module broken down into digestible lessons that allowed for deep dives into the material without overwhelming me. As someone with dyslexia, I really appreciated this approach. The content was engaging and accessible.

If I had to pick one lesson, though, it would be anything focused on brain health. I have a passion for mental health, and understanding how food nourishes the brain resonated deeply with me. It reinforced my belief that what we eat plays a crucial role in our mental well-being, making this lesson particularly impactful in my journey toward integrating nutrition and mental health.

Were there specific lessons that helped you grow your business?

Masterclass is a once-a-year event, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it since 2017. Each year, it reinvigorates my passion for nutrition and community, providing a unique opportunity to connect with others who share my vision.

The experience is filled with inspiration, from engaging discussions to insightful guest speakers, all of whom bring their own expertise and perspectives. It’s not just about the lessons; it’s about the connections we forge and the support we offer one another. Every year, I leave feeling empowered, equipped with new ideas, and motivated to implement what I’ve learned in my own practice.

Being involved in this event has profoundly shaped my journey, allowing me to continually grow both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our pursuits and that together, we can make a greater impact in the world of health and wellness. The community we’ve built is something truly special, and I look forward to each gathering as a chance to learn, share, and uplift one another.

You know we love food, so, we have to ask, what’s the one food you always have in your fridge? 

The one food I always have in my fridge is mushrooms—especially button mushrooms. They’re incredibly versatile and add so much flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. Whether I’m sautéing them for a quick stir-fry, tossing them into a salad, or incorporating them into a hearty pasta, they’re a staple that never fails to elevate my meals. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a go-to for my healthy cooking routine.

How about the one snack you always have when traveling? 

The one snack I always have when traveling is my homemade snack pack. I whip up a delicious potato and egg frittata, cutting it into small squares for easy munching, or I prepare baked chicken cutlets. It’s a reflection of my chef life, ensuring I have nourishing, satisfying options on hand that keep me fueled for my adventures. These snacks not only provide great taste but also give me the comfort of home wherever I go.

How do you stay active outside the gym?

I stay active outside the gym by taking long, invigorating walks with my dog. There’s nothing quite like being immersed in nature, and I love exploring parks and beaches. The fresh air, the sound of the waves, and the vibrant beauty all around me refresh my spirit and keep me grounded.

These moments are more than just physical activity; they’re a chance to connect with the world and appreciate its wonders. Whether it’s watching the clouds drift by or feeling the sand between my toes, these experiences nourish my soul and remind me of the joy that comes from being outside. It’s all part of my journey toward wellness—embracing the simple pleasures that keep me moving and connected to life.

What’s your go-to tool for managing stress?

My go-to tools for managing stress are painting and creating, which inspired the creation of Art Flow Design Studio. I love working with my hands, and as a chef, I find cooking to be a wonderful way to destress. Photography is another passion of mine, allowing me to capture moments and beauty in everyday life. I also find relaxation in nature walks, driving, and simply watching birds or animals, which helps me reconnect with myself and the world around me. These activities bring me peace and joy, serving as essential outlets for stress relief.

What’s your weirdest healthy habit?

My weirdest healthy habit is that I have to keep everything organized. It may sound a bit obsessive, but for me, organization is crucial. When everything is in its right place, I feel centered and focused; if things are scattered or messy, it really affects my state of mind. This habit helps me create a sense of calm in my environment, allowing me to navigate my day with clarity and intention. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that contributes to my overall well-being and productivity!

What does it mean to you to “live consciously”?

To me, living consciously is about embracing each moment with intention and awareness, fully engaging with my life and the world around me. It’s about being grounded in the present, making choices that resonate with my values, and nurturing a deeper connection to myself and others.

Living consciously means I’m not just reacting to life; I’m actively shaping it. I find solace and joy in painting, cooking, and photography—these are my tools for grounding myself and expressing creativity. Whether I’m walking in nature, soaking in the sights and sounds, or capturing a moment of beauty, I’m reminding myself of the richness that life has to offer.

It’s also about advocating for what matters—mental health, human rights, and the well-being of our communities. Living consciously means I’m committed to creating safe spaces for others, to help them realize they’re not alone, and to empower them to take their next steps forward. In a world that often feels chaotic, I strive to embody authenticity and connection, sparking joy and resilience in myself and those around me.

If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it, and why?

I would call my healthy diet “The Awareness Diet.” This name encapsulates not just the importance of choosing healthy foods and avoiding ultra-processed items and unhealthy chemicals, but also a deeper understanding of the entire cycle of life. It prompts us to consider whether the soil is nourishing enough to support healthy plants and animals, whether farmers are practicing sustainable methods, and if our oceans are free from plastic pollution. It’s about recognizing that the choices we make—what we eat, where we buy it from, and how it’s produced—impact the world around us.

The Awareness Diet is a call to live with intention, to align our choices with our values, and to create a more sustainable and compassionate world for ourselves and future generations.


“NLS Success” is a column highlighting the incredible accomplishments of Nutritious Life Studio alumni. We’re showcasing the healthy products our grads have created, the better eating habits they now consider second nature, and other ways NLS helped them find healthy, happy success—in life and business. Learn more about The Nutritious Life Studio, here.

About Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN
Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, is a renowned celebrity nutritionist, healthy cooking expert, and wellness thought-leader. She is the founder and CEO of Nutritious Life and The Nutritious Life Studio, an online certification that provides unparalleled, forward-thinking education to individuals of various backgrounds looking to establish successful careers in the health and wellness industry.

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