Kimbery Howard continued each meal includes a green, grain, carbohydrate, protein and fat. “Blending in different sauces and spice blends can take any of these simple dishes to satisfying and delicious,” she said. “ I also like to ‘veganize’ family favorites and comfort dishes, and I like to experiment.” Every aspiring vegan chef should have knife skills and an understanding of spice blends and sauces or dressings that create depth. A chef also needs to focus on the basic taste profi les – including sweet, salty, bitter and umami – as well as textures, including creamy, smooth, crunchy, chewy and crispy. Another core requirement is to know what nutrient dense superfoods are available to ensure that meals will satiate and last. Kimberly often gets questioned about how to get enough protein, or whether eating just plants is boring. “There are so many protein sources. And you can emulate those those things easily with veggies or with tofu and tempeh. Being plant based has come a long way, and pretty much every grocery store has a ton of very satisfying non-meat, non-dairy alternatives to foods we all love,” she said. A plant-based diet focuses on whole foods, not processed foods. As a result of her diet, Kimberly said she has a lot energy, sleeps well and doesn’t take any prescriptions. She has become a yoga teacher and sound therapist, and practices both in addition to meditation on a regular basis. Kimberly has seen an impact on her clients as well. One, who is working to combat an autoimmune disease with a plant-based diet, has already seen improvement in infl ammation, weight and skin health, while also feeling completely satisfi ed with the food. “It’s a beautiful thing to see!” For those wanting to switch to a plantbased diet, Kimberly advises to start simple and seek help from an expert. While she works one-on-one with clients, Kimberly said she would like to start some cooking classes and pop-up dinner parties for those who are vegan or plant based curious. In the meantime, many restaurants in Toledo have begun adding plant based options on their menus. “I would love to see that expand even further, and it would be outstanding for more people to try plant-based eating. I want to help people transform their lives. It makes me happy,” she said. “I want every day of my life to be a high quality day. I want to live long and I want to be healthy. You either take the steps to be healthy now, or you may be forced to by a doctor with medications and surgery. I also want the people I love to have that same dynamic. And that is what motivates me.” “Don’t be intimidated - it doesn’t have to be hard,” she said. “One step in a healthy eating direction is one more than you were the day before. Do it for yourself. You deserve it!” To contact Kimberly, email: Greenpathwellnesswithkim@gmail. com. Satori Martial Arts and Wellness serving the Maumee Area Since 2002 By Ed Conn On the outskirts of Maumee, tucked just off Monclova Road, stands a training space where discipline meets compassion — Satori Martial Arts. At its helm is Renshi John Penn, a martial artist, healer, and educator whose journey spans more than three decades of dedication to both the physical and philosophical sides of the arts. Kimberly in front of Th e Acorn Page 10 A Life in Martial Arts Penn’s martial arts path began in 1987 while he was a student at the University of Toledo. What started as a personal pursuit quickly became a lifelong calling. Over the years, he has earned a 5th-degree black belt in Okinawan Shuri Ryu KarateDo and a 5th-degree black belt in Shinto Yoshin Jiu Jitsu, along with certifi cations in Garimot Arnis and Pacifi c and Asian Restoration Therapies. His title of Renshi — a mark of mastery and teaching excellence — refl ects decades of training, teaching, and service to the martial arts community. A Teacher’s Philosophy Building Satori Martial Arts In 1994, Penn began teaching Karate and Jiu Jitsu at the YMCA Fort Meigs Center for Health Promotion. His vision grew into Satori Martial Arts Center of Maumee, a full-time training facility and affi liate of Satori International under Pete Pukish. The school is more than a dojo — it’s a place where students of all ages learn not just self-defense, but also self-discipline, respect, and resilience. Beyond the Mat Penn’s expertise extends into the healing arts. Certifi ed in restorative therapy techniques, he operates a clinic where he integrates deep tissue work and other modalities to help clients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve mobility. Students and clients alike praise his ability to listen, adapt, and educate — ensuring that every session, whether in the dojo or the therapy room, is tailored to the individual. At Satori, the mission is clear: continuous growth — for both instructors and students. Penn emphasizes that martial arts is not just about physical skill, but about cultivating character, focus, and community. His approach blends tradition with modern training methods, ensuring that the lessons learned on the mat carry into everyday life. Legacy in Motion From hosting seminars across the country to mentoring the next generation of martial artists, Penn’s infl uence reaches far beyond Maumee. His work embodies the spirit of Satori — a Japanese term for awakening — inspiring students to discover their own potential, both in martial arts and in life. For Toledo Streets readers, Penn’s story is a reminder that true mastery isn’t just about the belts earned, but about the lives touched along the way. You can learn more about his programs and philosophy on the Satori Martial Arts offi cial site: satorimartialarts.com
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