Patch Tastemaker: Wellness Blogger And Health Coach Kerri Axelrod

Kerri Axelrod, Boston-based holistic health and nutrition counselor, is a firm believer in the fact that every individual has the ability to be happy. That's why her popular wellness blog isn't just about losing weight — it's also about finding purpose, living healthy and enjoying life.

Axelrod's holistic approach to wellness is right at home in her native Boston, which she dubs "tight-knit, active and health-oriented." In addition to the city's strong wellness community, "a really interesting network of people is emerging in Boston who blend both science and western medicine with alternative and holistic healing," explains Axelrod.

When she's not motivating others or training to be an Ayurveda health counselor, you might find Axelrod participating in yoga and pilates at North End Yoga or enjoying Sunday brunch at Tatte Bakery and Cafe. From vegan restaurants to organic spas, check out more of this wellness guru's favorite spots around Boston:

What neighborhood do you live in? North End

What’s your occupation? I am a holistic health and nutrition counselor and currently obtaining my Masters in Nutrition.

Describe Boston in three words: Tight-knit, active, health-oriented.

What’s your favorite overall Boston restaurant? Oleana. I love their outdoor patio garden in the summer and emphasis on local fresh ingredients. The menu celebrates the cuisine of Turkey and the Middle East so there are a ton of healthy, gluten free and dairy free options on the menu.

Best sushi: Uni

Best Italian food: Mare in the North End. I love sitting by the fire in the winter and in their outdoor space in the summer.

Best dessert: FoMu for vegan ice cream.

Best spot for a quick lunch: Life Alive. Life Alive is perfect for a quick Buddha bowl, smoothie or juice.

Best spot for a romantic date: B&G Oysters

Best glass of wine: haley.henry

Best Sunday brunch: Tatte Bakery and Cafe or Whole Heart Provisions

Best spot for a power business meeting: Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

Best cup of coffee: Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Best steak: Woods Hill Table in Concord for a grass-fed and pasture steak.

Best craft cocktail: Drink. They create custom, craft cocktails.

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? EVEN Hotels — I love the concepts' overall emphasis on wellness. Or Yotel in the Seaport. They offer a weekly meditation class for guests.

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Follain Boston for clean beauty products.

Best gym or fitness studio: North End Yoga for yoga and pilates.

Best spa: Balans Organic Spa

Favorite charity event or organization: Lovin’ Spoonfuls. Lovin’ Spoonfuls is a nonprofit food rescue organization based in Boston dedicated to facilitating the rescue and distribution of healthy, fresh food that would otherwise be discarded. They pick up wholesome, perishable food from grocery stores, produce wholesalers, farms and farmers markets, and distribute it to 150 community nonprofits that feed hungry people across Greater Boston and MetroWest.

Favorite cultural event: Yoga at the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Favorite cultural institution: Museum of Science.

Best historic or iconic Boston landmark to see or explore: A run along the Charles River, especially in the fall when the weather is crisp and the collegiate rowing teams are on the water.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Boston? Boston Public Garden on a beautiful spring or summer day.

The best aspect of Boston is: From a personal perspective, I love how walkable the city is and how active everyone is. If you love health and fitness, you can find something to do with a group of like-minded people almost any day of the week. There is such a strong wellness community in Boston.

From a professional perspective, some of the most cutting-edge scientific and medical establishments and minds are in Boston. Coupled with the city’s strong wellness community, a really interesting network of people are emerging in Boston who blend both science and Western medicine with alternative and holistic healing. It’s a really exciting place to be right now.

Image Credit: Kerri Axelrod