Three-year-old Sebastian Romero is surrounded by an abundance of soccer balls and baseballs at home. Like the fresh fruits in the fridge and the green juices he often helps prepare, these items contribute to a healthy atmosphere within his family. He plays with them at his leisure, without any pressure.
Sebastian is the child of Kara Lang Romero, a 31-year-old retired Canadian professional and Olympic soccer player turned holistic nutritionist, and Ricky Romero, 33, a former MLB pitcher and All-Star player from 2011. With health-focused, athletic parents, Sebastian’s path to a healthy lifestyle appears promising. The family, residing in Hermosa Beach—a city recognized for its Blue Zone status—embodies inspiration for vibrant living, and they welcomed alive into their intimate family life.
Nature’s Fuel
The family thrives on a plant-based diet. For Lang Romero, the shift towards healthier eating began in her teenage years. “I realized that avoiding fast food and soda could boost my performance,” she recalls, inspired by a conversation with role models on a team she admired. (Notably, Sebastian has never had fast food.)
Lang Romero embraced veganism at 17, discovering how it enhanced her endurance and recovery, enabling her to train harder. Her plant-based lifestyle supported her throughout her second career as a sports broadcaster and continues to energize her as a mother today, helping her keep pace with Sebastian without the need for naps.
Romero, who has Mexican roots, transitioned to a mostly plant-based diet later. He now eats about 80% plant-based, which he finds improves his sleep and overall strength. He even encourages his wider family to make small dietary changes, such as switching to almond milk.
Their love story began in 2012 during baseball spring training in Florida when Lang filled in for a soccer segment and interviewed Ricky. Following the interview, he asked her to dinner, and it was fortuitous that both were living in Toronto at the time.
As a holistic nutritionist, Lang Romero shares her knowledge in the family kitchen, preparing flavorsome meals packed with vegetables. Sebastian, who attends a Montessori preschool with no sugar policy, has little exposure to candy. Instead, he delights in all the antioxidant-rich, fibrous whole fruits available to him. “He knows where everything is in the fridge, and he often chooses fruit, which makes mom very happy,” remarks Romero.
“I respond with, ‘Great choice!’” says Lang Romero, emphasizing the importance of keeping junk food out of the house. “If it’s not available, kids won’t ask for it.” Their family ethos revolves around only having foods they are comfortable serving to their child.
