Hi, I’m Lauryn. Welcome to Plantivore Kitchen, where you’ll find all my gluten-free, soy-free, plant-based recipes along with skin glow and health tips.
Plantivore Kitchen started in 2017, when I decided to start eating a plant-based diet and stop my old meat-centric diet, cold turkey. Pun very much intended (love a good pun).
I’m currently located in Austin, TX. I’m from the NYC area and lived in Los Angeles. I live in Austin with my husband, Jimmy, and our crazy cat (who thinks she’s a dog), Stella. A few of my favorite things are dumplings, beach days, thrillers, hiking, soccer, and travel.
MY STORY
I always loved food and cooking, especially growing up right outside of NYC as an Italian dual citizen. The food culture in NY is seemingly infinite, spanning from authentic Chinatown Dim Sum served in bamboo steamers to handmade Italian cannoli pastries crafted with care.
Yet somehow, I was the pickiest eater for the first 16 years of my life. I barely touched veggies unless they were doused in teriyaki sauce. My typical day consisted of several cinnamon raisin bagels, cereal, fried food, and various unhealthy snacks. I was also very sick, with terrible stomach ailments, debilitating migraines, and constant skin issues.
I had a wake-up call when my mom, a Registered Dietitian, took me to get tested in 2010 and we found out I had dozens of food allergies and sensitivities. Most notably, I have Celiac and cannot have gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, hazelnuts, MSG, corn, and flaxseed.
Fast forward through years of eating a paleo-ish, meat-heavy diet and wondering why I was still sick. After watching and reading compelling research, I decided to try a plant-based diet and loved it ever since.
If you knew me before… I was known as the girl that could eat a rack of ribs regularly. I always thought I couldn’t eat plant-based because of my allergies (what would I eat?!), but all it took was determination and research.
Not only did my diet change, but my entire life changed as I become an advocate for wellness. I created Plantivore Kitchen as a resource for anyone that wants to feel and look their best.
WHAT KIND OF PLANT-BASED RECIPES WILL I FIND HERE?
Whether you have food allergies, health issues, or just want to eat a healthy diet, you’ll only find real recipes that I actually eat myself. I love to challenge myself by taking inspiration from unhealthy food and creating a healthy alternative!
DO YOU COUNT CALORIES?
I do not count calories and you won’t ever see them on my website. I personally like to create a positive, calming food experience rather than stress-induce with numbers.
The only thing I mentally track is my nutrient-intake. We need a ton of fruits, veggies, legumes, and seeds to get enough vitamins. With practice, I’ve learned to be in-tune with my body to understand when I need more of a certain food. I eat with a focus on getting enough nutrients, without worrying about limiting quantity.
WHY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY?
I like to develop healing, anti-inflammatory recipes that reduce inflammation. By limiting processed foods like refined sugars and eating a whole-food, plant-based diet, I reduce my chronic inflammation issues and feel much more energized.
Bonus of an anti-inflammatory diet? It’s beautifying and promotes healthy skin and hair. Consider it part of your beauty routine.
BUT WILL THESE HEALTHY RECIPES TASTE GOOD?
All that being said, I’m a foodie at heart. I have been cooking for years and have taken cooking courses in 5 different countries. Both Jimmy and I are obsessed with trying different cuisines, so you’ll find all sorts of tasty dishes here.
We have plenty of experience cooking for family and friends that don’t usually eat healthy or plant-based. You’ll not only love how these meals taste, but how you feel after eating! Eliminating fatigue after meals has been a game changer for me.
My goal is to share approachable but fun recipes that you’ll enjoy cooking on a daily basis. Keeping it restaurant quality, but easy and healthy.
ARE THEY ALLERGY FRIENDLY?
You’re talking to the allergy queen! My plant-based recipes are gluten-free, soy-free, peanut-free, hazelnut-free, corn-free, flax-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and most are vegan. I prefer to create recipes that are refined sugar-free and typically oil-free, with minimal salt added.
WHAT ELSE WILL I FIND?
I also share other pieces of my life, including all things wellness, travel, and whatever else is going on!
TRAVEL
Jimmy and I love traveling, and would be perfectly happy traveling full-time. I’ve lived in 4 different cities and our goal is at least one international trip per year. Our last trip was to Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and we loved every minute of it.
SKINCARE
My favorite topic next to food. I love sharing non-toxic beauty and skincare tips. After struggling with skin issues from hives to blemishes, I love a good #skinglow and believe it starts with diet.
WELLNESS
After realizing that food isn’t that only thing we intake, I’ve made a huge push towards a non-toxic home. I share tips for reducing chemicals and fragrances, including making your own home cleaning solution.
LET’S STAY IN TOUCH
You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok. If you try my recipes or tips, I would love to see! Tag #PlantivoreKitchen.
If you’d like to reach me on email: lauryn@plantivorekitchen.com
Nourish to flourish! Xx,
Lauryn Emilia
View the Nutrition Disclaimer page.