Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Ruskus.
Bailey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been obsessed with food since day one! It was always my escape after a bad day at school or just a really supportive creative outlet for me, even at a young age. I trained at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco right out of high school and knew I wanted to shake up the Chef industry; I just didn’t quite know how at the time. In culinary school, I started my own business. I then begin to a private chef, work in and out of restaurants and teach on international retreats.
Throughout my early teens and 20’s, I was also suffering from endometriosis and really severe chronic pain. After countless doctors with no answers, I went back to school for nutrition and realized that I already had the answers to my health issues, as they were in my kitchen. From there, I not only transitioned my personal lifestyle to vegan/plant-based, but I also transitioned my business to being completely vegan! I now have a cookbook being published on August 31st called Cook. Heal. Go Vegan!, have taught tens of thousands of people how to cook with plants virtually and in person, I develop recipes for brands doing good things and work/cook one on one with people who are looking to heal their bodies and adapt to a plant-focused lifestyle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, I wouldn’t wish endometriosis on my worst enemy. Trying to pave a new way as a young woman while dealing with chronic pain is no easy task. There were years along the way before I went plant-based that I was visiting the hospital monthly, desperate for answers and relief. I just kept the bigger vision in my mind the entire time and thats what helped me keep moving forward even when at times, everything felt like a loss. Another struggle I experienced was transitioning my entire business to vegan.
A few years ago, it wasn’t as accepted as it is now, and in general, living in a non-vegan world, it’s a bit like swimming upstream. Learning about and waking up to the negative health effects of meat + dairy, the environmental impact of animal agriculture and animal welfare is a lot to process. When you add everyone’s opinions, social media, and personal relationships, you learn to become very educated and strong in your beliefs, and eventually, you get stronger and swimming upstream feels so much easier.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in helping people heal with plants from the eyes and heart of their kitchen. Over the years, I have helped people dealing with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, pcos, hashimotos, endometriosis, arthritis, lower respiratory disease, weight issues, and overall confidence/health. I am known for recipes and a style of food that allows you to eat what you want and what you need. For me personally, I knew plant-based wouldn’t work for me unless I could satisfy all my cravings and creativity. I use my classic techniques and a new way of thinking to transform the way we think about our favorite foods, traditions, and crave-worthy meals. Now, I have a style and technique that I can guarantee any palette can fall in love with. Yes, even Mr. Meat & Potatoes!
I am most proud of my clients who have done the work for themselves with my guidance and healed their “could never be healed” health ailments. Because of them, I wrote this cookbook in hopes that this knowledge and way of being can reach people all over the world. We are in a health crisis, and I truly believe that the power of education, cooking and plant-based food can make huge changes in the world. It’s about pleasure and healing because I truly believe there is room for both!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Take it one meal at a time. We tend to put tons of pressure on ourselves to change really quickly or see/feel results within a few days or a week. This isn’t a fad diet. It’s a lifestyle. What will help the most is to focus less on how you look and think more about how you feel.
The reality is that healing and learning something new takes time! It starts with simple daily swaps, and dairy is a perfect place to start since there are so many alternatives. Then start to have a few plant-based days worth of food a week and learn new recipes as you go. You won’t like absolutely everything new you try, but thats ok because it means you’re going out of your comfort zone! Have compassion for yourself, and hold the higher vision even if you get off track. Also, keep in mind that your digestion and gut will go through an adjustment period!
For me, it took almost six months to feel incredible on a daily basis once making the switch. I was able to get off my meds and pain killers (of course, make sure to chat with your doctor before doing anything drastic), and after six months, I realized I had no idea how incredible I could feel, and nothing has been the same since! Oh, and buy a Vitamix. It’s worth every penny!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.chefbai.kitchen
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chef_bai
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Tzq2aZ8G1l6WqSPkhe8eA?si=pM57lCllTOalUYoGfaL6iA&dl_branch=1
