Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ridout.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been passionate about FOOD! My parents loved to cook and always encouraged my brother and me to help out in the kitchen. This really ignited my desire to cook for myself as a teenager and throughout adulthood.
Up until the past decade, I was very unaware that the food I was eating was having such a negative impact on animals, the environment and my body. In 2010, I spent a rigorous, but life-changing summer in Costa Rica hiking from coast to coast. Along the way, I met farmers who agreed to teach me their trade and show me how they lived off the land. I was elated to find out how closely connected the people were with nature. They only used what they needed, gave back what they could and asked for blessings and forgiveness from the souls of the animals they consumed. Working side by side with the farmers, I learned first-hand how everything we do as humans affects the stability of the planet and the many ecosystems within it.
The time I spent in Costa Rica changed my life. After returning to the States, I made a vow to become a more thoughtful and conscious being in this world. For starters, this meant removing all animal by-products from my diet. Initially, it was a struggle, but over time, it has become fun and exciting. Developing new recipes for myself that leave me completely satiated and nourished without compromising my values brings so much joy to my life.
A few years back, my girlfriend was struggling with her weight and asked me for help. At the time, I was meal prepping plant-based food for myself so I suggested to her that I could include her in my weekly preparations. She experienced noticeable results immediately and not only on the outside but within. We caught the attention of a few more people and within no time I was preparing weekly meals for a dozen people. Everything in my being was screaming that this was my path so I committed myself to sharing plant-based nutrition as a full-time profession!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
Life is beautiful and it is within the struggles that we learn the most about ourselves! Changing my diet was a challenge but, the bigger feat was making peace with the cruel side of the world that I was learning so much about. I threw myself into dozens of books, articles, and documentaries and shared everything that I was learning with my friends and family and found that most people didn’t really care (at least not enough to change their eating habits). At times, my soul felt so crushed and defeated that it was hard to find the motivation to leave the house. And then it hit me. I needed to open my heart and my mind to the adversity I was facing and embrace it with love. I realized soon after that one of the keys to opening up people’s minds about the food they were eating was ‘literally’ through their stomachs. This is something that I could do! By cooking yummy, plant-based alternatives to nostalgic classics like lasagna, enchiladas, and even burgers, I started creating a shift in people’s lives. I was teaching my friends and family how to eat awesome meals without animal cruelty, environmental devastation, and cholesterol!
This has become my activism, my outreach, my calling!
If my future-self had told me when I was 25 years-old that in a decade from now, I’d be launching a plant-based food and lifestyle company, I probably would have laughed and said, “You’re crazy!” Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Starting this business was the only way I felt I could make a larger impact. Though scary and challenging, it is so fulfilling taking my passion and turning it into a successful enterprise that is financially sustainable and effects real change.
My advice for women, particularly young women that are starting their journey or struggling with a challenge, is to embrace change and take chances. Ultimately, it was the chances and opportunities I took in life that led me to where I am now. Move to Manhattan for the summer, go on that volunteer trip to Central America, take that internship that isn’t going to pay you, and sign up for that marathon! Life will work out no matter what you do. Stay true to yourself and your values and embrace change because it will get you closer to who you are supposed to be in this life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Plantitude – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Plantitude is a business that explores and shares all things plant-based so that others can confidently move towards a healthier lifestyle. The idea started with whole food, plant-based meal prep delivery, but has evolved into so much more! We believe people genuinely want to eat healthy and help preserve our planet but don’t often know-how. Well, we can help anyone with that! We will show up at your doorstep, at your next office party, at a festival or in any form to get you guilt-free, nutritious plant-based food. Plantitude offers recipe/menu consulting, lifestyle coaching, catering, event vending, meal prep, recipe sharing, and more.
What sets us apart from other companies is that we are dedicated to the change we want to see in the world. We are real and authentic; not just out to make a buck. We truly want to see people living life as the best versions of themselves. Plantitude is a female-owned business built on drive, determination, and fortitude – mixed with a little bit of attitude! We truly understand and value the relationships with our clients. Because we are totally dedicated to you and your health, rest assured you can always find us on the phone, in person or on the other end of your email.
We want to be known as the company that helped flip the American Standard Diet on its head, made eating plants deliciously fun and ignited a food revolution. What makes us most proud? When someone tastes our food and thinks “This is the best meal I’ve ever had and I’m not even vegan!”
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
It’s hard to speak generally about this subject because I think common barriers that female leaders face are unique to the individual. The culinary industry has long been dominated by male chefs and restaurateurs, but I don’t believe that society or the industry is necessarily to blame. Being a leader in this field takes a lot of dedication and perseverance no matter the gender. I think as women, we have to take responsibility for our own leadership and continue to be innovators, game-changers and positive role models for generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plantitudesd.com
- Phone: 858-373-7588
- Email: lauren@plantitudesd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantitudesd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantitudesd
Image Credit:
Rebecca Kuritz
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