Ep. 233: Lauren Kretzer - From Wall Street to Wellness: A Chef's Journey through Cancer and Beyond
Jan 25, 2024
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Lauren Kretzer, a plant-based chef and holistic nutritionist, shares her journey from Wall Street to wellness after a cancer diagnosis. She discusses cooking tips, plant-based diets, and making small changes for a healthier lifestyle. Other topics include gratitude, incorporating cruciferous greens, favorite spices, and embracing progress over perfection. Plus, learn how to make a delicious sheet pan roasted cauliflower taco and hear about the guest's preference for mountains and lakes.
Convenience tip: Incorporate cruciferous vegetables into your diet by using pre-packaged or homemade shredded mixes.
Transform kale into a zesty salad or pasta dish by finely chopping it and massaging it with vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic, and spices.
A simple and flavorful way to enjoy broccoli is by steaming it and then sautéing with garlic and spices like Italian seasoning or sausage seasonings.
Tempeh can be crumbled, seasoned, and used as a plant-based substitute for dishes like sausage. Steaming tempeh before using it reduces bitterness.
Use Aleppo pepper to add a sweet and moderately spicy flavor to dishes without overpowering them; available in specialty spice stores or online.
Deep dives
Using bagged cruciferous veggie mix for easy incorporation into meals
A convenient way to include cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, in your diet is to buy pre-packaged or make your own shredded mix. This mix can be added to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or even as a side dish.
Making delicious kale dishes by finely chopping and massaging with flavorings
Kale can be transformed into a tasty dish by finely chopping it and massaging it with vinegar, nutritional yeast, garlic, and other spices. This massaged kale can be enjoyed as a zesty salad or added to pasta dishes.
Preparing broccoli by steaming and sautéing with garlic and spices
Steaming broccoli and then sautéing it with garlic and spices, such as Italian seasoning or seasonings commonly found in sausage, is a simple and flavorful way to incorporate broccoli into meals. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to pasta dishes.
Exploring the versatility of tempeh by crumbling and seasoning for various recipes
Tempeh can be crumbled, seasoned, and used as a plant-based substitute for dishes like sausage. It can be sautéed and added to pasta or used as a filling for tacos. Steaming tempeh before using it can help reduce bitterness, but it is not necessary.
Experimenting with Aleppo pepper for sweet and mildly spicy flavors
Aleppo pepper, a Syrian pepper, adds a sweet and moderately spicy flavor to dishes. It can be used to enhance spice levels without overwhelming the dish. It can be found in specialty spice stores or online.
Creating delicious marinated portobello mushrooms for sandwiches
Marinating portobello mushroom caps in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, tamari, vegetable broth, and garlic before grilling or baking them can create a flavorful base for sandwiches. Adding a touch of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor.
Exploring different cooking methods and recipes to find the preferred way of preparing mushrooms
Experimenting with different cooking methods, such as grilling, sautéing, or baking, and trying out various mushroom recipes can help find the preferred way of preparing mushrooms. It's also worth exploring different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or cremini, to find one that suits your taste.
Considering therapy, exercise, and gratitude practice for mental health
In addition to addressing diet and physical health, it's important to prioritize mental health. Consider therapy as a valuable tool for self-exploration and support. Regular exercise, such as nature walks or fitness classes, can contribute to improved mental well-being. Embracing a gratitude practice, reflecting on what you're grateful for each day, can also help cultivate a more positive mindset.
Cooking Tips for Mushrooms
When cooking portobello mushrooms, it's recommended to cook them at low heat to retain their tenderness and flavor. On the other hand, when cooking button mushrooms, high heat in a cast iron pan is preferable to achieve a golden brown crust and a different texture.
Different Ways to Cook Potatoes
Instant Pot is a convenient way to cook baby potatoes, which only takes about 15 minutes on high heat. For larger potatoes like sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, roasting them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour results in a crispy skin and perfectly done inside.
In this episode of the PlantStrong Podcast, we are joined by Lauren Kretzer, a plant-based chef and holistic nutritionist.
Lauren shares her inspiring journey from Wall Street to becoming a private chef for celebrities and recipe creator for many popular New York Times best-selling cookbook authors, including Dr.Will Bulsiewicz and Kris Carr.
Since a cancer diagnosis in the Spring 2020, Lauren has doubled-down on her health, well-being, and family.
We discuss cooking tips, plant-based diets, and making small changes for a healthier lifestyle.
