Lauren Paige. Where do I begin. I don’t even remember how we started following each other on social media but it’s been lit ever since. Lauren, or LP for short is one of my favorite and fabulous food beauties. She’s hella funny, rocks some killer nails, is a Beyoncé stan and of course, eats fabulously. Recently, Lauren launched her new website (which I LOVE) and became a certified Whole30 coach so it was a no brainer to chat fabulously with her on all these delicious happenings. Although we still have to meet for drinks soon, we chat fabulously about her fab lifestyle, Whole30, and her offline job when she's not cooking fabulous meals and taking amazing Instagram worthy food photos. 

Where Did You Get Your Education?

Lauren Paige - I went to VCU in Richmond Virginia, it was the best years of my life. I made the best friends, most amazing memories, ate the greatest food and got a degree in Biology that I have never used.

What is Your Current Position?

LP - In my offline life, I work in Affordable Housing Development for a Mental Health Agency. I am a Tax Credit, HUD Subsidy Compliance Manager.

So What Exactly is Whole30?

LP - At it's most basic level, the Whole30 program is a 30-day reset where you eliminate certain food groups from your diet that could be having a negative impact on your body. Those include dairy, added sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites.

How Did You Know That Whole30 Was The Right Fit For You?

LP - For years I struggled with food related issues, intestinal and emotional. Once I started cooking, I began to realize that my issues were not with food at all, but food was my outlet. My first Whole30 helped break down my emotional eating habits and allowed me to work on so many other issues as a result. The positive changes in my mental health is the most important things Whole30 has given me and it all started, with food.

What Are Some Essential Items You Feel A Woman Needs to Have In Her Kitchen At All Times?

LP - I'm from the south, so I always think everyone should have a jar of drippings. Mine is sugar free bacon at the moment. You can't go wrong with a good sea salt, a lemon and some vodka on the shelves.

What's in Your Fridge Right Now?

LP - I just got over the flu so currently my fridge is looking really rough. Tangerine LaCroix, A whole shelf of Primal Kitchen condiments, 6 Zupa Noma soups, Arugula, Applegate Bacon, Eggs, Vegan Ricotta, Fruit, Kettle and Fire Beef Bone Broth and Tahini.

What Do You Do To Have A Fab Lifestyle?

LP - My Fab Lifestyle is about self care and personal mental health. The key to that for me is making sure I'm sleeping, going to my therapist, eating what makes me feel good physically and emotionally and being soft on myself when I feel overwhelmed. I also read a lot, which helps to quiet my mind and expand my imagination.

What is Your Food Philosophy?

LP - Eating well isn't a luxury, it's a lifestyle is something I like to remind myself. I believe that everyone should have access to affordable, whole foods and nutritional education. Food is fuel and should be good for you and good to you. Changing the narrative that healthy eating as an expensive is something I try to do in my daily life through my cooking.

What is Your Food Guilty Pleasure?

LP - I love burgers. I will eat a burger every meal of every day if I could, and Im basic. Lettuce, Tomato, White Onion, Mayo, Ketchup. No Fries, Coleslaw.

Where Do You Go for A No Fail Meal?

LP - When it comes down to it, I'm really a simple girl. And since I spend so much time behind the stove, when I go out to eat it's usually for something I don't want to cook myself. That being said, my go to spot that is always perfect and easy for any dietary restrictions is Pio Pio. Chicken, Plantains, Green Sauce never fails me.

What is Your Favorite Quote at The Moment?

LP - ‘You, before anything else’ This is so important to me. The concept of putting yourself first.

Finish this sentence....." I Will Never Eat"

LP - Chitlins. Sorry Mom.

Keep Up with Lauren: lpfedme.com | Twitter | Instagram