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When I was diagnosed with cancer nearly two decades ago, I turned to a plant-based diet to take some control of my health, and I haven’t looked back. In this episode, I chat with the incredible Carleigh Bodrug, a New York Times bestselling author and a huge plant-based and food waste reduction social media creator. Carleigh is known for her “Plant You” platform, which empowers her audience to get creative and cook meals using ingredients they already have at home!
In our conversation, Carleigh highlights her nonjudgmental approach to promoting sustainability in the kitchen. She shares her practical tips for reusing food scraps, explains the benefits of having a diverse range of plants in your diet, and shares her advice for building a strong online following. We also touch on Carleigh’s latest book, PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking, and why she wants you to have a healthy body that will help you live life to the fullest.
WE DISCUSS:
- (5:06) What initially inspired Carleigh to go plant-based
- (13:46) The reality of food waste and why it matters
- (18:27) How Carleigh’s recipes utilize leftover ingredients and encourage you to be creative with the scraps
- (25:51) Clever ways to reuse scraps like coffee grounds, chickpea water, onion skins, banana peels & more!
- (34:55) Tips for eating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables
- (41:50) Advice for building your social media platform and making an impact online
- (48:27) Navigating criticism and negative reviews as a creator
- (52:56) The intersection of holistic wellness and living with grief
Key Quotes From the Show
“When you start eating more plants, or you go even predominantly plant-based, it’s kind of like opening up Pandora’s box.” – Carleigh
“The food waste actually emits more emissions than the entire airline industry.” – Carleigh
“There is nothing more rewarding than sitting down with a nourishing meal full of healthy food that you made yourself. I really believe that.” – Carleigh
“I do the work that I do because I want people to have the healthiest vessel possible so that they can take life by the horns, as opposed to the other way around where life runs you.” – Carleigh
“When one of the most important people in your life passes…it reminds you why the heck you’re trying to take care of your body.” – Carleigh
The “Aha!” Moment Behind the Movement
Carleigh shares the shocking statistic that inspired her scrappy cooking journey: a whopping 30-40% of the entire U.S. food supply ends up in landfills. We’ll uncover the environmental impact of food waste and learn how it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions even more than the airline industry.
From Food Waste to Culinary Magic
Carleigh’s passion for reducing food waste led to the birth of her “Scrappy Cooking” series, where she transforms everyday food scraps into mouthwatering meals. We’ll explore the joy of experimenting in the kitchen, turning would-be waste like orange peels, coffee grounds, and chickpea water into culinary masterpieces.
The PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking Cookbook
Carleigh’s new cookbook, PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking, is packed with 140 innovative recipes, kitchen raid meal plans, and practical tips for minimizing food waste. We’ll discuss the book’s unique features, including infographics, a “have this, make that” index, and “save the scraps” notes, empowering you to get creative with your leftovers.
Counting Plants for a Thriving Gut
Discover the fascinating connection between plant diversity and gut health. Carleigh shares insights from the American Gut Health Project study, revealing how eating 30 or more diverse plants per week can boost your gut microbiome. We’ll explore simple ways to incorporate a variety of plants into your diet, from smoothies and oatmeal to hearty pasta dishes.
Embrace Fun and Cook with Confidence
Carleigh’s approach to cooking is all about embracing imperfection and having fun in the kitchen. We’ll discuss the importance of experimenting with new flavors, and trusting your intuition as you create delicious, plant-based meals.
Carleigh’s Journey to Plant-Based Advocacy
Learn about Carleigh’s inspiring journey from radio host to plant-based advocate. We’ll discuss her family’s experience with cancer and the transformative power of a plant-based diet.
Social Media Tips from a Plant-Based Influencer
Carleigh shares her top tips for building a thriving social media platform, from embracing short-form video content to creating engaging series and finding your niche. Discover how to connect with your audience, share your passion, and make a positive impact in the digital world.
Turning Grief into Purpose
Carleigh opens up about the loss of her mother to cancer and how it helped fuel her passion for healthy living and reducing food waste. We’ll discuss the importance of cherishing our loved ones, living life to the fullest, and finding purpose in the face of adversity.
Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify
Resources
- Join my wellness community
- Download your FREE Wellness Tracker
- Read the self-care affirmations in my Thriver’s Manifesto
Connect With Carleigh
- Order PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking
- Visit PlantYou.com
- Follow Carleigh on Instagram
- Follow Carleigh on Facebook
- Follow Carleigh on YouTube
I enjoyed this both times that I listened to it! Thanks for a wonderful podcast!
Thanks for sharing, Nancy! xo
Interesting topics all rolled into one interview. Not just the usual plant based information. Love Kris’ approach to life.
Thanks for sharing, Barbara!! 💚 💚