The Newsroom
Q&A: Lauren Klukas, author of “The Complete Plate”
Lauren Klukas was a competitive swimmer and coach for Cascade Swim Club before she became a certified personal trainer. In 2013, Lauren was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which inspired The Complete Plate philosophy, website, and the eponymous nutrition and cooking show. The Complete Plate: 120 Recipes • 30 Meal Plans • A Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You is available now!
How do you normally start your day?
50% of the time I get up before the sun and the rest of my family, go for a walk and reflect before the chaos of the day begins, the other 50% of the time I am running out the door like a mad women to get my daughter to school! Let’s be honest maybe it is more like 40/60!
What are you reading at the moment?
I have just started reading I Am Malala. Inspired by this amazing story and our freedom of access to education I am taking some university courses, so I am also reading Public Health and Preventive Medicine in Canada by Chandrakant P.Shah. You never stop learning!
What’s your favourite go-to ingredient?
Greek yogurt – I use it in everything. Baking, cooking, dips
What food is your guilty pleasure?
There are no good or bad foods! A healthy relationship with food means that all foods can fit. Ice cream is one of my favourite non-guilty pleasures!
Who has influenced your cooking the most?
4 years ago I had no clue how to cook. With the important role nutrition needed to play in my life after my diagnosis I had no choice but to figure out this essential life skill. Naturally, I began binge watching Martha Stewart’s Cooking School and The Pioneer Woman with Ree Drumond. Their simple and approachable ways to cooking helped me build my confidence in the kitchen.
Is there a food you can’t bring yourself to eat?
Marshmallows! Yuck! I don’t know why. I have never liked them. Even rice crispy squares are a turn off for me!
What is the Complete Plate?
The Complete Plate attempts to bridge the gap between nutrition and flavor. It provides 30 daily meal plans for caloric requirements of 1500, 2000, and 2500 calories per day. Each day is perfectly balanced to provide 100% of your micro- and macro-nutrient needs, based on current daily recommended intake (DRI) values.