Welcome to The Garden Grazer!
Hello, I'm Kaitlin! First and foremost, thank you for being here. I started this blog in early 2012, and it's been a labor of love for the past 10+ years.
Sharing plant-based food is one of my greatest joys and my hope is to spark your excitement too - with easy, approachable vegan recipes that are packed with enough flavor to please both herbivores and carnivores alike. And because it brightens my day (hopefully yours too) I especially enjoy creating dishes with as much color as possible.
One of my favorite parts of having this website is connecting with people. I genuinely enjoy hearing from you - seeing what you're cooking up, your thoughts, travels, what books you're reading, and what inspires you. Join me to keep in touch:
About Me
I love reading, puzzles, music, animals, nature (especially mountains and the Yellowstone area), exploring this beautiful Earth, and doing my best to live consciously and compassionately.
I grew up in a small town in southern Michigan which is where my vegetable love-affair began. My parents worked hard to provide us with a beautiful garden by our home. So I spent many childhood days sitting between the rows, eating fresh tomatoes, green beans, sugar snap peas, and strawberries right off the vine. (Hence the name "The Garden Grazer".) It was pure summer bliss!
Here I am planting seeds with my grandma in our garden (early 1990s in Michigan):
I graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Environmental Biology/Zoology, then my husband and I traveled around the western part of the country. We spent time living near the Yellowstone area then Tempe, Arizona and Portland, Oregon. We reside in Bozeman, Montana now - the mountains and fresh air energize my soul.
About the Recipes
I'm passionate about using organic/non-GMO whole foods as much as possible. (Basically I like to follow a whole food, plant-based, mostly no-oil diet.)
I enjoy simple, healthy meals that aren't complicated, so I put emphasis on developing recipes that are easy to follow and most efficiently use your time.
Why Vegan?
There are a few reasons why I choose a vegan lifestyle. For one, I've always been a huge animal lover. I'd never want to harm or kill an animal, so I realized why pay others to do it for me (often in a cruel way) just for the sake of consuming them?
There are so many wonderful foods to enjoy without harming or taking other creature's lives in the process.
Plant-Based Health Benefits
Another big reason is health. Years ago I read "The China Study" by Dr. T. Colin Campbell and it changed my life. I started preparing more plant-based meals and was also inspired to enroll in a 6-week online course to obtain a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell, based on Dr. Campbell's research.
My husband and I considered ourselves pretty healthy people, so it came as quite a shock when we experienced how much more health and energy there was to gain by eliminating all animal products from our diet.
My awful migraines disappeared, debilitating menstrual cramps went away, stomach issues resolved, acne cleared, and many others. Research is continually coming out backing the amazing benefits of incorporating more plants into our diet to slow, halt, or even reverse diseases.
Environmental Impacts
Last but not least, studies show the environmental impacts of a meat/dairy diet are alarmingly destructive compared to a plant-based diet.
I believe it's important to become aware of the connection between our actions and the environment. (Check out the documentary "Cowspiracy" for more information.)
Transition from Vegetarian to Vegan
After about 4-5 years as a vegetarian, a couple things inspired me to try a vegan diet. First, I became even more aware of the awful conditions and violence within the dairy & egg industry.
Second, I'm in a constant search for discovering what food and nutrients my body needs to achieve optimal health & well-being. In addition to meat, I found eliminating all animal products (eggs, dairy, etc.) gave me even more energy, health, and overall happiness.
Once I started listening to my body, I now feel much more empowered and connected to the food I eat. The power of whole foods continually amazes me, and it's a lifestyle that all-around just feels right in my heart.
Thank you kindly for stopping by, and I truly hope you enjoy the recipes!
-Kaitlin
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Sandra
Excellent tasting recipes & they are healthy!
Kaitlin
Thank you, Sandra! Glad you're enjoying them!
Sharon
I’m just a beginner and quite overwhelmed. I want to end up with 21 days of meal plans that I can cycle through.
Kaitlin
Hello, Sharon! I don't currently offer meal plans on my site, but I do have a large collection of meals focused on ease, quickness, and simplicity. You can browse all of my Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes here. I hope that helps give a bit of guidance. Wishing you all the best with your new journey!
Shane
Love your site. I have been Vegan for over four years now and somehow have never seen you until now. I LOVE your methods and what you are doing for the animals, the people, and the world. Thank you!
Kaitlin
Hello Shane, and welcome to the site! First and foremost, congrats on 4+ years vegan! That's fantastic. I'm so thrilled to hear you're enjoying the site. Thanks for taking the time to share your very kind words and encouragement. That means a lot. Hope you continue to enjoy your plant-based journey! Sending all the best. -Kaitlin
Bri
So grateful for the simple and tasty recipes! I’m hoping you will be creating a cookbook soon! Would love to support you in that way!
Kaitlin
Hello Bri! That's very kind, thank you. There's no cookbook in the works right now, but it'd certainly be a fun project in the future. Out of curiosity, would you personally prefer a print cookbook or digital Ebook (or both?) So glad you're enjoying the recipes and thanks for taking the time to leave such sweet feedback. Wishing you a beautiful weekend! -Kaitlin
DeeDee
Hi Kaitlin!
I’m so happy I found your site! I’ve made a recent commitment to eat vegan - mostly for health reasons - and I love the recipes I’ve found on your site! The flavors are so intense & delicious!
I’ve ordered The China Study from my library & look forward to reading it. Unfortunately, my library does not have World Without Cancer, which another reader recommended.
Kaitlin
Hello! Great to hear from you. That's wonderful you're enjoying the recipes here - thanks for taking the time to share your very kind feedback. And I hope you enjoy The China Study as well! I'm so grateful for Dr. Campbell's research, work, and education. Wishing you all the best on your new plant-based journey! 🙂 Take good care, Kaitlin
Terry
Hi Kaitlin,
Thank you for your compassion for animals and for the only earth we have. I transitioned to WFPB about 2 years ago after watching Game Changers. I am 65 and have been in pain and plagued with autoimmune diseases for decades. The WFPB life has helped (not cured) many of my issues and I just feel better in my spirit being intentional about a loving, sustainable existence. I appreciate you sharing your recipes and encouragement.
Kaitlin
Hello Terry! What a lovely comment to receive, thanks so much for taking the time to share. It's wonderful to hear the WFPB diet has alleviated some of your pain and elevated your spirit. I love that. 🙂
You mentioning Game Changers reminded me of one of their recipes that our family enjoys. I recommend this Southwest Stew from their website. It's delicious.
Thanks again for sharing, and best wishes on your continued WFPB journey! -Kaitlin
Lori
Hi Kaitlin!
I am so excited to discover your website. I have been inspired by the documentary "What the Health" and also, "Forks over Knives". I had the "widow maker" heart attack two years ago and have been trying to get my cholesterol under control and I have always been hesitant to eat animals. I have been eating WFPB for two weeks and I am already feeling great. My husband has joined in and I am so excited to see all of the benefits of this new lifestyle. I love all of your recipes, they are simple and easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing your talents!! My heart thanks you too 🙂
Take Care,
Lori
Kaitlin
Hi Lori! First and foremost, I'm so glad you're feeling better. Those two documentaries are incredibly powerful, and I love that you and your husband started a WFPB journey together. Fantastic.
I'm also thrilled to hear you're enjoying the recipes here. Your kind words and feedback are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. Sending my love and wishing you both all the very best in your new journey! -Kaitlin
Karen
I enjoyed your three bean Mediterranean salad, can’t wait to try more... you inspire me!! Thank you.. Karen
Kaitlin
So wonderful to hear that, Karen! Thanks for the kind words and hope you enjoy any other recipes you try. Wishing you all the best!
Miguel from NJ
Thanks so much for this recipe collection. I went through a 6 month culinary training program maybe 2 or 3 years ago and ever since then have been slowly but surely making my way to the healthier side of the spectrum. It turns out that I don't have the grace for mass commercial production of meals in a team environment; however, I have come to develop a passion and joy for making healthy, tasty, flavorful meals at home. I just streamed a video that highlighted the benefits of WFPBOF cooking and through an internet search, was led to your site. The colors are amazing! The recipes are easy to follow!! I can't wait to try them! I'm very grateful!!
Kaitlin McGinn
Hi Miguel! Very kind of you to leave a message and I enjoyed hearing a bit about your background. Love that you've developed a passion for healthy meals! I hope you enjoy any recipes you try from the site. Most of all, wishing you all the best with your new journey & cooking adventures! Take good care. -Kaitlin
Amanda
Hi! I am so excited that I stumbled across your page! I have been WFPBNSNO for about 10 months now after watching the documentary “What the Health”. My entire family is now plant based as well, including my two year old. It gets difficult to find new, easy, quick recipes. That’s why I am so excited I found you! Thank you for what you do.
Kaitlin McGinn
So wonderful to hear you watched "What the Health" and transitioned to plant-based with your family. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely comment. I hope you enjoy any recipes you try! Wishing you all the best!
Skye Travis
Hi Kaitlin,
After we moved next door to Bev (and she told me about your website) I have casually visited your site over the last couple years and and have tried several of your recipes - loving each one. Back then, my goal was simply to 'be healthier' and reduce animal products because I love animals. We cut our animal products by about 50% over the past couple years and then, a couple weeks ago, my husband and I began to read The China Study. Wow! Needless to say, my husband and I have decided to make the final leap to go vegan once and for all.
I just want to thank you for sharing what you have learned and for your dedication to helping others (like myself) ease into the life style with easy, delicious recipes.
Skye
P.S. Since you value The China Study, you may also enjoy World Without Cancer. It is a book that discusses the scientific research that went into studying the effects of vitamin B17 on cancer cells. B17 is found inside many seeds. This vitamin counteracts cancer cells much like vitamin C counteracts scurvy. The research that went into this is astonishing. Another great reason to follow a WFPB diet.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hi Skye! That's amazing news! (I shared your message with my husband and he loved it too.) Awesome to hear you guys are reading The China Study. Dr. Campbell is incredible. And thanks a lot for the recommendation of World Without Cancer - I'd never heard of that one, but will check it out.
Your note brought so much joy to my day, thanks again! Wishing you guys health & happiness on your new vegan journey. Once I went vegan, I had so much more fun in the kitchen exploring new foods - and still do. It feels like an endless learning process and source of inspiration. Would love to hear how it goes for you and your family!
JR E
Hello Kaitlin - This is Janet from the Philadelphia suburbs. Like you, my husband is passionate about animals and he became vegetarian out of love for them. When we started dating, I became vegetarian out of love for him. I found your website several years ago and it has been one of my favorites ever since. I made your black bean avocado enchiladas for my whole family on Father's Day last year. I appreciate that you keep your site's advertising footprint to a reasonable level, and I love all the photos you include for each recipe. Your site sends a loving vibe so I thank you for sharing your recipes and your journey.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks for your sweet and thoughtful comment. It makes my day hearing people enjoying the site/recipes. I think you're the first person ever to comment on the ads here - it's something I feel very strongly about and do my best to keep the footprint as low as possible. So thank you for sharing your feedback! And I love that you went vegetarian out of love for your husband, so sweet! Wishing you both a beautiful week! -Kaitlin
Janzelle Willars
Hi, Kaitlin. Just found your site and I love it! I'm adopting a plant-based diet mostly for health reasons (as well as ethical and humanitarian reasons), and it has been wonderful! I've lost 37 pounds in the past 8 months and have gotten off of cholesterol and diabetes medications. I was intrigued that you moved from Illinois to Arizona. So did I! I grew up in central Illinois, but lived near the Chicago area after I got married. We moved to Arizona 25 years ago. Sadly, I'm divorced now. I live alone, in the northwest part of Arizona in the mountains. I'm 68 and live on just Social Security, so it is sometimes a challenge to get as much organic produce as I would like to. But I do the best I can with what I have. Sites like yours are really helpful! Keep up the good work!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks for taking the time to share. And congrats on taking control of your health, plants are amazing! It's fun to hear you were an IL to AZ transplant too! We actually just moved again (up near the Yellowstone area) but love Arizona! Thanks for such kind words about the website, I'm truly glad it's helpful! Wishing you a beautiful week and take good care.
camela
My sister became vegan and I am in the process of being vegetarian, was hard at first, but over time we have been collecting recipes, a few days ago I found your blog and I can not believe even that easy and delicious that most are recipes. I wanted to write to thank you for your wonderful website. Thanks!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
So happy to hear you're enjoying the site, thank you. Wishing you all the best with your vegetarian transition!
The Savvy Sister
As a nurse and a cancer survivor, going completely plant-based is the best thing I ever did for my health and happiness. Now I help others find their inner health. Thanks for giving me a great resource for recipes! LOVE Dr. Campbell too (and his daughter LeAnne).
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
That's awesome to hear you're helping others now. Hope you find many recipes here you enjoy!
Anonymous
I just watched the documentary Vegucated and am transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle. Your website is beautiful and will make my journey easier! So glad I found you!
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
So great to hear! I have yet to see that movie, but I'm happy this site will be a helpful resource for you during your transition. All the best!
Patricia
I became a vegetarian in 1983 and lived this lifestyle for a few decades. I always bought organic milk from “happy cow farms” and bought free-range eggs. I was oblivious and naive and never wondered what happened to those animals when they couldn’t fulfill their purpose anymore until I read a similar article to yours. I began to do my own research and contacted these farms that I was purchasing from and sure enough, the hens after they don’t lay anymore, which is about 2.5 – 3yrs old are sent to poultry farms where they are slaughtered. The male calves are sent to auctions where they are slaughtered and the females, when they are no longer able to produce milk, are also then sent “away.” I’m unable to watch any videos of the animal industry as it pains and haunts me too much to think of the fear that these poor, sweet animals go through because of us. Thanks for your post! Perhaps we can convert more people to a vegan lifestyle if they’re aware …
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thanks so much for taking the time to write. Love hearing your thoughts, and agree. My goal for this site is to show people how delicious vegan cooking can be, in hopes that it can cut down animal consumption in some small way. Thanks again so much for your kind words. -Kaitlin
Anonymous
What a beautiful and lovely concept you understand and also expressed it to others....that we love our pets who are animals and claim that we love animals....why or how would we eat the others out there? Never understood the justification people have behind loving one and killing the other.
I have been a vegetarian all my life and so happy to find your site. Totally loved your thoughts, am definitely going to try out some of your recipes.
Thank you so much.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Thank you for your lovely comments. Hope you enjoy any recipes you try!