Lauren Pitts, MA, RD/LD

Lauren Pitts, MA, RD/LD

Food Policy Outreach Coordinator

The Humane Society of the United States

I enjoy getting together with colleagues and I am part of a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist group in Los Angeles that meets about four times a year for excellent food and good conversation. Recently, Lauren Pitts, MA, RD, attended one of the dinners and I was fortunate to sit across from her. I was fascinated to hear about her job with the Humane Society of the United States and amazed at what she is doing in terms of supporting plant-based eating, nutrition education and more. Lauren has successfully worked with several schools, hospitals, universities, and other institutions to implement healthier, more sustainable plant based meals. In these mutually-beneficial partnerships, Lauren introduces these institutions to plant-based foods through recipe planning, chef trainings, and marketing support. She recently held her first Culinary Nutrition Workshop for several dietitians at Northwell Health, the second largest health system in the country. Prior to working with HSUS, Lauren focused on individual nutrition counseling and corporate wellness. Lauren is a part of the Public Policy Council for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (CAND) and the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group.

In her spare time, Lauren loves to travel, hike, cook and spend time with friends, family and her dog Rascal.

Check out great recipes at http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/recipes/recipes.html

I can’t wait to try Cinnamon-Walnut Coffee cake!

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/recipes/desserts/cinnamon_walnut_coffee_cake.html?credit=web

Read more about Lauren:

QA:

Advice to your younger self: Never settle. Keep searching for what truly makes you happy. So many times we choose to settle for what’s easier or more comfortable, but I would recommend the opposite. Get out of your comfort zone and go do something different.  

Last meal on earth: Mexican food! As a plant-based RD I love Mexican food because it’s delicious and there are plenty of veggie options. Sit me down with a plate of rice, beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, homemade guacamole, chips and salsa and I’m happy!

Favorite cookbook or recipe: Any kind of veggie tacos or enchiladas! You can play around with the filling, like beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, zucchini or sweet potatoes, and they all taste amazing!

I love my: Family and dog Rascal. I moved to California about a year and a half ago and miss my family like crazy. I’m originally from Oklahoma and my family is still there including my sweet beagle Rascal. Fortunately I have a job that is flexible and allows me to see them fairly often.