Read all about Lauren Wingent, our latest Meet a Mom! Now based in New Canaan, Lauren decided to leave behind a corporate career to pursue her passion in nutrition. As founder of 80/20 Wellness, she helps clients “live mostly healthy, most of the time.”
How many kids do you have and what are their ages? Elliot, 20 months What brought you to town?
More space, great schools, change of pace (less noise) from NYC ☺
How did you get the idea for 80/20 Wellness?
I’ve always had a passion for nutrition and sustainability, and educating and helping others on their health journey. After a seven year corporate career in sales/PR, it was time to pursue my passion and make a difference in the world.
What is the 80/20 nutrition philosophy?
Live your life mostly healthy, most of the time. Indulge as you wish, but invest in yourself and make healthy lifestyle and environmental choices 80% of the time. I believe that you are completely capable of finding a balance that will allow you to live your healthiest and happiest life.
Why are diets a bad idea?
Not a single diet out there is sustainable long term. Quick fixes don’t exist, and most are more harmful than helpful. I do think it’s possible to create and find programs, detoxes, etc., for a healthy kick-start, but I always advise working with someone one-on-one to really understand what will be the most beneficial for your unique goals.
Best part about your job?
There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re making an impact in the world. Whether it’s helping a family improve their health and quality of life, or teaming up with a fellow likeminded mama and helping her build her dreams. Location independence and the ability to do work I love, and to be home with my son 80% of the time is a privilege, and also pretty darn special.
Favorite family meal that’s nutritious and everyone likes? Spinach and swiss chard lentil curry with basmati rice. It’s a winner every time ☺
Do you have any secrets for eating healthy at restaurants? At home?
That’s a tricky one, healthy eating when out very much depends on your unique preference and individual goals. I’m a huge fan of eating what you want to eat! I didn’t always feel this way though. I’ve done the cleanses, crash diets, restricted eating. It’s just not sustainable. Listen to your body, work with someone to understand your relationship to food (if you think you need to), and if you know the wine and bread will make you feel junky and super guilty the next morning, don’t do it. We don’t eat out that often anymore, I make 90% of our meals at home. When I do go out, it can be indulgent (booze, bread, apps, desserts, etc.) and there’s zero guilt. I LOVE food. At home, meal prep and batch cooking is huge for us. Invest in a Crockpot or Instapot. I promise they’ll help improve your relationship with your kitchen ☺ Meals are mostly plant based, there’s a lot of smoothie making in our house, and I’m a big fan of green vegetables at breakfast. Well, green vegetables at every meal if you can!
What’s your favorite family activity in town?
We’re still pretty new to town, but we love being able to walk to Elm Street, grab a snack and matcha at Organika, hit the farmers market, and stop by Mead’s new awesome playground, or the nature center on the way home.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
I am fairly new to meditation and it’s been a game changer for my mental wellbeing. Just 15 minutes first thing every morning, or right before bed works well for me. I also love Pilates, and try my best to get to three classes a week. I also have a few favorite podcasts that I try and sneak in when I am able to.
Any words to live by?
“Be the type of person you want to meet.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
Hmm. I’m an urban gardener and grow a lot of vegetables indoor and outdoor without soil. I can also whip up a delicious superfood smoothie for you in less than two minutes ☺
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
I’ve heard it a lot and it’s always nice to be reminded of how important the early years are; how quickly they go by. As an entrepreneur doing work I absolutely love, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that there’s this little amazing person at home that loves and wants to be with me 99% of his time. I know that certainly won’t last, so I’m trying my best to be as present as possible we’re together.
Favorite band, book, tv show…
Pink and Vampire Weekend, Brene Brown books are my go-to lately when I have time to read, and I enjoy pretty much any British detective series.
Anything to add? Feel free to add whatever you want the readers to know!
I just want readers to know that it’s never too late to pursue a passion, dream or interest. Our lives revolve around our children, and I think it’s really important to seek out other things, and to get in the community and connect with other moms for support and good times. Hire a sitter, get ready and get out, I promise you won’t regret doing so!
Favorite places in town to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Tavern at GrayBarns http://tavernatgraybarns.com
Grab a drink with friends: I need to get a friend drink date on the calendar and figure this out! ☺
Have a date night: Elm is a favorite https://www.elmrestaurant.com
Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: Trail walks at New Canaan Nature Center https://newcanaannature.org
Spa/salon: Divaz is a great hair salon! http://www.divazsalons.net
Grab coffee: Matcha drinker – Organika has the very best in the area.
https://organikact.com/menus/view/new-canaan
Any hidden treasures or other favorites you want to share? For a good workout, take a class with Mollie at Club Pilates!
https://www.clubpilates.com/newcanaan/?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=yext