Hi, I'm Lauren and I'm so glad you're here!
I'm the recipe developer and creator behind Lesswithlaur, a gluten-free, dairy-free and allergy-friendly food blog dedicated to flavorful, approachable recipes that actually work for people with allergies and sensitivities.
I started this blog because I know how frustrating it is to search for recipes you can trust when you're navigating dietary restrictions. My goal is to make GF/DF cooking feel simple, delicious and totally doable, whether you're new to this lifestyle or have been navigating allergies for years.
I'm also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a certified integrative mental health professional (CIMHP) and someone who knows firsthand what it's like to navigate chronic illness and food allergies. My own journey through MCAS, POTS, EDS, Lyme and multiple food allergies and dietary restrictions is what inspired me to start sharing my recipes and wellness tools. I know what it's like to feel lost or like you are not able to eat anything and I am here to help!
More about me:
I live in Chicago and spend my days testing recipes, filming content and building a supportive online community of GF/DF eaters. When I'm not cooking, I'm usually walking to a farmers market, sipping a matcha, playing with my dog, doing pilates or brainstorming new recipes with seasonal ingredients.
Where to find me:
- Instagram: @lesswithlaur
- TikTok: @lesswithlaur
- Browse my Recipe Index
- Learn more about the brand → About LessWithLaur
Thank you for being here.
I hope my recipes bring more ease, comfort and joy to your gluten-free and dairy-free journey.
My Journey
Hi, I'm Lauren! For most of my life, I could eat anything without thinking twice. Everything changed around age 25 when I was suddenly diagnosed with multiple food allergies. I currently manage wheat, dairy, egg, sesame, soy, buckwheat, and peanut allergies. Making such a drastic shift overnight was overwhelming, but it also sparked my creativity in the kitchen. I refused to let my allergies stop me from enjoying good food and that's how my passion for gluten-free and dairy-free recipe creation began!
My path to getting answers looked a little different than most. For years before my diagnoses, I experienced chronic, confusing symptoms that no one could explain. Eventually, I learned I was living with a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Navigating these conditions has shaped so much of who I am today. It's why I focus on simple, supportive recipes made with ingredients that are gentle on the body and why I'm committed to spreading awareness about chronic illness and my journey getting back to health. Through my blog and platforms, I hope to make allergy-friendly cooking feel accessible and empowering, while sharing how I personally support my health and live a fulfilling life with chronic illness.