About Me

Hey there, I’m Caitlin! a.k.a. the photographer, videographer, and recipe developer behind From My Bowl. I make wholesome, easy-to-follow, and budget-friendly vegan recipes that are mostly gluten, oil, and refined sugar-free.

Caitlin Shoemaker

The Backstory

I first adopted a totally plant-based diet back in 2015 after being raised as a vegetarian. I quickly realized that my college cafeteria’s vegan options were not going to cut it, and promptly moved off campus so I could cook my own meals. I’ve always loved to cook (and eat), but my kitchen skills were rather. . . limited. I knew that I could make myself some tasty vegan food if I set my mind to it, though, so off to the internet I went.

There was only one problem: Most of the recipes I found online were either (1) way too complicated, (2) required ingredients that were way too expensive, or (3) weren’t really practical for everyday meals. I was able to find a few sites that I liked, but being the type-A-control freak that I (sometimes) am, quickly abandoned all online help and decided to create my own recipes instead.

And that’s how From My Bowl was born! What first grew out of a young college student’s desire to create nutritious and healthy food – within a tight budget and on a busy schedule – has since evolved to cater to the young adult, working professional, and busy parent. Above all, I always aim to create delicious, accessible, and plant-forward foods that will leave you feeling full, nourished, and satisfied.

In other words: Simply Delicious Vegan Food

Why Vegan?

I am vegan for my health, the animals, and the planet. For more on my vegan story, see here.

In short, plant-based food helps me to feel my best and shine my brightest. Plus, no animals have to suffer in order for me to enjoy nutritious and yummy food! Unlike some people may think, vegan food does not have to be expensive, complicated, and/or bland.

You also don’t have to be 100% vegan to enjoy the recipes on my site! All eaters are welcome here, and if I can convince you to choose plants for even one meal a week, I think that’s awesome. Even just one vegan meal can save 3000 gallons of water, 16 pounds of grain, and an animal’s life 🙂

Curious in a plant-based lifestyle, but don’t know where to start? Check out the 7 Day Vegan for a free guide, meal plans, and helpful educational information.

caitlin cuttting carrot on mandoline on wood cutting board

When I’m NOT in the Kitchen…

You’ll most likely find me practicing yoga (I’m a certified teacher!), walking outdoors, doodling on a random piece of scrap paper, or listening to some chill music. I live just outside of Portland OR with my partner, Dylan, and my two pups, Lily and Maya. Even though I grew up on the east coast, I’m an upper-west coast girl at heart. I’m totally in love with the PNW, and feel so grateful to be able to call this beautiful place home.

That pretty much sums up all that I have to say about me, so if you made it this far, thanks for sticking around! And thank you for supporting this dream of mine that has become From My Bowl. It feels so surreal to be able to do something that I love every single day, and I don’t take it for granted. Thank you.

Caitlin and husband

My Food Philosophy

As a food blogger, my life revolves around food — between brainstorming, recipe testing, photographing, and sharing, it can be a pretty big mouthful. Like most food bloggers (and people), my relationship with food hasn’t always been the best. It’s been balanced, disordered, healthy, restrictive, obsessive, and pretty much everything in between.

Thankfully, I’m happy to say that my relationship with food is currently the best it’s ever been. Not to say I don’t struggle at times, but I’ve gotten a heck of a lot better at truly listening to my body and giving it what it’s asking for.

Caitlin Shoemaker