Check out our interview with renowned food blogger and YouTuber Lisa Bryan.
Lisa is a respected food blogger known for her ability to inspire audiences to whip up wholesome meals, get back to the basics, and embrace a life that’s a little more simple and far more vibrant. Lisa’s online platform, DOWNSHIFTOLOGY is a growing digital hub where she shares delicious recipes, kitchen advice, and cooking tutorials with her engaged community of over 11M.
Lisa’s recipes are gluten-free and prioritize fresh, seasonal, whole foods. Her food philosophy is simple – eat real food. She prioritizes ingredients as close to their natural state as possible with a rainbow of color across the plate. Her approach is rooted in mindful, intuitive eating and she frequently highlights flavorful vegan, keto, paleo, and Whole30 dishes to show that food restrictions are not life restrictions. Lisa believes that eating clean and healthy isn’t about labels, dietary dogma or the latest trend – it’s about food that’s nourishing for your unique body.
She created Downshiftology to share her healthy recipes and lessons learned in the kitchen. Downshiftology now receives more than 70 million views a year.
Follow Lisa at @downshiftology
Hi Lisa, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a healthy food blogger and YouTuber who prioritizes fresh, seasonal ingredients in easy to make, gluten-free recipes.
What’s your background?
Prior to starting Downshiftology I was marketing executive in the healthcare and biotech industry. And before that I worked for the United Nations in Afghanistan. I’ve certainly had a unique career path!
What is the key to your success?
I think you need to continually evolve and just roll up your sleeves. There’s definitely much to be said for hard work and tenacity when it comes to success. I always say that you have to believe in yourself and your “why” whole heartedly, because you will have bumps along the way and success requires an unwavering drive to push through them.
Why did you decide to be an entrepreneur?
To be honest, I sort of fell into it. After burning out on my corporate career I decided to take a year off to “reset my body and mind.” That turned into about 6 months off and 6 months traveling the world. And in the middle I got the crazy idea to start a blog (never having subscribed to a blog in my life) to share some of the healthy recipes I was making. That little blog turned into Downshiftology, which 5 years later now reaches more than 100 million people a year!
Tell us about Downshiftology?
Downshiftology is my online home where you’ll find wholesome recipes, kitchen advice and cooking tutorials. All of my recipes are gluten-free and prioritize fresh, simple, seasonal ingredients. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to whip up healthy meals, excited to get back to basics, and happy to embrace a life that’s a little more simple (i.e. “downshifted”) and far more vibrant.
How often do you upload new content?
I upload multiple new pieces of content every week. That usually includes a few new recipes on my website and a new cooking tutorial video on my YouTube channel. In addition to numerous social media posts throughout the week.
What do you think is the secret to having a successful blog?
I think producing high-quality content is key. In the recipe space, that means recipes that are well-tested, taste amazing, and present beautifully. But it’s also about cultivating an audience of like-minded people. I’ve definitely found my tribe of “downshifters” with Downshiftology.
Why food/cooking content?
When I first went gluten-free after my celiac diagnosis I didn’t feel as good as I’d hoped. I later realized that even though I was eating gluten-free, I was eating junk gluten-free ingredients. Once I switched to a whole foods-based diet my autoimmune symptoms nearly vanished and I felt amazing. So I wanted to inspire others to adopt similar simple changes to improve their overall wellness.
Top 3 favorite foods to prepare? Why?
Eggs are definitely at the top of my list because they can easily be combined with sautéed veggies for a nutrient-dense meal. Salmon is always on repeat in my house because of its healthy omega-3’s. And then I’d just say anything with garlic! Not only does garlic add enormous flavor to dishes, but it has wide-ranging health benefits. I might have a slight obsession with garlic.
Can you share some easy to cook family recipes to prepare during this lockdown?
Sure! My favorite recipes are usually simple, healthy classics, with a little flair. I love my chicken salad recipe because it’s filled with fresh herbs, juicy grapes and crisp celery. I love my deviled eggs because they’re incredibly simple, vibrant, and always a party favorite. I love my stuffed peppers as they’re extremely versatile and can be meal prepped and frozen. And I love my guacamole because, well, I am a Cali girl after all!
You have millions and millions of viewers and followers. How challenging is it to always be doing the “right thing”, and creating new content with more competition in the market?
Having a large audience definitely comes with responsibility, but I’ve always been transparent, open, and honest. My audience knows I’m not perfect, nor do I strive to be. But before I post something, I do consider what type of value it’s adding, because I want to make sure it’s uplifting or educational in some way. I think that’s also what helps to differentiate me in terms of competition, just staying true to who I am, and not being swayed by current trends or hot topics.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve got a slew of new recipes in the pipeline coming, so I’m always testing and developing new recipes, as well as shooting new videos.
What is your own definition of happiness?
For me happiness is feeling joy, love and contentment. And things that bring me the most happiness are spending time with my family and friends, and traveling the world. I’m a definite wanderluster and my soul is most happy when exploring.
What is next for Lisa Bryan in 2020?
I’m expanding my team this year, and I’ll be developing some merch and products. I also hope to start working on a cookbook before the end of the year.
Who was your role model as a child?
My parents. My dad had this entrepreneurial zest and infectiously positive personality. And my mom instilled that everything was learnable and doable.
What is your favorite healthy food?
In addition to all those others I previously mentioned, you can’t beat a handful of fresh berries. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, I’ll take them all!
And your favorite cheat food?
Oh, this one is easy. An In-N-Out double double protein-style.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I see myself continuing to do what I’m doing today, just on a larger scale with a larger team. And hopefully traveling again!
Where can we follow you?
Website: www.downshiftology.com
YouTube Channel: youtube.com/downshiftology
Instagram: instagram.com/downshiftology
Facebook: facebook.com/downshiftology
