A Childhood Decision That Shaped a Lifestyle
Kristen Doute's long-standing vegetarianism is not a recent dietary trend but a commitment that dates back to her early childhood. As she revealed in a 2016 interview with The Daily Dish, she made the decision to stop eating meat at age 11. The change occurred almost overnight and was sparked by a visit to her grandparents in Florida. At the time, Doute had aspirations of becoming a marine biologist and felt a deep connection to animals. The thought of eating animals she hoped to protect and study became unbearable for her.
This early decision has been a core part of her identity ever since. In a 2022 episode of her podcast, she reiterated her lifelong stance on being an "animal advocate," a principle that sometimes contrasted with her partner's interests. Her commitment to this diet has not only shaped her eating habits but also her business and personal life.
Life After Vanderpump Rules: New Ventures and Values
While many fans knew Doute for the high-drama antics on Vanderpump Rules, her ventures outside of the show highlighted her quieter, more health-conscious side. In November 2016, she launched a vegetarian lifestyle blog called Vegiholic. The blog featured her own healthy, vegetarian recipes and recommendations for others exploring a plant-based diet.
Through Vegiholic, Doute aimed to show that vegetarianism was not about eating processed substitutes. She advised against relying heavily on what she called "vegetarian junk food," like frequent veggie burgers, which could be highly processed and unhealthy. Instead, her philosophy focused on embracing the variety of vegetarian cooking by being open-minded and experimenting with new seasonings and ingredients. This approach reveals a thoughtful, wellness-oriented mindset that sometimes existed in contrast to her on-screen persona.
The Evolution of Kristen Doute: Then and Now
Kristen Doute's vegetarianism has been a constant through several distinct phases of her public life. While her core dietary choice has not wavered, her broader lifestyle and focus have undergone a significant transformation.
| Aspect | Early Vanderpump Rules Era | Current The Valley Era |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Focus | Balancing a meatless diet with frequent partying; consuming lighter options like watermelon and cucumbers after nights out. | Highlighting a sustained, healthy approach to vegetarianism; embracing nutritious, whole foods. |
| Wellness Approach | Focused on staying thin, sometimes with less healthy methods, and dealing with body image issues. | Openly discussing challenges like fertility and navigating body image postpartum; focusing on holistic health. |
| Relationship Dynamics | Turbulent, dramatic relationships often highlighted on-screen; engaging in infidelity and conflict. | Committed partnership with Luke Broderick; navigating relationship with different lifestyle interests (hunting). |
| Key Motivation | Initially fueled by a passion for animal advocacy and a childhood dream. | Continued advocacy, but now balanced with the responsibilities and priorities of parenthood. |
Parenthood and Partnership in The Valley
Her current life on The Valley provides a new context for her long-held vegetarian beliefs. In December 2022, she revealed on her podcast that her partner, Luke Broderick, loves to hunt and fish, a direct contrast to her animal advocacy. She acknowledged that this was initially a "difficult" aspect of their relationship, demonstrating her willingness to navigate complex differences with her partner.
Furthermore, Doute is now a mother, having welcomed her daughter Kaia in June 2025. This shift into parenthood, which she extensively documented, has added new layers to her wellness journey. It shows a move from a chaotic, party-centric life to one focused on health, stability, and family.
Other Notable Ventures
Outside of reality TV, Doute has also pursued other entrepreneurial and creative endeavors. Her clothing line, James Mae, features graphic tees and reflects her aesthetic preferences. She also authored the book He's Making You Crazy and co-hosts the podcast Sex, Love, and What Else Matters with Luke Broderick. These projects, much like her enduring vegetarianism, demonstrate her consistent interests and evolution beyond the drama that made her a household name.
Conclusion
Kristen Doute's vegetarian journey is a long-standing and consistent aspect of her life. From her early, animal-loving motivation at age 11, through her high-drama years on reality television, to her current life as a mother and partner, her dietary choice has remained a constant. While her public image and lifestyle have evolved significantly over the years, her commitment to a meat-free diet has been a defining thread. It has influenced her entrepreneurial endeavors, helped shape her personal philosophy, and anchored her through the various transitions in her life. What began as a simple childhood decision grew into a decades-long commitment that provides a clear and consistent picture of her core values.
