The Visionary Behind Gainz and Shreds Meal Prep
If you have been part of our Gainz and Shreds FitFam Community or are a long-time meal prep customer, you likely know Andrew “Dru” Aguilar, Founder, Owner, and Head Chef of Gainz and Shreds Meal Prep. At Gainz and Shreds, we’re all about fueling your fitness journey with nutritious and delicious meals, and committed to revolutionizing health and wellness in the Bay Area, thanks to Dru.
In this Q&A, get to know Dru, the driving force behind our one-of-a-kind meal prep business. From his early days navigating the fitness world to building a community that’s dedicated to making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable, Dru’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this Q&A, we dive into how he turned his passion for fitness and nutrition into the Gainz and Shreds you know and love, plus a few fun facts that make Dru the dynamic leader he is today.
From Gym Enthusiast to Meal Prep Pioneer
Dru’s passion for fitness started long before Gainz and Shreds was even a thought. What began as a personal journey to improve his health evolved into a mission to help others do the same—without sacrificing flavor or convenience. With a commitment to quality, consistency, and community, Dru has built Gainz and Shreds from the ground up, creating more than just meals; he’s cultivated a supportive space for everyone striving to live their best, healthiest lives.
You can learn more about Gainz and Shred’s mission on our About page. And read on to get to know Dru!
Q&A With Gainz and Shreds' Dru
QUESTION 1: How did Gainz and Shreds Meal Prep come to life? What inspired you to start the business?
"Following previous roles in the culinary world, I spent years learning the ropes and managing another meal prep company at their home location. They franchised, opening more than 10 locations! I parted ways during leadership and staff changes. Rather than being discouraged, I realized the countless hours in the kitchen and helping people eat healthy meant something – I had found my calling! I wanted to start my own meal prep company, bringing with me my learnings from hard work, successes, and losses from my former company’s previous CEO."
QUESTION 2: Can you tell us a bit about your fitness journey? What got you started, and what keeps you motivated?
"I was 13 years old when I started lifting weights at home. I was training to be on my school’s wrestling team and looked up to role models such as Arnold S. and the Rock – I liked their physiques and wanted to be strong and fit like them. I’m larger-framed and was already 6 foot 3 inches tall and 230 pounds at this age! Seeing the results from lifting kept me motivated, but it wasn’t until I paired my training with proper nutrition that I began seeing transformational results in my body composition."
QUESTION 3: What’s the best piece of fitness or nutrition advice you’ve ever received?
"'You can’t out-train a bad diet,' and this is where I got the Gainz and Shreds slogan from: Food is the answer! Proper nutrition is key to achieving your fitness goals and to maintaining weight loss."
QUESTION 4: How do you keep yourself motivated and energized, especially during busy or challenging times?
"I stay motivated by seeing others achieve their health goals, and seeing regular customers (our FitFam community!) enjoying their food and recommending our meal prep service to their friends and family. Creating a healthy Bay Area is my mission, and seeing the orders stack up energizes me!
I should also shout out my team, especially my business partner, who helps keep me grounded as we navigate the challenges and fluctuations of a small business together. Currently, we are both reflecting on how far Gainz and Shreds has come as we celebrate our 2-year anniversary this September 2024, I know this is just the beginning and BIG things are in the works… our future is bright!"
QUESTION 5: What’s your go-to Gainz and Shreds dish? Do you have a favorite meal on the menu?
"My go-to Gainz and Shreds me is the 8-ounce Low Carb Ground Beef Taco with white rice and broccoli! I also always enjoy the Low Carb Beef Enchiladas and one of our recent menu additions that’s grown quickly in popularity: our Greek Chicken Wrap."
QUESTION 6: What’s one thing most people might not know about you?
"I’m an Identical twin!"
QUESTION 7: What are your current fitness goals you’re working towards?
"Currently my goal is to keep my strength while getting back into running. I’ve grown to enjoy running this way as a great outlet to unwind and relieve stress. My goal is also to maintain a healthy body composition and weight over 225 pounds."
QUESTION 7: To close out, what’s been the most rewarding part of running Gainz and Shreds?
"The most rewarding part of running Gainz and Shreds is the unlimited potential: there is no roof for the company’s growth. I try to better myself every day. And with the support of my strategic business partner, we continue to reach more and more people – we are truly living out our shared vision of improving the health and quality of life in the Bay Area and beyond through our work with Gainz and Shreds Meal Prep."
A Passion-Driven Future with Gainz and Shreds
As Dru reflects on the journey of Gainz and Shreds, it's clear that his commitment to community, quality, and continuous growth is what sets the brand apart. From early mornings in the kitchen to late nights planning new dishes, Dru’s dedication to making healthy living accessible shines through every meal. His story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, and a reminder that when you fuel your body right, there's no limit to what you can achieve. If you’d like to learn more about Gainz and Shreds’ other friends making magic happen behind-the-scenes, check out our Meet the Team page.
With big plans on the horizon and an unwavering focus on serving the FitFam community, Dru and the team at Gainz and Shreds are just getting started. As we celebrate our two-year anniversary, we look forward to bringing even more innovative, nutritious, and delicious options to your table—and continuing to support you on your fitness journey.
Join the FitFam Movement!
Ready to take the next step in your health and fitness journey? Whether you’re looking for meal prep solutions, personalized coaching, or just want to be part of a community that’s dedicated to living well, we’ve got you covered. Explore our extensive menu, sign up for our newsletter, and stay tuned for exclusive offers on coaching packages with Kiley Pearl Coaching later this month.
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