Friday Blog Swap with Nutrition Nut on the Run

by Jen on September 20, 2013

Hey y’all! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF!!!

I have a little something different for you today. Hillary from Nutrition Nut on the Run emailed me a couple of weeks ago about doing a blog swap so that our readers could get to know another blogger. Hillary and I threw a list of questions at each other and shared some photos and I’m excited to introduce you to her!

A 2012 graduate of California State University, Hillary works as a wellness assistant. She’s been writing her blog since 2009 and I’m so impressed by her dedication to maintaining a blog throughout college (I had a hard time doing anything other than getting to class and going to football games and frat parties!) and by how focused she is just a year out of college. It took me quite a few years after college to truly identify my passions so it’s really cool to see Hillary so in her element and pursuing what she loves. Hillary is an avid runner and has completed six half marathons.

Check out the questions I had for Hillary. It’s such a breath of fresh air for me to tell you about someone other than me! 🙂

1. What advice would you give for college-aged readers who are are interested in healthy living but on a tight budget?

Trader Joe’s has been my main grocery since my freshman year of college. I certainly owe it for keeping my kitchen stocked with healthy items while on a minimal budget; however, I realize not every college student has access to a TJ’s. Depending on if you’re living in the dorms, in a house with friends, or on your own, I would recommend making an effort to meal plan (and prep) each week. As a busy student, setting aside an hour each weekend to plan your meals and prep recipes will be a huge time and money saver during the rest of the week when you’re busy running between classes and study sessions. Meal planning will also help you stay organized so you don’t waste the groceries you buy; and, if you make recipes to serve 4-6, you can save the leftovers for stressful schedules. Secondly, I would suggest shopping in the bulk bin aisles — your wallet will thank you!

2. What would a dream day of eating look like for you?

Fun question! My eats typically revolve around the seasons, so since we are approaching Fall, here’s what my taste buds would dream of:

Breakfast:

iced coffee – espresso roast – with a splash of organic half and half
a steaming bowl of creamy steel cut oatmeal with cinnamon, local apples, and a big dollop of almond butter OR a couple of warm Nutty Paleo Pumpkin Muffins

Lunch:

a huge kale salad with roasted sweet taters, tart Granny Smith apple, and delicate chevre crumbles tossed in Apple Dijon Vinaigrette
then a chunk of 85% dark chocolate to finish

Afternoon Snack:

non-fat plain Greek yogurt with fresh farmer’s market figs, crushed raw walnuts, sprinkle of chia seeds, and a drizzle of local honey

Dinner:

I might keep it simple with Balsamic Lentils and Maple Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables before indulging in a couple of Almond Meal Chocolate Chip Cookies

3. As a six-time half marathoner, what is your favorite way to train for halfs? Do you incorporate cross training, strength or mobility?

Training for my first couple of half-marathons was so different than how I trained for my most recent runs. Then I learned… it is all about the strength and cross-training if you want to be a stronger, faster runner. If you are training for your first distance race, I recommend getting that mileage in (with plenty of rest days and cross-training). On the other hand, if you’re a more seasoned runner, I would focus more on interval training and weight training. I contribute strength training (hello, kettlebells!) and speed work to my faster pace. For me, the variety of long runs and cross-training (cycling, intervals, and strength training) keeps me engaged and excited about training.

4. Tell us about your favorite race and why it was so special.

I’ve run many memorable races, but the one that immediately comes to mind is my first half-marathon in 2008. While it was by far my slowest 13.1 miles, I will never forget the experience of crossing the finish line, hand-in-hand, with my BFF who I had trained with for three solid months. (Our finish line photo was even published in our college’s newspaper!) Plus, the Eugene Marathon was an incredible debut half — flat with an incredible crowd!

5. You work as a wellness assistant as your full-time job. Give us an idea of “a day in the life” in your career. And where would you like to see your career go?

My day to day job varies as it depends on what projects our Wellness Program is working on, in addition to the year-round activities. Currently, I am helping to plan our Food Day event, as a part of the national campaign. This will be our second year hosting a real food lunch buffet free to all employees, featuring local and plant-based foods. In other words, I get to research tasty kale salad and quinoa recipes 🙂

In collaboration with working in the corporate wellness industry, I am very interested in adding a Health Coach certificate to my resume via the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. During my undergrad education, I got a taste of nutrition counseling and it is something I’d like to pursue.

Connect with Hillary: Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin’ | Instagram | Pinterest

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