What motivated you to start your blog, “She's on the Run? How did you come up with the name?
There are several reasons I started my blog, She's on the Run. First of all, I've been reading healthy living and food blogs for years. I've always had a love of food since I was a child, but I always thought it was a negative thing until I found the blog community. I think this ties into our society's pressures to be thin and how it's not favorable to want food (or at least think about it a lot, which I always did). Blogging gave me a way to express this interest I've always had and connect with others in a meaningful way.
As an advertising copywriter and freelance food writer, a blog is also a great portfolio piece to show how I write and house my published clips. It's something I actually put on my resume because it shows my ability to market a brand and use social media (which is essential in the advertising and publishing industries).
The name for my blog, “She's on the Run,” has a double meaning. I'm an avid runner (training for my third half marathon) and I'm constantly on the go. I remember telling a friend my blog name before I started it and she thought I meant I was a bandit!
This is much easier said than done. I firmly believe that planning ahead and being organized is your biggest weapon. Every Sunday I read the newspaper and scour the ads. I look at what healthy foods are on sale for the week, make a list and clip coupons. I think many people fall into an unhealthy eating trap when they are starving and there's nothing but junk food around — of course you're going to eat what is nearest to you.
I'm also a big believer in carrying healthy snacks wherever you go (to also prevent the above scenario). At work, I keep popcorn, nuts and granola bars at my desk so I don't need to head downstairs to the candy and chip-filled vending machine. I've also been known to throw an apple in my bag before heading to the movie theater or make my own trail mix before long car rides. Eating healthy does not have to take a ton of time; you just need to plan ahead when you do have more time.
What are some of your favorite healthy meals to make, and why?
One of my favorites is what I call a “Cleaning out the Fridge Pasta Salad.” This is not only healthy, it's super easy too. Use whole-wheat pasta as your base and throw in whatever you have in your fridge that needs to be used up. I love adding edamame, shredded carrots, diced olives, diced tomatoes and cucumbers and some low-fat ranch salad dressing. I love this because it's totally customizable and one batch will leave you with leftovers for days (totally time-saving).
I also love Mexican, which can be made as healthy as you want it to be. Black Bean and Vegetable Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce and Tamale Pie are two of my favorites.
Although running a half marathon is not for everyone, signing up for a big race really motivates me. I initially signed up for one because I was getting bored with my workout routine (nothing like a 13.1 mile race to spice things up!). I follow Hal Higdon's training plan which gives me workouts to complete, such as strength training and stretching or a long run. This year I really want to break 2 hours, so that keeps me on track to stick with my workouts.
To maintain general fitness, I'm a big believer in taking workout classes at a gym. Some of my favorites are kickboxing, BodyPump, yoga and pilates. Heading to a class takes the thinking out of what to do next because a teacher tells you. I also think working out with other people is really motivating.
What does “eating well” mean to you?
Eating well means different things to different people. For me, it's not about sticking to a certain diet or only shopping at health food stores. It's about enjoying food, adding as many fruits and vegetables as I can to my diet and maintaining portion control. And trust me, it's a work in progress. It's much easier for me to add healthy foods to my diet (quinoa, Greek yogurt, etc.) than it is to say no to some after-dinner chocolate. Like I said, a work in progress.
For more from Alysha, visit her blog, http://shesontherun.com/, and follow her on Facebook, and Pinterest!
