Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start your blog, “The Healthy Everythingtarian.” What’s the significance with the name?
After graduating college and onto a desk job, I knew sitting in a chair all day was not going to bode well for my physical health. During the last years of college, I saw some weight gain and often felt lethargic and knew I needed to eat better and exercise if I wanted to be healthy and more importantly, HAPPY. The blog I started as a creative outlet to express myself during those first years working at a not-so-interesting job. When I started it, I knew I didn’t want to pigeon-hole myself into just one eating style. I wanted to find a balance that I knew I could maintain throughout my lifetime. And voila! – The Healthy Everythingtarian was born.
How did you transition into eating a healthy diet? What advice do you have for others who want to begin eating healthier?
The only piece of advice I tell people who are looking to eat a healthier diet is this: aim for 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. That’s exactly what I told myself. It may sound like a lot, but when you focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, the rest of the spectrum – carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, sweets – all seems to fall into place. Even easier, aim to eat one salad per day!
What are a couple of your favorite healthy recipes to make in the summer and why?
I LOVE cool, no-bake recipes in the summer! That means lots of salads – anything from mixed greens to grain salads to fruit salad. It’s a great way to visit your local farmer’s market, buy in-season produce and best of all, they’re easy. One of my absolute favorites is the Lentil Israeli Couscous Salad I made this summer: http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com/milwaukee-tv-take-three/.
What are a couple of healthy recipes you make for on-the go/travel?
I am a HUGE fan of premade AND homemade breakfast bars in addition to make-your-own trail mixes and leftovers. One of my most popular recipes is my Vegan Tropical Breakfast Bar (http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com/my-christmas-eve-dinner/) and my current favorite trail mix concoction is dark chocolate chunks, walnuts and golden raisins. So good!
How do you stay motivated to continue eating healthy?
I have noticed and continue to notice just how much better I feel when I eat healthier. I think clearer, have more energy, feel better and just overall, I am more myself when I am fueling myself right. So when things veer off track a little bit, and I’ve too many cheese curds and nachos (I do live in Wisconsin after all), I don’t feel my best. That is all the motivation I need to get back on track.
What advice do you have for someone trying to lose weight?
It must be a lifestyle choice! Eating healthy is a life-long commitment – not a short-term solution. At the same time, cut yourself some slack! If you mess up or eat too much ice cream or forget to exercise for a week, just get right back on track. Don’t beat yourself up, because if you have made that long-term commitment, you have lots of time to make up for any missteps.
For more from Holly, visit her blog, http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter @TheHealthyE, and Pinterest!
