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#ChooseHappy

October 10, 2012 by Hillary 7 Comments

I haven’t posted in two weeks. 

My inspiration took a vacation,

but, unfortunately, my body and I lost our boarding pass.

We got left behind on the platform, per se, 

but we aren’t going to wait for the train to return with an unknown TOA.

So, while the summer season decided to stick around a bit longer this year (hello triple digit October days!),

it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. 

Why?

Adjustment.

That is why.

I never imagined the transition from student life to working life to be of the challenge it’s come to show for. 

Perhaps it was because I didn’t have the time to think about the future in that light.

I was too wrapped up overachieving in the current moment for future moments.

I was too wrapped up in letter grades, grammatically perfect term papers, and building a resume with the utmost recognition.

I was too wrapped up in what my body could do, what I could make it do, and what it wouldn’t do. 

I was too wrapped up in commenting, posting, and tweeting with #hashtags to the cyber world about the life I was writing,

but not living.

I was too wrapped up 

to see that I had an addiction.

For when I walked across the stage on May 20, 2012,

I unwrapped myself into the real world, raw and unprepared,

where there was not the constant feedback, the pats on the back, the mini goals to grasp,

the accomplishments to sing about, the approval from above.

I was too strung out on the drug of approval that

I was not aware of it until the withdrawal symptoms came knocking on my front door.

It did not matter that I have a job with a world famous company, or that I volunteer my time off the clock with a national non-profit organization.

I’m not doing enough. I’m not doing anything.

I’m not satisfied. I’m stuck.

Where am I going?

I fought these thoughts as they weren’t leading me anywhere, 

and they especially weren’t taking me on the trip where my inspiration had gone.

To go there, I had to do something. Or rather, I had to do something to my thoughts. 

The train wasn’t coming back for me.

I had to find another mean of transportation to that happy, heavenly place of paradise.

Life is quite different than it was six months ago – no better no worse – but changed,

as life is known to do.

There’s been a break in the momentum on the swing of life, a pause for reflection and action.

There’s been a break in the momentum only to teach me that life can be enjoyed, loved and lived best 

when one doesn’t seek more (of what!?) for happiness, but relishes in what is. 

For when a person with potential hasn’t drawn out their map to their dream(s), it is OKAY

to be content with what have you, this day, and to do with it what makes you happy.

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This post was inspired by the #ChooseHappy “campaign.”

Filed Under: College, Life Tagged With: #ChooseHappy

My Exercise Video Debut

August 27, 2012 by Hillary 14 Comments

Hi friends,

Hope you’re having a lovely Monday. I’m currently working away at Starbucks a la an iced soy latte (ordered via the awesome iPhone app). 

While I may be “working”, I think the real reason I’m sitting at a coffee shop this afternoon with my book bag and Apple accessories is that I’m trying to fill the void of not being in class today.

Remember that nostalgia I was talking about? It hit me pretty hard today. #realitycheck

IMG 0060

I’m trying not to think too long and hard about the fact that I will not be going to the WREC this evening either for a sweat sesh. Yesterday was the Sunday. I tried to make the most of it by including not one, but two WREC workouts into my day.

IMG 0054

Workout #1 was a short, easy 1,200 yard swim.

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…followed by some sunning and freshman watching. 

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I went back for round two (a.k.a. the real WOD) for the last laps around the beloved indoor track, the last sandbag slams… trying to enjoy every push-up (all 105 of them) with gangsta tunes on the stereo, laughter, and encouragement from the BF.

It was all too – with the help of my intelligent iPhone – to document my final WREC workout and give ya’ll a peek at me in action. Note: if you turn up the volume, you can get the full gym effect.

Here you have it, an un-edited iPhone special of my “exercise video debut.”

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Nearly 2.5 hours later, after every muscle in my body had been worked to fatigue, I parted with a piece of my life.

And what a WRECtacular piece it was. 

Filed Under: College, Fitness Tagged With: Kettlebell Swings, Reverse Push-ups, WREC

If it weren’t for the WREC…

August 24, 2012 by Hillary 5 Comments

I’m a nostalgic person. 

Change isn’t my favorite thing (you can say that again).

I hold on tight to the things closest to my heart. 

When I graduated college just a hair past three months ago,

I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Finally, after 18 continuous years of schooling,

I was deflated of stress and filled with the accomplishment to have finally run across my academic finish line.

I will not fool you that for the past three, hot summer months, I’ve enjoyed settling into a “big girl” job,

I’ve enjoyed the carefree and spontaneous nights,

I’ve enjoyed the depletion of deadlines and drafts.

Still residing in my college town,

I am more than aware that the fall semester begins Monday.

Fleets of beach cruisers. Target — a zoo of new roommate posses, bright bean bags, and closet organizers that will be neglected after the first week.

When I tell you that the past three months have felt like “summer” rather than the start of new chapter in my life… I think, I hope, that can be understood. 

It’s all I’ve known. Seventeen summers.

Each one concluding in August, in time for the school bell to ring once again.

So the nostalgia I feel in my bones, the nostalgia of wanting to organize my non-existent notebooks, schedules, and such… tell me I haven’t been the only one…

holding onto school — more specifically college — and the five irreplaceable years of growth and discovery, independence and unforgettable friendships.

If you’re still curious where this post hold its roots, after two dozen lines of text, I can inform you without a doubt…

wrec.jpeg

source

It’s been on my mind all summer long. With every push-up, with every PR deadlift, with every HIIT treadmill run…

In two days, I have to break-up with the WREC. In the past three years, I’ve built an incredibly strong (pun indeed) relationship with my university’s state-of-the-art recreation center. It’s been my first real (gym) relationship, really, as I’ve never held a public gym membership.

If only I had kept a tally of the laps I’ve run around the red and grey 1/8-mile indoor track.

If only I would have documented my physic now and then, it would be only the slightest indication of how being a WREC gym rat transformed me — transformed me into the fitness enthusiast that I am proud to title myself today. 

track.jpeg

source

If it weren’t for the WREC…

I would not have a 3/4-inch scar hiding under the brim of chin.

I would not have trained in the fashion that I did for half-marathons #3-6.

I would not have squashed my PR at Halfs #3 and #6.

I would not have been so inspired to take my first kettlebell class… to experience the resulting three weeks of soreness from swinging a 14lb. iron bell.

I would not believe I can now swing a 30lb. kettlebell with ease, deadlift 135lbs., and power out 100+ push-ups in a single workout. 

I would not have the everlasting peace of mind from Sheena’s vinyasa flow yoga classes.

I would not have squeezed into my neon swim suit from high school, diving into my youth pastime of swimming mile after mile in the salty pool.

I would not have put on a persistent smile for that cute trainer… that cute trainer I now call my boyfriend.

I would not have spent a full summer studying to get certified as a group exercise instructor.

It isn’t so silly to say then, on Sunday, I’ll be ending a relationship of many many many firsts. The anxiety of not having said comfortable environment – one of the few places my confidence shined with every bead of sweat – will create a void in my life — momentarily. 

The WREC may no longer be the enormous part of my daily life that it once was, but with a permanent scar, it will never be forgotten for the inner and outer strength I have gained, and will wear proudly, as I leave my last WREC workout Sunday — no longer a student, but an alumni with a strong, healthy and happy heart.  

Filed Under: College, Fitness, Life Tagged With: WREC

Hint Hint

May 26, 2012 by Hillary 10 Comments

I think my parents are hinting at something…

As evidenced by their generous graduation gifts – a KitchenAid mixer and new camera! – I’m guessing they would like to see some regular blogging from their nutty daughter.

I can now check off “own a pink KitchenAid” from my Life List!

NEW

16.2 mega pixels + 16x optical zoom

v.

OLD

7.2 mega pixels

A setting specifically for food, oh yes!

The camera is a newer model (and much more technologically advanced) of the camera I already have, a Sony Cyber-shot. I got my original, one-and-only, digital camera as a high school graduation gift in 2007. That’s eons ago in the technology world! 

I am very excited to play with my new toys. It’s just the inspiration I needed to continue sharing my edible perspective ;) Thanks, Mom + Dad!

Our Memorial Day weekend weather is quite mild, so I took advantage of the breezy May day to make the inaugural batch of cookies using my new mixer. 2 sticks of real butter + whole wheat flour.

That’s how I roll.

 

What are you up to this weekend?

See ya soon!

Hill

Filed Under: College, Life Tagged With: Coconut Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cookies, Pink KitchenAid Mixer, Sony Cyber-shot

SUNday Spectacular

May 24, 2012 by Hillary 15 Comments

Sunday: I graduated college.

 

Sunday: I watched the Solar Eclipse via the bed of my uncle’s truck with iced tea, family… and bubbles.

 

 

Monday: I went to work at 8:00am.

I am slowly recuperating from this last week — soaking in the idea of no longer being a student, taking advantage of my last summer at the WREC, and smiling at the sound of the time clock as I swipe “in and out” at my new job every day.

Hello, Real World. The Nutrition Nut has arrived!

Filed Under: College, Life

I am {almost} D.O.N.E.

May 13, 2012 by Hillary 17 Comments

What I’ll be wearing one week from today:

 

From high school senior to college {super} senior.

Crazy how time flies!

Life’s been one heck of a rollercoaster this Spring semester, with an even mixture of stress and smiles.

Between the chaos of responsibility, I squeezed in such fun as the BFF’s San Francisco bachelorette party, volunteering as a running buddy, and morning strolls around the farmer’s market for local strawberry salads…

 

 

 

I can’t wait to get in touch will all of you again. Non-existent blog posting has placed a void in my life, and I greatly miss your inspiration.

Hope you are well and well fed, my friends!

Your soon to be graduate,

The Nutrition Nut

Filed Under: College, Life

What am I doing?

April 18, 2012 by Hillary 18 Comments

Oh, well hey! Good morning.

If you’re surprised to “see” me, I am just as surprised. I haven’t published a blog post in nearly 2 weeks. Nutrition Nut on the Run has certainly taken a back seat lately, but I’m not too worried about it. I know when the time is right, my habitual blogging will reappear in my life (and yours) “bigger” and better.

I guess you can say I’ve been preoccupied working on one of my 2012 goals to do more. If I didn’t know better, I may mistake myself for the Energizer Bunny these days.

Life via social media:

Facebook

It’s crazy to think that just a few weeks ago I was trembling in my seat thinking about the uncertain path of my future, and now, one month before receiving my diploma, I have started my job – squeezing in hours between my already packed 5-class schedule, internship, exercise, and personal life – as the Wellness Assistant for one remarkable company. #grateful

Twitter

& because I’m on a roll doing more, I added something else to my life for the remainder of the semester:

DailyMile

 

I’d love to stay and chat, but I should probably brush my hair and get my butt to class.

Happy Workout Wednesday!

See you when I do :)

HP

Wise Word Wednesday

Filed Under: College, Fitness, Life

in between the madness.

April 5, 2012 by Hillary 10 Comments

LIFE:

It’s busy, stressful, and wonderful simultaneously.

I have 6 weeks left to go of my college career… SIX weeks!

Less than 30 school days remain in my {immediate} future.

In between the madness of class, studying, and mentoring my clients, I’ve searched, interviewed, and secured a “big girl” J-O-B! More on that later. #teaser

In between the madness, I’ve made time for hikes and nourishing my mind & body with delicious, wholesome foods.

Last night, I made wild {balsamic-glazed} salmon with sautéed rainbow chard, sweet onion, raisins and sunflower seeds. Yes, this would be the dish I had to pinch my nose to eat as as a child. Perhaps, subconsciously, I made this nostalgic recipe in honor of my mom’s birthday {Happy Birthday, Mom!}… or maybe because Mom is always right — even when we’re talking about leafy greens and raisins ;)

In between the madness, I squeeze in baking dates with my kitchen whenever possible — more or less once a week.

To Note: the non-descript, moist, light, nutty baked good above is the best thing to come out of my oven all year. I whipped up my own version of a quick Carrots ‘N’ Cake treat: Pumpkin Nut Date Bars. #OMG

Pumpkin Nut Date Bars

— the Nutrition Nut version

  • 1/4 c. canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 2T maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 c. canola oil
  • 1 egg
  • 4-6 Medjool dates, chopped
  • 1/3 c. walnuts, chopped

Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with canola oil.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until smooth.

Spread batter in prepared baking pan, and bake @ 350F for ~20 minutes.

Let bars cool completely in pan before cutting.

Makes 9 bars.

In between the madness, I cleanse the body {of pumpkin nut date bars} and clear the mind by sweating at the WREC.

Thursday’s workout:

In between the madness, I blog {though seldom} because my life would not be the same without it – it being the virtual world where I find the daily inspiration to be me.

& when there is time, in between the madness, I sleep.

Goodnight.

xo Hill

Filed Under: College, Fitness, Life, Recipes

life lately.

April 2, 2012 by Hillary 6 Comments

{graduation pics in the park}

{maple cinnamon sweet tater + rainbow chard lentil bowls}

{sunny sunday hikes}

 

All is well and good. If only senior year would slowww down.

Filed Under: College, Life

brussel sprouts & baked goods.

March 24, 2012 by Hillary 9 Comments

Well, hey there!

Hope ya’ll have had a good week. It’s hard to believe my last Spring Break is coming to a close, and in 8 short weeks I’ll be dressed in a cap and gown! My class schedule has got me workin’ hard ‘til the end, but I’m trying my best to enjoy my final days as a college kid… including happy hour dates and late-night baking: cast iron skillet cake — yum!

Believe it or not, I actually caught my dinner on camera tonight! Remember the healthiest dinner I’ve ever made? Well, tonight’s “recipe” is another one of my go-to meals when I’m craving vegetables. Yes… I crave vegetables.

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Balsamic Lentils with Maple Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables

In a baking dish, roast ~8 halved brussel sprouts, 2 small pealed + cubed sweet potatoes, and 1 thick slice of onion roughly chopped — drizzled with olive oil, pure maple syrup, sea salt + cinnamon — @ 400F for 25-30 minutes.

In a microwave-safe dish, heat ~1/2 c. Trader Joe’s cooked lentils drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Top with roasted veggies, creamy chevre and crunchy pepitas.

Serves 1.

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Besides brussels, I also crave cookies and am notorious for digging into a bag of frozen cherry pistachio chocolate chip cookies after feeding my body a fiber-rich, plant protein-rich {vegetarian & gluten-free} meal.

Life is about balancing… brussel spouts & baked goods… books & blogging… Pinterest & paper-writing… car-washing & career searching… Lee Brice & Amos Lee… minty mojitos & green tea…

Your turn! Life is about balancing…

See you soon :)

Hillary

Filed Under: College, Nutrition, Recipes Tagged With: Balsamic Lentils with Maple Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables

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Hi! I'm Hillary -- a foodie, farmer's market regular, fitness enthusiast, and health nut. Welcome to my corner of the internet where I share bites of my life as 20-something embracing my story through a holistic lifestyle of self care and ditching fear. I'm so happy you're here!

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 Getting back into the groove after a long 3-day surprise birthday weekend with Cali friends to celebrate the beau’s 27th! It’s amazing what a little sponteanity and a lot of laughter can do for the soul. My cup is full and I am ready to take on the week ahead... . . What are your favorite toast toppings? . . #sourdough #toasttuesday #healthybreakfast #eatwellbewell  Saturday morning farmer’s market looks a little different  #floridalife #stpetersburg #tropicalvibes #shoplocal
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