E.coli 0157:H7 | How It Changed My Body & My Life

August 22, 2018 by Hillary 2 Comments

I mentioned in this post that I am working with my naturopath again, and it feels really good. I’ve been working with Antonella (in conjunction with allopathic practitioners) for about two years; it has been entirely enlightening for how I view my personal health and wellbeing.

Why did I start to work with her again? Frankly, I haven’t been feeling my best, physically or mentally, the past few months: reoccurring GI issues, low mood, fatigue. I have also been curious to retest for SIBO, as I tested positive in March 2017 and I have a gut feeling that I may still have it.

Antonella and I began by running a bunch of tests to get a baseline of where I’m at today. I did the GI-MAP™, a variety of blood work, and the dreaded 3-hour hydrogen/methane breath test for SIBO. I texted my best friend the other night about my results (she’s a Registered Dietitian and loves to talk about poop and GI stuff just as much as I do), and her exact response was: “OMG! How is that possible?”

We are still waiting on the SIBO results, but the results from the GI-MAP™ test were intensely revealing in understanding why I don’t feel stellar. Essentially, the tests concluded that my gut has HIGH levels of bad bacteria, LOW levels of good bacteria, a parasite, Candida, a trace of Salmonella, and very low IgA levels (marker of over-stressed immunity and related to autoimmunity), among others.

Plus, there were a handful of items on my blood work that weren’t in ideal range either, including markers related to my liver, and kidneys.

…and did I mention that there is still a high possibility I have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?

At this point, you’re probably thinking, what the heck? Just like my BFF. I mean, health and wellness is engraved into my lifestyle. I have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, I am a certified health coach, I exercise rigorously by habit, and I fill my reusable farmer’s market bags with kale and fermented sauerkraut.

I’ll be honest and say yes, it can undoubtedly be overwhelming. I could look at these new findings and tell myself that I am not well, that I am sick. Or, aligning with Antonella’s perspective, I can look at it as though I am refining my health… as I have been so diligently doing for oh so many years.

If you’re new here, or don’t know this part of my story, I had E.coli 0157:H7 at age 7 and was hospitalized for three weeks with acute renal failure (both of my kidneys completely shut down, my body was toxic). It nearly cost me my young, precious life. But, with the perseverance and resilience of my strong 45-pound body and team of incredible doctors at Children’s Hospital Oakland, I am here today – 22 years later – to embrace that this incident and life-altering event is a piece of my story, not the end of my story.

My mom always says that I was a different little girl when I came home from the hospital than when I was admitted. I was cautious, reserved, and much more apprehensive of the world… a 180 degree difference from the goofy, vivacious girl I’d been. I was scared and I was scarred, not only physically from being on dialysis for two weeks, but emotionally.

It has taken me years of therapy to begin to understand the trauma that’s resided in my body for the following 22 years. It is only just beginning to make sense — the puzzle pieces are kinda sorta fitting together.

You see, I have seen more doctors for nearly every part of my body in my 29 years than most people will visit in their lifetime. I’ve become immune to doctor’s offices, filling out extensive medical history forms, getting pricked for at the lab, sending results to specialists for a second opinion, paying insurance bills… and waiting impatiently for anticipated diagnostic results.

You could call me a hypochondriac or hyper-focused on my health, and while that may be true too, I wouldn’t have spent significant time of the past two decades sitting anxiously in the waiting room of another doctor’s office if there was nothing to write a chart note about.

I have cried many tears wondering why I don’t feel my best, why I have elevated liver enzymes, why I had a suspicious mass in my breast that was biopsied and is being monitored, why my whole body has broken out in mysterious rashes, why?

Everything is coming into focus now. I am wholeheartedly grateful to be treated by incredible physicians who have taken the time and energy to understand my full medical history, my story, and not exclude my significant past from the current symptom or ailment of precedence.

These doctors have helped me to see that while I left that hospital in October of 1996 walking on my two feet with both of my kidneys functioning, my battle with E.coli wrecked havoc on my gastrointestinal and immune systems, leaving my body more susceptible and sensitive than perhaps the person next to me. That is why this is possible.

I won’t and I can not tell myself that I am sick. For I am not. I am healthy, strong, and resilient AF. I get to hike mountains, sweat through high-intensity Orangetheory workouts, travel the world, run with my dog, have nights out with girlfriends (oh, how I miss these so!). What I can do is continue working on accepting, as my dear mom explains, that I just may have to manage my wellbeing more meticulously than the next person. My bout with E.coli 0157:H7 was traumatizing in every sense: it scared the shit out of me and my family, and understandably forever left a mark on my delicate inner machinery… but it also gifted me immeasurable strength to endure challenges of the next 22 years (and the many many years ahead).

The mental battle of all this is the toughest, as I do everything to attend to my wellbeing day and night. The mental battle of wanting to be a helpful health coach to other women when I have imbalances myself. The mental battle of spending years in higher education studying nutrition, holistic health, and the human body… and not being able to heal myself without extra professional support. Because of this, I have spent far too much time getting in my own damn way.

Not today.

Hi, I’m Hillary. I am refining my health, but I am not defined by my health.

My Favorite Safer Skincare is on SALE!

August 9, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

You’ve probably caught on by now that I have a major crush on Beautycounter products. They are significantly safer than any other skincare and makeup products on the market and the results are amazing without using 1,500 questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. If you want to learn a little bit more about my why behind Beautycounter, check out this post: My Skin Story + Why Beautycounter.

Essentially, for me (and probably you too), I emphasize my focus on eating wholesome, nutritious foods, exercising consistently, and minimizing stress… so why would I slather potentially harmful ingredients on my skin to be absorbed into our bloodstream? Considering the safety of my personal care products just makes sense. It fits in line with my lifestyle, and once I began to learn about the unregulated beauty industry, I wanted to be part of the mission of getting safer products into the hands of everyone.

I am glad I discovered Beautycounter when I did because as I close out my twenties, I find myself more focused on preserving the youthfulness of my skin while simultaneously using products that are not only better for my body, but the environment too.

I’m so happy that Beautycounter is finally doing a % off sale (rather than the usual free gift with purchase) so that those who have been curious about it, can give a try. If you’re like me, switching to safer personal care products doesn’t have to happen overnight. Even if you start with one item (your body lotion, shampoo, or face wash) and make a slow transition, it’s better than nothing. #switchtosafer

Shop the Sale: beautycounter.com/hillaryparker

At check-out, enter promo code: LOVE

Beautycounter has never done a sale like this (and probably won’t for a while), so if you’ve been curious to try the products or want to stock up on your staples, you won’t want to miss this. Offer available until 8/13 while supplies last.

My Skincare Must-Haves:

No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil – 7 plant based oils that will not make you break out! They are full of antioxidants and fatty acids to fight aging. The brightening oil has added vitamin C for an additional radiance boost. I also like to add a drop or two to my hand cream or rub in to my cuticles — it’s multipurpose!

Rejuvenating Radiance Serum – The Rejuvenating Collection is great for anyone wanting to combat signs of aging (sign me up!). I use this serum both morning and night under my moisturizer to reduce fine lines and pore size, and improve skin tone.

No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask – I love this charcoal mask that balances the skin by absorbing excess oil, draws out impurities and reducing the size of pores. I use it about once a week, and sometimes more during that time of the month.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel* – a.k.a. the miracle worker! The texture of my skin has improved so much since using this peel 3-4x a week. It’s gentle, but high-performing with 15 botanically-derived acids that both exfoliate and sooth the skin.

My Makeup Must-Haves:

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – I am obsessed with the sheer, dewy, lightweight coverage of this tinted moisturizer with SPF 20. This is my daily face sunscreen/makeup that also provides moisture and a bit of color.

Lip Gloss – Peony is my daily go-to that I always have on hand. It’s shiny without being sticky and is great to layer over a Sheer Lipstick.

Volumizing Mascara – I fell in love with the Volumizing Mascara first, as I love bold lashes, but the Lengthening Mascara is a close runner-up. I switch between the two depending on the mood I’m in.

Makeup Remover Wipes – I can be a bit lazy sometimes about washing my face at night, and these are perfect for just that. They are larger in size than many other wipes I’ve tried and truly leave your skin feeling clean. Plus, you can compost them — woohoo! These are a must for camping, the gym, and for lazy nights!

20% OFF ALL @beautycounter PRODUCTS! #switchtosafer #betterbeauty

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Questions?

If you’re not sure what products would be best for your skin type, fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll send you an email with personalized recommendations.

Email me if you have any questions at all: hillaryannparker (at) gmail (dot) com …or leave a comment below!

Keep in mind that Beautycounter has a 60 day return policy. I have full confidence you will LOVE what you get, but if you don’t for any reason, you can return products for a full refund.

Cheers to safer skincare!

xx Hill

*A few exclusions apply: all sets and collections are excluded from this promotion. Countersun, Flawless in Five, Get the Look, and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel are also excluded from this promotion.

Florida Life // 6 Months In

July 29, 2018 by Hillary 5 Comments

It’s a stormy, summer Sunday afternoon and we’re doing the epitome of chillaxin’ after a fun weekend with friends. It seems like just the right setting to write about my sixth month living in Florida. On one hand, it’s hard to believe that I’ve lived here half of a year. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like we moved ages ago… but that may be the homesickness of having friends and family miles and miles away.

Since it’s been a lazy day fueled by strong coffee, I figured I’d switch up the format of my monthly recap and do a virtual coffee date of sorts.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I got a non-wellness related job in Human Resources. In the last recap I said that I was itching to work; well, something finally fell into place (many job applications later). I’m glad that it is only part-time for now in order to adjust to a structured work schedule again. I am hoping to spend the hours that aren’t in my new office working on the blog, getting my health coaching services up and running again, and sharing safer skincare via Beautycounter.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I joined a gym — yahoo! This was a fairly hefty piece that’s been missing since moving cross-country. I’ve kept my body in motion the past sixth months with a mixture of running/walking, home workouts, and the occasional gym session, but I’m totally pumped to have a “gym” just a couple of miles from home that will push me out of my workout comfort zone. I say “gym” because Orangetheory Fitness is a boutique fitness studio. Essentially you show up and get coached through a 60-minute interval workout in a group setting. While I’m no rookie to HIIT or interval training, I’ve never paid for this type of membership. I’m going to give it a shot for a month or two, and see how I like it. My mind is so much clearer when I have consistent exercise in my routine, and I think the endorphin highs will be a beneficial mood booster.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I’m working with my naturopath again. I am hoping to get some answers on what’s going on with my gut (do I still have SIBO?) and possible hormonal imbalances. The brain-gut connection is so real, and so I’ve asked for help to continue healing my gut which, in turn, should help ease other various symptoms (i.e. skin and mood).

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that last weekend Nick and I ran the Tampa Bay 8K hosted by Lululemon. It was just a “fun run”, but the first organized run I’ve done a while. Running in the humidity is not for sissies. I started out way too fast and lost all steam by the end. We both finished at the top of the pack surprisingly, and enjoyed participating in a free community event with other local runners. All around it was a win-win.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I wasn’t aware of how wet Florida summers are until living in it. Being a California-native where the weather is often ideal, I’m not used to stormy weather in the middle of summer when I imagine spending my days outdoors in nature. Needless to say, I am eager for fall/winter when we don’t have to worry about lightning, flooding, intense humidity, and the grass won’t grow inches overnight.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I miss the ease of familiarity. As expected I suppose, almost everything in the past six months has been NEW: new house, new city, new roads, new friends, new job, new gym, new dentist, new grocery store, new coworkers, new climate, new culture. It requires a lot of mental energy that can be exhausting at times. But the best things don’t come from staying in your comfort zone. Isn’t that how the saying goes?

I am hoping that I’ll start to feel a little more like myself again (oh how I thrive off consistency and routine!) with a set work schedule, scheduled workouts, and the consistent support from my naturopath.

I survived the first six months of #floridalife… now I’m ready to thrive!

Thanks for reading,

xx Hill

Florida Life

Month 1: settling in.

Month 2: exploring our surroundings.

Month 3: fun with friends & family.

Months 4 & 5: figuring out my purpose here + California travels.

Have you done an Orangetheory Fitness workout?

What do you have planned for the remainder of your summer?

On Slowing Down

July 20, 2018 by Hillary 6 Comments

It’s Friday morning.

I’m sipping my black half-caff collagen coffee and glass of freshly-squeezed lemon water.

The house is dark aside from the dreary light shining through the cracked blinds.

The rain comes and it goes. This is summer in Florida, I suppose.

My sweet puppy is snoozing at my feet.

And I’m finally getting around to writing on the blog this week.

You see, I’ve recently created some loose goals regarding creating new content here and across my social channels.

Last week, I was in a grove. And this week… well, it has been a different pace, slower most certainly.

Most mornings have been slow moving. Just like today.

Workouts and exercise has been regular yet relaxed. Gentle yoga made a comeback!

Sometimes our bodies and our minds need to take the steam off in this pressure-cooker pace of life.

Society tells us we need to be on our game around the clock, never missing a beat.

Yet, when we pause and reflect, and turn off – even momentarily – our inspiration and our drive has a chance to refuel in order to give, produce, teach, guide, nurture…

My hope is that you can appreciate the moments or days or weeks when life moves at a slower pace, when you feel a tad less inspired, or motivated, or even lost.

Those moments, if we let them, teach us something too.

Enjoy the ebb and the flow.

xx Hill

On Slowing Down #iamwellandgood #trusttheprocess

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Eating Intuitively: What I Ate Yesterday

July 13, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hi & happy Friday!

Monday: Summer Giveaway! Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Wednesday: 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

Friday: Let’s talk daily eats! In my early days of blogging, I used to share what I ate on the daily all of the time. It’s exhausting just thinking about the time I spent documenting my meals. I didn’t have an iPhone in 2009 either, so that meant I was lugging around a point+shoot camera. Long story short, I thought it might be fun to do a daily eats type post. I know that I personally enjoy seeing what others eat, whether it’s via a blog post or Instagram, so I thought this might give you an idea or two.

Let’s get to it. Here’s what a day of intuitive eating looked like for me yesterday.

8:00am (not pictured)

1 cup of half-caffeinated black coffee + 1 scoop of Vital Proteins unflavored collagen peptides

glass of water + juice of 1/2 a lemon

A hot cup of coffee is what gets me out of bed in the morning (not the best habit, I know!). I like dark roast coffee, served black. I drink haff-caff because I surely don’t love being dependent on caffeine. I also do it to reduce my caffiene intake for various reasons: anxiety, sluggish liver, tender cystic breasts.

I’m trying to make it a habit to drink lemon water upon waking. It doesn’t always happen, but when I do, it seems to aid my digestion; it’s also supposed to help the liver do its job of flushing out unwanted toxins.

11:00am

2 “paleo” toaster waffles (Birch Benders brand) with cashew butter, fresh organic raspberries, ground flax & hemp seeds

I used to eat immediately upon waking, but now I’ll often exercise or sip coffee/lemon water before diving into my first meal. I’ve been enjoying these waffles as a grain-free “toast” option. And fresh raspberries over jam any day!

3:00pm

roasted potatoes & broccoli (with avocado oil, s+p), 1 egg, avocado, drizzle of vegan kale pesto (Trader Joe’s brand)

I don’t normally eat lunch at this time, but since I didn’t eat my first meal of the day until late morning, I wasn’t hungry for lunch until late afternoon. I didn’t finish the entire plate – which was served on a small salad plate, for reference – as my appetite was a bit wonky (probably due to fact that it’s that time of the month).

3:30/4:00pm

matcha latte: unsweetened almond milk, 1 scoop of Vital Proteins matcha collagen, ~1/2 tsp. maple syrup, maca & cinnamon

I was craving something sweet, warm and soothing after lunch (thunderstorm = cue the cozy vibes). This cinnamon matcha latte hit the spot. I sipped on it as I did a couple hours of work at my desk.

Eating Intuitively: What I Ate Yesterday #intuitiveeating #healthcoacheats

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7:30pm

1 small grain-free almond flour banana muffin (I added blueberries and cinnamon to my all-time favorite muffin recipe)

spoonful of cashew butter with cacao nibs + more plump organic raspberries because I can’t get enough of them!

I don’t usually eat a muffin for “dinner.” I’ll say that again. That said, I want to show you what an actual day of eating intuitively looks like for me. Seeing that I ate a filling lunch super late in the day combined with the fact that I had menstral cramps, I didn’t have an appetite for a savory meal come “dinner time.” I usually make Nick and I dinner (or we’re cooking something on the grill), but he wasn’t all that hungry (unusually!), so it worked.

What’s the best thing you ate this week?

What’s your go-to meal on a hot summer day?

5 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

July 11, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

My dance years were a non-stop show of 90s music, loud costumes, and a lot of make-up. Backstage was a rain shower of sticky, shiny hairspray, buns and bright red lipstick, and layers upon layers of liquid foundation. We toted around miniature duffel bags of drugstore brand cosmetics from competition to recital to competition. Luckily I didn’t know then what I do now.

Safer skincare and make-up hasn’t always been one of my interests.

But now it is. It makes complete sense for me. For someone who has cared about what I put IN my body for so many years, why would I not give the same attention to what I put ON my body? Personal care products have ingredient labels just as food products do, yet they do not get the same critical consideration.

The U.S. law that governs the multi-billion dollar cosmetics industry was passed 80 years ago(!) in 1938 and does not give the Food and Drug Administration the authority to ask cosmetic companies for safety data or issue recalls of cosmetics found to be unsafe.

Say what!?

In the United States, we ban a whopping 30 ingredients from cosmetics, while the European Union bans close to 1,400. In the U.S., it is entirely legal for companies to use toxic chemicals in the products that we put on our bodies every day – even if the ingredients are linked to health issues. Essentially, there is lack of regulation in the beauty industry when it comes to ingredients, and we slather them on ourselves and our families every day.

Not all chemical are bad. But toxic chemicals are, as you guessed it, not good for us. “Toxic” means those chemicals that can harm cells or organs, cause neurological damage, and/or alter important biological systems. In the case of cosmetics, toxic chemicals can enter our bodies through our skin, lips and nails when we apply products, and through our airways when we inhale particles from powders and sprays.

This post isn’t meant to overwhelm you as you make a mental note of all the products you have in your shower and bathroom cabinets. Rather, it is intended to shine a little light on this commonly ignored component of wellness so that the next time you’re restocking your shampoo or mascara, you’ll have more confidence selecting products as an informed consumer.

5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid

1. Parabens

Parabens are a preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Methylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben are the most common in personal care products and are concerning as they have estrogen-mimicking properties that may play a role in triggering certain cancers.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-lates) make plastic more pliable (think shower curtains). In cosmetics, phthalates are used to make fragrances stick to skin, styling products malleable, and nail polish bend and stick to the curve of your nail.

Phthalates are highly suspected endocrine (hormone) disruptors with some reports of fetal birth defects.

Phthalates are not always labeled as they are likely considered by the producing company as an ingredient in their signature fragrance, whose lists are protected as “trade secret.”

3. Fragrance

“Fragrance” is considered a trade secret, so companies don’t have to disclose what it is. Hundreds of chemicals can hide under the word “fragrance.” It is usually a synthetic concoction that includes phthalates and synthetic musks, which are hormone disruptors, as well as chemicals that are allergens and neurotoxins.

4. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used in cosmetic products as a preservative and to prevent bacterial growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens and has also been linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.

5. Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber which was added to nearly 65 percent of the non-mineral sunscreens in EWG’s 2018 sunscreen database. Oxybenzone may cause allergic skin reactions and possible hormone disruption. Hawaii just passed a bill banning sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because studies have shown they have been linked to the bleaching of coral reefs.

5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid @beautycounter #saferskincare #betterbeauty

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Safer Option: Beautycounter

Beautycounter is committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States. Beautycounter excludes more than 1,500 questionable or harmful ingredients. Their high-performing, indulgent products are made mostly from responsibly sourced, plant-based ingredients and are rigorously screened to avoid potentially health disruptive ingredients on The Never List™. This list includes the five ingredients above along with thousands of other ingredients that have been associated with a variety of health disturbances.

— My Skin Story + Why Beautycounter

— My Current Favorite Beautycounter Products

— Shop Beautycounter

Download the EWG’s Healthy Living App or use their Skin Deep Database to research the safety of your cosmetic and personal care products.

Do you have any favorite safer skincare brands?

Summer Giveaway! Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

July 9, 2018 by Hillary 1 Comment

HEY friends & happy Monday to ya! ☕

I’ve got a little giveaway for you this week, courtesy of Vital Proteins.

One box of collagen peptides (20 packets) is up for grabs — these are ideal for summer travel! You can stash them in your carry-on bag, store in your desk drawer at work, and even put a couple in your purse for your next coffee shop date.

If you’re new to the collagen peptides scene, read: I Love Collagen Peptides. I put a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides in my black coffee every morning.

Collagen has many health benefits (hello glowing skin!), and I love that Vital Proteins has these individual packets to make it easy to incorporate a dose of pure protein when you are on the go.

Curious about collagen peptides or already a Vital Proteins enthusiast? Enter the giveaway below!

Summer Giveaway! Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides #vitalproteins #stayvital #guthealth

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Product for giveaway provided by Vital Proteins. As always, opinions are entirely my own.

10 Wellness Instagram Accounts to Follow

July 5, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

I’ll be the first to admit that I spend way to much time scrolling through social feeds, in particular Instagram. Don’t we all? I mean, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that sometimes I’ll watch Instagram Stories while say curling my hair or munching on breakfast. And laying in bed, mindlessly scrolling through my feed, well yeah… not a good habit in the slightest.

Social media is a double-edged sword: one of disconnection and connection. On one end, you can spiral down a deep hole of comparison. Filters screw our perception, and more often than not, they act as highlight reels. They can also be addicting, distracting us from living in the moment by focusing on how to share said moment via a photo, perfectly-timed boomerang, or video. On the other end, social media can be a tool of connection and inspiration.

I follow a lot of people on Instagram (ahem, 850+), so this is by no means an exhaustive list of my favorite accounts. It is simply a taste of some of the accounts I come back to again and again. An aestetically-pleasing Instagram feed is a work of art, really, and while I greatly appreciate branded accounts with eye-catching color schemes, the accounts that attract me the most are those that feel REAL. Those that inspire me to ditch the filters, and show life as it is.

These badass women inspire me on the daily, and are worth a follow. And while you’re at it, feel free to follow me on Instagram at @hillontherun 🤗

10 Wellness Instagram Accounts to Follow

@happyhealthypnw

Emily is a fellow IIN Health Coach, and an adorable one at that! Whether she’s popping up at 4:00am for an Orangetheory Fitness class, rocking a cute outfit, or creating killer (health) coaching programs, Em lights a fire under my butt to pursue my passions. She also lives in the hip city of Portland, Oregon (oh hi, beautiful Pacific Northwest!), and I’m only slightly envious of that.

@shapinup

Take one peek at Amanda’s feed and I promise you’ll get an immediate travel itch. Amanda is an American Expat fitness guru temporarily living in Barcelona, Spain. She continually inspires me to experiment with different kinds of exercise, enjoy a matcha latte, and embrace doing things independently from solo lunch dates to weekend trips (in a foreign country). Amanda’s feed is eye-catching and a must for anyone who loves food, fitness, and travel.

@katie_loveluck

I can count on Katie for a daily laugh. Seriously, all I have to do is watch her Instagram Stories and I am guaranteed to smile. Her sarcarcam isn’t like any other. She’s usually sharing something about her pets, her crazy curly hair, or the inside scoop on all things Charlotte (North Carolina) while sipping on an iced coffee. Katie encourages you to not take life too seriously.

@wellnesswithedie

Edie is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Colorado-livin’ doll. She is also a health coach with an undying mission to help women love themselves through body acceptance and positive self-talk. Her feed is full of colorful, nourishing food and powerful reminders about self-acceptance that pull at your heart strings. Thanks for being the sunshine that you are, Edie.

@jamiemendell

Jamie is not only a self-care guru (and I’m not talking about manis & pedis here) but an intuitive living expert (my words, not hers)… but she is a Lifestyle Coach for good reason. While Jamie coaches women to be their own best friend and feel all the feelings, she simultaneously opens up about her personal life — most recently all that has unfolded with her cross-country move from NYC to San Fran. Jamie’s wisdom encourages me to be more in-tune with my myself, and that being REAL never gets old.

@laurcardarelliseib

Fitness enthusiasts, Lauren is your girl. Her feed is jam-packed with sweaty workout snippets that will make you want to get off your butt and move! Whether it’s hitting the gym, or running on a tropical beach, Lauren’s dedication to fitness is strong… like her core!

@shutthekaleup

You may know Jeannette already – as she has quite the following – but if not, I am happy to introduce you to this petite mama and health living queen. I wouldn’t say no to lunch at Jeannette’s house as her kitchen is a superfood haven. She’s a baller at meal-preppin’ real, wholesome food for her fam. Photos of her eats and exercise will spark your interest, but her vulnerability is what keeps ya around. She talks on her Stories like she’s talking to you. She’s not scared to share the tough stuff, and she is authentic as all get out.

@corinnedobbas

I guarantee you will feel better about yourself after scrolling through Corinne’s feed. A Food & Body Image Coach, she steers you away from any sort of restrictive, diet mindset and, instead, empowers you to love yourself — where you’re at, with the body you’ve got. She also is the host of the podcast, HeartSpace, which is worth a listen.

@musingsbymeghan

Meghan is a kombucha-sipping accountant by day, blogger by night who shares her musings in her own personal wellness journey. Her feed led me to her blog where I learned that she, too, suffers from SIBO (but has since kicked its butt). Connecting with others that are going through something similar is what these social feeds are all about in my opinion. Meghan’s feed captures her genuine approach to pursing wellness in her own life, without all the filters and fluff.

@constancelyeating

Connie is a 24-year-old gal taking life by storm — almost a registered dietitian with a masters degree, intuitive eating and movement is the name of her game. Her relaxed view on eating and exercise is refreshing. Wether she’s nannying, grabbing a margarita with a girlfriend, or cranking out college exams, this girl keeps it real through and though. Connie’s mature devotion to her passions and education will take this young gal far.

10 Wellness Instagram Accounts to Follow

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Who are favorites to follow?

Florida Life // Months 4 & 5

July 3, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hi & Happy JULY! I still can’t believe we’re over halfway through 2018, and I also can’t believe that I am entering my sixth month living in Florida. Time travels too darn fast.

I missed getting my Month 4 recap up on the blog in due time, so I’m clumping together months 4 and 5. Essentially, I am going to try to summarize May and June, but that could turn into 4,000 words if didn’t refrain myself… so I’ll give ya the gist of it. Luckily, being to the point is one of my specialties 😉

Month 1: settling in.

Month 2: exploring our surroundings.

Month 3: fun with friends & family.

Months 4 & 5: figuring out my purpose here + California travels.

Florida Life // Months 4 & 5

When I think to May & June, I think California. Nick and I traveled back to California twice in the span of a few weeks for two weddings. Those trips filled me up more than I knew they would. Spending time with friends and family, visiting our old stomping grounds and sacred spots in Chico, and cruising around NorCal as if it were still home… we both needed those long weekends in California. I wish we could do them all over again.

Adjusting to life in Florida remains a challenge, emotionally speaking. Find my purpose here, in this new chapter, remains challenging. Being thousands of miles away from friends and family is challenging. But what’s not challenging: living with Nick and Koba in our rental house (with oh so many functional flaws) surround by lush vegetation, and exploring an entirely new city in a vastly different part of the United States. One day, I know I’ll look back on this temporary time here with appreciation that I grabbed life by the horns and accepted this adventure. I want to embrace this place and period of life for all that is has to offer, while holding on to my dreams of living in a community that suits my lifestyle, beliefs, and wellbeing.

Feeling //

I am feeling like I am desperately ready to work work work. Ideally I’d like to work part-time (not from home) to allow me to focus on Beautycounter.

I am feeling like I am trying to find my purpose in this new phase of life. It is crazy how we so often define ourselves by the work we do. I am trying to free myself of that mindset while simultaneously finding work that fills me up.

Missing //

– dry summer heat vs. humid summer heat

– the Chico farmer’s markets, shopping locally, eating local produce

– spending time at the lake/river, not having to worry about gators and critters

– small town vibes

Doing //

I almost deleted this category, as it suggests to me that I need to fill it in with all of the things. But that isn’t what feels good in this moment. Nick and I have had significant dialogue lately about letting what is be enough. Perhaps I’ll pick up with the “doings” next month; but for now, I am going to keep the focus on all that I did do and accomplish in these past two months, rather than what I did not.

“Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married or own a house as if life was some kind of grocery list. But no one ever asks you if you are happy.” — Heath Ledger

Activities & Adventures //

The highlights are unquestionably our trips to California. They were filled with pure goodness from start to finish. We also visited new friends in Orlando for a fun weekend in the middle of June, and I rang in my 29th year with a massage, takeout sushi, and by blowing out candles in tub of coffee chocolate chip Talenti.

California Dreamin’ — CA Trip #1 | May 2018
This is 29!

Exercise //

I certainly do not feel like I am at my fittest. This probably has something to do with the fact that I don’t have a gym membership. I get to the gym on base on average once per week, and the rest of my movement consists of home workouts and cardio (whether it be run, jog, or walk) around the neighborhood with Koba. It’s near impossible to exercise outside during the summer here, or it has to be timed precisely. Nick and I tried a class at Orangetheory Fitness, and while we both had a blast and were quite sore the following 48 hours, we are still tossing around the idea of a membership.

Eats & Restaurants //

There’s no chance I can recap two months of eats and restaurant outings, but a highlight was definitely my belated birthday dinner at Steelbach. I mean, just look at that beet salad with citrus, fresh mint, hazelnuts — sold instantly. I’ve been enjoying homemade colds salads – per the seasonal change in weather – but otherwise, still munching on much of the same.

Alligators //

None!

Let’s do this, Month 6… may you be full of inspiration and gratitude — for what is!

xx Hill

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This is 29!

June 21, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hi & happy Summer Solstice 2018! ☀

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve popped in here. Aside from a second trip to California earlier this month, I turned the big TWO-NINE on Tuesday (← the sweetest video of me and my pup). Twenty-nine, folks… how can that be!?

June 9, 2018 (10 days short of turning 29)

While my presence on my blog isn’t always consistent, it is still crazy to think that a huge chunk of my twenties (from graduating college and becoming a certified health coach to training for half-marathons, international travel and saying goodbye to my full-time job in corporate wellness/moving across the country) are documented here in this online space. I sorted through the Nutrition Nut archives to dig up birthday-related posts that date back to 2010 (my 21st birthday!). It’s definitely fun to witness the changes throughout the years, and how some things stay the same (like getting takeout sushi for my birthday dinner).

I honestly don’t know where I thought I would be at 29. Probably married, with kids, and groovin’ in a career. Hah! None of those things arebtrue, and I sure as heck didn’t imagine I’d be where I am today. I don’t know what 29 has in store for me, but one thing I do know is that I want this last year of my twenties to be abundant with self-acceptance and self-love.

I have spent much of my twenties trying to figure out who I am and what I want (isn’t that what this decade is all about!?); and with just one year left in my twenties, I can admit that I still don’t have my goals and aspirations all mapped out. And that is a-okay. Because those will inevitability keep changing, as I do. The one thing I am certain about, from surviving nine years in my twenties, is that I must accept who I am, and where I am, in life right now — not next week, or after I land a new job, or when I’ve checked the societal boxes of being an adult like buying a home, starting a family, etc. I must accept that I am technically unemployed, lonely at times as I figure out life in Florida, and on drastically different path than I was one year ago.

My hope for 29 is that with increased confidence and vulnerability, I can step out of my own damn way and embrace who am — flaws and all. If I am learning one thing in my twenties, it’s that self-acceptance married with self-love is essential to where you want to be… and is perhaps the golden ticket to a fulfilling life.