Minneapolis Taste Buds

Do you have a picky eater in your house? My daughter was never picky at home or at daycare. She ate everything with few complaints. We felt lucky she liked healthy foods…and we'd been warned it could change in an instant. Then it happened. Kindergarten. Suddenly crusts were a thing. Dinnertime meltdowns started at a glance of the plate. What happened?? This is a phase, right? Last night, she was less than thrilled at the sight of Cauliflower Fried Rice. I'm not sure I would've been at 6 either. When she started eating, she said, "Okay, mom. This is pretty good." I'll take it. We won't give up on healthy eating. We're not making something else to avoid conflict. Dealing with the challenges now will set her up to make good choices later. When she eats healthy, real foods, she's more focused and ready to learn. She has better energy for swimming, gymnastics, running, and all the fun things. I started a new nutrition program this month with...

Do you have to exercise? Or, do you get to exercise? One of my running mantras is, “I get to do this.” I feel fortunate every time my body moves how I want it to. I'm happy that I prioritize exercise. I've had times when working out felt like a chore. I've also had times when it wasn't an option. Injuries, bad colds, or pregnancy-related pain or restrictions - I've had to hit pause. Once movement is taken away, we appreciate it. I've watched people I love lose their ability to do their favorite things - and even basic things like walking and bathing - due to illness and pain. I'll always feel grateful for exercise. It's helped me discover my workout soulmates. It's taken me on beautiful runs throughout the U.S. I've kayaked Minnesota lakes, and practiced yoga on the dock. I've explored new cities while traveling. I chase and play with my daughter, and exercise with my dog. I've met amazing people through exercise. This morning...

This time of year I start dreaming about our garden. The chives are popping up - a reliable reminder that spring will really happen. Our yard was a jungle when we moved in nearly 16 years ago. Every night, my husband and I would spend hours plugging away on projects outside. One weekend I was visiting a friend in Chicago. I came back to learn that we actually had a patio under all the weeds and mud. Who knew? We somehow got the weeds under control. We created new perennial gardens and added a raised garden bed. We had the crumbling patio replaced, and my husband built steps, a bar, grilling area and wood shed. This is the best "room" in the house. Our yard is where we entertain, play with our daughter, relax and think. In early May, I'll head to Gertens, my favorite greenhouse. I have some gift cards I can't wait to use. Until then, I'll let the very brown yard recover from the snow, and will start cutting back the remnants of last year's garden. It was ...

I know how to workout. I just don't know what to do in the kitchen. Sound familiar? I've exercised since little kid sports, and Jane Fonda on VHS. I've been running marathons since 2008. I've loved lifting weights since high school, and got into yoga 15 years ago. Nutrition? That's another story. My dad owned a restaurant, and he and my mom were both great cooks. My sister is a chef. It's in our blood to like good food. I've always loved learning about food, and trying new recipes. I cut out most processed foods years ago. In 2015, I learned which foods I was sensitive to and were wreaking havoc on my gut and skin. I worked hard to heal and feel better. Despite all of this, I still fumbled in the kitchen. How do I fuel my workouts? How do I eat to have energy all day? What do I eat so I'm not cranky when I pick my daughter up? What can I do about cravings? Am I eating enough veggies? How the heck can I have a full-time job, workout, start a c...