Minneapolis Taste Buds

It took me months to place that first order.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I hovered, watching my high school friend drink her shake every morning. What's in that thing?⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ As a marathoner and lover of all things fitness, I felt like I should have it ALL figured out.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I could get to the start AND the finish line of every race I signed up for. ⁣ But when it came to nutrition, I needed help.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ Um, running can make you really hungry. Like eat everything-in-the-cupboard-and-fridge hungry.⁣⁣⁣ Even marathoners can put on pounds during an intense 16-week training program.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I didn't feel great and wanted my nutrition to match my activity level.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ I wanted more energy for my workday and for mom stuff.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ So I did my own research, instead of messaging my super smart and fit high school friend.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It's fine. Talking to people is scary.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Then I got over myself and sent her a message.⁣ What's 1 month anyway?⁣⁣⁣ 1 month to see if it was right for my body....

I didn’t always get up before the ☀️. Then I started running . . .⁣ I was walking at a lake.⁣ It got dark and it felt creepy, so I ran to my car.⁣ I didn't die. I was hooked.⁣ 5Ks turned to 10Ks, 10-milers, half-marathons and 26.2s. 🏃‍♀️⁣ ⁣ So I BECAME a morning person.⁣ I had to get training runs and cross-training in before work. ⁣ I wanted to beat the hot summer sun. ⁣ I loved starting the day with friends - both two-legged and four. 🐾⁣ ⁣ I created a new way to start my day because I wanted something more.⁣ New habits got me to 80+ finish lines, and helped me grow in my career.⁣ ⁣ Early mornings are only for me.⁣ A positive routine sets the tone for my day.⁣ Tough workouts give me energy and confidence.⁣ ⁣ Here are the basics of what I do:⁣ * Start coffee pot - setup at night ☕️⁣ * Drink 16-20 oz. water, a little coffee⁣ * Write in #StartTodayJournal + read personal development⁣ * Accomplish something - dishes, laundry, or a little work⁣ * Eat protei...

You’ve seen parts of my life, mainly through cute kid and dog pics. But, I haven’t shared that I officially have a side business. As a virtual coach, I help people reach their fitness and nutrition goals. Until now, I've only talked about this on  Instagram  and my blog, afraid of what people who actually know me might think. That’s kept me from helping others, and prevented me from sharing what’s brought me a lot of joy this year. I've wanted to do something in this arena since I can remember, but didn't think I could. Impostor syndrome is real, people, and it’s time for me to get over it. My husband and his sister inspired me to tell everyone what I’m up to, because they were among the first to join me. I've been dedicated to exercise for most of my life. I've tried a lot of things and reached a lot of goals. My meal planning and prepping keeps our household organized and healthy. My morning routine is solid, filled with activities that make me a better mo...

We're heading to my husband's hometown next weekend for Thanksgiving. He's the youngest of six, and it's great when we all can meet up. I love how relaxing it is there. I actually sit for more than 15 minutes at a time, and usually take at least one nap - not typical for me. Our daughter cannot wait to see her older cousins, and to eat grandma's treats. I'm taking time today to plan ahead. Here are some things I'll do to prep for the car rides, and to keep up my healthy morning routine while I'm there. Packing for Snacking Snacks - a lot of snacks - ensure a peaceful car ride, and help keep me on track when faced with a kitchen full of treats at grandma's. I try to stick with proteins, veggies, fruit and nuts. I also add in some fun foods we don't typically have around the house. Carrots, red peppers, cucumbers, wash and cut Clementines and apples Krave Gourmet Beef Cuts - Sea Salt Ferndale Market Uncured Cranberry Turkey Sticks Apples...

I blend my morning shake with my powerful and extremely loud Ninja blender . Seriously, I plug my ears when I run it, and my daughter runs away. It came with two smoothie cups, so I make two at a time when I meal prep. I add everything except the frozen ingredients, give it a quick shake, and put them in the fridge until I'm ready to blend. Your smoothie or shake should taste great and fuel your morning. Whether or not you drink Shakeology , follow timed nutrition or other Beachbody plans, you can try some of my favorites to keep your taste buds happy. I loosely measure liquids and veggies, but I'm more precise when measuring the others. I use containers that came with 80 Day Obsession . I add items in the order shown so the dry ingredients don't stick to the cup. 8 oz liquid Water Unsweetened flax milk (dairy isle) Unsweetened coconut milk (dairy isle) I add extra water if it seems too thick One scoop of high-quality protein Whey Vanilla, Chocolate, Cafe Lat...

So, my last post was seven years ago? A lot has happened since then. I had my daughter in 2012. I changed jobs a couple of times, threw in a couple more marathons, and here we are. I'm ready to start writing again. I ran my 10th marathon in May, which was my fourth fastest. I was really proud of that accomplishment after a brutal winter of training, and a weather-related injury. My TC Orthopedics physical therapists never doubted that I'd get to the finish line. One of them even ran the same marathon! They helped ease the hamstring pain and and taught me exercises to strengthen the weak runner's butt. I felt great on race day and was blessed with perfect weather. For me finishing a marathon is followed by a honeymoon phase filled with pride and excitement. But, it also brings up questions like, when will I do all of that great creative thinking I do on my mid-week runs? How can I possibly justify three hours to myself on Saturday mornings now? And, inevitably, will I do...