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...

Yesterday’s long run was 4 miles as I keep easing upwards for a 10K next month. It felt great to hit my favorite trail along the river. I hadn’t added hills yet, so I sprinkled in a few little guys. It was sunny and around 33 with a hefty spring wind. I fueled up with protein, carbs, greens and healthy fat. A year ago, I had 13 miles, it was 15 degrees, icy, and windy. I likely ate half a bagel with some peanut butter. With the exception of long run days, I rarely ate before a run and wondered why I felt drained. I didn’t understand how to eat for performance. Now I get it. Exercise is only part of the equation. As a friend recently said, “You can’t outrun the fork!” I’ve learned a lot this past year, and over the next 6 weeks I’m doing a deep dive into nutrition. I’m learning how to eat to fuel body and mind. It’s a simple approach with real food. I have 3 spots left in my nutrition cleanup group . Sign up by April 14. If this speaks to you, fill out this form: Name ...

"Get out of here. You're fat!" Words have power. Sometimes we carry a word or a cruel statement with us and hear it on repeat in our heads for weeks, months, decades. I did the math - it's been 29 years. For nearly three decades I've heard those words followed by laughter - every single day. At some point, the voice who said the toxic words can turn into your own. I'm reading The Perfection Detox with my coach team, and with each chapter, I'm letting myself go there. You know the place. It's where those crappy memories you'd prefer not to let bubble up to the surface live. Each morning I've read a chapter or two, and whoa, have I worked some things out! One exercise had me write to the person who said those words. The author encourages you to rip the letter up. I've held on to the letter and read it several times. At some point, I'm going to make myself a 'lil bonfire and burn those words up. I'd never thought about wha...

I'm gearing up to tackle something that pretty much everyone I talk to struggles with. Nutrition. Most people are confused about what to eat. Most are kind of winging it in the kitchen. Some are exercising for the first time or getting back at it, so it all feels overwhelming. Some are athletes who've got the exercise thing down. Where they struggle is how to fuel their bodies to perform. A lot of us need a game plan, and could use some help. That’s where I come in. I'm signed up and ready to become an Ultimate Portion Fix Master Nutrition Coach. This is where I got my start last summer, with timed-nutrition. It takes the guesswork and emotions out of eating. It was a game changer for me. I generally ate healthy foods. I'd had a food sensitivity test and knew what didn't work well with my body. What I didn't know was when to eat, and how much. I also didn't know how to meal prep to make it simple, so it didn't become a barrier. Timed-nut...

So, life happens and we can't control that. I'm trying to live more in the present, and less in the past and future. "Do what you are doing" is one of my new mantras. Monday took an unexpected turn. My dad went into the hospital and we're going on day seven tomorrow. He’s no stranger to hospitals at 82 with a variety pack of health challenges. A year ago I’d have lost it. Stressing about what it could be and how the heck we’d figure things out and rearrange life. I was calm when my sister called. I didn’t run out of work in a panic like I would have in the past. When I drove to the hospital I listened to Girl Stop Apologizing. I listened to it on the way home. Each day, I still get up to do my personal development and get a workout in before the rest of the family gets up. I still do my meal prep so I can bring healthy meals and snacks for myself to the hospital. I know I need to keep showing up for myself, so I can show up for others. My coaching team...