Minneapolis Taste Buds

I'm loving this new life so far. I should feel terrified leaving full-time work, and I don't. I made a bold move that I know is right. I needed to make a change so I could help others, and to have time freedom for the fam. I've always loved fitness and nutrition, and at 41 I'm making it my career. Last week I started getting organized. I took some training. I helped people choose workouts and nutrition plans to meet their goals. I added people to my accountability group, and shared recipes, tips, and video clips with them. I answered questions and cheered them on. I also took long walks with my dog, gardened, and ate lunch outside. I took my dad to PT. I chaperoned a field trip. I showed up to school pickup with energy left for the evening, and cooked some pretty awesome meals. I created a mantra, "You don't have to rush," to remind myself that I get to design my life at the pace I choose from here on out. Thanks for reading this, and for sup...

After 20+ years of pushing to do more, work harder, and grow in my career, I’m changing things up. With the support of my awesome husband, I resigned from my job last week. What the??!! I’ve worked on some pretty cool projects, built a usability testing program and led a web content team. I’ve accomplished a lot that I’m proud of. I’m leaving it behind to go after something new, to stop rushing through life, and to have more time freedom for my family. I’m building a business out of something that started as a side hustle last fall. I quickly realized it brought me happiness and a new sense of purpose. As a virtual coach, I support people who want to eat better and move more. I help them find their workout soulmate and get organized in the kitchen. I’m creating an online community, and building a team. If you want to know more about what I’m up to, I’d love to chat. Sometimes you have to get a little reckless to go after what you want. Here we go!

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...