I was recently asked where I get ideas for healthier recipes, meals and even what a day in the life of mine actually looks like eats wise for a full time nurse, fitness coach and also full time dork ;) Let me preface by saying although I am an RN I am not specialized in nutrition (besides researching the crap out out it and learning through my own experiences) but am here to just simply share! I truly think that every person is different: with different needs, preferences and it just takes finding what works for you. I don't believe in diets - but for me its about eating and movement to be healthier in mindset and feeling GOOD so that I can live my days with energy for many years to come! 

Now that we have that out of the way I'll show you a "typical day" or meals, eats, drinks and snacks (oh and treats too!)

When I was 21 I was applying for a certain type of insurance...which required some lab tests - one of those including a lipid panel...ALSO known as testing your cholesterol. Heart disease and high cholesterol run in my family. My grandpa passed away due to heart disease complications, my dad has had open heart surgery, my sister and niece have both had procedures to correct a heart arrhythmia and I myself was born with a heart defect called a Ventricular Septal Defect. Both of my parents have been on cholesterol medication as long as I can recall. I shouldn't have been surprised that when I got my blood test results that I had high cholesterol too.

But I was TWENTY ONE. I was training for a marathon, my diet consisted of plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and everything else that qualifies as a "heart healthy diet" as promoted by the American Heart Association. I wasn't by any means overweight either. It just goes to show that family history has a LOT to do with it! 

So what did my primary care doctor say when she saw the results? "We will keep our eye on it and recheck yearly. Please ensure you are eating a heart healthy diet and exercise also." Hmm....well I THINK marathon training counts as exercise...and like I said my eating was in check too...

When you think of a health coach what comes to mind? Someone with six pack abs and the perfect body according to society? Someone shoving protein shakes at you? Someone with a super dramatic before and after weightloss transformation picture? Let's just say I probably don't fit any of those descriptions. A health coach can be all of the above or none of the above - you just have to be you. 

No one likes to talk about poop. But everyone does it. (or at least I hope so!) Some more than others and some more regular than others. It's definitely something you take for granted UNTIL you run into issues...WIthout getting TOO personal today I just wanted to share a few things I have been incorporating into into healing my gut!