From a young age, I always noticed that I had a "belly". So much so that I hated the word "belly" with a fiery passion. To this day, the word still makes me queasy. But I always felt like I was overweight in some regard simply because I had a "belly". What exacerbated the situation was that I chose to be competitive in swimming, where I would wear a simple Speedo brief. And I felt like I stood out (or rather stood "rounder") in the way I didn't want to: I was one of the "fat" ones in a sea of tall, skinny swimmers.

By now you've probably heard over and over again how people need to decrease the amount of sodium they're consuming on a daily basis. Well, that’s all fine and good if we only really knew why sodium was important to keep in balance. I am much more apt to pay attention to vitamins and minerals that are either helpful or harmful to my health when I really understand how the body is responding to that mineral. So if you are anything like me and want to know what the big deal is about sodium, then I hope you find this helpful.

Even if we want to change, we may feel stuck, or we’re attached to something that keeps us from changing. We may get pulled between different things, like taking care of others versus taking care of ourselves; or, wanting to lose weight, but not wanting to give up comfort eating and drinking.

In 2008, my collegiate swimming career was coming to an end. By that point in time, it was coming somewhat as a welcome. I was just coming out of some serious issues with over-training syndrome and exercise addiction. But a large part of me was concerned about what my identity would be like without swimming. Outside of that, what was I to do as far as fitness and staying in shape? For 16 years I had grown accustomed to just wearing a Speedo to swim in. But would I have the audacity to ever put one back on if I couldn't look at least decent in it again? So many concerns were going through my head with the end of such a career…

Who doesn’t like Chicken Pad Thai?! Check out this easy recipe!

My Instant Pot has quickly become one of my most revered kitchen tools in the last two years. Cooking flavorful food fast is never wrong in my book. Rice cooker? Done. Steamer? Done. Hard-boiled eggs that perfectly peel? Double done.

Delicious Poke Bowl recipe to get you your fix!

Meal Prepping; The Stories I don’t have time. I don’t like eating the same thing all week. I don’t know-how. I can’t afford it. My family is too picky.

Quick, easy, and yummy Chia Seed Pudding.

It’s 2:45 AM and I’m lying in my bed listening to my husband snore. My mind is racing - thoughts like “I’m never going to fall asleep”, and “my day is going to be ruined” stream across my mind. After flipping over onto my side for what feels like the thousandth time, I accept defeat. I lost the battle. I crawl out of bed, stomp downstairs, and flop onto the couch, much to the dismay of my 4-year old Rhodesian Ridgeback…

Another recipe… this time it’s Vanilla Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip!

Great grill idea with Shrimp & Sausage Foil Packets!

I’ve cycled through lots of extremes regarding my nutrition. I’ve gone years never thinking twice about what I consumed. I’ve gone through periods of intense bingeing, only to restrict for days on end. I have also lived on the other side of the extreme…

Here’s a great recipe for Barbecued Hassleback Sweet Potatoes.

Here’s a Balsamic and Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs recipe made just for you.

Creamy Protein Macaroni Salad with a twist!

Looking for a Vegan option for a recipe on the grill?! Try Grilled Vegan Skewers…

Looking for a recipe to bring to your next get together?!

Shrimp with a twist! Check out this Chili Lime Shrimp recipe…

Change up your normal chicken recipe with Tequila + Citrus Chicken.