Friday Feature: Hillary of Nutrition Nut on the Run

Hello and happy Black Friday! Enjoy the shopping, if you’re into it, or the day off work to relax, if today is a holiday for you! I’ll likely be steering clear of the stores today and instead enjoying some relaxation. :)

I’ll be back shortly to share some photos from our Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh with Matt’s family, but for now, please welcome Hillary of Nutrition Nut on the Run! Hillary emailed me a few months ago about doing blog swap interviews as part of her Friday Feature series. I love her blog – it’s positive and upbeat, she’s a fellow whole foodie and nutrition and fitness lover, and she shares all sorts of great healthy recipes and pinnable workouts. I hope you enjoy the interview with her, sharing some of her favorite quick and easy eats, health tips, and workouts! You can find a similar interview with me over on her site today, too. :)

1) Hillary, I know we have a similar "food philosophy" – can you share more about that? Have you always been a healthy eater?

For the most part, yes. Wholesome, healthy, natural food has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a rural town on California’s coast, fresh, local, organic food was in abundance. I also lucked out with a family with a passion for gourmet food. That said, my food philosophy has evolved with my increased knowledge and passion for nutrition and wellness. Over the last six years – as I pursued a college degree in Nutrition and a career in Corporate Wellness – I’ve established a strong philosophy of eating whole, unprocessed foods. Eating simply, mindfully, and colorfully all help to make me feel my healthiest and most energetic self. Eating healthy is… delicious! 

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”

 

2) I love your Pinterest-ready workouts. What’s your favorite one at the moment?

I continue to go back to my September Sizzler Pyramid Workout; it appears in my workout regime once a week, particularly on Mondays to begin the week on a "fit note". This full-body cardio and strength training routine will leave you drenched in sweat after a busy 30-minutes.

3) I know that, like me, you’re a big running fan. How did you first get into running?

My running history goes waaay back to middle school, but my passion for long distance running didn’t begin until late high school; I ran cross-country my junior and senior years — one of the best decisions I made at the time. In college, I joined my university’s running club, participated in many local races, and trained for 6 half-marathons. While I have been sidelined from my #1 hobby this year due to injury, running will always be a part of me, and a full-marathon remains top on my bucket list. 

4) What’s your favorite "no recipe required" easy & quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

A loaded sweet potato always makes for a quick, satisfying, and nutritious lunch or dinner! It’s a veggie lover’s ultimate 15-minute meal. Pop a sweet tater in the micro for ~5 minutes, until tender. Top with warmed black beans, bell peppers and onions (sautéed in olive oil + cumin), fresh salsa, creamy avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt (substitute for sour cream). Gluten-free, colorful, filling (hello, fiber) — it’s certainly a go-to healthy option during a busy week.

5) What advice can you share with fellow full time cubicle warriors for staying healthy while on the job?

1. Stand (if possible). See if your company can provide a sit-to-stand work station for you. If this isn’t possible, take a break at least once per hour to walk to the restroom or climb a set of stairs for 5-10 minutes.

2. Bring your own snacks. Keep a few healthy snack options available near or at our desk – such as Pick-Me-Up Power Bars, Chocolate Espresso Energy Bites, or homemade trail mix – to avoid sugar-laden treats that may be floating around the office (especially during the holidays!).

3. Water, water, water. Keep a reusable bottle of cold water on your desk at all times, and drink up! Not only will this help keep you energized, but it will promote getting up to use the restroom more often. ;)

4. Make fitness a priority in your schedule. With a full-time "desk job", plan to exercise before or after work — find classes at your gym that fit into your day, or schedule workout dates with a friend to keep you motivated to move.

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Thank you to Hillary for sharing with us today!

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