Eat, Live, Run » My Food Philosophy

My Food Philosophy

Dec 23rd, 2007 by jenna

I’m a 24 year old food writer with a passion for nutrition! I hope you all enjoy my site and like my recipes, tips and ideas. I am also certified by the American Fitness Professionals and Associates as a Nutritional and Wellness Consultant, so I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding nutrition and exercise.

I love good food. The kind you want to share with your loved ones and the kind that stays with you for years down the road. I love the kind of food you sampled once in a faraway place and whose flavor has stuck with you for the last five years because it was that good. In the summer of 2007, I lived in Paris for 6 weeks and ate the best meals of my life there. I admire the French for their sheer passion in food. The French don’t eat something just because it sits on their plate. They eat it because it is amazing and it is the best quality that it can possibly be. And let me tell you, I didn’t see many overweight people in Europe!

I grew up eating very healthfully. My mother was (and still is) an amazing cook and really taught me to love food and use it as fuel for the body. In my house growing up we always sat down together at 6:30 every single night with candles lit on the kitchen table for dinner. There were never any excuses and that’s what I want to bring back to America today. So often the tradition of food and cooking has been lost in the shuffle of everyday life and we forget just how good and satisfying it is to create a meal for our bodies that will sustain us. We need to get back to that.

I have dabbled in the world of vegetarianism and veganism. I have been eating meat off and on for the past 10 years and finally have come to a comfortable place where I eat everything in moderation according to how I feel. When I choose meat, I try to the best of my ability to make it organic and free range. Organic bison is a new favorite of mine! Fish is another one of my favorite sources of protein and I try to fit it into my diet as much as possible. I believe that beans, nuts and soy are more beneficial to our bodies than animal protein and I prefer to eat simple, natural plant-based meals whenever I can. I strive to eat food that is in season and like to buy either locally or organically. I feel the best when I do.

This website is not in any way, shape or form meant to be a “diet” site. I don’t believe in diets at all. I just believe in eating healthy meals that make our bodies thrive. If you listen to your body and feed it when its hungry and let it rest when its tired I promise you there would be less weight issues. Personally (because I know you all want to know) I weigh about 120 pounds. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I practice yoga or run whenever I can and like to stay active.

I encourage you to go to the links on my site; the ones that mean the most to me and that I go to periodically for nutritional advice are the Harvard Nutrition Source and the Mayo Clinic’s Mediterranean Diet Pyramid. I feel that both offer sound, researched nutritional advice and would recommend them as reading to accompany the recipes on this site.

And lastly, please enjoy the photos and recipes and stories on this site! My utmost goal is to write cookbooks and I look forward to hearing from all of you regarding any questions or comments you may have. I am happy to answer any nutrition-related question you might have, just know that I am not an registered dietition, but I am certified as a nutritional and wellness consultant and hope to have a private practice in the future. I hope you all get many great ideas from this and that this site can be a positive space that we can talk about food!

77 Responses to “My Food Philosophy”

on 24 Dec 2007 at 3:49 am1Danielle

What a wonderful philosophy. After gaining weight the past two years I’ve had my experience of “yo-yo dieting” and some very unhealthy habits. Thankfully my weight struggle ended after reading French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. Her philosophy is similar to yours (the French paradox, of course) x and I have found that I have not only been able to sustain a happy weight for me but also have rediscovered the pleasure and joy in good food that can very well be healthy. Thank you for reiterating what I learned from her through your daily life and meals. I know you don’t revolve your lifestyle around this blog and that is exactly what makes it so honest and beneficial. Thank you so much for letting us in on your day-to-day inspiration!
on 24 Dec 2007 at 12:39 pm2jenna

Thank you, Danielle! I struggled with my weight (always feeling like I had to lose 5 pounds) while I was in college and I really think it took me living in another country where the women eat for pleasure–not too much, not too little and don’t stress out over a silly couple pounds, to make me realize that its just a complete waste of time to deprive ourselves good food in order to try to be “perfect”. There’s no such thing as perfect! If you constantly live your life on a strict diet (when I say diet I mean depriving yourself bread, that piece of chocolate, your mom’s pasta), the joy in food is lost and food should be one of the most joyful, pleasurable things in this world!

ps- I love French Women Don’t Get Fat! I want to buy her next book, I think it’s called “French Food for All Seasons” or something. I suggest you finding “Mediterranean Women Stay Slim Too” by Melissa Kelley. Another favorite on the subject!!
on 24 Dec 2007 at 6:34 pm3Danielle

Oh my gosh, I just got Mireille’s next book! It’s wonderful and the recipes continue to be simple and delicious, even I can do it, haha. I will definitely check out the Mediterranean Women book as well though. Cheers to the joie de vivre!
on 01 Jan 2008 at 8:54 pm4Melissa

Hi Jenna,

I just started reading your blog, and it is fabulous! I was justing wondering how tall you are. I tried searching, but couldn’t figure it out. Your photos are beautiful.

I am so impressed by your ability to put so much imformation and effort into this blog, I know how much time it takes!

Best,

Melissa
on 01 Jan 2008 at 9:14 pm5jenna

Hi Melissa!

Thanks so much for reading. I am 5′6 and weigh 117-120 pounds. I do put a lot of time into this because I just am so passionate about it!
on 11 Jan 2008 at 8:27 pm6Blakely

Hey Jenna! I love the websight! see you in class!
on 16 Jan 2008 at 5:34 pm7linds

While reading your food philosophy, I felt as if I could have written it myself.. I too am 22 and I have such a love for good food and being healthy. I live on a college student’s budget but that doesn’t stop me from searching out the best quality produce I can find . If it doesn’t taste good or you don’t love it, then don’t eat it! French Women Don’t Get Fat and French Women For All Seasons are my favourite books, I have read the first one so many times I can quote many passages straight from memory haha. I live in Montreal, Quebec, which is mostly french, and it’s true that the french simply have more fun with their food. I just recently stumbled upon your blog, and I must say I am really looking forward to reading it every day
on 16 Jan 2008 at 6:41 pm8jenna

Thanks so much Linds! Its fun to think that I have readers so far away!! I have been to Quebec before and LOVED it. Its one of my favorite places that I have traveled to. We went to mont treblant (sp?) up in the mountains. I’ve also been to Montreal and thought it was a really neat, fun city.
on 21 Jan 2008 at 6:03 pm9Rachel

Hey Linds, Thank-you so much for a great site! I found you via 101 cookbooks (another amazing read) and you have a similar philosophy to myself I too believe in eating at the table and making dinner an experience, enjoying food, and not dieting, but eating mindfully.
I am in the process of building a foodie web-site myself and once built would be honored to have you comment!
I believe that by using good quality, seasonal foods, and taking time over what we eat, we can all be happier, healthier people. Here in the UK TV dinners are the norm, and I want to seriously challenge that idea!
Best of luck to you! I will keep reading!
Rachel
on 22 Jan 2008 at 3:20 pm10Katie

Aaahhhh we are so much alike it is scary! I feel exactly the same way about food and life about the same lifestyle. I have a question. How did you get started with the blog? I love yours so much that I think I want to start my own, too! Thanks!
on 25 Jan 2008 at 3:51 pm11Kenzie

Hi Jenna!

I really love love your blog, I visit your site multiple times a day for some much need food therapy

How do you measure and track your food? Do you use an application such as sparkpeople.com or calorieking? If so which do you find works best?

Also I am trying to incorporate more protein in my daily diet, any ideas??

Keep up the great work!
on 28 Jan 2008 at 12:35 am12Lara

Jenna,

I am so impressed with your blog. It’s really thriving. I wish I could focus all of my passions like you do, but I feel like I have too many interests and too little time! (any suggestions?) I just wanted to point out that creative writing (esp. poetry) and cooking go together so well…its all a combination of knowledge and intuition. Thanks for being an example of what healthy living is all about!
on 28 Jan 2008 at 10:25 pm13Regan

Hi Jenna! I was just curious about your certification in wellness. I am very interested in nutrition and would love to get certified as well. I looked at the website and read up on it. I was just hoping you could tell me a bit about it from your experience (is it time consuming etc) and if I should go ahead and do it. I was just curious about how it works because I am a full time college student and I just wanted to see how I could fit it into my schedule. THanks again and I love your blog! Keep up the good work!
on 28 Jan 2008 at 11:37 pm14jenna

Hi regan!

My certification program was a three month long home study program ending with a case study where you actually counsel someone and write up a detailed nutrition plan for their goals/body type. I found everything VERY interesting mainly just because I love everything about this stuff! I loved reading the textbook, doing the quizzes, working on the case study…it was all fascinating to me to learn more about nutrition! I also had to listen to Dr.Andrew Weil’s audio book on optimum health, which was fascinating. I highly recommend it! The only thing was that it is kind of expensive…..I learned a ton and its cheaper than 4 more years of school to become an RD but it still has a hefty price tag. The work load depends on how well you can balance things..I guess i’ve always been lucky in that way..in college I took 18 credits, had an internship AND worked a part time job…I just love being busy and thrive off having a ton to do! There is a ton of reading with this program..you have 2 textbooks to read and the final exam took me a couple hours to do, but I enjoyed it because I love learning about that stuff. If you just consider it another class you have to take and look at it that way, it might be easier. Think of it as a couple more credits but just don’t save everything til the very end!
on 29 Jan 2008 at 3:52 am15Kate

I came across your site while searching for places to buy fresh food in Tampa. I am 28 years old, and am currently an event planner and marketing coordinator for a wine retail store in Tampa Bay. I am a huge fan of Mireille Guiliano’s books (as some of your fans are), and actually created and hosted an event based around the “French Paradox” (relating to wine), which is the prominent theme in her books. I am planning another event next month on the same subject.

The reason I am writing is two-fold. Not only did your website and philosophy strike a chord (as it obviously did for many other women out there), but I also want to ask for your assitance. After reading the “French Women…” books and learning how to maintain my own weight (I am 5′4″ and about 110lbs, though I used to be 130lbs.), I started to modify my diet, search for fresher and seasonal foods, and cook more. I have adopted over 50% of the principles outlined in these books, and I have a strong desire to share some of these principles with other women who have a desire to “Eat for Pleasure”. I would like to start a cooking/discussion/food shopping group of women who want to share recipes, thoughts, and best practices in implementing the techniques that keep French women slim, yet satisified. Any interest in getting involved?
on 29 Jan 2008 at 2:20 pm16jenna

Kate,

That sounds like something I would def. be interested in! Can you email me some more info? Its jenniferaweber@gmail.com

Kudos to you for the weight loss and new life outlook…I’m interested to hear more about it!

Jenna
on 01 Feb 2008 at 1:32 am17music

What do you mean ?
on 05 Feb 2008 at 1:26 pm18Alison

You are a breath of fresh air! Just want to say how much I appreciate your blog and your wonderful attitude towards eating. In your pictures you always radiate such health, positive energy and natural beauty!
on 09 Feb 2008 at 7:11 pm19Beth

Hi Jenna,

I think this blog is wonderful! I am very focused on being the healthiest I possibly can be, so I carefully watch what I put into my body. One problem I have been battling is acne. I have eliminated some foods from my diet (including dairy & red meat) which I know can aggravate it. While I love that your blog is focused on general healthy eating, are you aware of any blogs on healthy eating for beautiful skin? I read a lot on this but think it would be extremely beneficial to follow someone’s diet who focuses on beautiful hair and skin vs. weight. Let me know if you have any thoughts. Thanks for the inspiration that you bring through your blog!

Best,
Beth
on 25 Feb 2008 at 11:58 pm20ashley

I found your blog today and love it! I’m a vegetarian, so I can actually try some of the things you make. I also find it so funny that you are a student living in Orlando and frequently visiting Tampa. I am a student in Tampa driving to Orlando every week for my boyfriend! We have so much in common, huh? Anyway, keep up the good work! I’ll be back!
on 27 Mar 2008 at 1:20 am21diana

I just found your blog and cannot wait to spend an entire evening devouring it! I have been looking for something to inspire me to eat more healthy, incorporate exercise (love yoga!) into my day, and plan my calories with intensive exercise in mind, cook with creatvity, use good cookbooks and also leaning toward vegetarianism.
I can’t wait to try to some recipes!
Your blog looks informative with information presented in a no-nonsense, you have to be a size 2 to be happy and gorgeous way!

Thanks!
on 11 Jun 2008 at 3:53 pm22Sarah

First of all, I’d like to say that I really enjoy your blog! And it totally inspires me to eat better.

I have a couple of questions. And I don’t mean to blog-bash or be critical at all, I’m just curious.

If you’re dabbling in vegetarianism — and it seems from some of your blog posts that you’re almost vegan. And maybe you are totally vegan– I’m a bit fuzzy on the whole thing since I’m a meat eater, except for that one week I accidentally ate no meat. As a vegetarian, how can you train to be a pastry chef? Doesn’t that use lots of eggs/milk/cream? Do you eat eggs and milk? Do you taste what you’re making? If you don’t taste it, how do you know how good it is?

And do people think it’s weird when you take photos of your food in public? Like when you whip out your camera at a restaurant? What camera do you use and do you just carry it with you all the time?

Also, I don’t suppose you’d consider writing a blog post on your fav places to eat in the Orlando area? We go down about twice a year to visit relatives, and are always looking for new suggestions.

Thanks!
on 12 Jun 2008 at 12:36 pm23jenna

Sarah,

Yes, I go to a traditional French culinary school that uses excess amounts of eggs/milk/cream. I taste every single thing I make. Taste is different than stuff my face, however! I am going to this school to obtain the coveted Le Cordon Bleu diploma and learn all the classical techniques so, at home, I have the knowledge to create *new* recipes with a much healthier outlook. Culinary school gives me the education, knowledge and experience I need to have the credentials to do what I want to do and know what I’m talking about. This is just the training to lead me to bigger things and with the cordon bleu behind my name, I can achieve my goals and move up much faster.

No one ever thinks its weird that I take photos. Most people think its pretty cool and some people have asked me if I’m a professional food photographer or a food critic, which I think is pretty cool too. I use a Casio Exilim with 7.2 megabytes and yes, its in my purse always. Its quite small.

I’m much more familiar with the tampa area so I would be more opted to write a post on favorite places there. Truth be told, I’m not a big Orlando fan and I don’t spend much free time here. I go home usually on the weekends and I work all day, go to school all night on the weekdays. I don’t really have the time to go out and explore dining here!
on 12 Jun 2008 at 1:48 pm24Sarah

Thanks so much for the response!
on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:44 am25don

Hello, what an awesome blog!!! Just started running and eating healthy 6 months ago. I must have lost 30 lbs!! But I think more than the exercise it’s the way I eat now, very similar to your regiment. Thanks for the really great recipes, I almost want to follow what you eat daily. I really like the oatmeal pancakes!! Thanks and keep up the great work!!
on 28 Jul 2008 at 4:06 pm26Music lover

Hey Jenna! Nice photos!
on 09 Aug 2008 at 8:51 pm27Shay

Hi Jenna!
What an awesome blog and an amazing philosophy! You seem to have such a great grasp on life and seem like an extremely fun and motivating person! I am currently a sophomore in college, and I too have a passion for food, fitness and nutrition. My major is nursing, but I would also like to somehow incorporate fitness and nutrition into that as well. I see that you are certified by the AFPA as a nutrition and wellness consultant, which is something that I have been researching. Any thoughts or advice on this? Thanks!

Thanks so much!!
on 14 Aug 2008 at 10:31 pm28AlexM

Your blog is interesting!

Keep up the good work!
on 24 Sep 2008 at 6:38 pm29coco

hi Jenna! i’ve been your blog fan a couple of months already, i really love it. i visit it at least twice a day. I have a similar food philosophy, eating healthy and do whatever the body tells us.
recently i’ve began to do yoga as well, and became a fan of it! i’m considering to certify as instructor too!!! and the inspiration was coming from your blog.
I’m wondering how often do you practice and if you do other kind of workout too. Because my yoga sessions are pretty intense, most of time, the highest level of vinyasa. (BTW, what type of yoga do you practice? ) and i don’t think i need extre strength workout. but do you think i need cardio work?
thanks!
on 24 Sep 2008 at 7:19 pm30jenna

Coco,

I used to practice yoga much more frequently than I do now—about six times a week. The reason being was that I lived a few blocks from my yoga studio and was a college student. Now, I practice on average 1-3 times a week but when I move back home to Tampa after my externship this winter I plan to join another yoga studio and alternate between doing that and running. You don’t really need an extra strength workout when you practice yoga because it does very much tone and strengthen every muscle in your body, especially if your practices are long and intense. I don’t really think you need cardio work either except for perhaps long walks. All you are really doing when you do your cardio is trying to get your heart rate to that cardiovascular burn zone and if you can do that with yoga (which you can) you don’t “need” both. It’s really just personal preference! Keep at it!
on 25 Sep 2008 at 12:38 am31coco

thanks Jenna for answering my question!
on 26 Sep 2008 at 2:11 pm32Catherine

Jenna,

I was wondering if you could give me a little more information regarding your certification program. I am 23 and have always been very interested in health, cooking and fitness. Cooking is definitely my first love (I sadly work a 9-5 job, but that doesn’t stop me from creating in the kitchen every day – especially weekends), but I would love to become a certified nutritionist like you. I’m not entirely certain where that will take me career-wise, but I think it’s just something I want to do for me – regardless of whether I start counseling people in nutrition or not. Is there a website that you can point me towards? I would have to do some sort of home-study or online course like you did since I have a day job, but I’m eager to learn and willing to stufy on my own time!

Thanks so much for the amazing blog!
- Catherine
on 14 Nov 2008 at 9:03 am33Jennifer

Hey Jenna! I happened to just stumble across this site, loved it…then looked at the pictures and realized that I knew you!! I have not seen you since the Carolina Yacht Club (I was the bartender)! I absolutely LOVE what you are doing and I am glad to see that you are doing well! :0)
on 14 Nov 2008 at 9:09 am34jenna

Hi jennifer!!!!!!!

How are you??! I’m so glad you found me!
on 21 Nov 2008 at 12:41 am35DDDDepressionnnn

Depression Depression Depression aaaaaaaa
HEEEEELP
I hate winter! I want summer!
on 16 Jan 2009 at 11:11 am36Katie

Hi Jenna! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I really enjoy it. Thanks so much for such great posts.

Like Catherine, I actually found out about the AFPA through this page. I’ve been tossing it around in my mind for a couple of weeks and finally decided to give it a go. My ultimate goal is to help others, but I think I can also learn a lot to help myself. I submitted everything last night and can’t wait to get my materials. Thanks for sharing!
on 29 Jan 2009 at 9:37 am37Kasey

When you have a moment – I have a few questions on nutrition/exercise. I’ve been following a healthy, rounded, 1200-1600 calorie vegan diet for the last seven months, maintaining a weight of about 120 (I’m 5′5″). All of a sudden, I’ve gained about 5 pounds – with no change in my diet, and, if anything, extra exercise – but no extensive weight training. Is there some factor that could be contributing that I’m missing??

Anyway, I absolutely love your blog! I read yours & Kath’s everyday. [: You two are my food-role models! Haha. Thank you!
on 01 Feb 2009 at 1:26 pm38Chanelle

I agree so much with your philosophy! THe second you start “dieting” you become obsessed and resentful toward food and feel guilt and a whole other emotions tied to food that should never be tied to food! Food is wonderful and should make you happy and give you energy! Loving food and making it yourself makes you appreciate it and your views and recipes on food just makes me so happy!
on 22 Feb 2009 at 6:36 am39Messy My Bowl | Eat, Live, Run

[...] My Food Philosophy [...]
on 28 Feb 2009 at 9:01 pm40Jaclyn

Hey you have a great food and workout philosophy. I look forward to following your blog!
on 03 Mar 2009 at 5:04 pm41Em

I love your workout and food philosophy! I will be definitely following your blog!
on 12 Mar 2009 at 2:45 pm42Katie

Hey! I read your blog pretty much daily. I love it! I read that you are are nutrition and wellness consultant which is pretty much what i’m going to be studying. My major is health promotion. I just figured out I wanted to steer away from my original major of sociology and do something i’m really interested in, which is basically overall health. Anyway, I was wondering if you could tell me a little about your education and your job is in a little more detail. If you could email me back that would be great!

THANKS!
Katie
on 12 Mar 2009 at 3:04 pm43Jennifer

I love your blog, especially your food philosophy! I too lived in France for a while and learned to appreciate their love of high quality foods. I lived in the countryside where vegetables were plentiful and nothing was genetically modified. Now I have my very own food blog focusing on simple, easy, healthy foods that are nourishing and comforting. I would love for you to check it out sometime. http://www.keepitsimplefoods. Let me know what you think!
on 20 Mar 2009 at 12:21 pm44Chris

Hey I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your AFPA cert that you got. I am certified with NASM and want a nutrition cert. I don’t like the ISSA cert because it is to much for athletes and supplements. I want something for fat loss and more about food and nutrition. would you recommend the AFPA for me?
on 21 Mar 2009 at 8:35 pm45bibixs

OMG i’m fat! im 5′4 and 130 lbs :S
give me tips to lose weight
on 06 Apr 2009 at 6:27 am46Mandy

Hello! Great blog. Great philosophy. Great food! I totally want that raw “soft-serve”. Will be following…
on 19 Apr 2009 at 7:37 pm47Wendy

Great thoughts about food! I love your blog!
on 25 May 2009 at 5:57 pm48Marcia

Love you blog…followed you here from Katheats.

bibixs – fat? You’re kidding right? I’m 5′2.5″, and a 132 lbs. I’m certainly not fat!! (Gotta lot of muscle on me. Helps to spend much of the day carrying around a 31-lb toddler.)
on 26 May 2009 at 10:28 am49Sarah

I totally agree with you on your food philosophy and look forward to some delicious recipes! The only issue I have here is that while you state you aren’t a registered dietitian you still are willing to give out nutrition advice. I know you have a certification, but there is a reason dietitians are registered and licensed in many states. That is because they have gone through school to learn the science behind nutrition. I know not all dietitians have as healthy an attitude towards food as you do, but still despite a certification, you really are just giving opinions on food. I am a certified personal trainer and make it a point to say the I am not qualified to give nutritional advice. Yes, I could get certified to do that, but I know dietitians can get certified to be trainers too. And I have a master’s degree in exercise science and don’t want dietitians pretending to have the knowledge I do, so I don’t want to step on there toes. Sorry to be a downer, but just had to say it.
on 05 Jun 2009 at 9:51 am50Sarah

Hi! I recently discovered your blog and I LOVE it! I am only 16 years old, but have such a passion and interest in good health and nutrition. Your blog is very inspirational (all of the relgious and spiritual elements you add are excellent reminders to not give up) and I completely agree with your food philosophy! The food, of course, looks amazing, and I shall be trying many of your recipes soon! haha And also, I’m hoping to join a yoga class really soon. I love to run, but here in New England the weather is blahh and I’m forced to run on the treadmill (ew). I’m so bored with my workouts and am looking for something new and I think yoga will be it! I feel like it would be a great stress reliever too, since I’m a big worrier. Anyway, just wanted to say hey and how much we have in common! Nut butters, dark chocolate, and Whole Foods are my favorite things EVER. And of course I love to cook! (I see your whole wheat banana bread in the near future). Thanks again for this wonderful blog and I look forward to following it!
on 25 Jun 2009 at 3:52 pm51Hayley

Hey Jenna,

I have been reading your blog for a while now. Your blog caught my eye because you went through similar things as I have. I love seeing all the delicious food you post! I was wondering, do you have any tips when it comes to improving your health and eating. I do enjoy meat but I really only prefer lean cuts such as chicken pork and fish. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Hayley
on 14 Jul 2009 at 10:15 pm52Steffi

I love your website. I take great joy reading it, as a fitness foodie, and runner(trying to rehab back from injury). You give me inspiration. Have you ever gotten injured? how did you come back if you did??

Keep eating, running, and blogging!
on 22 Jul 2009 at 5:49 pm53Cei

Hi, have just started reading…loving the blog!! I am an aspiring runner, trying to learn to live a healthy lifestyle on a vegetarian diet…but not always suceeding!!? I’m sure I will find many helpful tips around your site!! xx.
on 26 Jul 2009 at 8:28 pm54Carolyn

I am so glad my cousin introduced me to your site. You’re food philosophy is just what I try to live by as well, and I’m definately looking forward to reading your blog now. Just a quick question you said you were 120 lbs I was just wondering how tall are you?
on 02 Aug 2009 at 3:23 pm55Penny

Hi Jenna,
I just recently discovered your blog and love it. I too am training for a half marathon and your training schedule looks similar to mine. I was wondering though: you say you weigh 120, what is your height? I look forward to reading more!
Thanks, Penny
on 04 Aug 2009 at 1:20 am56Hillary

Hi Jenna -
First off, your blog just made it onto my Favorites list and I know I will be checking it daily. I am so glad to have discovered it. Every word sounds like it is coming straight from me. I am 20-years-old, studying to earn a bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition Communication. I’m an avid runner too. My passions in life are food, baking, health, nutrition & exercising (running). My dream is to combine my love for nutrition and writing together someday, but learning about the 4-month program you did to become a consultant also sounds really interesting. I have so much to say (as we have so much in common), but I’ll leave it at that. Thanks for your inspiration. I know I will enjoy reading Eat.Live.Run.

- Hillary
on 04 Aug 2009 at 2:38 pm57Hillary

P.S. You say you are going to culinary school at the moment. Do you also work? And what did you earn your college degree in?
on 12 Aug 2009 at 3:35 pm58Dana

I absolutely love this site! I learned about the world of food blogging by reading Katheats and have recently stumbled upon Eatliverun. I have struggled (and still do) with being underweight. Reading this blog has shown me what healthy eating TRUELY is. I am guilty of eating way too many fat free foods in the past, but seeing how “normal” people eat and live has opened my eyes. My diet now includes many more healthy fats than ever before and I feel both physically and mentally better about that. I still have a long way to go, but your daily blogging helps keep me on the right track. Thanks so much for being such a great inspiration and leader!
on 17 Aug 2009 at 8:07 pm59Haley

Hi Jenna,
Your blog was sent to me today and I have to say I love it!! I’m a personal trainer and wellcoach and hate the word diet. As a matter of fact the 3 points on my pyramid is mind, body, fuel (food). I prefer to use the term fuel as a reference to one’s diet and stay away from that word. SO kudos to you for speaking up and being so honest with your approach towards food and being healthy. With so many “diets” out there it can be very overwhelming for consumers, typically women, to do what’s best for their body. Thanks for you insight and honesty!!
on 01 Sep 2009 at 11:42 pm60Pam

Hi Jenna:
Just stumbled across your blog recently. I find it inspiring, interesting and really informative.
You have inspired me to cut out the artificial sweeteners that I consume and increase the amount of tea I drink!
On a nutritional note, I am (are you ready?) a lactose intolerant vegetarian celiac. Did you get that? The lactose intolerance is not severe so I do indulge occasionally on some cheese and frozen yogurt.
I would love for you explore or do more taste test on Gluten Free foods. It is a difficult way to live unless you plan ahead and I tend to not buy labeled gluten free foods because they generally are higher in fat and sugar. Any thoughts on gluten and living gluten free?
Thanks again for the awesome posts and great meal ideas!
on 04 Sep 2009 at 12:42 am61andi

Jenna -

I’ve been reading your blog for months now, but never got around to commenting. I also never read your food philosophy before – what an honest and inspiring story! thank you so much for sharing it, and I hope you never give up writing – you have such a gift.

-andi
on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:31 am62Lauren

Hey Jenna!

I absolutelyyy love your blog! I’m obsessed with reading about living a healthy lifestyle with good food! I currently am training for a half marathon as well and couldn’t be more excited. I want to gain some weight before I run but also still eat the same healthy foods because frankly, I’ve realized I feel so much better when I eat healthy and I find it so so good. Since I know you’re a nutritionalist, what do you recommend for me to eat good food + gain a few extra pounds? The race is in December so I’m not too far into training, but I know as I increase the time/mileage for running, I’m going to have to moderate my diet for that. Anything you suggest?

Thanks so much and keep the good blogging going!
on 14 Oct 2009 at 5:16 pm63Alex

Hello! I love to read your blog and too see all the delicous, healthy foods you eat(especially your breakfasts with any kind of nut butter:). I have a question I was hoping you might be able to answer; I am currently in high school and up until a week ago I was running 2-3 miles 5-6 days a week. I had to stop running that many days a week now because of some health issues. My doctor restricted me to running only 3 days(I was extremely sad, let me tell you) a week for now. Now I have 3 days a week(Saturday is my rest day) where I’m supposed to be doing some sort of strength/cross training. Do you have any suggestions of what might be good? If you can suggest ANYTHING AT ALL, I would really appreciate it. THANK YOU!
on 30 Oct 2009 at 3:05 pm64luann

hey there jenna, love the website….saw you in this month’s issure of self mag….thanks for doing what you do and inspiring me! xoxo, luann
on 12 Nov 2009 at 6:03 pm65Sarah

Hi Jenna

I am so excited to have found your blog while reading this month’s issue of Self. I can’t wait to continue to click through your info. Good luck with all of your adventures. I have a passion for healthy eating and living. I am thinking of enrolling in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC to persue this passion as a career. Hope you had fun with your mom’s visit!
on 16 Nov 2009 at 1:36 pm66kyra

Hi,
I wanted to ask you how you got started in the nutrition/food field. I am planning on attending college for nutrition and I was wondering what school you attended and the different steps you took to get where you are today. Any advice or information would be great!
on 26 Nov 2009 at 12:26 pm67Ginna

Hi there! We have the same name just different spellings! I came across your blog searching for a steel cut oat recipe. Loved hearing to spent time in Paris and loved the food. My husband and I are going there for two weeks this December and we cannot wait. We are even taking a cooking class with a French Chef! I am struggling with trying to lose 20 pounds I have gained since I got married and am always looking for new healthy recipes to try!
on 29 Nov 2009 at 8:30 am68Sunny

Hey my name is Sunny, I’m 17 years old. My aunt just introduced me to your website and I absoultely feel in love with it! I have the same passion for food and cooking. Recently over the past two years I’ve become a nutriton lover . Anyways It’s my senior year of high school and I have to go to college, so I was curious where you attended or do you have any reccomendations for nutritional schools? I’ve visited the CIA and I realized I don’t want to spend my life in a kitchen, but the school was heaven.
on 11 Dec 2009 at 2:36 am69Rachel

Hi, what a lovely website and what a great philosophy!

I’m Rachel, a yoga teacher and passionate organic foodie in the UK, trying to mix a busy lifestyle with proper nutritious meals. Looking forward to reading your recipes and tips!
on 14 Dec 2009 at 6:56 pm70Teniah Howell

Just found your site and look forward to following your blog. I truly appreciate your posts and your nutritional advice and recipes! I am also focused on living a healthy lifestyle through the food I eat, my dedication to fitness, and my yoga practice. Thank you for sharing.
on 01 Jan 2010 at 2:59 pm71Maria (realfitmama)

Jenna,

I have been an Eat, Live, Run reader for quite some time now and am just spending a lazy day at the computer. I wanted to let you know that I adore your blog! It is one of a few that I frequent everyday and with two daughters under the age of 8 my time is rarely free. I am currently training to run a marathon in November, but living in the midwest where the weather is freezing from November until almost March was wondering how well Yoga really helps in the area of cardio? I have dabbled in it some, but always felt like it was a waste of time when I could be sweating it out on the treadmill. I have a few pilates DVD’s that I use from time to time, but am really considering joining a yoga studio after all the hype I hear about it. Thoughts??
on 03 Jan 2010 at 2:17 am72Steven Kres

Wow, you’re so pretty, steve
on 06 Jan 2010 at 8:27 am73Sandra

What a breath of fresh air! I’m old enough to be your mother(lol) but you are teaching me things about food that I don’t know!

Thanks!

Sandra from Georgia
on 24 Jan 2010 at 5:54 pm74Emily

I have struggled with disordered eating habits since my girlhood. From excessive exercise to starvation–I’ve been there. Now I’m embarking on my adulthood with the goal to be kinder to myself and discover health, strength, and the consequent vitality rather than trying to uphold an unnatural ideal. I’m still not there yet, but your blog sets a wonderful example of the kind of life I’d like to lead in relation to food and exercise. I realize food is FUN and not a torturous element that pervails over an unrealistic goal. You exercise to keep strong, sane, and vibrant–not to wittle down to a 00. Keep on livin’ the way you do, and reminding me everyday of the joy of good health.
on 23 Feb 2010 at 8:33 am75Tawnya

oh my gosh I LOVE your blog so much. Just started reading it recently!!!
on 25 Feb 2010 at 1:01 pm76kace@no guts no glory

What a fabulous philosophy. Women are brainwashed from childhood to reduce calories and deprive themselves of the food they love. I’m only now realizing that its all about eating what your body needs and maintaining a healthy balance of the bad-for-you and good-for-you foods. I’m really glad I found this site because it will definitely help me learn more about how to lose the weight the right way! Keep up the good work
on 03 Mar 2010 at 2:44 pm77Chef Franky G

Hello Jenna!

Great website! I love your style and easy approach to foods!
As a fellow chef and lover of food, I wanted to share a project of mine called Food Challenge 2010. The premise is for people to send in a list of ingredients, I will formulate a recipe from what they offer, then ask them to prepare the meal.
If you would love to check out more information, do so here http://frankgiglio.net/wordpress/food-challenge-2010/

Thank you for your time,
Bless
Franky