Behind The Blog: Heather of Heather Eats Almond Butter

I created this Behind The Blog series to introduce you to some of my favorite blogs and the writers who make them possible. Perhaps you’re looking for a great new blog to read . . . or maybe you’d like to get to know the bloggers behind the magic. This series will satisfy both curiosities.

I am excited to introduce Heather of Heather Eats Almond Butter!

Blog Link: Heather Eats Almond Butter

Heather is a great role model for losing weight the healthy way. She lost over 100 pounds since her senior year in college by making small lifestyle changes such as drinking less soda, walking more, eating lots of veggies and enjoying almond butter and other nut butters, of course! The amazing thing about Heather is that, because she made small and sustainable changes, she has kept the weight off for about 10 years. She says that “keeping the weight off is not that challenging,” which means Heather knows how to make realistic changes! She reminds me of my husband, who lost 50 lbs and has been maintaining that loss for almost 2 years now. He, too, made small and realistic changes. It’s not about dieting or deprivation — it’s all about balance!

Check out my interview with Heather to learn what she has to say about topics ranging from her favorite foods to maintaining a healthy body image. I love her answer to my last question regarding her favorite piece of advice to give to others. Beautiful response!

Tammy: How do you maintain a positive body image?

Heather: I try to focus on what my body can do rather than what it can’t, and I try not to compare myself to others.  So easy to do, but so silly since we are all built differently.

Tammy: How do you think food blogs help and/or harm someone with or recovering from an eating disorder?

Food blogs are a great resource for recipes, new foods, exercise advice, and I’ve found that for the most part, the blogging community is a wonderful & supportive group.  That being said, I don’t know if staring at pictures of food and reading about other’s workouts everyday is always a good idea for someone recovering from an eating disorder.  My advice is to stick with the positive bloggers – the ones that will lift you up, not bring you down.

Tammy: Off the top of your head, what’s one of your favorite quick and healthy recipes?

Heather: Marinutta Sauce: http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/recipes/marinutta-sauce/

Tammy: Name one nutritious food that has changed your health for the better. How has it changed your health?

Chia Seeds – I usually eat them everyday.  They are high in protein, fiber, and Omega-3′s.  Plus, I love how they thicken up my smoothies and oats.

Tammy: Now it’s time for some fun! What’s your favorite . . .

breakfast cereal?

Any type of granola.

oatmeal combination?

Rolled oats, rice protein powder, & nut butter.

vegetable, and a quick way to prepare it?

Broccoli in the vegetable steamer.

pre-workout snack?

Rice protein smoothie with 1/2 frozen banana.

ice cream treat?

So Delicious Coconut milk ice-cream or vanilla Rice Dream.

dessert?

Raw chocolate fudge with vanilla Rice Dream.

Web site for recipes?

http://www.choosingraw.com/recipes/ - I’ve never made a Gena recipe I didn’t like.

abs exercise?

Plank holds. I actually look forward to seeing how long I can hold them.

song to workout to?

This is a tough one – so much good music out there.  I love doing my own yoga flow to music, and these days, it’s mostly Alexi Murdoch and Ben Harper.

way to de-stress?

A walk in the woods, on the couch with a good book, a hot soak in a bath filled with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender and peppermint essential oils.

skin care product?

My skin care routine is so basic, but I love using coconut oil as a moisturizer…until it started staining all of my clothes…oops.

hair care product?

My hair is naturally curly and gets so frizzy if I don’t use products.  Garnier Fructis leave-in conditioner is the best and cheapest frizz tamer, but the smell is way too strong.  If I could afford it, I would use nothing but Davines products.  Love love love them.

makeup secret weapon?

No secret weapons here as I go most days without it.

piece of advice to give to others?

Be yourself.  Listen to your body – it’s an amazing gift that was made for balance.

Thanks, Heather, for sharing your words of wisdom with the readers of Defining Wellness!