Happy weekend! Hope yours is off to a beautiful start!
Workout
My day began at 5:30 a.m. I had to be at work by 7:00 a.m. and wanted to squeeze in a quick HIIT workout before my shift at the clinic. I decided to tackle ZWOW #28. When I watched the new video on Thursday, I knew it was gong to be a doozy but was more-than up for the challenge. Instead of doing AMRAP for 10 minutes, I gave myself the goal of getting through three rounds. Um, yeah. This was one of the hardest ZWOWs, in my opinion. I was panting so hard the entire time but I never gave up and felt like a warrior at the end of it! Win.
The drive to work was pure bliss. I listened to The Decemberists, sipped warm, black coffee, and soaked up the morning sunshine. I absolutely love morning drives – it’s such a precious time to me. Everything is still, fresh, and new.
Snack
Mid-morning, between patients, I snacked on some mixed nuts. I’m especially loving walnuts and pecans lately Mixed nuts are my favorite go-to snack because they’re portable and, most importantly, nutrient dense enough to tide me over during my shifts.
Lunch
After work, I headed home to prep lunch and then went to Matty’s. Both of us had freelance projets to work on, so we figured it would be better to get them done in the same room. I munched on a big, beautiful bowl of veggies and tofu!
To start, I sauteed 1 cup. organic, extra-firm tofu and 1/2 cup broccoli in 1 tsp. coconut oil before adding a tride-and-true blend of seasonings: 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast, 1 1/2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning, and 1 tsp. mesquite. This combo never fails! After about 10 minutes in the pan, I tossed the tofu with a bunch of raw kale, spinach, and carrots. A generous drizzle of Whole Foods Sesame-Ginger dressing pushed the flavor of this salad over the top!
Makin’ Progress
There is quite a bit of celebrating going on over here! And by here, I mean my brain.
1.) After completing my final summer course at the end of June (and officially becoming a college graduate!), I didn’t anticipate finding a job in the nutrition field so quickly. After accepting my position as a nutritionist, I set out to put my journalism minor to use and embarked on getting into the freelance writing field. Ideally, I’d love to make my full-time job a combination of nutrition counseling, blogging, and freelance writing. This, as I’ve quickly realized, is easier said than done – but I’ve never met a challenge I wouldn’t face head-on!
When I started seeking opportunities in the freelance writing world, I was totally stumped and overwhelmed. After lots of research, creating a media kit (thank you, Katy!), completing some applications, and pitching story ideas, I’ve officially gotten four freelance writing gigs! I’m so excited to finally see my dreams slowly coming to fruition. Can I get a woop woop?! 
2.) Outside of the working world, as we know, I’ve increased my strength training regimen, cut my HIIT workouts to once per week, and increased my fat and energy intake. Well, in the past three weeks, I’ve gained 0.5 lbs. of muscle! My primary goal isn’t to gain muscle, lose weight, or gain weight – it’s to do whatever I have to do to get my period back. That being said, it feels really great to see some progress in the process. Our bodies are constantly changing and need different things at different times. Right now, I know that I’m doing what’s best for my body. Can I get another woop woop?!
I guess I’m just here to update you all on my life – because I promised that I would – and show you that hard work yields hard results. Dipping your toes into the sea of unknown is scary (that’s why I despise the dark) but you always feel like a rock star afterwards. And that you are, my friends.
Stay lovely,
Heather
Question of the Day: What have you made progress on lately?
I’ve gained another 5lbs of muscle! Yay for strength training! I’ve also started considering going back to study nutritional therapy..decision to be made by the end of the coming week!
Would love some tips on how to get in to freelance writing….pop me on a mail when you have the time..michshel23@gmail.com… only if you have the time, I know your a busy lady!
Tofu dish sounds yum, love quick simple lunches; I now have a massive hankering for tofu!!!
Well done on ZWOW 28…haven’t tackled it yet! I went with ZWOW 8 this morning, loved it! Did the timed 6 rounds in just over 14 mins!
Happy Saturday hun!
You GO GIRL! I’ll email you this week, okay?
All such great news!
Congrats!
You are very inspiring. I too am cutting back on cardio and increasing my good fats
X
Whoop Whoop!! Awesome news girl! Keep up the GREAT work! You are such an incredible inspiration!
Aww, thank you Lydia. It’s people like you that keep me going!
Nice work Heather you really are making some great progress! I’m still job hunting after graduating with a nutrition degree too and it’s certainly not easy to find something!! Nice work on the strength training too! Gaining pure muscle is a sign of definite progress
You’re so hard-working and kind, Danielle. I just know that you’re going to find something and you’re going to fulfill your passion. Keep working hard – you’re amazing!
Awesome!! Congratulations on everything you’ve been doing
Those are huge accomplishments and you should be super proud of yourself. What a great summer you’ve had!
Thanks so much, Miranda! You’re always so kind and supportive. Sending you lots of love and hugs!
Outrageously proud of and happy for you! I can’t wait to see how high you soar.
Your friendship is priceless to me, Jenny! xoxo
Awesome and wonderful news! Keep up that positive attitude!
i am so proud of you sis xo I love you
Thanks, Meg! I love you too! Oh so much.
I’m SO proud of you. I’m in the exact same situation and am trying to get my body to it’s healthiest possible state. The progress you’re making is sooo inspiring and amazing!
I love that you and Matty are able to work on your own projects together. That’s such an important dynamic to have in a relationship! You two are adorable. (:
Thanks, Emily! I’m proud of YOU too, sister!
You’re right – I’m so blessed to have him! We’re a team for sure.
Awesome Heather – so happy to hear things are going well for you x
Thanks Lolita! You’re the sweetest, babe.
Congrats, Heather! So proud of you!! <333
Thanks, Brittany.
So great to hear you celebrating all your accomplishments BB! You so deserve it and are inspiring me to get my booty moving on my media kit (and look at yours bahhhh I suck I suck! Wait no I’m amazing but I still suck at THAT little thing haha). The salad in this post looks soooo damn good, I am so glad I am over my tofu texture aversions now, but not sure if I can eat it raw yet
I’m super late to comment, but just wanted to say how proud I am of you on your progress thus far!
I’m so happy to hear you went out of your comfort zone, applied for freelance gigs and are seeing things fall into place with future dreams! I want to get into freelance writing, but I’m super clueless about it haha.
It makes me joyful to hear you are treating your body so well! As you know, we are both doing the same thing with our bods:)
I’ve gained a little weight, makes sense with the lessened workouts and increased calories, but I’m so motivated to not allow this ED to effect my bone health and future chances of having a family. I already know how much damage I’ve caused thus far (hello osteopenia), but I know I can overcome these obstacles! Love you and your positivity! xoxox