Kickin’ It with Food Blogger Rachel Farnsworth
by Cascade Ice on November 6, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with food blogger, Rachel Farnsworth, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I suffer from an autoimmune condition called Addison’s disease. It’s so bad it is actually considered a disability. It affects my everyday life and causes my body to react in an extreme way to the smallest of variations. What I put into my body becomes critical to how I feel and my ability to function. A healthy lifestyle is something I strive for because I can see immediate and dramatic results in the way I feel. I don’t want my disability to limit my life.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role models are my friends. I have lots of friends that try to eat healthy and take care of themselves. I take tips from their lifestyles and try to work them into my own routine.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Fish and salad are always my go-to! Fish cooks so quickly, has so many nutrients and I can always throw together a salad.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
If you are trying to make a change, don’t focus on losing weight. Stay off the scale and just start making some simple changes like incorporating more fruits and veggies and less processed food. It’s a journey that isn’t counted in pounds lost. Instead, focus on how you feel and trying to show your body some love by taking care of it. You’ll get a lot further if you just focus on loving yourself.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t have hard and fast rules or limitations. I try not to limit myself by a list of “no’s.” To me, healthy living is more about “do’s” rather than “don’ts”.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I hate exercise. I loathe it. I’ve found that exercise classes at my gym have really helped me to exercise regularly. I go up front so I won’t wimp out and leave when things get tough and the sweat starts to roll. I’ve been going to the gym 3 to 5 days a week for the past 6 months. I haven’t lost a single pound, but I feel better. I don’t worry about weight loss because I’m trying to love my body no matter what it looks like. Loving my body means I need to take care of it, and that means exercise.
To learn more about Rachel and her tips, visit her blog The Stay at Home Chef to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more! Check Rachel out on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
