Healthy Chicks

This may sound strange, but years ago when I was applying to college, I began my college admission’s essay…wait for it…at the gym! Yes, while hundreds of other students put in hours at the library or glued to the computer chair, I began scribbling my essay (that got me into JMU) on the elliptical machine…with a pen and piece of scrap paper. What can I say; a light bulb hit while I was trucking along on the machine and I went with it. I’ve also thought of article ideas on long runs, have worked through job stresses by lifting weights and have tackled my way through life’s toughest decisions simply by going for a long walk.

While this may sound completely out there to you, I promise I have a point. That is that 99% of the time problems can be solved through exercise. Hear me out. Normally when we’re stuck in a rut (whether it be a deadline or a mini life crisis) we tend to shut down and fall apart. That’s how I used to handle problems in high school. If I was upset about a guy, an assignment, or a tricky decision, I’d shut down completely. … Read More!

I’m often asked many questions when it comes to fitness, diet and healthy cooking. Today I was asked on my website what the best options are at the grocery store for healthy cooking that’ll ensure a good look by next weekend. Then there’s my sister who would call me nearly every week when she was in college asking what the “best” or “right” choices are for her meals.

While I’d give her (and many others) my two cents plus some nutritional wisdom, the thing is: there is no RIGHT choice when it comes to what you put on your plate. Sure some options are much better choices than others, but it’s oh so much fun to experiment and try new things, rather than go with the usual boring “health foods.” What’s the fun in same old, same old? Spice it up with a little variety, girl! Instead of loading up on bananas and apples like you do every weekend, buy oranges, grapefruits or berries that are on sale. Tired of the usual rice pilaf? Mix it up with long grain or brown rice with some olive oil and fresh herbs, or substitute a hearty sweet potato for your usual starchy … Read More!

So in the past month I’ve done quite a lot: I’ve lost a few pounds, learned to love running, quit my job to pursue my dream as a writer and dyed my hair brunette. And I have to say it feels pretty darn good. It’s refreshing to make some healthy changes to your life once in a while, and I felt that I was well overdue for some.

Of course I’ve made changes in my life before, but this is the first time that I’ve done all of it for me, myself and I. Yes, while that sounds a little selfish, I think we all need to take some time to live for ourselves once in a while. Not for anyone else. And that’s exactly what I’m doing. My more in shape, running-obsessed, free spirit, brunette self are all things I did for me, things that that define me. I didn’t make any changes for a guy, my family, or a friend for once. This is all about Rachel.

So my advice to you is to break that habit of living for someone else and go out and get what you want. Tackle it and make it your own. … Read More!

As you know, I absolutely love anything and everything local. Forget brand names and packaged foods with more than 100 ingredients. EW. Local food artisans are so much more interesting…and they make tastier products. Seriously, you should see me when I walk into Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or a local Farmer’s Market. I’m like a little kid on Christmas morning…walking around with eyes bigger than my head and a grumbling stomach. I want to taste everything; I want to taste it ALL. From wineries and cheese producers to homemade breads and ooey gooey brownies, local is totally the way to go.

Today at work we discovered Effie’s Homemade, a local company crafting up biscuit-like cookies out of Hyde Park, MA. Two life-long friends (Joan Maclsaac and Irene Costello) started the company in honor of Joan’s mom Effie and her amazing Oatcakes recipe. And there you have it: Effie’s Homemade was born, baking up fresh, simple oatcakes, corncakes ‘n’ nutcakes daily! These tasty gems beat a cookie any old day…serve the biscuits with tea, a piece of cheese or enjoy as a light, tasty snack any time of the day! Better yet, the ingredients are fresh and simple so you … Read More!

I suppose I’ve always been one to make bold, spontaneous moves. When I was a sophomore in college and wanted to hop on a plane to visit a guy I’d been “seeing,” my dad told me I needed to stop following my hormones, and follow my heart. Then when I moved to Boston three months after graduation (without a job) because I was bored , many people thought I was absolutely crazy. But you know what, I didn’t care a bit about what others thought of my decision. After all, it’s my life after all, and I knew I’d figure it out. I always have. When I want something, I waaaantttt something, and go and get it.

That’s why I’ve decided to make the boldest decision of all, a decision that at first shocked/stunned/surprised and maybe even frightened many (especially my mother). I’ve decided to leave my full time job (yes, even in this terrible economy) to pursue my dreams of publishing a book and becoming a writer. I guess I finally took my dad’s advice of following my heart; it definitely isn’t my hormones speaking this time.

As I sit in a cafe writing and eating a fresh, delectable … Read More!

Can you believe it’s already August? It seems like yesterday I was freaking out in early June about the horrendous bathing suit season and my non air-conditioned apartment. But now it’s already August?? WHAT??! That means only four months ’til the holidays come, and before you know it, it’s Valentine’s Day again. OK, OK…maybe I’m getting a little ahead of myself. But the one thing I know is time sure does fly by. And while it is cliché, it flies by even faster when you’re having fun…and I have to say I have been having a lot of fun lately.

When you’re living in the glorious city of Boston, it’d be a waste not to be having fun. So go out and try that delicious, hip restaurant your friends have been raving about. Go ahead ask out that certain someone you’ve been eyeing for the past month! Forget about work and bills for a day and take your beautiful family on a mini vacation to Maine or New Hampshire.

We have to seize the moment, live for the day and make the most of every single second of our lives! Yes, that sounds a little intense, but it’s true. So … Read More!

Today I got to thinking about schedules, and how they are such a large part of our lives. As Americans, we take schedules so darn seriously. Work schedules, eating schedules, gym schedules, task schedules; the list goes on and on. And while normally schedules and being on time are thought of as responsible, good qualities, are they really all that healthy for us? Of course, it’s good to have some sort of “plan”, but is it really necessary to fill in every little detail in our day to day lives?

I used to be one of those obsessive food schedulers. You know the type…My diet was like clockwork. 8 a.m. breakfast, two hours later a healthy snack, lunch at noon, snack two hours later, dinner at 6 p.m. Dessert if hungry. It was insane, and if I didn’t follow my “schedule,” I’d drive myself absolutely crazy. Not to mention that most days I had exactly what I was going to eat pre-planned out. Thank God I no longer stress about that. Sure, I eat healthy but if I’m starving before lunchtime, I’ll eat a healthy, filling snack like some all natural peanut butter with an apple. If I have zero … Read More!

So this morning I woke up at 8 a.m. Yes, 8 a.m. on a Sunday…I honestly can’t recall the last time I’ve done that. The reason being? I laid low last night with two of my friends-we made dinner together, watched a movie, then walked to get some late night frozen yogurt before hitting the sack by 11. With nine solid hours of sleep, I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, healthy and rejuvenated (definitely can’t complain about that).

Anyway, since I woke up so early, I decided to make the best of my day and do things for “me.” So I skipped out on a beach trip with my two friends and really thought about what I wanted to make out of my day. Sure, I very well could have crawled back in bed and took this gorgeous Sunday as a day for R+R, but I decided to cease the day instead! After all, weekends only come so often and I’m a firm believer in making the most out of the day…out of life in general, really. Life’s too short to bum around…we have to put ourselves out there in this beautiful world we live in!

Well, it’s not … Read More!