I know that you all have heard me talk about the company UnitedLuv but I wanted to do a post about them today. This company has such a touching story and I am proud to support it!
If you are not familiar with UnitedLuv here is how it all began....
United Luv is a business created by two brothers, one a graphic design artist (Ryan), and the other a business major (Dallas). The mission of United Luv came into effect when Ryan was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma in 2011.
Having spent a great deal of time in hospitals and cancer treatment centers, Ryan quickly learned that there were limited options to pass the time.
Ryan wanted to give back to others fighting cancer by providing a distraction to what was going on around them. United Luv’s first mission is to provide iPads and tablets to the Oncology floors in the community.
In order to put the United Luv Project into action, the brothers decided to give 10% of the proceeds back into the medical community.
On February 9, 2013, Ryan lost his battle with cancer. Although Ryan was not able to see the dream come to fruition, his partner Dallas is going to continue their mission.
Having spent a great deal of time in hospitals and cancer treatment centers, Ryan quickly learned that there were limited options to pass the time.
Ryan wanted to give back to others fighting cancer by providing a distraction to what was going on around them. United Luv’s first mission is to provide iPads and tablets to the Oncology floors in the community.
In order to put the United Luv Project into action, the brothers decided to give 10% of the proceeds back into the medical community.
On February 9, 2013, Ryan lost his battle with cancer. Although Ryan was not able to see the dream come to fruition, his partner Dallas is going to continue their mission.
So today on casual Friday at work I will show my support!!!
So check out their website today!!
Next I got the chance to interview the writer of the blog Hello Healthy Eating. I love finding new blogs and when I stumbled across hers I loved it because she is such a Godly woman it is inspiring. In today's world it is sometimes hard to stay on track with your believes with so many distractions but I love when I find something that will help you grow closer with God rather than draw you away. I can relate to her story in many ways and I think that is why I was so interested in learning more.
So here we go....
Everyone meet Cailee, she is a college girl who loves life! She loves Jesus, her family and friends, and her dog Jess. She is a hard-core thrift shopper and seriously obsessed with scarves and hair bows! Her blog is all about healthy eating and nutrition; which is a passion of hers! She lost 35lbs. and follows a new lifestyle to maintain the weight loss!
1. What made you to decide to become a healthier version of yourself and how is it different from before?
Well, to be quite honest, I used to really struggle with binge eating and under eating. It was a vicious cycle for me and it was really frustrating. I felt like I had no control over this area of my life. I knew I wanted to 'eat healthy' but I didn't even really know what that meant! I began reading blogs, books, and magazines about making healthy choices and I started praying about it. A huge part of my weight loss journey is tied to my relationship with Jesus Christ. I realize that 'binge eating' is me trying to satisfy the desires of my heart with something other than Christ. I now view how I eat as a physical discipline as well as a spiritual one. Food was an idol to me! But God used something I struggled with so deeply for good. Now I want to help others learn the importance of eating right and honoring God. I want them to know that there is HOPE!
Well, to be quite honest, I used to really struggle with binge eating and under eating. It was a vicious cycle for me and it was really frustrating. I felt like I had no control over this area of my life. I knew I wanted to 'eat healthy' but I didn't even really know what that meant! I began reading blogs, books, and magazines about making healthy choices and I started praying about it. A huge part of my weight loss journey is tied to my relationship with Jesus Christ. I realize that 'binge eating' is me trying to satisfy the desires of my heart with something other than Christ. I now view how I eat as a physical discipline as well as a spiritual one. Food was an idol to me! But God used something I struggled with so deeply for good. Now I want to help others learn the importance of eating right and honoring God. I want them to know that there is HOPE!
2. What is your favorite go to meal and what are you favorite snacks?
Since I'm in college, my 'go to' meal is usually something from the cafeteria, not something from my own kitchen. Also, I have a sensitivity to gluten and lactose, so that limits my options even more. I usually have fresh fruit and nuts, hard boiled eggs, or oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, I head to the salad bar, deli bar and fruit stand. I always have a massive garden salad loaded with fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and carrots, quinoa and a drizzle of dressing. I throw on a bit of sliced turkey breast, steamed veggies and sometimes a slice of gluten free toast. I always grab a piece of fresh fruit for later. When it comes to snack time, LUNA bars and Lara Uber bars really satisfy my sweet cravings. I enjoy avocado, flax seed crackers, salsa, carrots, nuts, and popcorn. And if the cafeteria closes before I get there, I can always combine a few of these snacks together to make a 'mini-meal.'
3. How do you keep your healthy lifestyle with parties, holidays, weddings and any get together with tempting treats?
Everyone who knows me knows I eat really healthy, so they don't expect anything less, regardless of the occasion! Eating healthy makes me happy and eating junky makes me sad! People seem to enjoy my company more when I'm happy! :) And honestly, when you cut out the junk food in your life, you really don't crave it, and you don't miss it too much when you pass it up. I would choose fresh fruit over ice cream... just because it makes my body happy! Ultimately, being able to resist junk food takes time, but the less you eat it, the less you'll want it!
4. How often do you exercise and what is your favorite?
Since I'm in college, I do a fair amount of walking from class to class and from dorm to dining hall. I also love yoga and Pilates. I don't do these as much as I should… but a friend and I are planing to start working out on Tuesday and Thursday mornings!
5. What is typically in your grocery cart?
Even though I have a full meal plan at school, I still spend a fair amount on groceries. I usually buy LUNA bars, avocados, plums, rice bars, raw nuts, nut butter, frozen mango for smoothies and lots of carrots! Carrots are my favorite food and I eat them multiple times a day! I'm like a little rabbit :)
6.Everyone has to treat themselves every once in a while. What is your go to treat?
Well, one of my best friends is a vegan and we usually have a 'snack and chat' time at night--after studying and before bedtime. One of my new favorite treats (thanks, Leanne) is organic powdered chocolate peanut butter. The powder is basically peanuts that have been 'pressed' to remove some of the fat and calories. I love that with a frozen banana! We also treat ourselves to gluten-free, vegan cookies that are sweetened with stevia! And I can't forget to mention Caramel Nut Brownie Luna bars… yum! You've got to try them!
7. How has changing your lifestyle changed your life?
My life is completely changed! In fact, whenever people see old pictures of me, they're kind of shocked! I look different on the outside, but I'm also different on the inside. My mood has become level, my skin has cleared up, my hair and nails are healthy, and I feel so much more in control! I enjoy life much more because I know that I am honoring God with my body. I also love it when people ask for help in regards to eating right! They see the change in me and know it's possible! ALL things are possible with God!
8. Why did you decide to start a blog?
Well, I've been reading other health and nutrition blogs for a few years. Bloggers were there for me when I was heavier and they still keep me motivated now. I also plan to become a Registered Dietician and a Motivational Speaker for health and nutrition. I figured a blog is a good way for me to express my knowledge, my passion, and my faith in Christ with everyone I can! Thanks so much for this opportunity to introduce myself to your readers. Hello Healthy Eating!
I hope you all really enjoyed getting to know Cailee, I know I have. She is an inspiration and her blog is somewhat new. So make sure you check it out!!
Week 1 Day 4 of Training:
2 Miles & Strength
After my run I worked my arms with various workouts
Day 12 recommit:
Breakfast: 2 eggs
with hot sauce
Snack: 25 almonds and fruit
Lunch: leftover healthy Japanese dish
Lunch: leftover healthy Japanese dish
Snack: protein bar
Dinner: skip
Day 13 recommit:
Brunch: egg sub omelet with onion and peppers with 2 pieces turkey bacon
Dinner: Chinese buffet: broccoli, bourbon chicken, cabbage.
Day 14 recommit:
Breakfast: skip
Lunch: skip ( I slept super late so I never got really hungry)
Dinner: spaghetti squash with ground chicken and low sugar marinara with 100% whole wheat cheese toast (with skim mozz)
Dinner: skip
Day 13 recommit:
Brunch: egg sub omelet with onion and peppers with 2 pieces turkey bacon
Dinner: Chinese buffet: broccoli, bourbon chicken, cabbage.
Day 14 recommit:
Breakfast: skip
Lunch: skip ( I slept super late so I never got really hungry)
Dinner: spaghetti squash with ground chicken and low sugar marinara with 100% whole wheat cheese toast (with skim mozz)
188 days no diet
mountain dew
Next 5k Oct 12th or
19th
33 days till (new)
ultimate goal-
April 4th 1st 10k-
174 days
