Hey guys! Happy Friday!

I hope you have had a great week and are ready to kick off a great weekend. Is anyone off on Monday for MLK Jr. day? I am! I’m still getting used to not having to work weekends and holidays.

As I mentioned in my New Year’s post, I am really hoping to shift the focus of my blog back to more nutrition-related content and stick to a more consistent posting schedule (probably Mondays and Fridays with an additional Wednesday post if I have time). I tried to figure out a way to still touch base about day-to-day stuff since my reader survey indicated that you guys liked lifestyle posts. I landed on Fridays to be more of a casual post where I talk about anything going on in life, and sticking with my Friday Five format. I’m hoping that this works out- if you don’t like the format of Friday Fives then please let me know! Here are a few exciting things from this week…

Friday Fives 1.13.17

1. 3 year RD-iversary

On January 4, I celebrated the 3-year anniversary of when I passed my RD exam and officially became a registered dietitian. It’s crazy to think I have worked in this field for almost NINE years and that it has been 3 whole years since I became an RD. I have learned so much about health, wellness, nutrition research and medicine over the past 3 years. Passing my RD exam was really just the beginning of my true education. I haven’t stopped learning since!

It has been the best feeling when someone comes back to me and lets me know that something I’ve helped them with ended up changing their life for the better. I’ve really been blessed with a career that gives me the opportunity to experience something like that!

2. I registered for a half marathon

Yeah, I know. Me.

I have been having a lot of introspective thoughts about life lately. I’m not sure if it’s because of the New Year, following through with starting my own business or some other reason. But I really want 2017 to be all about accomplishing things I never thought I could do. And running a half marathon is one of those things.

If you’ve read here for a while then you know I’ve had quiet a few orthopedic injuries and really doubted my capability to get back into running for a long time. But my experiencing training for a triathlon last year showed me that running is realistic for me as long as I follow a smart training plan that involves cross training, strength training and listening to my body.

I registered for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Nashville (!) on April 29. I know so many people who love the energy of the Rock ‘n’ Roll series, and I have always wanted to go to Nashville. I am using the Hal Higdon 12-week training plan, except I added 4 additional weeks to the beginning with lower mileage. Hopefully that will ease me into things a little better after a fairly inactive holiday season :)  I started this week! I’m really excited… and kind of scared.

If you have ANY half marathon or running tips then please leave them in the comments below.

3. Weekend Plans

B and I are headed to Florida for the long weekend! We are flying down there to spend some time with his family, and we’re both very much looking forward to some rest and relaxation! Something funny is that it snowed here last weekend and I haven’t been able to wait to get to warmer weather… except now it’s supposed to be 70 degrees in Charlotte this weekend.

4. Getting back into better eating habits

I don’t know about you guys, but I really have to press the ‘reset’ button on my diet after the holidays. I do try to incorporate healthy eating habits between Thanksgiving and New Years, but let’s just be honest here…. there are lots of indulgences around the holidays.

I’ve gotten back to focusing on the basics…. drinking plenty of water, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and really listening to my body to figure out if I’m feeling full or hungry. I’ve been cooking a lot at home, too, which I love!

Something has gotten into me lately and I’ve renewed my love affair with my slow cooker. I’m converting B as well, but I guess that’s what happens when you date a dietitian #sorrynotsorry. In the past week, we have used the slow cooker to make black beans, bulk shredded chicken breast (recipe coming next week!) and a coconut curry Indian meal.

5. Erin Condren Giveaway

Don’t forget that I’m giving away a free Erin Condren LifePlanner. You can read my post all about how I use it to meet my fitness and nutrition goals. Entry details are at the bottom of the post.

Have a great weekend!!

What will you be up to this weekend?

Doing any races this year? In addition to the half marathon, I have my eye on the Kiawah Triathlon in September!