Savvy Spotlight: eatingRD

While I’m on my honeymoon in Italy, I have lined up some great guest posts for you.  For the next week and a half, I will be posting 1 or 2 “Savvy Spotlights” a day, highlighting some of my readers and blog friends.  You may see another fun post or two mixed in there as well.

I’ll start recapping our Italy trip when I return.  Have a great week!

Q1.  Introduce yourself!

Hello Savvy Readers!  My name is Kristen (a.k.a. eatingRD) and I’m a registered dietitian with a passion for anything culinary and nutrition related.  I guess you could call me a foodie because, well, I love experiencing good food!  Much of my free time is spent in the kitchen cooking up a storm or adapting recipes to give them a healthier profile.  You’ll also find me taking tons of foodie pictures.  My fiancé and I eat a lot of cold dinners because I have to take so many shots  I adore food photography and continue to strive to learn more about it.  Yea, I’d say I’m addicted.

Another passion of mine is fitness and cycling in particular.  I love being active and have been a dancer since I was 8 years old.  In HS and college I was on dance team and had a blast.  While I don’t dance as much as I used to, my fiance and I started cycling a little over a year ago and have been hooked ever since.  We completed our first century in Napa in May and are training for the next one here in Vegas in October!

Q2. Savvy Eats approaches the concept of healthy living from the standpoint of “Smart Food, Smart Fitness, & Smart Life.”  What does ‘savvy living’ mean to you?

To me ‘savvy living’ is all about balance.  While I do try to eat as close to nature as possible and limit processed foods, I enjoy an occasional sweet treat now and again or a good, juicy burger.  I love having a piece of dark, Belgian chocolate and savoring every luscious bite.  I love enjoying a glass of a rich, fruity Cabernet and some aged, smoked Gouda cheese.  I love when a meal is not just food, but an entire experience. I love recognizing each bite, texture, flavor, presentation, and when all these components come together to make the food special and satisfying.  To me moderation and consistency in healthy eating are the keys to wellness.

Smart Food Q. What is your go-to meal?

Anything quick and fresh!  My go-to meal is any kind of pilaf with, say, quinoa, and then I mix it with whatever I may have on hand like bell peppers, black beans, and mango, or cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese.  Then I make a quick vinaigrette to drizzle over the top or stuff it into squash (see photo- quinoa stuffed kabocha squash).  Another favorite of mine is roasted veggies.  Just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of herbs de provence and some seasoning, in the oven to get brown at 400 F for about 40 minutes, and you’ve got a tasty and healthful side dish.  There are a ton of recipes that are my favorites. (other photo - cumin crusted salmon salad)

Smart Fitness Q. There are a lot of ways to stay fit: running, cycling, yoga, Zumba, strength training, and more.  Which is your favorite, and what tip would you give a beginner?

Cycling has definitely become one of my favorites.  I also am enjoying weights a lot more.  For a beginner I would say to try something that fits your style, your life, your passions.  If that means trying them all then so be it!  Find a group or a friend that would like to join you.  Having company always makes something more fun and it’s very motivating.  When we first started cycling we found our local cycling group and joined some of their group rides which are really fun and push you to get better.

Smart Life Q. Julie and Dan are currently on their dream vacation: cycling through Italy!  What is your dream vacation?

Actually THAT is my dream vacation!! lol We definitely want to go to Italy for our honeymoon too with our bikes and forks in hand  When I get older and can actually afford it, I would love to travel all over the place.  Wishing you and Dan lots of fun on your travels and I can’t wait to see pictures!

If you get the chance stop by eatingRD and say hello!  I love meeting new friends!