About Me
I’m a 20 something marketing professional living in Richmond, VA. I love food, cooking, baking, and reading cookbooks. I enjoy finding new recipes, exercise ideas, and meeting others who are interested in these topics. When I’m not online or in the kitchen, I like to be active. Whether it’s running, hiking, walking, taking an aerobics class, doing yoga, strength training, cleaning, shopping, or simply walking my dog- the activity doesn’t really matter so long as I’m moving. I started reading other food blogs and soon wanted to have space of my own so I began Eating Bird Food in March 2008.
How I got to where I am now:
I didn’t always eat healthy. Growing up my Mom cooked in a very Southern fashion and you better believe that butter was put on everything (even frozen vegetables), iced tea was made with at least 1/2 cup of sugar and biscuits with chocolate jam, cornbread, and fried potatoes were normal occurrences in our house (you get the idea).
High school and Beyond:
During high school I ended up weighing the most I have ever weighed. Although I never really thought I looked overweight or felt big, I look back on pictures now and realize that I was. I also think back to my eating habits and thoughts on eating healthy and realize I was a little confused. For one, I thought tortilla chips were more nutritious than regular chips so I would pack those in my lunch, I thought bagels were the healthiest thing you could eat for breakfast, and my favorite snack was Little Debbie Nutty Buddy bars (the ones with the peanut butter and crispy wafers) or oatmeal cream pies, or Easy Mac, sugary cereals, chips, or Chex Mix. I ate fast food often, I loved french fries and I used to order BIG MACS from McDonald’s and think nothing of it. And, Chick-fil-a was my all time favorite. I seriously went there any chance I got. I loved their nuggets, waffle fries, and special sauce.
My senior year of high school I started working at the Kid’s Zone at a local gym so I was able to use the facilities for free. I tinkered with working out and started running a little bit, but didn’t really change my eating habits.
Fall 2003- Just starting college:
The Start of a Healthier Lifestyle:
When I went away to college I knew I couldn’t gain the infamous “freshman 15″. So I began working out basically everyday and eating healthier. When I say working out everyday this means moderate exercise daily, such as running or walking 30 minutes on the treadmill/elliptical and doing random strength training moves, most commonly arms and abs. I definitely wasn’t doing intense workouts each day. Instead of gaining 15 pounds my freshman year, I lost about 20. I finally came to the realization that the foods I was eating before were weighing me down- having a ton of healthy options at school and not eating fast food really helped. It didn’t hurt that I went to the gym often, had to walk up 3 flights of stairs to get to my dorm room and did a lot of walking all over campus for classes!
Being from a small town, I had never been introduced to ethnic foods, the only ethnic restaurant I had ever been to was a small take-out Chinese place. Since I was at one of the most diverse colleges in the US, my options for ethnic foods were widen tremendously. I tried a ton of different foods and developed a strong love for Sushi, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian Cuisine. Now, I would much rather eat out at an ethnic restaurant than one with standard American fare. I also like to experiment with ethnic cooking at home. Check out some of my featured recipes to see what I mean.
To sum it all up, I lost a considerable amount of weight my freshman year of college without dieting- just eating healthier and working out. It was a slow and healthy loss, but after losing the 20 pounds I felt much more confident, happier with myself, and most of all healthier.
Today:
I have stayed consistently at the same weight by keeping up with the habits I started 6 years ago. On a regular basis I try to eat healthy and workout 5 to 6 days a week. I have also started to enjoy running – I have ran quite a few races- 5K, a 5 mile, and a 10K race and most recently a half marathon November 2008.
Currently I work as a Marketing Project Manager, but have often considered going back to school for something health, fitness, or nutrition related. After seeing how small changes can make such a big difference in myself, I’d love to help others that are striving to live healthier and happier lives. Whether that means going back to school or combining my degree in marketing with my passion for food, fitness, and overall healthy living- only time will tell!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me: eatingbirdfood at gmail dot com.
I love your blog and I love the title! I get comments like that so often- what people don’t realize is just bc your food doesn’t weigh you down and make you want to take a nap, it doesn’t mean it’s not delicious!
I feel like I eat a lot of the same foods on you- check out my blog if you have some time- I would love your opinion:
http://mealsfromthegirlinthelittleblackdress.wordpress.com
[Reply]
Hey,
I love your blog site! You have totally motivated me to start one of my own! I am so into cooking new foods everyday so i am excited to start my own and to keep on site with yours and see what new ideas and recipes you come up with! Reading your about me section, I realized that You and I are very similar when it comes to our joy of food and keeping healthy and fit! I too write down what I eat and the calories I consume when i can and I also work out at the gym and I think both help with maintaining a healthy, stable and conscience diet! I am so exicted now..thanks! It was really nice meeting you and I don’t feel as alone anymore..I’ve actually met someone who has similar opinions when it comes to foods!! I’m not as crazy as I thought! Well keep in touch and I am sure we will see you again! Thanks again and good luck with the job hunting! It’ll work out!!
[Reply]
Hey this is a really interesting place.
I’m an English guy living in Poland and I’m trying to get back to the weight I was when I was in Japan. The Japanese diet really suited me – actually all of the western men I knew there lost shed loads of weight (unfortunately women seem to put on weight).
Anyway, it’s not overly easy to get hold of things in Poland. You know, things that would be common place in England or America. I’m trying!!!
Back soon.
Tom
[Reply]
Hey you just commented on my blog, so I wanted to stop by and say hello! Great blog! You seem to have a realistic grasp on healthy eating and also living your life the way you WANT to, not the way you MUST. I’ll be reading often!
[Reply]
Your updated page is great! Good for you for doing everything the healthy way.
[Reply]
hey, nice blog. it’s always great when people are up front and honest! you sure seem to be. check out my blog and let me know what you think!. talk at you later, and ad me as a friend, i wont bite!LOL darryl
[Reply]
Brittany,
Trying to contact you about your request to Newman’s Own Organics. You have your e-mail in your letter as eatingbirdfood@wordpress.com, but it keeps bouncing back. Not sure what the problem is.
Would like to follow-up with you. Please e-mail me.
Sally
Sally Shepard
Shepard Public Relations
415.435.3571
[Reply]
Hi! Are you from Richmond? If so, where are some of your favorite restaurants where you can get a healthy option?
[Reply]
Hi Jane! Thanks for reading. I’m not from Richmond, however I have lived here for about a year. Some of my favorite restaurants include Ipanema Cafe, Ellwood Thompsons, Da Lat, Ginger Thai Taste, and New India off of Lakeside Ave. Of course there a TONS of good restaurants in Richmond so the list could go on. Email me if you are interested in finding out more.
[Reply]
Wow, what a great story. I love running too!! It is amazing how little changes make such a big difference in the long run! Keep up the good work!
[Reply]
Hi there! I just found your blog and have enjoyed reading your story
I see you live in Richmond – I’m from VA originally (grew up in Fredericksburg). Have a great day!
-Menden
[Reply]
Hi Menden-
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!!
I grew up very close to Fredericksburg- I had to drive there to go to the movies/mall.
Where do you live now?
[Reply]
Great blog!
[Reply]
Enjoying your blog! I have been accused of “eating bird food” in the past….haters! Looking forward to reading more!
[Reply]
Great site, and I have to ask you about your smoothies, they look good and the seeds sound interesting…reach out if I can ever be a resource, keep it up! BTW, on twitter? @cheftony and @visionsbethesda
[Reply]
This is an awesome blog! I’m definitely adding it to my rotation
[Reply]
I just discovered your blog and I must say, I love it!! All the food you make looks so yummy! I really like the Sushi Ninja entry! I also want to add I’m a big smoothie fan too!!
[Reply]
Hey! I just discovered your blog thru Fitnessista’s and it’s absolutely great! I just bookmarked it so I’ll be checking it often
I also used to live in Fredericksburg! How funny
I got married last year and we moved to Michigan. I never thought I’d miss F’brg, but I do!
Take care!
-Laura
[Reply]
Thanks Cait!
[Reply]
Thanks Holly!! Smoothie are so delicious – and there are so many different combinations to try. I can’t seem to get enough of them this summer.
[Reply]
Thanks so much Laura. I love downtown Fredericksburg- so quaint and cute! I guess you know about Sammy T’s and Carl’s!! Those are my favorite Fredericksburg eats!
[Reply]
I actually worked for Carl’s all through out high school and then over summer breaks during college, haha. Free ice-cream = Fatty McFatterson. It’s definitely been good for my waistline not working there and living 500 miles away! You know, I never ate at Sammy T’s. I passed by it a million times though! I’ll have to try when I’m back visiting
Do you recommend anything?
[Reply]
No way- you worked at Carl’s!! I probably saw you at some point because I went there often. I worked at Cold Stone Creamery while in college, but they didn’t allow free icecream (which was probably a good thing). However, icecream is still my favorite snack, although I usually go for frozen yogurt. Sammy T’s has a ton of good stuff, but the Bean and Grain Burger, the avocado melt, and the gazpacho. Although I think anything you ordered would be delish.
[Reply]
Thanks for commenting on my blog! I love your healthy approach to food and exercise and your “non-diet” approach to eating and feeling your best! Can’t wait to read more!
[Reply]
Hey girl! Just found your blog through Fitnessista! Totally loved your story, and you seem to be such a down to earth type of person! I can’t wait to become a daily reader, i’m def gonna add you to my “daily reads” Thanks for sharing what you have to say and i really look forward to reading whats next! Check me out at http://saladdiva.wordpress.com !
[Reply]
Hi Lizzy. Thank you so much for checking out my blog!! I will be sure to check out yours soon. Thanks for reading!
[Reply]
Thanks for stopping by Kristen!!
[Reply]
Your blog is a delight and I always look forward to reading it. One complaint: Your delicious looking food photos always make me too hangry! (But they are inspiring.) Thank you.
[Reply]
Hello! I came across your blog and was so excited to see that you live in Richmond! I live in a small town about an hour away (hampton roads area). A lot of the foods you have mentioned are foods that are my weakness as well (cornbread, oatmeal cream pies & chik fil a especially!) I’ve only been to one thai restaurant and it was actually in Richmond when my boyfriend and I went to visit his sisters (who went to VCU).
Your transformation into a healthier lifestyle is one to admire! The before and after pictures are incredible and show how far you have come!
I can’t wait to read more!
[Reply]
Eating Bird Food Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Hi Sammi,
Thanks so much for reading. You have to come back to Richmond and try some more Thai food. I simply love it!
[Reply]
Hey there! I absolutely love your blog. You have such a healthy approach to balanced eating and living. On a side not, I actually used to go to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. Richmond isn’t too far up the road from there and it really is such a fun city. Anyway, keep up the good work (you look fantastic!)
[Reply]
Eating Bird Food Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Thanks Magda! One of my good friends went to William and Mary as well.
[Reply]
I just have to tell you that you have some gorgeous legs on you! This is coming from someone with tree trunk stumps for legs at my nice height of 5′1”.
[Reply]
Eating Bird Food Reply:
December 18th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Aw. Thanks my lady!!
[Reply]
Wow, what a great story! I can relate with you so much about growing up with not the healthiest eats but just having basic assumptions that they were! Like yourself, I believe all things in moderation and love embracing health without crazy diets. Slow and steady makes for fun and exciting! I definitely want to keep up with you on your blog, thanks for sharing, I’m eager to come back!
[Reply]
I totally relate, love your blog and your awesome running photo!
[Reply]
hey girl!
i’ve been following your blog for quite some time and didn’t realize you were in the 804 until i saw elwood thompson’s… my favorite!
not to butter you up, but you’re actually one of the reasons i decided to start my own foodie blog – my first post’s next week
keep it up!
Rebekah
(http://clarityincreation.blogspot.com)
[Reply]
Eating Bird Food Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Hey Rebekah,
I can’t wait to read your blog – I’ll be sure to check it out next week! Woo-hoo for more local bloggers- I love it!
[Reply]
I am so glad to be introduced to your blog through my friend and co-worker, Heather, from Heather’s Burnt Toast. I love your story.
And, looks like you have some great recipes! Can’t wait to try your confetti quinoa.
Look forward to reading more!
[Reply]
Eating Bird Food Reply:
March 11th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Angie- thanks so much for checking out my blog. I hope you enjoy the confetti quinoa.
[Reply]