Hi there! Welcome to our new interview series: Easy Living. Here we’re talking to amazing nutrition and wellness experts who love what they do and inspire others to be better every day.
Today I am talking to Lindsey Herr, a bright aspiring Chicago-based registered dietitian nutritionist, founder of yourdietitianfriend.com. She was kind to share what she thinks of her profession as a dietitian, what inspires her, how she uses the power of gratitude, and much more!
If you had to define all that you do in a title, what would you say?
Wellness guide! It really boils down to this – Help me, help YOU. In any way I can help you on your wellness journey, that’s what I am here for. It’s all about YOU.
What do you enjoy the most in your profession?
I really love the RD community. We are honestly all in this thing together to spread the word of nutrition and wellness. We may have different focuses and paths to get there, but in the end, it’s mostly the same message.
How would you describe your philosophy on being fit and healthy?
Move because it makes you feel GREAT. Not every time you get up and moving should be about making physical changes to your body. Also, it is SO important to find something you love to do. Exercise should be fun! If you hate the gym, maybe intramural sports are more your speed. If you hate running, maybe you should try rowing or the stair climber for your cardio.
How does your morning routine look like (if you have one)?
I LOVE to sleep, so my morning routine is super short. Plus, I am a minimalist with the makeup/hair so the morning can take 15 minutes if I am lucky. If I was lazy the night before, normally I will try to pack a lunch or at least some healthy snacks for the day ahead!
What is your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
I always end my day in gratitude. It is so important to my attitude and outlook on life. No matter how bad the day was, there is always something to be thankful for.
What makes you laugh, smile, and be joyful?
PEOPLE. I enjoy alone time but family and friends are really the best part of life! They encourage you, travel with you, get you through tough times and challenge you. Also puppies. I love a good puppy 🙂
You are a healthy diet & lifestyle mentor for many people. Who or what gives you the most inspiration?
A lot of my ideas are generated from the struggles and concerns of clients and the average consumer. I want to be helpful to people even if they are not my direct client, an easy way to be helpful is to meet people where they are and offer them help for the problems they face all the time!
What, in your opinion, are the main characteristics of the healthy diet for an average person? And what would be your advice for someone who wants to start making healthier choices in food?
The average person does not eat NEARLY enough produce – fruits and veggies. Americans are obsessed with protein and most people eat more than they need. Looking to improve your diet? Make ½ of your plate vegetables.
What is your advice on how to keep a balance between eating clean, living healthy and not develop orthorexia?
This is hard to answer because it is so individual to each person. Just ask a professional before you get wrapped up into crazy diet trends. That’s simple advice but it goes a long way.
What is your opinion on detoxes and cleanses?
UGH, PEOPLE. Our bodies are fantastic at what they do (keep us healthy and functioning), we don’t need to cleanse. Cleanses are a trend and are not based on any science at all. Haha, I am very anti-cleanse.
Being a trained and licensed dietitian, what are your thoughts on some social media “wellness gurus” without a license; how do you feel it impacts the well-being of people following?
It does so much damage to public perception. It causes people to be confused. They don’t know who to trust but also it takes away from all of our hard work in the field. Hurts everyone!
What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without?
Gratitude changes the attitude!
If you have any health and wellness related books, authors you admire, please share!
Since I am building a new business, I have been reading a book called Keeping Your Sh*t Together. It focuses on entrepreneurs and mental health. My business IS me, so if I am unhealthy, so is the business.
Name a few of your favorite restaurants, cafes, or coffee shops in Chicago?
Such a sucker for good bbq. When I really want a homey meal – Green Street Smoked Meats is the place to be. They have a smoked salmon that’ll leave you thinking about it for weeks to come. Not healthy but, hey…I’m a normal person too 🙂
What is your most popular recipe?
It has been a long time since I have published an original recipe but at home, I like to make unique side dishes. One of my faves is a farro salad with asparagus and dijon mustard.
So where can everyone keep up with you to learn more?
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- IG: @LindsYourDietitianFriend
- Web: www.yourdietitianfriend.com
- And subscribe to my newsletter!
Thanks, Lindsey!
I hope you all find this interview inspiring as much as I do! Please, let me know what do you think in the comments below!
xx, Zhenya
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