Q&A with Kristen Seymour of Fit Bottomed Eats
This month, we sat down Kristen Seymour, the editor-in-chief of Fit Bottomed Eats, a website focused on providing healthy nutrition advice and recipes for staying in shape. We asked Kristen her advice on the best foods to eat to when living an active lifestyle, how to maintain energy during a busy day, and her tips for staying healthy on the go. Read on below for what she had to say!
1.We know that Fit Bottomed Eats is all about staying healthy and fit, while still enjoying delicious meals. What tips do you have for preparing a light and healthy pasta meal that tastes great?
My top tip would have to be adding in plenty of veggies. It’s so easy to cook FAR more pasta than you really need, and once it’s in a bowl in front of you, it can be hard to stop eating. But, if you load up your pasta with veggies (I love roasting a bunch of peppers and onions with garlic and keeping them on hand for dishes like this, but you could also sauté them or add them in raw for added crunch). I’m also a big fan of adding cottage cheese to my red sauce as I’m heating it up – it adds a little creaminess and provides more protein to the dish.
2. As a site devoted to keeping healthy and fit, and as an avid athlete yourself, what are some foods or meals you suggest that provide the much needed energy to hit the gym?
I make a lot (like, a lot) of smoothies – I find them to be simple, delicious, portable and, the way I make them, super nutritious. If I have a big workout or race the next morning, I’ll try to eat a larger meal at breakfast or midday the day before – maybe a large veggie scramble with toast at breakfast, or a pasta salad loaded with fresh veggies at lunch. Oatmeal or Greek yogurt is a go-to breakfast for me when I have a morning workout, but if it’s really early, I rarely say no to a banana and nut butter – so easy and filling … at least for a couple hours!
3. What are some go to foods or meals you suggest for a post workout dinner?
If the workout has been slower and more aerobic (like, say, a long slow run or bike ride), then getting some simple, easy-to-digest carbs in is ideal, and if the workout utilizes more fast twitch muscles (think: explosive movements like burpees or sprints), you want to get in plenty of protein right after the workout to help repair your muscles. Whole grains and potatoes are great choices, and make sure you get in some lean protein at dinner (like fish or beans).
4. You and many of the Fit Bottomed Eats girls seem to always be on the go! What are some tips for staying healthy and getting key nutrients while on the move?
Two things come immediately to mind: First, plan ahead! Having some nuts, veggies or fruit in your gym bag is the best way avoid chowing down on those year-old Cheetos in the vending machine when you suddenly find yourself hitting a level of hangry that you’d hate for your mother to witness. And second, stick to as many unprocessed foods as possible, but don’t beat yourself up if you need to snack on a protein bar or Fig Newton or something now and then. I aim for things that are lower in sugar but offer some protein and fiber without a long list of ingredients that I can’t pronounce, but I’m not opposed to eating something out of a box when needed.
About Kristen Seymour:
Kristen Seymour, editor-in-chief of Fit Bottomed Eats, really, really loves good food, but she loves it even more when that good food supports her active, athletic lifestyle. She’s well-versed in creating meals that work with meat (for her husband) and without (for herself), and firmly believes the best way to start the day is with a green smoothie. (And also coffee. Always coffee). She’s an enthusiastic (if not particularly speedy) triathlete and is currently in the process of becoming certified as a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, which she hopes will allow her to help more people learn to love the sport (including the nutritional aspects of it) the way she does.
