Life gets busy, crazy, hectic, chaotic… no matter which adjective you use to describe it, life can just be flat out overwhelming. Luckily, our healthy eating champion, Cait McDonald, is there for you when life gets to be Beyond Bananas! Cait is a teacher who is dedicated to bridging the achievement gap in education. Although this takes plenty of time and dedication, she still manages to fit in planning for her recent wedding (congrats!), kitchen creativity, and three very important F’s- family, friends, and fitness! With a bucket list that includes items like “travel all 50 states,” “complete a marathon,” and “swim with dolphins,” you could say that Cait’s a pretty ambitious lady. Yet somehow she manages to fit in all of life’s demanding tasks, while still finding time to enjoy the simple pleasures along the way.
Meet Cait! Our Healthy Eating Champion in the Spotlight!
AtP: How did you start your blogging adventure?
Cait: I began blogging in April of 2011 after discovering the healthy living blogosphere and reading for many months. As an elementary school teacher, most of my communication is with 6 and 7 year olds during the day, so I thought it would be fun to write about all of the things I am passionate about in a community of adults who share the same interests.
AtP: What is your favorite post up and running on your blog?
Cait: I can’t choose one… because I’ve got a few right now. I was just married on August 10, 2012 - and am doing some recaps of our wedding day. There is NOTHING better than reliving our special day together. I honestly still get teary eyed when I look at the photos. My husband (weird to say) and I had the wedding of our dreams.. a true happily ever after! My blog readers have been a huge support throughout our engagement – so I love sharing such special moments with them.
AtP: Do you have a personal nutrition mantra that you live by?
Cait: Everything in moderation! I try not to deprive myself of anything – if I am craving something.. I will eat it! I eat an essentially clean diet – and find that I don’t crave extremely unhealthy things on a regular basis. But – if the craving does strike, I am okay with indulging. Deprivation gets you no where.. so listen to your body and eat up!
AtP: Which three foods do you always keep stocked in your fridge?
Cait: Chobani Greek Yogurt, Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, and dark chocolate. It’s all about balance!!
AtP: How do you stay inspired to live a physically active lifestyle?
Cait: Working out relieves stress. Every workout leaves me feeling satisfied and accomplished. I know that working hard and staying healthy now will benefit my life in the future. As a newlywed, I want to share many happy years with my husband. Being fit and healthy puts both of us on that track!
AtP: Who or what inspires you to be a healthy, happy eater?
Cait: Life inspires me to be healthy! There are so many things I want to do – many of which require a healthy body and a healthy mind! You only live once, and I want to make this life the best possible one it can be! I won’t do that by sitting at home with a bag of chips.. I will do that by being active and trying new things. Eating right is only the start to an adventurous life!
If you’re looking for a way to stay “fit, healthy, and sane”, then I suggest you go Beyond Bananas! You can also go beyond Cait’s blog by following her on Twitter and ‘liking’ her Facebook page. Stay healthy. Stay fit. Stay inspired.
An Intern Behind the Plate,
~Elizabeth
About Intern Elizabeth
Thanks, Elizabeth! I love the write up at the beginning!
Why thank you Cait! But it’s only a great write up because it’s all about you, and you’re a great blogger!! I have really enjoyed following your blog, and hope that this post will bring new followers
Wonderful blog. It creates a pleasant mind when reading this blog.
I couldn’t agree more Hoodia