Before I jump in, I have been thinking a lot about this trip. I think the past two weeks have been anxiety provoking because of my crazy schedule. That being said, I haven’t done the preparing part that is needed to make my schedule work. I never seem to have enough food on hand which is frustrating and leads to more stress. This is not acceptable. So my trip home – I am going to try my hardest to unplug. I am going to work hard to really be in the moment. I think I need it, I think my stomach needs it. Despite the nagging voice that says I am letting this community down, my readers down, companies down – I will try. I think I really need to figure out how to make my schedule more comfortable so that I feel fueled and ready to tackle each day. That means making more real meals and not just throwing stuff in the oven or in a bowl. Thriving not just surviving.
I still consider myself a newbie blogger. So when I saw Lindsay’s post at In Sweetness and In Health, I was intrigued. I am far from a norm in the healthy blogging sphere but it works for me. Adding my own little sarcasm to this post. I love being a blogger for the fact that I can learn to adopt new ideas, tips and ways while still being true to Alex. Let’s see how this goes…
Never have I ever…baked something for myself that was gluten free. I know, crazy. In college I didn’t have a kitchen so I never baked. This is one I want to experiment with now that I have some great healthy swaps such as applesauce, coconut flour, pumpkin…
Never have I ever…found a nut butter I liked. In the world of blogging I should cast myself out now. I will never have an empty jar due to this to do the forever staple overnight oats (which I have never had as well!). I just can’t do nut butter – the taste, aftertaste, the texture, uck. Sorry team.
Never have I ever…eaten a ‘bar’ of some sort for a snack or meal. I just get no satisfaction out of them so even Larabars I have never tried.
Never have I ever…had Chobani yogurt. Yep, you heard me. This will change soon though 
Never have I ever…made my own smoothie or protein recovery shake. Again, this is my first time ever having a blender so I hope this one will change. I do have the hurdle of saying that frozen fruit is dang expensive!
Never have I ever…gone a day without eating processed food or sugar. I like candy, I eat some processed food. These are things that for convenience and balance I will never give up. I know I could but I have no desire to. I eat very healthy so these parts of my diets just need to stay where they are.
Never have I ever… attended a blogging conference or summit. This is on my bucket list for sure because I WANT to attend one so bad.
Never have I ever… done a fitness plan of any sort or fitness dvd. I know there are tons floating out there, whether it be structured like Live Fit or Bootcamp, but I never seem to be able to commit to anything. I have a crazy schedule and my motivation comes from doing something next to someone else. I would love to be able to commit to a strength training program but every time I say I will, I don’t. eek have to work on that one.
Never have I ever…taken a picture of a whole meal. I actually rarely take pictures of me eating. I am hoping that having my own kitchen and experimenting more will have me snapping some lovely food moments.
Never have I ever… made a protein cookie, muffin, pancake, frosting etc. Oh and chia seeds, never tried them.
Never have I ever… used coconut butter or coconut oil. My go-tos are non stick spray and Brummel and Brown butter. Probably not the healthiest but I hate the taste of olive oil in cooking so I stick with the butter.
Never have I ever…eaten a hunk of chocolate. Even the fancy dark chocolate kind. Just not a chocolate fan my friends. Give me gummy bears and jelly beans.
Never have I ever… had banana soft serve. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I ate a banana. I hate them. Fact number 232423 you probably didn’t need to know.
BUT I get to check one of those off… chia seeds. Drink Chia sent me four of their drinks to try that are infused with whole organic chia seeds for superior nutrition. They have only 4 grams of sugar and 40 calories but are rich in Omega-3, high in antioxidants, B complex vitamins and all natural ingredients. These drinks have no refined sugars, no cholesterol, no fish oil, no sodium, no caffeine, no gluten and nothing artificial. They are meant to help endurance and recovery so let’s just say I was pumped to try these. 
After letting them chill for a bit, I dug in. WOW I loved it. I am all about texture and the chia seeds at the bottom made the drink. The flavors were delectable and it was hard to pick a favorite. The flavors were ‘B Meyer’ Lemon, Honeysuckle Pear, Strawberry Citrus and Mango Tangerine… don’t they just sound yummy. 
I HIGHLY recommend these drinks and I can’t wait to get my hands on more! Thanks Drink Chia!
Question: What is your health food never have I ever? Any of these surprise you?
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway! I choose two winners Thursday at noon!
I still can’t fathom that you don’t like nut butter. Seriously. I’ve never had a green monster or OIAJ. I scrape my nut butter jars clean. Iloveitsomuch. I loved learning more about you too!
Hhaha I think that is the one that people still do not understand I am glad i didn’t bore you. I always worry people are just like… stop talking.
I also have never eaten coconut butter or coconut oil (I’m scared of the fat content, I know I know), but I do love some nut butter and some Chobani
. Also, I eat processed food every day too. I love some sugary sweets, tortilla chips, and premade snacks, and I really don’t care!
Don’t feel like you’re letting us down by unplugging. Anyone reading this wants you to do what’s best for you, so by NOT unplugging on your vacation, you are really letting yourself down and you’re letting everyone else down because if you unplug, you can come back fresh and be an even better you. Look at it that way (this is why I like cruises for vacation, really no choice but to unplug hehe).
Thanks for that needed boost, I know it will be hard for me. Sounds like we are very similar, coconut butter is intriguing but very expensive. I don’t know if I can justify it.
Omg I HATE bananas too!!! Idk what it is but they gross me out. Bad bloggers unite
I had no idea! Reason 28463883 why I love you.
I hate the texture of bananas but love the soft serve!
And no chobani — you crazy! Also, JELLY BEANS FOR LIFE! 
I’m with you on the sugar vs. chocolate thing!
Thank with the jelly beans, I know I am terrible for not having tried chobani. I like you for the sugar candy over chocolate thing. I may have to try the soft serve now, I just hate bananas.
I actually haven’t done a lot of this stuff either! Never have used coconut oil, never have been to a blogger conference, never have eaten just a bar for a meal (I always have them as a PART of my snacks….even for snacks they are to small to be on their own!). With the nut butter situation I highly encourage trying them again! You may find that your tastes have changed! And if you haven’t already, try sunflower seed butter or cashew better they taste A LOT different then your typical nut butters!!!
i don’t know, I just tried sun butter because i got a sample and hated it! uck! but that is just me. I haven’t even eaten a bar before for a snack. I hate bars for some reason!
I’ve never had kombutcha. I’ve heard it’s really good though, so I plan to try it someday.
Oh I forgot that one! I have never had it either!
wow!! I can’t believe some of these! I’m going to come and bring you back home with me so we can do some gf baking and make you some of these goodies!!!
I know, the gluten free girl in me is very lame at the moment. I have never had any baked gluten free goodness before.
Unplugging is not a bad thing at all..
When I get stressed out because I can’t get a post up, I know right then that it’s time to unplug.
I LOVE this post! I love the honesty of this post and I love that you didn’t hold back at all. Candy should really be a food group………….It really should. I mean it.
If candy was a good group, wow I would be the most well rounded eater ever. haha. That is a great realization to have for yourself. I need to work on unplugging.
Those drinks look fantastic! How on earth do you get all these cool things sent to you?! And sour gummy worms and those gummy bears that come in the gold package may or may not be my favorite candies ever. And those peach rings with the sugar on them. Mmmmmm. You and I are for SURE going to a healthy living summit or blogging conference next year. We’re making a pact.
I really want to! By then I will have saved up and can def go. These chia drinks are fantastic, you would like them. The texture is so freaking cool. I am not a huge fan of recovery drinks but these I would buy again. I probably will! My favorite gummy candy has to be a tie between either jelly beans, good n plenty, stale gummy bears (yes stale) or swedish fish. I’m crazy.
Im not gonna get all worked up on the fact that 1) you dont like nut butter or that 2) you never made your own protein smooothie. … (OMG seriously though? … sorry I tried lol) .. what about coconut butter? I always get so confused about oats … some people say they are safe to eat because oats alone dont contain gliadin but then others say they are always processed in a gluten environment thus should be strictly avoided. your thoughts??
P.s.: I also responded to your comment on my blog! thanks for stopping by <3
See I have never had oats because of that reason. I don’t really even have the desire to try because I think there are so many other options that why risk it. you know? Haha people think I am crazy for not liking nut butter, just makes me gag. I know, the smoothie thing is something I need to change because it would truly save my busy lifestyle. I can’t wait to continue reading your blog.
I mean have you tried to eat coconut butter plain and not use it for cooking???
Wait really? People do that?
I enjoyed this list! Because I have also never done/ tried some of the standard healthy blogger things. And I love jelly/ gummy candy. Wish I didn’t love chocolate!
You will love strength training and see some great results in your running if you do try it!
I know, I need to get into strength training, I know my running will improve a lot. My best races were when I did more strength training. Yay for gummy candy!
Love this post! Such a great idea. Some of the things on this list is hard to believe!! But it made me appreciate you as a blogger even more because sometimes I get SICK of seeing the same-old, same-old on every blog. You’re refreshing
One thought… buy fruit on sale and freeze it yourself in a resealable bag. SO much cheaper. I love having my own frozen fruit in the freezer.
Gosh Miranda, I love hearing that. Refreshing is something no one has ever called me. Man! What a great idea, why have I never thought of freezing my own fruit. You always have the best ideas.
Fun post but I still can’t believe you don’t nut butter- I guess I need to eat for the both of us
! Never have tried nutritional yeast…I like my heese too much 
!
I eat cheese and nutrition yeast, haha. Good thing, someone needs to take my nut butter quota.
Ha,I have never tried coconut ANYTHING actually,and same goes for Chobani… ’cause they don’t sell it around here,sad but true.
I wish I could send Chobani love to you, but I haven’t even tried it yet. I just got into coconut like two months ago so I am just starting on that. I love the stuff though.
I’ve never eaten watermelon, or any kind of melon for that matter. I’ve tasted it before but it was just so bland and watery. Also, I can’t do cottage cheese. I don’t care much protein it provides, that stuff is vile lol…
OHHHHHH MYYYY GOOOOOODNNNESSSSS. I had to, no watermelon or melon. That blows my mind! I love cottage cheese but I am all for that texture. Haha
I wish I could say I’ve never tried Nutritional Yeast. But I did and did not like it!
It’s like a food group for me 
wow – no nut butter!
Have a great, relaxing time at home.
I have been trying to get more creative with the nutrition yeast because sometimes I like it and sometimes I don’t. Haha everyone loves nut butter, I just gag! Thank you!
What!? I can’t believe you don’t like bananas! Blasphemy!
Hmm I’ve never eaten Love Grown granola or Larabars, since I’m allergic to the nuts in them. Actually, there are a LOT of health foods out there that I can’t eat because of nuts!
Oh well though, it just forces me to be creative and bake my own snacks!
Oh man, no wonder you are so creative in the kitchen. I had no idea you were allergic to nuts. I haven’t had love grown granola either. I just don’t really like granola. Too healthy tasting. haha.
My main goal before when I visit you in March is to get you to enjoy nut butter!! It’s gonna happen, believe me! Were also going to have “smoothie classes” haha. You’ll be a whole new Alex by the time I leave.
I also think it’s safe to say we may be the only two bloggers left who haven’t had OIAJ, or chia seeds. The bad part about this is, I even keep jars for that reason & never use them. Pitaful right??
–Never have I eaten a cherry.
WHAT no cherries? oh my gosh well right there is something I want you to have when you visit. I keep trying nut butter and just gag. Not a fan girl. Smoothie classes would be great. You should fine other things to put in jars… or try overnight oats. I don’t even have the ingredients for it. Haha.
I’ve been seeing a lot of people doing EGGS in jars. How clever right.
You haven’t tried the Better n Peanut Butter yet, and I bet when you do.. you’ll died & gone to heaven!!!
I don’t know, just not a nut butter girl. PB2 is the only thing I like because it is a powder so no weird texture. Eggs in jars would be amazing. Eggs in anything let’s be real.
True true. I finally tried a dippy egg tonight for dinner. Had a dippy egg sandwich with tomato cucumber and cream cheese in it. So good… I didn’t realize until my last couple bites that I forgot ketchup
I’m not a nut butter fan either! People think I’m nuts. I have found that I like Justin’s Maple Almond Butter with apples, but I doubt I’ll be finishing the jar any time soon! But a healthy living blogger who doesn’t like nut butters OR bananas?!? You’ve got me beat!
I know I pretty much define blogger fail not liking bananas or nut butter.
I’ve never had overnight oats or a protein cookie either. The chia drinks look good!!
I would try the drinks, so worth it. They have the weirdest but coolest texture. I hope one day I get a micro protein cookie in the works.
whoa,, A lot of those surprise me.. no chobani!? ahhh I live off of the pineapple one!
I know, i just have never tried it. I rarely buy greek yogurt and when I do I go for the sale one. Lately that has been Oikos. One day…
I got to try drink chia at HLS last year and it was amazing! I love it so much, I wish I could find some around here!
I will never try coconut oil, coconut makes me sick!
I am hoping I can find them near me because I want more already. they are freaking amazing. Coconut makes you sick, ah! I love my unsweetened coconut.
LOVE this post! May steal the idea
I want to try those drinks! I’m fascinated. I love chia seeds.
I’ve never had Chobani either, and it saddens me more than you’ll ever know. I can’t find it in Canada. It’s so, so, so, SO tragic.
No joke, these drinks are awesome. The chia seeds are like bubbles in the drink, they are gooey and tasty. I am all for texture. I would share my Chobani with you if I had some!
Loving this post… I might make one of my own! Sometimes it feels like healthy living blogs are all the same, with all the same foods – I love that you’re sharing what makes YOU different!
Thanks Courtney, I know my quirky self is def not like many bloggers but it is what I am! I hope you do the same.
I LOVE this post! The blog world can definitely make you feel like there are certain things you should and shouldn’t eat, certain ways/times per week to exercise etc. I love that you are staying true to who you are and owning it, but also realizing that there are some healthy habits you can start
I’ve never made any form of “protein (insert whatever random dessert/breakfast/smoothie here)” either! Seems like a lot of work–even the microwave muffins
xoxo
Aw Sloane thanks for that! I know I get super insecure about not fitting the mold but I know I need to let that go. I swear one day I will make a micro muffin, it is my goal!
Try protein things like pancakes or microwave muffins do easy and AMAZING;)
I need to try these, I still haven’t.
NEVER HAD CHOBANI?! lol I basically swim in it lol consider yourself lucky with the nut butters lol they can be quite addicting :p
I know, I am a rare breed. haha
I love this post! i think its fun when bloggers do things like this and I cannot believe you have never had Chobani!!!!! omg my fridge is fully stocked with a case of that stuff at ALL times. Ridiculous for my wallet, but delicious for my taste buds! I am totally with you though on no bars for meals. I love my bars for snacks but as far as a meal? they are like 200 calories!!! this girl needs way way way more than that to be satisfied! Thriving, not just survivng, right
have a great day lady!
I think people misread it, I haven’t even had a bar for a snack. I just don’t get filled by them so I never have them or buy them. I know I need to jump on this Chobani wagon. I am getting some samples so i can’t wait to try!
This was fun to read
yay for CANDY! I’ve never had a “green monster” smoothie lol
I haven’t either, same boat with ya!
This cracked me up so much Alex, especially the nut butter thing. In the blogging world, that is pretty much blasphemy, isn’t it?
As much as I try not to overdo it, sugar needs to happen with my every day as well. It makes me happy.
I know I am the worst health blogger around with the nut butter. people think I am insane.
sour gummy worms?!? omg now I have a craving haha. I eat processed food every day too (it’s easy, it tastes good, it won’t kill you…omg). I’ve never used coconut oil/butter either! I love olive oil though, that’s my sicilian self shining through – I do like Pam spray though haha some things don’t need oil. And in my opinion, all greek yogurts taste the same so you’re not missing out on Chobani. It’s all about the Wegman’s brand greek yogurt
#sorryimnotsorry. The chia drink sounds like fun! although, my health-food never have i ever is that chia seeds freak me out and i’ve only had them once…and never again lol
This chia drink is so cool, plus the company is wicked amazing. they really reach out and care for their customers which I was impressed with. i am such a bad health blogger, I mean i just eat things that people would scoff at.
I didn’t get on here earlier, but just had to say I LOVE Drink Chia! Great product and such a great company. Glad you got to try them!
I seriously am in shock at how much i liked them. i just haven’t seen it sold around me.
I just wanted to let you know that because of that gummy worm photo, I ended up buying a pack of sour gummy worms
And I love you a lot for that. I need some candy in my life, it has been too long.
I’ll forget the fact that you don’t like nut butters. I’ll eat them all for you if anything. I seriously have no control over nut butters.
I love drinking chia seeds. I usually put some in my protein drink.
I had never had chia seeds until this but the texture in the drink was amazing. I am certainly getting more. I just can’t stand nut butters, I know strange.
No bars,chobani , shakes or protein powder goodies;D your crazy in so many ways and the nut butter thing dazzles me;D
I know, i am a rare breed. I really want to try the protein things.
I love this survey:) And your answers! Fun to read.
I don’t do bars either. I never ever am satisfied off of them! I have tried lara bars, put they are too puny for me. Also I’ve never tried Chobani either! And I’m actually not the biggest nut butter fan, I do like cashew butter and walnut butter though. And coconut. Duh.
I just can’t stand bars, they do nothing for me. Loving coconut lately, just love it.
Seriously?! Nut Butter?! oh geebus they are good. But I try to stay away from processed foods. haha And I want to try Chobani as well!!
I know, I just hate the texture of nut butter. Yucky to me. Processed foods are just what I have to buy because of my budget. Oh well, balances out in the end.
Not eating processed foods is a little better for me so I stuck with it. It works for you and that’s all that matters.