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Then & Now

When I think back to the days that I started this blog, I realize that I am now a very different version of my self. Despite the fact that I felt very adult at 24, I look back to those first few posts and see a young, young girl.

That me was a newlywed, childless, working full time, living in a different city in a different house with different friends, a different budget and an unknown future. I was an assistant account executive at a public relations firm and taking my first nutrition course on Thursday nights. I had just finished losing 30 pounds and was still counting calories and paying close attention to my diet as I learned what maintenance was all about.

Since then I have morphed into a totally different person. Obviously you know the big changes: moving to Charlottesville, opening Great Harvest, having Mazen. But the smaller changes to my life, including how I view myself and my lifestyle, have evolved. My goal in this post is to analyze the basics of health and wellness then and now and show how life has changed with age and experience.

 Grapefruit from Mission Foodblog-5088

Then: I was recording calories at Calorie King and had been for a long time. I was ready to move on but was a little hesitant to let go of the control. This method worked really well for me to lose weight and I don’t regret all the counting I did during my weight loss and shortly after, including when I started the blog.

Now: I don’t count anything. I try to eat real food, balanced meals and pay attention to how much I’m eating. If I want to lose weight I try to pay attention to my meal choices and size and cut back on alcohol and sweets. It works great for maintenance and general weight loss, but I’m not convinced I can lose these last vanity pounds without some kind of external accountability.

26th Birthday v. 31th Birthday

Me Foodblog-1644

Then: I packed my lunch everyday and rotated between a sandwich, tuna/salmon salad or leftovers. I often had apples, pretzels or Greek yogurt on the side.

Now: I eat lunch at home most days and rely on big salads or leftovers. I would say my lunches are healthier now because they include more vegetables.

Officelunch2 Foodblog-5222

Then: Our dinners were more simple – a protein and some vegetables. We didn’t include a starch as much because grains take a while to cook and bread wasn’t as delicious back then. [This was probably good for my waistline.] I often had a small dessert  – dark chocolate, yogurt or cereal – after dinner which I think made up for the lack of bread with dinner.

Now: Our dinners now are more complete and filling – and also a little bigger. I don’t snack in the evenings very much (because my dinners are more satisfying!)

dinner2 Dinner3

Then: I ate Ezekiel bread and bought whole wheat pitas and wraps. I ate Kashi crackers with soup and salmon/tuna salad all the time.

Now: Owning a bakery, I do eat a lot of bread. Probably more than the average person and definitely too much when my favorite breads are in season (Irish Soda Bread I’m looking at you!). but I rarely buy chips or crackers these days. Aside from the fact that bread is hard on portion control, I consider it a healthy food and a big improvement from crackers and the grocery store bread I used to buy.

Kashis Foodblog-5116

Then: We went out to dinner maybe once a week or every 10 days and it was often to more casual restaurants (like Brixx Pizza!)

Now: We live in a foodie town with fabulous local restaurants. Sometimes we go out twice a week, and eating out is a bigger part of our lives than it used to be. I think it’s because we are within walking distance to great restaurants – casual and formal – and Charlottesville has such a nice atmosphere for dining. The shift in going out more came when we moved here.

Brixx2 Foodblog-5372

Then: Although I ate very well most days, I still let loose at parties and weddings. Since events came up less often, I partied harder and ate with more gusto than I do now.

Now: I feel like my life is one big party these days thanks to a huge group of friends and more opportunities for fun! Because of this I have learned how to indulge moderately and don’t find myself eating as much all at once than I used to.

 yellowroseii Foodblog-2650 - Copy

Then: Matt and I would open a bottle of wine on the weekends or occasionally have a beer mid week, but in general we drank less than we do now. Bottom line = no kegs in the house.

Now: Alcohol is more a part of our lifestyle now than it used to be. I chalk that up to more parties but also just a feeling of adulthood and the fact that it’s more accessible now than ever. And although I get up with my Little every morning, I don’t go to a workplace, so I have a touch of that “every day feels like Saturday” feeling that I think leads me to drink more often. And having a homebrewer for a husband certainly makes things even more exciting.

IMG_8002 (1024x768) Foodblog-4190

Then: I regularly exercised at 5:30am and had a pretty set routine: spin class 2x a week, athletic conditioning or running outside 2x a week, elliptical or stairmill 2x a week, 15 minutes of weights here or there. I was religious about my workouts and rarely skipped one to sleep in. I regularly ran 6ish miles on the weekends. Matt and I often went walking after dinner in the warmer months because we didn’t really have much else to do in those days! We had great talks during our walks.

Now: I still regularly exercise and generally go at 9am 6 days a week. I have a varied routine that I really enjoy: athletic conditioning 2-3x a week, elliptical or stairmaster 2x a week, weight lifting 2x a week, soccer game 1x a week. I run 3-4 miles at a time but run a lot less than I used to. 6 miles would feel like a half marathon! Walking in the evening sounds draining and lovely at the same time. I wish we had time for it, but we can’t leave our house with a sleeping baby! I’m just as happy to relax on the couch.

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Then: Meals were a production and an event I looked forward to all day at work. I watched The Food Network all the time and the recipes were my favorite part of magazines. I subscribed to all the major women’s health magazines, including Cooking Light. I was a very “live to eat” kind of girl who wanted to know everything about nutrition and cooking.

Now: Food is less of a part of my life now, partly because I’m just on to other interests and partly because my toddler won’t let me enjoy it as much. There aren’t opportunities to make elaborate meals to savor. And while I could find the time to explore food more, it’s just not a priority of mine like it used to be. Instead of The Food Network, I am obsessed with HGTV and subscribe to all of the major home magazines (and have let my cooking ones go). I’m more of an “eat to live” type these days (although I still love to eat!)

Cookinglight IMG_4907Blog

Then: I was thinner then than I am now yet not as muscular. I felt great in my clothes and had worked hard to get there.

Now: I’m curvier but I think I wear it well as a mom now that I’m in my 30s. Would a cave man think I was hot? Heck yeah! I’m still working to get a little bit firmer all over and feel a little more confident in my clothes, but that might always be a work in progress. We’re not ready for another baby yet, but we do want another and I’m sure the second I get to a body shape I’m really happy with it will be time to gain it all back again : )

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Then: I was happy, but I carried a lot of uncertainty that came along with being young and unestablished. We had less money and in some ways I was more self absorbed. While we had fun friends in Charlotte, we didn’t see them as often as I see my friends now. In many ways, life was a lot more simple.

Now: I’m super happy with where things have gone, although I never could have predicted the path we took. Life feels complicated but fulfilling, and I feel lucky to have found a good balance between businesses that challenge me and a family life well loved.

MORE POSTS ON WEIGHT CHANGE:

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Charlotte says

    I loved this post so much. Amazing to see how you have changed and yet still kept some things the same. It makes me wonder what my life will be like in 5-10 years and how my attitudes toward health and wellness will continue to evolve. Keep up the cute pics and great posts.

    Reply

  5. jenn from much to my delight says

    I adore this post! You’ve looked healthy and beautiful at both stages, but in the “now” pictures you exude a radiance that comes from true contentment. It’s apparent that you are very comfortable in your own skin, and at peace with your current stage of life. Seems like you’ve really nailed that whole work/life balance!

    Reply

    • Jessica says

      This! You were smiling in the “then” pictures, but compared to your “now” pictures, you looked so timid. It’s been wonderful seeing you look so happy and content lately. You’ve been absolutely glowing lately, and I’m so happy to see that you’re obviously in a great place.

      Excellent post; thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply

  6. Samantha says

    It’s crazy. I remember reading your blog while I was sitting there in Afghanistan back in 2009-2010. I read it daily – reading each blog you posted on my RSS feed through Google (it’s what kept my mind off of the fact I wasn’t around family or the life I knew). After a while, life took a hold and I became so busy, I no longer had the luxury to read the blogs. I remember the last post I read was when you let all of us know that you and your husband were officially opening a bakery. Boy is it crazy to re-unite with your blog once more (about a month ago) to see how far your life has become – a mother, a bakery owner, etc! For me not personally knowing you, I’m proud of all that you have accomplished and I wish only the best for you and your family! Keep up the great work, love!

    Reply

  9. meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says

    Love posts like this and did one slightly similar last week! Isn’t it amazing how having a child can change your live to eat to eat to live? I recall not even thinking at all about my meals just hoping for the opportunity to take a bite without having to hold him, occupy him or feed him at the same time as myself.

    Reply

  11. Ali @ Peaches and Football says

    Aww this was a really fun post idea. It’s amazing how much things have changed but how so much is still the same. And you look like you’ve hardly aged at all! 🙂 I’ve always loved looking back and seeing how I’ve changed, what I’ve learned/accomplished, and what things really haven’t changed much. I’m always surprised.

    Reply

  14. Margo says

    Another great post but I gotta ask…Kath, are you closing your blog? It seems like a lot of your posts are really reflective lately and you say yourself you aren’t as interested in food. It would be a real bummer 🙁

    Reply

  16. Erin says

    Hey there. I don’t usually comment, but I wanted to pop by and say that I really enjoyed this post. It’s making me think about how different (and how much the same!) I am now than I was 5-10 years ago.

    Reply

  17. Julie Rosene says

    Looks like you have a more balanced and fulfilling life now. It’s what we all strive for. Life really is about learning and growing. Who knows what differences you’ll find in another 5 years when you compare with your current life?

    Reply

  18. Stephanie @ My Freckled Life says

    This post was so interesting and fun to read! So often you hear about people’s transitions from an unhealthy to a healthy lifestyle, but it is so cool to see your different ways of living healthy! What a great story, and a great explanation how just how much life changes!

    Reply

  20. Jessica says

    How convenient to have the blog to look back on for these great side by side pics! Growing and progressing are so vital in life. I never, ever want to stop improving or learning.

    I wanted to let you know that the blog is back logged for me again.. the newest post that shows up on your actual blog is your dinner at the Clifton Inn. I can get to new posts through your feed, but not on the actual blog. No biggie, but I thought you’d want to know.

    Reply

  21. Mary says

    Kath, I don’t often comment, but I have loved your blog for years. I love this post. I can relate with a lot of what you say in my own life… I have a son two months older than Mazen. It reminds me of something I heard Dr. Oz say, that about every 7 years we are new people because of what we have done and learned in that time, and our relationships (even with the same people) probably have morphed and need to be re-imagined to find new ways to be supportive about every 7 years, too. The 7 years measurement is probably arbitrary, but I think the underlying point is that we are on journeys where we grow and change. You document your life so thoughtfully and beautifully – thanks for sharing and inspiring!

    Reply

  22. Rebekah {aCricketSang} says

    I love this comparison post! It’s very insightful and interesting, since I identify the with the younger version and see a lot of my life mirrored in what you’ve described. It also makes me excited for the future and hope that I can change in a positive way as well!

    Reply

  23. Liz @ Tip Top Shape says

    This was such a fun post! It sounds like you’ve definitely changed over the years, but in good ways! I think life is always evolving, and even if big things don’t happen (like a move or becoming a parent) we’re bound to change and grow in certain ways.

    Reply

  24. Kelly D says

    Awww…great post! I have been reading your blog pretty much from day 1 and I love the way you and it have both evolved!

    Reply

  27. Farah says

    PS: I want your arms 🙂 (The photo of you with Mazen on the beach – beside the one of you in a red dress).

    Reply

  28. Kate says

    This post is so great! I am so very much like “then” Kath right now, and reading about how you have grown over the past years really makes me excited for what the future has to bring! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply

    • sam says

      Me too! Im in my mid-twenties and can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store. Kath this was a great post, thank you.

      Reply

  30. Simply Life (@SimplyLifeBlog) says

    what a fun post- I loved reading this! And not sure you intentionally did that, but I love how the first picture you’re in exactly the same position – just holding food vs. a baby – I think that sums-up this post wonderfully!

    Reply

  32. Elise @ Expeditions of Elise says

    I love this post! As a current college senior nearing graduation and considering going back to school for a second degree in dietetics, I often go back and read some of your old posts from when you were back in school. I notice a HUGE difference in your voice from 2008 to now! You used to write with a sense of wonder and excitement about everything…even how excited you were about a cup of tea you had! Now, your writing it much more subdued and has a sense of wisdom to it. Of course I feel like I’m coming to the party about 5 years too late, because I definitely feel like I relate more to Kath at age 24.

    Reply

  33. heather says

    Great post Kath. I think periods of reflection are totally natural and good for all of us! I have several friends that are approaching their 30s in the next year and they act like leaving their 20s behind is going to be just awful. As much as the 20s are fun, the 30s have been so much more fulfilling in every way. 🙂

    Reply

  34. Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says

    I love this post and the more reflective posts you’ve been doing lately. I feel like my life is in a similar place as yours was when you started the blog and it’s nice to see the journey you’ve taken and how you’ve shaped your life. Sometimes I get really worried about the future because things seem so uncertain now, but it’s nice to know that everything will work itself out and be okay. Here’s to life’s next adventures!

    Reply

  35. Lauren @ Foodie on the Run says

    What a great post. I am a newer reader of your blog (I think I discovered you about 5-6 months ago) but so cool to read about your transition from a young adult to mother, business owner, etc. and how you’ve changed as an individual along the way. As a new blogger myself, I’m always questioning/curious where life will take me and what I’ll be doing 3, 5, or 10 years from now. It’s nice to read your story and tell myself to continue to do what I love and what makes me happy, and what’s meant to be will be. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply

  36. Jeri says

    I have noticed too since following you how my lifestyle has changed. I eat better, want to be outside more and also where the action, as far as outdoor entertainment, is.
    I use My Fitness Pal. I used to log all my meals. But now that I am cooking from scratch more, it’s tiresome to enter all the ingredients for a meal that I might change up the next time. But I am more conscience about what and how much I am eating vice how many calories. I’m not losing weight like some think I should, 10 pounds a month, but it’s coming off slowly. I think it’s going to stay off this time because I am doing it slowly and making the small changes to lead to big ones over time.

    As far as where you’d like your blog to go…. I’d love to see videos if possible. Videos about shopping at the farmer’s markets, how to pick the ripe fruit, how to start a garden. Things about nutrition/cooking. I know with Mazen it might be hard, that’s why I understand if that’s too much. Just keep doing what your are doing. I love it!

    PS: When does the farmer’s market start? WOuldn’t mind making a Saturday drive up for it

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      A wild night out : ) We were wearing masks because this was back when you could still SMOKE in bars in NC and one of our friends had masks in her purse! Ha!

      Reply

  38. Catherine says

    This was a wonderful post! You look happy and beautiful in all of your pictures, but you’re definitely glowing in the most recent ones. 🙂 I remember reading your blog back in 2007 when I was living in Egypt, and how it helped me feel connected to life in the US. I have enjoyed reading your blog since then and have learned so much about healthy/balanced living from you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

    Reply

    • Laurie says

      Same with me! I was living in Taiwan and read every single post, every single day! It was my “American” fix. Now that I’m back in the States, we still travel a lot. I have read your blog in Norway, Indonesia, Hong Kong, London, Amsterdam, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia!! You’ve traveled the world with me, Kath!! 🙂

      Reply

  39. Caroline says

    It seems that you equate (varying degrees of) thinness with health and happiness. Do you think that this message, which recurs constantly in your blog, could be damaging to impressionable young people?

    Reply

      • LMN says

        When I first started reading this post, I thought you were going to reminiscence on being thinner, but I agree that you didn’t imply that at all. If anything, I just read that you are in a different place, not better or worse, just different. And that’s a part of growing up 😉

        Reply

  40. Alisha says

    I’ve been a regular follower for a few years now and I think you have done a beautiful job of making your blog fit your life. It makes YOU authentic and relatable!

    Reply

  43. Chelsea @ TableForOne says

    This is a fantastic post. As a girl just entering my 20s, I can’t wait to look back and see how far I’ve come. I love reminiscing about the “olden days” and seeing just how much life can change over the years.

    Reply

  48. Alex @ Kenzie Life says

    This was a fun post to read, especially since I started reading around the time Mazen was born, so I didn’t really know much about what things were like for you pre-baby. Of the reasons you’re one of my most favorite bloggers is because you seem to have such a balanced view of life, fitness, and food, and I really love that. I’ve loved reading about food on your blog (more so than other blogs) but also the lifestyle posts (organizing, decorating, views on topics as a dietitian and the guest posts you’ve had). Thanks for making my days a little more enjoyable! 🙂

    Reply

  49. Emily says

    This is an awesome post, I’m all about reflecting on my life and my priorities lately. It’s interesting you started this when you were 24 – I’m that age now and reading this, life as you described it “then” is very similar to my life now. I’m curious – you mentioned in a way you were more self-absorbed then. Well, I completely agree that I am more than I’d care to admit too. I just can’t seem to strike a balance between the healthy lifestyle I want to live and going out of my way to meet up with friends (or date for that matter). I feel like I need to stop being quite so uptight sometimes and fitting people in only when it’s convenient for me. Did you ever feel that way?

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      Hmmm…I’m not exactly sure what you mean. Do you mean you hesitate to go out for drinks because you’d rather get up early and go running? I might just go and have one drink and leave on the early side and do both.

      Reply

      • Emily says

        That would solve it! But yes that’s my general concern sometimes. Finding the work/friends/fitness/family balance. It’s typically all work and fitness for me.

        Thanks for the response! Your blog is one I’ve followed for a few years now 🙂 It’s been fun watching it evolve!

        Reply

  50. Foodandfarm says

    I have read your blog for years (think 2008) and this post is wonderful! We live right down the road (nelson/ amherst) and the transformation has been wonderful to watch! Stopping by the bakery on a cville trip tomorrow!

    Reply

  51. Alisha @ Alisha's Appetite says

    I LOVED this post so much. As a 26 year old who relates a lot to your 26 year old self it is so interesting for me to read this and kind of get a glimpse into what I will be thinking/acting in 5 years from now. More posts like this please!

    Reply

  52. [email protected] for the soul says

    You still have the same glowy and youthful face, Kath! I guess all those veggies are paying off, huh? 😉 It is pretty amazing how our lives change and transition into things we never would have expected, and motherhood is one of those things that bring so much busy-ness but blessing and joy. 😀

    Reply

  53. Tracy says

    Thanks for such a thoughtful and insightful post, Kath. It’s fun to remember back to your early years of blogging! I’m interested to see where you take the blog from here.

    Reply

  54. Kelly says

    Love this Kath! I have been a loyal reader for years and it’s been so fun to watch your life and your family evolve. Although we have never ‘met’ you are definitely someone I admire, you have a wonderful outlook on life!

    Reply

  55. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says

    I really enjoyed this post! I love what a healthy perspective you have on food, fitness, and life in general. You always look so genuinely happy in your pictures.
    And for the record (not that this matters)–but I can’t tell the difference in your before and after baby body. I’m sure you before baby body wouldn’t like to hear this, but I really can’t. You look fabulous, but most importantly, you look so healthy!

    Reply

  59. [email protected] says

    LOVE this post!!! It’s amazing how we change when we think back to a time when we thought we’d done all our growing and changing!! Looks like yours are all positive and I have to say you look incredible, honestly I don’t see much difference if any other than higher cheekbones..!? Maturity?!?

    Reply

  63. Elyse says

    LOVE THIS POST! I too feel like I’ve changed so much in the last several years and love life so much right now. I can really relate to everything you wrote about and have really enjoyed following you on this journey.

    Reply

  64. Sarah H. says

    This was so fun to read! I’m 26 now, and this post made me a little giddy with excitement about what life has in store for the future. Thanks for writing this down!

    Reply

  66. Heidi says

    Kath!!! You rock that mom body! You look FABUlOUS!! Keep doing what your doing. You are so radiant(beaming)not just on the outside but most importantly the inside! You are truly an inspiration to me to keep on keeping on. Thank you! 🙂

    Reply

  67. Erin m. says

    Hi Kath! I don’t usually comment but I love this post. I’ve been reading your blog for many years and have loved it! Keep it up!

    Reply

  69. Sagan says

    This is awesome, Kath. It’s so interesting to think about how things change throughout our lives! Really like this perspective on it all.

    Reply

  70. Lena says

    Such a beautiful post. You are doing a great job now and were then too! Thank you for sharing so much with your readers.

    Reply

  73. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says

    Such a wonderful post, Kath! “My life is one big party these days…” <— Love that line. 🙂 It seems like you are in a really great place mentally and physically right now, and I am so happy for you!
    PS— Your muscles rock. I want to be strong and fit like you if/when I become a mom!

    Reply

  74. Jaclyn says

    This is a really excellent post. Thank you for being so candid about how your life has changed. It feels relatable, even as I am in-between your “Then” and “Now” in terms of age and stage.

    Your blog content has been really great lately. Keep it up!

    Reply

  76. lisa @ early morning run says

    Great post! Now that I’m in my 30’s and we left our life in NYC for Denver, I often think back on how things have changed. It’s fun to see how you’ve looked at it. I’m definitely glad to be a 30-something, but am proud of how I’ve gotten here.

    Reply

  77. Stacey says

    I really, really love this post. I am 28 and I feel like I’m right in between where you were then and where you are now. The similarities are uncanny, really. I was always obsessed with good food and being healthy and fit, but the best part about getting older is understanding that it’s not about obsession. It’s about feeling good and listening to your body. Anyways, keep up the good work. I can only hope that I can keep up my blog that long and see how I’ve grown over the years.

    Reply

  78. Ella says

    “Would a cave man think I was hot? Heck yeah!” Hahaha! Love it!

    I’ve had fun following your story, since it kind of mirrors mine (’05 college grad, married young, became an RD in late 20’s after working in PR, had a child shortly thereafter). Keep up the awesome work, Kath! You sure have a great thing going with this blog, and clearly, with your life as well 🙂

    Reply

  79. Sheilagh says

    Great post! When I first started reading I had just had my 2nd baby & you were a few months away from getting pregnant. I really enjoyed your blog, but often found myself thinking, well of course she can work out 6 days a week, she doesn’t have kids! Really inspiring to see how you’ve been able to keep up fitness & nutrition wise in this new chapter of life. Now if only you could have that 2nd baby so I can get more inspiration, tips, and ideas!

    Reply

  80. Caitlin says

    Kath, I cannot thank you enough for sharing this with us. In my opinion, this is, hands down, the greatest post you’ve written to date. It meant more to me than I could possibly try to explain. I can’t wait to see what the coming years bring [to us both]! xx

    Reply

  81. Lorin says

    This post made me realize that I have been reading your blog since my first quarter in college. Now I am on my second to last quarter. I have always enjoyed reading your posts and you were so nice in person when I met you in San Diego before the BlogHer Conference. It’s been fun seeing the blog change based on your life changes.

    Reply

  82. Erin Motz says

    loved this post! so much fun 🙂 i’m 26 now and feel very much as you describe you felt… so funny to see from this perspective. i think you look smoking hot, BTW! hoping these next 5 years treat me as well as they have you! 😉

    Reply

  85. Lisa @bitesforbabies says

    What a great idea for a post! I l too look back at my first posts and I can’t believe how far I’ve come! In all honesty, I’m quite embarrassed by my old posts, especially my photography skills, lol! It is amazing and inspiring though to see the transformation in myself as well as my blog!

    Reply

  86. Eva says

    Hi Kath, I really loved this post. I’m currently 22 and feeling just like you described of your younger self– happy, but with a load of uncertainty. Every time i read any sort of “reflection” post, the author always mentions that they could never have imagined they ended up being where they are. And it is so weird to me because i can understand that feeling, but wonder how it will ACTUALLY feel when i’m there looking back on my life. Anyway, point is, regardless what everyone says, life is long and i’m so thankful of the chance to look back an see such beauty.

    Reply

  88. Leslie says

    Love this post. Question on calories. I am older and have recently gained a lot of weight and while I try to eat intentionally, I just eat too much. So after looking back, the time I lost the most weight was WW and “points”, so essentially I need to count calories to get the weight off. My question for you is how many calories do you give yourself? I am in my mid 40’s and 5 foot 2. I am not super active outside of my job, which is pretty active (teaching music/movement classes with preschoolers every morning).

    Reply

    • KathEats says

      Leslie, I’d recommend signing up for something like My Fitness Pal and seeing what they give you when you put in your activity and stats.

      Reply

  89. Liz says

    Loved this post! And I know you said you’re not ready for another baby yet, but I can’t wait to follow your journey once you are! You were pregnant with Maizen when I first found your blogs and my daughter is only 4 months younger than him. It was fun to know what to expect next! I’m pregnant with #2 now and am a bit terrified of what life with two kids under two will be like. Can’t wait to see you and Matt go through that stage of life too (when you are ready, of course!).

    Reply

    • Liz says

      Oops, realized that I misspelled Mazen’s name – sorry! I have a friend with a son named Maizen, kind of funny since it’s such a unique name!

      Reply

  90. Sara says

    I loved this post so much. Inspired me to do my own “then and now” not only w/fitness & foods, but family/relationships/free time. I’ll probably open up my own eyes to my own life 🙂 HA!

    Reply

  91. Jessie P says

    This post actually got me a little teary eyed 🙂

    I found your blog when i was researching RD internships years ago, you had just started school to become an RD and I followed right along with you in my own RD program. Funny how people you have never met can feel like old friends.

    Reply

  93. HeatherBakes says

    Love, love, love this post! I started reading your blog back in 2008 when I was sitting at my desk at work… and now I’m a stay at home mom with 2 little ones and life is VERY different. I don’t get to read blogs as often as I used to but it’s so fun to catch up and see how your life has changed too. Keep it up Kath!!

    Reply

  94. Grace says

    Love this post. It’s so fun to see how you grow and change. What’s your goal for the future? Maybe you could write a post about your intentions long term, this has always been interesting to me. In terms of where KERF & your career is headed, etc. I find myself curious as to the long term sustainability of blogs.

    Reply

  96. Iman says

    This is an amazing post! And you’ve come a long way since you were 24 and for starters you look Super Duper happy, positivly glowing and waaay more fit and healthy! You honestly look younger and more vibrant now and your meals and life is also waay more colourful and looks happy like you now do! Lovely post 🙂

    Reply

  98. Ali Q says

    Thanks for sharing! I actually wrote a post about this today. I am in the process of finding a life balance, and it is comforting to read your post and see that I am on the right track. Thank you!

    Reply

  101. Christina says

    Kath,

    I’m a little late to reading this but this is AMAZING. Thanks for the honesty and sharing all of this!! I love it. SO cool to be able to look back and the side by side photos are perfection.

    Christina

    Reply

  102. Aimee says

    I’ve really enjoyed this post, and it’s made me reflect back on the last few years of my life and how my healthy-living mentality has evolved. Keep up the great posts, I really like the direction your blog has taken over the years 🙂

    Reply

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