Tara Collingwood | The Diet Diva

What is Mindful Eating?

26.02.2015

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We’ve been working with a lot of clients lately on developing a healthy relationship with food. This looks different for each individual’s unique situation, but boils down to mindful eating. Which leads us to the big question: what is mindful eating?

Mindful eating, as the name implies, involves paying conscious attention to what you’re consuming and also noticing the motivation behind eating. Another imperative aspect of mindful eating is that this is done in a nonjudgmental way. Overall, the goal is to be able to listen to your body for hunger cues, recognize when your body […]

Cruisin’ Disney Style: Castaway Challenge 2015

24.02.2015

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Fitness

When I found out that runDisney had added a cruise to their lineup of races, I was crossing my fingers and toes that I would have the opportunity to go. I was lucky enough to sail the Disney Wonder the Monday after Marathon weekend for 4 nights with my boys and my mom. The cruise went to Nassau, Bahamas and to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. RunDisney put on a 5K on the island and whoever did a race on marathon weekend and then went on that particular cruise immediately after the marathon was able to earn a special […]

Where’s the Me Time with a Full Time Job and Kids?

23.02.2015

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Motivational Monday

Raising kids is no easy task, especially if you’re juggling a full time job and doing it alone as a single mom. It seems every second of every day is devoted to my work or my children, which I love, but I’ve found that it’s important to not let it completely consume me. Making time for myself has to be just as much of a priority so I can be the best mommy, business owner, fiancé, and friend I can be.

Now, I know this is easier said than done. It has taken me many years and […]

Southwestern Bean Soup

20.02.2015

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Food

Southwestern Bean Soup: All it is are some beans, veggies, vegetable broth, and spices. The combinations of the flavors work so nicely together to give you a fresh, flavorful taste with a kick. Your taste buds will be begging for another bite!

In light of my blog post yesterday about why beans are the greatest (!), there’s no better way to honor that than by sharing with you all, my Southwestern Bean Soup recipe! This is definitely my go-to because it’s super easy, insanely delicious and all of the ingredients are clean and/or organic! Hard to believe […]

Beans, Beans, They’re Good for Your Heart…

19.02.2015

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Nutrition

The more research I’ve done on this hidden gem of a food [beans], the more I’ve discovered all that they do for not only heart health, but our bodies as a whole.

That’s right, the good ol’ bean song rings true, people! Beans are an understated dietary necessity that I have particularly increased my consumption of since switching to a vegan lifestyle. But I must say, I wish I had started my bean obsession earlier, even before the vegan takeover. The more research I’ve done on this hidden gem of a food, the more I’ve […]

Golden Tomato-Date Dressing

13.02.2015

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Food

Hello, Golden Tomato Date Dressing! I love this dressing because it’s just made with tomatoes and dates…nothing else! Because of that you can enjoy more of it than you normally would a regular salad dressing since it’s naturally low fat, low calorie, and no added junk!

I am a true believer that variety is the spice of life. I find that if you have trouble breaking away from your strict, methodical routine, chances are…you’re going to lose your mind! Let me add…I speak from experience.
It may seem slightly contradictory that I am sitting […]

Ways to Show Love without Chocolate

12.02.2015

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Nutrition

Baked chocolate chip cookies or a box of chocolates are often viewed as the typical presents to show some one your love. This year, why not think out of the box? There are many alternatives to chocolates that may be a sweeter deal all around.

And while you’re choosing your not-chocolate-gift, why not cater it to the way your loved one feels most loved? There are five primary “languages” of expressing love, including positive affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service and material gifts. Below, we’ve explored an option for each one of these, so […]

Dopey Race Recap 2015

10.02.2015

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Fitness

YEP! I’m Dopey!

When I first heard about the “Dopey Challenge” in the inaugural year for 2014, I thought it was absurd. Who would do that? I was coming off of a fractured pelvis injury, so I “only” did the 10K and half marathon for the 2014 Disney Marathon Weekend. When it came time to sign up for the Disney Marathon Weekend this year, I thought, “What the heck. Who knows if I’ll be injured or healthy or whatever, but at least I’ll be signed up for all of the races and I’ll decide which ones […]

How to get rid of the excuses that are holding you back

9.02.2015

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Motivational Monday

I’m starting a new series on my {newish} blog today, called Motivational Monday. With all the work I’m doing on the set of Emotional Mojo, I have lots of ideas churning about how food and emotions are entertained and I’m excited to share many of my thoughts here with you on this blog.

I’ve been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for 18 years. I’ve heard it all and hardly anything shocks me anymore. I have also heard a LOT of excuses throughout the years–and I’m going to give you some ideas of how […]

Healthy Apple Cookies

19.12.2014

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Food

I am a big apple fan, especially this time of year when they are crisp and tart! Apples are one of the highest fiber fruits and have many beneficial nutrients including quercetin. A important antioxidant that works to reduce inflammation in the body.

Check out more powerful benefits of apples in my blog post on RunDisney.com. There might be something to that old saying… apple a day really does keep the doctor a way!

Healthy Apple Cookies
Apple Cookies
INGREDIENTS

1 apple
Peanut butter
Walnuts, roughly chopped
Coconut flakes
Cacao nibs

INSTRUCTIONS

Slice […]