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Blog  /  September 19, 2017

Why I Challenged Myself to NOT Track Macros for 7 Days

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You might be thinking to yourself, “What do you mean you didn’t track macros for 7 days? Isn’t that what you’ve always advocated?”

Yes. That’s true. Since starting Treasured Tablespoons by Kelsey Nicole (and well before), I have been a huge proponent of tracking macros/calories, and I still am! So, why challenge myself to stop? Let me explain.

I strongly believe that tracking macro nutrients is essential to understanding nutrition. Better yet, it is essential to understanding the nutritional needs of your body, a one-of-a-kind body. Becoming knowledgeable about macro nutrients makes you aware of what you put into your one-of-a-kind body. And, if you strive to eat well and live a balanced life, I think it is necessary to be aware of the macro nutrients you consume. This means knowing the difference between the three macros: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (good and bad).

Just like anything in life, you’ve got to start somewhere. There is no exception when it comes to living a healthy, balanced, full life. It comes easier for some than others, just like throwing a football comes more natural to my little brother than it does myself. In the beginning stages of any fitness journey, tracking macros helps you gain a better understanding of the specific macros your body needs to meet your goals.

With that being said, I began my fitness journey in 2011. I started by solely tracking calories until I learned and understood macro nutrients better. As I stated earlier, everyone starts somewhere. Fast forward to 2017 and I’ve learned a lot via research, personal experience, and watching others. Through trial and error, I started to see what “healthy” and “balance” looked like for me. My one-of-a-kind body is just that, one-of-a-kind, just like yours.

After 7+ years of tracking calories and macro nutrients, it’s started to have an adverse effect on what I was striving so hard for. It was becoming unhealthy. Visualizing how many carbs, protein, and fat I actually ate during the day, in comparison to what I should eat made me feel guilty. (Humor me as I, once again, say there is nothing wrong with tracking macros. Nothing at all. I think it serves it’s purpose in the right time and place. However, I am past that time and place.) Guilt is not healthy. Stress is not healthy. Obsession is not healthy.

Moving forward, I know the amount of protein, carbs, and fats I should consume daily in order to achieve my goals. I can guestimate portion sizes and the amount of calories I’m eating. But most importantly, I have peace when I enjoy an extra scoop of ice cream or glass of wine.

I guess what I’ve come to realize is that my idea of “healthy” changed. What once was a lean physique, no sugar or carbs, and workouts every day turned into a maintainable body, enjoying food daily, making exercise a priority but not letting it rule my life, and having peace and joy about who I am, inside and out. Life is too dang short to live any other way. Amen?!

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Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhe Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhelmed and burdened by running a small business?! 

As a FNTP, who previously ran my own nutritional therapy practice, I know what it’s like to wear many hats. And let’s face it, small business owners can’t do it ALL. 

I‘ve personally experienced the overwhelm that comes with running your own business.

That’s when I decided to change directions and pursue content creation full time. Because I immediately saw the need for content creation in the nutrition sphere. Why?

Because as a nutrition professional, you want to share content that is accurate and original. Who’s better qualified to help you create content than a trained nutrition professional??

See where I’m going here? 🙃

I love combining my two passions: content creation and nutrition. Better yet, I love using these skill sets to better your business!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent
#nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practi As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I have a unique advantage in my work as a Content Creator. 

My #1 goal is to create original, niche-focused, attention-grabbing digital content for my fellow nutrition professionals. 

My skill set includes creating content for the following:
• Social media platforms 
• Blogs
• Email campaigns
• And more!

Do you want more information about how I work 1:1 with nutrition professionals and business wonders? Send me a DM!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner 
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging 
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth 
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent #nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 🛑

*said with grace and love*

Seriously, I spent years sipping on black coffee before eating breakfast. But, not anymore. 

Here’s what happens when you skip breakfast and drink black coffee every morning:
👉🏼 The caffeine (AKA stimulant) spikes your blood sugar levels.
👉🏼 Your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, increasing stress hormones.
👉🏼 A couple hours later, the cravings and yawns kick in, so you binge on sugar and *more* coffee.

And in case you’re thinking, “I seem to feel just fine after drinking black coffee and skipping breakfast,” there’s a good chance your body is living on stress hormones and relies on the caffeine to keep your body functioning. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 😬

Soooo, what should you do instead for a healthy metabolism & happy hormones?

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and fat, FIRST. Ideally, within an hour of waking up. Then, enjoy a cup of fresh coffee (preferably with high quality cream or milk) ☕️ 

TBH, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee with frothy, raw milk 🤩 what’s your coffee order?

And, yes, my shirt says “you’re the pumpkin to my spice” because ‘tis the season 🎃 *from @hannahmcmorrison 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #blackcoffee #coffeeorder #balancedbreakfast #healthybreakfast
When you’re trying to master the reel game, but When you’re trying to master the reel game, but have a constant shadow 🐾

Good thing he’s the cutest!

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #rhodesianridgeback #rhodie
I eat carbs at every meal! 🍎🥖🥔🫓🥛🍫

Here’s why…

Our bodies NEED carbohydrates for: 
• Physical energy
• Brain power
• Muscle repair and growth
• A healthy gut microbiome
• Metabolic efficiency 
• Healthy digestion 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

This is especially true when you’re exercising and strength training regularly!! 💪🏼

Some of my favorite carb sources are:
• Fresh sourdough bread 
• Sweet potatoes and red potatoes 
• Squash and carrots
• Seasonal fruit 
• Honey and maple syrup 
• Raw milk
• Cassava tortillas and pasta 
• Homemade baked goods with cassava flour
• Dark chocolate 

What are your favorite carbs?! 😋

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #carbs #glutenfreecarbs #healthycarbs #carbsbenefits
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃 Alwa Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃

Always a Fall staple in my home! I usually double this recipe to share with others or put the freezer for later 😋

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose GF flour
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (I use @naked.protein)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1+ tbs pumpkin spice 
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1 pastured egg
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey 
1/4 butter, melted and cooled
1/4-1/2 cup milk of choice (I use raw whole milk)
1/2+ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F and grease muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix. Add wet ingredients and mix.
3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
4. Pour into muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

*Recipe adapted from @fitmittenkitchen 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #pumpkinmuffins #proteinpumpkinmuffins #glutenfreepumpkinmuffins
5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE st 5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE stress in the body…

1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
2. Working out fasted 
3. Limiting consumption of fruit and natural sugars
4. Opting for “low fat” foods
5. Drinking a gallon of water daily.

All of these habits add excessive stress to the body and can eventually lead to symptoms of burn out and physiological imbalances, like:
PMS
Weight gain
Acne
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
AND SO MUCH MORE

Sometimes, our bodies need us to intentionally do LESS, not more. If you’re in a constant (physical or mental) state of stress, this means YOU!

Did you know these “healthy” habits could be detrimental to your health? 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #stress #healthyhabits #healthylifestyle
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