FAQs
Blog Questions
Do you photograph everything that you eat?
I try to photograph everything that I put into my mouth, but, as you can probably expect, this is not always possible. Sometimes my camera isn’t handy, sometimes I am just lazy, and sometimes I’m enjoying the moment and don’t want to ruin it with a photo. On a good day, I photograph about 90% of what I eat. What you don’t see on the blog are the following:
- Water. Lots and lots of it! I drink water all day long and with meals. If you don’t see a beverage in my photo, assume I am drinking a refreshing glass of iced water. I’m a water freak!
- Vitamins. I take a multivitamin and a calcium supplement every other day or so. I usually take them with breakfast or dinner… depending on when I remember!
- Pre-workout snack. I rarely photograph my snacks first thing in the morning. It’s super early, so I usually forget, and, for some reason, I forget to mention them in my breakfast post. Generally, I will eat a 150-200 calorie snack (if I am hungry) before exercising. My snack is usually a piece of bread with peanut butter/apple butter or a homemade mini muffin.
- Random bites. If I just eat a bite of something, I usually won’t stop to take a photo. If I end up taking multiple bites, I will stop and document it or “fess-up” in my post later on.
How do I start/market my blog?
Check out my post about creating and marketing your blog: So, You Want to Start a Blog?
Was your blog successful from the start or did it take a while to get popular? How long and do you have any tips for new bloggers?
I started my blog to keep me on track with eating well and exercising in preparation for my upcoming wedding. My blog started as a very personal, online journal, and I had no intention of anyone ever reading it. I definitely didn’t think that it would become such a huge part of my life. Like many new bloggers, I started with just a few readers, but over time, my audience has grown. It’s taken me 2 years, blogging 3 times a day, to get to this point.
If you’re a new blogger and would like some tips, check out my So, You Want To Start a Blog post.
What kind of computer do you use?
I have a 13-inch MacBook, and I absolutely LOVE it! I was a PC girl for as long as I can remember, but I am so happy that I switched to a Mac.
What blogging software do you use?
I use Ecto. It’s a great blog tool and easy to use.
What’s your email address?
You can contact me at tina@carrotsncake.com.
How do you run with a camera?
I don’t run with a camera! 
I run with my iPhone to listen to music, so I also use the camera app on it.
My Google Reader won’t update anymore when you write a new post. How come?
Try adding http://carrotsncake.com/feed/ to your Google Reader.
Do you ever get sick of blogging?
Yes and no. I really enjoy blogging, but like any “job,” there are times that I don’t want to do it– particularly after a late night (and perhaps a couple of drinks) when I’d rather just go to bed.
Have you ever been recognized by one of your readers?
Yep, a number of times, actually. Usually, readers recognize me in the Boston area, but there was one time someone recognized me in Seattle. That was weird.
How long have you been blogging?
I started Carrots ‘N’ Cake in February 2008.
Tina Questions
Could you share some of your stats (height/weight or measurements)?
I am 5′ 4″ and weigh between 127-130.
How old are you?
I’m 29-years-old. Thirty is creeping up on me fast!
I know you recently got married. Will you share some of the details of your big day?
Check out my wedding plans category. There’s a lot about our wedding!
What is your job?
Well, I have a bunch! In addition to blogging at Carrots ‘N’ Cake, I work part-time at NuVal as a social media strategist, write a weekly column for Health.com and promote events via social media for Gordon’s Fine Wine and Liquors. I’m also writing a book!
What time do you typically go to sleep/wake up?
I try to be in bed by 9 PM and asleep by 9:30/10 PM. I wake up at 6 AM unless I am working on my book and then I wake up at 4:29 AM.
How did you get your job at NuVal?
Melissa of A Better Bag of Groceries contacted me through Carrots ‘N’ Cake about writing a guest post for my blog. NuVal sounded really interesting, but once I realized that they were a local company, I wanted to become involved somehow. Basically, I “pitched myself” to them. You can read the whole story here.
How did you start writing for Health magazine?
My gig with Health was 100% luck and good timing! I emailed Health to inquire about some freelance work and, at the same time, they were looking for someone, who lost weight and maintained it, to contribute to their Feel Great Weight program. A few of the Health editors were readers of my blog, so I think that helped too!
What did you study in grad school?
My Master’s degree is in Higher Education Administration.
Where did you get your gray scarf?
I bought it from a street vendor in New York City.
I really like your style! Do you have any fashion tips?
Check out my post about Dressing Stylish on a Budget.
How much do you spend a month on groceries?
Generally, Mal and I spend less than $300 per month. Our budget is $75 per week and we almost always come in below that. Of course, there are weeks that we go over budget, but it’s usually due to entertaining or buying booze.
What kind of hair products do you use?
I pretty much use whatever is on sale at CVS or Target! Right now in my shower, I have John Frieda’s Root Awakening shampoo and conditioner, which I like a lot. They have a fresh, minty scent and make my hair soft and shiny. I also use Neutogena Triple Moisture Shine Serum when I blowdry my hair. I’ve been using it for years and it’s the best!
Mal Questions
What is Mal’s full name?
Mallory.
How did you and Mal meet?
We dated in high school in 1998. You can read our story here.
What is Mal’s job?
Mal is a high school history teacher. He also teaches AP Human Geography and Psychology. You can see a photo of his classroom here!
What does Mal eat in a day (besides PB&J for lunch)?
Typically, he eats oatmeal or frozen waffles for breakfast. Lunch is PB & J with Kettle Chips. His snacks include chocolate chip granola bars, apples, bananas, and pistachios. He usually eats the same dinner as I do. He’s also an iced coffee and water fanatic like his wife.
Does Mal have a blog?
Mal does not have a blog. He’s really not into them.
What does Mal do during the summer?
In the summer, Mal takes courses in his field to earn professional development points.
Murphy Questions
What kind of food do you feed Murphy?
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul.
Murphy is so adorable, I am considering adopting one myself. I heard somewhere pugs can snore loud at times. Is this true?
Yes! Murphy snores like a chainsaw! He sleeps with us in bed, so I thought his snoring would drive me crazy, but I’m used to it now.
I’ve heard that pugs shed A LOT. How do you deal with the fur?
To be honest, not very well! Murphy sheds a lot! Every other week, we FURminate Murph, which seems to help with the fur issue. I’m also fanatical about cleaning and sweeping up the fur. It’s a lot, but it’s totally worth it!
I heard that pugs can sometimes be difficult to potty train. Are they?
Murphy was actually pretty easy to potty train, but we really kept on him. He hardly had any accidents in the house as a puppy because we were so obsessive with taking him out and rewarding him when he “pottied” outside.
Where did you get Murphy?
Murphy came from a breeder in Western Massachusetts, who has been breeding pugs for 27 years. Email me, and I will send you the details.
Did you have to convince Mal to get Murphy, or did he want a pug as much as you did?
I don’t think anyone in the whole wide world wanted a pug more than me, but Mal was on board with getting one, too. As soon as Mal saw Murphy’s adorable pug face at the breeder’s home, he was hooked. M & M are pretty much in love now.
How often do you walk Murphy? I’m thinking of getting a small dog but I live in an apartment. Do you find it hard to live with a dog in an apartment?
Murphy goes for at least 2 walks a day. One is short (20-25 minutes) and one is long (45 – 60 minutes).
Personally, living in South Boston, I found it sort of difficult to have a dog. There wasn’t a lot of green space to let Murphy run around, and I was always worried about him getting off leash and running into the street. But, now that we are in the ‘burbs, Murph will have plenty of room to stretch his little pug legs.
Weight Loss Questions
How many calories do you eat per day? And how many calories did you eat when you were losing weight?
Currently (and while losing weight), I eat 1800-2200 calories a day.
How long did it take you to get to your maintenance stage?
As for my weight loss journey, it took me a good year to lose the weight (153 to 130 lbs.) before my body settled around 130. (My weight fluctuates between 127-130 now.) I’ve maintained my weight for about 6 years now, but it was definitely a journey to get here– lots of hard work!
How is it that you eat the same amount of calories now as when you were trying to lose weight?
Before losing weight, I ate about 2,500 – 3,000 calories per day. So, when I reduced that amount to 1,800 – 2,200 calories and started exercising more frequently, the weight came off. I continue to consume 1,800 – 2,200 calories per day, so I’ve maintain my weight for almost 6 years now.
I know you love sweets/dessert/etc, so when you first started losing weight, did you let yourself have these treats?
Yes, absolutely! As you know, I loooovveeee sweets… and wine… and nachos, and I knew when I was trying to lose weight that giving up these delicious foods would make me miserable. I still treat myself to goodies (just about everyday), but in small portions (200 calories or so). I think this small indulgence makes a big difference in how I view food– nothing is “off limits” to me.
How did you stay motivated during your weight loss? I see that it took you about a year to lose all of your weight.
Losing weight was tough and staying motivated was ever tougher! What kept me motivated through it all was knowing that I was making a lifestyle change. Even though I was changing my eating and exercise habits for good, I still slipped up and over-ate every now and then. However, I always made sure to get myself back on track the very next meal/day. Losing weight is all about about consistency, so if you slip up, try to re-focus and not worry about it. Eat well at the next meal and fit in a sweaty workout. Sometimes you just have to “fake it until you make it!”
After reading about your weight loss journey, I was wondering, how do I find out how many calories (approx.) I should be aiming for in a day, if I’m trying to lose weight?
Good question!I used an online calculator to figure out how many calories I needed to lose about 0.5 pounds a week. Check out this calculator from A Healthy Me: http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/calneed. It will give you the approximate number of calories to lose, maintain, or gain weight based on your height, current weight, age, and activity level. Good luck!
How do you seem to eat such indulgent foods (cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, etc) so often but not gain weight?
It’s all about portion size. I eat small portions of indulgent foods.
I recently started working full-time after graduating from college and I have a really hard time sticking to my regular healthy diet. Do you have any suggestions that would help me to get back on track?
I hear ya! I gained the most weight in my first job after college. I was sitting at a desk most of the day, not working out a lot, and indulging in Happy Hour way too frequently! My best advice to you would be to eat more during the day. Have a “mini-meal” every 3-4 hours, and try to balance healthy carbs (lots of whole grains and fiber) with protein and fat. Also, try working out in the mornings. I find if I don’t workout first thing in the morning, I find plenty of “excuses” not to go to the gym after work. Also, check out my weight loss “Tips” for more ideas: http://carrotsncake.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.
Food Questions
How do you make your iced coffee?
Check out my Homemade Iced Coffee recipe!
How do you make your iced lattes?
I use the MyPressi TWIST. It’s AWESOME!
Where can I buy Barney Butter? Does Whole Foods sell it?
Barney Butter is available at Whole Foods, but only in certain states. Here’s a list of retail locations:http://www.barneybutter.com/retail.html You can also purchase BB directly through the website. In the Boston area, I’ve found BB at Shaws.
What is a misto?
A misto is a drink that is half coffee and half steamed milk. I usually get mine made with soy milk.
How do you make your oatmeal?
Check out these 2 posts: How to Make Stove Top Oats and How to Make Microwavable Oats.
How do you make overnight oats and Overnight Oats in a Jar?
How do you cook your spaghetti squash?
Check out this How to Make Spaghetti Squash post!
How do you cook your brussels sprouts?
Check out my step-by-step instructions for Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
What kind of salad dressing do you use?
I rarely add dressing to my salads, but if I do it’s balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar and olive oil.
What are wheatberries? How do you make them?
Check out my post about wheatberries.
What are the measurements for your pomegranate lemonade? What product brands do you use?
The approximate measurements are 1/3 pomegranate juice, 2/3 cup soda water (or sparkling water), and 1 tsp of powdered low-cal lemonade mix (Crystal Light or store brand). For the pomegranate juice, I buy the POM brand.
What brand is your panini maker?
Our panini press is the Cuisinart Griddler, which was purchased from Crate & Barrel.
How do you make your homemade granola?
Check out this post: Homemade granola.
What type of bulgar do you use? What’s it taste like and how do you cook it?
I use regular dry bulgar for my breakfast. Currently, I am using bulgar from a health food store in my neighborhood. I buy it in bulk from their bins–- kind of like they have at Whole Foods. In the past, I’ve use the Arrowhead Mills brand. I think you can find the Arrowhead Mills brand at most grocery stores.
Bulgur is kind of sweet, kind of nutty, but I think it’s the texture that I like so much. The texture is grainy, but sort of chewy. It’s a nice change from the typical oatmeal breakfast, and it fills me up.I cook my bulgur in a big, deep bowl in the microwave for 6 minutes. I add 1/3 cup of dry bulgar to 2/3 cup water (sometimes milk) and add other toppings (pumpkin, dates, almonds, etc.) and then pop in the microwave.
What brand of Buffalo Sauce do you use?
Frank’s Red Hot. It’s the best!
Why drink hemp milk over rice or soy milk? Are the benefits greater with the hemp milk?
The main reason that I drink hemp milk is because it is delicious, especially the vanilla flavor– it’s thick, sweet, and creamy. However, what initially attracted me to hemp milk was its stellar nutritional stats. Hemp milk is a good source of protein, omega fatty acids, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals.
I also drink a fair amount of soy milk (mostly when hemp milk isn’t available). Soy milk has a little more protein than hemp milk and it also contains isoflavones, which act as antioxidants and have been linked to many health benefits, including better bone health and reducing heart disease and cancer risks as well as others. It’s also delicious and comes in a variety of flavors.
Another healthy milk alternative that I sometimes buy (and drink) is almond milk, which is rich in all sorts of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants (vitamin E and selenium). Almond milk is fairly low in calories and has quite a lot of calcium. I should be drinking more of it!
From what I know about rice milk, it does not contain as significant amounts of protein and calcium as hemp, soy or almond milk. However, most commercial brands are fortified with vitamins and minerals.
What do you normally drink with your meals?
Ice water. I’m a water freak! I love it!
What is an Adora disk?
An Adora disk is a chocolate calcium supplement that provides about 50% of your daily requirements. They are delicious and actually taste like real chocolate. Here’s a link to their website: http://adoracalcium.com. You can order the Adora disks online, but they are also sold at Whole Foods and Walgreens as well as some other retailers.
How do you make your oatmeal with egg whites? What amounts do you use? Does it give it a weird consistency?
Yep, I add liquid egg whites (the kind you buy in the carton) to my oatmeal. I typically add about 1/4 cup of egg whites to my 1/2 cup of dry oats. I have experimented with adding more, but it does give the oatmeal a weird consistency. A quarter cup is just enough to add some extra protein, but not give the oatmeal an eggy taste or funny consistency. Sometimes I also add a spoonful of peanut butter and/or nuts for some extra protein.
Just curious, how would you rank the Larabars that you have tried?
Check out my Larabar Flavor Reviews!
Fitness Questions
What kind/brand of sports bra do you wear?
My favorite sports bra are Lululemon’s Ta Ta Tamer and Under Armour’s HeatGear Shaper Bra.
What time do you wake up to go to the gym in the morning?
Check out my Morning Routine.
How do you run on the treadmill for so long and not get bored? I would get bored so easily!
Check out my ideas for running/walking on the treadmill.
How do you track/time your runs?
I own the Garmin 305 and I LOVE it! Check out my review of it!
Where is your weekly workout schedule listed now?
My weekly schedule of workouts is listed under the “Fitness” tab at the top of the blog.
How much weight do you use in Body Pump?
Check out this post for my current weights.
What magazines do you read?
I have subscriptions to the following magazines: Women’s Health, Health, Self, Fitness, Shape, Body & Soul, Real Simple, and US Weekly. I read lots of others too!
What happened to your hip? How are you dealing with your injury?
Basically, I overtrained. In the spring of 2009, I trained for the Run to Remember, a half marathon in Boston. Everything was going great– my longest run was 11 miles– but then a short 6 mile was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and I started to have serious pain in my left hip. I couldn’t even walk without pain! It was horrible.
There was almost a month until the half marathon, so I stop running completely and made an appointment to see my doctor. My doctor checked me out and listened to my story. I was convinced she would tell me not to run the race. But, as a marathoner, my doctor said go ahead and run it. She knew physical therapy was in my future, so why not do the race? So, I ran 13.1 miles with bursitis. It hurt a lot, but I finished the race. I don’t regret my decision one bit.
Dealing with my injury hasn’t been that difficult. I wrote about how I changed my workouts for Health. I’ve also gone through 2 rounds of physical therapy, which have helped my hip quite a bit. Now, I am working on strengthening my hip by doing a hip strength workout and/or Body Pump 2-3 times a week.
If you search “bursitis” or “physical therapy” on my blog, you can find even more info about my injury. But, my advice for dealing with an injury is to see your doctor.
Miscellaneous Questions
What kind of camera do you use?
I actually use two cameras. My “fancy” camera is the Canon Rebel XSI, which I absolutely LOVE!!! It takes amazing photos. My everyday, does-all-the-work-for-you camera is the Canon PowerShot S90, which I absolutely LOVE! I originally bought it because the lighting in my old apartment was terrible, but this camera has been my savior, especially when dining out. A good example of its low-lighting capabilities is when I went to Drink. It was SO dark inside, but I was still able to take a number of photos without the flash. The camera seems to pick up on even the smallest sources of light. It’s awesome!
How long did it take for you to become certified as a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant through the AFPA? Do you recommend the course? Is it a reputable nutrition certification?
The AFPA course took just 3 months to complete. As far as recommending the certification, AFPA was a very interesting home-study course. I learned a ton from it, and it was awesome to build that type of nutrition base knowledge, especially for my blog. It was a lot like a college course with what information it covered and how much work it required.
As far as the certification being reputable, I’m not too sure. I’ve randomly searched the web for opinions about certifications like the AFPA one, and unfortunately, they are not as respected as some of the other credentials/degrees out there, particularly the Registered Dietitian and related nutrition degrees. However, if you want this type of information for personal knowledge, I think it would be great.
Also, if you’re interested in a more “serious” certification in nutrition, I recommend that you check out the Integrated Institute of Nutrition in New York City. It comes highly recommended by a number of successful nutritionists, foodies, wellness counselors, etc., who have graduated from the program. (Check out the “success stories” on the website.) Personally, I’d REALLY like to do this program someday– I just need to see where nutrition (and the blog) fits into my life before I make the investment. (It’s a pricey program!)
Where did you get your metal straws?
Check out my review on the Stainless Steel Drinking Straws.
I’m visiting Boston soon. What restaurants do you recommend?
Boston has so many wonderful restaurants! Check out my restaurant reviews for some ideas: http://carrotsncake.com/reviews/restaurant-reviews I’ve organized these restaurants by neighborhood, so it should help you with your planning. If you have specific questions about any of these restaurants, please let me know!
I’m staying at a hotel this weekend. Do you have any tips for what I should eat at the continental breakfast?
Check out my tips for navigating the continental breakfast!
Where did you get your “I love you, blogs and coffee” poster?
I ordered it online from MadeByGirl.
I am coming down with a cold! Any suggestions on staying in line with my weight loss goals despite the fact that I don’t have the energy to go for a run?
If you just have a cold (not the flu), you may want to continue working out, but at a much lesser intensity. Some people believe that exercising will actually boost your immune system and help you recover more quickly. However, if you are stuffed-up, feeling completely fatigued or feverish, working out will probably make you feel worse; sleep and rest are a better choice. You won’t derail your weight loss efforts if you take a day or 2 off from you workouts to recover. Your body knows what is best for you, so be sure to listen to it. Also important to note: All of the healthy people at the gym will appreciate you staying away until you are not contagious!
