Eat Well. Live Well.

Welcome to Eatingforyourself, a community that is all about promoting healthy eating, travel, health, and wellness. Now don't let the website name fool you, this is more than what mEATS the eye. My goal here is to provide resources and information regarding food choices and recipes, overall well-being, my travel experiences, offer health tips, and wellness advice.

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Who am I?

My name is Lauren Hodgins. I was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. I am 23 years old and I am a lover of the outdoors, natural medicine, tea, reading, lifting weights and running.

I have my eyes set out on traveling as much of the world as I can!

Something that encompasses my personality in a nutshell: Always having a snack with me wherever I go!

When it comes to my professional life, I have experience working as a Registered Nurse, and I am now studying to become a Registered Holistic Nutrionist (RHNC)!

Lauren Hodgins adventuring at a cactus garden in Henderson, NV.

Blog Posts

How Does Meal Prepping Simplify Your Week and Improve Your Health?

The Powerful Lessons of Waves: Honouring the Movement of the Waves

About Eatingforyourself

I first started Eatingforyourself on Instagram in 2019 with a goal to share my own journey in my own health, as well as my personal growth in my thoughts, mindset and experiences. It started as a small passion of mine, with my engagement changing vastly based on the strength of the waves that life was creating, but I always find myself coming back. Thank you for being here and for supporting @eatingforyourself all these years.

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POV: You’re in your wellness era 💛✨

It’s the little habits—the way you nourish your body, the walks in fresh air, the books that shift your mindset, the moments of stillness, and the people around you.

It’s not about chasing a quick fix, it’s about building a sustainable lifestyle. And every day, you feel lighter, stronger, and happier 🥹

Here’s your sign to romanticize your wellness era, one small habit at a time ✨

#wellnessera #healthyhabits #selfcarejourney #eatingforyourself #healthandwellness #holistichealth #holisitcnutritionist #wellnessjourney @canprev

💬 What’s one small habit that’s changed your life? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

Welcome to week 2 of my education series:
🌱 What Are Prebiotics vs Probiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut, while probiotics are live bacteria that help restore balance to your microbiome. Together, they support digestion, immunity, and overall health.

‼️ What Are the Key Differences?

Probiotics are live bacteria that help balance gut flora and improve digestion and immune functions.

Prebiotics nourish existing gut bacteria, fuelling them to produce short-chain fatty acids, which protect and strengthen the gut lining.

🍌 Food Sources: What Are They?

Prebiotics: Banana, Chicory root, Barley, Garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, Leeks, Dandelion, Onions.

Probiotics: Yogurt, Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Miso, Pickles, Sourdough, Fermented cheeses, Kefir.

Pairing both in your diet helps support gut health 🌟

#eatingforyourself #healthygut #digestivehealth #immuneboost #probiotics #prebiotics #healthyeating #nutritiontips #wellnessjourney #microbiome #healthyliving #nutritionfacts #guthealing

Did you learn anything new? 🆕

What is grounding? 🌎🌱

Grounding is a simple, yet effective practice that connects you with the Earth’s energy! This practice is as easy as going barefoot in the grass, sand or dirt.

Grounding can help reduce stress, improve mood, improve immunity and overall well-being. Studies also show that it may reduce inflammation and even improve sleep.

Whether you are out exploring new places, or even at home, it’s easy to find a nice spot to practice grounding ✨🌎

Personally, I’ve found grounding to be a great form of meditative practice, allowing me to reconnect with my myself through nature.

#eatingforyourself #grounding #wellnessjourney #healthandwellness #nature #mentalhealth #naturelovers #stressrelief #stress #holistichealth #holistichealing

🗣️do you practice grounding?

Since I’ve returned back home from being abroad, I knew there were things I wanted to focus on. I wanted to get back into a routine, I wanted to get my meals back on track, and I wanted to focus on my anxiety as it was worsening.

I always recognized how valuable walking can be for cardiac health, general health and mental health, but I always under appreciated walking. In the past, if I had the choice, I would choose everything else other than walking like strength training, running, or yoga.

So, instead of going straight back into that routine, without batting an eye on a walk, I decided to challenge myself to walk everyday for at least 10-15 minutes but usually more!

🌟 I’ve been doing this for the last 3 weeks and this is what I’ve noticed already:

- My anxiety has lessened drastically
- I feel more excited and prepared for the day
- I feel more energized in the mornings
- I easily achieve my goal of 8-10,000 steps a day
- I am more present and find greater appreciation for the little things
- My blood sugar is more regulated throughout the day

Others positive benefits that came from my daily walks also include:
- A daily routine
- Dedicated time in nature
- Time where I’m present with my thoughts and senses
- Morning sun exposure

Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier you? Join me in embracing the power of daily walks 🚶‍♀️

#healthandwellness #dailywalks #anxiety #healthylifestyle #sunexposure #eatingforyourself #mentalhealth

Hi, I’m Lauren — a registered nurse and holistic nutritionist student, finding the balance in feeling my best and sharing it all with you🌱

These are some habits that I prioritize in my daily life and recommend others do the same 💛

• 25-30g of protein at each meal 🥩

• Prioritize fibre during the day 🥬

• Daily sun (preferably in the morning) ☀️

• Daily movement 🏃🏼‍♀️

• Taking regular coffee breaks ☕️

• Around 3L of water/day 💦

• Restrictions —> modifications ✍️

• Eat your fruits/veggies 🍓

• Create a consistent sleep routine 💤

• Magnesium Bisglycinate at bedtime 💊

🗣️What’re some of your health habits? Is there anything else that you do? Share with me in the comments ⬇️

#eatingforyourself #healthandwellness #holisticnutritionist #holistichealth #healthcoach #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #nutrition

There’s nothing like a good coffee and matcha with a friend ☕️🌱💛

What’s your go-to warm drink?

#eatingforyourself #matcha #coffee #healthylifestyle #healthandwellness #holisticnutrition

I love sharing and educating on all things food, nutrition, and holistic health. With that being said, I’ve decided to start a weekly series— each week sharing something that can help you become more educated on health & nutrition, hopefully improving your own health ❤️‍🩹 To start off this series, let’s talk about flaxseeds:

Meet flaxseeds, a tiny superfood with lots of benefits. Here’s why flaxseeds should be in your daily routine: 
1. Hormone Balance: Rich in lignans, flaxseeds may help regulate estrogen levels and support menstrual and hormones.
 2. Gut Health: High in fibre, they promote digestion and a healthy gut microbiome.
 3. Heart Health: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

Are you wondering how to use them in your health routine? Swipe to learn, as I’ve shared easy ways to incorporate flaxseeds into your meals, from smoothies and oatmeal to baking hormone-friendly treats.

#eatingforyourself #hormonehealth #womenshealth #flaxseeds #naturalwellness #healthyhormones #guthealth #holisticnutrition #pcosdiet #estrogendetox

💬 How do you use flaxseeds in your routine? Drop your tips in the comments below! ⬇️

PMID: 36766971

Here’s a quick winter meal prep recipe idea for you all!🧡

I love making this curry, and I often make variations of it throughout the month so I don’t get bored of making it.

Here’s why you should make this peanut coconut curry:

1. It’s easy
2. You can make a big batch (4-5 meals worth)
3. It’s an easy way to sneak in all your nutrients (fibre, fats, protein, minerals)
4. It’s so so tasty

* INGREDIENTS *
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 white onion
- Thumb sized piece ginger
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 cup of dried lentils (or 2 cans of lentils drained for convenience)
- 1 can of coconut milk full fat
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 heaping tbsp of natural peanut butter
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- Large pinch salt & pepper
- Handful of spinach
- Squeeze of 1 lime
- Sprinkle Of chilli flakes
- Meat of choice (to add protein)

#eatingforyourself #recipeshare #healthandwellness #foodblogger #coconutcurry #healthyrecipes #foodies #mealprep #holistichealth

🥘🥜 Are you trying this? 🥜🥘

Eating for Yourself Around the World 🌎🥑

You don’t need to compromise on health while traveling! Many cultures offer nutritious and mouthwatering dishes. Here are some countries I’ve visited, and some of their memorable, and healthy dishes:

• Punta Arenas, Chile: Warm up with cordero al palo (roasted lamb) or antioxidant-rich Calafate berries—perfect for the chilly Patagonian climate.
• Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica: Start your day with Gallo Pinto, a hearty mix of black beans and rice, or enjoy a colorful Casado for lunch, packed with fresh veggies and tropical flavors.
• Colombia: Taste the zing of ceviche—a refreshing, protein-packed dish cured in lime juice, or try the hearty Bandeja Paisa, complete with plantains and avocado.
• Jönköping, Sweden: Indulge in omega-3-rich Rökt Lax (smoked salmon) with dark rye bread, or pick up fresh berries at a local market for a healthy snack.
• Tbilisi, Georgia: Savor Pkhali, a plant-based dish made with walnuts and fresh herbs, or enjoy a comforting bowl of Lobio, a bean stew rich in protein and flavor.
• Athens, Greece: Dive into the Mediterranean with Horiatiki, a fresh Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, drizzled with olive oil for healthy fats and vibrant flavours.

🗣️ Tips for Healthy Eating While Traveling:

• Visit local farmers’ markets to find seasonal produce and try new ingredients.
• Explore street food for authentic, freshly made meals, like the one time I had fresh river fish with steamed veggies in Colombia.
• Check grocery stores for local ingredients and create your own dishes inspired by the destination.

You can discover how to Eat for Yourself while exploring the world! 🌎

#eatingforyourself #healthyeats #foodculture #wellnesstravel #traveltips #foodies #travelling #healthyfood

Since I had many of you ask for it, here’s my fajita bowl recipe from yesterday 🌮🫡

Ingredients
•1 grilled chicken breast, seasoned with taco mix
•1 avocado, chopped
•1/2 cup cooked brown rice
•1 bell pepper, sliced
•1/2 white onion, sliced
•1 tbsp Don Poncho Cilantro Lime Everything Sauce (from @costco_canada )
• Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)

Instructions
1. Boil water and cook your serving of brown rice.
2. While the rice is cooking, start seasoning the chicken breast with taco seasoning mix on both sides.
3. Cook it on medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side (or until fully cooked). Let it rest for a few minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
4. While the chicken is cooking, add the sliced bell pepper and onion to a pan and grill until caramelized and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Once everything is done, assemble the bowl by placing the cooked brown rice at the base of your bowl.
6. Top with the chopped grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, and avocado pieces.
7. Finish the bowl by drizzling the cilantro lime sauce over the bowl and then sprinkle your parsley on top for garnish.

Enjoy! This fajita bowl is perfect for a quick, balanced nutritious meal 👀

🗣️ let me know in the comments what your favourite part fo this dish is?!

#eatingforyourself #healthyrecipes #fajitabowl #foodiesofinstagram #healthandwellness #mealprep #balancedmeals #nutrition

☕️ Morning Rituals: Start Your Day Right 🍵

Your morning coffee is more than just a caffeine fix—it’s an opportunity to start your day the right way ☕✨

You might not even realize it, but while you’re sipping on your favourite warm drink, you are enjoying a moment of stillness before your day begins— nurturing your body, mind, and spirit.

✍️ Quick Tip: Pair your morning coffee with time to yourself—whether it’s journaling, deep breathing, or setting your goals for the day. Small practices like this can help you feel grounded and energized.

What’s your favourite way to start your morning? ☕💖 Share your morning rituals below or post your rituals with the hashtag #eatingforyourself 🌱

☕️: Using @trybloomable Arabica Mushroom Coffee with Lions Mane, Reishi and Chaga 🍄

#MorningRoutine #WellnessRoutine #HealthyHabits #Mindfulness #WellnessJourney #CoffeeLovers #HolisticLiving #NutritionTips

Thank you October 🧡🎃

#octoberdump #october #fallseason #reflection #healthandwellness #lifestyle #eatingforyourself #rockclimbing #coffee #friends #nature

🌞 Let’s Explore Why a Balanced Breakfast is the Key to a Healthy Day! 🌱🍳

What is a balanced breakfast?
• A balanced breakfast contains a mix of important nutrients for energy, cognition, mental/physical performance and general health.
• A balanced breakfast should be comprised of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals/vitamins and fibre.

Starting your day with a well-balanced breakfast fuels your body and mind. Let me give you a couple reasons as to why breakfast is a non-negotiable:

1. Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Eating breakfast in the morning can prevent morning/afternoon energy crashes, and helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels (important for managing stress and hormone health).

2. Sustains Energy Levels: A breakfast comprised of fats, proteins, and fibre keeps you energized for mental and physical performance throughout the day.

3. Supports Mental Clarity: Nutrient-dense foods like healthy fats improve cognitive function, allowing you to keep your mind sharp.

4. Intake of Essential Nutrients: Eating breakfast provides more opportunity for you to nourish your body with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all of which can be harder to catch up on between lunch and dinner.

5. Helps to Increase Metabolism: A balanced breakfast regulates your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day.

Let’s create a morning routine that will support you for the rest of your day because you deserve to feel nourished 🤎

What’s your go-to breakfast? Share with me 👇🏼

#BalancedBreakfast #HealthyEating #WellnessJourney #MorningNutrition #eatingforyourself #HealthyHabits #Highprotein #Foodies

You NEED to make this high protein pumpkin apple yogurt bowl 🍎🎃

This is a great option for those looking for a delicious high protein, high fibre breakfast. A breakfast like this is great for hormonal support, and blood sugar regulation.

Ingredients:

The base:
- 1 serving of plain greek yogurt
- 1 serving of collagen @organikahealth
- 1 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp milled flax seed

For the top:
- 1 apple of your choice
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions
1. Chop 1 apple into small cubes and pan fry in coconut oil until soft or golden brown.
2. While the apples are cooking, add all of your base ingredients in a bowl (yogurt, collagen, pumpkin, hemp seeds, flaxseeds) and mix well!
3. Once the apples are done cooking, sprinkle your pumpkin pie spice over the apples and mix them well.
4. Pour over the cooked apples on top of your yogurt base, mix and savour the mix of fall flavours 🧡

It’s now the time to take advantage of fall recipes using what’s in season! For the apples, I used freshly picked apples from @thiessenorchards and they are so flavourful🍎

Give this one a try and share your thoughts below 👇🏼

#eatingforyourself #pumpkinspice #pumpkinrecipes #fallrecipes #healthyeating #healthyrecipes #applepicking #highproteinrecipes

I’ve decided to post this delicious recipe for you here🌱🤎

These Mediterranean Meatballs are healthy, hearty and packed with flavour! They are quick and easy, allowing you to have a nourishing meal.

Ingredients:
* 1 egg
* 1 lb your meat of choice
* 1 cup chopped spinach
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 tbsp oregano
* 1/4 cup feta cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. While waiting, combine chopped spinach, red onion, egg, and meat in a bowl and mix.
3. Once mixed, add in breadcrumbs, feta cheese, and salt and pepper.
4. Pull out a piece of parchment paper and set it on a baking tray. Make mixture into small balls and add to the baking tray.
5. Once ready to bake, put meatballs in for about 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked (160 degrees for beef).

#healthyrecipes #healthandwellness #foodismedicine #foodies #easyrecipes #mediterranean #eatingforyourself

Who says it’s too early to start making pumpkin spiced drinks….. definitely not me 🤕🎃

I’ve been loving my mushroom coffee recently so I decided to give it a twist, all while maintaining its benefits because of the 🍄 (focus, bitter-free energy)! And bonus, there’s no sneaky sugars like some of the other traditional PSL from big brands!

Don’t be afraid to get on the 🎃🎃 train!

#psl #mushroomcoffee #eatingforyourself #recipes #pumpkinseason #healthandwellness

Are you a pumpkin fan?

💬 Fun fact: Traveling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your nutrition goals! 🌍✈️

As an avid traveler, feeling my best on the road is essential. One of my top tips for optimizing nutrition while traveling is to plan ahead with healthy snacks, stay hydrated, and choose nutrient-dense meals. Whether you’re ordering out or cooking, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

Travel often means increased activity—more steps, hiking, swimming—and these changes can impact how you feel. To enhance your experience, I also recommend diving into the local cuisine! Explore dishes made with local produce and eat at local restaurants to truly savor new flavors.

Remember, staying healthy while traveling is possible and can even enhance your adventures! What are your go-to nutrition tips on the road? Share below! ⬇️

#eatingforyourself #healthylifestyle #traveling #healthandwellness #travelingfoodie #nutritiontips

Looking for a new snack to level up your sweet treat game? Or are you looking for a natural pre-workout to kick off your run or workout? Trying to find healthier alternatives for your sweet tooth?

This snack will be sure to surprise you in its taste and health benefits! Introducing…..

🥥 Coconut Stuffed Dates 🥥

Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- Organic Pitted Dates
- Organic cold pressed coconut oil
- Salt (Pink, Celtic)
- Cinnamon

Follow along with my video and make this snack yourself! It’s super easy to make and takes 2 minutes❗️

Healthy Recipes | Natural snacks | Eatingforyourself | health and wellness | natural pre-workout | healthy lifestyle #eatingforyourself #healthyrecipes #naturalsnacks

Come with me and unbox my organic traditions package pt.2☕️🍄

This has been sitting in my room for months since I was abroad and it’s technically a second unboxing because I couldn’t wait to try their products lol 🤣

I love organic traditions, they have the best stuff and I love their mushroom blends! Here’s what I got:

🍄 Mocha blend: 5 mushroom coffee blend
🍄 Focus Fuel: Instant mushroom coffee with lions mane, adaptogens and MCT’s
🍄 Dirty Chai: 5 mushroom coffee blend
🍄 Endurance Fuel: Instant mushroom coffee with cordyceps, ashwaganda and Maca

So far I’ve tried their focus fuel, mocha and endurance blend so I’m super excited to try the dirty chai! My favourite is the focus fuel 🧠🤎

💬 Can you guess what your favourite product would be?

#organictraditions #mushroomcoffee #eatingforyourself #unboxing #health #adaptogens

This place is….

📍 Punta Arenas, Chile 🇨🇱

As the largest southernmost city in the world, this gateway to Antarctica offers a rich piece of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If wildlife interests you, make sure you head out to the nearby national parks to see dolphins, penguins, birds, and guanaco!

The city itself offers lots of character and history. You can walk through the streets, where the colourful houses will catch your eye, and see historic monuments that tell stories of the early explorers of the area.

It’s a very safe area and we felt welcomed while we were here! We did go in off season so we felt it was not busy at all which was perfect ❄️✈️

Would you go here? Comment below ⬇️

#traveling #ocean #puntaarenas #travelingchile #magallanes

A message for you and me 🤍

There has been lots to think about recently and I feel I’ve been needing this message more and more to remind myself that things will work out.

We are all trying to experience life as we know it and as we hope will be the best for us. With that, and with breaking free from what you know can bring along worries but let’s reminder that it will be worth it in the end.

Everything will work itself out ☀️🤍

#ocean #sunset #selflove #healing #lifestyle

📍Torres del Paine, Chile 🇨🇱

The Chilean Patagonia is absolutely beautiful. From the stillness of the water, the blue of the glaciers, the reflection of the mountains on the lakes to the magnitude of the snow capped mountains.

We loved our day here and I can’t wait to share more pictures and videos so stay tuned 📲

#torresdelpaine #chile #travelblogger #travel #patagonia #torresdelpainenationalpark #traveling #chiletravel #mountains #nature

📍 Hostel R10 in Bogotá, Colombia 🇨🇴 @r10bog

When staying in Bogotá for 3 days, we stayed at Hostel R10, which is in the heart of Bogotá! This hostel is an old colonial house, so while you stay here, you can enjoy the architecture within the hostel and surrounding the area.

🗺️ It is a 6 minute walk from Plaza de Bolivar, in the heart of “La Candelaria”
🌤️ There is a rooftop terrace, with a seating area and a kitchen area for breakfast
🤳There is free wifi to stay connected
🚿 The shared bathrooms were clean and tidy while we were there

Because of the architecture of the building and the old colonial design, thr old let in a bit of sounds but overall we slept well during the night 💤

#traveling #backpacking #bogotacolombia #bogotatravel #hostelrecommendations #travels #colombiatravel #travelblogger #lacandelaria #candelaria #instatravel #travelingblogger

3 Tips For When You Feel Down While Living Abroad!

1. Socialize
2. Get outside & Explore
3. Do something that makes you happy

Whether you are traveling, living abroad, or living at home, we all experience the days where we might feel down. It happens.

Especially while traveling or living abroad, expectations can lead you to think that all days must be good days because “you’re traveling”! While it can be helpful to practice gratitude for where you are or what you are doing, you are still allowed to feel down sometimes.

These 3 tips can help you feel a little better on these days 💛

#eatingforyourself #healthandwellness #traveling #travelblogger #selflove #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #livingabroad #lifestyle #exploring #exploringtheworld

Thank you June, you flew by but you were so much fun 🤍

What is your favourite June Memory?

#eatingforyourself #prettyviews #travelblogger #traveling #traveling #naturelovers #natureview #inspiration #healthandwellness #wellness #healingjourney #wellnessblogger #ocean #selflove #selflovejourney

Anyone else like this? 🙋‍♀️😉

The views in Costa Rica have been amazing! There’s something so wonderful about taking in beauty of ocean views, with a big blue sky and the sun shining ☀️⛅️💙

#eatingforyourself #costarica #costaricatravel #ocean #beachlife #exploringcostarica #traveling #travelingtheworld #healthandwellness

Little reminder for you and I this week ✨🩵

Let’s take advantage of the present, and take a deep breath when we need it :)

Send this to a friend or someone who might need to hear this xoxo

#eatingforyourself #healthandwellness #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #healthylifestyle #selflove #wellnesswednesday #gratitude #healing

My boyfriend and I shared this delicious banana bread French toast from Cafe Rico in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica🍌🍞

It was delicious, with a strong taste of banana bread, but the light consistency of French toast! This meal was nostalgic of a nice banana bread in the summer as a kid:)

If you’re in Costa Rica and planning on visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, I highly recommend visiting Cafe Rico for a meal or to take part in their book exchange 📚

Share this with a friend who you’d think would LOVE this 😍🤤

#cafericopuertoviejo #eatingforyourself #puertoviejo #healthandwellness #foodiesofinstagram #cometocaferico

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