As a food and lifestyle blogger, I’ve always found “day in the life” posts incredibly insightful and inspiring. It’s fascinating to peek behind the curtain and see how others structure their days, balance work with personal well-being, and navigate the demands of their unique careers. Here at Fit Foodie Finds HQ, no two days are truly identical, yet certain rhythms anchor our weekly schedule. While our Instagram feed might suggest endless kitchen adventures, those captivating recipe development and food photography sessions typically fill just two days a week. The remaining 3 to 6 days – yes, sometimes my workweek extends to seven days – are dedicated to the less glamorous but equally crucial aspects of running a thriving online business: strategic meetings, client calls, a flurry of emails, meticulous photo editing, content storyboarding, and detailed article writing. Today, in an exciting collaboration with Lorissa’s Kitchen, I’m thrilled to offer you an authentic glimpse into what a truly “typical” day might entail at Fit Foodie Finds, showcasing how purposeful habits and smart choices fuel our passion.
Without further ado, join us for a day in the life at Fit Foodie HQ!
6:15 AM: Fueling Up with Breakfast & Coffee
If you know me, you know my unwavering devotion to breakfast. It’s not an alarm clock that coaxes me out of bed each morning; it’s the promise of a hearty bowl of overnight oats and a steaming cup of coffee. While I do set an alarm for 6:15 AM daily, my internal clock, that of a true morning person, typically nudges me awake a couple of minutes before it even rings. The moment my feet hit the floor, my first stop is the fridge, where a pre-prepared container of overnight oats awaits. This simple habit, crafted the night before, eliminates any morning excuses, ensuring I start my day with a nutritious, balanced meal. It’s a foolproof strategy for healthy eating and guarantees I never skip breakfast, a common challenge for many busy individuals. This essential morning ritual provides sustained energy, preventing those early-morning slumps and setting a positive, productive tone for the busy hours ahead.
8:00 AM: Dynamic Workout Session
Lately, our workout regimen has been incredibly diverse, and I couldn’t be happier about it! This year, Team Fit Foodie committed to pushing our boundaries, stepping outside our comfort zones, and injecting significant variety into our fitness routine. This commitment has led us to explore exciting new studios across Minneapolis, including Switch Minneapolis for high-intensity training, FlyFeet Running for endurance and speed, Yoga Fit NE for flexibility and mindfulness, and Tarana for unique strength challenges. Beyond local studios, we also frequently incorporate effective at-home workouts from Fit Foodie Finds and Healthy Glow, offering incredible flexibility for our dynamic schedules. Just this week, Linley and I powered through an LK Total Body Bootcamp from Healthy Glow Co. These workouts are perfect for us because they require minimal equipment, can be done anywhere, engage the entire body, and are consistently challenging, ensuring we stay strong and agile for everything our work throws at us.
9:30 AM: Coffee Shop & Lorissa’s Kitchen Snack Break
After our invigorating workout, we typically head home for a quick, refreshing shower, emerging ready to conquer the workday. As I mentioned, the daily rhythm at Fit Foodie Finds is far from monotonous, but the majority of our time is spent immersed in digital tasks on our computers. Linley and I share a deep appreciation for Minneapolis coffee shops. Not only are we admittedly coffee snobs who relish a perfectly brewed cup, but these excursions provide a welcome impetus to shed our workout gear, don “real clothes,” and venture outside. This might sound trivial, but for those who often work from home, this shift in environment is incredibly powerful for mental clarity and focus. There’s an undeniable energy in a bustling coffee shop that fuels my productivity and helps me “get stuff done.”
This week, our mobile office was FiveWatt Coffee in Northeast Minneapolis – a fantastic spot conveniently co-located with Headflyer, one of my favorite local breweries. Crucially, I never leave home without a well-stocked bag of snacks, and without fail, this always includes several bags of Lorissa’s Kitchen meat snacks. These aren’t just any snacks; they are an absolute non-negotiable for me. You simply never know when hunger will strike, and many coffee shops offer limited healthy options, making preparation key. Lately, I’ve been particularly enjoying Lorissa’s Kitchen’s Szechuan Peppercorn 100% Grass-Fed Beef Steak Strips. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture make them an ideal mid-morning boost.
What makes Lorissa’s Kitchen stand out, and why is it a staple in my routine? Their protein-rich, responsibly sourced meat snacks are free from a list of undesirable additives:
- NO preservatives
- NO GMO’s
- NO growth hormones
- NO added MSG
- NO added nitrites
- NO gluten
It’s simply a bag packed with wholesome goodness! Each serving delivers a robust 9-11g of protein, which is precisely what my body craves mid-morning after a challenging workout to aid recovery and maintain energy levels. This snack is also commendably lower in sugar, and the flavor profile is consistently on point. Conveniently, my early morning sweet cravings typically transition to savory by snack time, making Lorissa’s Kitchen the perfect fit. I also deeply admire that Lorissa’s Kitchen was founded by a woman. Supporting woman-made products that fuel other women resonates strongly with my own entrepreneurial spirit. And, as a cherry on top, the fact that they’re made right here in Minnesota makes them even better in my book!
1:00 PM: Mindful Lunch Break
During my previous corporate career, lunch was a rigid affair, often eaten precisely at 11:30 AM. This wasn’t driven by hunger, but more by routine and a desire to make the workday pass quicker. Today, my approach to eating is far more intuitive, guided by my body’s genuine hunger cues. Over the past few months, I’ve noticed ourselves eating lunch well past noon, a shift I largely attribute to the satisfying, high-protein snack we enjoy after our morning workout – a testament to the effectiveness of Lorissa’s Kitchen. Most often, lunch consists of delicious remnants from our Fit Foodie recipe testing. We meticulously test every recipe at least twice to ensure perfection, meaning our fridge is always stocked with healthy, ready-to-eat options. This week, we were developing a brand-new kale Waldorf chicken salad recipe (keep an eye out for it soon!), so that became our consistent and delightful lunch option. I typically pair it with a handful of whole-grain chips for crunch and a refreshing glass of Kombucha mixed with 100% pomegranate juice, a combination that has become another enjoyable daily habit. After a nourishing meal, we head back to the Fit Foodie HQ, energized and ready to dive back into our tasks.
1:30 PM: Deep Work, Creativity & Dance Breaks
After a focused half-hour lunch break, it’s back to the grind. The simple change of scenery, transitioning from a vibrant coffee shop to the comfort of my home office, acts as a powerful re-focusing mechanism, helping me settle back into the groove of deep work. While I do have a dedicated desk, I’m far from confined to it. My workspace is dynamic: sometimes I’m curled up on my couch, other times at the kitchen table, in the formal office, or nestled in my favorite armchair. I find immense joy in crafting inspiring little nooks throughout my home, adorned with geometric shapes, lush greenery, and elements that spark creativity. This personalized environment makes working from home significantly more enjoyable and less isolating. The afternoon typically marks my “go time” for more intensive tasks. This period is often filled with important calls, strategic planning, content creation, detailed photo editing, and meticulously clearing out my inbox. However, I’d be remiss if I claimed to sit for three uninterrupted hours. Spontaneous dance breaks are a frequent occurrence, providing a vital energy release, alongside the occasional Instagram story rant about topics close to my heart, like intuitive eating or dismantling workout guilt. It’s all part of the authentic and dynamic flow of a blogger’s life.
3:00 PM: Afternoon Energy Recharge
By 3:00 PM, I’m usually at a crossroads: either ready for a power nap or in dire need of an afternoon pick-me-up. And let me tell you, I’d be exaggerating if I claimed to enjoy Lorissa’s Kitchen only once a day – more often than not, it makes a second appearance! While the serving size on the bag suggests three portions, I frequently find myself enjoying half or even the entire bag, depending on my hunger levels and how much protein I need to power through the rest of the afternoon. Lately, I’ve been particularly fond of their Ginger Teriyaki Chicken flavor. It’s lighter in taste than the beef options and offers a delightful hint of sweetness that I truly appreciate. If I’m feeling particularly fancy or have a few extra minutes, I might even assemble a small charcuterie board, pairing my Lorissa’s Kitchen snack with some artisanal cheese, wholesome crackers, and fresh fruit. This elevated snacking experience makes the afternoon break feel like a mini-celebration of self-care. The specific snack choice often depends on my mood and the day’s energy demands, but a protein-packed option is always key to preventing that dreaded late-afternoon slump.
6:00 PM: Winding Down with Dinner
By 6:00 PM, my aim is to begin winding down my workday. It’s a conscious effort, as I sometimes find myself so engrossed in a project that the clock sails past six, leaving me ravenous. However, I’m actively working on establishing firmer boundaries and switching off my professional hat once 6:00 PM arrives. Mark and I are incredibly fortunate to maintain a consistently full fridge, thanks in large part to our extensive Fit Foodie recipe testing. This means dinner, much like lunch, often consists of delicious, healthy leftovers, minimizing food waste and maximizing convenience. We prioritize eating at home as much as possible, enjoying the fruits of our culinary experiments. Nevertheless, we also embrace the occasional treat, finding ourselves walking to our favorite neighborhood pizza or sushi spot about once or twice a week, allowing for a relaxed evening out. This particular week, I was in week 4 of the HGG Reset, which inspired me to creatively modify a soup recipe into a pasta dish. A powerful craving for pasta, specifically rigatoni, simply couldn’t be ignored! The result was a truly fantastic turkey meat sauce, brimming with sautéed vegetables like green pepper, peas, and onion. It was so incredibly delicious that I’m already considering transforming it into an official Fit Foodie recipe in the near future!
7:00 PM: The Thrill of the Climb
If you’re a follower of Team Fit Foodie on Instagram stories, you’ll know that we’ve developed an undeniable obsession with the Minneapolis Bouldering Project (MBP), a fantastic new bouldering gym in town! In fact, you’re looking at some of their newest and most enthusiastic members, having joined just a few months ago. The MBP offers the perfect “nightcap” after a demanding day of screen time. It’s not only an engaging physical activity but also a wonderful social outlet. We’ve cultivated a supportive group of climbing buddies, and these evening sessions have truly become one of the highlights of my week. Bouldering, in particular, consistently pushes me beyond my comfort zone. For the uninitiated, this is climbing without ropes, relying solely on your strength, technique, and mental fortitude! It’s incredible how quickly you learn that if you believe you can’t reach the top, it’s often just a mental block. With trust in yourself and a willingness to try, you absolutely can conquer those routes. Keep an eye out, Minneapolis friends: we’re actually co-hosting an exciting event with Lorissa’s Kitchen at MBP in just a few weeks!
9:00 PM: Relaxing Bathtime & PB Cup Indulgence
Almost without fail, after a session at the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, I indulge in a hot bath to help my body wind down and my mind relax. I fill the tub with hot water, dissolve some Epsom salts for muscle recovery, and light a few calming candles to create a serene ambiance. A pro tip I adore: I picked up a fresh bundle of eucalyptus from Whole Foods and tie it around my faucet. Then, I close the bathroom door to really steam up the space, allowing the invigorating aroma to permeate the air. While this trick works even better in the shower, it’s easily transferable to a bath. Lately, I’ve been particularly enjoying a few favorite bath products: Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt, Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap for gentle cleansing, and a delightful coconut sugar scrub for exfoliation, all contributing to a truly restorative self-care ritual.
Post-bath, my next stop is the freezer for one of my celebrated healthy peanut butter cups. Can there be a more perfect, guilt-free nightcap?
9:45 PM: Embracing Restful Sleep
By 9:45 – 10:00 PM, I am more than ready for bed. My consistent goal is to be tucked in by 9:40 PM and drifting off to sleep by 10 PM. I’ve always been an early-to-bed kind of person; honestly, I’d probably be in bed even earlier if Mark and I didn’t live together! I deeply value my sleep and thrive on a solid 9 hours. I’ve attempted the “7 hours or less” challenge in the past, and it simply doesn’t work for my body or my productivity. Before settling in, I like to create a soothing environment by lightly spraying lavender essential oil mist on my pillow. And, if you’re wondering about my sleep preferences: socks OFF and white noise machine ON. If you haven’t tried a white noise machine, it has been an absolute lifesaver for me over the past year. Mark gifted me one last Christmas, and now I genuinely can’t fall asleep without it! As a particularly light sleeper who occasionally struggles with bouts of insomnia, a good noisemaker has been a complete game-changer for achieving consistent, quality rest.
So, what happens once I’m in bed? I might mischievously call out “MARKYYYY” until he joins me for a snuggle. He’s naturally more of a night owl and would likely stay up until 11 or 12 if we didn’t share a home. However, I cherish our nightly chats and giggles, so he often takes one for the team and comes to bed a bit earlier. These quiet moments together are truly the best part of my day. About 10 minutes later, I simply ask Alexa to turn off the lights, and just like that, I’m typically asleep within minutes.
And there you have it – a comprehensive look at a day in the life of Fit Foodie Finds, a testament to balancing passion, purpose, and personal well-being.
This post is proudly sponsored by Lorissa’s Kitchen. I received compensation for this collaboration, and all opinions expressed are genuinely my own. Thank you for your continued support of Fit Foodie Finds and for making this platform possible!