2020 Update + Thank You

I’ve been wanting to reach out to you guys for a few weeks now, and, thanks to Barb in my Facebook group, here I am (Thanks Barb!)

How I’ve missed chatting with you guys!

As some of you may have seen over the last few months, Eric and I got married and went on an incredible honeymoon to New Zealand and the French Polynesian Islands Moorea and Bora Bora.

Once the jet lag settled, I dove headfirst into catching up on client work and the next thing I knew, the New Year had already rolled around and started.

But before it did, I kept having a nagging feeling that I wanted to get back to this site and chatting with you guys.

However, I knew that if I did go back to this site, a few things would have to change.

See, I’ve learned throughout the five years that I’ve had this site — can you believe it’s been that long?!, that my help has limitations.

There’s Only So Much Help I Can Legally Give

I am no longer a certified personal fitness trainer and I’ve never completed formal nutritional training.

Therefore, I can no longer give workout advice and I really have to tread a fine line when it comes to nutritional tips I share.

The truth is, I’m not qualified and it would be illegal to do so.

So if I’m going to continue on with this website, I want to make that clear — I’m not giving medical advice, nutritional advice, or personal training tips.

Instead, as originally planned, my hope is to share the latest research that I’ve uncovered for my clients.

More About Me and How I Plan to Use This Site

As some of you know, I’m a full-time freelance writer.

This means clients come to me anytime they need an article, email, or social post written for their website.

I write for a number of different industries, but have always loved health, fitness, and wellness the most. So I decided to specialize in writing for these industries specifically.

In doing this, I spend at least 10 hours a week researching health topics for my clients.

And this is what I started to share with you, my lovely readers.

My plan is to continue to do this, however, I also intend to share more about what I’m specifically doing.

What I do may not work for you, and I’m not suggesting that you should do whatever I do and it’s the only way.

My hope is to give you ideas or to spark a solution that could work for you.

For example, you may read something from me and know right away that it won’t work for you.

But maybe it gives you a lightbulb moment that helps you discover what would work for you.

Or maybe, after reading one of my guides, you decide that it’s time to see your doctor to see if something is up.

I would call these both a win.

Because my goal has always been to help you.

Now I just need to be more mindful of the legal limitations that come with helping you online.

And I want you to be aware of mine — I’m not a nutritionist, doctor, or personal trainer.

So my advice is only here to shine a light on something you may not have thought of.

It is not intended to be a medical diagnosis or the end all be all.

What I Hope From You, My Amazing Readers

Now let’s talk about you.

I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you liked or hated my article/post, I want this to be an open space where we can all start a dialogue on important topics.

So I hope that you’ll engage back with me and share your thoughts — this is a safe zone!

You can comment directly on my articles or join my private Facebook group and say something in there.

Either way, I’d love to hear from you!

This also makes me feel like I’m not wasting my time and talking to a blank screen.

The more I can hear from you, the more I can tailor my help to exactly what you need.

So I’m not wasting time and you’re actually getting advice you can use — win win for both of us.

Don’t be afraid to get in touch and speak up — I’m here for you (email me at devan@behappynothangry.com).

What My Fitness and Nutrition Plan Looks Like These Days

Moving along, I wanted to give you another update on what I’m currently doing, aside from writing for clients.

After 10 months of doing P.volve, the low-impact workout I mentioned a few times on this site, I’ve thrown in the towel.

P.volve was great, and I felt great doing it, but, truthfully, I needed a bit more.

I was starting to get bored and my results plateaued big time.

As someone who sits/writes all day, my body needed more movement than the P.volve micromovements.

Losing P.volve meant that I had to find an entirely new program to follow.

I tried another program for a few weeks before settling on the one I’m currently using.

With this new program, I’m doing at least three weight training sessions, two days of intervals, and two days of active rest in between.

For my active rest, I’m usually walking for 30 minutes and keeping it light.

I eventually want to add to this and start hitting 10,000 steps consistently each day.

Some days I hit this, others (when I write all day) I get close. And some others I am wayyyyy too far away from this number.

So my goal is to start consistently hitting it.

Food-wise, I’m not following a specific diet like keto or paleo but I am focusing on what I eat.

I’m shooting for protein and veggies for all three meals and adding in a small amount of carbs after exercise only.

Because I have an insulin-resistant condition, I have to watch my carb intake which is why I’m focusing more on protein + veggies.

I’m also trying to weave in treats here and there, but never all day or two days in a row, something the coach I’m working with taught me.

I’ve been following this plan since before the holidays and I’m finding it easier with each day that passes.

I also like that I can still have some “fun” foods as long as I follow a few parameters before doing so.

Lastly diet-wise, I’m working on cutting back on my egg intake.

Because I need protein rich meals, I was starting most days with eggs for breakfast and just adding in a different protein to pair with these with each time.

So I don’t develop an egg sensitivity or overdo it on cholesterol, I’m cutting back to 2-3 times per week at most.

For my other breakfast meals, I’m just doing protein and veggies and treating it like lunch or dinner.

So I’ve had steak, fish, chicken, basically anything leftover from the day before and I pair this with some steamed veggies — it’s super simple.

Since following this program, I’ve found a new appreciation for veggies and fiber — I can’t get enough now!

Thank You Again and We’ll Chat Soon

I think this is a good place to wrap things up for today.

Thank you again for expressing that you still want to keep the conversation going.

I’m excited to see where this chat takes us both.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me with topics or questions and I’ll do my best to weave in both.

Until then, enjoy the rest of your day!

With lots of love,

Devan