Blogger Spotlight: A Mind "Full" Mom
Kristen Chidsey, of the blog A Mind "Full" Mom, struggled with a mystery illness for years. She suffered from chronic stomach pain, her digestive system was a mess, and no matter what or how much she ate, she remained tiny.After years of heath struggles, Kristen was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis metabolic syndrome, a diagnosis that was also sadly confirmed in both of her young children.
As well as daily medication, Kristen also relies of healthy, whole foods and healthy fat sources for healthy calories that her body (and her children's bodies) can absorb.
A Mind "Full" Mom is a blog dedicated to healthy and easy recipes. From gluten-free cinnamon streusel muffins and simple Greek pinwheels with tzatziki dipping sauce to clean eating freezer essentials and homemade spice blends, you can find a recipe for any occassion. Her recipes are easy to put together and appeal to adults as well as children, so the whole family can sit down to a healthy meal.
Kristen lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two children.
The Daily Meal: What is the mission of your blog?
Kristen Chidsey: Sharing real foods for real families on real budgets.
How'd you get started?
My family had been me encouraging to share my meal plans with others, so I just jumped in —knowing nothing!
What are some foods you can't live without?
Chocolate, coffee, peanut butter.
Are there any foods you can't stand?
Seafood — I try; I just don't like it.
What is your proudest post?
"Remaining Positive While Facing a Chronic Disease." It is where I can share a bit of my heart with my readers and invite them into my journey with cystic fibrosis.
What is your biggest blog blunder?
Oh there have been so many, but really pictures!! I still have so much to learn but it was really bad for a while.
Do you have a memorable comment from a reader?
Any time someone reaches out to me and tells me my journey with CF helps them with theirs is a huge win. Actually, any time I can help anyone out, my heart is happy.
What's on your cooking playlist?
My Boston Terrier barking, my kids chatting — LOL! When my kids are at school, I will turn on old '80s/'90s music and sing to the top of my lungs.
What are some other blogs you love?
I love A Healthy Life for Me, Carlsbad Cravings, Lauren Kelly Nutrition, Cotter Crunch, and many more.
What is the best thing about blogging?
Inspiring people to sit down and eat real foods together.
The worst thing?
The technical side — like coding, etc.
Is there a recipe you're currently obsessed with?
Right now I am really loving these Banh Mi Tacos inspired from The Freckled Italian. They were so good!
What would even your most loyal followers be surprised to learn about you?
I have been known to eat an entire bag of Kettle Cooked BBQ chips — so not on my list of "healthy" or "clean" foods!
What are five of your all-time favorite posts:
Cheesy Chicken and Rice: My most pinned recipe of all time and it is easy to see why — simple foods that are loved by everyone!
Pork Carnitas with Mexican Slaw: Another Pinterest favorite and one of my favorite meals to serve a crowd. It is easy and so tasty!
7 Day Meal Plan with Grocery and Prep Plan: I put so much work into this post in order to save others time.
Sweet Potato Nachos with Cilantro Cream: I could eat these all day long!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Muffins to Go: I love this recipe, and my kids love these muffins so much that I make them several times a month. They are great to have on hand for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
