This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northeastern chapter.
Name: Cara Callahan
Major: Applied Nutrition, Masters
Student Involvement: Fitness classes, my blog, YouTube, and website
When did you decide to develop a healthy lifestyle?
I took my first nutrition and exercise physiology courses as a freshman at the University of Connecticut. These classes, along with a health-conscious roomie, was all it took to spark my interest in taking care of my own health and well being.
I realized that outside opinions have little to do with reality and that I should focus on going after what makes me feel great—not worrying about other people’s fears. Enjoying being in my body and respecting it as the amazing machine I live in. Doing something I am passionate about, using my body as a tool to focus on my purpose.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by strong and empowering friends who make self care a top priority. Checking in with my workout buddies via texts, emails, and other social media platforms keeps the support going in a fun, non-judgemental “just checking-in because I care about you” manner.
For my workouts, I am motivated by weather- sunny or snowy, music, and gratitude for what my body can do. Teaching fitness class is a constant source of inspiration because I get to see growth in my students and myself over the semester.
When did you develop the idea for the Balanced Bod?
I worked for two years as a personal trainer in Syracuse, NY. When my fiance Matt and I decided to move to Boston for our graduate schooling, I wanted to create an online community to share healthy ideas with others and stay connected with the amazing people that enrich my life with positivity.
You focus not only on eating healthy and exercising your body, but on the keeping the mind healthy and happy as well. Why do you think that it is so important to focus on and how do you balance a busy lifestyle with this goal?
I am here to change the way people think about living a healthy lifestyle. I know my body and mental health are connected. If one is off, harmony will not exist between the two. One can shift the other to balance with attention and compassion.
We need to keep ourselves healthy and focused so we do not sink when life gets tough (like Dori in Finding Nemo says, “just keep swimming”). Learning how to deal with stress is an important practice so we can be of assistance to others, stay productive and fulfill our lives, and strengthen relationships with friends and family.
What message do you try to instill in others through your blog and your classes?
Living a healthy lifestyle is a conscious choice. We always have a choice.
My intention is to promote a non-judgemental, positive atmosphere for others to learn how to nourish oneself with care, inspire oneself daily, and restore oneself completely. Making it all fun is highly encouraged so we can train the mind and body to radiate, endure, and be well for a long time.
A few quotes quotes that inspire me:
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. Never stop challenging yourself.” -Fred Devito
“The first wealth is health” – Ralpha Waldo Emerson
“The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed;
The deed develops into habit;
And habit hardens into characters. So watch the thought and it’s ways with care,
And let it spring from love
Born out of concern for all beings.”
– The Buddha
What is your favorite class to teach?
My favorite class to teach is a room filled with participants who are up for a challenge. When I can see students making an effort to try something out of the “comfort zone”, it fuels my own energy to spread the message to believe in ourselves, no matter what (cue Journey’s song: “Don’t Stop Believin!”).
What are some things in your fridge right now?
“Fage” greek yogurt, a big box of organic baby spinach, chicken, tofu, organic eggs, organic apples, an assortment of organic veggies (all from Boston Organics- code on my site for 10% off a delivery. I think this service would be wonderful for students- they have many different sized boxes): two huge carrots, a parsnip, one celeriac, a kohlrabi, romaine lettuce, an avocado, lemon, garlic organic ketchup, miso paste, red curry paste, vegetable broth, almond milk. In the freezer- frozen fruit and ginger root. In the pantry- Tulsi Masala Chai and Herbal Medicinal Peppermint teas, brown rice, quinoa, black beans, gluten-free Bob’s red mill oats, cocoa powder, coconut oil, stevia, chia seeds, Crazy Richard’s chunky PB,
My fave kitchen appliances: tea maker, coffee maker, cuisinart rice cooker, vitamix (there’s a code on my site for free shipping)
How can Northeastern students join your classes?
Online via YouTube or sign up before a semester of classes at BU. If a student is interested in trying a class out, they can contact me for a guest pass. I also offer one-on-one and small group personal training. All information and links for my videos can be found on my website www.thebalancedbod.com.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my message and be featured!
Check out Cara’s website, Youtube page, Instagram and Facebook for recipe ideas, workouts, and information on her fitness classes!