Healthy Living Summit: Recap Two!
By Brit Chick Runs. Filed in Uncategorized |Tags: Healthy Living Summit
Hellor hellor!
Time for recap two, ie what I learnt over my fantastic long weekend in Chicago!
Well, first of all, I’ll say that this truly wonderful girl basically summed it up for me! But I’ll write how I felt about it all in my own words.
One thing that really struck me at the HLS was how simply gorgeous every single person there was. Everyone came in different shapes, sizes, styles and backgrounds and yet without exception, everyone was beautiful – on the inside and out! Yeah, that sounds corny..but it’s true! It was like everyone was glowing! And for once, I’m going to include myself in that group. Yep – I felt beautiful there too! I have never, ever been so happy, relaxed, confident and at ease with myself, and it rubbed off on so many aspects of my life.
I wasn’t scared or shy of meeting new people, or being worried about fitting in – none of my friends around between talks at the break? No problem – I just walked into the room and made new friends, just like that! No-one judged 
I felt like I went a bit overboard with my lunchtime food one day – after a 10minute pep talk, I realised – so what? Who cares if I maaaaaybe ate a little too much, it’s normal! Besides – I wanted to enjoy my time with my new friends and not worry about food. It worked! I let go of all my worries.
I wasn’t bound by time – at home, I normally have my meals at the same time, and I’m known to worry if I have to have a meal very late. Karyn’s on Green meal? We didn’t even start til 9.30pm! And I didn’t die…I had a fabulous time!
I wasn’t scared of hunger. I got (very) hungry at various times over the weekend, but the world didn’t cave in! I have no need to be scared of it anymore, cos I know I will eat (ie – I’m not starving myself), which makes me confident I can work on being an intuitive eater
I made friends just travelling on the plane (hello Edmond if you’re reading!) – cos I was so happy!
I saw the girl I really am, and the girl I want to be. Relaxed and happy.
I realised that looks really really don’t matter when it comes to beauty. To be beautiful, be happy with yourself; smile; relax; be yourself; have the Angela-oh-she-REALLY-DOES-glow-glow(!); and be friendly. Angela is now someone I really look up to – she was honestly one of the most lovely, friendly people I’ve ever met. She was the first person I saw on Thursday, and she immediately gave me a hug, cos she knew (from our emails) that I was a little bit nervous! She was a great running partner too, and I can’t wait to try the two Glo Bars I have 
Don’t be under the age of 21 in the USA, or you get SCARRED!
I can cope with freezing cold showers and not die.
Americans are not crazy, gun-wielding, loud-mouthed maniacs like the English have you believe; they’re actually the nicest people on earth!
Don’t rely on United Airlines to provide you with heart vegan snacks or meals (apple sauce and a 2inch sq piece of bread for breakfast, anyone??) – bring your own!
So what did I take away from the experience, beside from a heck of a lot of swag and TJ’s/Whole Foods’ buys?
:p
Amazing memories:
Hot runs:
Good (and unusual!) food:
Beautiful new friends:
The happiest I have ever been.
—-
As for Monday and Tuesday, they’ve looked something like this:
Watermelon, cereal, XG, pear, cocoa powder
A chunk of vegan brownie, given to me at the HLS
Half of an ALLIEBAR (!!!) pre 2mile run – amazing taste that totally lived up to the hype, and amazing fuel – first run in MONTHS with zero leg aches and pains!
Oats cooked with mixed spice, cinnamon, salt, squash, parsnips, cabbage and garlic
Chocolate macaroon, made by the amazing (Zumba teaching) Fitnessista, Gina – so tasty!
Mojo bar – equally yum
—-
Aeroplane vegan pretzels pre-DVD workout
Watermelon, banana, cereal, chia seeds, XG, roasted cashews, grated cacao, dates, homemade crab apple jam, milk, yogurt
HLS kamut pasta, caramelized onion hummus, caramelized onions/cabbage, parsnip, spinach, mushrooms
Vegan macaroon a la Valerie
And for now that’ll do 
I’ll do dinner etc etc tomorrow. But right now, I need an early night..I am somewhat jetlagged!! Having the best weekend of your life (ever) and not sleeping for 2 days sure does take it out of you……
Good night!
(PS – don’t forget to look at my last post if you missed it – a ton of photos!)
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 5:45 pm |
Fun recap!
It was soooo nice meeting you this weekend. I had fun hanging out with you and sharing food (and eating everyone else’s food…hahaha).
Hope to see you again soon!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 7:40 pm |
For sure! You should take a trip to England
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 5:52 pm |
Looks like a fabulous time! And how great to learn so much about yourself – exactly what good weekend trips should do, in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your pictures! You look amazing. As do all the other ladies you befriended.
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:56 pm |
They’re wonderful aren’t they?! Best ladies ever
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:02 pm |
Glad you had a great time! I hope you go next year so I can meet you.
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:56 pm |
Ohh yeah – definetly want to go next year too!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:03 pm |
Sounds like you had a turning point
I can relate to a lot of what you said in the beginning of this post as I felt like that a lot of the time a few years ago but now I don’t worry so much..
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:57 pm |
I’m glad you’ve got there
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 6:09 pm |
You will do too
you’re on the way!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:04 pm |
Aww glad you had such a great time and life-changing experience!! Makes me want to go to the next one
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:57 pm |
Definetly do!!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:19 pm |
Oh chick I can’t say how HAPPY this made me! That peace of mind, feeling content and comfortable with yourself is what we all deserve and I’m so so pleased you’re finally getting that. I can definitely relate, finding that I’m getting there too. Embracing a healthy lifestyle isn’t about the pursuit of thinness or self-hatred and guilt, it can be completely the opposite, about loving ourselves instead! What an inspirational group of people, I wish I could have been there.
Hope you’re getting used to being back home and not missing Chicago too much…at least you’ve got all that amazing food to work through to take you back there in spirit!
Lots of love Emm xoxo
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:58 pm |
Aahh I am missing it SOO much!! But i so recommend it
maybe you should go next year!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:51 pm |
Your happiness really shows through in your post, it’s a pleasure to read. I’m so happy that you finally feel comfortable and relaxed – it’s what we all strive for.
I so wish I could have made it this year, maybe next year huh? And I’m so jealous you get to try one of Gina’s macaroons! Also uber jealous of your TJ/Wholefood stash *green with envy*
xx
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 7:41 pm |
Haha – it could be yoouu next year!!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 6:52 pm |
Aw, girl – sounds like HLS really was an amazing experience for you. I think it’s awesome that it made such an impact – and not just because of all of the amazing food and learning about health…because you learned about yourself!! I’m glad you found such happiness and amazing people. I really wish I HAD gone!! Maybe next year
You are absolutely gorgeous, by the way. Never forget it
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 7:41 pm |
YOU are too kind! I seriously hope we can both go next year – it’d be SO amazing to meet you! We could talk horses
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 7:16 pm |
Hi Freya, even though I gave up my blog ages ago I still read yours and I really felt like I had to comment on this post. You look so beautiful in these photos, so carefree, relaxed and happy. I am so glad that you had a fab time and feel so changed as a person.
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 7:42 pm |
Thank you – I really appreciate this comment
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 7:59 pm |
omg u are amazing and beautiful in every which way and i am kicking myself for having not spent the enitre time by ur side.
next time?!? and hopefully i will be in a better place. i truly admire you. do you think you can give me adivice on how you went about recovery? i luv u and am glad ur safe and sound at home:-) xoxox
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 8:18 pm |
Of course I can! You can email me any time with questions or rants or whatever you need to
xxx
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 8:01 pm |
ps u r now my role model and insiparation! i want to be like you! o and i made avery similar dish with my pasta too only with tuna!! great minds think alike;-)
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 8:13 pm |
Ah glad you had such a fab time, it is so great to hear how happy you are with yourself- that is what it so important.
You do look sooo happy and relaxed in the photos too (glowing like Angela I would say)
Plus what an amazing amount of goodies you managed to bring back- you must have totally used your baggage allowance!
Maria
PS I must say that even veggie meals on planes can be interesting to say the least (and that is not as hard as a vegan meal)- I usually take snacks with me now!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 8:20 pm |
I definetly did!! I left extra space in my bag on purpose, but I think I reaaaaally cut it fine
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 9:21 pm |
Amazing post Freya. Sounds like you had a fantastic time meeting all those lovely bloggers and that you learnt a lot! I agree with other commenters you look great in the photos!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 9:23 pm |
It truly was fantastic! And thankyou hun
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 10:27 pm |
Those are some amazing realizations: I must admit that even through the small meet-ups I have done with fellow UK bloggers (only 2 or 3 of us at a time) I have felt more confident and comfortable than with any other group of people. The positive energy of the HLS must have been impossible to resist…and why would anyone want to
Your pics are fabulous and to me you also have a wonderful ‘glow’ about you in all of them. You always look stunning, but sometimes I perceive an inner sadness, an element of self-doubt lingering in your eyes even when you smile. It’s simply not there in any of the HLS photographs. You simply brighten up the room and stand out in every picture.
I wish that I could have attended…everything about the experience looks utterly wonderful and I am so happy for you.
<3
~Jess~
xxxxxxxx
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:04 am |
Wow, that’s a powerful comment – you’re very intuitive (if that’s the right word!). Thank you!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 11:00 pm |
I’m go glad you had a wonderful time, I know I enjoyed your company. Your such a sweet girl to be around.
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:04 am |
Awh you too hun!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 11:02 pm |
aww what a great post to read! glad you had such a lifechanging experience at HLS! looks so fun
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:05 am |
It most definetly was
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 11:32 pm |
This is a great recap Freya! I echo your sentiment that it was so easy to meet people at HLS, one of whom was you. People were not only friendly, but there was such good solidarity in the group…
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:09 am |
Oh yes for sure! It felt like everyone was there for each other
It was great meeting you too!
Tuesday, August 17th 2010 at 11:42 pm |
I am so happy for you!! I’m glad you’re becoming more at ease with yourself and with life
Like these other ladies said, you look really carefree and radiant. Glad you had a blast!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:05 am |
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 12:38 am |
Danggg girl how did you get all that swag on the plane with you?! Haha you got some great stuff and it made me smile when you said HLS was the happiest you’d ever been! YAY! It’s so nice to find your niche
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:07 am |
Oh it was all very tightly packed in my suitcase
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 2:01 am |
Your happiness shines through your post
By the way amazing buys at TJ’s/Whole Foods!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:06 am |
I know right!? I was blown away by their Whole Foods! Clif bars galore….
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 2:07 am |
First of all, let me say that I am SO HAPPY I met you this weekend!! It was such a positive experience in general, but forming a friendship with you was one of the absolute highlights. It’s wonderful that we both came to the same revelations about beauty, overindulgence and confidence. While at HLS, I felt like MYSELF in the most wonderful way- like my worth wasn’t defined by how fit I was or how healthy I ate. Such a wonderful feeling. So happy you feel the same!!
PS- I got you a bunch of bars today too, so we can arrange our swap
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:08 am |
Everything you said, I say back to you!
I’ll send you an email later and we can organise something
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 2:34 am |
I am SO glad you felt so at home here! You are such a beautiful, amazing woman and I’m so honored that I got to share a room with you
I never would have imagined you were feeling shy or were nervous about meeting people. In fact, I wish I had been more like you and introduced myself to more people. You are an inspiration! ((hugs))
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:10 am |
Awwh thank you soo so much! It was brilliant sharing with you too – you’re FAB!!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 6:09 am |
That looks soo great and what a great swag bag ;D. Its so nice to be with a lovely froup of people who share the same interests, its like there is a common understadning and familiarity between u all. Sounds like a fab trip. xxxxx
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:09 am |
Definetly, especially the familiarity! Felt like I’d known everyone for a lifetime
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:23 am |
What a moving post- I think it’s my favourite so far! Almost made me well up!? I can only repeat myself, you look absolutely stunning in those photos (hey, I doubt many people can carry off the olive look like you do
), and you look so happy! It really shows in the pics! I like how one of the other readers described you: you look radiant!
You are such a beautiful girl, inside and out! I really hope to meet you in person sometime!
So happy that you had the best weekend ever!!! x
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 9:38 am |
Oh that is such a lovely comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and I hope I get to meet you one day too – I’ve seen your pictures and you are stunning too!! Thankyou so much for what you said
Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 6:47 am |
Thank you so much xxx
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 7:52 am |
Wow, it looks like you had such a fab time at HLS. Makes me want to go next year! And oh my gosh, that swag……and those Whole Foods/TJ’s purchases!! Holy delicious!
Were all the bloggers as nice and fabulous as I imagine them to be?
By the way, I chnaged my blog in case you were wondering why there’s a different name!!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 9:40 am |
They were! They were incredible!! So welcoming and fun
One of the 1st things Kath did when I met her was take the mick out of my accent 
it’s good that they’re so real you know? 
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 10:35 am |
looks like an amzing time, i’m uber jealous you got to go and uber jealous of your loot you brought home!! x
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 11:22 am |
Hehe
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 10:36 am |
So happy for you to get to know all these amazing people fearless and shyless!!! And look all those goodies that you brought to home!!! Such an amazing experience!!!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 11:22 am |
Totally!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 4:02 pm |
Eee! What a lovely post angel
I am so pleased you had a good time and what a great experience!
Did you travel alone?!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 4:18 pm |
I did yes
scary times but I met great people on the plane!
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 4:54 pm |
Love your recap. I really wanted to go. It’s been so fun seeing everyone’s perspectives and pictures.
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 5:39 pm |
Yeah it must’ve been
I’ve liked reading themtoo 
Wednesday, August 18th 2010 at 8:03 pm |
Shit, I forgot to wave my gun at you!
Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 1:17 am |
I love this recap! It’s so positive and really moving…and of course makes me wish even more that I had gotten the opportunity to go. I’m glad you had a fun time in the US and meeting so many awesome bloggers. But most of all, I’m glad it made you so happy, and that you felt beautiful.
I hope you continue to feel that way, even now that you’re back home — because it’s true!!! 
Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 2:41 am |
That recap seriously brought me to tears… beautiful.
Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 10:52 pm |
I swear, AllieBars make my workouts so energetic and pain free. I’ve done some crazy stuff after downing a couple bars
So glad to have met you this past weekend, Freya! I wish we could have hung out more. I suppose I will see you in October?
Friday, August 20th 2010 at 12:23 pm |
FOR SURE!! And I’ll expect another batch of AllieBars pre-marathon :p I bet they’d be super fuel for it!
Friday, August 20th 2010 at 5:37 pm |
Loved this recap. Definitely one of my favorites!! You are just stunning by the way
We will meet one day…we just have to!
Friday, August 20th 2010 at 6:02 pm |
Awh that is so sweet, thank you!!
I reckon you should definetly go to the HLS next year..or maybe Washigton DC on Oct 31st!!?? I think someone might be running a marathon :p
Friday, August 20th 2010 at 9:53 pm |
Hey girl, so great to meet you at the HLS! Hope you had a good flight home – come back to Chicago again soon!