Nutrition Happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.

While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:

May’s note: They say you want to surround yourself with people that make you a better person and I’d say you’ll probably want to include Mary K on that list. When she told me one of her goals for the year was to publish a book, I knew it was only a matter of time. She’s a true triple threat: author, fitness trainer, tech marketer…..aka all-around boss. Mary takes a no bullsh*t approach to life and is one of the most driven people I know. Having friends like Mary pushes me to be clear about my goals, intentions, and what excuses I need to drop to get there.  This is what genuine connection and friendships looks like: being able to empower each other to their fullest potential. You can find her on Instagram at @itsmaryk

Name: Mary Kesinger

Hometown: Jacksonville, IL

Business/ Occupation: Tech marketing, writer, fitness trainer

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a doer that’s passionate about empowering others, whether through tech or fitness. I studied marketing at Loyola University Chicago (Go Blers!), and I love running the world – literally and figuratively – to think creatively about how we can make it a better place to live. I recently published my first book, Run My World, which is a memoir of my fitness journey and overcoming my eating disorder. I believe life should be enjoyed, and fitness and food can be a catalyst to everyone’s individual happiness!

Favorite part of your job?

Empowering others! Whether it’s making technology easy to understand or helping others realize their potential strength (mental or physical)

What’s your personal philosophy on a healthy lifestyle?

Find your fit and what fuels you, whether it’s your food, your workouts, your flow – it’s up to you to find your own fit in your life right now.

Making nutrition happen for the…

MIND.

Morning routine or evening routine?

I prefer to workout first thing in the morning, often at 5 or 6AM. Then after I shower, I love to enjoy a green protein smoothie with avocado egg toast while writing in my Five Minute Journal and reflecting on the day ahead. Mornings are my absolute favorite, and I think that “early” is relative for everyone — as long as you have time for you in the morning, then you’ll be a morning person. 

One thing you are grateful for today:

My mom – I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t call or text her every day!

How do you recharge after a long day?

Before bed, I love to take an epsom salt bath and read a book. I try to unplug, but often that literally only works if I turn my phone completely off. On that note, I recommend having a separate alarm clock. Smartphone alarms aren’t reliable anyway! You won’t feel obligated to check your phone first thing then either. 

Last song played on your Spotify?

I can’t stop listening to Better Not by Louis the Child. 

BODY.

Top 3 food essentials that you can’t live without (or, 3 items ALWAYS on your grocery list):

Peanut butter, bananas, baby carrots. I go through those like crazy, and I’ll eat peanut butter with both. 

The BEST meal you’ve ever had (or favorite meal, ever):

Kaya toast — it’s a super sweet breakfast staple in Singapore, like coconut jam. With some eggs and tea, it’s the best breakfast ever. Help me find some in Chicago!

Open your fridge. What are the first two things you see?

A couple cartons of almond milk, and lots of meal prepped food in Tupperware! I think that nutrition happens differently for everyone, and for me, I enjoy cooking and saving money by meal prepping. When I do go out to eat, it’s much more of a treat and I appreciate it more! 

Favorite way(s) to move/ sweat / workout?

I’m always moving and love trying new ways to sweat! I was a competitive dancer for most of my life, so dancing is definitely the most fun for me. You can often find me running by the lake or trying out different HIIT fitness studios. Still, it’s hard to beat a solo leg day lift. 

SOUL.

What makes you the most confident?

When I try something new and don’t completely suck at it, I get such a confident boost. For so long, I limited myself with a small comfort zone, but now I’m all about constantly redefining it and stretching my own limits. I love to prove myself wrong and realize I’m capable of so much more than I expected. 

Where do you find the best inspiration?

I swear my best ideas have been thought while I was either running or taking a bath. I’m constantly surrounded by new content and information and ideas, so when I’m able to quiet my mind and really reflect on everything, I can find such strong connections and come up with new ideas. Most people don’t believe I’m an introvert, but I NEED that alone time to be energized and creative. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Never ask for advice from someone you wouldn’t want to trade places with. Seriously — trust your gut and don’t ask for permission from someone who is not where you want to be! 

Success to you is…

My goal has always been to be independent, and I’ve learned that’s really about feeling calm in the present moment. If you feel like you don’t have to rely on anyone or anything else to be happy right here and now, then you are independent, free, and most certainly successful. 

CHICAGO.

Favorite spot(s) in Chicago…

The little pier at North Avenue Beach – best view of the city!

Your perfect Chicago day is …

First, I would run along Lake Michigan at sunrise, then I would drink matcha tea and eat breakfast at Meli’s Cafe. I’d spend my day working, writing, and reading from bed (maybe a nap 😊 ), taking in the gorgeous skyline views of the city. Then, I’d get dinner with friends somewhere on Randolph in West Loop, and we’d end up dancing at a club in River North!