Your blog category
My uncle has always been a legend in my family, but not for some wild, adventurous reason. He’s a legend because his rice is, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever tasted. He’s been farming in Shimane, Japan, for years, pouring his heart and soul into every single grain. I’ve always been proud of him, […]
A Noodle Story: My Uncle’s Gluten-Free Masterpiece Read More »
Hello, travel fans! We’re finally back from our summer 2025 family trip to Japan, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of amazing food, thrilling adventures, and (you guessed it) a whole lot of travel. We hit up so many spots (mostly by driving!) I can barely list them all: Kanagawa, Chiba, Nagano,
From Pokémon to Hot Springs: Highlights from Our 2025 Japan Trip Read More »
“Where do I even start with my wellness and fitness journey?” This is a question I get asked all the time, especially from those just dipping their toes into the world of health. And it’s a great question, because getting started can feel incredibly overwhelming. There’s so much information out there, so many different workout
Your Wellness and Fitness Journey: Where to Even Begin? Read More »
I’ve talked about “cheat days” before, celebrating a “conquered” one in my last post. But after reflecting, I want to dive a little deeper, share some updates, and honestly, even challenge the term itself. What is a cheat day? Is it beneficial? Do you need one? How often can you have one? The fitness world
From “Cheat” to “Reward”: Rethinking Indulgence on My Fitness Journey Read More »
Every year, my fitness journey feels a bit like a personal science experiment. I love trying new things, discovering what works for my body and what doesn’t. It can be incredibly motivating when a new approach clicks, like uncovering a secret method just for you. But, let’s be honest, it’s also incredibly demotivating when an
My Body Experiment: How I Shed 5% Body Fat This Year Read More »
Phew! After nearly four months of steadfast calorie deficit, layered with the delightful chaos of coaching elementary school Track & Field, leading PTA initiatives, running my NakaNaka Mom Fitness business, and tackling all the relentless daily mom chores (with a few strategic maintenance calorie days sprinkled in, of course!), I finally declared it. It was
Cheat Day, Conquered: How I Made It a Win for My Fitness Read More »
Does it ever feel like you’re constantly treading water, trying to keep all the plates spinning? Between the demands of work, kids, home, and maybe even a sliver of personal time, it’s understandable that frustration can creep in. And sometimes, that frustration manifests as negativity – a sigh, a tone, a comment we might later
Struggling with Mom’s Negativity? Gentle Ways to Create a More Positive Home Read More »
Seriously, how did May become the month of a million things?! My usually (somewhat) organized life has transformed into a buzzing hive of activity practically overnight! Between running my NakaNaka Mom Fitness business, unexpectedly leading the elementary school Track & Field team as a head coach, and somehow ending up in charge of the Japanese
May-nia! How Did My Schedule Fill Up (and How I’m Surviving!) Read More »
Can you believe we’re already wrapping up April? That means a third of 2025 has flown by! I’ve been thinking about my New Year’s resolutions and wanted to share how things are progressing. Because let’s be honest, the resolution is just the starting point. It’s all about checking in, maybe pivoting if necessary, and just
Update: New Year’s Resolutions as a Mom, Trainer, & Blogger Read More »
Looking back, I felt a little bad for the boys. Winter was pretty quiet activity-wise, mostly because I was being a bit of a germaphobe about indoor places and didn’t want them freezing outside or in some icy pool. But I couldn’t ignore that my oldest was starting to get a little… soft around the
Get the boys moving – Weekday Wins in Gym, Parkour & Track Read More »