For more than six years, 22-year-old Heather Sin (@themindfulgarden) has been following a vegan and mostly gluten-free diet. Learning about the animal agriculture and factory farming industries is what initially sparked the change. But she quickly realized that her new lifestyle not only rendered benefits for the animals and the environment, but for herself as well!
“After a couple of months, I realized my body felt better and I had more energy,” Heather says. “I started running, doing yoga and researching my daily products—and then I realized my lifestyle has become a lot healthier.”
Heather, a data analyst and engineer by day and blogger by night, loves to travel and explore new areas. She also discovered that she loves to share her creative food photos and natural products she uses. Eventually, she took to Instagram (and her blog) to share her experiences.
“I created my ‘fun-insta,’ as I call it, and my blog in the middle of my college career because I wanted to share creative pictures about the food I was eating, the natural products I was using and the places I was visiting,” she says. “It really became a positive outlet for me and was a great way to take a break from school work.”
When she’s not posting her latest delicious finds on Instagram, she’s practicing yoga, relaxing outdoors, listening to music, reading or being a social butterfly with family and friends.
We sat down with Heather to learn more about her journey and day-to-day happenings. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about this accidental health nut!
1. What kicked off your wellness journey?
I started living a healthy lifestyle accidentally. Once I started to learn about animal farming, the way animals are treated and the positive impact a plant-based lifestyle has on the environment, I became vegan.
2. What inspired you to start blogging?
Through my blog and social media accounts, my goal is to have a positive impact on others’ lives—whether it be big or small—and to build healthy relationships with those that are also in the same space. For example, perhaps one of my followers were looking for plant-based options in Boston and found a spot through my posts, or was looking for a new skin product and found a great product through one of my stories.
3. What motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Those around me inspire me the most. From friends to family to even those that I meet temporarily—their actions and words give me inspiration and motivation!
4. Support systems rock! What’s your exercise routine like?
Currently I exercise about two times a week but I’m working on bringing that number up because it makes me feel better and stay focused. My favorite ways to exercise include yoga, hiking, running and trying new things.
5. Walk us through your typical day of eating.
I usually start my day with fruit and a bowl of oatmeal or a smoothie bowl. I snack throughout the day, have lunch between noon and 1 p.m. and dinner around 6 p.m. This is typical but there are definitely days when I don’t have time or have a late morning so it depends! I don’t pressure myself into following a specific regimen.
6. Sounds like a great balance! Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Definitely sweets and pastries! I have a big sweet tooth.
7. Do you face any challenges when it comes to living healthfully?
The hardest part is being at social gatherings or eating out at places that aren’t plant-based friendly. When I was in Paris, it was harder to easily find a place that has vegan and gluten-free foods so that was a bit stressful. But thankfully, I don’t have this issue most of the time.
8. Why do you ♥ Vitacost?
I have been a Vitacost customer since 2013 and love it because they allow me to easily purchase healthier and more natural options for food, home products, skincare and makeup as well. I know I can always rely on Vitacost for many of my staples and that they will deliver in just two days!
9. Sweet! Name 3 Vitacost essentials you can’t live without.
- Molly’s Suds because one bag lasts me over a year and it is better for the environment.
- Organic and salt-free nut butters! None in particular but I love that Vitacost carries so many different options.
- Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste: It’s my favorite and I have been using it for years.
10. Great picks! What’s your advice for someone who’s just getting started on their healthier path?
Be patient, do your own research and don’t be hesitant to ask others for advice J
For more inspiring stories like Heather’s, visit our VIP Spotlight page.