(Photo by Daniel Moody)

Elizabeth Finch is a Certified Health Coach who runs online nutrition programs designed to help women learn to create new habits around better nutrition and a healthier lifestyle. She’s passionate about teaching women how to feel their best and have a more balanced lifestyle. Read her blog at Elizabeth-Finch.com.

FIT Arkansas: If you had to choose one ... healthy diet or frequent exercise?

Elizabeth Finch: A healthy lifestyle has to start with diet. Exercise is important for so many reasons, but if your nutrition is off, it won’t matter how much time you put in at the gym.

You’re passionate about vitamins and supplements. Why?

It’s almost impossible to get optimal amounts of nutrients through food alone. Stress, exercise and hectic lifestyles also increase the amount of antioxidants the body needs. I think of supplements as insurance against deficiencies and a boost to help propel our cells to optimal functional levels.

How do you feel about snacks? Do or don’t?

Yes, to snacking! In my experience working with over 200 women, I’ve found there are many benefits to eating five smaller meals a day, balanced with protein, fat, fiber and good carbs. It helps prevent extreme hunger and balance blood sugar levels.

What is your go-to kitchen gadget?

I couldn’t live without a baking sheet pan with a lip all the way around. I use it to roast veggies of all kinds, chicken breasts and fish. Roasting is my preferred method for cooking veggies. One of the Sunday meal prep tips I teach clients is to roast a large pan of veggies to store and use in meals throughout the week.

Grocery stores and restaurants present a lot of temptation. How do you advise clients to navigate those and stay on track?

Always eat your vegetables first! When dining out, fill half of your plate with non-starchy veggies like salad greens, steamed broccoli and asparagus. Eating those first will physically fill you up, leaving less room in your stomach for the unhealthier choices. I refer to this as “crowding out.” Then, focus on lean proteins and small portions of good complex carbs like sweet potatoes.

Small Bites

Workout of choice? A mix of cycling classes, yoga and barre

Last great book you read? “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

Celebrity health/fitness “crush”? Dr. Oz

Motto? “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” -Michael Pollan

Guilty-pleasure on a cheat day? Coconut milk ice cream with a few dark chocolate chips