For our Chompian of the Month, we have special education teacher and food/lifestyle blogger Becca Davis! As we head into the back to school season, we are thrilled to feature Becca and share her perspectives!
Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.?
I'm a special education teacher by profession and a food/lifestyle (@teachertastes) blogger in my free time. It's been about 2.5 years since I started TeacherTastes, and it all began while I was already teaching. Back in college, I was super into athletics and ran track and cross country for Mizzou. But when I started teaching full time, I got a bit too strict with my diet. That's when I realized I needed to change things up. I discovered the magic of meal prepping, which helped me have balanced and yummy options throughout my school day. It was a real game-changer in healing my relationship with food.
Through my blog, I share the meal prep lunches I pack for the entire week and the day-to-day stuff. It's been awesome to connect with like-minded folks who share my passion for food, exercise, and teaching, especially other school employees! I'm no expert, but I love engaging with others, swapping ideas, and learning together about living a healthier and happier life. It's a journey, and I'm just thrilled to have some company along the way! 😊
What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?
Taking just five minutes each day to do something for yourself can work wonders. Remember, you can't spread joy effectively if your own cup isn't full. Prioritize self-care and ensure you're in a good place before sharing your positivity with others. Your well-being is essential, so take those moments to recharge and embrace a happier, more fulfilling life.
What’s your workout routine?
After my college athletics days, I decided to explore different forms of movement that truly resonate with me. It's been an exciting journey as my preferences change weekly based on how I feel. Currently, I find joy in practicing CorePower's Yoga Sculpt, which blends strength training with cardio, as well as Hot Power Fusion, a warm stretching class. My goal is to attend about three classes per week, allowing me to maintain a healthy routine. On other days, I opt for walking, which I genuinely enjoy. One of my favorite walking workouts is the 12-3-30 treadmill walk, where I set the incline to 12 and walk at a speed of 3.0 for 30 minutes. With my teaching job and daily commute, I'm on my feet for most of the day, and I love the active lifestyle this brings to my routine. It keeps me energized throughout my busy schedule.
How do you consider yourself a “game changer?”
As a Special Education teacher and food blogger, I consider myself a "game changer" by positively impacting my students, promoting inclusivity, inspiring healthier eating habits through my blog, building a supportive community, and embracing personal growth and well-being.
What’s the best thing you do for your personal health?
Making time for myself every day. It's crucial to recharge before tending to my students and others. This could mean having a quiet coffee moment in the morning, attending a yoga class, taking a walk during lunch, or enjoying a podcast I like. These self-care activities keep me grounded and ready to face each day with a positive attitude.
What is your favorite Chomps product?
I have a ton of Chomps sticks in my snack drawer at school. I love the Original Beef and I get it from Costco because they sell it in a large pack. It is the perfect mid day pick me up.
How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle?
I love Chomps because they are made with clean ingredients and help fuel me through the school day!