FFFC: Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).
KT: Hi, everyone! My name is Kayla (middle name Vashti “Vash-tie”) and I blog over at Variety by Vashti. I used to be an Intervention Specialist for children diagnosed with Autism, but decided to leave my job to blog full time and stay home with our 15 month old daughter, Quinn. I don’t have a lot of free time, but normally I would spend it playing sand volleyball, reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee (I’m a mom, remember?!) and enjoying family time or a night out with my girlfriends.
FFFC: How did you get started with your fitness lifestyle?
KT: I have always loved sports, mostly volleyball, but when I moved away from home after graduation, I gained some weight. I started to hate my body and had no energy. I was sick often and starting feeling the onset of depression. I tried multiple times to get into the gym and just didn’t keep going. Finally, I started to make new friends who were fit oriented and things snowballed. I lost 18lbs with TurboFire and kept going from there.
FFFC: What made you continue in this lifestyle?
KT: Partially my friends and having the accountability. When you have people who don’t make you feel guilty about showing up to girl’s night a sweaty mess, or planning group workouts, it makes things easier. We also always do our best to make girl’s nights snacks mostly healthy because we all understand the nutrition part! I have a full post on this here: http://varietybyvashti.org/2014/04/28/birds-feather/ Another part was gaining some confidence and realizing how good I felt. I started to realize that my workouts gave me a stress outlet and the more I focused, the easier it became to keep going. I also know I am a role model for my daughter. She clearly gets her energy and eating habits from her mommy!
FFFC: What are some of your established healthy eating habits?
KT: Honestly, I try to keep it simple. I don’t count calories. I don’t tell myself no all the time. I eat clean/nutrient dense food 80% of the time and 20% I allow myself to enjoy whatever I want whether it be pizza or martinis. (Yes, that was plural.) It’s all about balance and I think that works best for me. I refuse to make myself a prisoner to food.
FFFC: What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner?
KT: It’s never the same but food staples for me are: eggs with Frank’s, tempeh, brussel sprouts baked with homemade ranch seasoning, turkey wrapped grilled asparagus, pizza, beer, Shakeology, fruit, and whatever else sounds good when I sit down to meal plan. OH and coffee!!!!
FFFC: What is your favorite fitness activity?
KT: Volleyball, jump roping, or strength training. I. Love. Lifting.
FFFC: What do you do now to maintain your physique?
K: I chase around a 15 month old. Just kidding. I learn new things. I get bored easily and if my workouts stop making me feel good or I am not focused, I would stop doing it. Learning about new recipes, new foods, new ways to target muscles, etc keeps me moving forward.
FFFC: How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)
KT: I guess I don’t really have to have willpower with those things. I don’t usually want them because I know they make me feel terrible. For example, a doughnut doesn’t even taste good to me so telling myself no is a piece of cake (pun intended.) I use my 80/20 rule and never feel guilty about splurging just a bit on something. I also try to make healthier versions of my favorite things…like this banana ice cream. It’s dreamy!
FFFC: What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own fitness lifestyle but unsure of how to begin?
KT: If you hate working out but love food, then start in the kitchen. Begin making small changes to what you already love to do because it will be easier. For example, if you are starting with food, try focusing on getting a healthy breakfast for the entire month and once you have it under control, move on to packing your lunch for work. What you can do to FAIL immediately is say, “I am going on a diet tomorrow and I can’t have anything on this list of foods.” You aren’t going to be perfect overnight; it has taken me years to learn what works for me.
FFFC: What do you think is the biggest misconception about this lifestyle?
KT: That it gets easier. It doesn’t. Even the fittest people in the world have tough workouts they want to quit early and most struggle with nutrition. This lifestyle is about making yourself better so even when you reach a goal, you will find yourself looking for a new one. It’s not always about weight, either! Maybe you want to hold plank longer or be able to do pull-ups. Go get ‘em, girl!
FFFC: Who are some of your fitness inspirations?
KT: Am I a complete jerk if I say no one?! I honestly don’t worry about what other famous fit people are doing because everyone is doing big things and inspiration needs to come from within. I guess if I had to pick, I would say Keri Walsh, Chalene Johnson, Michael Phelps, and LeBron James.
FFFC: How can readers learn more about you and your fit life? (i.e. Blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)?
KT: Be prepared for motherhood nonsense as well but I love chatting! (I can say I have work to do and make Daddy change diapers.)
Blog: http://varietybyvashti.org
Facebook: http://facebook.com/varietybyvashti
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kaylavashti
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kaylavashti
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/varietybyvashti
32 Replies to "POPSUGAR Select Blogger - Kayla of Variety by Vashti"
MCM Mama
Twitter: mcmmama
September 23, 2014 (7:30 am)
So great to learn more about Vashti! Love the balance she exhibits and her daughter is soo cute!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (10:12 am)
Isn’t she adorable!?!!!
Kayla Vashti (
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:37 pm)
Aww, thank you! I think she is cute, too but I kinda have to!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (9:51 pm)
Awwwww no she is genuinely cute. LOL!!!
o
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
September 23, 2014 (7:31 am)
Always interesting to read about all of your spotlights. I do think fitness becomes easier as it becomes more a part of your everyday life.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (10:12 am)
Yes incorporation into a routine is definitely key.
Kayla Vashti (
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:38 pm)
It’s weird how it happens though! I went from having to mentally schedule it to just doing it overnight. Or so it felt that way.
o
Amanda - RunToThefinish
Twitter: runtothefinish
September 23, 2014 (9:29 am)
Always interesting to hear people’s story of how they got here and of course don’t we always want more yummy food ideas!!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (10:12 am)
Don’t forget to go by her blog as well.
Kayla Vashti (
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:40 pm)
Did someone just say food? Where?!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (9:50 pm)
LOLOL!!! I love food too!
o
Heather
Twitter: divasrunbling
September 23, 2014 (9:54 am)
I just love reading other people’s stories. I really love how Vashti doesn’t count calories – she just eats as clean as possible. And the food ideas are so great 🙂
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (10:11 am)
Check out her blog for even more.
Kristy - Savvy and Sassy
Twitter: savvyandsassy
September 23, 2014 (10:46 am)
Vashti has some great tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy diet. I’m going to check out her healthier version of banana ice cream. Thanks!!
o
Kayla Vashti (
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:42 pm)
I think you will love it! What do you think about a pumpkin one? Or maybe you could make one similar to your hot apple cider I am drooling over?
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (9:53 pm)
pumpkin — hmmmm???? side eye on that one Kayla Vashti.
o
Erica Brooks
Twitter: ericabrooks
September 23, 2014 (12:06 pm)
Great feature. Having an accountability partner and strength training are definitely helpful to keep fit.
o
Kayla Vashti (
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:43 pm)
I love that we all encourage each other as well! Even reading all of these comments gives me so much energy to keep being fit!
o
Taya
Twitter: tayaelery
September 23, 2014 (2:35 pm)
That’s what I like to hear… eating foods you love while still being healthy!
o
Kayla Vashti
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:46 pm)
And I sure do love food! I also love social media, but your post really hits home. There are days it just leaves me feeling annoyed so I turn it off until the next day. Great post!
o
Holly S.
Twitter: southernmomlove
September 23, 2014 (7:01 pm)
So nice to meet you Kayla! and that ice cream looks amazing!
o
Kayla Vashti
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:48 pm)
Hi, Holly! I think you will really enjoy it, and please, let me know if you make your own version. I’m always up for trying new things!
o
Athena
Twitter: stuffofsuccess
September 23, 2014 (9:35 pm)
What a great post and great way to get to know other bloggers. So glad to have read it.
o
Kayla Vashti
Twitter: kaylavashti
September 23, 2014 (9:50 pm)
Diatta, I really appreciate you reaching out and featuring me today! I’ve found some new friends and blogs to follow which is my whole goal; finding other women with the same passion of being HEALTHY, HAPPY and FIT!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 23, 2014 (9:55 pm)
You are most certainly welcome Kayla Vashti. Glad you took the time. I love finding new blogs to follow. Thanks again!!
o
Stephanie
Twitter: FitMomTraining
September 23, 2014 (10:24 pm)
She’s fabulous!!! She sounds like so much fun!
o
Stephanie
Twitter: FitMomTraining
September 23, 2014 (10:26 pm)
Love her!!! How cute is that little girl?!
o
Jenn Corter
Twitter: jenngem
September 23, 2014 (10:50 pm)
I’ve visited her website before! It was awesome reading more about her here! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 24, 2014 (4:11 am)
Thanks for stopping by Jenn.
o
Barrie
Twitter: hardlyagoddess
October 25, 2015 (5:45 pm)
I love these features! It’s fun to read what other health-bloggers are doing and find new ones to check out!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
October 25, 2015 (5:46 pm)
I agree!!!
Titus Hauer August 26, 2019 (2:32 am)
Thanks so much for this! I love the compilation of advice from different folks, and that they all add up to a really helpful bigger picture.