HartsSpace, Nutrition and Mental Health in Olympia

06/20/2026

We have some fun opportunities to connect, move, and dive into nutrition coming up! Next stop: Our Summer Gathering at Millersylvania on July 11th! Read our latest newsletter https://www.hartsspace.com/so/a7PxSzITl?languageTag=en or visit our website to see all we have going on!

06/09/2026

Check out our newest newsletter - all about our summer gathering! We can't wait to gather with you all!

Read it here:

Hi Friends & Collaborators

05/28/2026

Summer is here and we are excited to kick off the season together.

HartsSpace loves creating spaces for fun, learning, connection, and healing — and we would love for you to join us for our Summer Gathering.

This event is open to the HartsSpace community, friends, family, guests, and children too. Whether you’ve been part of our groups for years or are simply curious about what we do, this is a great chance to connect, relax, and enjoy community together.

Come spend time outdoors, meet new people, reconnect, and celebrate the start of summer with us.

RSVP here:
https://www.hartsspace.com/event-details/hartsspace-summer-gathering

More details on this beautiful local park
Source: Washington State Parks (.gov) https://share.google/6BhavN8FbKpeVPxuW

05/22/2026

05/19/2026

New Blog Post on using CGMs (continuous glucose monitors)! Written by Michelle Benson

"A few years ago, if someone had told me I’d become fascinated by blood sugar patterns, I probably would have assumed they were talking about diabetes management.

But after researching the connection between our nervous system and our blood sugar patterns and then wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) myself, I quickly realized these devices can tell us so much more than whether someone is diabetic or pre-diabetic.

They can offer insight into:
stress physiology
nervous system activation
sleep quality
exercise recovery
meal balance
energy crashes
emotional overwhelm
under-eating
cravings
metabolic flexibility

At HartsSpace, I use CGMs through a functional nutrition and mind-body lens."

Click the blog to read more

A few years ago, if someone had told me I’d become fascinated by blood sugar patterns, I probably would have assumed they were talking about diabetes management.But after researching the connection between our nervous system and our blood sugar patterns and then wearing a Continuous Glucose Monito...

05/13/2026

Meal prep hack that doesn't feel tedious: Big batch of roasted veggies to use as a base for different meals throughout the week.

My bowl formula typically includes roasted veggies + sauteed greens + a protein source.

In this case, I used sweet potatoes (an amazing carbohydrate and fiber-rich, polyphenol source), green beans, sauteed greens seasoned with black pepper & turmeric, and chicken sausage. So easy. Quick. Nutrient dense. Satisfying.

05/12/2026

Here are some simple “grab-and-go” last-minute meal prep ideas that work well for busy weeks, blood sugar balance, energy, and less overwhelm:

Protein + Produce Boxes
Use containers and build 3–5 quickly:
Rotisserie chicken or turkey
Hard boiled eggs
Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
Cucumbers, carrots, snap peas
Fruit (berries, apples, oranges)
Hummus or guacamole cups
Easy Carb Prep for Energy + Gut Support

Cook 1–2:
Brown rice
White rice if digestion is irritated
Oatmeal
Sourdough toast
Sweet potatoes
Quinoa
Corn tortillas
Quick Breakfasts
Overnight oats
Egg muffins
Greek yogurt parfaits
Protein smoothies frozen into jars
Peanut butter + banana sourdough toast
Emergency Snack Bin

Keep a basket ready:
Nuts/trail mix
Jerky
Applesauce packs
Protein bars
Tuna packets
Rice cakes
Electrolytes
10-Minute Dinner Formula

Choose one from each:
Protein: salmon, chicken sausage, eggs, tofu, burger patties
Carb: rice, pasta, potatoes, tortillas
Veggie: frozen stir fry mix, salad kit, broccoli
Flavor: pesto, salsa, olive oil, coconut aminos, avocado
“Too Tired to Cook” Meals
Sourdough + eggs + avocado
Frozen veggie stir fry + chicken
Quesadillas with beans and cheese
Soup + toast + fruit
Protein shake + oatmeal + nut butter
Smart Grocery Grab List
Rotisserie chicken
Prewashed greens
Frozen vegetables
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Berries
Rice packets
Oats
Sourdough bread
Hummus
Avocados

A good last-minute strategy:
Prep protein first
Wash produce second
Cook one carb
Build easy combinations
Leave room for flexibility instead of perfection
Even a small amount of prep changes the week dramatically.

04/30/2026

We’ve made it to our final long training walk before the Cap City event —
9 miles this weekend!

Huge credit to everyone who has stayed committed, shown up, and kept moving forward. 👏
Even if you’re not planning to do the Half Marathon, you are absolutely welcome to join our training events and be part of the fun. ✨ Great option for this weekend: Come help kick us off and do the scenic trail down to the beach, which makes for an easier and beautiful 3-mile walk. A perfect way to participate, enjoy community, and finish at the water. 🏃‍♀️ For those wanting the full adventure, we’ll continue on for the 9-mile loop. 📩

Please drop an RSVP in the chat so we know who’s coming. 💡

Reminder for race day: If you’re registered for the Half Marathon but would rather do a shorter distance, there is also a 5-mile event and you can switch your registration or sign up for that now. This has been so much fun organizing, and I truly look forward to seeing you all out there. Let’s finish strong together! 🌟