Health Bloggers Dish: Holly from The Healthy Everythingtarian

Welcome back to our third installment of Health Bloggers Dish here at Health Blog Helper! I'm Alison from Mama's Weeds and I'm here to bring you another blogger interview where we ask healthly living bloggers to dish about what it takes to keep the wheels of their blog in motion.

If you missed our first two interviews, be sure to check out the interviews of Caitlin from Healthy Tipping Point and Angela from Oh She Glows – but only after you've spent some time with today's special guest of course!

Our first two interviews in the Health Bloggers Dish series were from two bloggers who have become very successful over the past year. Today's interview would be from a blogger that Matt and I both agree is well on her way to blog success: Holly from The Healthy Everythingtarian!

If you've yet to check out The Health Everythingtarian and take a peek into Holly's world of fabulous eats, amazing rhymes, belly laughing commentary and witty remarks – let us introduce you to this seriously fun lady who's at the helm of The Healthy Everythingtarian ship and is working hard to keep her readers entertained, motivated and inspired every day.

So Holly, it's time to dish! But first, the basics. How long have you been blogging?

Six months on October 23rd!

How long were you a blog reader before you decided to start a blog of your own?

Probably only one or two months. Since I majored in Journalism in college, writing my own was an idea I had floated almost as soon as I started reading food blogs. My friend sent me Good Things Catered in February…which is a fabulous cooking blog. From there, I found Kath's blog and well, the rest of the linkage is now history!

What factors went into your decision to start The Healthy Everythingtarian?

More than anything, I wanted to make sure I had something to offer the blogosphere. A lot of bloggers have legitimate health backgrounds, and I was nervous about starting one because I don't really have that. However, I knew I had writing behind me, so I figured I could show the people how a real person went about becoming a healthier person, with some humor thrown in to boot.

How much time do you spend devoted to blogging each day?

Hmmm…good question! Actually posting, I estimate I probably spend anywhere between 1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the post. However, when you take into account reading blogs, photography, technology snafus, etc., probably more like a couple hours each day.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

SO MANY. That's the best part though: learning! I think the most important lesson that I have learned and continually worked on reinforcing is just to BE MYSELF. In the blog world, it is so easy to get wrapped up in food trends, trying to do things a certain way and eat a certain way. At the end of the day, you NEED to do what is best for YOU. I try to stress it on my blog all the time. We are all different: we look different, we have different bodies, we believe different things, we like different things – why should eating be any different? At the end of the day, being me is the best me I can be.

Have you made any mistakes?

So many… most of the time I just hope people don't spot them too. I think I have learned a lot about photography through blogging. At the beginning, I just snapped away. However, now I realize that food can be art and taking a couple extra minutes to set up a beautiful shot is worth it. I did a post on food photography a week or so ago. Lately, I have started to play around with the sizing of photos and realize how much prettier bigger photos are!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a blog?

First, I would tell them that blogging is a commitment. Readers do want some consistency to posts, so I would make sure a new blogger has the time and energy to put forth towards a blog. Second, do not be afraid to ask for help! I have met some extremely lovely people through blogging, many of whom, including Matt, have been so helpful as my blog has progressed. Lastly, HAVE FUN! Blogging should never be a chore or a hassle or create anxiety. It should be fun – ALWAYS remember that!

What do you believe is the best way to gain readers?

Another fabulous question! Everyone wants new readers! Don't be afraid to show family and friends your blog. Most of my family and good friends read my blog daily, and many of them have sent it on to people they know. Word of mouth can travel fast. Also, I encourage bloggers to support other bloggers…not only can you make fabulous friends, but it helps to network for readers that way. Lastly, Matt has been working with my new domain to increase Google searches to my blog. Knowing a bit about blogging technology and capabilities can go a long way to bringing new readers to your site.

What are your hopes for The Healthy Everythingtarian?

You know, I haven't even thought about this. Really, I have just kind of enjoyed blogging so far and letting it take me where it is destined to take me. I know I won't be blogging forever – life has a tendency to take you where it wants to take you. But I will enjoy blogging as long as I can and dwell in the possibility of where it could go. Who knows? Maybe I will get my own food show on the Travel Channel (a.k.a. my dream job!).

Has it been worth it?
ABSOLUTELY.

And most importantly: if you were stranded on a desert island for one week, what's the one fruit or vegetable you'd want to find growing on the island?

Can I pick a fruit and a vegetable? Thank you. Pineapple and sweet potatoes. No contest.

Alright you can have one of each, but ONLY because you answered the rest of my questions so thoughtfully!

Thank you Holly for being a part of the Health Bloggers Dish series here at Health Blog Helper. We're looking forward to seeing where The Healthy Everythingtarian takes you in the months to come!

If this is your first visit to Health Blog Helper be sure to peek through the archives for more helpful tips on how to make your blog a happening place to be. We hope today's interview left you with you some things to think about, we'll see you next Monday for another serving from the Health Bloggers Dish!

Do you have any burning questions you'd like to have answered by guest bloggers in the future? Send them my way at mamasweeds@gmail.com