We’re excited to introduce you to Lindsay, the mom behind The Lean Green Bean, a trusted blog from right here in Columbus, where she shares real-life nutrition tips, easy meal prep strategies and healthy family recipes that are both budget-friendly and approachable. Let’s get to it!
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! First up, how long have you been in Columbus?
I was born in Minnesota and moved to Kansas when I was 8. After high school, I moved to Ohio to attend Denison University. I met my husband while in school, we moved to Westerville after we graduated in 2007 and have been here ever since!
What are your favorite local things to do?
We have three kids (11, 9 and 7) and as a family, I love thrift stores, going out to dinner and going to local games and sporting events! I love reading, cooking, arts and crafts and going for walks with my dog. I also spend a lot of time volunteering both at my kids’ school and with other local organizations.
Tell us more about The Lean Green Bean!
It’s a blog/website that I started in 2011, where I share quick and easy recipes, parenting hacks, food prep tips and more!ย
What was your reason behind starting the blog?
It started as a way to share what I was cooking for dinner when my husband and I first got married. Then I went back to school to become a Registered Dietician and documented that journey on the blog as well. When I had kids, I started sharing meals I was feeding them, parenting tips, etc. I love how it has evolved with every stage of my life!ย
What sets you apart from other blogs/pages like yours?
I share a lot of real life content, especially on Instagram stories. I’m not afraid to share the ups and downs of motherhood and my goal is to share helpful tips and ideas, not cultivate a perfectly aesthetic Instagram feed.
We love that! Motherhood is messy and fun and all the things and we love that you showcase that! What are some of your best time-saving tips/resources as a parent?
Food prep! Spending an hour or two on the weekend prepping food for the week ahead can save so much time in the long run and make your life easier! It allows you to throw together meals more quickly and have healthy snacks on hand for when the kids need to eat ASAP.
And what is some of the best mom advice you have ever been given or want to give?
They’re not give you a hard time – they’re having a hard time. Almost always, when kids are throwing a tantrum, having a meltdown, etc., they’re not doing it to purposely upset you. They’re having a hard time with something and they don’t have the words, experience or emotional tools to figure it out on their own. They need your help and it’s a privilege to be able to be there and lead them through it.
That’s great advice and such a wonderful and helpful reminder to us all. Now just a few more questions just about you!
Something interesting about you others may not know: Over the past couple of years, I’ve taught myself how to sew and crochet and have had a lot of fun with various sewing projects and crocheting blankets for friends and family.
Favorite restaurant in Columbus: We love 101 Craft Kitchen and Rusty Bucket for family dinners
Favorite place to grab coffee: The Coffee Vault
Favorite date night spot: Ocean Club in Easton. We go there every year for our anniversary.
Thanks so much for chatting with us, Lindsay!
If you are looking for some real-life, helpful tips when it comes to feeding yourself and your family – visit Lindsay on her blog, theleangreenbean.com, Instagram (@theleangreenbean) or Facebook. ย
