Cool. Compassionate. Chunk. These are just a few words that come to mind as I consider this week’s badass Healthy Her Way feature, Samantha “Sammy” Eason. You’re probably wondering why anyone would use the word “chunk” in introducing a grown woman. On her Instagram (and IRL) Sammy lovingly refers to her son, Isaac, as “Chunk.” This nickname also inspired the title of Sammy’s unapologetically honest blog, Mother of Chunk.
On her blog, Sammy openly shares stories from her past and the lessons she’s learned (admittedly the hard way at times) in the hopes of helping others by proving that your past does not have to dictate your future. Sammy’s transparent content tackles topics that can often feel taboo, such as her father’s alcoholism and how the grief she experienced following his passing negatively impacted her perception of herself. Sammy has since turned her life around for the better and now has a constant source of inspiration and motivation in her pursuit of clean living: her son.
Sammy’s love of motherhood radiates through her content, often reminding readers that sometimes all you need to stay grounded is to look at the world through the eyes of a child.
For Sammy, clean living doesn’t just involve eating fewer processed foods, it also involves thinking clean, since our mindset is what ultimately impacts our feelings about ourselves and our interactions with others. “Our thinking is so powerful, and while it’s great to want to live and eat clean we also need to THINK CLEAN,” she shared in one powerful blog post.
In addition to Sammy’s raw and undiluted blog, she enjoys sharing her colorful food imagery, recipes, and real talk about her current pregnancy (yes, you read that correctly—Chunk is going to be a big brother!) on social media. In a world full of stress driven by social media, Sammy is able to stay grounded and doesn’t pressure herself to become a world-famous influencer or wellness guru. Instead, she views social media as a wonderful way to connect with new people and form friendships since relocating to St. Louis from Wellesley, Massachusetts. She simply wants to share her foodie creations, fitness updates, and unfiltered thoughts with others—and we’re here for it!
Despite the array of topics Sammy discusses with unrivaled transparency, she has one consistent message that is important to share: Do all things with love because love always wins. Sammy knows firsthand that it can be difficult to keep a positive mindset when life throws challenges your way, but these words are a powerful reminder that keeping love and kindness in your heart is the ultimate key to happiness (and it makes the world a better place to boot!)
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
Before I was pregnant with my second, I would get up around 5:30 to sip on coffee and listen to music. I used to run first thing in the morning, so I’m convinced I do my best thinking early on. It’s nice for me to sit and plan ahead or write down thoughts. However, now I’m taking all the sleep I can get! We wake up around 7:30 and come downstairs for breakfast. Sometimes I take videos of my son eating because his facial expressions kill me, but I try not to have my phone out until after we’re dressed and ready for the day. Then we either head out for an activity or go play in our playroom!
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
Take a tub, get a massage, run errands solo, coffee or brunch with friends, redoing something in our house—I love change!
How do you stay inspired?
Luckily social media makes it easy to see tons of stunning content that really lights a fire under your tush (for me at least), but this past year traveling has definitely made a huge impact in my life. After moving to the Midwest from the east coast and starting a family, it’s been challenging to feel that sense of freedom that used to make me so wildly inspired. Now, whether we go back to Boston to visit family and friends or venture to the beach on the West Coast, there is nothing more special and inspiring than watching my son observe our world. It gives me a fresh perspective and new ambitions.
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Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
I’m loving all skincare from Follain and Saje Wellness Head Soother Kit. Some of my favorite products from Follain are the Lavendar Bath Salts, the Dream Bath Elixir, and the Everything Soap.
What are your favorite apps?
Instagram, Spotify, Pinterest, my workout apps—Shred415 and CycleBar—and Two Dots. It’s like an electronical puzzle/problem solving game.
Whose Instagram is on your radar?
For food: @thefirstmess—I just feel cozy and at home looking at her feed. For motherhood: @amberfillerup—her family photos are so fun and inviting and she makes traveling to other countries with her kids look like a damn breeze. For fashion: @thesaltyblonde—her effortless looks make me feel like I could be good at dressing myself and she’s funny and thrives off of pizza and beer. What’s not to love? For travel: @gypsea_lust—ice cream, insane pools, and a twin sister to do all the fun things with?! Sign me up!
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
A dark chocolate chip peanut butter Perfect Bar. They actually keep you full and are the most satisfying when hanger strikes.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m currently reading Oh Crap!, which is a book on potty training so I’m not sure I would recommend that (unless you have a 2-year-old), but my favorite book right now is Hillbilly Elegy.
For TV: How to Get Away With Murder makes me wish I had gone to law school!
Sammy IRL
If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?
Loud and embarrassing
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
Anne Frank
What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?
I can’t go to bed with dirty feet. So I’d say I’m exceptional at washing my feet haha.
What piece of advice has impacted you the most?
“Always be loving.” —my mom
To learn more about Sammy and Chunk (and what they’re eating this week), be sure to visit her Instagram and blog!