Nice to meet you! I'm excited about being the new Lunch Lady because, like a lot of you, I'm always on the hunt for food that's a) healthy (or at least healthy-ish), b) quick and accessible, and c) doesn't taste like toasted cardboard. My basic outlook on intake is all about balance. If I just have to have that pint of Blue Bell, then I'll take it easy on the fat and sweets the next couple of days. If I just have to swing by Taco Bueno on my way home from work one evening, then I'll make sure to load up on fruits, veggies and oats the next few days. But none of that matters if I don't get out and move. I try to squeeze in as much variety as possible: Hiking, weights, soccer and trail running are my favorite ways to stay active (you can check out my activity — or lack of — at runnerish.blogspot.com). I'd love to hear about your food-balance secrets and favorite ways to keep moving. Let me know at lunchladies@dallasnews.com.

For fitness inspiration my friends and I like to read Kristin Armstrong's blog and sometimes-column in Runner's World online magazine. Kristin is a single mom of three who lives in Austin and was formerly married to cycling-great Lance Armstrong. Kristin wasn't much of an athlete until her divorce and then she ran the White Rock Marathon. She writes about training, family, friends and competition. Check it out, it's a fun read.

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