Hi, I’m Jen Hansard

In my early 30s, I was so tired that the joy was gone from my days. Playing with my kids felt like a chore, and working out was the furthest thing from my mind. My goal each day was to drink lots of coffee and just get through it, juggling a job, two toddlers and being a pastor’s wife.

When our health insurance ran out and we couldn’t afford to get sick, I knew we had to find another way. That’s when I blended my first green smoothie, and I’ve never looked back. I had no clue you could sneak so many veggies into a fruit smoothie, have it actually taste good and have your kids enjoy it too!

Since then, I’ve been eating more fruits and veggies to crowd out the junk that finds its way into my house (and my body, thanks to convenient drive-throughs).

I’ve fallen in love with running long distances and hiking far, so endurance is my jam. We’ve visited 46 national parks so far, and I’d love to see, hike and camp in every single one. And there’s another reason I blog and share all this with you.

When I was 21, my world flipped upside down. My dad was diagnosed with leukemia and given four years to live. Four years. He was only 52, with so much life left to live, and I couldn’t imagine a world without him.

But my dad wasn’t one to give up. He fought through multiple rounds of brutal chemo, drank smoothies, juiced carrots and ate more salads than anyone I know. My mom stood by his side every step of the way, and together they stretched that four-year prognosis into 17 years of memories.

The summer before he passed, my dad hiked with me and my kids to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. He was 68, had battled cancer three times, and still made it to the top. That hike is etched into my heart as a reminder of how strong and determined he was.

Cancer has touched my family more than once. My mom faced it at 40, and she kicked its a$$. My dad fought it for nearly two decades before we said goodbye. And me? I’m determined to break the cycle.

How I eat

I’m not vegan. I’m plant-based.

Most of my meals are loaded with fruits and veggies, but I also say yes to half & half in my coffee, a little cheese, hard-boiled eggs, collagen in my smoothies and the occasional Taco Bell run (because balance, right?).

This blog isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, energy and living a life where you can say YES to the adventures calling your name, whether that’s chasing toddlers, running trails or making it through a crazy Tuesday with energy left in the tank.

So grab a smoothie, join the Rawkstar community and let’s rawk this plant-powered life together.