Hey everybody! The New Year is HERE!!! I'm so excited! Great things are coming this year, I can just feel it.
In an attempt to start off this year on the best foot possible, I joined up with Chalene Johnson's 30 Day accountability/goal setting/organizational challenge. It has really revamped the way I approach my life in general. I'm more organized. I am making a To-Do List every day. I feel more calm, less stressed. Its free and I HIGHLY recommend it for, well, just about anyone. Here is the link (its free to join up):
http://www.chalenejohnson.com/30daychallenge/
Also, I'm getting my health back...FINALLY! Praise the Lord! My digestive disorder got the best of me for the better part of 2 months and I had no energy and couldn't do almost any form of exercise (which was pretty killer for me). I now find out that I'm severely anemic, which explains my fatigue, headaches, general albino pallor, and just overall "sick" feeling. I'm starting to feel like myself again. I have energy to chase my little tornado around the house, and let me tell you, THAT in itself requires a lot of energy!
I'm starting to lift weights again, which has definitely become my favorite form of workout. Go Heavy or Go Home!!! This weekend I'll be pushing my cardio limits with some good friends to see how my body holds up. Should be a fun experiment!
As part of my goal setting, I've decided that I will definitely be posting on here more often. At least once a week. So you'll have many more exciting little tidbits from my life to read about.
One more quick thing, today is the LAST day of free coach sign ups for Beachbody. I know you guys hear me talking about this a ton on Facebook and Twitter, but trust me, there is a reason. This company truly has changed my life and given me opportunities to help others, feel great about myself, get in better shape than I ever have been, and given me the possibility of true financial stability. I firmly believe that ANYONE, no matter what your size, shape or abilities, can do this job. You just have to want to make a difference. If you're at all contemplating joining me on this amazing journey, please shoot me an email now and I'll answer any questions you might have.
Hope this week finds you all happy and in good health!
God Bless,
Jenn
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Running...not for the faint of mind!
Wow! I just looked back and realized its been almost 2 months since I last wrote in here! Things have just been SO extremely busy, for which I am grateful.
Today I went for my first "run". My family owns 65 acres of land, which I happen to think is some of the most beautiful God created. So, when I want to go for a walk, or now a run, I have plenty of room to stretch my legs. I have 2 friends who ran a 5k this past weekend. I wasn't able to join them, but after hearing their stories of it, it truly made me want to run. This morning, having finished all my work earlier than I'd planned, I put on my running shoes and decided to give it a shot. I know from experience working out that getting started is really the difficult part. Once you hit your stride, it gets a bit easier. I'm not honestly sure how far I ran, as I wasn't able to measure it, but I'm guessing it was probably about a mile or a mile and a half. I also came to the realization that running is mostly mental. As I'm just getting over some sinus problems, I couldn't really breathe through my nose easily and I think that was probably not a good thing. But I would set small goals for myself (like making it to the next driveway) and then once I'd get there, I'd tell myself, "Ok. You're not dead. Push through to the next one." And to be honest, I made it a lot further in between stopping than I thought I would. (Thank you TurboFire! lol)
I do have a few questions for the runners out there though. How important is it to be able to breathe through your nose? What keeps you pushing forward? How important is music in your runs? Any tips for someone who is just starting out at running?
I didn't bring my mp3 player with me on this run, which was a big no-no for me, as music drives me. SO much. It keeps me pushing through when I want to give up (especially rockin Christian music!). For me personally, the thing I think I will most enjoy about running has to be the challenge. It is NOT easy for me. I've never enjoyed running, but I can see it becoming a hobby, in that it is a total challenge. Just me, God and nature. Focusing on Him keeps me moving. Focusing on the healthy person I want to be keeps me moving. Focusing on the energy I'll have for my daughter Lisa keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.
Try it today! It won't kill ya, and it just might make you stronger!
God Bless!
Today I went for my first "run". My family owns 65 acres of land, which I happen to think is some of the most beautiful God created. So, when I want to go for a walk, or now a run, I have plenty of room to stretch my legs. I have 2 friends who ran a 5k this past weekend. I wasn't able to join them, but after hearing their stories of it, it truly made me want to run. This morning, having finished all my work earlier than I'd planned, I put on my running shoes and decided to give it a shot. I know from experience working out that getting started is really the difficult part. Once you hit your stride, it gets a bit easier. I'm not honestly sure how far I ran, as I wasn't able to measure it, but I'm guessing it was probably about a mile or a mile and a half. I also came to the realization that running is mostly mental. As I'm just getting over some sinus problems, I couldn't really breathe through my nose easily and I think that was probably not a good thing. But I would set small goals for myself (like making it to the next driveway) and then once I'd get there, I'd tell myself, "Ok. You're not dead. Push through to the next one." And to be honest, I made it a lot further in between stopping than I thought I would. (Thank you TurboFire! lol)
I do have a few questions for the runners out there though. How important is it to be able to breathe through your nose? What keeps you pushing forward? How important is music in your runs? Any tips for someone who is just starting out at running?
I didn't bring my mp3 player with me on this run, which was a big no-no for me, as music drives me. SO much. It keeps me pushing through when I want to give up (especially rockin Christian music!). For me personally, the thing I think I will most enjoy about running has to be the challenge. It is NOT easy for me. I've never enjoyed running, but I can see it becoming a hobby, in that it is a total challenge. Just me, God and nature. Focusing on Him keeps me moving. Focusing on the healthy person I want to be keeps me moving. Focusing on the energy I'll have for my daughter Lisa keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.
Try it today! It won't kill ya, and it just might make you stronger!
God Bless!
Monday, September 13, 2010
09/11/2010 Thoughts and ponderings
I actually wrote this blog post on 09/11/2010, but hadn't yet actually typed it out. So, better late than never I suppose. Here ya go:
I couldn't let this infamous day go by without writing down my thoughts and musings.
Today is such a sad day in our history. So many families effected, so many lives lost. Each year it reminds me to count my blessings. No matter how sad or down I might be feeling, it reminds me to be grateful. To thank God for all He's done in my life.
I've been blessed with a wonderful family. They have been here to support me through all the ups and downs of my life, and there have been plenty! When going through an emotional divorce, they took in myself and my daughter and helped me get back on my feet. And let's not forget my daughter Lisa! She brings so much joy into my life and provides me with SO many opportunities to grow and become a better person and mother.
I have amazing friends who always know how to make me laugh. When life gets me down, they are my comic relief and the shoulders I lean on. They add a brightness and a light to my life that I'm so thankful for!
I have my health. Its been a long journey and I haven't always appreciated it. It really is true that you don't appreciate your health until its gone. It wasn't until I found out I had UC that I began to actively work toward being healthy. I know now what a blessing it is and no longer take it for granted!
Most important of all, I have my faith. The good, bad, ugly and beautiful things in my life have all been orchestrated by God to draw me closer to Him. He knows what I need and what is best for me (no matter how much I try to tell Him otherwise). All I have to do is trust Him, which isn't always easy (ok usually its not) but I know its totally worth it.
Chances are good if you're reading this, you know me personally. So I want to say thank you because you are one of my blessings. I know God has you in my life for a reason. So, thank you! :)
I pray that not a day goes by that you take for granted all the blessings in your life. Appreciate each day, because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone.
~Jenn
I couldn't let this infamous day go by without writing down my thoughts and musings.
Today is such a sad day in our history. So many families effected, so many lives lost. Each year it reminds me to count my blessings. No matter how sad or down I might be feeling, it reminds me to be grateful. To thank God for all He's done in my life.
I've been blessed with a wonderful family. They have been here to support me through all the ups and downs of my life, and there have been plenty! When going through an emotional divorce, they took in myself and my daughter and helped me get back on my feet. And let's not forget my daughter Lisa! She brings so much joy into my life and provides me with SO many opportunities to grow and become a better person and mother.
I have amazing friends who always know how to make me laugh. When life gets me down, they are my comic relief and the shoulders I lean on. They add a brightness and a light to my life that I'm so thankful for!
I have my health. Its been a long journey and I haven't always appreciated it. It really is true that you don't appreciate your health until its gone. It wasn't until I found out I had UC that I began to actively work toward being healthy. I know now what a blessing it is and no longer take it for granted!
Most important of all, I have my faith. The good, bad, ugly and beautiful things in my life have all been orchestrated by God to draw me closer to Him. He knows what I need and what is best for me (no matter how much I try to tell Him otherwise). All I have to do is trust Him, which isn't always easy (ok usually its not) but I know its totally worth it.
Chances are good if you're reading this, you know me personally. So I want to say thank you because you are one of my blessings. I know God has you in my life for a reason. So, thank you! :)
I pray that not a day goes by that you take for granted all the blessings in your life. Appreciate each day, because tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone.
~Jenn
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The school countdown has begun
This summer has been a real struggle for me to stick with my workout schedule. Eating healthy I can still do. If you only make healthy choices of food that comes in your house, that's all there is to eat! So, I've been sticking to my healthy diet pretty well, but every time I try to exercise, Lisa (my 4-year-old) decides to get all clingy and need more attention than normal. SO, my workout times have to be either when she's napping, which she doesn't do very often anymore, or when she's sleeping at night, which also happen to be my only times to do medical transcription. *sigh* My mom has been good about watching her a few days a week so I can get this in, but she can't commit to every day for me.
School starts for Lisa on Sept. 8th. Six more days!! I'm not sure who is more excited, her or me! She really misses all that child interaction and I miss having 5 hours a day 3 times a week when I can get so much more stuff done! I'm having dreams of all the workouts I'll be able to get in once she goes back to school. Sad, I know, but its what gets me going these days. That and my Shakeology.
Not sure what happened to my ankle overnight. Its sore and hurts when I walk on it today. I'm hoping its just a kink that needs worked out or something. Luckily, today is my day to do Burn Circuit 2 of ChaLean Extreme, so its mostly lifting and not a lot of moving quickly on my ankle. Thankfully.
For those of you who are moms out there, how do you fit your workouts in around your little ones? What are your tips or tricks that you use?
School starts for Lisa on Sept. 8th. Six more days!! I'm not sure who is more excited, her or me! She really misses all that child interaction and I miss having 5 hours a day 3 times a week when I can get so much more stuff done! I'm having dreams of all the workouts I'll be able to get in once she goes back to school. Sad, I know, but its what gets me going these days. That and my Shakeology.
Not sure what happened to my ankle overnight. Its sore and hurts when I walk on it today. I'm hoping its just a kink that needs worked out or something. Luckily, today is my day to do Burn Circuit 2 of ChaLean Extreme, so its mostly lifting and not a lot of moving quickly on my ankle. Thankfully.
For those of you who are moms out there, how do you fit your workouts in around your little ones? What are your tips or tricks that you use?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Shakeology: My personal review
I wanted to wait until I had been on Shakeology for at least 2-3 weeks before I wrote my personal review of it. I have replaced one meal each day with Shakeology (my favorite is the chocolate, banana, sunbutter recipe).
Here are the claims that Shakeology makes:
You will:
Lose weight
Feel energized
Improve digestion and regularity
Lower cholesterol
Well, since starting the Shakeology and NOT changing my eating habits or exercise regimen, I have lost 3 pounds, and I've only been doing this for about 3 weeks now! How awesome is that!?! To have a yummy, choclatey shake for breakfast, know that its healthy for you, AND have it help you lose weight!?!
You can ask any member of my family and they will tell you I've had more energy. My mother who struggles with having enough energy just to get through her day has started drinking Shakeology hoping to see the same results I've had! Its amazing! I was never one for energy drinks that did harmful things to the system, but Shakeology gives you energy without having caffeine in it, which I love!
Now, I will admit that "improved digestion and regularity" was one of my main reasons for starting Shakeology. I have had ulcerative colitis since 2004 and have continually struggled with it. I had bloating after most meals and just really struggled with finding foods that wouldn't upset my digestion. About a year and a half ago, I removed gluten and dairy from my diet, which honestly worked wonders. I still had some of the bloating issues, but a lot of my other UC problems had cleared up. Since starting to take Shakeology, I've been able to take less of my medication and have also not had to take digestive enzymes with every meal and probiotics at night because Shakeology has all that built into it! And I feel great! I'm hoping to be able to say in another month or so that I've cut even further back on my meds and will eventually be able to get off of them, like several others who have used Shakeology have been able to do!
The only claim that I cannot comment on is the lowered cholesterol. I have never struggled with my cholesterol and so do not have it checked regularly, as I eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
All in all, this is THE BEST I have ever felt in my life. I give God the glory for bringing me to this wonderful meal replacement because it has truly transformed my life!
Here are the claims that Shakeology makes:
You will:
Lose weight
Feel energized
Improve digestion and regularity
Lower cholesterol
Well, since starting the Shakeology and NOT changing my eating habits or exercise regimen, I have lost 3 pounds, and I've only been doing this for about 3 weeks now! How awesome is that!?! To have a yummy, choclatey shake for breakfast, know that its healthy for you, AND have it help you lose weight!?!
You can ask any member of my family and they will tell you I've had more energy. My mother who struggles with having enough energy just to get through her day has started drinking Shakeology hoping to see the same results I've had! Its amazing! I was never one for energy drinks that did harmful things to the system, but Shakeology gives you energy without having caffeine in it, which I love!
Now, I will admit that "improved digestion and regularity" was one of my main reasons for starting Shakeology. I have had ulcerative colitis since 2004 and have continually struggled with it. I had bloating after most meals and just really struggled with finding foods that wouldn't upset my digestion. About a year and a half ago, I removed gluten and dairy from my diet, which honestly worked wonders. I still had some of the bloating issues, but a lot of my other UC problems had cleared up. Since starting to take Shakeology, I've been able to take less of my medication and have also not had to take digestive enzymes with every meal and probiotics at night because Shakeology has all that built into it! And I feel great! I'm hoping to be able to say in another month or so that I've cut even further back on my meds and will eventually be able to get off of them, like several others who have used Shakeology have been able to do!
The only claim that I cannot comment on is the lowered cholesterol. I have never struggled with my cholesterol and so do not have it checked regularly, as I eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
All in all, this is THE BEST I have ever felt in my life. I give God the glory for bringing me to this wonderful meal replacement because it has truly transformed my life!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday meltdown
Sometimes the crazy business of my life feels overwhelming. You'd think as a mom who stays home with her daughter that that would not be. But trying to juggle 2 jobs, being a mom, trying to help out at my dad's business when I can, housework, and a social life...it gets exhausting. So, on weekends like this when I'm not feeling the best anyway, my workout has gone to the wayside.
Its amazing though now how much I've come to miss them when I don't get them in. This weekend there were a lot of social obligations and the workouts just didn't happen, so I tried to eat even better than normal those days.
Another thing, stress. It is usually one of the biggest reasons NOT to exercise, yet exercise is one of the ways to get rid of it. Also, depression. I know from experience that when I'm feeling down, if I exercise, my mood is instantly lifted.
What are your struggles in your weight loss/journey to health? In becoming a coach, I've noticed that by helping others, it helps hold me to a higher standard than I would normally hold myself. We really are all in this together. :)
One of my favorite meals right now:
1 egg
3 egg whites
1 plum tomato
1 oz goat cheese
Cook it all together in a frying pan and eat with 1 piece of sprouted spelt toast. Yum!
Til next time! ~Jenn
Its amazing though now how much I've come to miss them when I don't get them in. This weekend there were a lot of social obligations and the workouts just didn't happen, so I tried to eat even better than normal those days.
Another thing, stress. It is usually one of the biggest reasons NOT to exercise, yet exercise is one of the ways to get rid of it. Also, depression. I know from experience that when I'm feeling down, if I exercise, my mood is instantly lifted.
What are your struggles in your weight loss/journey to health? In becoming a coach, I've noticed that by helping others, it helps hold me to a higher standard than I would normally hold myself. We really are all in this together. :)
One of my favorite meals right now:
1 egg
3 egg whites
1 plum tomato
1 oz goat cheese
Cook it all together in a frying pan and eat with 1 piece of sprouted spelt toast. Yum!
Til next time! ~Jenn
Friday, August 20, 2010
No more procrastinating! So...in the beginning.....
So, today I'm finally starting this blog. I've been meaning to for a while now.
Its taken me most of my life, but I'm finally discovering what my passions are. For a long time, I thought I knew, but it has taken a few good books, some soul searching and time for me to really learn who I am and what drives me.
Even back when I was younger, my faith was a huge driving force for me. I have always loved God, even in my rebellious days, and wanted ultimately to please Him and live a "good" life.
More recently, another driving force in my life has been my daughter. She is the most amazing child I could ever have asked for. She is funny, beautiful, healthy, totally energetic and smart. She makes me want to be the best parent I can for her.
Now, up until recently, I have not been what you would call an "exercising enthusiast". I was never into sports and could usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book. My life has been okay for the most part, but so many times I have found myself wondering why I didn't feel it was great. I had many things to be thankful for, but was never really happy. Until I started working out. Its been less than a year and I've had my stops and starts, but I have yet to feel a high like I do when I'm working out and eating healthy. I have energy, for the first time in my life! I am excited when I get up out of bed in the morning. Exercise gives me such a mood boost! I started out doing Turbo Jam about a year ago. FINALLY, here was a program that I enjoyed doing. Not something I had to suffer through! It was fun, dancy, and the music was great. Music is a biggie with me too. Not much moves me like music does.
So about 4 or 5 months ago, I bought ChaLean Extreme and discovered not only did I enjoy working out, but that I LOVED lifting weights. Strength training is by far my favorite thing to do. It makes me feel like I am strong and can take on anything (as if child birth and a divorce weren't enough to show me I could take on anything!)
I have never enjoyed my life more than I do right now. I have passion in it! Its more than incredible. So, since I've realized how much I love fitness and health now, I signed up recently to be a Beachbody coach to help others on their journey to fitness. By no means am I at my goal yet, but I have the drive and the motivation to get there. I believe God gave me this body and I should be taking care of it. I want to be here for a long time to come to see my daughter grow up. What could be more important than that?
I look around now, since acquiring this newfound passion, and I see how unhealthy we are as a society. It makes me sad when I see overweight people because I can't imagine they are happy with where they are. I know when I eat junk and don't exercise, I feel terrible. My mood suffers, I put on weight, nothing fits right, and I'm just miserable and depressed. I can't imagine living like that all the time. My hope is that through working with Beachbody as a coach that I can help some of these people. I want so badly to give to others the energy and feeling of self-confidence that I have now that I've started on this journey.
I'm currently reading the book "Crush It" and it talks about how you can make any business work if you are passionate about it and willing to work your tail off for it. I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to help others become healthier and get their lives back.
To be honest though, I think the biggest transformation I've gone through has been on the inside. You have to make yourself a priority. You have to love yourself enough to make responsible choices in your diet and lifestyle. You are SO worth it! God loves you and created you totally unique. Don't let another day go by without taking steps to make yourself happier and healthier!
Don't give up! Keep on making small steps to get where you want to be!
~Jenn
Its taken me most of my life, but I'm finally discovering what my passions are. For a long time, I thought I knew, but it has taken a few good books, some soul searching and time for me to really learn who I am and what drives me.
Even back when I was younger, my faith was a huge driving force for me. I have always loved God, even in my rebellious days, and wanted ultimately to please Him and live a "good" life.
More recently, another driving force in my life has been my daughter. She is the most amazing child I could ever have asked for. She is funny, beautiful, healthy, totally energetic and smart. She makes me want to be the best parent I can for her.
Now, up until recently, I have not been what you would call an "exercising enthusiast". I was never into sports and could usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book. My life has been okay for the most part, but so many times I have found myself wondering why I didn't feel it was great. I had many things to be thankful for, but was never really happy. Until I started working out. Its been less than a year and I've had my stops and starts, but I have yet to feel a high like I do when I'm working out and eating healthy. I have energy, for the first time in my life! I am excited when I get up out of bed in the morning. Exercise gives me such a mood boost! I started out doing Turbo Jam about a year ago. FINALLY, here was a program that I enjoyed doing. Not something I had to suffer through! It was fun, dancy, and the music was great. Music is a biggie with me too. Not much moves me like music does.
So about 4 or 5 months ago, I bought ChaLean Extreme and discovered not only did I enjoy working out, but that I LOVED lifting weights. Strength training is by far my favorite thing to do. It makes me feel like I am strong and can take on anything (as if child birth and a divorce weren't enough to show me I could take on anything!)
I have never enjoyed my life more than I do right now. I have passion in it! Its more than incredible. So, since I've realized how much I love fitness and health now, I signed up recently to be a Beachbody coach to help others on their journey to fitness. By no means am I at my goal yet, but I have the drive and the motivation to get there. I believe God gave me this body and I should be taking care of it. I want to be here for a long time to come to see my daughter grow up. What could be more important than that?
I look around now, since acquiring this newfound passion, and I see how unhealthy we are as a society. It makes me sad when I see overweight people because I can't imagine they are happy with where they are. I know when I eat junk and don't exercise, I feel terrible. My mood suffers, I put on weight, nothing fits right, and I'm just miserable and depressed. I can't imagine living like that all the time. My hope is that through working with Beachbody as a coach that I can help some of these people. I want so badly to give to others the energy and feeling of self-confidence that I have now that I've started on this journey.
I'm currently reading the book "Crush It" and it talks about how you can make any business work if you are passionate about it and willing to work your tail off for it. I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to help others become healthier and get their lives back.
To be honest though, I think the biggest transformation I've gone through has been on the inside. You have to make yourself a priority. You have to love yourself enough to make responsible choices in your diet and lifestyle. You are SO worth it! God loves you and created you totally unique. Don't let another day go by without taking steps to make yourself happier and healthier!
Don't give up! Keep on making small steps to get where you want to be!
~Jenn
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