A Former Breakfast Skipper

Are you a Breakfast skipper? I used to be. I would drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning, then go all day tell about 2pm and then finally eat something. By then I'd be so hungry I wouldn't watch my portions, over eat and then feel like a bottomless pit the rest of the day. This was an ongoing cycle I did for a long time.

Now, I drink my Chocolate Shakeology right after my early morning workout. I feel full, don't need those 2 -3 cups of coffee that I needed before and it gives me the fuel I need to get through tell lunch time.

To match the nutrition of 1 serving of Shakeology you would have to eat:

1 bowl of exotic fruit

4 cups of raw broccoli

7 whole carrots

10 cups of raw cauliflower

3 cups romaine lettuce

4 cups of uncooked mushrooms

1 cup of peas

3 raw onions

4 cups red radishes

4 cups of non fat yogurt

plus a shot of wheat grass

That's a lot of food!

I like knowing I'm drinking the equivalent of that in a Shake that has no artificial sweeteners, soy free, full of probiotics, prebiotics, superfoods, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. I went from drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day to now 1/2 a cup in the morning. It gives me the energy I need as a busy working Mom, has helped clear up my skin, and I no longer crave junk food.

Looking for a great recipe? Here you go: Mint Chocolate Shakeology

Mmmmmm so good!

Want more info or have any questions? Send me an email at CoachJennyM@gmail.com or send me a message to me on Facebook

Turning 30, Finding the Balance of a Healthy Lifestyle.

When I started writing this post it was originally going to just be a recap of the wonderful birthday weekend I had and how I feel about turning 30. Then I realized it was more about moderation, and how important it is to balance your nutrition 80/20. 

(80/20 nutrition means 80% of the time you stay on track eating clean foods, and 20% of the time you have things you wouldn't.)

For about 6 months now I've really felt like I've been in a "good groove" with my nutrition, I allow myself one treat meal a week, work out 30 minutes a day, and eat clean at least 80% of the time. Before that, I was stuck in a plateau with my weight loss and was frustrated and not sure what I was doing wrong.

So I became more mindful of tracking my daily intake with my 21 Day Fix tracker app, sticking with mainly lean meats, vegetables and whole foods. I cut out sprite which I was still having a few days a week, made sure I was getting my Shakeology as my breakfast in the morning and got my 30 minutes of exercise in daily.

All this got the scale moving again and I was back on my track to reach 30 lbs lost by my 30th Birthday.

What I also learned during this time period is that it's important to have balance. In the past I have cut ALL "junk" food from my diet. Not allowing splurges here and there. That resulted in me doing well for a few weeks, then I'd crash and burn and eat everything in sight. (yes true story).

So what did I learn? Moderation is the key. It's all about finding the balance. This needs to be a lifestyle change. Something you can maintain for years to come, not just a quick fix crash diet to lose _____ amount of weight in a short time period.

So you know what?

Eat that cake on your birthday.

Enjoy a tasty treat or special dinner out with your family from time to time. I don't want my kids to remember me as always watching what I eat. I want them to remember that I was able to balance a healthy lifestyle,but to not be rigged and restricted 24/7.

"Don't go on a diet. Instead, have a diet you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life." - Chalene Johnson

The beauty of keeping your nutrition at 80/20 is that you still get all the benefits of eating clean. More energy, weight loss, clearer skin, shinier hair, I could go on and on.. But you aren't going crazy at the thought of never getting to eat your favorite cheeseburger again. 

Mmmmm Ahi Tuna mini tacos.....

Wait what was I talking about?

Oh yes, balance, moderation, making it a lifestyle change.

So don't beat yourself up when you have a treat meal from time to time. That's ok. What counts is what you do the next meal, the next workout.. Enjoy that treat meal and then dial back in your nutrition and keep moving forward.

Balance.

1 year ago I set out to be the healthiest I've ever been going into my 30's. Was it smooth sailing this entire year? No, I had my speed bumps. With consistency, support and accountability I didn't give up though. I kept pushing forward towards the goal and I reached that 30 lb weight loss mark 1 month before my birthday. 

I thought I'd be dreading entering my 30's.. the truth? I'm excited for it! Excited to see what is to come, to begin a new chapter. I'm humbled and thankful for this life God has given me. 

My goals for my 30's? 

To be balanced, spend time with my family, make new memories with them.

To Serve Others, share God's Grace and Truth.

To pay it forward.

So I encourage you to seek balance as you create a healthier lifestyle for your self and your families! Make it something that is attainable for you in the long run.

Message me below or email send me at coachjennym@gmail.com if you would like to talk. I would love to be their to help encourage and support you on your own journeys to a healthier, more balanced life.

Have a blessed day!

Jenny

Meal Prep Day!

One day a week (typically Sunday afternoons) I do a major meal prep that will get us set up for success to sticking with clean eating and daily busy lives! I like to switch things up a little bit each week so we don't get burnt out on the same foods over and over. Here is an example Meal Prep Day list of foods/recipes:

Turkey Meatballs from the Fixate Cookbook

(These are great to add to salads, open faced sandwiches or even just to dip in marinara or mustard!)

Veggie Egg Cups: 

These are from the 21 Day Fix Nutrition Guide and a favorite of mine! 

Click here to watch the video made my Autumn on how she makes these :)

Sweet Potatoes:

I love to bake 3-4 sweet potatos each meal prep day and store them in a Tupperware container. I will use them part of my lunches, or for a quick dinner item if needed.

Hard Boiled Eggs:

These are so versatile. You can eat them on their own as a snack, Chop them up and put them in a salad, or make an open faced Egg Salad Sandwich! I boil a doze eggs each meal prep day. This is usually my go to "On the Go" snack. I will stick 1 in a bag, sprinkle a little paprika on it and head out the door! *Tip: 2 hard boiled eggs equals 1 red container

Sauteed Veggies:

Also great for quick lunches on the go. I will add them to some brown rice, eat them as a side or they are also great to add to a quick dinner night too. 

*Tip: This is a GREAT way to not waste your veggies! The night before grocery shopping day I like to grab as many veggies from the ridge as possible and sautee them all together in a nice big yummy pot! I'll add a little extra virgin olive oil, some seasoning and store them in a container in the fridge. We save money each week doing this!

Raw Sliced Veggies:

I do these more for my Husband, but we both use these! I make ziplock baggies of sliced peppers, carrots, and celery. This is super quick and easy to do.

Other things I like to prep in bulk:

-Pre measured out bags of seeds/nuts: Cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds. *Tip:I take a black sharpie and write out the container serving size on the bag so I know for tracking :)

-Brown Rice

- Quinoa

The Kids like to help :) As you can see, taking everything out of the kitchen bottom cupboards is very helpful. haha. 

I hope this helps you as you plan out your own Meal Prep day! If you have an questions, or want more info leave a comment below or message me at www.facebook.com/lifelightup