Getting Back on the Wagon - It's a Choice.

For those of you that know me personally or have been following my pics on social media know my family and I just moved from the city to the country side. We up rooted our family from a townhome with no yard to 38 acres of Homestead. Some would say extreme (including me, lol) but we also say it's an adventure! We are very excited to create our forever home on this land and make it something for our kids to grow up on full of memories and life experiences.

Tonight's blog isn't about that though, it's about the choice we can make to recommit and get back on the wagon. 

I will admit right here and now that Jenny, the coach, the one that works out daily, eats clean has fallen off course. These past couple weeks have been lots of moving, repairs, getting our house ready to sell, escrow, packing, more packing, etc. Our routine has been off and it's been hard for me to stick with my current program 22 Min Hard Corp and give it the best effort that I want too give it. We still have lots of work a head of us as we are preparing to build our new house, adjusting to living in a cabin, repairs on the land, and so on. I could keep eating sporadic meals and slice of pizza because it's convenient, or I can make the choice to begin again and get back on the wagon.

I don't mean "band wagon" I mean lacing those shoes back up, getting my meal prep on and jumping back into a routine again. 

Life can be messy, we have seasons, chapters and events in our life that can take us off course from our goals. That's a reality. But we have a choice whether or not we are going to let that get us back into old unhealthy habits or not. 

When I became a coach I promised myself that I wouldn't just show the "high light reel" of a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to be candid, and share the whole story, not just the "after pics". So here it is, my public pledge that I am officially "back on the wagon" and ready to rock this 8 week round of 22 Min Hard Corp. 

Are you ready to get back on the wagon with your healthy lifestyle changes? Here are 5 things you can do starting right now to get back on track.

1. Calendar/Schedule out your workouts. What ever program you are following print out a copy of that calendar (you can find them in pdf form on your Beachbody On Demand or type/write out your own) and post it on your fridge. Each day you will check off that workout once it's been done. This will help keep you motivated because you'll feel accomplished each time you get to check off another box.

2. Meal Prep Time! Pick a day each week as your designated meal prep day. For my family it's Sunday afternoons. I'm able to prep out lunches and snacks for the whole week ahead. You can read how I go about this HERE

3. Drink your Shakeology everyday. Seriously this stuff is my jam. It's delicious, tastes like a chocolate milkshake but I'm really getting a ton of super foods, probiotics, protein, my daily vitamin, energy boost (bye bye afternoon coffee fix) and it curbs my sweet tooth. Need I say more?

4. Accountability Partner/Group: I run challenge groups because I know from personal experience how beneficial they are to this journey. I became a coach because I fell in love with the aspect of a challenge group. You get daily accountability, inspiration, motivation and you make friends that are there right along side you cheering you on.

5. Consistency. Sounds easy enough right? Whether you were on point with your eating all day or not, you show up again tomorrow and put your best effort in again. And again and again. this isn't a quick fix. This is a lifestyle change. 

I hope these 5 tips will help you get back on the wagon as you start to work towards those health and fitness goals you've set for yourself! I would LOVE to be that person in the corner for you helping you stay accountable, inspired and excited to reach your goals. 

If you are ready to do this fill out the items below and let's get to moving together! :)

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Hammer and Chisel: Results and Review

This past Sunday 2/28 I completed my final workout on the 8 week Hammer and Chisel Program created by Autumn Calabrese and Sagi Kalev. 

For those of you that know me, or have read my posts in the past I have done several Beachbody programs over the years. This was my first program to do after getting cleared to start working out again and building strength after getting injured in September. My strength in my left shoulder and my neck had decreased significantly so I was hesitant at first but very much up for the challenge.

Over the 8 week Challenge:

- I never missed a single workout

- I ate following the nutrition guidelines to a "T" about 70-80% of the time.

- I challenged myself each workout and gave it all I got.

- I lifted heavy weights and LOVED it.

- I gained energy and lost way more inches than I expected.

- I loved the muscle confusion techniques used, the variety of workouts and that every other day it was either Sagi or Autumn leading the workouts.

- I never got bored or burnt out

- The longest workout was only 43 minutes, but the majority were roughly 30 minutes. Which was perfect as a busy on the go mama.

- Being a part of a challenge group where I was getting daily accountability and support was a HUGE part of why I was able to finish this program all the way through.

- Loved the music, encouragement and motivation in each workout. 

- Modifier that was in each workout was very helpful!

- It got me out of my comfort zone and it's my favorite program I've ever completed.

Some of the delicious clean foods I ate while doing the program that fueled my workouts and kept my belly full :)

Equipment I used:

The program gives you two options. You can either use a weight bench or a stability ball for several of the moves. I chose the stability ball because of limited space in my living room and it worked great! In fact as mentioned by the trainers in several of the workouts, I think I got a better core strengthening workout using it. You also have a choice of either using a pull up bar with or without the assistance attachment or a door attachment with a resistance band. Because my shoulder was just healing up I decided to go with the resistance band with the door attachment. It worked great and I'm looking forward to using the bar next round.

Results:

After 8 weeks of pushing play 6 days a week and following the eating plan about 75/25 my results were:

Total weight lost: 6.8

Total Inches Lost: 10 inches

I was shocked! I went down 1 pant size and I can fell the physical strength I've gained!

Who is this program for? 

I would say this program is for anyone that is up for a challenge! (Obviously if you have medical concerns or risks please consult a Dr before doing it). I think it's helpful to have some sort of working out experience a head of time and to make sure you read/watch the safety guidelines for lifting weights so that you can prevent injuries. 

As a busy mama with 2 kids under 5 I didn't feel like I was stretched for time doing this program at all. I was able to get my workout done each day, stuck with my 21 Day Fix containers which are also used in the Hammer and Chisel nutrition guide and really enjoyed this challenge. I LOVE this program and can't wait to do another round!

Are you ready to get started with this program and get in the best shape of your life? 

Fill out this quick application below and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours. We have a exclusive group opening up soon with limited spots if you would like to join in for daily accountability and unlimited 1:1 coaching with me.

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Have a blessed day!

The Master's Hammer and Chisel: Week 2

Well hello there! I can't believe it's already day 15 of Hammer and Chisel! As my week #1 blog post said, I'm going to be blogging weekly on my progress with this program and how I'm doing on it! 

I would say about day 12-13 I really started to feel my strength start to increase and my pants feeling looser. My appetite sky rocked this week so I upped my water in take and allowed my self 1 cheat meal (8 pieces of sushi and miso soup, yum). 

Favorite workout of week #2? Definitely Chisel Agility! Wow that one put me through the ringer (in a good way). I think I might be crazy but I really like pistol squats! 

Favorite meal this week?

Fixate Tacos. One word, YUM! This totally hit the spot! I will be posting my Incredible Hulk recipe (topping on the right side) in a new blog post this week. 

What is Fixate? You can check it out here. 

I had an "a-ha moment" this week. Instead of having the mentality of "oh man I still gotta do my workout." Change it to "yes! I GET to work out today!" How blessed are we that we are able to take charge of our health and exercise and put clean foods into our bodies?

Woke up this morning on day 15 and took my mid month stats.

In 15 days I've lost

3.8 lbs and 5 inches (including 1 inch off my waist and 1.5 inches off my hips!)

TWO WEEKS.

What is 60 days going to bring?

All I know is that I've done every workout, stuck to the eating plan (minus my sushi night) and have taken this as a challenge I will complete. 

Here was week #2's eating plan:

Want to get in on the fun and get in your best shape yet with me? Fill out this quick application before and we'll get you ready to go and into our Challenge Group!

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Have a Blessed Day!

Don't Over Complicate Your 2016 Fit Goals - Create an Effective Action Plan

I've started and stopped writing this blog post several times this week. Just when I know what exactly I want to say "Whoooosh" it's gone. The underlying message I've wanted to convey is that instead of over complicating your health and fitness goals, instead of focusing on the BIG goal you've set for yourself.... Take today as "today" and that's it.

Today I will be mindful of the foods I put into my body.

Today I will get my 30 minute workout in.

Today I will choose to drink water over soda.

Today I will skip the drive thru and pack a healthy lunch.

Today I will be present.

I've have been asked many times what changed, what made it "click" for me to lose the weight this year and improve my health? I'll tell you right now it's been the change in mindset from the "BIG" goal to focusing on the actions that are required each day to reach that big goal I'd set for myself.

How to Create Your  Fit Goal to Action Plan for 2016:

1. Get out a piece of paper and a pen. I say pen and paper because I've learned from experience that actually writing out my goals instead of typing/texting ingrains it into my brain more. 

2. Write out your health and fitness goal for the year. 

3. Write down a list of 5 actions you can do each day you choose to show up and work towards that goal you wrote out above.

Example (Here's mine):

1. Drink my daily Shakeology

2. 30 Minute Workout

3. Use my portion control containers to measure out my foods

4. Track all my food intake on my phone app

5. When in doubt, think of 10 things off the top of my head I'm are thankful for.

4. Now that you have your goal and you 5 actions written out I want you to put that piece of paper and stick it up somewhere you will see every single day. (It could be your mirror, kitchen cabinet, desk bulletin board, etc.)

5. Read that piece of paper every single day.

That's it! It's easy for us all to make a big New Year's Resolution Goal. But it's even easier to stop working on that goal 3 weeks into the year because we don't have action steps in place to actually make that goal a reality. 

Are you ready to make 2016 your healthiest year yet? It would be a blessing/privilege to be your coach and support you in your journey.

Fill out the quick application below and I will get back to you within 24 hours and we can get started together!

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Have a blessed day!

New Season, New Opportunities - 5 Ways to make Fall a Fit Healthy Season

Fall is my favorite season. The air is crisp, the leaves change color, pumpkins are everywhere and it's the beginning of the Holiday season. Hot cups of coffee, big sweaters, leggings and uggs are high on the list too. 

This is a picture I took of my littles last year at our favorite pumpkin patch. It's the same pumpkin patch Caleb and I have been going to every year even before we were married. It's a tradition that I look forward too.

I woke up to this sweet boy saying "Hey Mom! Did you know the pumpkins roll on train tracks? And then the express train comes and pushes it to the station?" He'd been up since 5 am playing "pumpkin trains" in his room.

I love what fall brings!

A new season, new opportunity to create family memories of pumpkin patches, fall fun and most importantly the opportunity to appreciate and be thankful for the new mercies Jesus brings us each day.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

What is it that you love about Fall? 

Don't wait until the new year to start your working on your health and fitness goals!

 Here are a few things you can do this Fall season to stay on track:

1. Exercise 30 minutes a day! 30 minutes of exercise is only 2% of your day. We spend more time on social media than that! 

2. Limit treats to 1-2 a week: It's ok to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie or even a delicious cup of pumpkin spiced coffee in moderation. Limit your self to one or two treats a week to stay on track with your goals.

3.Track what you eat: Myfitness pal App is great app to use, or if you are following the 21 Day Fix plan there is an app you can download as well :)

4. Outdoor Activities: Plan active fall fun for you and your family! Apple picking, hiking trains, running around corn mazes at the pumpkin patch. There are lots of ways to enjoy the season and burn some calories too.

5. Join a Accountability Group: Having a group of people that you check in with each day that are all working on their own health and fitness journeys is a great way to stay inspired and accountable! If you'd like to join one of our challenge groups comment below with your email address. I'd love to talk to you and help you find the group that is just right for you :)

Want more tips like this? Subscribe to this blog so you can stay up to date with my weekly posts! I would love to help encourage.

Have a blessed fall day!

Jenny

Finding Joy in the Journey

Typical Negative Thoughts When We Don't Feel Good about Ourselves:

"I'm never going to loose this weight"

"Ugh, I don't fit into any of my clothes"

"I'll never be able to do it."

"Why can't I look like (insert name here)"

I think it's easy to get caught up in the frustration and negativity of the BIG goals we have set or comparing ourselves to others. Everyday we see other people/celebrities on Facebook, Instagram, TV, Magazines, Movies, etc. "Expectations" of what we are "supposed" to look like are EVERYWHERE.  And if you don't have the right perspective, it will get the best of you, leaving you with low self esteem, feeling bitter and blah.

The Truth? We are ALL different, God designed us that way for a purpose! 

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Positive Thoughts When we are finding Joy in the Journey:

"Today I have the choice to put better foods in my body."

"Today I have the choice to go for a walk with my kids."

"Thank you God for breath in my lungs, and the ability to run, jump, and strengthen my body!"

"I'm going to take better care of the body that has been given to me."

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

Celebrate each day we have here on earth with a joyful heart! Find joy in the journey <3 Not only will you feel a burden off your heart, you will also spread that joy to your loved ones and others!

What do you do when you've fallen off course? - Finding your "Why"

If you've read my "about me" section of the blog or you know me personally, then you'll know I've had my ups and downs with weight gain/loss. I think it's easy to get discouraged sometimes on social media when you see someone posting their "highlight reel" of what their life is like on Facebook, Instagram, etc. Heck, I'm guilty of this, it's much easier to post about the "happy" stuff. 

(Pictures above: a decade worth of weight gains/losses)

I naturally want to post joyful, positive, upbeat posts, and cute pictures of my kids. Now that I am a Beachbody Coach and putting my daily fitness/nutritional journey on display for everyone else to see. I want it to be known that in the midst of these posts I make, there is also lots of sleepless nights, struggles, days when I just want a slice of pizza, life curve balls and ups and downs that come my way.

Just like everyone else.

In the past, I've allowed the excuses I've made for myself justify falling of course. 

- My kids don't sleep through the night

- Work

- I'm too busy and I don't have time.

- The dog ate my home work (just kidding)

- My Daughter won't let me work out for long periods of time because she'll start crying

- There's laundry to do

- Or dishes

- I'm too stressed

- I've had 2 c-sections, I'll never loose this weight in my waist

- Did I mention no sleep?

- Or there's something I'd rather be doing instead _(insert here)_.

Each day, by the grace of God we have a choice. A choice on how we are going to live each day. 

When that clicked in my brain, that I had a choice, my entire mindset changed. 

Will I let those excuses get the best of me?

Or will I choose to live each day joyful, thankful with a humble heart. 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Are there days that I'm exhausted from being up most of the night with my 18 month old? YES

Are there days where I really just want that slice of pizza? YES

When those moments in life come up, and the excuses start popping up in your head why NOT to do your work out or staying on course with your eating plan, switch gears.

Start thinking about why you SHOULD be doing your work out, eating clean and getting healthier?

What is your WHY?

Think about it for a minute, write it down and put it on a post-it note. Put that post-it note somewhere you go to everyday in the morning (Mirror, above the coffee machine, your car dash board). Read that why every single day. 

What's my why? (In case you are wondering)

My why, is that I want to be the best Wife and Mother I can be. I want to encourage others, share the Gospel and fight the good fight. 

The healthier I am, the better equip am to take care of my family and to help others. 

I also want to fit into those pre-pregnancy jeans, and go into my 30's in better shape than I was in my 20's.

What's your why?

Write your "why" down. 

It's been put on my heart to share my journey with you all. So when you see my instagram posts or facebook posts with snap shots or short video clips of my daily work outs...I'm just showing you that I'm a work in progress. That I'm choosing joy each day. Joy in the struggles, Joy in the accomplishments, Joy in the laughter of my kids, Joy in the frustrations, Joy in lack of sleep, Joy in realization that by God's grace I am made new. 

Do you need some encouragement or support? Are you not sure where to start or just want someone to talk to? If you send me a message at CoachJennym@gmail.com or on my facebook.com/lightlightup  I would love to help you.

Where do you want to be 1 year from now?

I debated posting this but I decided to go for it. I was scrolling through my timehop app this morning and came across the picture on the left. 

1 year ago today was 6 months postpartum, tired, sluggish and just overall not feeling great. I was coming up on my 29th birthday and vowed that I wasn't going to enter my 30's feeling this way. Shortly after this I started 21 Day Fix. 

Picture on the left is this morning. One year later. I've stuck to my 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme workouts, drink my Shakeology and eliminated a lot of junk from my diet. It has not been easy by any means, but am I glad I've stuck with this? YES. Not only am I healthier, but I am able to take better care of my family and help others. 

So my thought for today is: Don't give up, you didn't get to this point over night. It takes hard work, dedication and making that choice daily to keep going to reach the goals you have. 

Also, I want to say that feeling strong physically is great, but the true strength is from inside... That is the real good stuff! I make the choice daily to live for Jesus, to share His word with truth and grace. My hope and strength comes from Him. "Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)

Where do you want to be 1 year from now? What are your goals? If I can help you anyway I am hear to support and cheer you on. I would love to be your coach! Comment here or send me a message at CoachJennyM@gmail.com and let's talk about what we can do to help you reach your goals :)

Have a blessed day Everyone!