2014 - OH!! Let's Start the Year!

Hello, Friends!

Can you believe it? New Year's Eve. The close of one chapter is upon us. It's been an interesting year, with trials and celebrations, and when it comes down to it, I wouldn't change a thing. In fact, this chapter has lead me to so many great things, I can wait for the next one!!

Have you ever made a change in your life, however small, that led you to doing the thing (or things) that you feel maybe you should have been doing all along? No? Wait for it. It can happen when you least expect it!

So, one minute I minding my business, nothing fancy, doing some fun stuff, but knew I wasn't who I wanted to be when I grew up... the next I find myself in a position to do the things that aren't just on my way to my grown up self, but things that I truly believe in and love. I'm thankful for opportunities both professionally, academically, and personally.

It's been one year since embarking on this journey called Jen's Whole Life. I'm still not a super model. I'm not a size 0, and I'm not a world class athlete. I haven't won the lottery and I still have car trouble. My laundry sits undone most days, and I still enjoy dessert. Sometimes I forget to brush my teeth before bed.

I'm still me.

But here are the changes - I'm stronger, more focused, willing to take on challenges, and have confidence that I have never had before.  I view my clean eating and working out as something I GET to do, not something I HAVE to do, or a diet that I can't cheat on.  I get to teach my kiddos and the hubster that being strong and healthy is awesome and that trying new foods is delicious and exciting (even if one of them won't try it).  I hope I'm being a role model, not just for my family, but for those I encounter at work, school, and online.

I'm back in school, working towards a goal I've been putting off for years. Ever finally do the thing you've been afraid to do and then wonder what the hell you were waiting for? I had to get the excuses out of my head. I needed a kick in the pants.  And now, I'm ready to tackle the next semester with renewed energy and excitement!

So, this year, my resolution is simply this:

Yup. That's it.

There are some smaller goals on my list, but what I'm really after is making improvements where ever and whenever I can.  Cooking at home more. Scheduling my laundry days, and trying my best to stick with it. Weather permitting, walk the dogs at least 5 days per week. Regular date nights with the hubster. Making time to go out with the gals. Reading for pleasure. Lots of little things can make me more awesome.

I'm also committed to clean eating and making fitness a big part of my life. I'm lucky enough to get to work with Ben and the folks at Compete. I've got access to resources that have just nurtured my love for fitness and have instilled a little competitive fire to push me. I'd love to work my way back into running and see a goal realized, but this finally dawned on me: It's not about the finish time. It's about my life. Committing to and sticking with training. Working hard. Giving a thing my all. If I do these things, I win - no matter what that time stamp is.

I have so much to be thankful for! I've learned a lot this last year and I'm ready to take 2014 on like a boss!

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year's celebration tonight and are ready to kick some ass in 2014! (I'm starting to kick ass first thing... 9am Circuits at Compete. Nothing like starting off the New Year with a BANG!)

Until then,

<3 Jen

Healthy Changes Don't Have to Wait for New Years

Hello Friends!

I hope you are all well! I had an amazing weekend and enjoyed a splurge or two (or three!) with some time with the hubby on our Day Date, great friends - both old and new,  kicked my To-Do list's butt yesterday and enjoyed some time with my son while we set up the Christmas tree together. 

It's weekends like this that remind me of why it's important to be fit and healthy.  I'm striving to be fit and healthy so I can enjoy my life! So I'm not too tired to have a busy day of running around, shopping, laughing and bowling (that counts as a workout, right? I was hurling that ball like no other! Oh, and won 2 of 3 games! Can you tell I'm a little competitive?). Also, I've met some really great people in my quest to be fit - the folks that I work out with are so much fun! And, I'm not sure, but I think all the upper body exercise really paid off this weekend - the hubster and I became Grand Champions of Beer Pong!  Ok, maybe that wasn't the healthiest sport, but it was fun and we don't do that kind of thing often (heck, ever!).  I have energy to play with my kiddo, the pups, get the shopping done, clean the house, and keep on going...

What I'm trying to say is that these are the reasons to make good choices - so you can LIVE the life you LOVE! 

I'm also really excited to share with you a pre-New Years change in my house. The hubster is going to make an effort to enjoy clean eating! This is a big deal. Why? Because he is a finicky eater. That is, he doesn't enjoy trying new things or experimenting with veggies. He likes what he likes, and "if he liked it, he would have had it already."

The exciting thing is that he's seen the positive changes in my life, energy, and physical health and wants to  enjoy the positive benefits of eating healthier food. I'm so excited for him!

Tonight we had a very simple chicken, marinaded in balsamic vinaigrette and broiled in the oven, along with steamed green beans with red pepper and carrots, and orange (Cuties!) sections.  I've picked up the ingredients and will be putting together tomorrow's dinner before bed tonight so it's an easy post workday meal. I'm making a clean Italian Baked Ziti, and serving with a green salad. I'll add zucchini and red pepper slices to half of the dish because I just can't get enough veggies!  I'll let you know how it goes - and if my picky eater enjoys this clean recipe.

There are opportunities all over to get active before the Big Apple drops on New Years Eve - indoor recreational leagues for basketball and volleyball, bowling, dancing, workouts at your favorite gym or studio, and even walking with your furry boys. 

You never know who you are an inspiration to - so don't give up your healthy habits. It's not just good for you, it's good for those who believe in you. 

Gotta run out with the pups, so until next time!

<3 Jen