Jessica came to meet with me four months ago and had a burning desire and heart to want to get healthy so she could be the BEST mother, wife, and friend she could be to all those around her. She wanted a program that would help her stay accountable and help her reach her goals for whole body health – body, mind, and spirit. Over the pst four months Jessica has lost weight, decreased body fat and inches significantly but more importantly has found her TRUE STRENGTH! Jessica’s story is so inspirational and I am so proud of her for staying committed and reaching her goals to be her very best!
“Set your minds ready for action, being self disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you by Christ!” 1 Peter 1:13
I am so thankful that Jessica found her true strength and I know she will keep acheiving her goals and dreams!
For most of my life I have been a healthy, active person. My husband, Britt and 2 children, Amelia (10) & Landon (7), enjoy being active together at home and on vacation. With life and priorities, over the last few years my exercise routine had become sporadic and I developed some unhealthy eating habits. This led to a 30 pound weight gain. I struggled for some time with different diets, exercise programs, ‘fix-me-fast’ concepts that just did not work. I was in a place where I didn’t recognize myself, on the inside and out. I was defeated, hopeless and so ashamed of allowing myself to get to this point. I had even stopped doing physical things I loved to do. I have always been self-motivated, a do it on my own type, but after much prayer and I knew I needed some help. I needed consistency, accountability & encouragement. Caroline came to mind and I gave her a call. Of course being Caroline she was so sweet, encouraging and supportive. She was just what I needed to turn my defeat around. I decided on the Advance Your Fitness program –Weekly meal & exercise plans with weekly weigh ins. This was end of March, so I have been sticking to the program for 4 months now.
The exercise plans are great! Honestly, I love exercising, always have. I love challenging my body and trying new things to see what I can do.
I will admit that on some days I did not think I would make it through the strength training workouts! I was pushed to my limit and it was hard. But I kept going. These workouts also taught me to listen to my body – when I could push harder and when I needed to take a break. My favorites are lunges and squats with planks mixed in. My current routine is strength training (body weight, HITT) 3 times a week and cardio 2 times. I try to get in yoga or stretching once a week.
If you haven’t worked with Caroline on nutrition – you should. I have to admit I was skeptical about the concept of losing weight eating nuts, oils, avocados, etc. I am convinced that is the most significant contribution to my weight loss. More importantly, I have more energy and no longer crave the bad things I thought I had to have a few months ago. My new favorites are chia seeds, farro, avocado on most anything, and smoothies. Adopting this all around healthy lifestyle has benefited my family as well. This has been a family movement – for the most part I am not making separate meals for them and me. They are eating things we had never heard of – and loving them!
When I initially began the shift to a healthier lifestyle, my main goal was weight loss. I just wanted to get it off. 20 pounds lighter, I have achieved that. Although I still have more to lose, that is no longer my focus. It has been an amazing experience to see my body transform. It was so encouraging to not only see the scale go down, but my BMI & body measurements were significantly lower. I am stronger, healthier, and more confident in my own skin. I had no idea it would happen this fast. It has been HARD and I still struggle, it is a daily battle. But it is worth it. I look forward to seeing even more progress over the coming months. My family has noticed a difference too. I am in a better mood : ) I want to ride bikes again. Go to the park. Be active WITH them.
My goals at this point are to maintain my current exercise routine & nutrition when I begin working full-time. I am also working on increasing my push up max and developing core strength.
I encourage you to take time for yourself – to give your body the care you deserve.
Below is one of Jessica's favorite recipes!
Cucumber, Feta & Sun-dried Tomato Farro Salad
Ingredients:
* 1 cup uncooked pearled farro
* 2 tbsp minced red onion
* 1/4 cup minced sun-dried tomatoes
* 1/4 cup fresh grated feta
* 2/3 cup finely chopped cucumber, seeds removed
* 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
* 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (use vinegar if you don’t love lemon)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp finely chopped mint or parsley
* kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Directions: Cook farro in salted water according to package directions, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool. Combine olive oil with lemon juice. Gently mix ingredients and toss well. Serve chilled or room temperature. Add in chicken or avocado. Delicious over a bed of fresh spinach for a hearty, healthy lunch.
Makes 4 servings.