Got stress? I do. I’ve found it doesn’t take much for me to get stressed and wake up the next day with a cramp in my neck and shoulders. For me, when I get stressed I put all my tension into my upper back. I always wonder what I can do to relieve it. It’s become somewhat of a problem recently because I can’t seem to unwind and it’s starting to affect how I interact with others (aka I’m short, snappy, and tense).

I’ve been on a mission to figure this out. I know many people do yoga to de-stress and feel more relaxed. I’ve done hot yoga (Bikram) before and I actually loved it. Although it didn’t relieve much stress for me, I noticed I slept better! I felt like yoga pointed me in the right direction to relieve tension.

I’ve tried coaxing various people to give me backrubs at night in exchange for the TV remote or homemade desserts, or working out later in the night to get it out of my system. I’ve tried it all, but at the end of the day my mind still goes a mile a minute before bed, and I ultimately wake up stressed and in pain.

I found this interesting meditation article from Shape magazine that I’m going to try this week. The article discusses what meditation can do for your health, like lower your blood pressure and increase creativity.

The article suggests doing one, simple technique everyday so it becomes a routine and a healthy habit. You should set a timer and start with giving yourself 5 minutes of meditation and slowly increase the time to 20 minutes. It’s important to breathe through your nose with your mouth closed, and focus on your breath and the movement of your stomach. If you’re like me and your mind starts to wander, they suggest trying to re-focus by bringing your mind back to your breathing (or try counting to ten or repeatedly saying a phrase like “peace”).

Shape also gives suggestions on how you can work with certain situations when you can’t get your body to relax or feel like you don’t have enough time to spare.

I really enjoyed discovering different techniques on meditation and how I can learn to control my body, breath, and mind. I’m going to try it tonight and for the rest of the week (if I remember!) and report back on how I start feeling afterwards! Until then, relax!

Quinoa-stuffed red bell peppers

Last night was my night for making dinner. Dinner is always a struggle for me. Although I love to cook, some days you just don’t feel like going to the store after work, and slaving away in the kitchen when you could plop on the couch and watch TV instead.

Alas, I decided to ignore the TV calling my name. I got my creative juices flowing and thought about what I could make for my boyfriend and his dad (who is gluten and dairy intolerant). Talk about a challenge, eh?

I decided instead of thinking of dinner as an annoyance, I’d think of it as relaxing instead. I wasn’t sure how this was going to happen because sometimes while cooking I get anxious and think, “Will I have everything ready at the same time? Will everyone like it? Is it completely gluten and dairy-free?” With all the questions rolling around in my head I can end up frustrated, stressed and moody.

So what did I do to change cooking from stressful to stress-free? I planned. On my lunch break I found an awesome (gluten-free) recipe for quinoa stuffed red bell peppers from Shape magazine and thought I’d pair it with rosemary and lemon chicken. This would be a great MOYM for JCers; they’re only 237 calories a serving, and are super filling! What did I do about dairy you ask? I simply left one of the red bell peppers without cheese before popping it in the oven. Presto!

My cooking experience was just how I had planned: relaxing. I got organized and everything came out at the same time! It’s incredible when you put your mind to something and decide, “Hey, I’m going to make this a fun experience and even though I’ve never made this dish before, it’s going to be an adventure!”

Everyone ended up loving the dinner, which made me feel like a success! From now on I’m going to try using cooking dinner as a relaxing activity after work. It’s better than sitting in front of TV with a bag of chips waiting for your delivery to arrive, and you burn a few calories in the process!

Normally when I achieve a goal, whether it’s getting in exercise for the day or I lost a pound in a week, I like to reward myself. I don’t give myself a mere pat on the back, but instead I treat myself to something tangible and reinforce the good habit.

Like many people I know, I usually reward myself by getting a delicious dessert. Sweets and I have been in a steady relationship for years now (longer than any boyfriends have lasted!). I’ll either get cake from this phenomenal bakery in town or I’ll be sure to ask for the dessert menu when I’m out at a restaurant for dinner.

I’ve decided it’s time for a change. I need to rethink my rewarding strategy. I’ve realized that although desserts are yummy, they definitely can pack on the pounds over time. I began asking myself, “Why am I rewarding myself with sweets after I work out? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose and put me back to square one?”

After coming to this realization (which honestly, I probably knew deep down all along), I decided I need to come up with a different method for my reward system. I’ve wanted a new dress, manicure, and new workout shorts for a while now, why not reward myself with something like this? I’m going to start rewarding myself with something other than food.

I constantly think about what meal I’ll have next, what I’m going to make for dinner, what kind of cookies I can bake to bring to the office, or what kind of dessert I can have after I successfully worked out everyday of the week. This isn’t a healthy mindset to have. One afternoon I inquired about where we’d be going for dinner that night, and my friend said, “You know we’ll figure it out when it’s time for dinner. You think about your next meal too much. Relax. You’re going to have a next meal.”

It took that friend to make me realize how obsessed I’ve become. I’m not on death row or starving, so why do I need to think about what meal I’m going to have? I will have a next meal.

Once I start getting on the mindset that my life doesn’t have to revolve around desserts and food, I think I’ll see I don’t need to rely on these comfort foods as much. Jason Alexander just posted a great video blog about how he has come to the realization that comfort and joy are not the same thing. I could not agree with him more. I’m choosing joy from now on.

I’ve decided that after I RUN this race on Sunday I’m going to reward myself, but not with food. Maybe I’ll get those new workout shorts to prepare myself for spring and get motivated to continue my running…or maybe I’ll opt for that manicure!

Val's turning the big 5-0!

I just read Good Housekeeping’s article about Valerie Bertinelli. I can’t believe she is almost 50; she doesn’t look it at all! I really hope I can look like that when I hit the big 5-0.

Her down-to-earth personality shined as I read about her struggles, obstacles she has overcome, family life, and accomplishments. She truly seems to be happy in her own skin now. She explained how Jenny Craig has helped many aspects of her life because she was able to understand why she had been overeating, and learn how to face the emotional problem rather than fill a void with jalapẽno cheese poppers! I recall so many times where I have eaten to solve my relationship woes, and Val is right, we have to learn different ways to deal and cope.

I loved Val’s video interview with the behind-the-scenes of her photo shoot. She looked so happy, healthy, and was embracing getting older. She talked about being grateful, learning to love and forgive. It made me realize how at any age we should be grateful for everything we have been given. She also taught me how truly important for us to forgive others, but most importantly, ourselves. If we can’t forgive ourselves how can we possibly learn to forgive others and move forward?

I thought her article was truly inspiring and put me in a great mood to kick-start my weekend! Thanks, Val!

Val's before and after!

Have you ever put motivational pictures on your fridge so you stay on track, and won’t grab that late-night pint of ice cream? I have!

I thought instead of putting a picture up to keep me from munching, I would put the Jenny Craig team up on JC Talk! This way they all act as reminders and inspiration on my online “communal fridge.”

Here are some awesome pictures to keep you  motivated along with links to Val, Sara, Nicole, and Jason’s video blogs, plus a behind-the-scenes too!

Valerie

• http://jennycraig.com/successstories/blog/valerie/100007
• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/33/3q056PjdYK8
• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/4/07NLLGW0p84

Sara

• http://jennycraig.com/successstories/blog/sara/saravlog2
• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/8/vDEb2zBBbk4

Nicole

• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/25/Wu_hBeTNfDE
• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/0/cIGp0v3liao

Jason

• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/9/fq1WC-9uh_c
• http://www.youtube.com/jennycraig#p/u/1/2DC8pE0LiJA

Behind the scenes with Valerie!

Sara in December

Sara in January

Nicole in October

Nicole in February

So as I previously pledged, I’m going to participate in the local St. Patrick’s Day race. I officially signed up this morning (eek!), and now I have to stick with it! I’m going to have to figure out a good routine to either get up early or run after work to train. I have a little less than a month so wish me luck and I’ll keep you posted! If you’re interested in finding a local race or marathon check out Cool Running’s website and find what’s coming up in your area!

In the meantime, since today starts my “no eating after dinner” vow for the next 46 days (April 3^rd seems so far away!) I’ve been trying to think of other ways I can get excited and enthusiastic besides late-night snacking while watching the Olympics.

I’ve decided I’m going to replace a bad habit with a good one. I absolutely LOVE to cook, although I do prefer baking! Since I can’t (correction, won’t) eat late at night, I’m going to make phenomenal dinners so I won’t have the desire or the stomach space to eat late.

Rather than just going to the grocery store and roaming the aisles for inspiration I decided visiting local farmers’ markets would be more fun! Not only are there awesome fruits and veggies that you can sample, but some of the stands offer free recipes as well! It’s a great way to get out with friends or family, and be a part of the community and get fresh produce. I found a great website where you can look up your local farmers’ markets, so rather than lounge around all weekend I’m going to hit up my local farmers’ markets! I’m excited to see what I can find, taste, and take back to create my next masterpiece! Who needs late-night snacks now?!

In honor of Mardi Gras starting tomorrow I thought I’d look into cooking a classic Cajun style dinner. Cajun food is absolutely delicious, but can pack on calories with butter and starch.

Thus I went on a mission to find a healthy dish. I finally came across a Cooking Light recipe that looks out of this world. The best part is not only is it healthy, but other New Orleans recipes are included as well!

So what the heck, lets try out a few! My top picks to make are the Jambalaya with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage, and for my sweet tooth I’ll make the Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. Both recipes are under 500 calories a serving, which is awesome! This may seem like a splurge, but if you plan ahead you can enjoy a special meal and keep on track.

Speaking of Mardi Gras, is anyone giving something up for Lent this year? I decided to challenge myself. After going back and forth trying to figure out whether or not I actually wanted to commit, I’ve decided no more eating after dinner. I’m going WAY out of my comfort zone. It will most definitely be hard to give up late night chips, popcorn, and dessert, but I think I can do it!

If anyone has advice besides locking my cabinets and refrigerator or placing an alarm system in my kitchen to keep me away from snacking, I’m all ears! For those of you who are also going to give something up this week, good luck! I’ll let you know how it went in April (eek that sounds far away); I should probably pick up a late-night hobby for the next 46 days!

I must admit, when I started hearing about doctors recommending drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day I wasn’t fazed. I am without a doubt, the biggest water drinker I know. To keep up with my water trends, over the years I have gone from trendy athletic water bottles to the newest, Klean Kanteen.

Needless to say, although I think of myself as a water expert, I was fascinated when I came across this water article on Oprah. Although I know the 8 glasses a day rule, I never really knew the logic behind why our bodies actually need and crave water. There’s got to be a reason why our bodies are comprised of 60% of water, eh? I also discovered our bodies can actually give us signs and signals for as to when we need water when we are dehydrated, need energy, or to aid in digestion.

The article ends with a challenge that is something we all can try. For a week when you start to get thirsty, go for water rather than coffee, soda, or juice and pay attention to how your body and mood feels after. You might start noticing you don’t need that caffeine fix or morning cup of orange juice to you get you going. Water can give you the boost you need without the calories!

Perhaps they were onto something when they deemed water the elixir of life!

This topic really comes from my personal struggle with people who used to be very close to me, but after catching them in SO many lies I finally got the courage to eliminate them from my life. BUT lately I’ve realized that when you point 1 finger at someone else there are 3 pointed back at you.

There are some common “lies” that I tell myself or have told myself along this journey and the more I expose the lies the healthier I become. So my challenge to myself and to all of you if you wish to take it is to tell the TRUTH…to come clean.

Here are some of my little “lies” that I can still tell myself that I need to dig up and throw out of my life:

1. I tell myself there’s something wrong with me when I deviate. I can go into deep analysis. TRUTH: I’m human and imperfect and have had years of using food to cope so I slip sometimes so what. Just move on.

2. I can start to doubt my ability to go all the way to my goal weight. TRUTH: Doubt doesn’t mean don’t. In other words I can move forward and still doubt. It’s just a feeling/emotion it’s not a fact

So those are just 2 of the lies I need to throw out of my life. How about you?

Here’s to our own personal truths. A life of integrity starts with keeping promises to the person we spend the most time with….ourselves.

Here we go….. Hope

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On my second flight yesterday, there was this little girl who just kept staring at me. I wondered what she was thinking as she smiled so innocently at me. It took me back to her age and the thoughts I used to have when I’d see women like me…dressed in a suit, seemingly going “places”, and wondering just what life had waiting ahead. Then this quote came to me that I think applies to our journey:

“We must give up the life we had planned to have the life waiting for us”

Childhood dreams sometimes come true and then sometimes not. For some of us, we are living lives VERY different than what we imagined for ourselves. BUT the innocence on that little girls face made me see it from a new perspective. Even though some dreams haven’t come true and some may be lost forever, there is still a lot WAITING for me and all of you on the OTHER side of our goal weight.

Can you just imagine for a minute what’s waiting for us when we step into our lives at our goal weight?
*reduced risk of all kinds of diseases
*increased longevity and/or quality of life
*improved energy
*more consistent state of mind (drastic reduction in self loathing over weight)
*new hobbies
*looking in the mirror and feelin’ HOT
*increased self esteem and self respect
*new clothes and lots of options for places to shop
*new friends who share our new lifestyle habits (working out, kayaking, hiking, running, etc)

The list goes on and on and each of you will have a customized list of all that’s waiting for you.

I personally want to challenge myself to feel okay with where I am. In some aspects, my life may not be what I planned but I’m EXCITED about what giving up those plans could mean for me and anxious to see what’s WAITING on the other side. So that’s my challenge and that’s what I offer to you….Are you willing to give up some of what you planned to go for what’s waiting for you? Are you willing to let the possibilities of what STILL CAN HAPPEN in your life be the driving force to go for what you want today?

Here we go……

Hope

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