Fitness is Freedom

Hello A New Leafers!
I hope the holiday season has been one of fun, warmth, and a festive time for you and your loved ones.

I’ve been doing some thinking in the recent months (ok, let’s be honest…years…) about what it means to be living a healthy, happy life. And now is the perfect time to reflect over the past year, “what do I want the next year to look and feel like?”

I’ve been considering what the values are which play a part of creating a life I love, and how can I use this thought process to assist in coaching others to finding their success in these same realms. To help find their “why” in making lifestyle changes. As we know, change is not the easiest thing to manage.

What I’ve come up with is this: fitness is freedom.

We hear much about the benefits to financial freedom- the ability to be debt-free and thus worry free- to live in abundance. Along those same lines, being physically fit can free you up to live a happier, more productive and fulfilling life.

When I say “fit” what comes to mind? Is it an overwhelming ideal of physical perfection? Or you, only half the size? It’s important to make the distinction that, yes, weight loss can help to improve your health, but it’s not the end-all-be-all to health.

All too often we get focused on the aesthetic motivation surrounding fitness; weight loss, body image, etc. This can be a powerful motivator. But… what keeps you going beyond the goal of fitting into that “little black dress”? What happens when things get stagnant and you plateau? Bored? You can do a LOT of things to meet weight loss goals that have NOTHING to do with health or fitness; surgery or restrictive dieting, are great examples. You WILL lose weight, you WILL get in that little dress or skinny jeans. But…will you be able to climb stairs carrying groceries without losing your breath? NO. What’s happening with your metabolism and hormones, are they improving? NO.Will you be skinny on the inside? NO.

You’ve probably guessed where I’m going here…

Fitness allows you to say “YES” more, which is freeing in and of itself. YES, I’ll try that new Pilates studio class, it sounds fun. YES, I’ll join you for that hike and not feel like I’m going to die. YES, I’ll try sea kayaking in the Alps. YES, I’ll join you on a hike to some remote hotsprings. YES, I’ll try on that dress and enjoy shopping. Choosing your own adventure is liberating! Limitless possibilities!

Fitness opens the door for you to try new adventures. Fitness enables you to feel more comfortable and good in your body. Fitness creates more confidence and self esteem. When you’re fit it’s not a Herculean effort to get to the gym and stay motivated because you’re not doing it just to be thin, you’re doing it for the quality of life you want to have; it’s because you want to be able to dress yourself and go for walks in in your 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Maybe in small European towns? Maybe just around your block. Or maybe, you just want to be able to pick up your grandkids someday.

The choice is yours. The options are endless when you’re taking care of your body and the focus is on achieving and maintaining YOUR optimal health.

BE FREE. FITNESS IS THE WAY. Start now! Get moving! Start small and work your way up. Begin today!

Also, let me know how I may help?! I’m here for you!!! Seriously. What are you waiting for? I’m not scary, I’m knowledgeable, dependable, fun and friendly and I LOVE helping people improve their lives. It’s my passion…

Get sweaty!

XO,
Jessica

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on December 6, 2016 by Jessica.

The Elimination Diet and eating clean

Hey folks!

So, it’s been a bit since I’ve written a blog. It’s interesting because I LOVE WRITING, almost as much as I love to work with my peeps! Anyhoo, here I am writing on one of my other most favorite things…FOOD!

Back in March or April I did a 21-day eating clean challenge with some wonderful clients (I also participated to a degree) and we all had great results! During this challenge the following foods were eliminated:

Wheat (gluten)
Soy
Corn
Dairy
Caffeine
Eggs
Refined Sugar
Alcohol
Shellfish
Peanuts
White potatoes
White flour
any processed food sold in a package ( chips, food mixes, snacks, snack bars, popcorn, pizza, etc, with the exception of some gf bread)

Why did I extend this challenge? These foods are known sources of inflammation in the body. Inflammation can lead to joint pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and weight gain just to name a few issues. By eliminating these foods for 21 days most all clients reported feeling less irritable, a marked weight loss of 5-7 pounds, more bowel regularity, and increased energy (despite the no caffeine). Some clients added things back in that they missed, and they were encouraged to take note on how they felt with each addition, helping them to pinpoint specific symptoms to everyday food/drink consumption. It was a really fun session to lead and very telling for the participants. I enjoyed finding recipes to fit their lifestyle and tried to find family-friendly ones to get everyone involved.

Are you wondering what foods there are left to eat? Did they just eat lettuce the entire time?! The short answer is no; they ate food as it’s intended to be eaten! Fruits and vegetables, cooked and raw. We learned how to sprout beans- making them more nutritious and easier to digest. Some oats and brown rice. Minimal animal protein. We enjoyed lots of tasty homemade snacks and bars with raw nuts, dates, coconut and raw honey. It was an adventure in discovery and creativity in the kitchen.

I will host another challenge in August, so stay tuned…

So…I like this philosophy of eating clean and detoxifying. When my naturopath, Dr. Charlotte Massey here in Bozeman, MT suggested the book The Elimination Diet (and you can find more information here) for some symptoms I’ve been struggling with, I was very excited to try! (I also like to follow rules, so this made me a little happy!)

The Elimination Diet has 3 phases: detox for the first 2-4 days, phase 2 adding in some nutrients (meats, grains, seeds) that have been missed, and phase 3 the experimental phase. I’m on day 8 and I feel awesome so far! I spent 3 days in the detox phase which consists of smoothies, juice and cleansing soups.

When I started, I was worried: life without a little bourbon?! I love coffee! Will I have energy to workout?! Once I figured out nutrient timing, I was energized and feeling great! I also ended up ordering a Nutri Ninja because making smoothies is a love affair I’ve started now and making them in my food processor was a MESS!

Here’s my favorite smoothie recipe (from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook (creators of The Elimination Diet):

Avocado-banana green smoothie

2 to 4 servings

1 medium banana
1 small avocado
2 cups packed fresh spinach
one 1″ piece fresh ginger
one 1″ piece fresh turmeric
2 to 2.5 cups coconut water
Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately, or pour into glass jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze Popsicle molds.*

* I haven’t made popsicles yet, but I will!

I highly recommend giving this way of feeding you (and your loved ones) a whirl ESPECIALLY if you’ve been experiencing: brain fog, anxiety/depression, joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight gain (or stagnant weight loss) or any host of other physiological symptoms. The best part? YOU GET TO EAT FOOD! Food you can create in your home with your own hands (and appliances)!

I will keep you all posted on my journey, but so far it’s been dreamy; I’ve not missed my bourbon-or any other cocktails- or coffee (too much!). I did crave bread.

However, I’ve been sleeping solidly, have experienced more clarity of thought, abundant energy and less digestive issues. Which, for me outweigh the cravings.

This may be the change you’ve been looking for…nourish your body with nutrient dense foods; it’s incredible we have the power to do this.

Oh, and get sweaty!

Jessica

This entry was posted in HealthStyle, Recipes on July 11, 2016 by Jessica.