Some reasons that you should be exercising...

Pinterest is one of my fave site's to search around when I have extra time...  recently, I've noticed that they have lots of pins from tumblr about 'reasons to be fit.'  Reason #0032 to be fit is 'for a confidence boost and to be happy with myself' and I think that is a FAB reason to get fit!

Working out releases endorphins (you feel happy!) and as you get more fit, you will gain confidence!  Check out this article on exercise (& it's effects on depression) for some good info: Click here :)

And, according to WebMD-

Regular exercise has been proven to:

• Reduce stress
• Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
• Boost self-esteem
• Improve sleep

Exercise also has these added health benefits:

• It strengthens your heart.
• It increases energy levels.
• It lowers blood pressure.
• It improves muscle tone and strength.
• It strengthens and builds bones.
• It helps reduce body fat.
• It makes you look fit and healthy.

So get out there & exercise!  Get healthy :)

July 5th

I hope that everyone had a safe & fun 4th of July!  We had a great day full of friends, family, & food!  The pic is from the Twin Oaks fireworks show.  We have watched their fireworks for a few years now, and they are nice (& close to home!)

FAITH...

Today I read Proverbs 21.  Click on the link to read it!  

"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues

    keep themselves from calamity." (Proverbs 21:23)

It's a good reminder to be careful with your words!  I know that in moments of frustration and anger, it's easy to just let the words fly out of your mouth.  It's definitely something that I can work on!  

Random fact: I like to use Google.  I like to challenge what I think that I know, and find the verses & the reasoning behind my beliefs.  As I was studying Proverbs, I found a pretty good study that I may do sometime.  It's questions and answers about Proverbs, and I would love to have input from others about it! (Click HERE!)

FAMILY...

I had a great time at my Grandma's house yesterday afternoon!  It's always good to see everyone, and we missed those that couldn't make it this time!  As always, we had lots of laughs, LOTS of food (homemade ice cream- LOVE it!!!), and a good time just hanging out!  After that, Pat & I headed to watch fireworks close to our house!  The only thing missing was our kiddos- I miss them like crazy!!

Lawn chairs + music + fireworks = a great ending to July 4, 2012!

FITNESS...

Yesterday, Pat & I went on a bike ride- it was nice!  We made it out before it got too hot :)  My diet yesterday was NOT great...  everyone made such delicious goodies that I just went for it & tried some of the yumminess!  It was all delicious!  

I "Betty Crocker'd" it & tried out a few Pinterest ideas.  They turned out pretty good!

Firecracker cookies (made from a cake mix)

YUMMO!!  Angel food cake, cool whip/pudding, and fresh berries!

Today is a new day and I'm back on the clean eating bandwagon ;)  I just need to get Pat to take the leftovers to work and get them out of the house!  HA!!  I'm going to be looking up recipes for this weekend's food prep- if anyone has any great Paleo recipes that they recommend, please let me know!

Another idea on the fitness front- I still am interested in doing a Christian fitness class.  I don't really think that is the right way to phrase it, because it would be for everyone!  But it would start with a verse & prayer, then a short class.  If anyone has any thoughts or ideas on making this happen, please talk to me!

I have time open throughout the week to add in some group or corporate fitness classes- ideas would be a group of co-worker's meeting 2x a week for 30-60 minutes, having personal training at the company gym, etc.  If you are interested, email me at trainingbyjen@hotmail.com

I'm looking forward to some great training later today, bootcamp, and then girls night with Bri!  WOOHOO!!  

Have a great Thursday everyone- you are almost to the weekend!!

It's July 1st! Happy Sunday!!

Happy Sunday!  


Faith:


I was wide awake at 7am today- not by choice (thank you Lola!  I love when the dogs don't understand that it's the weekend!) and opened up my online Bible.  I use the YouVersion app- it has lots of options!  You can pick different translations, reading plans, etc.  Today's reading was Proverbs 4, and I would recommend any and everyone to read it! (No Bible or phone/tablet handy?  No problem!!  Click here ---> Proverbs 4 NIV) 


It talks about getting wisdom at any cost, and avoiding the path of evil.  In today's world, that is very important both for us as adults & for us to teach our kids!   We need to work hard to learn and educate ourselves.  We will be able to make smart decisions and not have to rely on the input of other people in order to make a decision.  We have talked about this in my small group before- in reference to the Bible.  If we know the verses and their meanings, we will have that knowledge not only for our own lives but we will be able to help others when they need it.  The other part of this reading that touched me was to avoid the path of evil.  I know that it's hard to stay on the right path and not to get caught-up in worldly things.  Like many others, I've made mistakes in the past and started down that wrong path.  The good thing is that God forgives us!  He is amazing and despite the mistakes we make, He is always there waiting on us!  






Family:


This weekend has been a lot of Q.T. for me and the hubby!  It's nice to take the time to just BE...  yesterday we went to the farmer's market, and he got a lot of work done with the garden.  I got a lot of food prep and cooking done.  I even baked him a blackberry/blueberry crisp!  I haven't tried it, but I hear it's pretty tasty!   It's nice to just take a little time to just hang out- watch a movie, eat dinner, etc.  


I tried a new recipe this morning that I saw on Pinterest - I seriously LOVE this website!!  It's so addictive but you can find so many ideas for food, exercise, crafty stuff, etc.  This is the link to all of my boards: Jen's Pinterest boards :)  I made cinnamon roll waffles for Pat!  It's super easy & quick, and would be a good treat for the kids once in awhile! (totally not healthy, but Pat said they were tasty!  You can get the recipe here)

Cinnamon Roll waffles with cream cheese frosting

This afternoon we are heading out to my parents house- it's our Sunday tradition!  In the summer there is usually Cardinal's baseball on, and the rest of the year is split up between basketball and football (Pat is a Vikings fan!)

Fitness:

I went for a run this morning, twisting around my neighborhood and the back streets and ending up at the Y. I ran a mile there and did hill sprints.  That just equaled exhaustion!  And I twisted my knee, so it was a LONG walk home!  Word to the wise- take your phone with you when you run alone!  That way you don't have to hobble home :)  It's feeling better after ice & ibuprofen, but it just stinks getting older!  Between my foot burn yesterday (stepped in burning coals- melted the skin right off my left foot- OUCH!) and my knee today, I'm frustrated!  

I haven't had any food yet today...  it's time for some eggs & avocado!  I've had a few questions about supplements from friends & clients & FB friends- I don't always take them, but I try to listen to my body.  I may soon be selling a fabulous brand of supplements- news on that to come soon!  But right now I'm taking a multi-vitamin, probiotic, fish oil, and sometimes pre-workout energy and post-workout protein.  Today I'm home so I am eating my protein rather than drinking it.  (This is not fully Paleo- if you're following paleo 100% then you wouldn't be taking these.)

Have a blessed day with the ones you love!! Get some exercise in & your body will thank you!  

And if you're on Facebook, make sure you add me as a friend!  Jen's Facebook account!