How I Faced My Fear on the Runway and Learned a Valuable Lesson

I have wellness on my mind. My least favorite season is almost here and with it comes the frigid temperatures that forces me to stay indoors. The need to bundle up takes all the joy out of my daily walks. I miss the spontaneity of walking out my front door whenever the mood strikes, without the need to throw on a hat and coat, to stroll around my neighborhood and enjoy the colors of the other three seasons.

Winter puts a dent in my exercise regimen.

wellness

Wellness. That one word means many things. Good health, being mindful, a sense of wholeness, strength and vigor, staying in shape, feeling robust and having an overall sense of well-being.

Sometimes I stray from my wellness path. My meal portions get bigger and bigger. I talk myself out of exercising, and then work long hours on my computer without standing or taking a break.

Last week I tried staying focused on my eating habits. I shut down my laptop and cell phone to stroll around the block during the unusually mild November temperatures we had here in New Jersey.

I was in a fashion show for a charity near and dear to my heart: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. When I was first asked I did what I always do before I'm about to step out of my comfort zone: I panicked. I went to try on dresses at a chic dress boutique where the owner was loaning apparel to all of the models. The styles I saw on display were stunning but, unfortunately, they were size 0 – 12.

Uh oh.

One designer offered a line perfect for my curvy figure. I found one that fit and looked nice. Now the question was how to accessorize. I turned to the community of midlife bloggers I’ve come to know and respect. They calmed my introverted nerves about walking down a runway in front of 300 women.

The number of responses I received, including quite a few back-and-forth notes, overwhelmed me. There were messages of advice and support that truly touched my heart.

Take a risk, flaunt your stuff, work that runway, turn on your smile and enjoy.

The audience cheered and applauded as I made my way up and down the runway. Their smiles and encouragement helped me begin to break free from my lifelong fear of standing up in front of a large audience. It felt liberating.

Wellness is also a state of mind. It's about embracing our bodies that are changing as we age. We may have wrinkles, brittle hair, dry skin, or a bit of weight gain. But we’re still vital, beautiful, sexy, bright, chic and full of confidence. No matter what our size, shape or abilities, always stand tall and be proud of who we are.

(NOTE: I’d like to thank two of my friends who were particularly kind and helpful in my time of sheer panic. They are amazing women who have successful fashion blogs you should check out: Still Blonde After All These Years by Shelley Zurek and Over 50 Feeling 40 by Pamela Luttrell.)

Wellness is always on my mind, but now even more since I went back to Jenny Craig.

wellness

My weekly one-on-one meeting with my consultant helps me stay on track. We discuss that it’s not about the number on the scale but about how we feel in our clothes and about ourselves.

This week I didn’t lose any weight. How could that be, I thought to myself?

I was good all week except at the fashion show. Arriving at the venue early in the morning (after eating a small breakfast due to nerves) I ate my packed carrots, Jenny snack bar and then waited for lunch. I waited and waited. And waited. Then I saw them. Tray after tray of delicious looking hors d'oeuvres that my stomach was growling for. My stomach talked me into devouring them.

Wellness

Jenny Craig Anytime Bars (Photo: Jenny Craig)

My Jenny Craig consultant saw the look on my face when I stepped off the scale. My clothes were fitting better so how could that number be true? She suggested we re-take my measurements.

Success! I lost 7 inches from the time I started Jenny. I’m doing a Happy Dance!

Thank you to my wonderful Jenny consultant and to Jenny Craig for providing not only delicious meals but also for helping me move forward in my plan to look and feel as best as I can.

Yup, wellness is on my mind. I put my treadmill back up so I can still take a walk on winter days. I faced another fear on the runway and stepped out of my comfort zone. I'm eating healthier, feeling better and looking forward to reaching more of my personal goals.

Happy Winter Wellness Days to you.

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DISCLOSUREI was provided a free trial program and discount on the Jenny Craig meals. As always all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Disclaimer: Results not typical. Members following our program lose, on average, 1-2 lbs per week

Jenny Craig just launched more than a dozen new fall foods and seasonal items and is sharing their latest offer with you! 

The new foods include, Loaded Baked Potato, Italian Style Pasta Bake, Classic Waffles, Chocolate Peppermint Cake (seasonal), Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Pumpkin Loaf (seasonal), Pumpkin Spice Cakes (Seasonal), Homestyle Beef Pot Roast, Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Turkey & Wild Rice, Apple Crisp, Chocolate Lava Cake and the Strawberry Yogurt Anytime Bar.

You can check it all out here along with special promotions!

It's Time To Get Back On Track With Wellness

It’s been quite a year at the Chester House. I’m not going to go into any lengthy, boring details but we’ve weathered quite a few storms since January. Yet through it all I feel grateful that it’s brought my family closer together.

Wellness

The bad news is it derailed any exercise routine I had and gave me an "excuse" to do some emotional eating. That is not a healthy combination.

wellness

This was me before the first time I began Jenny. I still hate scales.

I never step on the scale. Ever. Except under complete duress at the doctor’s office when the nurses force me to step on, kicking and screaming all the way. Then they roll their eyes after hearing (for what is probably the millionth time that day) why a woman hates being weighed.

I don’t bother taking off my shoes, earrings, rings, coat, sweater or socks to squeeze extra ounces off my body. What's the point?

I can feel I'm gaining weight by the way my clothes fit. If I can’t breathe with my blue jeans on, or the buttons on my preppy buttoned-down blouse doesn't close properly I know I’m in trouble.

Re-enter Jenny Craig.

When I called my friends at Jenny there were no questions asked. No comments about gaining weight or falling off the wagon. Their focus is on wellness and feeling good about yourself. And I quite agree.

wellness

The Jenny Craig consultants are wonderful.

So I’m taking control of my health by jumping back into Jenny Craig. It's my wellness gift to myself.

Jenny Craig offers nearly 100 premium food choices to help us lose weight, and they're properly portioned and nutritious by balancing protein, carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats.

wellness

They’re also delicious. They really are. When I wasn’t on the plan I craved their triple chocolate cheesecake. They're amazing!

I love the attention you get at the weekly Jenny one-on-one consultations. All of my questions are answered, and the professional advice I receive from my consultant helps me lose weight by offering tips and tricks to stay on course and also ideas on making time to fit in exercise.

I’m excited to be getting back on track and more than  ready to feel and look better.

Here we go!

DISCLOSUREI was provided a free trial program and discount on the Jenny Craig meals. As always all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Offer: Join today & get $50 off* Jenny Craig’s Best Program + $50 in food savings**
Disclaimer:
**$50 food discount to be used in $10 increments with minimum weekly food purchase of $90 US/$95 CAN. Discounts valid at participating centers and at Jenny Craig Anywhere for new members enrolling in the Jenny Craig All Access program, other restrictions may apply, details available at participating centers. Additional costs include monthly membership fee, cost of food, and cost of shipping if applicable. Not valid to purchase food at jennycraig.com. No cash value. Offer ends 10/30/2015.

Offer: $25 off Jenny Craig food for each referral (limited time only)*
Disclaimer: *Offer requires minimum food purchase of $90 US/ $95 CAN. Referring member discount available on visit after referral enrolls on Jenny Craig program. Membership required at time of redemption. Valid at participating centers and Jenny Craig Anywhere only. Not valid at jennycraig.com. No cash value. Not valid for shipping costs. Not valid with any other offer or discount. One offer per person. Not transferable. Guest Code: NGE. Referring Client Code: GRD. Restrictions apply.

Can You Feel Better On A Gluten-Free Diet? Take Notes Jennifer Lawrence

A few weeks ago I stopped following The Jenny Craig program. Since then I’ve been on a quest to find a “way of life” meal plan to follow. It was easy to follow their program. Five minutes before it was time to eat, I’d pop an entrée into the microwave, make a side dish and BAM! My delicious meal was ready to eat.

Diet Gluten Food Meal

Now I have to carefully plan my meals, and since I don’t like to cook this is not an easy task. I want to lose a few more pounds, and I'd like to depend on the food I eat to help me feel better, stronger and more energized.

Doesn’t everyone?

So I turned to some trusted friends who are as health-conscious as they are smart. Their advice began a fascinating discussion that clearly begged to be written about.

For some time now I’ve been thinking about the role gluten plays in our diet, and whether I should eliminate it from mine. I heard many anecdotal stories about people feeling healthier without gluten, a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, rye and barley.

Gluten Diet Meal

Despite what Jennifer Lawrence recently said about gluten-free diets being the "new, cool eating disorder" friends living with an autoimmune disease have told me remarkable stories about getting off medications, or regaining the ability to run or walk while living gluten-free. These are amazing stories that I can’t ignore.

Can you?

Most people think gluten-free diets are only for people with celiac disease, but that simply isn’t true. There is such as thing as “non-celiac gluten sensitivity”; people who don’t test positive for celiac disease yet share the same sensitivities to gluten.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, they have reactions that may include headaches, fogginess, joint pain, and numbness. (You can read more about non-celiac gluten sensitivity at The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness website.)

Ten years ago I tried eliminating gluten from my diet at the suggestion of my neurologist. I’ve always battled headaches and they were getting worse. But finding gluten-free products wasn’t easy

Today? They are available everywhere, from health food stores to supermarkets to big chain stores like Target.

I decided to reach out to fellow blogger Kim Austin whose blog, MS Diet for Women, focuses on helping women feel better by using a combination of eating right, exercising and practicing stress reduction. I asked her to guide me on my diet journey. My first assigned task?

“Cut out all gluten, dairy, sugar and meat. Eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, fish and nuts. Drink a large glass of water 15 minutes before each meal.”

Yikes!

I’m preparing myself for my first coaching and motivational session with Kim. I'm going to test these new waters to see if this “diet” (one followed by MANY people in the MS and autoimmune community) helps me feel better and lose more weight.

I’m a little anxious about this next step. I’ve had a lifelong battle with my weight, and as I age I find my MS kicking in a bit more. I'll give this a try and see how I do.

Wish me luck!

Have you ever been on a diet that helped you feel better?

Boomers: Eating Healthier Than The TV Dinners And Tang We Grew Up On

There are words in today's vernacular that we never heard growing up. Words such as:

Boomers

Chicory Coconut Mango Salad

For most boomers, our childhood cupboards were filled with the typical foods of the 1960's:

Boomers

I grew up in a house with a German born father who enjoyed German meats, or wurst, such as knackwurst, bratwurst and also a good salami. On occasion we'd have salami and egg omelettes for breakfast. Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed every bite of them.

food diet

Are your arteries clogging by thinking about this? Thankfully times have changed.

Today, we're more aware of the importance of eating healthy, reading food labels, eating in moderation and staying away from foods high in fat, cholesterol, sodium or carbohydrates. We shun high fructose corn syrup after learning about its danger. We limit or cut out white flour and sugar completely, and use extra-virgin olive or canola oil in our cooking.

We grew up relying on comfort food to make us "feel better" during times of stress. Had a bad date? A quart of Ben and Jerry's will make you feel better. Bad grade on a midterm? A bag of M&M's will melt your troubles away. (Okay, sometimes I still do that!)

Are you a master at talking yourself out of sticking to any diet plan?

"It's only one bowl of pasta, and I promise to be good tomorrow." food

"There's only one piece of bread left so I might as well eat it."

"I had a bad day and deserve this bar of chocolate/ice cream/bagel/fill-in-the-blank."

"I haven't had this in months. This one time won't kill me."

But wait! Hold on. These are the eating patterns that led to my clothes not fitting and feeling less than healthy. As the numbers on the scale were creeping up, my self-esteem was plummeting. I began hating the way I looked and felt.

I needed to make a change. When the people at Jenny Craig approved my request to be a part of their blogging program, I was more than thrilled. I saw this as a chance to recapture my former self by taking back control of what I eat, of feeling emotionally and physically better. Their meal plan, along with eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking a lot of water and finding time for daily exercise, began my new chapter of feeling better about myself.

I'm on my way back...to me. And it feels good to start feeling good about myself again.

food diet

As my Jenny consultant says, it's not the number on the scale that matters but the way you feel about yourself that does. Those are wise words for us all to live by.

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Emotional Eating: I'll Have A Bowl Of Pasta With A Side Order Of Ice Cream, Please

Comfort food (noun): Food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically any with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking. (Source: Google)

Do you have a favorite comfort food that you lean on in times of stress?

emotional eating

Do you make a big bowl of pasta? emotional eating

Or sit yourself down with a delicious bowl (or two) of ice cream?emotional eating

Or do you want something salty like potato chips?emotional eating

Most people have a favorite food they think will help them feel better for awhile. Food will ease our stress, and every bite will melt away our problems.

That is emotional eating.

Finally, I'm in a groove of eating healthier, learning new ways to deal with stress other than relying on comfort food. I don’t want to slide backward into the pounds I worked very - VERY -  hard to take off. (And it is hard work. Every single ounce of it!)

There's so much in our lives that's not in our control. We all would love to have something that is.

So I’m working hard on fighting my urge to reach for comfort food during times of crisis. It's not always easy. I’m filling my plate with more vegetables, eating more fruit (I love summer fruit and will miss nectarines and peaches), eat at regular intervals (including healthy snacks to keep me from feeling hungry between meals) and drink more water.

According to an article in WebMD, Jane Jakubczak, a registered dietitian at The University of Maryland says that emotions trigger eating instead of the physical symptom of hunger initiating it.

Jakubczak goes on to say that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

Wow, that’s a lot of overeating.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave what my husband and son eat at dinner. The aromatic smell coming from their plates – heck, from the oven – are enough to set my palate in motion.  I’ve had bites of their meals and they do taste delicious! And while those bites taste good, I’m also happy to go back to my own delicious meal.

emotional eating

My nightly dessert: Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. Photo Credit: Jenny Craig

Being on Jenny Craig has allowed me to learn better eating habits, and there's a lot of comfort in that!

What is your favorite comfort food?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

 

Summer Wellness: 12 Ideas To Give Yourself A Break This Summer

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ~Henry James

Jenny Craig Wellness in the Summer

Photo: Jenny Craig

Trying to stay healthy as you age isn’t easy. First you must:

During midlife you must also:

My day also consists of:

“It was a splendid summer morning and it seemed as if nothing could go wrong.” ~John Cheever

With so much to do during the course of a day, how can we possibly take good care of ourselves?

Wellness Summer

I look forward to summer all year. It’s a time for renewal. The days are longer, the flowers are in full bloom, and for many it’s vacation time.

But what if you have no plans for summer vacation? How can you create a feeling of renewal? Without a much-needed break, how can you take good care of myself?

“I love summertime more than anything else in the world. That is the only thing that gets me through the winter, knowing that summer is going to be there.” ~Jack McBrayer

It’s important for us to make time for ourselves. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of being creative to find new and fun ways to renew, refresh and feel alive again.

Wellness Summer

Jenny Craig's Cinnamon French Toast with Mixed Berries helps me eat healthy this summer

Turn off your computer and cell phone, and give yourself permission to enjoy yourself.  To help you do that, here are some suggestions of things to do if you’re staying close to home this summer:

Summer in my neck of the woods passes by quickly. I try to get outdoors as much as possible by biking, hiking and drinking in the smells and sounds that surround me. Ah, it’s so delicious.

What are your plans for summer?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

How Envy Can Be A Useful Emotion For A Creative Life

“When you fill the Universe with positive thoughts, it will return the same to you.”
“You are in charge of your own life. Your destiny is in your hands.”
“Focus on what you have to create more abundance in your life.”

Universe Creative

This has been some of the advice I’ve received lately by well-meaning people. People who believe in me. They believe in who I am and what my personal message is. These are pleasant platitudes that, when I hear them, I want to immediately immerse myself in their words, allowing every syllable to pour over me to help me get closer to the success and joy I think I deserve.

Deserve?

What we deserve (or what we believe we deserve) and what we achieve are two completely different things. Life becomes more complicated as we age, and the good things we thought we deserved can sometimes be remote. They are not handed to us on a silver platter.

It requires a lot of hard work.

As I look around at people I know and care about I see a lot of success. The book they’ve just completed. The fabulous vacation they’ve just enjoyed. The second home they recently purchased. I am happy and proud of them, knowing the hard work and determination it took to reach their goals. I am truly – and thoroughly – thrilled for them. Knowing they are happy has always been enough for me.

Universe Creative

But lately I’ve also been feeling envy, and that is a side of me that I don’t particularly care for.

Envy is a useless emotion, yet a very natural one. We watch from the back seat as others live their lives in ways we wish we could.

As I begin to take a closer examination at myself and why I’m feeling this way, I’ve discovered that what my envy is doing is showing me what I want for myself.

Okay, that is pretty apparent; nothing new there, right? But learning that my desire is the underlying element in envy –that is where the lesson is.

Remember in the movie Silver Linings Playbook when Jennifer Lawrence told Bradley Cooper to “read the signs”? Here is my sign. My envy is telling me what I desire, and my desire is what is propelling me into action to work harder to reach my goals and discover my dreams.

That concept is something I can live with.

So I’m continuing to dance as fast as I can by working harder to reach my personal and professional goals.

I’ve been busy trying to figure out how to make positive and rewarding changes in my life so I can alter the direction of my path. I want to change my place in the world to the front seat, doing all I can to make my life an even better one.

Since I love making lists, I put together a short one. I’m using it as my guide for achieving what I want - no, what I need – to do for myself this year.

Better Health – In December I began my relationship with Jenny Craig, starting a new journey of eating well for better health. I am stepping up my daily exercise regimen in my quest to age gracefully, and I feel good knowing I’m taking better care of my body. There is nothing more important than trying to stay healthy. How are you taking better care of your health?

Writing – This year I promised myself to focus on my writing. As a member of Midlife Boulevard, a blogging community that is made up of over 700 women, many extraordinarily gifted writers empower me every day. Many of them are published authors, and seeing their work inspires me to want to publish my own.

A few of them generously sent me their books, asking for nothing in return. Elin Stebbels Wadal’s, Tornado Warning: A Memoir of Teen Dating and Violence and it’s Effects on a Woman’s Life and Doreen McGettigan’s Bristol bOYZ Stomp are two works I look forward to reading, not only for their content but also to learn more about writing, publishing and promoting.

Social – Being a writer can be lonely. I wake up and turn on my laptop, finally shutting it down at the end of the evening. My contact with the outside world is mainly through social media. So I’ve made a pact to arrange social outings at least once a week. Whether it’s with family, friends or business colleagues, getting out into the “real” world restores my sanity. It also gives me more ideas for stories!

What changes are you making to create a better life?

NOTE: *I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

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Life Happens When You're Busy Making Other Plans

We all know the quote that is attributed to John Lennon saying, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." The quote is brilliant because it's honest and true.

An ordinary day can turn on a dime.

A person rarely reaches my age without learning some hard lessons about life after facing illness, financial struggles, toxic relationships or tragedy. These are inevitable as we age, and the lessons we learn forces us to acquire some survival skills.

If you're wise you'll realize that being flexible about the inevitable twists and turns of life is healthier for you. Because the life we plan and the life we lead are, more times than not, two very different things.

Bending instead of breaking is always optimal.

For instance, over the past week I said farewell to a dear friend.

Life

and cared for a sick one.

Life

I celebrated some exciting family successes,

Life

and was mindful of a few happy moments walking by.

lifeIt's important to remain focused on staying healthy while maneuvering the highs and lows of daily life. Eating right, getting plenty of exercise and practicing a stress-reducing activity (such as meditation) will help keep our bodies happy as we age.

Life

It was the 1980's and big hair was, well, BIG!

Here's what worked for me this week:

Visualizing how I want to look and feel: At 55 I won't feel like I did at 25, 35, or 45. I'm trying to be the best ME I can be at this age. I'm not perfect. I stumble and fall, but I always try to get myself back up to try even harder.

Eating less: I have the Jenny Craig meal plan on my side to help me eat healthy meals, and I add fresh fruits and vegetables to each meal.  This week I ate several meals out, so I'd cut up fresh veggies and carried them in a Zip-Lock bag in my purse. I tried to plan what I'd eat before every outing (a special thanks to Houston's tuna sashimi salad with cilantro viniagrette - a big yum!) Was I perfect? No.  I'm a work in progress. But I'm eating healthier than I was a year ago. That's a step in the right direction!

Life

Finally met Carol April of ndy (Not Done Yet) and she came bearing gifts and a new friendship.

Feeling better about the way I look: I'm fighting every (single) ounce to get off my body.  It's a battle, and so far I've lost 12 pounds since December.  I don't want to gain any weight back after working so hard to take them off.  That fact continues to motivate me.

I like telling my husband that I'm losing weight: Okay, I admit it.  It feels good to tell my husband my good news.  Do you have any idea what it's like to be married to someone who weighs the same as he did when we met 29 years ago?  He is dedicated to eating right and getting plenty of exercise. He also has great metabolism! This can be maddening at times, so I try to imagine what it feels like to never worry about gaining weight. Ah, Utopia.

What do you do to take care of your health as you age?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

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What Did The Scale Say To Me?

This week was different.  This week the scale didn't move.  It didn't go up. It didn't go down. This week the number stayed the same.  My reaction?

scale

At least I didn't gain any weight.

I always thought stress was a bad thing, and in my craziness I'd reach out for a quick antidote for calm by eating something sinful. At least that's how I used to think about stress before I watched this TED Talk from psychologist Kelly McGonigal. She argues that stress is our friend. And now I agree. Stress forces us to face our anxieties and, as Kelly says, "This is my body helping me rise to this challenge." Take a look.  You'll never think about stress the same way again. And next time you reach for that donut, remember what Kelly said.

This week was crazy, and I didn't have time to do much exercise. What a ridiculous excuse! Okay, I did walk a lot of steps the day I was in Manhattan, and I also ran around to many appointments.  But, c'mon, driving around New Jersey isn't exactly exercise. The problem has always been that I go in and out of being totally committed to a daily exercise program. Now that I've lost some weight I want to keep it off, so no more excuses! Maybe I should find my old Jane Fonda video, dust off my leg warmers and pop the tape into the VCR.  Oh, wait, I don't have a VCR (or the leg warmers.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNPdBnlOK_U

When people ask me what would be the first thing I'd do if they found a cure for MS, I always say, "Run." One of my fondest childhood memories is running.  Running down the street, around the playground, or alongside my friends.  It's so joyful, so pure, and you feel free. If I could run again, feeling my legs blindly carry me wherever I wanted to go, that would be my Utopia. For now I'll keep walking, despite the MS fatigue and numbness.  Because my abilities are what makes me strong and full of life and oh-so-joyful.  Take a look at the faces of these children from Save the Children and you'll understand what I mean.

Next week, when I step onto the scale at Jenny Craig, I hope the numbers will change. Because this week I'm busy making friends with my stress, adding steps to my day and embracing who I am.

abilities running weight scale

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 pounds per week.

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Six Tips That Have Helped Me Stick To My Weight Loss Plan

There are some people who crave the sweetness of a carrot or the purity of a sweet potato  They look longingly at a colorful plate of freshly roasted vegetables, then dig in and slowly chew each morsel as if it they had reached Nirvana.

Jenny Craig Weight Loss Routine

As much as I love enjoy a good carrot or sweet potato, my Nirvana always lands somewhere between Pasta Paradise and the Kingdom of Chocolate.

During midlife, I need to take my eating habits more seriously.  I can't give into every craving, promising to cut calories one day to make up for the extra ones I devoured the day before. I gain weight easily, and it doesn't always land where it used to.

Jenny Craig Weight Loss Routine

Now that I'm on a quest to lose weight I need to have a set eating routine. I've learned that this works best for me when trying to lose weight.

Of course I tweak my routine so I won't get bored. I love food, and if you eat the same thing every day you'd feel food deprived.

If you're like me, you'd begin to "cheat" and justify how you just "want a little taste." The little taste grows into bigger tastes and so on and so forth until BINGO! You're off your diet plan.

Believe me,  I know what I'm talking about...

Over the years, with all of the diets and wellness plans I've been on, I've learned a lot about what does and doesn't work for me. What I've learned is that planning my meals in advance works. Knowing what I'm going to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner allows me to have more control over what I'm going to put into my mouth.

Here are a few tips for you that I've found helpful:

What have you found helpful in reaching your wellness goals?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

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Spring Is Here: How My New Bicycle And FitBit Will Help Me Feel And Look Better

“With the coming of Spring I am calm again.” ~Gustav Mahler

Spring Healthy Jenny Craig

Spring is finally here.  Almost.  The snow has melted at our house, and the temperatures may reach into the fifties today.

For us, any temperature above freezing is a cause for celebration.

I always look forward to the spring.  It’s a time of renewal, a time when the drab, dreary colors of winter are replaced with happy, vibrant colors.  Flower buds begin to bloom, birds migrate to the north and the warm feeling of sunshine renews our spirit.

Spring Healthy Jenny Craig

But somewhere between childbirth and midlife, when my body began to change again and again and again, I didn't always look forward to spring in the same way I did when I was younger.

Gravity took over, and the pounds I put on were much harder to take off.  So when the calendar showed that spring was around the corner, I often dreaded shedding the sweaters and coats that hid the unwanted changes in my body.

Beyond dreading the physical changes, I was equally unhappy about being less active during winter.  My disability prevents me from running and walking far distances, and for the last year I’ve been working hard on getting pain-free motion back in my right arm while enduring a frozen shoulder.

As Tony Soprano used to say, “What are you gonna do?”

So this spring, despite the gravity, pounds and shoulder, I’m going to get my butt back on my new bicycle that’s been gathering dust in my garage for the past year.  I walk by it everyday, hanging upside down, glaring at me as if laughing out loud while saying, “Hey!  When are you going to get me down from here?”

Spring Healthy Jenny Craig 

I also love my new FitBit that challenges me to walk more every day.  I attach it to my bra in the morning after getting dressed, and I check it at night before I go to bed to see how many steps I took, how far I walked and how many calories I burned.

Thank you to my cousin Gabrielle who surprised me with my new device.  Wasn’t that thoughtful of her?

It also helps that I began the Jenny Craig program last December, because my clothes now fit me better, and I feel lighter and healthier.  I look forward to continuing with their program.

Spring Healthy Jenny Craig

My goal of feeling healthier seems more within reach than it did a year ago, so I am glad I began taking steps toward taking better care of my body.

What are you doing to feel healthier this spring?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

 

 

 

Finding A Balance Between Work And Play (Or How I'm Getting My Groove Back)

This was an unusual week for me.  Not because there wasn’t a snowstorm, or because I finally found time to go shoe shopping.

Food Play Work

It was unusual because I went out to dinner three times.

When I was in my twenties and working in New York City, my friends and I would think nothing of dining out every night. We were young, and the world was our oyster.  Needless to say my bank account suffered from all of those pearls.

But that’s another story.

These days, my life is a busy one, filled with countless hours of work and the heavy demands of my personal life.

work playI’m not complaining because I love what I do, but sometimes my social life suffers.  That bothers me a lot.

So I’ve decided to take better care of my social needs by finding time to engage in the world outside of social media.

Yes, there are people who also exist outside of my laptop.  I vaguely remember that.

I love spending quality time with friends, family and colleagues.  I find true value in maintaining an equal balance between the deeply satisfying work I do and having an active and vibrant social life. 

It’s something I’ve been missing for awhile, and it’s time to get back into the game.  

This week, I went out one night with my nephew and son while they’re on spring break. Another was dinner with a dear friend I haven’t seen in a year, and another was a lovely romantic dinner with my husband.

Dinners from around the world - Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese -filled my stomach and my heart.

But wait!  I’ve been writing about being on the Jenny Craig program, so how could I enjoy three dinners out?

It was simple.  I was careful with my portion sizes, filled my plate with more vegetables than protein, and drank a lot of water.

I also planned ahead by time by stepping up my exercise routine.  My new Fitbit was a big help by forcing me to increase the number of steps I took each day.  That way, if I ate too many tortilla chips, a couple of vegetable spring rolls or drank a delicious glass (or two) of Spatlese, the total amount of steps I took would work in my favor.

When Judgment Day came, and I stepped onto the always-dreaded scale, I found out my game plan worked.

I was down another pound.

It feels good to know I’m taking baby steps toward taking better care of not only my physical needs, but also my social ones.

We all need to think of ourselves as a whole person instead of difference pieces that make up the whole.  We are born whole, and tending toward our health should always include taking care of our emotional and social needs, no matter how busy we are. We all deserve it.

How do you balance your work life with your personal one?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review.  There was no compensation.  All opinions are solely my own.  NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

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