Jennifer's Journey

Recently I've come to a crossroads in my life. Part of it is, in thanks to Pinterest, where I've found some serious inspiration. I've told you how I keep boards about Fashion, Crafting, Decorating, etc., but recently I started a new board called Healthy Inspiration.

I found so many inspirational quotes, photos and articles that made me realize just what it is I've been doing to my body. As much as I would like to convince myself that I'm okay or healthy, it's just not true.

I've spent pretty much my whole life on the outside of everything. I was the kid in school that got picked on and picked last. (For obvious reasons.) And I'm just really ready for a change.

It's kind of a catch-22 for me. I've made these statements before, it seems, in one form or another. I've tried countless times to shed the pounds and get healthy. Last year I even lost 30 pounds, but I didn't keep it off, or go further than that. I'm really good at starting strong, but I fizzle. And the fizzle happens quicker and quicker the more times I try.

Sister sent me a link to this video. I got it one morning this week, and cried while watching it, laying in bed, realizing so many things. Everyone always tells me I'm one of the happiest people they've met, and I'm full of life and energy, and that's true, but there are so many parts of me that aren't happy. I'm not happy with "me".

So, I'm resolved to start with the baby steps I know I can take. And one of those steps came in the form of a wonderful find online. A friend of mine, very dear to me, had told me of SparkPeople before, but I never checked it out.

I visited the site this week, and signed up. But really, it wasn't just signing up. They ask you numerous questions about yourself. The site calculates your BMI and asks what kind of goal you want. It helps you choose a realistic weight loss goal (or healthy living goal) within a safe amount of time and at a safe pace.

It asks you to set 3 "fastbreak" goals, which are small goals that are easy to accomplish within the first few weeks. One of mine was to drink all of my required water for the day. So far, I've stuck to my goal! I purchased a water bottle awhile back, and I LOVE it! It's 28oz, so it's much bigger than most, and if I fill it 3 times I have all of my water in for the day. To me, this is MUCH easier than trying to drink 8 glasses of water. (Even though they are the same amount, it's a mental thing.)

They have tons of tools at your disposal, and everything is FREE! It's wonderful! You can set meal plans for the day, with recommendations from the website, or you can input your own food choices and it calculates the calories, fat, carbs, etc. all for you.

One of my favorite tools is the recipe builder. You can input all your ingredients, and how many servings you want the recipe to be, and it will calculate calories, fat, etc. for you. Then you can add your recipe to your meal planner for the day!

(The recipe above is a new one I made last night, and it was delicious!)

I've been contemplating actually uploading this post, but for me it's all about accountability. If I just tell myself I'm going to do better, it never works. So, I'm opening myself up, and letting you all know about my goals so that YOU, my friends, can help me stay accountable. Ask me periodically how I'm doing. I won't mind!! I need you to know that I'm working toward something, so you can help me along my journey.

So here's to my journey...it won't be a short one, but I know I can make it the whole way.

-Jenn (With 2 N's)