Monday, December 28, 2015

Beat the Holiday Bloat!

Hi Guys!!

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday with your loved ones! Along with some fabulous food ;) I enjoyed ALL the food without one bit of regret and it felt so good! I feel like I finally have reached the ultimate balance by letting myself be okay with eating alllll the foods and not working out much at all. Of course its something I will still have to work at every day but I feel so good about it!

With that being said, I do love my healthy life style and my body is used to it so I have been having some tummy upset and bloating! So here are my tips to combat that!

  1. Get Moving! It doesn't have to be intense workout, or even going to the gym! Go for a walk, play with little cousins/nieces and nephews, go shopping or just walk around the mall! This helps you body with getting everything on the inside moving incase you've been more "couch potato mode" like I have!
  2. HYDRATE! Drink water! Even when you aren't thirsty! After lots of food I don't typically eat and some not so hydrating drinks, I try to get about a gallon in a day! Do as much as you can! Yes its going to make you have to pee more BUT its healthy!
  3. Green Tea and Belly Detox tea! NO NO not weight loss tea! The tea I get if from republic of tea and its called "Get Clean" and it stimulates your liver to get rid of toxins and helps get you body back to normal! It will NOT make you run to the bathroom like I've heard other detox teas will. Just the typical liquid stuff effect! ;)
  4. Get back to your normal foods! Whole grains, greens, proteins, veggies, fruits! Get back into those whole foods that make you body feel GOOD! The way I see it is the holiday foods are SOUL foods and the healthy foods are WHOLE foods, we need both, but the soul foods a little more in moderation! I like to meal prep after a lot of heavier eating so that I have the healthy options available instead of leftovers!
  5. Last but not least! DONT OVERCOMPENSATE! Dont under eat to make up for it OR over exercise! Your body with react the exact opposite way and it will cause more harm than good! Do things that naturally help your body out with balancing everything again! Like the things I listed above! Love your body, It will love you back!
Alright guys so there are my go to tips! Remember everyone is different and it can take a few days to feel back to normal but you CAN get there! Dont get discouraged from your routine pre-holiday and be okay with enjoying this time with your friends and family!

XOXO 

Jenna

Thursday, December 3, 2015

My Current Workout Routine

Hi Everyone!

So this is a little later than expected, and my routine is going to be changing soon, but I will give you everything I have!
 P.S. I don't know the technical name of a lot of these.. I'm sorry, like I have said before, I am not a personal trainer so I don't really need to know! I'm sharing this because so many people have asked. I am absolutely open to someone telling me what they are if they can decipher what I'm saying LOL, but please don't be demeaning or it will just be deleted :) xoxo

Okay soooo!

Legs:
Two time per week- one with a quad focus, one with glutes/hammie focus!

For my quad focus day I typically do a combo of: 
-squats with a wider stance
-leg presses with wider footing, toes pointed out, feet toward bottom of platform
-squat and glut squeeze on the cable machine (I use the rope attachment for this)
-leg press machine jump squats with about 10-15 lbs (on the machine form, not the one where you can put the weights on manually)
-Hip abductor and adductor machines
-leg extension machine (for quad flexion)

For my Glute /hammie focus day:
-squats with  closer stance
-leg presses with closer footing, and feet as high as the can reach on platform
-deadlifts with bar
-deadlifts on the cable machine
-leg presses on the assisted pull up machine
-Hip thrusts on the leg extension machine
-smith machine squats from you knees so it isolates the glutes


Arms/ Back/chest:
Two times per week- I mix and match arms, back, and chest days but ill tell a little about how I usually pair them:

Biceps and chest:
-laying bicep curls
-bicep curls with bar
-flat, raised, and inverted bench presses
-dumbell chest press
-chest press machine
-chest pull machine (where you are pulling the two side of the machine together at about eye level)
-"hammer" hold bicep curls

Shoulders and tris:
-High pull, clean, press, rear press combo (from @bottlesandbarbells IG)
-cable machine face pulls
-high pulls
-lateral shoulder raises
-front shoulder raises
-tricep kickbacks
-tricep pull downs
-rear delt flys
-delt fly machine
-straight arm tricep pull downs

Back:
-lat pull dows (wide and close grip)
-rows
-lying rows
-bent over rows
-assisted pull ups

Cardio:
Typically before every lift I do 15-20 minutes of incline walking at anywhere for 3-4 speed at 15% incline!

Okay so I think this is everything! This have been my routine for a while! Like I said on IG a couple days ago I am diving back into BBG and I am super excited and motivated! So this is subject to change but I will keep you guys updated!

AGAIN: I am not a personal trainer, I took ideas from different places and threw them together.. It works for me but will it work for someone else? I dont know! So just keep that in mind.

I hope you guys like it and it was helpful! XOXO

Jenna






Monday, August 24, 2015

Insta Q&A!


Hi Guys!!

So I did a Q&A on my Instagram and thought it would be a good idea to take it all and put it in one place so everyone cal access it and read if they want! I've tried to simplify it but just showing what the question and answer was and spacing it by conversation! So I hope that helps and makes it easier to read!

I am going to be doing an updated blog about my current routine and such this week so stay tuned!

XOXO
Jenna

Q&A

Q: Did you ever follow Kaylas help guide or do you just eat clean?
A: I eat intuitively, so neither actually!! I eat when and what my body wants! I try to balance whole foods and "treat" foods 80:20❤️

Q: did u lose weight like so fast?
A: it’s actually been over a year and a half!! I did @kayla_itsines BBG for over a year! And just lifting for about the last month and a half!

Q: What do you think leaned your legs out most? Liss, hiit, or resistance training? I eat a healthy healthy clean diet 80% of the time but I don't see any results in my thighs:( any advice? Also what do you do for liss?
A: I think it was the resistance training and even more so now because of heavy squats! Of course cardio burns fat, I do 15-20 mins about 3x/week! But my legs never leaned out like they did now before I did @kayla_itsines BBG and lifting !

Q: I have been running & lifting regularly for several years now-do you think Kayla Itsines BBG guide would still be effective for me?
A: I really think it would be! It's a different kind of training that works you body in different ways! And it has a lot more cardio content in the resistance training days where as lining doesn't, so I think you would definitely still see results!

Q: How did you learn what weight exercises to do? Do you follow a workout guide/regimen that tells you what to do each day?
A: honestly when it comes to weights I wing it! I do what I feel each day so no I don't follow anything! I get ideas from Instagram from people like @mrswaltman @sarah_bowmar and @bdawnfit ❤️ they always post videos!

Q: What’s a normal day of eating for you?! You look amazing
A: I usually eat lots of protein for breakfast! Protein coffee, with something with with protein like cereal with protein in the milk, proats, or protein pancakes! Then fruits, veggies, yogurt, rice cakes, fiber one cookies throughout the day! I've been having turkey sandwiches with pretzel chips or pasta chips with it, then some kind or carb before my workout, like a waffle with pb or cream cheese, and protein after my workout! Usually @cellucor protein shake or a quest bar! Then dinner with protein like fish, chicken, shrimp, with veggies or in a sale or with rice or whole wheat pasta! Then I have something sweet for dessert, whatever we have there! Right now it's Texas sheet cake and then a bowl of cereal before bed!

Q: I am in college doing BBG and eating healthy is difficult because all the nutrition plans are so time consuming and expensive. Is there a simple day you could tell me about? Also I want to take supplements I just don't know what to take and when to take them so any info on that is great too. Thank you so much. I really do appreciate people like you willing to take the time to clear up fitness questions for us all
A: I actually just posted about a full day of eating above❤️ and what is your goal supplement wise? Fat loss, muscle building, etc?
Q: My main goal is fat loss so any supplement for that would be great. I also lift weights along with BBG just in case that changes what I should be taking
A: I would recommend superhd and or c4 ripped (both have stimulants) and you can stack it with CLK(no stimulants! I will tag you in the posts that I went into detail about them and then you can let me know if you have any questions❤️

Q: How do you split up your workouts? Like certain days for arms/legs/back etc?
Q: What is your workout schedule for the week like? ( such as the BBG w weights and cardio) And do you enjoy treats any time you feel like it vs a cheat meal? And do you incorporate lots of carbs? @jenmariemclean
A: honestly I wing it! I make sure I do legs 2x and arms 2x and fit in a day or abs and full body, but it's not set for specific days! If something comes it I can move it around! I think that's what makes me so much more comfortable, I felt like I couldn't do that with BBG! And yes I try to incorporate treats every day but I do have means that I would consider "treat meals" that I wouldn't eat normally! And yes, more carbs than anything! Bread, cereal, fruits, rice cakes, rice, etc!


Q: Do you drink alcohol? I go back to school in a few days and I normally go out 3-4 days a week. Im not a big drinker/ partier but there's only 4 years of college! Im just wondering if it will make a huge difference in my progress if I drink 1-2 nights a week
A: I have 1-2 drinks maybe 2-3 times a month, I don't enjoy it at all so it's not like I've restricted for dieting reasons, but I would say it depends on how much and what! If your drinking till your drunk each time and drinking beer or liquor with coke or something that's going to be a lot of calories, the avg amount of calories drank when someone gets drunk is around 1200-1500! so I'd say it definitely depends on the amount!

Q: How much do you currently weigh?? @jenmariemclean
A: I'm consistently around 134 right now and I'm 5'6 1/2”❤️

Q: do you think you Will be able to keep up like that forever (with that amount of training)? You seem to balanced it well, you look amazing
A: I really hope so! I know it will change a lot when I get married and have kids and my own house, but it's all about making time, I never have time, especially with school, I make the time! So even though it will get harder, I've seen amazing moms like @mrswaltman and @bottlesandbarbells rock it so I hope I can do as well as they do❤️ thank you doll!

Q: What’s your best tip for losing the last bit of belly fat? I don't have much but I just can't seem to get ride of the last little bit
A: if you want to try some supplements I would definitely recommend @cellucor superhd! It took it to a whole new level for me! That last bit is hard but with super HD and killing your workouts it definitely makes a difference!! I just did a post about a bunch of cellucor products I will tag you in!!

Q: What’s the best advice you have for getting such amazing abs!? (Both diet and exercise tips)
A: thank you doll! but I stay consistent with my workouts and always engage my core no matter what I'm working!! I also saw a huge difference when I upped my protein intake with powder, bars, and meats and fish! I've said before I eat intuitively so I keep 80% of what I eat pretty clean and nutrient dense! It makes a huge difference! But I also eat the "treats" every day to keep my metabolism guessing!!

Q: How often do you grocery shop? And do you do all of your shopping at Target? I just have trouble with money and can't spend a lot. I try to stick to easy recipes with few ingredients ❤
A: probably once every 1 1/2- 2 weeks! And stop here and there for fresh stuff! But good lord no!! I never grocery shop at target! There's little treats here and there I get if I have a few extra dollars, but I do all my shopping at Walmart! I buy cost effective! Frozen chicken, bulk rice, etc! 

Q: Hi! I work out consistently (lifting and cardio) and eat without restrictions, similar to the 80:20 method I'm searching for Supplements to burn fat and weight loss? Thanks in advance :)
A: I would recommend @cellucor superhd and or c4 ripped! I will tag you in the posts that I went into a lot of detail about those two supplements! They are fabulous for fat loss and taking your results to the next level!❤️ lemme know if you have any questions after you read my other posts!

Q: What do u eat for snacks? So like I do breakfast, snack around 11, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, snack. Is that how many meals u do? How many are from a package like a protein bar or something? Also my fitness question other than nutrition one is how do u keep the tiny waist!? My waist has like no fat on it but idk if it's cuz I had kids but it seems thicker like just not so skinny.
A: I honestly don't know how many meals I get! I eat whenever my body feels I need it!! I eat things like fiber one cookies, dried fruit, regular cookies, string cheese, rice cakes, ritz chips as for "packaged" stuff. I eat protein bars after my workout and protein powder throughout the day in my coffee and breakfast and such! If you look a little farther up and described a full day of eating, but I will try to do a food diary soon!! But as for my waist, I do one ab day a day and leg lifts 3-4 days a week, like 3x10! Nothing extreme! Just that and my diet!


Q: Thank you so much @jenmariemclean how much protein from the bars and powder would you suggest taking a day? (I have whey and quest bars) and also I'm currently doing kayla's bbg, do you suggest doing any other ab exercises in addition to those?
A: I would say I get anywhere from 40-60g from powders and bars! And for over a year I did no extra exercises but I do love hanging leg lifts for the lower abs ❤️

Q: What are your favorite healthy food spots in Pittsburgh?
A: I love @saludjuicery, first watch cafe, @herbantouchjuicelab, there's a new salad place called sprouts that makes salads and wraps that's awesome! I know the one I'm thinking of is in beaver pa, but I know there's other ones too!


Q: Hi what supplements would you recommend ?
A: what are your goals? fat loss, muscle building, reduced soreness, etc?
Q: My goal is to get rid of the last bit of belly and build muscle
A: I would recommend the @cellucor corwhey for muscle building as well as its thermogenic properties! And as for fat burners I would say superhd and or c4 ripped, which are both stimulants, and can be stacked with CLK for the non stim!! I'll tag you in posts that I've talking more in depth about these products❤️ and lemme know if you have any questions!!

Q: I have been eating clean and on week 10 of Kaylas guide, i missed week 10abs on friday and have eaten horrible the past 3 days, i feel bloated and fat and dont see my baby abs anymore and feel so unmotivated  im starting week 11 legs tomorrow but idk why i feel so horrible and fat? Is there anytime youve experienced this and how you delt with it? Please i need some help! you are such an inspiration!
A: I've been there! Honestly just get back in to working out and drink lots of water!! It happens when you body isn't used to the food you were eating! It really does happen but the BEST thing you can do is not to dwell on it and get back into the swing of things! You will get back to how you were in no time❤️ I hope that helps doll!!



Saturday, May 2, 2015

Lets Talk Supplements! CELLUCOR!



Hey Guys!

So I didn't really realized how many people are looking to learn more about supplements that are used for working out and getting in shape! I should have realized because I obviously had to learn about them at some point, but I had to research! But I love talking about supplements that I believe in and use myself! Which is the case with Cellucor! I have been using Cellucor products for over a year, and just a few days ago became an affiliate! And received a code for 25% off and free shipping when you go on Cellucor.com and use JENMCLEAN ! YAY! #fangirl! I did want to mention that because I will be the first to say I HATE when people shove products that they don't use, or are just a scam, in peoples faces just because they have to means through by social media! I can go back a year on my instagram and read my post raving about their products.. Don't believe me? Go look ;)

So I am going to explain a little bit about the most popular supplements used in the fitness industry which are also Cellucor's Top Sellers!

C4 Pre- Workout

Cellucor C4 is a powder that is taken 15-30 minutes before your workout. C4 gives you energy, focus, and a nice muscle pump during and after your workout (recommended at least 6 hours before bedtime)! For a lot of people theres also a slight tingling sensation from the beta alanine! This is totally harmless, but BOY does it get your butt up and moving like nothing else!! The main energy boosting ingredient is TeaCor, which among other things contains caffeine to give you that extra boost that helps you get through your workout feeling amazing! (If you guys want to know the exact ingredients in C4 the label is pictured on Cellucor.com) I have been using C4, both generations, for a while and honestly die a little inside without it... Over dramatic? YES, but true! What can I say? I am a full time student and I definitely don't always have the energy I would like to have to power though a workout! I KNOW a lot of you can relate! We are all busy people, so anything that helps me get that fire going is A-okay with me! It also doesn't hurt that the flavors are FANTASTIC!

Super HD Fat Burner




Cellucor Super HD is a fat burner that can be taken in pill form or powder form that each can be taken up to 3 times a day! Once in the morning on an empty stomach, and then again up with up to two servings (once tolerance is assessed) 5-6 hours later in the mid afternoon (recommended at least 8 hours before bedtime)! This fat burner gives you energy, focus, and mood-bosting properties ALONG with promoting fat loss, increasing fat metabolism, suppressing your appetite, and is a powerful Nootropic and stimulant thermogenic! Wow that was a lot! But it really does a lot! Nootropics are what give you that cognitive boost for the focus and "feel-good" aspect of this fat burner, which is awesome because I heard of SO MANY fat burners that make people miserable, and I personally want no parts of that!! Thermogenics are something that mimic the heating of your body during exercise that burns fat!

I personally have been taking this fat burner for over a week now and I really do love it! I see a difference already in my body, as well as my mood! I have energy, I am in a good mood, and I feel ready to take on the day! I want to get up and moving and get shit done! Yes, there are days where I'm just feel like this naturally and I am motivated to get going, but not nearly as much as I have since I started the Super HD! I know some people are going to be like "Yeah okay, you are an affiliate you have to say that" No. I don't. First of all, I wouldn't be an affiliate for a company I didn't FULLY support, and I KNOW how difficult it can be it find a fat burner that doesn't scare you with crazy side effects! Of course there are warning labels that MUST be read on everything.. I am not a doctor, and Cellucor knows what they are taking about, so READ THE WARNING LABLES AND INSTRUCTIONS! That goes for everything I am mentioning! Not because I think these products are dangerous, but because everyone is deferent and you need to be careful with everything you are putting in your body! {I'll remind you guys again later;) }

Alpha Aminos

Cellucor Alpha Aminos, is like Gatorade on steriods... No theres no actual steroids in it, obviously LOL! But, there are awesome ingredients like Chia seed extract, Raw Coconut Extract, and HydroMax! These ingredients help replenish you body's hydration and electrolytes that it loses during exercise, rather than dehydrating you like Gatorade secretly does! These aminos can be drank any time throughout the day, but I've found that they provide the best muscle repair (which helps reduce soreness) when drank during, or right after your workout! Since it helps promote muscle repair, reduces soreness, and prevent breakdown it also helps increase endurance to keep you up to speed and be able to keep excelling in your workouts! Not to mention the flavors in this are AMAZING as well ;)

WHEY


Cellular whey, YASSSS! I can't properly describe the flavors of this protein because they are just THAT good. I swear! Okay, on to what it does! Every scoop of powder has 25g of protein that are packed with digestive enzymes and low fat and carbs so you get what you need to refuel after your workout without all the added marcos! (No I don't count them but I know a lot of people do!) MY favorite part of this protein is all the different things you can do with it! Shakes and brownies and cakes OH MY! There will be some recipes coming soon since I just stocked up! :) Another big thing for me is that when you mix it, IT DOES NOT CLUMP! If any of you have had a protein that clumps and got a big one in a gulp of your protein shake, you know my pain! Not with Cellucor though! And like I said, THE FLAVORS. S'mores, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Cookie Dough, Cookies n' Creme... Just to mention a few ;) And ladies, this protein is not going to make you swell, or retain water, or bulk you up like some lower quality proteins can, WIN!

I'm excited about all this stuff just talking about it! Cellucor really just has amazing products that are fantastic quality! And with a 25% off discount and free shipping (just make a free profile;)) with my code : JENMCLEAN the prices are seriously awesome! Just click HERE to go to their page and check it out!!

Also guys, if you want to try the protein and aren't ready to commit to large packages, they come 4 serving bags, that way you can try multiple flavors as well, OH YES!


As I mentioned above, ALL of this products contain warning labels and instructions/servings. READ THEM! No, they aren't dangerous products but you want to know what you are putting in your body and what you need to be careful of if you have any kind of health issues or are taking any medications! Or just to inform yourself! I read everything! I take care of my body so I want to know what I am putting in it and know any and all instructions and warnings because I would rather be informed and safe than sorry! Cellucor KNOWS their stuff so take advantage of all the information they provide on ALL of their products! 

I really hope this helps guys! 
Let me know if you have any other questions or products you would like to know about!

Thanks loves!
XOXO 
Jenna
@jenmariemclean


Sunday, February 15, 2015

Workout & Cardio Schedule, Staying Healthy in school, & balancing school and working out!

Hi everyone!

My blog has been neglected since starting nursing school! *tear* But it has been crazy busy, and hard to keep up with just my school stuff, along with Ig and my blog.. I've noticed and I know other people have noticed too since my followers have been dropping like flys lol! But thats perfectly fine, I've done it before too, I love being able to reach so many people through IG, but I don't get upset (anymore) when i loose followers, it happens:) But I hope you guys do understand life is just hectic right now!

Anyway! I have a lot I want to talk about so here it goes!

~My Workout and Cardio Schedule~

As you guys know I do Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide and Tone it up! I've posted a couple times about how I merge them together but below is how I do it!

I write down the whole TIU schedule, and then I rearrange the days based on the muscle groups so the match with the BBG muscle groups! And then I try to make the days with the most cardio on Tuesday and Thursday! With that being said I probably go do cardio at the gym 2 times a week, sometimes 1 time or even none, but lately I have been trying for 2! I just started a month or so ago going to the gym for cardio, prior to that I haven't stepped foot in a gym since May 2014. I didn't need to, and i still don't, but I've been really enjoying the treadmill and my cardio days! (who would have  thought?!) So I circuit train with BBG 3 days a week, as you can see above, and add in the TIU training on the other days, which is a little more mild. You can sign up for TIU online and get the app for FREE! I personally love it and the community!

~Staying Healthy in School!~

Sure I can write down my workouts as much as I want, but I won't be able to do it if  I'm not feeling healthy and in tip top shape! I fuel my body with health foods, take vitamins and make sure I'm constantly washing my hands!

I take a lunch to school every day. Some days its just snacks (on my shorter days) or some days I bring a full meal. My Isolator Fitness lunch box has made this 1000% easier! (p.s. I got it as a gift, not for free, and I don't endorse them, just love the product!) 

Heres an example of my "snack" days... Larger than most peoples LOL! My friends at school bring a bag of pretzels and an orange, and I'm over here with a stuffed lunch box! I did a full day food diary a week or so ago from a day off school, but here is what I have for a day at school. (I'm going to do a food diary for a day of school soon as well!) Here I have my chocolate chip cookie OOIAJ from Chocolate Covered Kaite's Blog (i've posted about it before on my IG, its amazing!) for breakfast along with a banana! I also have a full bag of grapes, some blackberries, a serving of ritz toasted chips, a caramel rice cake, and 1 TBSP of Barney Butter vanilla espresso almond butter, LOVE! I also have a Nalgene full of water that I refill at least once ( so about a half gallon) and a cup of coffee, well cause you don't get through nursing school without it ;)
This keeps me full and satisfied until I get home around 1pm, where I'll usually have 1oz of turkey jerky and my pre-workout before my workout then a meal right after.

On top of fueling my body with foods packed with vitamins and minerals, Ill drink some kombucha here and there, a smoothie with vitamin C, and I take Emergen-C and/or airborne! I know some people don't like it, but I do, and being in a hospital, it ABSOLUTELY has saved me so far.
I deifninely recommend it, just be careful how much you take, because it could cause kidney stones!

~Balancing Working Out and (nursing) School~

So this is the issue I see A LOT from so many people, is that the have a hard time balancing school and working out. YES, it is hard, NO I do not have time to workout. I MAKE TIME. I know you have all hear that before but it is real. There is not one single day where I have extra time and figure "hey i guess ill get a workout in" No, I plan it out. I love my planner and it legit saves my life. Thats where I keep my workout schedule I posted above, alone with my weekly planner that I write down my day to day and school things, along with my "To Do" lists. I am actually getting another planner to write out my school assignments in more detail (judge me)! No, you don't need an expensive planner to do this stuff, there are so many cheap, cute options at Wal-mart and Target.

Heres a little idea of what I will put in my weekly view, and I add to it as I go or ass needed. This is bare compared to this past week! It really does keep me sane. I am so forgetful lately because I have so much going on, so if I don't put it down as soon as I think of it, it's gone forever into a little black hole in my head and doesn't pop up until its too late! I know someone has to be able to relate to that!

At the end of the day its all about time management. This might be a little OCD, but for the time I wake up I think about everything from hour to hour to figure out what I need to do and what all i will have time to do. This means, if I need to study and have to cut out a workout it is OKAY! I do it often! I have to prioritize! No, I don't like to miss a workout cause its something I enjoy and it relaxes me, but when it happens it will not end the world. I don't gain weight, I don't loose all my progress, I just move on to the next day and go about it as I normally would. I don't kill myself the next day to try to "make up" for missing it the day before. Life is about balance. In all aspects. 

I really hope this helps you guys! I want to share what works for me because there are many times where I figure it out eventually and I wish someone would have shared their experiences or tips. Let me know if you all have any questions!

Love you all! Have a FABULOUS week!
XOXO
Jenna



Saturday, January 3, 2015

My 2015 goals!

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe holidays and new year! This is the time that people set goals for them selves to accomplish throughout the year. These goals could be really big or quite small, but either way they are goals, and none should be put down for any kind of bettering of them selves. I personally hate how people make the joke about the gyms being full after New Years. I don't care if those people go for 3 days after new years or 3 years, the point is that they are trying to better themselves so who is anyone else to judge, right?!

I love hearing other peoples goals and what they want to accomplish for the year ahead, it makes me that much more excited to strive for what I want and watch other people so the same!

So, I figured I'd share with you guys some of my goals. I have fitness and non-fitness goals that I would like to complete this year. Of course I may not complete them all but I am okay with that! I like holding myself accountable by sharing my goals, it motivates me more!

My Fitness Goals:
  1. Practice Yoga at least 2 times a week
  2. Meal prep Sunday/Monday for the week ahead
  3. MAKE the time to work out, because I know I will not just have the time.
  4. Practice balance. Balance in my workouts, eating habits, and other aspects of my life as they all work together.
  5. Make an e-book. {Healthy recipes,workouts, etc.}
My Life Goals:
  1. Maintain a 3.5 GPA in Nursing School
  2. Spend money only on necessities
  3. Study the Bible
  4. Rid my life of "Negativity" {people, things, situations} that don't better my life or me as a person.
  5. Give it to God. When things are out of my control and there is nothing else I can do, give it to God and trust that he will take me where  I need to be.
So far these are my goals. Some people may think they are silly, but to be honest I don't really care. I've learned not to care so much about what other people think of me because as Dr. Seuss once said, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

I would LOVE to hear all of your goals for the new year! So if you would like to share them you can comment on here or instagram me @jenmariemclean or even DM me on there if you are most comfortable with that!

Love you all!
xoxo 
Jenna




Friday, December 19, 2014

The Truth { "Fitspo" , My eating backgroud, and recent decisions}

Hi Everyone!

So this post is going to be a little different. I want to show people how the pictures people involved in fitness look the way they do ON PURPOSE. Also, some background into my struggles with eating habits  and the decisions I've made to make sure I stay on track:)

Okay so "fitspo"... I HATE this word. I get it, its for inspiration to be fit, but its turned into something that really isn't inspiring. This is the case because, even if someone doesn't call themselves a "fitspo" other people do, and it becomes this weird situation where people believe that this look this particular person has is the ideal, that its what everyone should strive for... It needs to stop. People should be striving to become the best versions on THEMSELVES, not look like someone else.

Of course you have you people that do believe they are this "fitspo" title, which is fine, it awesome to have confidence in yourself.. but it is so important to stress that it isnt some kind of "perfection" everyone needs to try to achieve, or feel bad about not looking just like that. Every single persons' body is different. I'm not ever gonna look like Iza Goulart or Kayla itsines, who I believe both have beautiful bodies, but what I can look like it the best version of myself. This is what people need to remember when they think things like "my abs don't look like that" or "my quads dont look like that" because they never will. You are not that person. YOU ARE YOU. Love the body you have, its the only one you get.. And if you love it it will love you back.

Fitness accounts post pictures that show the best angle of themselves. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. How many selfies does someone take before they fine one they like? Most people are not going to post pictures of themselves they do not like. But I want to show you guys that the pictures you see are not how I, or anyone else, just walks around.



The left picture is me, post workout, pre meal. I'm more defined because I just worked out and my stomach wasn't full of food and water yet... It the ideal time to see the most muscle definition. AKA "morning abs".. this is what people often see on any fitness account... THE RIGHT.. is me, full of water.. and food.. and protein bars... and snicker doodles ;) Regardless of the cookies, this is honestly how I look 99% of the time. I'm not flexing or anything its just relaxed. which is how someones body is most of the day. It is normal to not be defined every moment of every day.. id be worried if i was.. But thats what I want people to realize. If the constant flexed, defined look is what you are looking for, its not realistic. It healthy to have a 5 month old food baby at the end of the day (or noon usually)! BTW.. neither of these are filtered.. my iPhones' lighting is being really wonky lately and idk why!

With all that being said, there was a time where I didn't love my body.. sometimes I still struggles with it, lets be honest. so i developed bad habits that I denied. It also just so happens, its usually around this time of year when it gets the worst. this time for the last 2-3 years I was being extremely unhealthy to my body. I wasn't eating, I wasn't exercising, and I wasn't listening to the people around me that were concerned.
Above on the left is a picture of me from right after christmas last year... I remember taking it and thinking " oh my god my legs look huge".. I was clearly sick. A friend commented on this picture and said " you're so tiny", I was ecstatic, thats exactly what I wanted.. Another Friend texted me about an hour after I posted it and asked if I was okay, I remember being so confused.. Of course, Why wouldn't I be? She said I looked like I was loosing too much weight and it was starting to be unhealthy. I of course refused and told her it was just the angle, and I was eating like I always had. Thinking back now.. I really wasn't. I wouldn't eat all day until I was going out to dinner with someone else, because then I couldn't not eat or they would know. When I think about it part of me still thinks I really wasn't meaning to do it. It was a busy time of year and I always had plans so I would forget to eat.. But it obviously wasn't just that.

The same this happened in the right picture, which was 2 Christmases ago.. Its hard to see in this picture... but this is all I had for this time period. I was wearing a cotton dress that was supposed to be tight to your body, in an xs and it was baggy.. if that gives you any idea. Again, my family and friends were concerned, and I AGAIN waved it off and said they were ridiculous.. When I really realized what I was doing to my body was when I returned back to college after break and my friends stopped dead in their tracks when they saw me. I asked them what was wrong and they said I looked sick, the ribs in my chest were sticking out and visible, my legs were lost in my once tight leggings, and my face was sunken in. My period was gone for 3 months.. TMI? maybe but its the truth. 

Both times I finally opened my eyes and realized what I was doing, but it was still a cycle. Which brings us to this year. I'm healthier than I have ever been, I have confidence, I am actually physically strong, as well as mentally. So this year I'm making it my goal to GAIN rather than loose. And I am so happy with that. Im not just going full out gain train here. I'd like to maintain some leanness, for my mental sake.. but I want my legs to grow and my arms to grow and become stronger! I couldn't have gotten to where I am now without my loving and supportive family, friends, and boyfriend.. and of course all the wonderful, kind people I've met through social media [ it isn't alllll bad;)} I did want to mention two accounts on IG that really helped my with the mental aspect of seeing the scale go up and being okay with gaining. These two are Ilyssa (IG: @ohilyssa) and Em Hogan (IG: @miss_eatz_alot) These two girls are so down to earth and real about every aspect of recovering from a restrictive, unhealthy relationship with food, as well as loving your body through gaining and changing. If you dont follow them already, go check them out:)

Gosh this was long... Thanks for sticking around if you have! I just wanted to share this in hopes that if someone can relate it can help them find a healthy balance or just know they aren't alone:)

Love you all!
xoxo
Jenna