I don't feel my age

Today is my birthday! I woke up at 5:00 a.m, did my P90X workout, had my oatmeal and a whey protein smoothie. Then I had my Shakeology for lunch (after a healthy snack of course). Woo hoo! Way to party like a rock star on your birthday, right? Trust me, I wouldn;t have had it any other way!

Even though I'm another year older, I really don't feel it. Mentally, I know I'm slightly immature (lol), but I'm talking physically.  My body feels as though I'm in my 20s. I actually feel better than when I was in my 20s.  In my 20s I was super skinny. I weighed in at 102-105 pounds, which at 5'4.5" is very thin.  I'm 20 lbs more than that now, but with exercise and eating right, its all in the right places.

I'm also more flexible than what I was in my 20s. I do a lot more flexibility exercies than what I did back then. I'm stronger and feel more balanced.

I used to smoke, drink more (alcohol) and would stay up until 3:00 a.m. most nights, and wake up around 9:00 a.m..  I ate what I wanted, but only ate about 2 meals per day and maybe a snack. So while I was super skinny, I wasn't super healthy.  I remember always having headaches and not sleeping great.  It was a "fun" life, but not a very healthy one.

Flash forward to present day - while I don't fit in a size 0 jeans anymore, or I'm not partying like a rock star, I feel so much healthier than I ever did.  I feel like I should be in my 20s again!

My drinks of choice are now water, green tea and Shakeology.  I eat 5-6 small meals per day, I exercise everyday with programs like P90X, Insanity and Brazil Butt Lift.  I make sure I get 7-8 hours of sleep everynight (although sometimes interrupted by a small child). So I instead of leading the rock star life style I once led, I'm leading the healthy lifestyle. And I'm much happier for it!

If you're ready to lead a healthier life, now's the time to do it. Its never too late or too early.  As a Team Beachbody Coach, I can help you set up healthy goals.  Now is the right time.

I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com

A day in the life of my eating plan

Everyday someone wants me to make up a meal plan for them.  I used to do this for my personal clients for free. But honestly I stopped because it was time consuming and I wasn't getting paid for it. 

Don't get me wrong, I do love to offer free help and advice, but sometimes you have to put limits on what you do for free and what is a service that should be paid for.  Since I'm not a registered nutritionist, I feel funny charging people for meal plans that I do create. So that's why I stopped.  When I became a Team Beachbody Coach I found a great alternative and problem solver is the Team Beachbody Custom Meal Plan Wizard that comes with the upgraded Club membership.

What I've also found to be a great tool for planning my meals is the nutrition guide books that come with almost every Beachbody workout program.  P90X, Insanity and Brazil Butt Lift are the 3 programs in my library. Each one of those came with a nutrition plan that's easy to follow and if you like to cook, you can totally modify the recipes to suit your taste buds.

So here is a sample day for me from yesterday.  I'm in Phase 1 of the P90X Nutrition Plan.  Phase 1 is a lower carb phase, meaning 50% protein, 30% carbs and 30% fat.  I'm taking in about 1800-2000 calories per day, eating 5-6 small meals.  These meals are inspired by or taken from the P90X Nutrition Guide.

Post workout snack

small recovery drink and a cup of non-fat yogurt

Breakfast

Spinach & mushroom omelet with 8 oz milk, 1/2 a grapefruit and a cup of green tea

Snack

P90X Peak Performance Bar (wildberry yogurt)

Lunch

Grilled chicken over baby spinach with tomatoes, celery, baby carrots, avocado and balsamic/rice vinegar. And 1 TBS of vanilla whey protein powder mixed with water.

Snack

Chocolate Shakeolgy mixed with 4 oz chilled coffee, 4 oz milk and 4 oz water, and a dash of cinnamon

Dinner

Roasted chicken breast with oven roasted veggies, spinach salad and one slice of whole wheat bread.

If you're really serious about changing your ways in order to lose weight, burn fat and gain muscle, or just feel better, you need to get serious about your eating habits too.  But getting serious doesn't mean it doesn't taste good or your starving yourself.  As you can see I had a lot of food yesterday.  My big treat was my Shakeology:)

For those of you who think its too expensive to buy a workout system like P90X or do the Custom Meal Plan Wizard, I say divide the cost by number of days in a month.  For instance the Meal Plan Wizard comes out to about 50 cents per day.  Considering what kind of junk we buy through out the day that costs more than that, I think the Custom Meal Plan Wizard is a bargain.

I'd love to hear from you.  Please feel free to leave a comment below or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com

A girl can change her mind, right?

Okay, I know my original plan was to do 4 more weeks of Brazil Butt Lift, trust me I loved the results (click here to read about them and see pictures).  But I had this overwhelming desire to do another round of P90X (this is round 3 for me).  It was like this nagging voice in my head kept saying "go back to Tony..."

I guess we sometimes return to our first love.  And I do love P90X! I loved Brazil Butt Lift too, and I liked (not loved) Insanity, but there's just something that really draws me to P90X. 

Maybe its the fact that I can eat around 1800-2000 calories while doing P90X.  I do love to eat!!!  And that's one of the reasons I exercise as much as I do.  I'm not a kid anymore where I can eat all I want and not gain weight like I used to.  Now it has consequences.

So this morning I popped in my Chest & Back dvd and did my push ups and pull ups (I'm going to be sore as heck tomorrow) and then I did my Ab Ripper X. And it was like being with old friends :-)

Well, I'll keep you posted on this journey too. I hope it inspires you to get up and get moving. 

I'd love to hear from you, feel free to leave a comment below.  Or you can send me an email to fitwithjessica@live.com

As a Team Beachbody Coach, I can help you achieve your health and fitness goals.  Why not sign up for a free account by clicking here.

Woo hoo! Brazil Butt Lift end of week 4 results!

Okay, this was my last week of round one with Brazil Butt Lift.  After 4 weeks of working the bum bum (pronounced boom boom,and Brazilian for booty), tucking the tummy, sculpting the body I'm quite pleased with the results.

I know my results would have been a lot better if I didn't start Brazil Butt Lift during the holiday season.  I'll admit that I indulged in some holiday goodies.  So I'm going to do another round, but this time really behave.

Here were my measurements on Day 1/Week 1:


Waist 28.5"
Hips 36"
Thigh 20.5" each

And here are my measurements on Day 6/Week 4:

Waist 26.5"
Hips 35"
Thigh 19.5" each

I lost a total of 2 inches off my waist, 1 inch off my hips and 1 inch off each thigh.

Even though my nutrition wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst either, so that helped.  Shakeology played a big part in me not totally blowing it with my nutrition. 

I made sure I pushed play every day I was scheduled to workout, even Christmas Day.  If you want results you need to commit yourself to sticking with a plan. And a structured plan works the best.  Trust me I know.

If you would like more information on Brazil Butt Lift or any of the other Beachbody workouts email me at fitwithjessica@live.com.

I'd love to hear from you, feel free to leave a comment below.

Things that made my life better in 2010

I wanted to share some of the things that made 2010 a little better than 2009.  I plan on using all of them in 2011 too.  Some of them are fitness, others are nutrition, some beauty/health, and others are just stuff to help you get things done or get better organized.  So here is my list in no particular order:

• P90X - this really changed my life in 2010.  I was starting to pack on some pounds, the long winter also made me feel really down. P90X helped me get back into exercising in an organized way.  Before that I would just teach my classes here and there, or just do what I felt like.  But having an organized approach really makes all the difference.  Plus there is also an great nutrition guide to help you get that part organized too.  Its like getting a personal trainer and nutritionist for $119.
• Fly lady - Okay, this is like having a coach to help you get your home clean and organized.  You get emails everyday (I warn you a lot), and you are given assignments/missions to complete. The whole concept is to not spend a lot of time being a perfectionist.  Just set your timer for 15 min and FLY!! Its really helped me get the clutter under control and have a house that's ready for visitors anytime.
• Team Beachbody - whether you decide to join for free, as a club member or a coach, you get online tools to track your workouts, you get an online coach to help you reach your fitness goals, and you also make a lot of new like-minded friends who want to see you succeed.  I've made a lot of new, cool friends, have helped a lot of cool people, and have also built a nice online business doing something that I'm really passionate about.  And I don't have to hire a sitter to watch my kids.  What's better than that?
• Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm - I love this stuff.  I don't wear a lot of makeup, but this is a must for me.  Smells nice, gives a slight hint of color and helps keep my lips soft.
• Avon's Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover - You really need to email my friend Cheryl Ann and order this.  Its awesome stuff.  Super gentle, takes off all mascara, even water-proof.  It won't cause eyelash breakage either.  Good stuff.  Her email is cagavon@hotmail.com.
• Shark Steam Mop - I totally love my Shark.  It makes mopping floors super fast and super easy.  Nuff said.
• Brazil Butt Lift - I started this almost 4 weeks ago, and I just love the results I'm getting from it.  Its a fun workout that will tone and strengthen your whole body, with emphasis on your bum bum (pronounced boom boom).  Plus the nutrition guide that comes with it has some yummy, easy recipes:)
• Using a meal plan - If you don't use a meal plan, you really need to start.  I scoffed at the idea in 2009, but now I love it.  I use the Beachbody Custom Meal Planner as well as the nutrition guides that come with P90X, Insanity and Brazil Butt Lift.  You can make your own meal planner, but if you need healthy ideas, I suggest check out the Beachbody one. Meal planning helps you save money, have less food waste, and takes the stress out of what you will have for dinner.  My kids love knowing in advance what I'm making.  And I have them help me pick the meals for the week.
• Shakeology - This stuff is great! Its all natural and so yummy.  I was very skeptical about trying it, but I'm hooked (so is my husband).  I use this mostly as lunch.  I don't have time to prepare lunch some days, and I don't want to grab a frozen dinner, or fast food lunch.  Shakeology is less expensive than a Starbuck's coffee and has all the nutrition you need.  Its rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and flavor.  I even brought it with me on vacation.  You really need to try the chocolate.
• Online grocery shopping - I actually started using this in 2007, but continue to use it.  If your grocer offers online shopping, you really need to take advantage of it.  You save time, money and aggravation.  I love it. I place my order online and pick it up later.  Very simple.

Well, there you have my list of things that made my life a little better in 2010.  As I find new things that help me out, I will share them with you.

I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment here or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com

Brazil Butt Lift beginning of week 3 results

Okay, I was a little afraid to take my measurements this morning. I wasn't on my best behavior with eating last week and over the weekend with Christmas.  I made cookies, and of course you can't make them without having one, two or a few. Then I made ravioli, had Chinese food, had a big Christmas breakfast, the list goes on.

One thing I made sure of though, was not missing a Brazil Butt Lift workout.  If I know I'm going to be eating worse than usual, I make sure I stick to my workout schedule.  Some people get so upset if they go overboard that they just throw in the towel and give up.  You can't do that!! You need to get over it and move forward. 

So here are my results with Brazil Butt Lift, so far:

Here were my measurements on Day 1/Week 1:


Waist 28.5"
Hips 36"
Thigh 20.5"

Here are my measurements on Day 6/Ending week1
Waist 27.5"
Hips 35.5"
Thigh 20"

And here are my results from today beginning Week3

Waist 27" (down another .5")
Hips 35" (down another .5")
Thigh 20" (unchanged)

I'm pretty impressed with the results so far!  Even after all of the cookies and extra snacks, I still managed to make progress:)

I'm a Team Beachbody Coach and former fitness/Pilates instructor.  But this doesn't make working out any easier for me. I know how hard it can be to find time to exercise or eat right,or just get started.  If you need someone in your corner to help cheer you on, let me help you by clicking here for free coaching and support.

I'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email to fitwithjessica@live.com

6 Days with Brazil Butt Lift and my results so far:)

Okay, I am totally stoked about my results so far with Brazil Butt Lift.

Here were my measurements on Day 1:

Waist 28.5"
Hips 36"
Thigh 20.5"

Here are my measurements on Day 6 (I thought I only lost 1/2 an inch in my waist, but when I looked at my Day 1 measurements it was a different story):

Waist 27.5"
Hips 35.5"
Thigh 20"

I got these results with my normal eating and even a few indulgences that week.  I can't wait to see what the next 3 weeks bring!

If you want more info on Brazil Butt Lift or any other Beachbody program, send me an email to fitwithjessica@live.com or checkout my retail site http://beachbodycoach.com/fitwithjessica

I'd love to hear from you, feel free to comment below:)

Tis the season for a better booty - fa la la la la...

Yep, you heard me! Tis the season for a better booty. And while we're at it, better legs, abs and arms too.  I started Brazil Butt Lift this week,and let me tell you I was quite surprised!  I thought this was going to be an easy workout, but its TOUGH!

Yes, its really fun and the titles of the workouts are pretty funny (Bum Bum, High and Tight, Bum Bum Rapido...), but don't let that fool you. 

What I like about Brazil Butt Lift is that it combines dance, Pilates, and sculpting (resistance training).  The dance moves remind me of my dancing days.  Lots of hip action which totally works your abs without you knowing it. I also like the fact that modifications are included for those who need them.  And instead of labeling it beginner, advanced, etc.., its labeled level 1, level 2 and level 3.  I remember when I was getting my Pilates certification, the instructor stressed the importance of not saying "beginner." Nobody wants to admit they are a "beginner" and most people will skip to the advanced exercises before they're ready so they're not labelled a "beginner."

When you order the workout, you get everything you need to start.  You get a nutrition guide, plus a 6-Day Supermodel Slim Down (warning very low cal, but only for 6 days and optional), tape measure, workouts, booty band and the pencil for the pencil test.  Yes, the pencil test is something you need to experience yourself.

I'm hoping by January 8th I will see some changes in the measurements I took this week.  I will post those later.

So here's to a better booty and total body for the New Year. 

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment below or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com

I just want a big, juicy cheeseburger!

I know it sounds awful for me to say this, but all I really want is a big, fat, juicy cheeseburger right now.  My favorite place to get one is PJ Whelihan's Pub.  The Black Jack Burger! So why am I craving something that's really not that good for you?  I've had a stupid stomach bug that's been possessing my body since Thursday night/early Friday morning. 

So its been almost 6 days with nothing but tea, toast, bananas, chicken broth, crackers... I've lost about 4 lbs, but it sucks losing it this way.

I've been in a constant state of nausea and other complications.  It sort of reminds me of the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.  Nothing appeals to you, except...

With all 4 of my pregnancies, I had really bad morning sickness.  Tired and nauseous all the time.  I can only remember one pregnancy where the thought of a salad or fruit was the only thing appealing.  My other 3 pregnancies, in the early weeks, all that I could see myself eating (without feeling sick) was bad stuff.  Pizza, cheeseburgers, calzones. Anything with melted cheese and my body (and baby) wanted it. Luckily that only lasted the first 13 weeks, and I did practice lots self-control, otherwise I would have gained mucho pounds. And it was a good thing I worked out with all my pregnancies.

Well, as soon as I'm feeling 100% I'm going out with my husband (and kids too) and get that cheeseburger. Then the very next day it will be back to clean eating and working out with Brazil Butt Lift:)

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment here, or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com

And my new work out will be...

I'm super excited!! I'm ordering Brazil Butt Lift today! After completing two rounds of P90X, trying Insanity on two different occasions, I decided to go a different route and try something different.

P90X and Insanity are very intense training programs.  I'm not saying BBL will not be effective, but I want to try something fun that will keep my whole body toned, but also work a little more on the lower body. 

Here's my secret. I've always been pretty happy with my legs and booty. But I want to make sure it all stays the way I like it.  As we age, and if we don't work at it, gravity will take its toll on the booty, and muscle will decrease.  This results in a flat, droopy appearance.  I don't want that! Neither does my husband!!!

So in about a week's time, I'll be able to share my excitement about another cool Beachbody workout!

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment below or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com

40% of surveyed men prefer the booty

So while I'm at the dentist last night, I picked up the June 2010 issue of Shape magazine.  Inside there was a short article on what men have to say about women's bodies and what they love.  Men's Health magazine had polled 5000 men. 

What jumped out at me was that 40% of all men thought a woman's booty was the sexiest part of her body.  This beat out all the other body parts.  And although legs didn't come close, most men prefer a woman wearing a mini-skirt.

So that immediately got me thinking about Brazil Butt Lift.  This is one of the newer Beachbody workouts that has been really gaining popularity.  Now I see why!  Not only does Brazil Butt Lift focus on the booty or the "bum bum" as its called during the workout, but you get a workout system that works your whole body, upper, lower and abdominals.  Plus you get the nutrition guide with it that will really help speed results and get you looking bootylicious in "Bum Bum Rapido" time.

Well, not only will Brazil Butt Lift help, but other workouts that target your legs and glute area will too.  All of the Beachbody workouts can help reshape that area, but Brazil Butt Lift is the one to turn to for fast results.

And doing other things like walking on a steep incline will help.  Yoga, walking lunges, squats will also get your booty looking uplifted.

If you need help with your bum bum, or just want to look great all over, email me at wattersjes@msn.com

Oh yeah, and guys, don't forget that as you age, men lose muscle tone in their rear area too.  Giving the pancake butt look. So, you may also want to try lunges, squats, and walking up hill too.

Featured Coach - Jenny Bradshaw, Booty Shaping Expert

If you're looking for an expert on how to reshape and lift your booty, Jenny Bradshaw is the Coach you need. 

Jenny has her own blog that features tips and videos on butt exercises, http://buttexercisesblog.com/.

Jenny is a mother of 4, and loves fitness. She is doing P90X and Brazil Butt Lift. She became a Coach because she saw results and felt a great deal of motivation from Team Beachbody. Jenny was so grateful for that and wanted to give back by helping others reach their goals

If you would like to have Jenny as your coach, you can click here.  Or if you would like to ask Jenny a question you can email her at jbshaw595@hotmail.com.

Bum Bum Rapido!!!

Okay, you gotta love a workout system that has a workout titled BUM BUM RAPIDO.  It just sounds fun!  Brazil Butt Lift promises to give you the lift you need in the "bum bum" area.  But not only that, there are workouts that are designed to tone your whole body, not just the "bum bum."  And you get a nutrition guide to help you get slim and sexy fast, plus you get free coaching.  Its like getting a personal trainer and nutritionist for less than the price of one session with each of them.

All of the Team Beachbody workout systems will provide the workouts that you need to tone and strengthen your whole body as well as focus on special areas of concern. And all of them come with free coaching and nutrition plans to help you reach your goals .

So that should be enough incentive to get off your "bum bum" and do something healthy!