Jesus, Hikes, and Sunrises!!

This morning I had the pleasure of hiking Cowel's Mountain with my sweet friend Malia. It was soo nice having the morning off and she didn't have to be at work till 10 so we made an early date out of it. The last time I did this hike was back in June and couldn't , make it to the top and had to keep stopping to rest. I am very to be able to say that this time I didn't have to stop once and I wasn't even out of breath or in pain when I got to the top. Thank the Lord!!! I know it sounds ridiculous but it is a big accomplishment for me!
The view was sooo clear and we could be all the way to the coast. Watching the sun rise on one side of the mountain while the moon began to set on the other side was magnificent!! I havn't up before the sun in quite some time so it was a nice treat to be able to experience some of God's great creation. As it is Hump Day this hike was a nice way to switch up my workout regiment and do something aliitle different. I also always enjoy the precious moments I get to spend with Mia, she is such a blessing. A woman of God who is overflowing with the Spirit and who has sooo many things in common with myself. She constantly encourages, uplifts and points me to Christ noo matter what! Love her!!

Personal Fitness Update

Since changing the title, theme and direction of this blog, I thought it was a good idea for myself and followers to take a trip down memory lane. Looking at where I started and where I am now. At the end of March I experienced a relationship breakup that played a huge toll on my body, physically, spiritually, and mentally, more then I realized at the time. I learned just how much of an emotional eater I am, as well as how much I didn't understand health and fitness, or the what it means to take care of yourself. A month later at the end of May I turned 21 and was introduced to the world of alcohol, (not at all to the point of drunkedness or even a slight bit tipsy!!!!!) I definitely found myself enjoying a few to many  99 cent tacos, 3 dollar margaritas , and bottomless chips and salsas with family and friends at least once or twice a week. Little did I realize that alcohol has so many calories, and the things I was ordering had tons of sugar diluting the strong taste. BAD, BAD, BAD!!!! 

The mix between stress, lack of exercise, eating whenever and whatever I wanted, poor sleeping habits, and emotional roller coasters I began to pack on the pounds. I came to the point where the only thing fitting was yoga pants and cotton dresses. I was so disappointed and down, I told myself something had to change immediately. So in September of 2012 sitting down for a cup of coffee with Mariah Barnhart (my angel in disguise :)), I was challanged to take control of my health and fitness routine. Not just to go on a diet and exercise for a few months but to really change my entire life, for the rest of my life. With her help and encouragement I have come so far and accomplished more then I ever thought I was capable of. My entire outlook on life and the way I view others has completely changed for the better. I now consider myself a nutrition/ fitness advocate. I aspire to take courses and get certified in nutrition and fitness so that I can help others make the positive changes needed in their lives. 

The first day I weighed in at a sad 188lbs!!!! I weighed in today marking 6 months of living this lifestyle and I was proud to read a healthier weight of 158!!!! I almost fell over, I never thought it was possible, 30 POUNDS!!!! I mean I knew I could do it but I just always thought it would take years not months! I have never felt better in my whole life, stress levels have gone down, I have so much more energy, I sleep better, and most of all my clothes fit big!!! I can confidently say that if I did it so can anyone else, mind over matter. I am not saying waking up every day to go to the gym at 6Am is easy but you have to really want it. I am not saying cutting out breads, and sweets, and your favorite fast food joints is easy but once you do it slowly becomes a habit and those cravings go away. One day at a time, slow and steady wins the race. 

Hope this has been encouraging, and helpful in showing you that you CAN DO IT!!! Please feel free to ask any questions about cleaning eating, vitamins, supplements, and or gym training. I am so passionate about this area of life and its my pleasure to do anything I can to help others. 

If There's a Will There's a Way

When it comes to fitness, clean eating, travel and vacations I know the mindset that most have. I can say that because it used to be my own way of thinking. Whenever I heard the word vacation or traveling somewhere what automatically would go through my mind was , "ohh I can eat whatever I want and I will have no way to exercise". Do you know what I am talking about? 

It is so important to not neglect your body just because you are away from the comforts and routine of home. Just like you have schedule and plan out meals and workouts at home it is the same for when you are on the road. While it takes will power and self control to say no to eating certain foods, it is also so rewarding and your body will thank you when you do. 

Ok lets talk about eating habits on the road first. Now a days no  matter where you travel normal grocery stores are beginning to offer healthy and clean options. This makes it easier for you when you looking to keep eating clean when you are traveling. It used to be you could only get organic non processed forms of food at stores like Trader Joes and Whole Foods but this is not so anymore. The key to your healthy eating on the road is to set a side time to prepare your meals and pack them in the most convenient way for you. I try and eat every three hours so the temptation of grabbing all the junk out there doesn't get a chance to exist. For me I always make sure to have granola bars, trail nut mixes, protein powder, or some fruits (apples, bananas, oranges) with me at all times. This will save you time, money, as well as the temptation to just buy whatever is in sight that may sound good. 

Next order of business is fitness. The key to keeping on track is to plan to exercise on your trip. Evaluate your itinerary and schedule some time to work out, doing both cardio work and resistance training. Of course, you might not be able to mimic your at-home workouts exactly, but you don't need to abandon your program altogether. "Be nonjudgmental of yourself if you aren't able to do everything you regularly do," advises fitness personality Minna Lessig. "Take on a `go with the flow' attitude and get in what exercise you can that both time and equipment permit." Hotels have become so high end now a days, almost every hotels now a days have indoor gyms and pools. No matter what the weather is outside you can take time out of your day to get a good workout. Even better the gyms are usually open 24 hours! When I am planning a trip another great tip is to research the area you will be spending most of your time in. Book reservations at a hotel that allows you to be active, close enough to walk to your various destinations and or public transportation. This will allow you to remain active, walking everywhere you need to go! 

The first thing to pack this trip was my Sprouts shaker bottle and Body By Vi Protein Powder. No matter where you go you can always find water and with a mix that tastes like liquid cake you don't need to add anything else to it.

The Virgin Diet

I have truly come to believe that more then exercise we are what we eat, and what we eat has such a huge effect on how our body reacts, and how it feels! Just a year or so ago i would have been the last person to give up, or go without any kind of food. For one I just love food, cooking and eating it soo much, and second i just could care less it was not a priority for me at all. Now that I have given up all seven of the foods discussed in this book my life has completely changed, I have already lost 20lbs just by eating good. I have also come to realize that all the foods I am going without, have been replaced by foods that taste 10 times better that make me don't miss any of the food I going without. Not going to lie that looking in the mirror, shopping for clothes and fitting in smaller sizes, not having to wear as much makeup because I have clear skin for the first time in my life, and having more energy are just some of the benefits that I  have learned to get used to and thoroughly enjoy!!! HAHAHAh! Its great do an experiment for 3 weeks and see the results for yourself, then you can decide if its worth it or not for you! This is a lifestyle not a diet, eating plan, or new year resolution. This is a till you die way of life. Once you try it you will be hooked I promise! Listed below is information about J.J Virgins book as well and her doctor that she has been researching with. This is not the only eating plan I follow, I kind mix and match different programs as well as a strict workout regiment through body building. com! I am working on getting my certificate in nutrition and personal fitness training so please feel free to ask me any questions or share recipes or other facts that have contributed to your healthy way of life. This is an area of life that I have come to be very passionate about and all I want is to see people happy, healthy and loving life both spiritually, physically and emotionally. God Bless.

About JJ
JJ Virgin, CNS, CHFS
“Your body is not a bank account. It’s a chemistry lab.” — JJ Virgin

JJ Virgin is one of the nation’s foremost fitness and nutrition experts, an accomplished public speaker and media personality. Her 25 years in the health and fitness industry, the past 10 in holistic nutrition and functional medicine, have earned JJ recognition as the go-to weight loss expert who can unlock the door to lifelong weight management through her sensible, no-fail approach to nutrition and fitness.

JJ is author of NY Times bestseller The Virgin Diet: Drop 7 Foods, Lose 7 Pounds, Just 7 Days. The Virgin Diet has also been a bestseller in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, and numerous other media outlets. JJ is also the author of  Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy, published by Simon & Schuster Gallery, and co-starred on the TLC reality series, “Freaky Eaters”.

Internationally recognized as an expert in overcoming weight loss resistance, JJ is responsible for turning the most challenging weight loss resistant cases into stunning successes where clients get lean for life. JJ has worked with high performance athletes, CEO’s, and A-list celebrities from around the world, including Gene Simmons, Ben Stiller, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tracie Thoms, Janeane Garofalo, Carrie Otis, Stephen Bishop, Benny Mardones, and Superman Returns star Brandon Routh. JJ appeared for two years as the nutrition expert on the top-rated Dr. Phil Show, and made appearances on Bonnie Hunt, ABC’s Extreme Makeover, NBC’s iVillage Live, and the E! channel’s Modern Girl’s Guide to Life. She’s authored numerous articles and is frequently featured on nationally syndicated radio shows, at international conferences, in national magazines, newspapers and websites.

JJ is a member of Mensa, a UCLA graduate and chronic student having taken 40 graduate courses (and counting) from 6 different graduate and doctoral schools including Biomechanics from California State University Northridge, Sports Medicine from University of Miami and doctoral level courses in Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Aging from USC. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, a Certified Health and Fitness Instructor with advanced certifications in Nutrition, Personal Training and Aging and Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition.

“JJ Virgin is unlike any other practitioner I have ever known. She is a true combination of genius, innovator, and expert. This rare combination, coupled with her compassion and true desire to help empower individuals to commit to themselves is a rare and priceless gift. I have 110% confidence whenever I refer a client, friend or family member to her!!” Tami Walsh, M.A., President, TEENWISDOM.COM

“If I could make one person America’s Nutrition and Fitness Czar, it would be JJ Virgin. I don’t know anyone who would do a better job of getting this country fit and healthy again.” – Robert Crayhon, MS, CN

“JJ distills the truth about nutritional science into bite size chunks, then serves it all up in a delectable fashion so you can get to work on your health immediately.” – Rebecca James Gadberry, Chairman/CoCEO, YG Laboratories, Instructor, Cosmetic Sciences, UCLA Extension

“JJ Virgin designs a program to suit your individual needs that is sensible, easy to follow and delivers great results!” Carol Shaw, owner/founder Lorac Cosmetics


Meet my Medical Director
Dr. Mikell Parsons
Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons is a doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition and Neurology. Formerly, she was Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic and Naturopathic Medicine in Bridgeport, Connecticut where she taught women’s health, obstetrics, gynecology, geriatrics and EENT.

Dr. Parsons is a former Attending Doctor and Clinical Instructor at the Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas. Before moving to Connecticut, Dr. Parsons maintained a multi-doctor practice of chiropractic, clinical nutrition and natural-medicine in Houston, Texas for 7 years. She lectures throughout the United States and Canada on clinical nutrition, women’s health issues, and the management of soft-tissue disorders. Previously, Dr. Parsons was in practice at a multi-disciplinary integrated medical practice in Milford, Connecticut where she specialized in women’s health and functional medicine.

In December of 1998, she was a contributing author of the critically acclaimed textbook “Instant Access to Chiropractic Guidelines and Protocols” published by Mosby, Inc. and in 2010 she contributed to Claudia Anrig’s “Second Edition of the Pediatric Chiropractic Textbook.” Dr. Parsons also currently publishes her own bi-monthly Ezine available on her website.

In the year 2001, she was the host of the radio talk show “The Multicare Health Hour” and has continued her media outreach as a reoccurring guest on the Central Valley Today show. She has also been a consultant for Whole Health Professional Consulting and Educational Services, an organization that provides clinical consultations to physicians of all types in order to help train them in functional medical management of difficult patients, as well as providing professional educational seminars in order to help train doctors in the methods of clinical nutrition, herbal therapy, and functional medicine.

Currently she is the founder of the Natural Path Health Center in Fresno, California where she continues to specialize in chiropractic, nutrition and chiropractic neurology. She is also the Medical Director of Holistic Health Consulting, Inc, a Medical Corporation.

The 7 Foods List:

1. Soy - Most is genetically modified (GM). Our bodies are not designed to process GM foods. Therefore, ALL GM foods should be avoided.  In addition, soy has very high levels of estrogen-like compounds that interfere with our natural hormonal balance.
2. Corn - Most is genetically modified, like soy, and should be avoided. It is a grain found in most processed foods that converts to sugar in the body and contributes to chronic illness such as Type II Diabetes.
3. Gluten - Found in grains, especially wheat.  It makes grain products "sticky." It interferes with digestion, especially in Celiac patients who are highly sensitive and contributes to "leaky gut" syndrome.  It also increases inflammation in the body due to its omega-6 content.
4. Dairy - Name an animal that drinks milk after it has been weaned from its mother.  Name an animal that drinks the milk of another animal. From this perspective, dairy is very unnatural to our diet. Commercial dairy is especially harmful because of its pharmaceutical content and because homogenization and pasteurization destroy much of its nutrition, including its natural enzymes.
5. Sugar and artificial sweeteners - The average American consumes more sugar in one day than our early ancestors did in an entire year. Sugar leads to increased insulin production, insulin resistance, and Type II Diabetes. Artificial sweeteners are man made and our bodies are not designed to process them. They are neurotoxic and contribute to a wide variety of health problems.
6. Eggs - Many people are sensitive or allergic to eggs. Follow the elimination guidelines below.
   
7. Peanuts - Many people are sensitive or allergic to peanuts.  Follow the elimination guidelines below.

Berry Cobbler

I made this recipe to take to a friends house and let me tell you, we ate it up!!! It was soooo sooo good! I was looking for something simple to make other then an apple/pear crisp that always seems to be my go to. So I experimented with this recipe and it turned out amazing.

Ingredients:
4-6 cups of Mixed Berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, rasberries, and I also threw in some peaches)
1 Cinnamon Crumb Cake Box Mix (Krusteaz Brand)
1 1/2 cup Oats
1 Stick of Butter
1-2 tblsp Water

Directions:
1. Combine fruit and 1/2 cup of the white cake mix.
2. Pour into greased non stick baking dish.
3. Next combine all the rest of the ingredients mix until combined.
4. Butter needs to be chilled and cut into very small cubes and mixed in.
5. Pour crumbly dry mixture over the top of the fruit and bake uncovered for 30 min at 350 or until fruit filling is bubbly.
6. Serve right out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool whip.

Tomato Roasted Red Pepper Vegetable Soup

This soup is sooo easy you just everything together and let it cook. Its super healthy for you and soo yummy to eat on cold winter rainy days. My family made little quesadillas on corn tortillas with pepper jack almond cheese inside. We also really like these vegeterian meatballs from Trader Joes. We heated some of those and dropped them in the soup. Delicious!!!! 

Ingredients

1 Box Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup (I get this from Sprouts)
1 Box Vegetable Broth (Low Sodium)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Eggplant
Onion
Bell Pepper
Red Potatoes
1 Can White Beans
Zuccini
Minced Garlic

Instructions 

1. In large skillet saute onion, peppers, garlic and diced up potatoes. Cook until soft.
2. In a medium sauce pan blanch all other veggies until almost soft because they will continue to cook some in the soup and you don't want mushy veggies.
3. In a large crockpot on medium heat mix together all the veggies, beans, broth, and soup mix. Stir to combine and let simmer until veggies are cooked and soup is heated through.

Banana Walnut Pancakes

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour ( I used rice/oat flour)
1 cup quick or rolled oats ( I used oat bran instead because it has less calories)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg ( I used all egg whites)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
1 to 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or skim milk) (depending on whether you like thin or thick pancakes)
1 banana, diced
Cooking spray for pan
1/4 cup almonds

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, oats, baking powder, salt, egg, cinnamon, and honey. Stir in the soy milk to the desired consistency. I like my pancakes to be neither too thin nor too thick, so I added 1 1/4 cups of soy milk. Stir in the bananas.
2. Place a skillet on medium heat (I use a square-shaped griddle). After spraying the pan, pour batter into 4-inch diameter circles (using about 1/4 cup of batter).
3. While the pancakes are cooking, hand chop the almonds on a cutting board with a sharp knife.
4. Once the pancakes begin to bubble, flip them and cook for another minute or so on the other side until golden brown.
5. Serve three pancakes with sliced bananas and chopped almonds. They're delicious like this, or for a sweeter breakfast, pour on two tablespoons of real maple syrup.

Makes 12 pancakes (four servings).