The Fame of Health and Fitness

THIS IS WHAT MY CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER LOOKED LIKE:

Again, before going into the holidays I had a specific plan on how I would treat each dinner especially because I am prepping for an opportunity coming up. If I wasn’t prepping then truthfully I would have had more of the favourite home cooked meals, not all of it, just the stuff that was ‘worth it’. But when all was said and done, I felt completely satisfied with everything I did and did not eat. And like I mentioned before, this was the first holiday season that I felt good in my clothes the day after Christmas. In fact, I felt amazing the whole break - this is a first for me!

WHAT FELT GOOD and SUPPORTED MY JOURNEY:

• family/friends not even looking twice at what I was or wasn’t eating
• family/friends not questioning my meal choices
• family/friends asking questions of interest about my upcoming opportunity and journey
• family/friends asking how they can make a healthy lifestyle change
• family/friends asking if I wanted an alcoholic beverage and when I said “No thank you” it was dropped.

WHAT DID NOT FEEL GOOD BUT IS PART OF THE JOURNEY:

• family/friends investigating what I was or wasn’t eating
• family/friends questioning my meal choices
• family/friends asking if I would like a particular dish, my reply “A very small piece”. Their response “Whatever” and then bringing me a piece larger than my fiancé’s.
• family/friends responding to my upcoming opportunities with “Again?!”
• family/friends telling me that if I were to try and bring my own clean meals to their house that they would tell me to ‘Get lost’ (this is put politely)
• family/friends when seeing my meals asking if I wanted “Normal food” instead
• family/friends asking if I wanted an alcoholic beverage and when I said “No thank you” they continued on asking why I wasn’t being any fun

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2013 came quickly and this was our last new years eve as fiancé and fiancée! A good friend of mine pointed this out to me before new years and it was an eye-opener to think that this would be our last holiday ‘single’. Our engagement was almost two years long and in 7 months we will become Mr. and Mrs.! It is starting to become very real and exciting to know that I will be married this summer to my best friend and partner in crime.

2012 was an amazing year and I made several dreams come true. I also experienced several intense struggles but I learned some very valuable lessons from these experiences which led me to becoming a stronger and wiser person. 

The events that took place in 2012 proved to me that I can obtain my deepest desires if I chase them passionately and work hard. As you know I have a long list of goals and I am ready to tackle even bigger goals this year. Stay tuned as I continue to grow as a WBFF PRO, an athlete, a coach, a professional, a person, and a future wife to be.

I am ready to rock 2013!! Who’s with me?

CRUSHED LEGS!

My legs are my least favourite body part to train but I love the results. I’m already feeling the burn and my legs feel like jello! Good workout right?

The holidays have been so busy as I am sure you are feeling the same. Between seeing family and friends that I usually only get to see once or twice a year, planning our wedding, trying to regain a proper sleep schedule, prepping my clean eats, and working out, it’s been a juggling act. Although I missed a couple workouts I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances. I have been on track with eating clean and according to plan so my body is feeling good regardless of missing a few workouts. At one point I caught myself getting concerned (which leads to stress) but I stopped myself. When opportunity knocks you have to let it in and be a good host and that’s the plan now and for the next four weeks.

This is the first Christmas vacation that I don’t feel upset with myself because of the food or drink I binged on. It has taken my whole life to get to this level of confidence, practice and lifestyle. It feels good to slip my pants on and button them with ease. My mind is starting to catch up with the body I have trained. It’s a process and as promised I will continue to learn and share what I’m experiencing.

OWN IT!

Tonight we were invited over a relatives house and I knew about this dinner for quite sometime now. Before coming home for Christmas I planned the days I would have a little something extra for the holidays with keeping in mind that this holiday things would be more strike due to preparing for an opportunity in the new year.

I asked my relatives in advance what they would be serving for dinner. They were catering Lebanese food so my options were:

1.) Make my goals a second priority and eat what everyone else was eating

2.) Ask for my meal to be made with dietary restrictions (not likely with this order and this upcoming opportunity is more important than me taking a chance on the restaurant getting it right).

3.) Not eat anything (that would never happen because I would eat my arm)

or

4.) Bring my own clean eats

I choose #4! I was honest with my family and let them know that I would be needing to bring my own meal and I let them in on the importance of my decision. I don’t usually talk much about my dedication to health and fitness or my lifestyle but if someone asks I am more than happy to explain what I am up to. But especially because I haven’t seen everyone in a year I wanted to let them know what was up and why I was bringing my meal over because one year ago this was not the case. My commitment has increased and sometimes I feel like someone else watching my own journey develop.

At the beginning of the meal the hostess said “I feel bad for you”. My response, “Don’t feel bad for me, there’s nothing to feel bad about. I love what I’m eating and this is normally what I eat anyway.” She completely understood and carried on with the meal.

When I first started my journey to the stage there were MANY times when I DID feel bad for myself and I felt lonely. Although there are times I still can feel lonely (I will touch on this soon) I no longer feel sad or pity for myself because these are the choices I make because I want to. I am proud of my lifestyle and I am confident in my decisions. Just remember, if you’re not confident in what you’re practising then no one else will feel confident in your lifestyle. Not that it really matters whether someone agrees with how you live your life or not, but being supported by your loved ones does matter because we can all use the extra support and positive energy.

This is my first Christmas home since becoming a PRO and I have had some interesting experiences regarding food and people. It’s all good because it’s been such a valuable lesson and has put me more in touch with who I am.

Have you experienced anything interesting this vacation regarding food, drink, or exercise?

Today is the day that I took my health back! No amount of stress or negativity will prevent me from doing what I need to do. I have realized that this time might be the second most stressful time in my life aside from my last year of university when I gained 40lbs due to eating my stress away. But guess what? Everything happens for a reason and I have had so many gifts come my way that I’m grateful for. I know that 2013 is going to be BIGGER than ever and what is happening right now is preparing me for all the great things coming my way like my wedding, my WBFF Worlds debut and much more! What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger! Today I am stronger and starting today I am reclaiming my journey with more mental, physical, and spiritual strength. I am grateful and have already said thank you for the things that are coming. This is my journey and I control what I let into my life. If negativity comes knocking on my door, I will not be answering the door. But if positivity comes knocking on my door, I will answer the door, let it in, and enjoy a full course dinner with it. Another chapter begins!

DOES FITNESS LEAD TO HAVING MORE PROBLEMS? The answer is NO. However, with that being said, I want to share with you some experiences I have had myself and through discussions with others since I began my journey.

Let me get down to the point. Once people get their bodies to a point they have always dreamed of, some realize that they are still not happy. This is puzzling for people because they always believed if they ‘lost the weight’ or ‘gained muscle’ that all their problems would melt away. But in fact what’s happened is that people are now forced to face their life circumstances and really connect to ‘why’ they are not happy. In the end, happiness has nothing to do with whether you’re fit or not. Sure, you might feel better looking in the mirror, trying on a pair of jeans, or walking into a room full of strangers, BUT if you are not happy down deep inside, your fitness will only take you so far. The same goes for money, ever hear the saying that ‘money can’t buy happiness’, it’s true. Money can provide you with temporary happiness. If you’re feeling depressed, maybe buying a new pair of shoes will make you feel happy and more confident but once that immediate high wears off then you are right where you started. Your issues still exist and until you face what is lacking in your life you will not be able to find your happiness. How many times have you felt upset and gone to food for happiness? I know I have more than I can count. But what my journey has taught me is that food only brings temporary happiness not true happiness.

It’s time to stop, reflect, and connect with what makes you happy in life and what does not. Be grateful for what makes you happy in life (and I don’t mean a fancy car, a designer handbag, or the money in your wallet) and figure out what is dragging you down. It is your responsibility to choose to ‘fix’ those things in your life that are not bringing you happiness. If you don’t decide to correct those issues, resentment, grudges, or conflicts then you have no right to complain or feel sorry for yourself because YOU are enabling those issues to continue in your life. It’s time to stop living in the past, start living in the present, and be grateful for the bright future ahead. Your thoughts and attitude towards life is what you will attract. If you think you will have a great time with your relatives on Christmas then you will. If you think there will be drama and you will experience pain then you will!! Your thoughts are more powerful than you know and it’s time to start believing and acting like you can create a life that you have always wanted because YOU CAN. No more excuses, no more pity parties, no more negative assumptions, JUST POSITIVE THOUGHTS!

FOOD, MONEY nor ALCOHOL will bring you true everlasting happiness. Happiness is created by your actions and thoughts. 2013 can bring you everything you’ve always wanted but you need to make the first move. Start today by thinking of all the wonderful things you are grateful for in your life and don’t waste another minute thinking about the things you don’t have. If you feel like you are on a negative thinking streak, don’t bring anyone else into this whirl pool of negativity unless you are willing to make a change and need help. Negativity can cause both stress and illness and in the end it’s not worth it.

FIND YOUR HAPPY and START LIVING IT!

How many of you have done this? I know I have…

Luckily I don’t have junk food in my home anymore so it’s not even a temptation if I am bored, stressed, or in a munchy mood.

This is easier to control when you live on your own and not with your family or friends.

I know loads of people who live with their spouse or family and junk food snacks, chips etc. are in the their house and I have no idea how they do it. Personally I would be far too tempted. It has nothing to do with wanting that type of food, it more has to do with it eventually becoming a risk because it’s always there and in sight. This is the problem I hear most often, that sooner or later or in times of stress that food gets eaten. Having junk food in my home growing up was personally hard for me, especially in my university years because I had little if any self-control or will power. So the minute I was stressed or bored I could get access to chips, cheese, chocolate, salted nuts, dried fruit, cookies, you name it….hence my 40lbs weight gain.

“IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING.”

Let’s be honest here, life is not always easy and there are times when it feels impossible to get through your day. I have felt this way numerous times and even recently it has been hard to balance everything, but I’m not about to give up. When the plan you have isn’t working, you need to make a new plan. Today my new plan begins.

“There’s always going to be bad stuff out there. But here’s the amazing thing - light trumps darkness every time. You stick a candle into the dark, but you can’t stick the dark into the light.” ~Jodi Picoult

The mind is so powerful that it can even work against us but if we have control over our mind then the sky is the limit. The key to this solution is deciding to be charge, following through, and fighting until we are the captain of our journey. I am firm believer that ‘everything happens for a reason’ and with each experience comes a lesson to be learned. Don’t worry if you are not sure why things are the way they are, instead focus on making them the way you want and soon enough you will understand the reason behind your experience. Give gratitude for what you have in your life and remember that when you stop learning, you stop living.

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” ~ Earl Nightingale

It’s much easier said than done and this is where the challenge lies. But the longer you wait, the longer it will take to reach your goals. Like I have said before, if you do your work, have faith, and let the universe know your wishes, your wishes will be granted when the time is right. If you let your guard down and stop putting in the effort then that other person named ‘Doubt’ will try to take you down. Why? Because they are jealous of how amazing you will become without them. Don’t let Doubt win or keep you away from being the person you deserve to be.

“If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.” ~ Tom Hanks

Start today with the ‘hard’. Make a plan and set goals with specific timelines. Come face to face with what’s ‘hard’, figure out why, ditch the excuses, and don’t stop working toward your goal, not even when you get there. Each time you want to quit, fight harder!

“Complete at least one real action today that will take you closer to achieving your goal.” ~ Robert Kennedy

Don’t wait until tomorrow, decide to start now. Let’s do this!

Inspire and Be Inspired

Theresa Jenn

“It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”
~ Unknown

It was 8 years ago since I hit rock bottom. It was 17 months ago that I started to train as a Blessed Bodies’ competitor. It was roughly one year ago since I stepped on stage for the first time and won my first competition. It has been 10 months since I starting working as a coach side by side with my coach, inspiration, and friend, Fatima Leite Kusch. It has been 4 months since I became a WBFF Pro Fitness Model. And it’s been 2 months since I officially became an Oxygen fitness model. My life has changed drastically since April 2011. Dreams, goals, and wishes I have had for myself are all coming together and I am grateful but still I have days when I question my future path and wonder if I have my goals set too high.

I was reminded by a good friend recently that on those days that fear or doubt sneak up on me, that it’s a good idea to sit back and reflect on my accomplishments as opposed to focusing on my future ambitions. Today I reflected on all that I have done and I am proud. I have set my goals high but I won’t cut myself short. The goals that I have achieved already once seemed impossible to me but I have proven that I can make my goals come to life. I promise to continue to work towards all the goals on my vision board and I believe that all my dreams will come true. When the universe feels that I am ready to receive these gifts then I will. 

Never stop believing. You and I deserve to have our dreams come true!

CRAVINGS ARE HIGH!

Over the weekend we spent a day at Scandinave Spa. This was probably the first time in a long that I felt relaxed, at ease, and not a single worry on my mind. Aside from relaxing, enjoying the peaceful silence and different temperatures of the steam room, hot baths, cold baths, and sauna, the only thing on my mind was chocolate, cake, cookies, ice cream, and sushi! I did not give into these cravings but I did spend some time thinking about which treat I would choose to enjoy come September. I think I miss chocolate the most, chocolate cake in fact! To be continued…

SOMETIMES IT’S HARD…

Last week was my girlfriend’s birthday and before we went to her party I ate a meal (like I usually do) and we did a pit stop at COSTCO. While I was there I picked up some vegetables (to bring home) and a veggie tray to bring to the party to ensure I had something to snack on. Normally I would have my one guilt-free meal per week to work with but I’m preparing for some upcoming opportunities so having cake was not an option. But if I did have that one guilt-free meal then I would have used it to enjoy some homemade birthday cake.

The cake was tempting, looked delicious, and smelled even better. It was a homemade EARL GREY tea cake and I know it was delicious based on the moaning and eye-rolling in the room. I wanted to have a piece but like I said I couldn’t. For me personally it is a lot easier to say “No thank you” when there is incentive or a goal I am aiming for. My “No thank you” will make more sense soon and my friends who hosted the party know what’s ahead and completely support my journey and even went ahead and froze a piece for me to have in the Fall! How sweet and thoughtful!

Nothing replaces people genuinely supporting your journey and lifestyle! I’m grateful.

PRACTISING BALANCE: Continuing to grow as an athlete and person

This weekend was confirmation for me on how far I have come from my last competition prep season. It feels amazing to go away for the weekend without feeling stressed about food temptations, social setting obligations, alcohol pressure, and the lack of confidence on whether I would get my planned workout in or not.

I proved to myself this weekend that I can bring two days of clean eats, jugs of water, and my workout gear and follow through with my plan. I ate all my clean eats every 2-3 hours, I drank the same amount of water that I would drink if I were home, I enjoyed the outdoors and a live concert, and even got a solid workout in. Not once did I feel deprived or sorry for myself. Last season, it was really difficult for me to go away mainly because of food temptations. Either I was worried I would give in or I would not give in but as a result feel bad for the position I was in (even though it was a choice). I have grown since then and even at the concert where everyone was drinking alcohol and eating the local concert food, there wasn’t a moment I felt bad or tempted to be in that position. With pride I brought my clean meals to the concert and ate them publicly. I was confident and happy with all the decisions I made and I felt relaxed and refreshed this entire weekend.

NOTE TO SELF: Why was I successful?

• I prepped and brought enough meals and snacks for two days plus backup snacks
• I brought enough water for two days
• I packed inspirational reading material (e.g., Oxygen magazine)
• I worked out at 5:00AM before we left for the weekend
• I booked a hotel with a gym
• I brought my workout clothes and planned when I would workout
• I followed through and worked out at the hotel the following morning
• I planned to enjoy my last glass of Pinot Gris for the next 6 weeks and I enjoyed it
• I planned to have a clean guilt-free meal (i.e., clean meal that is unmeasured) which was a goat cheese spinach and beet salad - delish!

The more I continue to practice living a healthy and fit lifestyle the easier it becomes.

If you’re just starting to eat clean and/or workout, I completely understand that it can be hard and sometimes you just don’t want to do it. What I can promise you is the longer you practice a healthy and fit lifestyle, the better you will feel, look, and eventually it won’t feel as hard as it used to when you first started out. Even if you fail, never throw in the towel, just keep going, learn from your past and make better decisions in the future. Set a goal for yourself and know the direction you want to go in. Even if you get lost along the way, keep going! Trust me, it’s worth it in the end. Last but not least, take the scale pressure off yourself and focus on being healthy and prolonging your life.

REMEMBER: “It doesn’t matter when you started. It doesn’t matter how long it took you. It doesn’t matter how many times you failed. It just matters that you finished what you started. NO EXCUSES!!!” ~ Theresa Jenn

My Success Story in Oxygen magazine’s 2012 Abs Special is out on digital! It was worth the wait. Such an honor!

Thank you for always believing in me. xo