My top 3 products to prevent stretch marks

I’ve heard numerous time during this pregnancy that stretch marks are inevitable during & after pregnancy… and truthfully I’m totally okay with them.

Honestly, I feel like after everything I have been through for this baby they would be like a badge of honor. My body is doing incredible things on the daily - I mean I’m literally growing a human?!? How cool!

So this blog is in no way bashing stretch marks. I’m simply providing tools and options to help prevent stretch marks and keep your skin hydrated and glowing before, during and after pregnancy!

Many belly oils and lotions contain toxic chemicals, and ingredients that can be harmful to you or baby. In the first trimester it is especially important to know what is in your products, as some “clean” products contain ingredients that can cause uterine contractions.

Here are the 3 non-toxic clean products I have been using this pregnancy.

Honest Co. Glow on Body Oil

My favorite belly oil I’ve tried! It’s clean non-toxic ingredients make me feel like I’m keeping baby safe, and it’s lux hydrating formula keeps my skin hydrated for hours!

Summer Friday’s

This lux balm feel amazing on my bump, and does not leave a greasy residue on my clothes. IYKYK

It is the most expensive balm/oil on my list, but I do feel the price is justified. Definitely worth trying!

Everyone Body Lotion

This is my favorite body lotion, and I literally buy it in bulk! I used this pre-pregnancy and I can’t get enough of it now. They even make one for babies, which we will be using for baby boy once he arrives. Super clean, no-toxic body lotion that won’t break the bank.

I’d love to know what your favorite products are to prevent stretch marks! Comment below and let me know.

• Transparency: this post contains affiliate links, if you do purchase through the link I will make a small commission from the sale.

• This blog post is in no way sponsored by or affiliated with any of the above companies.
  

4 Non-toxic beauty items I can't live without

I live for non-toxic, clean skincare.

I spend substantially more money, time and energy on my skincare than I do on makeup and beauty care.

Over the past few years I have learned that so many of our daily skincare products are loaded with harmful chemicals and toxins, and I made a huge switch to all non-toxic skincare, beauty care, and self care products.

I have a very consistent morning and evening skincare routine, and today I’m sharing 4 of my favorite non-toxic skincare items that I can not live without!

Acure Beauty Moroccan Argan Oil

Tula Brighting Eye Balm

Cocokind Texture Smoothie Cream

Cocokind Rosewater Toner

5 Ways to set yourself up for success in 2022

I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions because they typically don’t last past Valentine’s Day. Instead I am all for creating mindful changes that will last well into 2022 and beyond.

So this year instead of creating a ton of resolutions that you may or may not stick to, why not set yourself up for success this year and create lasting change.

Here are 5 ways to set yourself up for success this year…

1. Hydrate. You’ve heard me say this a million times, and I will continue to say it because it’s that important. Drinking enough water (I’m talking 90 oz of clean water for the average person) is a game changer for your health, your skin, your digestion, and literally hydrates every cell in your body.

2. Meditate. Create a consistent daily meditation practice, and watch your life evolve and transform before your eyes. If you are just beginning start with 5 minutes every single day, and meditate at the same time and in the same place each day to start creating a consistent habit.

3. Simplify. Now is the perfect time to clean out the closets, under the sinks, the garage and even the basement. Get rid of stuff you no longer use…a good rule of thumb is, if you haven’t used it in 6 months then you probably won’t use it in the next 6 months. Stop hoarding and get rid of the excess.

4. Movement. Get in the habit of moving your body everyday, even if it’s just a 20 minute walk at lunch. Find something you love to do, something that doesn’t feel like a chore, and commit to it daily. Move your body at the same time each day, and begin to create a new daily habit.

5. Plan. Set aside time on Friday or Sunday to plan out the following week. Write out your work schedule, any appointments, coffee dates, and even schedule in your workouts and your meditation. Put yourself in you planner as an appointment- dare I say you are MORE important than any other appointment in your schedule - that way you already carved out the time and have no excuses. Then at the bottom of each day, plan out your meals. This will save time during the week, and will ensure you have healthy options on hand for busy days.

Manifest your dreams in 2022

I am a firm believer in manifesting what you want. I believe we have the ability to manifest our goals and our dream lives.

For me this has always proven to be way more successful than setting New Year’s resolution…which let’s be honest typically get broken by February.

Manifesting your dreams has really changed my life, and opened me up to an entirely new way of being…so much so that I need to share it with all of you!

In January I will be hosting a Manifest your dreams workshop!

This virtual event will consist of 3 main parts:

• manifesting guided meditation

• learn how to manifest your goals and your dream life

• create a vision board for 2022 with all of your hopes and dreams

This workshop was originally just for Wellness Bestie members, but it is going to be so powerful that I decided to open it up to all of you!

The event will take place virtually on January 11 (1/11…my spirit number, I had to) at 6:00pm EST.

Space is limited for this event, so make sure you register early.

Cost is $45/pp, and will include information and resources you can utilize all year long!

For more information and to sign up email me at jennifer@leanandgreenbody.com

Can’t wait to see you on 1/11!

Honor yourself this week

The week between Christmas and New Year’s can be such a strange week. Part of you is still in the holiday spirit and ready to celebrate, while the other half is in sweats ready to sleep for 3 days straight.

Whatever you need this week, honor that.

Release the guilt, listen to your intuition, and honor your mind, body and soul.

5 Ways to put yourself first this holiday season

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season.

The holidays can be a stressful and difficult time for many of us, so I wanted to remind you of 5 ways you can take care of yourself and ease your burden this holiday season.

For many of us it can be extremely difficult to put ourselves, especially during the holidays. As a wellness expert please let me tell you it is so important that you take care of yourself (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) so that you can go out and give your best and be your best for everyone else.

Here are 5 ways you can take care of yourself and put yourself first this season….

1. SLEEP.
The holidays can be such a busy time. They are filled with tons of emotions, parties, and checklists. You need to take time to unwind every day and allow time for your body to recharge. Perhaps, you can go to bed just 30 minutes earlier every night for the rest of the year.

2. NUTRITION.
The holidays are notorious for cookies, candy and spiked egg nog. Be sure to balance out your indulgences with tons of fruits, vegetables and water. Start your morning with the Lean and Green Body® Triple Play and you’ll be off to a great start! Increase your daily recommended water intake from 8-8 oz glasses daily to 10-8 oz glasses of water per day; this will help keep you hydrated, and will assist in cleansing the body.

3. MOVE.
Take a minimum of 30 minutes every day to move your body. Ride your bike, take a walk with loved ones, try a new fitness class... sweat every day! Exercise not only helps keep our physical body healthy, but helps to keep our mental and emotional body in balance as well.

4. PLAN.
Plan your weeks out in advance. One of my favorite things to do on Friday’s is to plan the following week out. I write down all appointments, meetings, dinners, and schedule my workouts. This allows me to clearly see what I am dealing with and create a plan of action. I can schedule mid-week grocery runs, holiday parties, and leave room for the unexpected.

5. MEDITATE.
Meditation is the key to a balanced life. Taking a few minutes, if you are a beginner perhaps start with 5 minutes, every day to sit in stillness and just breathe. Find a connection to your breath, letting go of the outside world, your to-do lists and just tune into your body. There are numerous benefits of meditation; one of my favorites is that it helps me to slow down. I am constantly on the go, and the holidays seem to be even busier, my meditation practice allows me time to check in and pause. Afterwards, I feel a sense of renewal and peace.

The holidays can be a very busy time, don’t forget to take time for YOU! 

3 Ways to eat healthier this holiday season

The holidays are undoubtably a time of indulgence. With numerous holiday parties, cookies in the break room, and family gatherings you are bound to indulge and get a bit off track during the holiday season. Here are three ways you can stay on track and still enjoy the holidays!

I’m going to share 3 ways in which you can eat healthier this holiday season (and still have fun!)

1. 80/20 Rule - I preach about this all the time, but in case you need a reminder…if you eat perfect for YOU 80% of the time, you have 20% to play with. That 20% could include a glass of wine, a Christmas cookie, dark chocolate etc…but keep it at 20%.

2. Start your day with the Lean and Green Body® Triple Play - starting your morning with this simple yet effective routine will help you to make healthier choices as the day progresses.

3. Hydrate! Drink 80+ oz of water each day…and remember to have an extra glass for each caffeinated beverage or alcoholic beverage you have!

A healthy approach to the glucose tolerance test

We are days away from the 3rd trimester and the 7 month mark (yay!)…but you know what that means…glucose tolerance test time.

Honestly, I was dreading this test even before I got pregnant. The ingredients and chemicals in the glucose drink they provide you are scary! I would never put those ingredients (or 50 grams of sugar) in my body pre-pregnancy…so why should I put them in now that I am pregnant? It doesn’t make any sense to me.

keep in mind that 50 grams of glucose = 12.5 teaspoons of sugar, sounds great right?!?

I am a huge fan of patient advocacy, and so at my 6 month check in I spoke with my Doctor about the Fresh Test glucose mix I found. I had to show pictures and explain that the Fresh Test is FDA registered as an equivalent product for this test. I went in with all my stats, and honestly wasn’t going to leave until she said yes (I’m the best patient haha), but to my surprise she agreed right away! It was much easier than I expected, and I was instantly relieved.

A question that comes up often is “do I have to do the glucose tolerance test” and the answer is no. All testing is up to you, although I would highly recommend working with your Doctor or a qualified medical team when making these decisions. It is your body, your choice. Personally for me my regular glucose level is well under 80 and my A1C is about 4.5, so I am not overly worried about gestational diabetes. That being said, our bodies change so much during pregnancy and even though I monitor my levels every few weeks it was important for me to do this test to be proactive for my baby and ensure he is healthy and safe. I always recommend doing your research and listening to your intuition. Once I found the Fresh Test I felt much more comfortable with the glucose tolerance test, knowing I was not inundating myself and my baby with unnecessary chemicals.

The Fresh Test only has 4 active ingredients, compared to a laundry list in the typical glucose drink. The Fresh Test also has a board of physicians who have overseen and worked on this product to make it as safe as possible for you and your baby. You can learn more about the Fresh Test HERE.

I posted my whole journey with the glucose tolerance test earlier today, and you can check it out in my Instagram stories.

The Fresh Test was very sweet but didn’t actually taste bad, it had a very subtle and mild flavor to it. The toughest part for me was waiting for the blood draw. The 50 grams of glucose gave me a huge spike in my blood sugar, causing me to be jittery and overall just uncomfortable. I’m sure baby boy was feeling it too. Interesting insight - insulin does not cross the placenta but glucose does!

After the test (so one hour after drinking the glucose drink) I felt exhausted, super run down, and ready for a nap. It was my body signaling that the spike in glucose was dropping and I was about to crash.

My biggest tips after the glucose tolerance test are:

• drink your greens - they will help to balance your blood sugar levels

• have a snack ready to go in your car as soon as your blood work is complete

• the snack should include: fiber & protein

• avoid sugar for the rest of the day

Sugar is a drug, and once you give the body some…okay more like 50 grams… your body will continue to crave more and more sugar. So if you had a sugary treat post glucose tolerance test, your blood glucose levels would spike back up, only to drop again a little while later. Sugar is not only a drug in our bodies, it actually creates more acidity in our system - essentially creating a more desirable place for disease and illness to thrive, awesome. That’s why I always recommend a high fiber and high protein snack after the glucose tolerance test. Protein and fiber will help your body eliminate this extra glucose, regulate your blood sugar levels, and curb any sugar cravings you may get.

Here are a few ideas of high protein and high fiber snacks:

Mary’s Crackers and guacamole

Veggies and hummus

Dried Apricots and almonds

RX Bar

Protein shake with chia seeds

Along with a snack I would recommend drinking plenty of water to flush out your system, 100 oz would be my goal. Lastly, if you have time sneak in a quick power nap after you eat to help reset the body!

Take aways… don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, this is your body and your baby. Have a healthy snack on hand to eat right after your test, so your can begin to balance your blood sugar levels and avoid a sugar hangover.

This post is in no way sponsored by Fresh Test, these are simply my own thoughts and opinions as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Mama-to-be.

Dealing with body image & weight gain during pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a beautiful time, we literally have the ability to create life. How incredible!! However, for many women this beautiful time is over shadowed with past traumas, body image issues, mental health concerns, and so much more.

Many mama’s-to-be become overwhelmed with comments and suggestions from others. It seems that once you begin showing everyone will have something to say or some wisdom to impart on your and your growing bump. Legit everyone from the lady behind you are Whole Foods to your 2nd cousin will want to share how awful their delivery was to how you life will never be same. While many of these comments and conversations come from a loving place they may not be appropriate or helpful for the new mama. 

Sometimes in our society we transfer our feelings or our personal experiences onto others as a way to connect with them, help them to not go through what we went through or to try and “save” them. Instead a healthier approach would be to allow the new mama to have her own experience, and if/when she reaches out with questions then kindly share your wisdom and insight. 

Pregnancy is such a journey and a bit of kindness and empathy can go a long way.

I am now six and a half+ months pregnant and have been talking to some new mamas and some pregnant mamas recently about our journey’s, and thought it was an important conversation to share on here because it’s not that is often discussed publicly. After all, we don’t always realize how our actions or words affect others until we pause and educate ourselves. 

Personally have received all sorts of comments about my body and my growing belly in the last six months. I know that many of these comments come from a place of love and curiosity but to a pregnant mama, whose body is changing on the daily these comments can be confusing and hurtful. During pregnancy our bodies are flooded with hormones, emotions, a growing baby, not to mention your blood volume increases by 50% and our lung capacity seriously decreases - we are trying to recognize and love this changing body on the daily as we move through and towards the biggest transition of our lives. 

Every body - and especially every pregnant body - is beautiful. Every body is unique and different and that truly is something that makes us all so special, and during pregnancy this is no different. Each pregnant bump looks different. Some women gain 50+ pounds, and some only gain 25 pounds. Life is so much more than a number on the scale. 

From what I’ve heard our bodies will “never be the same”…and I’m totally okay with that. I will never be the same after this experience, so why should I expect my body to be any different. This is the most powerful, most life changing experience I have ever been through…and I am here for all of it.

The most important thing is that the mama and baby are healthy - mentally, physically and emotionally. 

Let’s embrace and honor this change.

Let’s praise and honor these women that literally create human life.

Photo By Jontel Chere

How to have more energy without caffeine

This has been one of my most requested blog posts, so I’m going to share my secrets with you today!

I gave up caffeine in June, and the months leading up to that breakup I drank very little caffeine. This was a huge deal for me because previously when I was all about the hustle and grind, serving other people and not taking care myself, I was drinking a ton of caffeine! It was legit fueling my day. I would have multiple cups of tea every day and a few coffees or espresso shots per week. I couldn’t get through the day without my caffeine.

Now looking back I realize that I was using caffeine to cover up my extreme fatigue from over working myself and prioritizing the needs of my clients and my work over myself. Fortunately, I realized this early in 2021 and had some massive changes personally and professionally.

So how do I do it all without caffeine now?!?

I focus on flooding my body with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and the enzymes it needs.

I focus on getting good quality sleep - this is a non-negotiable for me.

I hydrate - my goal is 100 oz of pure clean water every day!

I swear by the Lean and Green Body® morning routine.

I eat a ton of greens. GREENS = ENERGY

If I need a pick me up I drink a lemon water, go for a walk outside, stretch, put on some fun music, or have a dance party!

Instead of covering up my body’s needs, I tune into them now. I am more in touch with my body than ever. Part of this is due to pregnancy, but part is due to massive healing I have done this year. I took inventory of where I was (mind, body and soul) and looked at where I wanted to be…I identified what was holding me back from living my best life, and made the necessary changes.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee, especially on these cool mornings, but if you are looking to cut down on your caffeine intake or eliminate it completely I would recommend following my list above. Instead of focusing on what you are taking away (caffeine) focus on what you are adding (nutrients, water, greens, etc).

If you’ve cut out caffeine or are looking to I’d love to hear from you! Comment below and let me know what your experience has been!

How to Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to be grateful and give thanks for all our blessings.

Even on our worst days and during our most trying times we have so much to be thankful for.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to show and give thanks.

By starting each day with gratitude, we are able to flip our perspective on life and the day ahead. An attitude of gratitude can shift your entire outlook.

A few ways I like to give thanks daily and express my gratitude:

• I write down 3-5 things I’m grateful for each day

• I verbally share my thanks with those around me

• I quietly say 3 things I’m thankful for before I meditate

Find a way to express your gratitude, something that works for you. From experience I can say that writing it down or saying it out loud can be very powerful, and it will actually help shift your nervous system into a more parasympathetic state.

Photo By Jontel Chere

Life Lately: being a boss during the first trimester

Last week I started a new blog series called ‘Life Lately’ and it quickly became my most popular blog series in six years! Thank you all for your support in reading and sharing my blog.

This week I am touching on the first trimester of pregnancy & running a business at the same time…let me tell you it’s not for the faint of heart.

The first 16 weeks of this pregnancy were rough! It was so challenging emotionally because I was so grateful and excited but I felt awful. I couldn’t walk my dog for weeks, I didn’t eat dinner for 6 weeks because I was so sick. Praying I would make it through a client session without throwing up became my norm, and I almost ended up in the hospital twice.

That being said I was still running my business (solo) and trying to hide this blessing.

I wasn’t able to engage on social like I had been, I had to skip two weeks of my blog, and my energy just wasn’t in it. My SEO (search engine optimization) took a tremendous hit, and after working so hard on my engagement and social last year it was crushing… but I had bigger things to focus on. So I let it happen and watched the numbers and engagement drop..

If you are an entrepreneur or small biz owner I know you can relate to how tough this was. SEO and engagement are huge for entrepreneurs and small biz owners.

On top of all that I had to cancel dozens of plans with friends, family and events because I literally was so sick and had nothing left to give.

It was lonely and I wondered if I would be the 2% that stayed sick my whole pregnancy. (My Dr seemed to think so.) I told myself that I had waited years for this miracle babe, I could do whatever it took.

Luckily by 16 weeks I felt like a new person. The nausea subsided, my energy slowly increased (although I’m still no where near pre-pregnancy energy), and I saw the light.

It feels so good to be engaging with all of you again! It feels incredible to be hosting live events and classes…and meeting so many of you IRL thank you for your patience as I navigated that chapter, thank you for being here and waiting for me. I’m beyond grateful.

I’m curious have any of my other Mamas experienced horrible nausea during their pregnancy??

Life Lately: we're having a baby!

I have decided to start a new blog series called “life lately” where I will update you on everything going on here, my favorite products, and so much more!

This will be a way for me to get a bit more personal with all of you, and I can’t wait to connect!

sooo… if you couldn’t tell by the title of this post…we’re having a baby! Baby K is arriving in March!! We could not be more excited for this journey. Thank you all so much for the love & support you have offered, it means so much to us.

So let me catch you up on what I’ve been up to!

Being pregnant (we’re more than half way!!) is such a dream. If you read my previous post on our struggles with infertility you know that this has not been an easy road for us. There were several moments where I wasn’t sure we’d ever get here, which makes this pregnancy even more special.

Even though this pregnancy has been a dream I can not deny how difficult the first four months were.

I was on bed rest, then modified bed rest, then limited activity, and then was finally cleared for gentle activity - and recently just cleared for prenatal safe exercise. It was a long road, especially for someone who has always been so active. I’m a yoga teacher and personal trainer, so to not be able to workout or demo for my clients threw me for a bit of a loop.

And I have to be honest, I’m not great at being lazy. I am so used to being a creator, a doer, a go-getter that these restrictions really made me pause and look inward. I knew that my incredible team of Dr’s was only doing what was best for me and my baby, so I had to learn how to relax and give in. It ended up being such a beautiful lesson in surrendering, and I am a much better human, wife, business owner and all the things because of it.

I was incredibly sick up until 16 weeks, and will be touching on this in a separate post, but being so sick and yet so beyond grateful at the same time put so much into perspective for me. This baby has only been with me for a little over 5 months, but has already taught me so much about myself and life in general.

Photo By Jontel Chere

How to Stay on Track When you Travel

The ladies in the Wellness Bestie group and I recently went over how to travel and still stay on track with your goals. I thought this info was too good not to share with all of you!

How to Stay on Track When you Travel!

Always be prepared

• Pack healthy snacks

• Pack supplements

Plan Your Movement Ahead of Time

• Bring a travel yoga mat

• Pack your sneakers

• Plan out walking trails or routes around the city

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

• Pack a reusable water bottle (non-plastic please!) and fill it up at airport

• When you fly your body get’s so dehydrated, so you will need even more water

• This will help you stay on track with your water goals even when you are away

Meditate

• Travel can be stressful for many of us, meditation is a great tool to help you stay calm

• Bring headphones so that you can keep you with your daily meditation practice while you are away

Extras

• Pack a book and your journal to help keep your mind clear, healthy, and on track even when you travel. A journal is a great way to write down and “brain dump” ideas and thoughts and get them out of your head

• Use those headphones to listen to an inspiring podcast

I would love to know what other tools you use to help you stay on track when you travel! Comment below and let me know!

Openly Sharing My Struggle with Infertility

October is Infertility Awareness Month, and as someone who has struggled with infertility for nearly five years I think it is important to bring awareness to this very personal topic.

This is not a blog I ever saw myself writing. In fact, I have tried to write similar blogs over the last few years and all have remained unpublished because infertility is such a sensitive and private topic. There is a lot of judgement, misunderstanding and confusion around infertility and that is why I am finally speaking out about my struggles. 

I never saw my life going this way, and it is never easy to open up and share something so intimate on a public platform, but I feel that this is a blog that needs to be written. I have received much shame, judgement, and unsolicited advice over the last five years that caused an enormous amount of pain and guilt. It all left me feeling stressed, anxious and alone. 

If opening up and sharing my personal story will help one woman, one couple, feel less alone on their journey than I will feel that I have done my part.

Many women are choosing to start families later in life, often in their 30’s and beyond, and the rise in infertility continues to increase. Did you know that 1 in 8 couples will struggle with infertility, and 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in a miscarriage? The numbers are shocking and very real. 

Although it is difficult to still comprehend, I am both 1 in 8 and 1 in 4. 

I’m part of a club I never signed up for.

In 2020, I lost not one but two babies and it broke me in a way I didn’t know was even possible.

Infertility is a battle no one wants to go through. It’s a battle few understand, and it is by far the loneliest chapter of my life. My husband and I have worked with teams of doctors in order to grow our family, and yet we were always left with “there’s nothing wrong, we don’t know why”. This only left us more confused and alone.

Struggling with infertility for the last several years has been the most challenging journey of my life. It is difficult to put into words the emotions my husband and I have experienced over the last five years, it has been traumatic, heartbreaking and lonely. Then in the midst of a world wide pandemic we experienced the happiest days of our life, followed by the deepest sorrow and depression we have ever experienced…not once, but twice.

We had to support one another in ways we never dreamed of and move through these tremendous losses the best we could. 

By the end of 2020, I was deeply depressed yet if you saw me out you’d have no idea. That’s the thing about infertility and loss it leaves invisible bruises and scars that are only visible to those who have shared your struggle and pain. 

After tremendous personal healing work this year I can finally say that I survived. My marriage is stronger than ever, and we have hope that the best is yet to come. 

I wish for a world where we are more empathic, more compassionate and less judgmental of one another. Everyone is going through a battle you know nothing about, so always be kind.

FREE Community Events - Naples, FL

2021 is quickly coming to a close, and I only have two public events left for this year. I hope you will be able to join me for one or both of these events!

November 4th I will be leading a Mommy & Me Stretch Class in Mercato in collaboration with Cariloha Naples and Mercato. The stretch class will be from 10:00am-10:30am, followed by snacks and shopping discounts! All participants will receive a Mercato swag bag.

This event is FREE and open to all parents, we kindly ask that rsvp so we have enough supplies for everyone.

November 12 I will be leading a 45-minute yoga class at Athleta Naples. The class will begin at 9:15am, and you will need to bring your own mat.

Space is limited and I kindly ask that you sign up in advance.

I am so excited to close out the year with these events and hope you will join me!

Photo By Jontel Chere

The Power of Affirmations

If you have worked with me 1:1 or attended one of my talks you know that I talk A LOT about the power of affirmations.

Affirmations are one of the most powerful tools we have to transform our lives.

My husband recently found this video, and I think this is the perfect example of what I am talking about!

Our words are powerful, let’s use them to positively transform our lives and those around us.

Hope you enjoy the video!

My Number 1 Tip to Bring Yourself Back to Center

I wanted to use this Monday blog to really check in with you. How are you?

I know you probably get asked that a dozen times a day, but I mean it - how are you doing?

For me, it’s been a really crazy and beautiful year…and I can not believe that October will be here in a few days!?!

Sometimes when life seems to be going a million miles an hour, your to-do list is never ending, and there is a cloud of negativity every where you look…it can be tough to stay present, stay calm, and just breathe.

We are all human, each of us having our own experience here, and we all have these days/weeks. The important thing is to notice when this happens, pause, reconnect to your breath, reconnect to this moment right here right now, and just breathe.

It may seem too simple, but I promise it’s all it takes.

Close your eyes, place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly and just breathe.

Notice the chest rise and fall with each breath, and begin to notice the belly rise and fall as you start to deepen your breath.

When life gets too hectic and you loose your center…come back here. Come back to your breath and just breathe.

Mood Boosting Journal Prompt

With a full moon and a change of seasons approaching our energy may feel like it’s all over the place. Some of us may even feel totally drained of energy. There is so much negativity surrounding us in the news, media outlets, and every place we turn it seems…how do we escape the negativity? We turn inward. We journal, we release any stored emotions, and we recognize that we can only control our actions and our reactions, and we find something that brings us joy.

Here is one journaling exercise you can do if you need a mood boost or are simply ready to release some stored emotions.

Grab your journal and your favorite pen and let’s get to work!

First, I want you to write down how you feel energetically in this moment. Whatever comes up first write it down, there are no wrong answers here.

Next, write down 2 things that you can accomplish today that will help boost your mood. Get creative…maybe it’s going for a walk, creating a vision board, cleaning out a closet, taking a bath…whatever will boost your mood and help you to release stored emotions. 

Then I want you to put your pen down, close your eyes, and imagine yourself doing those two things today. Imagine yourself walking through each of the steps of those activities. Notice how you feel doing those activities, perhaps feel your shoulders begin to soften, feel the breath begin to slow, feel the body begin to relax and feel the mood begin to elevate. Perhaps, feel a smile across your face. Just take another moment here to notice how you feel.

Now, I want you to write down one thing you can do every single day to boost your mood and maintain a high vibe lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but write down something you can do for yourself to maintain this feeling.

One more time, put your pen down, close your eyes and imagine yourself adding this one activity into your day - every day. How does that feel for you? Does it bring you joy? Does it help to balance out some of the other emotions and stressors? Does it make you smile?

Find something that brings you joy.

Lean and Green Body® x Wellness Bestie

It’s finally here!! I am so excited to announce the Wellness Bestie Membership Program for Women.

This is something that I created after seeing a void in the market. I was looking for something like this personally, and so were my clients…and so I decided to create it myself!

What sets the Wellness Bestie Membership apart from other memberships is that it combines all wellness, and really looks at the whole body. So many programs are either nutrition OR yoga OR fitness…and this combines it all!

Click HERE to learn all about the Wellness Bestie Membership!

The Wellness Bestie Program is a virtual Facebook community of like minded women sharing their journey’s through wellness. We will discuss motherhood, our cycles, fertility, weight management, food allergies, and so much more! I will lead a monthly class {virtually} which will focus on yoga, meditation, fitness or nutrition. This is your chance to connect with me and a tribe of women moving through similar journey’s, you will be supported like never before. Can’t wait to connect!

If you’ve always wanted to work with me but haven’t been able to yet - this is your chance!

You will be able to pick my brain and ask me questions, and have the support of a incredible tribe of women going through the same (or similar) journey. Most importantly I want you to know that you are not alone.

For a limited time the Wellness Bestie Membership is only $19.99/mo. Sign up now!

Photo By Jontel Chere