The Birth Of WBL: Why I Began To Blog
Are you a blogger? Are you an avid Blog Reader? Maybe you have just discovered this world of healthy living and food blogs. Not so long ago, I discovered this wonderful world of support and advice. It was Spring 2009 and I was dealing with a tremendous amount of stress. I was a new Mom and a full-time student. I was also working 10 hour days and trying to keep my home functioning and looking neat. I had forgotten about my body’s needs. I had fallen into the time trap. I told myself that I just didn’t have time to workout any more. I also had very little time to do much of anything. My lunch breaks were spent eating what I could in my car while I caught up on errands. I felt as though I never saw my daughter because I was always pre-occupied with school and house work when I was with her. Before I knew it, I had lost muscle mass and energy.
My body was just. plain. worn. out.
Christmas ’08 …on the way to losing myself
In the spring, when I realized I had lost my health, I felt foolish. How could I have let my health slip to the bottom of my priority list? Was my 3.4 GPA really worth it? I couldn’t go through another semester that way. I was already enrolled in full-time summer courses and scheduled for a heavy workload. But, it was time to take care of my body. I had always had an interest in health and nutrition but I had sort of thrown those to the side with my love for cooking and working out. I wanted to reclaim my health! So I did what I always do when I’m searching for answers… I Googled it!! No, really I did. I remembered how much I used to love to run, so that became a motivation to become stronger. Look what I found when I Googled rediscovering runnning. These led me to more and blogs and more inspiration to live a healthier life. I began to look forward to my “me time” after Snuffy went to bed and I could relax and read words from my favorite writers.
This was taken shortly after my “Revelation Of Health”
After months of reading health and food blogs, I started thinking about starting my own. I knew I didn’t have extra time but I also knew how much I enjoyed being a part of this community of fellow health and food bloggers. I decided to give this blog thing a try. I am so glad that I did! Yes, my blog is a little rough because of my lack of time. It’s a great way for me to unwind though. I have learned so much about health and fitness, cooking and “un-cooking”. I have used these tools to help me to make my body strong again. I have actually gained back about 15 pounds of that weight that I had lost due to the stress of Spring semester. Just to see how much of that was muscle mass, I had my bodyfat tested a few weeks ago. It turns out that a lot of that was muscle. So many women are so pre-occupied with being “skinny” that they forget to be healthy. My stress took my weight too low. I was very “skinny”. But, my body was not happy or healthy. I feel much better at this weight. 
It is finals week for me as well as for many of you! That means quick meals and snacks that are made up of whatever I can find.
Amy’s Indian…I love the combo of Peas, Pecans and Rice
I had a friend in high school who always put her chips on her sandwich to add “a salty crunch”.
So, I though why not add Kale Chips to my Hummus Sandwich?
Kashi Toasted Honey Heart To Heart
Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze
Naturally More and Blue Diamond Honey Almond Butter
I suppose I needed something sweet
Kashi Warm Cinnamon Heart To Heart
Stonyfield Vanilla Yogurt
Steamed Sweet Potato
Yes, my Heart belongs to Kashi this week.
Sliced Apples and Pears
Creamy Maranatha and Naturally More with Flax
Not that it matters, but I always add a little lemon juice to my sliced fruit to keep it from browning. I suppose I like the flavor just as much as I dislike brown apple slices.
WAIT A TICK! i just got your comment and came over to see why you havent been posting AND YOU HAVE BEEN?!
um.
my reader has NOT been updating me! what! i am baffled. how can i fix this?!
So true in that if you don’t have your health, it doesn’t matter what your GPA, job, etc. is…family, happiness and health are what’s important, and it seems like you’ve found that delicate balance. You look great and sound even better–keep it up for 2010!
So glad you found the blog world, and made a healthy change in your life. Obviously you always had it in you to be healthy, as it’s clear you grew up with a health conscious family, or at least surrounded by people who felt nutrition was important. Good health is the foundation to a happy, productive, and successful life, in my opinion. Your healthy quick meals are looking good, and are similar to some of the foods I ate during my exams
Mainly apples, yogurts, and whole grains. Easy, healthy treats! Good luck, and happy holidays!
Aww…I love this post:) You have SO much going on in your life, and it’s an inspiration that you still have room for healthy living and a positive, glowing, spirit! I’m so glad you found the world of blogging, because otherwise – I wouldn’t be able to read your awesome blog!
Have a great one
So refreshing to hear your story! I’m glad the blog world has helped you prioritize your goals. It’s really helped to keep me accountable, too.
Great story!! It sounds like you’ve come really far and I’m so glad your happy with everything now!
Are you still juggling all that stuff? That is amazing that you could keep that up! Good luck with finals week – I know you can rock it
Love your story, Jenna! What an inspiring your woman you are.
I completely understand what you are talking about! I too have a daughter, a job, and no time. But no matter what I feel better finding time to blog.
It’s really nice to “meet” you!
OOOH! I love this. First off, I went through a month of seriously blog addiction and self-doubt, it became another place to try and overachieve. But what I love about your post is that it talks about the INTENTION to be more fully YOU. That meant eating more and writing more and cooking more…and look, your life is MORE!
Thanks!
Hi Jenna! Great to see a post from you! I love your intro and how blogging totally helped you and I love hearing “success” & positive stories like that. And you look amazing in these pics, just glowing
girl, you are absolutely beautiful. you are one hot momma!! i loved reading this about you!
I always enjoy your posts and I’m glad you blog and have such a positive attitude!
Good luck with finals! Just finished mine for my master’s in social work. Very happy to be done!
how fitting that I found your blog TODAY! – AND LOVE IT BY THE WAY
wow you are a beautiful women inside and out!!! good for you for making health a priority and realizing that your skinniest didnt make you happy!!
love that kashi cereal
YAY another mama! What a great story! And your health is not only for you but for your daughter – you need to stay healthy for her tea play dates, hide and go seek and playing dress up.
I am so glad I found your blog! Keep up the amazing strength!
OMG, did I NOT comment on this??I swear I read this post and commented a while back, but it was still in my reader and when I clicked over, I saw that I hadn’t actually said anything! oops! Hey-I love your honest, inspiration, AND the idea of kale chips on a hummus sammie. YUM! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! xoxo
i think we can all say that blogs have helped us make good decisions for us, lead healthy lives and serve as an inspiration to keep on doing and eating wonderful things!
so much love to you this holiday – ENJOY some time to relax!!!!!
xoxox