I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the congratulatory tweets, Facebook posts and blog comments about my new career move. I also can’t express how much it means to me to read your extremely kind comments about the evolution of my career path over the past year. If you had told me a year ago when I first started teacher training that I would be where I am right now, I would have never believed it. I didn’t even believe that I could pull off the full-time fitness transition. It has been a really cool experience to document it through my blog and I love having the ability to go back and read the things I was feeling and thinking as the whole path unfolded.
So let’s catch up on eats. They’ve been super good.
I was wandering aimlessly around the grocery store on Sunday evening picking up staples for the week when dinner inspiration struck. Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms. I just kind of assembled a mixture of sautéed shallots, sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, feta, greek yogurt, cream cheese, panko and lemon pepper. I baked it for about 15 minutes at 375. Wheat toast and salad on the side.
And then Sunday night ice cream was necessary. I’ve been slacking on my ice cream eating lately. I’ve been more into cake/cookie kind of sweets. I think it’s because it’s been chilly outside so I haven’t been feeling cold dessert. Vanilla with strawberries, chocolate chips and chocolate syrup.
It was the typical Monday morning with a 5 a.m. wake up call to teach BodyPump. I was talking to the class about how I always start the workout wondering how I can possibly make it through and by the time we get to the second half and I’m doing lunges, I feel like I’m on speed. Early morning workouts are so energizing!
I immediately got busy making breakfast when I got home from class. Whole wheat English muffin with apricot preserves on one half and cream cheese on the other. Fresh fruit on the side. I was starving and this didn’t fully satisfy me so I had the rest of the banana that I cut with sunflower butter about an hour later.
I spend a few hours at Metro this morning doing paperwork and making a game plan for the week. I am going to be kind of part-time for the first couple of weeks as I phase out of some other commitments.
I was in the mood to mix up my lunch today and remembered a can of tuna that was hiding in the depths of my cabinet. I made tuna salad with greek yogurt, low fat mayo, lemon pepper, sweet pickle relish, chopped pecans and dried cranberries. I served it on whole wheat toast and put it under the broiler with white cheddar. Topped off with mashed avocado and mixed greens. Terra chips, grapes and carrots on the side. Loved this lunch!
I am so happy to report that I finally took care of my registration renewal this afternoon. I had my car inspected and did online renewal. It took all of one hour. So explain to me why I procrastinated for seven months? That is sad. And stupid! I snacked on plain Greek yogurt with granola and peanut butter before heading to Y2 to teach the 5:45 hot class. It was the perfect end to an amazing day. Love, love, love that group of yogis. It’s my favorite class to teach.
I went on a vacuuming rampage when I got home and then cleaned myself up before making dinner. Pad thai with a scrambled egg and sautéed tofu. Topped with chopped peanuts and a lime wedge and broccoli on the side.
It’s getting late and I have some work to do. I want to knock it out so I can read in bed. I need some serious relaxation to prepare for a CRAZY Tuesday. I am literally booked solid from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Help!
Again, thank you for being amazing! Sending so much love and positivity out to all of you!
Congratulations on your new career path! So awesome!!! And yes, you do eat good food! Your blog is such an inspiration to me. I’m going through a very tough time myself (I gather from your blog and blog comments you are too) and find strength in your posts. It is possible to lead a happy life and move forward even through the tough times. I know it takes work to be happy and deal with things, but it’s possible with the right attitude. Best of luck to you with your new endeavor!
thank you michelle. i really appreciate you taking the time to comment and your nice words. sometimes it’s really hard to keep putting one foot in front of the other and believe that you will be happy again but i’ve found it helpful to focus on the good things in my life and doing what i love.
Dang, I should’ve hired you full time to just cook for me 😉 haha!
So thrilled for you lady! You are going to rock this. 🙂
congrats!! this is going to be an incredible opportunity and i am thrilled for you!! its amazing what can happen when you follow your heart 🙂
thank you for continuing to be such an inspiration to us all!
thank you ashley!
thank you! i’ll cook for you anytime! 🙂
Congratulations, Jen! Definitely an exciting change of pace with the new career opportunity! Awesome looking food lately, too!
thanks stacy! it was totally unexpected but feels like the right next step!
You are such an inspiration Jen!!! You should be proud!
Congrats on your new career !!! XOXO from London
thank you agatha! i am so excited.
congrats on this new exciting chapter…i hope that we’ll still see you around y2!! 🙂
that’s the plan for now!
Congrats Jen! this sounds like an amazing opportunity and i’m so happy for you! Will definitely miss you at CAC – hope you’ll keep in touch!
miki – i am going to miss you guys more than you know. i have SO enjoyed teaching at CAC. we’ll definitely have to do wine dates!
Congratulations on your new job! Seems following your passions are really working for you 🙂 Way to make your dreams into reality!
Serious question for you — You stay SO busy (I mean, I felt like I was busy–no way, sister!), how and when do you put time into your marriage? Would love some tips as I feel that’s a place I could definitely be more balanced!
hi tawanda – i think it’s about negotiation and making sacrifices for each other. know that some periods of time may be busier than others and be willing to be flexible.
You’re so right. It’s always a work in progress, I guess! Thanks!
My favorite part of BodyPump yesterday was after the lunges when you were all pepped up and said it was better than coffee. You then followed that up with “I’m ready for breakast now…no, seriously, I am ready for breakfast.” I loved it because I felt the same way!!! Weight training in the morning really revs up the appetite!
haha – i was so tired when class started. i was seriously thinking, “how am i going to physically pull this off” but it was amazing. i seriously felt like i was on speed after the lunges. and i am always starving for breakfast after bp!
This all looks so good! I know you have posted about grocery shopping tips before. Have you shared any tips on how to throw these meals together on the quick? My biggest hurdle is when I want to make something but feel like I don’t have enough time. If you have any meal prep tips to share maybe a post idea for you — whenever things slow down. 🙂
holly – that is a great idea for a post. it’s all about having the fridge stocked and i usually try to brainstorm and create a plan of attack before i even open the fridge. i will get a post up!
Your meals always look so tasty! I’m basing tonight’s grocery list off your meals. 🙂
Congrats on the new gig! That is so fantastic that your switch to fitness full-time is really going well for you.
thanks kim! i’m so happy to hear that you’ve been inspired by some of my meals!