The week the world came to a HALT!

Ok hold up, its March 21st 2020 and this past week has been the strangest week of my life. (Not the worst, but defiantly the strangest).

In this past week my 2 kids quit school (ok ok school closed) , I lost my job(s) and my husbands job is questionable (thankfully able to go in day by day). Schools, movie theaters, fitness gyms, pretty much everything in the world has closed except: grocery stores (and suppliers) and hospitals. We are all shut in our houses with kids that are going stir crazy and I don't know about you but I keep waking up thinking "I'm in the worst Adam Sandler movie.... 50 first dates"

In all seriousness, life right now in 2020 is a bit scary, yes there is concern for my loved ones, especially my mom who could come down with COVID-19, but also about our economy and what  life will look like on the other side of this. My husband and I have a child graduating next year and going off to college, a son who desperately wants to go to a private christian school and we were looking at ways to make that happen for him.

Hopes and dreams. They have come to a halt. How about you? Did you have some big event for the future and now find yourself questioning what it will look like? How about retirement, yeh that's a bit scary not knowing if over the next 10 years your 401K and business will still be intact.

Here is what I didn't know 10 years ago when I started this blog. Have peace and understanding that we have a God that is in control. 

When I look at social media and talk with people, I find that there are 3 types of people who are responding to this current situation:

Type 1 - the "oh come on this is a joke why would you shut down the world over the flu???"

Type 2 - the "ok this is kind of a big deal and really an inconvenience because now my kids are home and I have to be home with them, but at least I'm collecting a paycheck or able to work from home so I'm going to do my online workouts every day, make a ton of recipes I always wanted to try and catch up on all my Netflix series"

Type 3 - the "oh wow this is exciting, I've read about this in the bible, we are living out exactly what God has planned and I feel the urgency to tell those around me because I want to spend eternity with them"

So where am I in all of this?
Well, in 1992 I was Type 1, in 2010 I was type 2 and today in 2020 I am for sure Type 3.

I want to share some things with you, growing up I didn't have a strong faith. I really did'nt go to church unless I was guilted into it. But I did have a foundation from very early on that God did exist. I grew up with an amazing woman who held Good News Club out of her basement and made the bible stories come alive. I asked Jesus into my heart at age 9 and 10 and 11 and 12 and probably 1,000 times after because I use to lay in bed and feel so scared that one day the world was going to end and what if God really did not choose me to go to heaven? And what if I sinned and then I forgot to ask for forgiveness and He didn't accept me? Ok what if I do get to go to heaven and then I was alone? What if all the people I loved didn't go with? and eternity alone with bible characters.... that scared the heck out of me well into my 20's.

Then in my mid teens I walked away from my faith. I didn't care, I questioned if God even existed.

In my late 20's I had my first child. Then things just got real. Now I have another human to care for and think about and worry about and yeh God does exist because looking at my beautiful baby girl in all her perfect ways... no other possible explanation.

In my 30's I experienced unbelievable grief over the loss of my dad. I was angry. Ok now I knew there was a God for sure and now I was mad at him because he took my dad from me.

Mid 30's I had my second child. God blessed me with what my heart desired, a little boy with green eyes and who looked just like my dad. I started to forgive God a bit.

Going into my 40's I was in the best shape of my life, felt great, looked great, great job, great marriage great kids... and then suddenly I was being asked by the Holy Spirit (I know, I know, for some of you reading this your like "ok hold up you had me until the holy spirit part"... but hang on it will make sense) to move on. I needed to move on because what I was doing in my life was becoming an idol. I didn't listen for about an entire year because I LOVED my life, that I created that I worked so so hard for. ( starting to see the me me me)
And then life started to come crashing down. Work became a stressor and not something I enjoyed anymore, relationships became hard and finally....I became physically sick.
That's what happens when you don't listen :)

Do you ever go into a situation and you think... umm probably not a good idea or it makes you feel not right, yeh that's the Holy Spirit. (non-believers call it their conscience ) anyway you should listen to the Holy Spirit.... because he's always right.

You see what the Holy Spirit did for me over the last two years is to prepare me for moments like this right now.

For the past two years I've been slowly (because this is the one thing I am not fast at) building a relationship with God.

I have always been the one that has to be good at something for me to do it. And reading the bible and memorizing verses is just NOT my strong suit. I'm still not good at it. But you know what, we don't have to be good at it. We just have to take the steps. Kind of like meeting a new neighbor for the first time. Maybe it's a wave and a hello, then it's "hey do you have a cup a sugar?" Before you know it you are building that relationship.

My process looked like this.... I felt lost at our church, like a number 3 years ago. Then I felt that pesky Holy Spirit nudging me to take a class... BY MYSELF. Ugh! Well that lead to .....maybe I could do one Sunday a week at the welcome center, how hard could that be? Not hard just smile and say welcome!

Oh and then I better meet other women, but what if I'm not smart enough or know what they are talking about, after all I don't know the bible super well. What if I say something really stupid? Ok go one time say you did it and then don't go again. But wait, I'm in a room full of women who feel or have felt just like I do. And hang on, I'm in a room full of women who don't judge. Who care about each other. Who have faith, who help each other when there is pain and suffering and fear. I think I should stay!

Ok, I can do this and not only can I do this but I can be a co-leader... and then next year why not be a leader? You see it's a process, we all feel vulnerable, we are all unsure and scared at times.  

Yeh, I'm number 3.... I'm the one who is feeling a sense of urgency my friends. An urgency to share with others that right now I would rather be jobless and talking to people about eternity than hosting workout videos and sharing how to be really fit right now.

I don't know what will happen in a week, a month or in a year but I do know that the bible tells us, all that is happening right now, is according to His plan.

For those of you still with me, still reading this, now is not the time to feel hopeless or fearful, now is the time to get it right, pray a prayer of salvation. And have faith that you will spend eternity in Heaven according to scripture.
John 3:16 For whosoever believe's in me, shall not perish but have eternal life.

Prayer of Salvation: Lord, I thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross to forgive us our sins and have eternal life. Forgive me for my sins, make pure again. I invite you in to my heart Lord that you may live in me and I with you for eternity. Amen.

Friends, I love you. I  care about you and I wish you all well during this time.

Jen

......Day 28!

Okay....

• 28 DAYS
• EATING ONLY WHOLE FOODS specifically designed for fat loss
• Exercise specific for fat loss
• No enhancements of ANY kind
• 100% mental toughness
• 100% dedication

RESULTS:  14.2 pounds and  4.5 inches.... GONE!  

Do you kind of wish YOU would have started with me 28 days ago??  I know right? Am I happy with my results? YES! Did I hit my 17lb goal for 28 days... NO!.  Does that mean I will stop till I hit my mark? What do you think??  

My Coach and Mentor JAY ALTMAN say's "it's all about RESULTS".......  You know what, ding ding.......right again! 

I hit a point in these 28 days where I made excuses for hitting a plateau.  My excuse.... "I am doing EVERYTHING right.  I'm following the plan, I am executing everything that I know as a teacher and trainer. There is nothing more that I know of to do to get that scale moving."  I said this on a tuesday the 15th at 10:45am hour........Can I just say that tuesday was the WORST training day of my life!  The actual physical workout......awful, the emotions going on in my head...... terrible.  The anger, the frustration the pain....... A day I never want to do again. 

  

A day that was required to move me forward.  A day to focus on getting RESULTS. 

Friends, you can sit here and look at these pictures, read the blog and get inspired........ but I WANT so much MORE from you.  I want results...... I don't want excuses, I don't want the I can't, the I don't know how..... 

I want....... "show me HOW!" "What's my next step??" "I want MORE!!!" 

That kind of heart and dedication is what delivers results.  Unfortunately there are very few of us out there willing to go through the tough stuff and dig deep within ourselves.  You have every opportunity available to you right now to make change happen.  

What is stopping you.... is YOU.   

I've had some comments: "your just doing this to get more business"  My answer... Heck Yeah!  Tell me this.... If you had found something so amazing that actually WORKS, is PROVEN, is GUARANTEED wouldn't you want to tell everyone you know?  Wouldn' t you go out of your way to make sure those that needed it tried it?    For those of you that know me and know the company I work for it's not about the money....... but it IS about the business.  What we all want to see happen is for people to make a decision.  You walked into the gym for a reason, you looked up or are following a health blog for a reason.  

If you were to walk into our gym today every one of us that work for Altman Fitness would tell you to find SOMETHING that gets you results.  If that means using the local gyms, weight loss programs, personal trainers... go for it! YES we at Altman Fitness support that 100%!  

The reality is the people that come into our gym (myself included 2 years ago) who have tried all those things, only to have failed.  They come in with very similar stories, "I had a trainer I did well and then....."  "I joined _________ and lost weight but then gained it back".  "I'm a member at _________ but I don't know how to do an effective workout plan or how to push myself."  

 What I will tell you from 100% honesty and certainty our 28 day program delivers RESULTS!  I have proven it.  Look I use to be just like you, wondering if it was possible, wondering how can I make it work, I am here it tell you..... YOU CAN!  Just like I did, just like I see many other people that come into the gym and take that step towards a healthier lifestyle.  Let me show you how......... 

Here are two links to get you started with your decision:

One to our 28 fat loss program Starts right now today......

28 day Fat loss formula

One to a google search for you to find the right gym or program in your area.......

Fitness and Fat loss google search

I have one more thing for you..........

Here is my way of proving to you that it is about business and not money........

We have a 1 week free trial that we offer to everyone that comes in for the first time...

I personally am going to pay for an additional week...... Gene don't have a heart attack.....YES, I am going to personally pay and make sure you get 2 WEEKS of FREE BOOT CAMP.  I am that committed to helping people create change that if YOU take that step and walk into our gym.... You have 2 WEEKS for FREE.  What you do with that 2 weeks is on YOU.  

Email me:  Jen at Altman Fitness  and say YES I want 2 weeks free!

Make a change and let me know how you did!  

Jen

Day 21

     The scale finally is moving! hip hip hooray.... ho, hey ho... hey, ho.... hey maybe a little extra dancing and excitement will burn even more calories! 

This has been a good week of weight loss, hard because I am low low low on those nice starchy carbs that give us energy.  But overall doing well.  It helps so much that my brain is 110% on fire to lose this weight because when it's not.... it's so not good.  I mean really not good.  Just ask my husband.  Okay don't, because then you will really get hear about the Jen you don't want to know! 

I do want to clarify one thing... I am on the 28 day fat loss program but I have had to tweak what I specifically have to do because of where I am at in my journey.  Losing over 100lbs my body sometimes does not want to budge... I mean really budge. Sure I could take enhancements or over the counter speed pills, I could go on a liquid diet, I could starve.  But that for me is NOT the way I want to lose weight.  I want to put whole healthy foods in body so that I don't create more problems later.  This way I can feel good about what I am doing and know that it is healthy... for me.

I want to quick tell you what happened this week.... I went into see my physician Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy for a checkup ...... really I just wanted to have my cholesterol and vitamin D checked so I could see rock star changes.  I have not been in for 2 years, haven't needed to.  She walked in and was so shocked!  We talked for a while about what I have been doing, diet and exercise and she was so interested she asked me to send her more information about the 28 day program.

She emailed me back right away saying she LOVED the program and could she start endorsing it at her clinic? Ahh YEAH! So awesome to have a Physician who cares so much about her patients that she will seek out something that can really help people ...... go Dr. Kennedy! 

Oh and my cholesterol 199... rock star!  Previously 3 years ago 285

I think my hair looks better with height, don't you?

sometimes I crack myself up!

Thought I would show side by side Day one, Day 21........
just over a week left!  My final weigh-in day is tuesday the 6th!

Have a great week!

Day 14

Day 14 and things are a bit tough!  The scale does not move like it should, planning every detail of every meal gets a little old.... but having the mindset that I can be 100% to my goal in 2 more weeks keeps me focused on my task.  Without it, things call fall apart quickly!

Like for instance: The 6 birthday celebrations of various family members and friends, along with Easter holiday all in just the last 14 days...... could have spelled disaster!  Why is it when I decide to do the 28 day program it's like this over abundance of celebration!  Almost like "hey let's just see how mentally tough Jen can be??" or how many combinations of her favorites is it going to take before she caves?  Ha HA! I will not cave into the battle of the bulge!  

Here is the good:  I feel healthy, I like what I am putting into my body.  Lean proteins, TONS of veggies and did I mention lean proteins and tons of veggies?  Oh and I almost forgot...... lots of veggies along with lean protein!
I am exercising hard 5-6 days a week and my body is handling it well.  Knee and low back pain to a minimum.  I am running........ YES I said running! 4 days a week.  For those of you new to me, I strongly dislike running, a past post I wrote about flying, running, and cold could be some of the least desirable things in my life.  Well, it's now not cold and I have told myself to run at a pace that does not hurt my knee.  My daughter and I ran outside in this beautiful weather Sunday for 35 min and it was AWESOME!  Wait did I just say running was awesome?  Seriously...... do not tell my trainer that.... ever....... never ever..... or I fear what comes with it.  In fact I am going to put a correction in that last statement.  I still strongly dislike running. 

Here is the bad:  My energy level a bit low.  My weight likes to stall out about this time so starchy carbs are the first to go on these 28 days.  Very little starchy carbs = low energy for me.  I am retaining water like crazy right now, just one more thing women have to deal with and men don't.... you guys are so lucky!

Other than that, these 28 days are going well.   Mindset, staying focused on what and why you are taking fat off your body.... is the KEY!  I'm not kidding, without it you can't be successful.

• Set yourself up for success.  
• Find a supportive environment, 
• find a program that works for YOU 
• and then make it happen.  

If your ready and want to make it happen and you want someone like me to coach you, be with a group of people that want the same thing you do... fat loss. Then click that book over there to the right, yep the one that says 28 day fat loss formula  and we will get you started on May 4th for your own 28 days!
heres to 7 more days!

Day 7

Here I am day 7 of the 28 day.  Whewwwww 21 more days....... I am focused, I can do it!

Why is it whenever I go on the 28 day there is ALWAYS some life events that involve celebration!  It's like "ahh Jen's on the 28 day.... lets have a party!"  Never fails!

It's learning how to handle those situations and really digging deep to push through and when you do you feel so good when you look at that number on the scale.  

My current weight:  158
I am down -4 lbs   in 7 days

I am 2lbs behind schedule.  By tuesday I must be 156 to be on schedule to hit my 17lb goal
I am 100% confident I can do it!

I am doing everything possible to make this goal a reality

• Eating perfectly and according to the 28 day program.  
• Exercising 6 days a week: boot camp 4x, and running 4x per week.
• Practicing positive mindset staying focused and staying on track. 
• Sleep...... I have to work on sleep.  This is my hurdle lately ~ working on it. 

Took these pictures today I will keep putting them side by side each week.  Do you see a difference?  I for sure feel a difference!

Day 1

Day 7

Day 7

It's not too late

     You know when I start posting on my blog that I am going back on the 28 day program it means I'm getting really serious!

     I hit my goal back in December and since then I have slowly gained and then sat idled.  Maintaining for me is hard.  This summer I turn 40...... dant dant daa!   I am actually excited to turn 40.  I feel great, I love the new job, I love the people I have in my life life is great!   So why is it important for me to be at a certain weight?
     Well it's like this..... I like how my body feels at 140lbs.  My stomach doesn't hang out over my pants, my face looks thinner and it's just plain easier to move.  The hard part is maintaining.  I get to my goal and then I go UP!  It's important for me THIS time to maintain!

So here is goes.... I am going on the 28 day fat loss formula.

• My current weight 162
• my goal in 28 days 145 lbs.  
• That means I am going after 17 lbs.  

Can I do it? I am 100% confident I can.  Will it be hard? Yes. Will I have to dig really deep... Yes. Will it be worth it... defiantly!

I am posting it here for 2 reasons:
 #1.  It makes it real, no turning back and motivates me.
#2.  It never fails, after I post my 28 day progress on here I have a lot of people write me and say.... " I wish I would have started when you started 28 days ago."

This time I don't want you to have an excuse for not jumping on board with me.  I have just a few spots left for this months 28 day program.  You can start with me NOW and have your own transformation right along with me... OR you can keep watching me over the next 28 days take fat off my body and again wish you would have done it too.  Your choice.  If you chose to take action then you have to do it IMMEDIATELY!  
Our kick off meeting is Sunday the 6th with a GO date of tuesday the the 8th!

Message me at: Jen@altmanfitness.com with a tag line of "I'm ready" and I will get you set up and on your own path to a slimmer you!

Here I am yep I have the
pants pushed down so that you
can really see the flab! 

Day 1 ~ 162

Where is your reset button?

There are 3 things I hate..... Flying, cold and running and in that order. well cold and flying are dead even.  
So last night I had this dream that I was running down the tarmac after a plane I had to catch and it was -20 degrees!  Needless to say it wasn't just a dream... it was a nightmare!  In my dream I caught the plane, who new I was such a fast runner? I boarded the plane and once I got inside I remember feeling soooo incredibly happy I was; A) no longer running and B) no longer out in that awful sub zero cold!  That I totally forgot the feeling of being afraid to fly!

Do you ever find yourself in that position?  When you really dislike something;  maybe it's that you have to confront someone, let go of a job, start a diet or new exercise program, start counseling for yourself or with your spouse.  Maybe you have been putting off seeing a dr. because you don't want to know the outcome.  Then you finally get the courage to do it or something forces you to go through it and after it's over you breath a sigh of relief that it's over!  It may not always be the outcome you desire but none the less you went through it.

Guess what? That's growth..... That's what we are designed to do.  There is nothing in the book of life that states we are to sit exactly where we are.  That we are to live an unfulfilling life, getting through day by day.  In fact it's just the opposite we are to grow; emotionally, spiritually, physically in all directions and if you mess up in one area.... it's okay!  This is the awesome part, YOU have a reset button!

Just because you spent 15 years being overweight does not mean you have to live the rest of your life being overweight.  Just because you were born into a Muslim or Buddhist or without faith does not mean you have to live your life in that same spiritual direction.  Just because you had an awful event in your life that caused you to be emotionally unstable or fearful or isolated does not mean you have to live the rest of your life that way.

 ............ you have a reset button

I know, because I found mine.  And guess what?  I use it ALL the time! I mess up and then all of a sudden I realize that I just not truly happy I ask myself what's missing? what am I doing wrong? the old Jen always pointed fingers and said what everyone else was doing wrong.  I find it and I reset it.
It's simple now, but it wasn't in the beginning.  It was so hard, I had this thing called ego that kept getting in the way.  Now I know where to stuff him and really listen to the people that I have carefully selected to be mentors to me in my life.

I encourage all of you to find your reset button....... test it out, you may just be happy with what you find!


Jen

a message to learn from

My last post I wrote about a friend Michael Brandt who is now walking and running on the streets of gold in heaven.  This past week I have been looking through the emails we had shared over the past year.  And one specifically jumped out at me.  I would like to share it with all of you because it not only has meaning...... it has meat to it!  What do I mean by that? Michael said it like it was, he put a lot of thought behind his words and then spoke it, not many people do that.  I myself have been known to just blab, hence the need for a blog, LOL.

I really enjoyed Michaels wisdom which is why I felt comfortable asking difficult questions like in this email below. Here is how it read.......

Hey Michael,

How do you keep your thought's "under control" so to speak. How do you keep your mind from racing and thinking about the next day, what could or would happen?

I struggle with fear, not anxiety fear but more my mind wanders, I am a "worst case scenario" person 

I have been learning over the past year to fill my mind with positive not negative thoughts, which has helped me to become stronger.To have more control, and to really bring it to the Lord. But still I find myself..... fearful. I have had a number of really difficult things happen in my life to cause fear but in looking back I definitely see that God has worked it out for  His glory. I think I still just really struggle with trust. Funny huh? I don't trust our Creator!

So I thought I would ask you your advice! How do you keep your thoughts healthy?

Jen

And this is how he responded..........

First of all, you assuming that my thoughts are healthy to begin with is a stretch!  I have lived my entire life being fearful…until April 1, 2011, the day I was diagnosed with ALS.  Suddenly, I felt released….liberated….done with needing to be afraid.  It’s a bit weird, but true.  I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone anymore, and I knew that God had a plan for me.  Of course, I occasionally feel sadness when I think about all the time that I will miss with Barb and the boys, but I trust that God’s plan includes taking care of them and filling them with  more joy than if I had been here with them (which of course, I plan to be right beside them in spirit until we’re reunited in heaven).  Plus, I’ve been enjoying my “accelerated-compressed retirement” so much that I’ve totally forgotten about being afraid. 

I’m not sure if any of this is helpful to you.  But it has reinforced this basic premise for me: shit happens---trust that God will help you deal with it. Michael

Isn't it crazy how something that seems hard to grasp.... can be simply summed up with one word..... Trust.

I took his advice back then (last may) and began to trust more, live more and fear......less.  A wise man Michael Brandt,  a wise man, thank you for your friendship and candidness. 

All of us can learn from Michael.  He became diagnosed and LIVED, most of us live without disease or pain but we do not LIVE.  I am thankful today,  I am living the life I dreamed of.  Living a life full of fulfillment, and a life that has purpose and shares it with others.  

Have an amazing day and LIVE without fear!

Jen

See you again

Wow.... heaven got a really cool guy yesterday!
Michael Brandt was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2011 and today he is spending his day disease free.  Michael spent the last 2 years enjoying life and living life to the fullest.  He spent more time with his family and pursuing what really mattered in life......his purpose.

Michaels family and friends have been a constant support through these last very difficult weeks.  I can't imagine how difficult it was to watch this terrible disease take it's toll.
But what  has stuck with me the most was Michael.  Here was a man who spent hours upon hours in a body that would not move, that slowly began to fail him and in the end completely shut down.  His mind was still sharp, his wit and humor still evident... like the radiant smile and eyebrow raise I received in the hospital when Barb shouted "Michael your girlfriend is here to visit"  And not once did I hear him say why me?  He embraced his situation with honor and dignity, he was an advocate for others battling ALS.  He was and is and will always be....... an inspiration to many many people.

Over the summer I was invited to photograph a special family reunion out at their lake home.  When I started photographing I could tell Michael was having a hard time.  His smile was forced, his face a bit strained.  Barb said he was having a hard time, really realizing this would be the last time they would all be together.  As the day went on and a few lighthearted jokes were made and Michael began to relax, and this smile started to shine. To this day this is my most favorite picture I took in 2013........ What an amazing smile Michael

Barb and Michael Brandt

My sadness is not for Michael, I know where Michael is....... standing on the streets of heaven.  My guess is he has already taken on some amazing leadership role.   My sadness is for those who are left behind.  It can feel like such an empty hole when someone so important leaves your life.  It can feel overwhelming when you want to share a big event and that person is not there to share it.  It can be painful to be alone with your thoughts.  

Loss takes a while to heal from, and does a person ever really heal from it?  I don't think a person does, I believe we experience the joy and sorrow to show us how valuable we are to each other, to put away the excess and experience what gift each person has to give to each other.  Michael gave me the gift to endure.  I will miss you sitting in my corner Michael, you always new the right time to let me know just how special we all are....... I will see you again someday!

If you would like to help find a cure for this terrible disease please help by donating to: ALS foundation



 

Start the new year right!

Some people love making new years resolutions and some hate them.  The other day I saw a comment on Facebook saying "brace yourself the new years resolution gym members are coming."  Meant to be funny but......

Here is my take on it:   if having a date like New Years or starting on a Monday or the 1st of the month ....... if that is what it takes to get you to take a step.   Make it!   Set that day as your start day and then make that second day and third and fourth....
I say AWESOME you are in the VERY SMALL percentage of people that actually take action!

Many people say they want to get in shape, say they want to lose weight but a big majority of them never follow through.  Many never walk through that door.  I was that person many, many times.

It took me one second to make that decision when I started my journey two years ago, really I mean it one second!  Sure you can go back and forth with: do I have the time? do I have the finances?  do I have the ability?  But it really just takes a second to TELL yourself.... "YES".  okay so if you speak really slowly or your brain is a little foggy it may take 1.4 seconds  The point I am trying to make is that all it really takes is a positive thought "yes I can,  I really can do it".  Forget what you have told yourself in the past and forget the excuses......... just say "Yes!"  I've gotten it down to .4 seconds,  I guess losing weight makes you think faster too, lol! 

It feels so good to have said yes, taken action and now see the results.  Now I am teaching others how to take action and get results!  I want everyone that is reading this blog to be action takers.  Make this time different, make this time count, make this time about YOU...... without excuses.

Find ANY gym, ANY program, ANY class that is going to motivate you to lead a healthy lifestyle.

If you want to try out the gym I train at..... awesome, but only if it fits what you are looking for.  Most of all I would love to hear that you took action......SOMEWHERE!

January 6th marks 2 years since I started this journey.  Yep, I was a new years resolution setter!   In 2 years I have lost over 100lbs, dropped my cholesterol 100 points, lowered my blood pressure and my resting heart rate.  I have rid my body of toxins, chronic inflammation, chronic pain, headaches, intestinal issues, heart palpitations and PVC's, I have increased my strength by over 50%, I sleep better, I handle stress better, I enjoy life, I am no longer clinically depressed and so much more.

This January 6th I will be spending it with a group of people that are action takers.  They have all signed up for our 6-Week-Body-Transformation.  I can't think of a better way to spend my night than to be surrounded by people that are beginning their own personal transformation.

If you are looking for a program and an opportunity and want to be in this group I can promise you a number of things:

1. You will have fun
2. You will lose weight
3. You will feel better
4. You will be a part of a group of people that are motivated for the same reasons you are

And lastly, if you come in with the desire to change and follow our program that we have carefully designed......... you will achieve all the goals you set for yourself, and that's a guarantee or your money back.  We are in the business to educate you about fat loss, about how to strengthen your body, burn fat and eat real nutritional food.  It's about walking out our door and having that strong desire to come back,  day after day.  It's about seeing results and setting new goals to further you on your journey.  It's about being part of a team.

If this is what you want..... it's a great opportunity and you should immediately click this link to sign up: Altman Fitness 6-Week-Body-Transformation
space is limited and we do have a deadline - you would choose the Non-Member option.

If this is not what you want, then again I encourage you to find SOMETHING that motivates you and inspires you to create a healthy lifestyle.  Nobody wants to feel cruddy, nobody wants to have access weight, nobody wants to have aches and pains.  And you don't have to feel that way.....you can do it, I believe in you!

Here's to an amazing 2014!

Jen

2 years, -100+ pounds and so much more!

A message to Michael

     Over the summer I wrote a blog post about a friend of mine (Barb and Michael Brandt) who is battling ALS.  Michael has been on the forethought of my mind this Christmas and rather than send him a private message, I decided to share it on here.  This is to you Michael, because I feel it is important not only for you to read....... but for others to read as well.


Sweet Michael,

     I just want you to know that I am thinking about you on the Christmas day.  I can't understand what a struggle it is for you today or possibly know the joy and sorrows you feel inside, but I do know that our mighty King does.
     Michael He knows you by name, you are His child and just as you shed tears of joy for your boys He is joyous as well.  And just as you would weep for your boys, He weeps....... for you.  Our greatest gift will be in heaven.... to live our life for eternity -- none of us know our time, but we can be sure of our path.  Be strong and mighty Michael....... you serve a big God!  Give Him your pain, give Him your worry and fears.
      You have a terrible disease that has stolen your mobility and physical strength but has given you the wonderful blessing of a strong mind, wisdom to share and a heart full of the holy spirit.  He is using you to impact others.
     You inspire me Michael and many others around you each and every day.  Your life is a gift, and as you and Barb have said.... Your disease is a gift.  This Christmas I thank God for the gift of you and Barb in my life.  Having you in my life has shown me His Grace, His love and His blessings.  Christmas is not about gifts, it's not about tradition, it's not about lights and trees and tinsel   .....  It's about purpose, it's about love and it's about Rejoicing.
      Merry Christmas Michael, I hope you know how much you are loved, how much you are celebrated and how many lives you have touched.  I'll see you soon my friend, I love you.

Jen

getting sick

It's that time of year when everyone is getting sick!   My kids included!  So I thought I would share some knowledge and information on what to do to prevent getting sick........  And let me tell you it is about PREVENTION.

Get enough rest:  Seriously you need your sleep.  If you are feeling overworked and overtired guess what... your body will have a hard time fighting off those cold and flu bugs.

Stress:  Yep we all have stress, some more than others.  It's important to keep it to a minimum, take action when stress starts to overwhelm you.  Write your thoughts down on paper, sometimes just taking an actual pen and paper out and getting it out gives you a different perspective.  Going for a walk outside taking big deep breaths.  Sounds silly I know but honestly it works!

Avoid Sugar, Fructose and Processed foods:  Yes they taste good and are so convenient but they are NOT going to help your immune system.  It is a proven fact that Sugar almost immediately impairs your immune system.

Up your Vitamin D level:  This is the absolute BEST strategy for avoiding infections of ALL kinds.  This is the single most important and least expensive action you can take.  You want 1500-2000 IU of Vitamin D daily

The best way to get Vitamin D is from safe sun exposure.  You can also get this from a safe Tanning bed (don't get mad at me here) or you can take it orally as a last resort.  Your body will produce 10,000 I.U. of Vitamin D in just 15 min of sun exposure.  What does safe sun exposure and safe tanning bed mean?  It means that you limit your time in the sun to 15 min or less uncovered without sun screen. But what about skin cancer?  Skin cancer is not caused from the sun, Skin cancer is caused from being burned by the sun and repeated sun exposure at high levels for long periods of time.  Even burning your skin one time can increase your chance of skin cancer.  Being responsible in the sun and or using a tanning bed wisely is safe and effective. I encourage you to do the research if you disagree.   And do NOT take this as a license to spend the day in the sun or jump into a level 3 or less tanning bed and fry your body.  I am not a physician nor do I claim to be.  Be responsible and educate yourself on this topic before sun exposure and tanning beds.  I recommend the book "The vitamin D solution"

Use Natural Antibiotics:  Some great examples of this are..... Coconut oil, oil of oregano and garlic.  These work like broad-spectum antibiotics against bacteria, viruses and protozoa in your body.  And unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, they do not appear to lead to resistance.  This means that over time your body still uses them as a defense.

Lastly, even though we don't like getting sick and missing work and all that goes with it...... Getting sick once in a while is actually healthy for us.  It builds our immunity which helps us fight off the REALLY bad bugs and different types of cancers.  So don't be afraid to get sick, just take care of yourself and treat your body well.

Be well my friends!

Jen

Day 50.... Did I make it?

   I have been quiet on this blog for a while!  So sorry, life got a little crazy busy and I totally put posting on the back burner!  

I can't believe it's been 50 days, it has really FELT like 50 days but now that it's here it did go by fast.  So the answer is...... yes, I made it.  I actually made it last week on wednesday and then ended up with the worst stomach flu of the century!  On wednesday morning I hit 15 lbs loss in 50 days, then over the next 2 days of stomach flu I lost another 5! And I thought at 15 I had NOTHING left in me, who knew I had another 5???? 

I've spent the last 2 days rebuilding some of that water loss and what it has taught me: 

My body, OUR bodies do NOT like to function without food or water! And when you go from eating really low calorie highly nutritious food to nothing and no appetite, you kind of miss how nicely your body functions on those kinds of foods.  

I know it is going to take some time to get my gut back in order, get my energy level back and to feel really really good, but boy does food and water make a difference people!  I am so glad that I don't have the desire to but junk into my body.  And to think I use to be sick like this quite often, now I rarely get sick.  Treat your body well and it will serve you well - that's what I have learned!

I hope some of you were able to hang with it for the full 50 days!  I know I have spoken with a few of you in person and you are doing great.  Very proud of you!

I want to say I am super proud of some people that have recently decided to take a huge step towards changing their life.  Laura and Mary, you inspire me and I am excited to see your journey unfold.  You will remember this for the rest of your life.  

Jay and Kelly my trainers and dear friends...... thank you for all the added support and for motivating and encouraging me.  These last 3 weeks pretty hard,  would not have been able to get through without your strength! Thank you! 

My friends and family, you all motivate me everyday, with kind words, texts and hugs, thank you....

My sweet husband, gosh I love you and don't know what I would do without you.  You are my everything.  Thank you for sharing my passion and for doing these last 50 days with me, YOU inspire me.  Love you! 

....... on to the next chapter and next challenge........ what will it be????

Jen

Black Friday!!!!

It's black friday and I am so excited because Altman Fitness is offering some AMAZING deals!!!  I know I have been talking about these programs for a while now and I realize I talk about them A LOT, but it's only because I know....... without a doubt they work!

I know because I was that person that tried many other avenues that didn't work.  I know because I did these programs and I am now over 100lbs lighter.  I know because after a year of teaching these programs I see people lose weight, change their metabolism and most of all feel AMAZING!

I know because I see people every day that have changed their lives!

So if your ready to make a change, then I want you to take advantage of these amazing offers: click HERE 

Think about giving yourself the most amazing gift this year, the gift of health.

Blessings,

Jen

I RAN!

I RAN and RAN and RAN........ but it was so cold out someone took pity on me and let me run inside! Thank goodness! Thank you Kelly for taking the time to run with me!!!

Do you guys ever get in a funk?  I have 14 days left, that means I have been doing this for the last 36 days.... it's a long time.  The last few days I have been struggling with poor self talk and self doubt.  It seems to come when I'm feeling weak (makes total sense!) Right now I'm tired mentally and physically. I'm pushing hard to meet my goal by this friday, I have 4 lbs left so it's dig deep time!   The goal is to hit it this week because after this week my female body will start retaining water and weight loss does not occur for me.

When you start giving in to that poor self talk, nothing good comes out of it.......NOTHING!  You start manifesting negativity around you, incorporating the very people that are helping you and turning it into  something it's really not.  Is this making any sense to you?  A situation like this:  your going along in life feeling great and then suddenly something happens, you get injured, something goes wrong at work, you get the idea.  Someone says something very simple non-treating and YOU take it the wrong way.  You turn it completely the wrong way, then you start to focus on all the other bad things that seem to be wrong in your life.  It starts to manifest in to something BIG and you self sabotage OR this is what the old jen did.... you start to bring in other people to your pity party.

I spent the better part of Sunday digging out of self Sabotage and poor self talk.  It feels so much better to take the weight off and be positive and move forward.  Important lesson.... it happens, we all do it.  Acknowledge it, fix it and move forward.

Lastly, I want to publicly apologize to two very important people in my life that I know are trying to help me... Jay and Kelly you are the best and you are appreciated and sorry for the drama and negativity.

Have an amazing day everyone, it's not worth your precious time to be angry and bitter.

Jen

I Have to run!

I have to run tomorrow...... in the freezing cold...... on asphalt........ for 45 min.  Not only do I have to run tomorrow I have to run every day for the next 6 days.

Jay told me today, this is what it is going take to get to my goal.... hmmmmm REALLY?  I can think of much better things to do........ fly somewhere really hot and just lay on the beach and let the sweat/fat drip off my body,  watch a hilarious movie and jiggle the body fat off, suck helium... that MUST make you lighter right?  Coffee enema, laxative protein smoothie?

I have been having anxiety all day since hearing I have to run.... outside.... in the cold.....for 45 min.  I know what you are saying "it could be worse" "at least you have two legs to run with" "I love to run what's the big deal?"  Well if you could pick the worst thing for me to do to exercise........ it would be; run on asphalt....... worse........ would be for 45 min.... EVEN WORSE!........outside in the cold!!! Do you know what it feels like at 18 degrees to a girl that has lost 100 lbs of insulation? It feels like 20 below zero!  It feels like everything is going to freeze and fall off my body!!! HA HA!! That is what he is trying to do!  freeze my appendages and have them FALL OFF!  Good plan Mr. Altman, good plan!!!!

I WILL run tomorrow..... on the asphalt.....in the cold....... for 45 min..... I WILL..... UNTIL - I - WIN!

good day,

Jen

What does 100lbs look like?

So I have been asked by many of you "did you reach your goal?"  No I did not.....But last thursday I did quietly reach 100lb total weight loss.  I've kept it a bit quiet, one reason is because I am not at my goal ( I still have 4 more to go!) the other reason.... how do I explain?

It's like this, if you worked really hard at something for a really long time, like 2 years and suddenly you reach the ultimate.....the big kahunna.  How do you THINK you would feel?  Excited right? Yes, there is that element of excitement. 100lbs is a big deal, I of all people understand that.  I put in A LOT of hard work, a lot of sweat and yes a lot of tears along the way.  But there is another side to it.  One that I discovered after I hit 90lbs which was my original goal when I started.  Excitement.... and then what?   I put a lot of excitement and celebration into hitting my 90lbs and it was great; my friends, family and coach celebrated with me.  But the weeks that followed I did not expect to feel so sad and a bit lost.

So I did not want to make a big deal out of 100lbs.  I told my husband and my coaches.  That day was a bit of an emotional flood of accomplishment and it came over me when I did not expect it.  When I look back at this picture of when I started, I really don't recognize or even believe I looked that way.  I do remember EXACTLY how I felt and I remember how I felt when I took that picture..... This Time, This Time I have set myself up for success, I have invested in the best, I am committing and this time I WILL succeed! Succeed I did, I feel great, look better, I have a whole new long healthy life ahead of me and I am blessed by the people around me.

If you look at this and think "I'm ready, really ready" invest in your health, see the value in YOU and not in material things.... those things give you short term joy..... Good health gives you long term joy!

My 14 day  fat furnace deal is closing..... but you can still sign up for the next 28 day program with bootcamp.  Next one starts December 1st  click HERE to begin your weight loss transformation!

100lbs in 22 months!

HUGE THANK YOU TO:  My coach Jay Altman and Kelly Altman, my bootcamp trainer Christian Roseen, My family, All my friends who have pushed and encouraged me and to all of you who read this and become inspired to change!  Thank you!

sitting on the fence

What makes one person launch themselves forward and go after what they want, verses sitting on the fence watching, hoping that one day they could accomplish what they really want too?

I can tell you from my point of view what sitting on the fence looks like...... For years I sat on the fence, I would try to get down, I would tell myself "Yep this time it's going to be different!"  "I REALLY want to do it this time!" but I always remained in that same place.  I finally learned that I needed to STOP relying on the same people in my life to motivate me and seek out someone professional.

I quickly learned that if I REALLY wanted to make that change I was going to have to make myself a priority (meaning, my schedule had to change so that I controlled it, it does not control me).  It was going to take longer than a few weeks to change, it was going to take effort, it was going to hurt the pocket book in the short term.

Once I REALIZED the opportunity in front of me, I made that switch in my brain....... I launched myself off the fence and RAN!   I found someone that GUARANTEED results, I made sure it was a good fit and made sure his word was truth.   Honestly friends, it does not matter to me if you choose your local gym, a friend that's a trainer, take classes at your community center....... as long AS IT WORKS!  You have to like what you are learning, you have to like what your are doing,  if you don't.... it's not going to work.

I can tell you happily that today that I am 100lbs lighter!!!!!...... Jay Altman has been true to his word, I have more than exceeded my personal goals, I am a better person than I was 2 years ago and I am SUPER FIT!

I wish EVERYONE could have the same results, I wish EVERYONE could believe in themselves enough to want to jump off that fence and RUN, see the opportunity in front of them and TAKE IT! I know it's hard, I know it's scary but I also know it's WORTH it.

If you have been waiting for an opportunity to come along, if you are committed to making a change, I mean REALLY making a LIFE LONG change.... then pick ONE of these 2 opportunities:

Option 1: I'm considering offering this program to a small group of people who are interested in burning a lot of fat in 14 days.

So I'm calling it my "14 Day Fat Furnace system," but before I commit to doing a program like this, I wanted to see how many people would be interested in a 14 day rapid fat loss program like this.

If you think you'd be interested in joining my small group of "beta testers" and getting fast fat loss results in 14 days then Click Here  This program will start December 2nd-15th.

OR

The Bigger opportunity....... Let me hold your hand for 28 days.  I will get you set up on our Guaranteed 28 day fat loss program AND you can come workout with me the WHOLE time.  At an amazing price of $234.00  CLICK HERE to get in on this ONE TIME offer!!!

This is what I am talking about people...... SEE the opportunity and TAKE IT!!!

See you soon,

Jen

How do you learn best?

Good question right? How do YOU really learn best? I know for me I learn best by living it out.  By actually making the mistake, seeking out the answer and then applying it.  I will give you my most recent example and boy do I have many...... Since you are all so interested in food and weight loss I will focus on that.
     Over a week ago my trainer challenged me to change my breakfast. The mission... eat raw for 1 week.  He suggested a smoothie.  I understood the idea behind it, put amazing healthy simple ingredients into my body and see how my body reacted.  I was up for the challenge, not so hard right?  But to be honest, I did not think it would work, and I did not think I would feel full.  Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, WRONG!  Why is it, that sometimes what we THINK is experience in an area turns out to be INEXPERIENCE? I mean come on....... I've been doing this for a year and a half, I have MOST of the answers right?  Nope, I don't.  But I'm LEARNING!  And that is what is so awesome about life.  Just when we THINK we know most of the answers....... there is SO MUCH more to learn!
     Think back to when you were in your 20's, didn't you kind of think you had most of the answers?  Didn't you kinda sorta know what was best? But then life challenged you, maybe through a job, a marriage, kids... you get the idea.   NOW you really know don't you?  I mean your married and you have 2.2 kids and a career.......NOPE!  Your next challenge comes..... you lose your job, your marriage, your house, maybe your child, your spouse or a parent.  GROWTH happens, you LIVED it, you EXPERIENCED it.  Now you MUST have all the answers right?  NOPE! Your next challenge comes...... and out of that GROWTH comes!  You see you can live your life believing at each stage that you have all the answers,  OR...... you can be humbled by your own inexperience and look forward to new growth! I am humbled....... I hope I NEVER come across as a miss know-it-all, and I will always be honest,  If I don't know the answer, I will be honest with you and seek out the answer.  Cool huh?  Just think how much knowledge and life experience we will all have when we are 90!! I know with these raw shakes I am drinking I will at least make it to 90!!! Wait NO I'm going for a 100!!!!

Here is my current Raw shake recipe complements of Mr. Jay Altman!

I'm going to call it......
The Slim Jen

1/4 avocado
2 cutie oranges (remove skin)
1 handful of kale
1/2 cup raw egg whites
1/2 ripe pear
1 cup of water (or you could use almond milk)
Ice
Blend and enjoy!

It's Friday!!!

     It's the end of the week and we are 19 days into this!!! We have 31 days left!  Next thursday is HALF WAY. I must say it feels like SO LONG, I feel like we have been doing this for at least a month!
So what is your progress?  Are you setting short term goals for yourself to make each week?  I am, I set 2 lbs a week as my short term goal.  So far I have accomplished them, feels so good to make them than to make up for them.

My progress so far......5.5 lbs
Genes progress so far..... -11 lbs

     What has been my struggle this week?  My mood.  It seems to always come down to my mood.  I am going to put out just a little excuse here..... For women, well we experience a time of the month when we just get a little moody a little crazy with our cravings and some of us down right not fun to be around!!!!  YEP that is me, look out for about 3 days of every month I can be down right ornery!!   And sometimes it's worse than others, this time ranks about top 5.  So that's my excuse, a pretty poor one at that but never the less I am back on track and ready to demolish this goal.
What kind of excuses you do come up with?  Are they worthy of even admitting?

Who wants a yummy cookie recipe???

Pumpkin Raisin cookies!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour or Gluten free flour (costco)

2/3 cup old-fashioned oats

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp fine salt

1/4 tsp ground allspice

3/4 cup raw sugar

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/3 cup olive or coconut oil

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup raisins

Directions

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 heavy large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and allspice. Stir to blend well. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, syrup and vanilla; whisk to blend. Using a flexible rubber spatula, gradually stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir in the raisins.

For each cookie, drop 1 generous tablespoon of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the mounds about 1 inch apart (or use a mini ice cream scoop). Using moistened fingertips, flatten each to a 2-inch-diameter round. Sprinkle each cookie with a bit more raw sugar.

Bake the cookies until brown and a bit firm to the touch, 17 to 20 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to a rack and cool completely.