Baby/ Behind The Butter/ Fitness

Getting Active

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If I had to summarize my early 20’s, I would say one big word: FITNESS. I was really into working out, ran all the races, did all the power yoga, loved spin classes, ate super duper clean all the time…yada yada yada. Looking back, I was in really great shape but I was also, like, twenty one. Ahhhh youth.

I fell off the fitness bandwagon in my mid 20’s. I went through a personal family trauma, moved to California on my own, started dating someone new, ate out a ton, traveled a ton, quit running but did lots of yoga. I even became yoga teacher certified and taught a group of women in my community once a week. I didn’t go to the gym practically at all and didn’t miss it one single bit.

As I near 30 with my first babe about to turn one (!!), I find myself getting back in the fitness saddle once again. I’ve pretty much lost all my pregnancy weight and don’t have any huge goals to share. I feel like I was able to stay pretty fit through my pregnancy and postpartum, due largely to Barre3 online workouts. However, I feel like it’s the right time and season for something new, something to push myself a little bit. I can’t blame exhaustion any more for reasons why I don’t exercise (except maybe for this week between jet lag, teething and a baby with a cold…hah) and I really want to gain more energy, something that’s been lacking in my life for a little while.

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Joining a gym isn’t an option for us right now and I think my running days are better left in my early 20’s. That being said, Adam feels the same way I do – the same drive to get a little more healthy and fit – so we started doing a home workout program together! Yup, you heard that right. We started Focus T25, a Beachbody workout recommended by my Beachbody coach, Brittany. I explained to her my goals – no weight loss just adding some muscle and more energy throughout the day – and she recommended this program for us. We started this morning and I just love it! It’s SO hard but I feel like you can do anything for 25 minutes, right? I’m already sore and it feels great. Plus, it’s fun to do something like this with my hubby. I feel like we’re on a team and it’s very motivating!

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So, I know I just said I didn’t have any goals but now after writing this I think I have a few:

drink more water

get more sleep (hah this one is sort of a joke – we’ll see how it goes)

do something physically active every day, even if it’s just a walk

discover my muscles again!

gain more energy throughout the day (this is a big one for me as I’ve been feeling super fatigued lately)

If I’ve learned anything this past year, it’s that making time for exercise and, well, yourself, is HARD when you have a baby. Adam has committed to doing his workout in the morning while I feed Grayson and get him dressed for the day. I’m going to do mine as soon as he goes down for a morning nap, around 9am. I love that it’s only 25 minutes! When Grayson was a newborn, I absolutely loved Stroller Strides. I credit that program with getting me out of my pajamas and out of the house when I had an eight week old on my hands! It was so fun to exercise with other moms and feel better about my new postpartum body. However, Grayson’s morning nap soon got in the way and I had to stop going. When he drops that morning nap though, hopefully this summer, I will definitely be back and can’t wait.

Some other healthy lifestyle changes we’ve made lately include adding Shakeology to our daily diet (thanks, Gina!), joined Blue Apron, which is sort of the best thing ever and I need to write a post exclusively on that soon, and I started drinking Ningzia Red everyday.

I guess this post was just really a lot of rambling but everyone always asks about fitness stuff on here and it used to be such a huge part of my life so I thought I would bring you this update.

Also, on a very random note: I finally see some resemblance between my child and myself. What do you think?

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(this post is all just personal opinion and isn’t sponsored by Beachbody at all. I paid my own money for the workout DVDs and will update you guys with our progress as we make our way through the 10 week program!)

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  • Laura @SheEatsWell
    March 19, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    I think it’s a great goal to gain more energy from exercise. I’m a student right now, who works and volunteers around 30 extra hours a week, so I am constantly feeling tired. I love the idea of exercise being energizing πŸ™‚ while keeping in mind that sleep is so important, too. Thanks for sharing! Do you need any equipment for Focus T25?

    • Laura @ Raise Your Garden
      March 20, 2015 at 9:00 am

      I really appreciate your opinion on Beachbody and totally want to give it a go now! And the fact you purchased it yourself, I’m in. Love how it’s only 25 minutes. I used to love those Billy Blanks DVD’s, the advanced workouts (not the ones where his nipples were sticking out, I would laugh so hard I couldn’t focus on my workout, ewww Billy!).But they were an hour long! I just couldn’t set aside an hour with a 2 and 4 year old screaming at me about lunch! Baby weight with babe #2 is harder to get off that baby #1 and at 35, I feel like my metabolism is slower than molasses in January. Wish me luck!!!

  • Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
    March 19, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    Good for you for making a fun, doable goal for yourself! And Grayson totally has your cute little nose and beautiful blue eyes.

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    March 19, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    Good luck! I hope you meet all of your goals. And Grayson definitely looks like you.

  • sarah
    March 19, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Good for you Jenna, I always see a bunch of women doing stroller strides at the park across the street from our house and it looks like so much fun! I tell me husband I want to do that when we have kids, he then reminds me of my coordination;) We are big fans of at home workouts, we run a lot outside, and then do workouts we put together in our living room or we do yoga using udaya.com, but we have always talked about trying p90x or one of the other ones, so I can’t wait to hear how you like it! And I totally see it, you and Grayson! He’s so cute:))

  • Natalie
    March 19, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    Good luck with the T-25! I bought the 21 day fix a few months ago and have only done 2 days worth πŸ™ Babies are exhausting. When he’s not jetlagged or teething is Grayson sleeping thru the night? My 9 month old has yet to sleep more than 4 hours straight and with all top 4 teeth coming in he likes to wake every 90 minutes-2 hours…makes for a long day at work!

    Thanks for your updates. I enjoy reading what other moms are doing! Hope the jetlag/teething/cold pass soon.

  • Megan McMahon
    March 19, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I think it’s such a sweet idea that you and your husband are teaming up to do this together – it means you can support each other and hopefully motivate each other to keep on going! Good luck with the goals – I feel like gaining energy during the day is definitely one I need to focus on at the moment!
    Megan x meguana.co.uk

  • Val @ Balancing Val
    March 19, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Fitness really does come in waves, huh?

    Excited to read more about this journey! <3

  • Trisha
    March 19, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    I love love love T25 and Shaun T! I just finished his new program Insanity Max 30. His programs are so hard but they’re amazing! Good luck!

  • Jen
    March 19, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    Love your fitness journey but disappointed in you promoting Shakeology – thought you were a chef and a fan of real food? Now you’re on a “trend” drinking powdered substances with other added fillers. Disappointing.

    • Chris Therrien
      March 19, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      She is a chef and I’m sure she’s still eating real food. I really think you should keep your negative comments to yourself. I’m personally disappointed that you typed this.

      • Jen
        March 19, 2015 at 10:13 pm

        Chris, the comment was for Jenna, the author. She’s a big girl and can respond for herself – this is a public blog with an open forum. And it’s not “negative” – why does everyone jump on comments or think they are snarky? It’s an honest comment and question. I was very surprised to see she jumped onto a diet bandwagon given what she’s stood for in the past. To say you’re “personally disappointed that I typed this” is nonsense.

    • kate maschio
      March 19, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      I agree. I started doing Piyo through beach body and am so annoyed with all the shakeology ads πŸ™ it’s really not that great for you, just an expensive scam! I’m disappointed too

    • jenna
      March 20, 2015 at 9:32 am

      I tried Shakeology because I was very fatigued and didn’t feel like I was getting enough protein in my diet. I had heard great things from numerous people whose opinions in health and wellness I trust, so I tried it and loved it! Don’t drink it if you don’t want to – I do and love it! πŸ™‚

      • Jen
        March 20, 2015 at 4:35 pm

        Sorry Jenna, I didn’t mean my comment to come off so judgemental. I understand everyone tries different things. I don’t agree with Shakeology because I do feel it’s a scam and I guess I’m sick of its promotions. But that’s my issue – not yours. Best of luck with the new regimen! πŸ™‚

        • Colleen
          March 23, 2015 at 11:46 am

          As one of the only available protein powders on the market that is ALL NATURAL, I don’t think she’s drinking frankenfood. I think Shakeology only has a bad name because of it’s widespread use. But rightly so. Yes, it’s expensive, but nothing artificial, and filled with superfoods. Can’t really argue with that.

  • Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats
    March 19, 2015 at 7:06 pm

    Working on the same thing here myself – drinking more water, making it a priority to go on long walks, eating healthy…..why is being an adult so hard????

  • Cyndi
    March 19, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Jenna –

    I’ve followed your website for a long time. I’m much older than you but I feel a real kinship. I can see family and faith are so important to you. Stay close to your faith and family because it is the real deal.

  • Melanie
    March 19, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    First of all, that comparison picture is AMAZING! I started back running last year up until I got pregnant and was told I couldn’t run anymore, but I agree that the at-home workouts can really do the trick, especially when you have a window of time when your son’s napping and the stars seem to align.
    Good luck with T25- I’ve heard really great things about it!

  • Gina
    March 19, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Wondering if you’ve heard of fitmob yet?? They have it in Marin and it’s a great way to attend classes at different studios or in a park without joining a particular studio/gym. I love it and usually do a yoga tree class, pure barre and pelo class each week. I thrive on the variety:)

    • jenna
      March 20, 2015 at 9:30 am

      I’ve never heard of it! I will look it up although getting to a studio/gym is hard with the baby right now!

  • Heather
    March 19, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    My Mom has had amazing success with the beachbody program. She has lost over 60lbs, very inspiring. I too need to start getting in shape. I’m a nurse and am working with the elderly right now.. Exercise is so important to staying healthy and having quality of life. Health is so easy to take for granted. So much easier said than done though. . . . .I haven’t figured out how to fit exercise in between school, work, and wedding planning. Good luck with your goals!!

  • Amy
    March 19, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    I was curious about the wolfberries that Ningxia Red uses, so I googled it and found out that they’re actually goji berries, which have been kind of a recent superfood rage in the Western world, but have actually been used in Chinese herbal concoctions and soups since forever. I grew up drinking chicken soup with those red berries floating around. I’m not sure if Trader Joe’s still does, but I know that they used to sell goji berries either by themselves or mixed into other things (like trail mix or granola). If you live in the SF bay area (and I wish I still do; I grew up there), save yourself a few bucks, and get high-quality goji berries from any Chinese herbal shop (tons of those in the SF area). That’s the real (unprocessed) deal! They’re very sweet and can be eaten from the hand like raisins or added to granola, trail mix, muesli, etc. Or, you know, you can befriend a Chinese grandma who will brew you good old Chinese herbal chicken soup, preferrably with a black “silky” chicken, head and feet attached πŸ™‚

    Another major Chinese energy and immunity booster is ginseng (another key ingredient in said soup). While you’re at that Chinese herbal shop, ask about their ginseng tea products. We’re talking about the actual root. More contemporary shops will even give out samples of ginseng tea. American ginseng (from Wisconsin) makes a tea that tastes very dry, with sweet/bitter notes.

  • Simona
    March 20, 2015 at 3:43 am

    When life gets so busy it is easy to fall off the wagon, it will get easier, and muscle memory will always be there, good luck!
    Simona
    Lake&Moon

  • Cara's Healthy Cravings
    March 20, 2015 at 4:28 am

    I have tried T25 a couple of times now….I am a big Shaun T fan, I find he is super encouraging and the time just flys by. Enjoy!

  • Dana
    March 20, 2015 at 5:03 am

    That’s so great that you and hubs are getting in shape and doing it together! That’s probably my top reason for liking exercise- it can be whatever you want as long as it works for you. Hubs and I belong to planet fitness for 4 years now and we like it. We have a 1 yr old now so we just go at different times so someone can be with baby. I like the AM and hubs likes later in the afternoon. It’s amazing how things just change so much once a kid is involved. But it’s interesting anf fun to coordinate and get creative with ways to remain active with a little one, too. πŸ™‚

    All the best to you guys!!

  • Andrea
    March 20, 2015 at 5:10 am

    I’m a big fan of Beachbody AND shakeology. I noticed a huge difference in energy when I started the workout programs (mostly the 21 day fix and PiYo)…I have no idea if the shakeology had anything to do with it, but I still love it. πŸ˜‰ Good for you getting back into something. Funny how our goals change as our lives do. After 3 kids I’m in the “I don’t really want a set program, but will want to be healthy and enjoy being active” camp.

  • Sarah
    March 20, 2015 at 6:16 am

    Just curious why you think running is best left in your early 20s? A lot of runners don’t hit their best runs until 30s, 40s etc.
    I remember when I started reading yoir blog was because you were a vegetarian runner!
    Also can you speak a bit about shakeology?!

    • jenna
      March 20, 2015 at 7:25 am

      I just don’t enjoy it anymore – life is too short to do things (especially exercises) that you don’t actually enjoy!

      • Kelly
        March 20, 2015 at 7:54 am

        Jenna – thank you so much for this simple reply that hit so close to home for me. I’m a newlywed, who happens to also work a very demanding job. I used to LIVE for the gym, and now I live to spend all my free time doing things that make me happy and fulfilled. I used to feel so good when I worked out in the gym, and I always felt amazing after also. I don’t get that feeling anymore and that’s okay! Thanks for your inspiring honesty and good luck to you and hubby with your new workout program!!! πŸ™‚

      • Sarah
        March 20, 2015 at 10:40 am

        Thanks Jenna! I completely completely agree.
        Another question (sorry) do you still use I think it was called Amazing Grass Meal??!!

        • jenna
          March 20, 2015 at 12:13 pm

          I haven’t in a long time!

          • Sarah
            March 20, 2015 at 12:37 pm

            I’m thinking of getting that to add to some smoothies that I’ve been making just to get a boost of some extra nutrients. I find it difficult some days with a one year old (same boat right?). Any advice on a particular flavor you liked?! Would original be ok so I can put it in any flavor smoothie?!

          • jenna
            March 20, 2015 at 1:03 pm

            Adam and I have the chocolate and really like it. Our daily breakfast smoothie for the past week has been 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 scoop chocolate Shakeology, 1 frozen banana and 1 scoop almond butter. It’s REALLY good and quite filling! πŸ˜‰

      • jillian
        March 23, 2015 at 10:12 am

        YES! Thank you for this…. πŸ™‚

  • Amy D.
    March 20, 2015 at 6:53 am

    There’s definitely a resemblance! I think he has a couple extra dashes of daddy, but mom is there too! πŸ™‚

  • LB
    March 20, 2015 at 7:02 am

    I love this post! I found your blog about the time you had stopped running and got into yoga, and I have loved all the different phases of your life and of this blog. I feel like this post gives a little insight into the real Jenna and her thoughts, not just the “here’s a food post to check the box.” Not that those aren’t great posts, too πŸ™‚ Maybe it’s just the baby comparison pic at the end, which is adorable and made me lol. I just love hearing about your daily life updates, and I live your CA lifestyle vicariously through your updates, as a norcal girl now living in Boston (ugh).

  • Laurel
    March 20, 2015 at 7:26 am

    What a fantastic idea keeping accountable with your husband! We’ve been having trouble getting back into a groove with exercise here too because of littles, but I like that idea of working together. We might have to try something like that here too.

    I totally get you on that zapped energy levels. It is the worst. I was living an active, healthy lifestyle in my 20s too so it is sometimes hard to look back on that and not yearn for it again. (Although, we’re still eating pretty healthy . . . it’s the activity level that has decreased.) But life circumstances change and I wouldn’t trade being a wife and mother for the WORLD! πŸ™‚

  • Maureen
    March 20, 2015 at 7:34 am

    Seriously? One baby, you are young, wealthy and so do not work and you can’t cook dinner? I had two kids 20 months apart when I was 25 and I made all our own bread, cooked every night, canned vegetables and fruits, took care of a huge garden, ran 4-5 times a week etc. etc.

    You are a very pampered and spoiled person who has not got a clue what real life is all about.

    • Kelly
      March 20, 2015 at 8:10 am

      Wow Maureen…someone is green with envy.

      Just a little suggestion – don’t ever judge a person’s life, especially the life of a person you really know nothing about. It’s a very unattractive quality in a person.

      You really are amazing Jenna! I can’t speak for all your readers, but as someone right around your own age, I can personally say I admire you!!! Keep being you πŸ™‚

    • jenna
      March 20, 2015 at 8:52 am

      You obviously don’t know me or my life really at all, and I absolutely do not need to justify anything to you but I feel the need to say that I DO cook dinner every single night for my family. Blue Apron delivers ingredients weekly, along with great recipes, and you cook the meals yourself. I just wanted to clear that up in case you wanted to try it out. It’s really great and we’ve loved the meals so far! Have a wonderful weekend!

      • Lyndsey
        March 20, 2015 at 5:07 pm

        a classy response Jenna <3

      • Lindsey
        March 24, 2015 at 4:08 pm

        Very classy response.

        I had to stop and LOL at Maureen a minute though. Does she even read this blog? Jenna, YOU are who inspired me to start canning fruits and vegetables! And to cook more often!! And you also showed me that fitness doesn’t have to end after having a baby. Who cares if running isn’t your favorite anymore? Exercise is exercise.

        Her comment is downright hilarious.

  • Sherri @ Adventures of Love and Marriage
    March 20, 2015 at 8:13 am

    I totally relate to this post. I am in my late 20’s now, baby just turned one and a gym in NOT am option for me right now. I do have a treadmill at my house but other than that, I was doing Pure Barre videos and loved it but needed a sweaty challenge. I just joined the website DailyBurn and have been doing Bob Harper’s BlackFire workout program on there. Its 30min max workouts and a 2 month program. The best is that DailyBurn has hundreds of workouts you can stream and you only pay around $12/mo. You should look into it!

  • Sarah
    March 20, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Wow, Jenna. I am so sorry that you decided to respond to readers’ questions, posted your personal decisions online and are now getting negative comments. I understand that she writes a public blog and there are going to be people who disagree with her decisions. But to call her names and just be outright rude just isn’t appropriate. I don’t understand how people can lead their lives thinking it’s a useful part of their day to make someone else feel bad.

    Jenna, thanks for sharing any part of your lives with everyone. I read your blog every day, partly because I have a son a month older than yours and like to see how you’re spending your days, partly because it’s a time in the day I can zone out and enjoy reading. I would completely understand if you shut this whole thing down to focus on your life and your family. You don’t owe anyone anything.

  • amanda
    March 20, 2015 at 9:09 am

    I love your blog and reading about what you enjoy most-motherhood. If you dont mind me asking, how do you (or anyone reading) afford to stay home? I have a 3 month old and would really love to stay home and not return to work in September. Did you work prior to baby?

    • Mary
      March 20, 2015 at 12:35 pm

      I have never commented here. I love your blog and appreciate all the information you provide. As to the question about staying home, I work outside the home and I doubt the choices I have made all the time. But we each have to decide what we value and what are our priorities. Every situation is different. I would love to stay home, but I also like helping my husband, hopefully allowing him to enjoy our family more, provide for our family by working. I also like being able to do things with and for my kids as I choose. I have no safety net to provide all the extras we enjoy. So I work outside the home that is the choice I made. But I feel your pain and wish you the best.

      • AshleyL
        March 30, 2015 at 1:06 pm

        I don’t think she was asking why she stays home or judging her she was just looking at how.

    • simone
      March 21, 2015 at 10:23 am

      Hi, I’m a sahm mom with two girls age 3 and 7 months. How we afford it is that my husband works as much as possible. He takes every overtime shift he can. We don’t have babysitters, we don’t eat out, we don’t go to movies, we don’t travel, I don’t “shop” my daughter’s wear hand me downs from.a friend, many of their toys are hand me downs. My older daughter doesn’t go to “school” yet. My husband wishes he didn’t have to work so much πŸ™ nobody has the perfect situation when it comes to having a family, whether staying at home or working or working from home. Usually a sacrifice has to be made. I have a friend who is a sahm, she is a genuis with a budget and they live off her husband’s salary which is less than $50 k a year, in California!!! They eat a lot of canned food, dinner is less than $5. A meal out is mc donalds, she uses coupons etc. She is AMAZING, she really wanted to be home with her kids and their family is making it work.

    • Lindsey
      March 24, 2015 at 4:18 pm

      Amanda, I’m not a mom yet but my mother was a SAHM, many of my friends are, and I plan to be, so I feel like I can share some insight. The ability to be a SAHM differs in every situation. If your husband makes killer money, it’s easy. If he doesn’t, it gets more tricky. My husband does NOT make a crazy amount of money, so our answer will be to budget, budget, budget and live a frugal life. I also plan to try my best to work part time from home.

      Among my SAHM friends, most of them have to live fairly frugally as well. It’s just a sacrifice they choose to make. I think it’s easier if you make the decision early in life and can plan accordingly (don’t buy a house with a high mortgage, etc). Once you get caught in a certain lifestyle it can be hard to drop it all and reduce to one income when baby comes. But if you plan for it early, it’s doable.

  • diana
    March 20, 2015 at 9:24 am

    I love T25 and can’t imagine not having Shakeology at least once a day! Have you tried all the flavors? If so, what’s your favorite?

    ps. I can definitely see a resemblance!

  • kristin | W [H] A T C H
    March 20, 2015 at 11:05 am

    i found barre 3 online workouts at a moment when they were just what i was looking for. i don’t do them anymore, but i think fitness is a continual process of finding ways to be engaged in pursuing an active lifestyle. i’d love to find a workout to do with my hubby!

  • Sandy
    March 20, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    I have been doing Piyo from Beachbody for 3 months and I love it.

  • Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel
    March 20, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    It’s nice having the urge to wanna maintain your fitness and like you said, get back in the saddle. I think the best reason is to increase mood and energy levels. Its also great for role modeling good health to the youngster. All and all im proud of you and say WAY TO GO

  • Rachel @ My Urban Oven
    March 20, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    Jena- I love that you are doing T25- the hubby and I am just starting Beta- and I have been drinking Shakeology for a year now. It has helped me in so many ways! {Beachbody coach too} Can’t wait to see what you do with your journey with Beachbody!

  • Katalina @ Peas and Peonies
    March 20, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    OMG that last photo is priceless.

    Just wanted to tell you that I have been reading your blog since the beginning begging beginning πŸ™‚ and its so nice to see how your life evolved, how you overcame the difficulties and found your love, peace and happiness. Good luck!

  • Kait
    March 20, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    Jenna, it is so good to see pictures of you and your sweet family! Wishing you the best and sending you lots of love from Portland. XO

  • Meliss
    March 20, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Rarely comment but just wanted to let you know that I absolutely love your blog and have been reading for a long time (pre California days!). It always blows my mind when other people feel that they can comment on and judge your life from the little glimpse of your life we see but I hope you don’t let them get to you… because you have an amazing family and I can tell you are a great wife and momma!!! πŸ™‚

  • Lauren @ The Highlands Life
    March 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    Don’t you just love NingXia Red? My husband and I drink it everyday and can’t get enough! Have you jumped on board with Young Living and oils? I think that’s totally awesome if you have! They have seriously changed our family for the better. I thank the Lord everyday for oils and Young Livinv helping us lead more natural, toxin free lives.

  • Twinkle Parekh
    March 20, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    It is indeed a nice suggestion to make some more muscles and the beach body concept. Life with a baby is really hectic and with a baby, who is somewhat difficult to manage, I tend to lose complete energy and my zest to enjoy by evening. Your idea of the drink for energy, shakeology and other suggestions are the one, I am going to implement soon.

  • Ashley
    March 21, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    I was just thinking earlier this week how much your little boy is looking like you on your Insta !!

  • Allison
    March 21, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    Jenna, I’m not sure that I have ever commented on one of your blog posts though I’ve been reading your blog for years, ever since before you moved to California, and some of your recipes are all time favorites. I don’t usually read through comments either, but for some reason as I was looking up a recipe on your site tonight, I decided to. I was shocked by some of the comments and just want you to know that I’ve enjoyed all the recipes you’ve shared over the years and though your life is obviously changing, I hope you won’t shut down your blog as it continues to be a source of inspiration for me and I still enjoy your occasional posts even as your blog has evolved over the years. Grayson is adorable and I wish you the best in the season of life that you’re in! I also wondered if you might be able to answer a question for me if you have a chance. About two years ago my fiancΓ© and I moved into a house with six huge, wonderful raised garden beds in back and haven’t done much with them until now. This season we have grand plans for homegrown veggies, herbs, and strawberries. With that I was interested in getting into canning and I know you’ve done quite a bit of that in recent years. I wondered if you might have any recommendations for good cookbooks or beginning resources for someone who’s never done any canning before. Again, thank you for all the heart and passion you’ve put into your little corner of the web over the years and I wish you all the best!

  • Jessica @ Prayers and Apples
    March 23, 2015 at 9:25 am

    I just turned 30 and I feel like your experience is super similar to how I felt about my 20’s. I don’t have a baby (yet!) but everything else rings true – I’m in the same boat and determined to get back to feeling more healthy πŸ™‚ (Ironically, I just tried T25 the other day! Loved it – also love Insanity, but it’s a little, well, insane lol)

  • Julie
    March 23, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Can’t wait to read your T25 updates as you continue w/ the program. Good luck & thanks for sharing!

  • Anca
    March 24, 2015 at 6:36 am

    Good luck with T25, I want to start P90X3, another beachbody workout that gives great results.

  • Stephanie
    March 24, 2015 at 7:21 am

    Hi Jenna! I never comment on blogs, but I’m just shocked by people who feel the need to be judgemental jerks. As a new mom, I appreciate your transparency and the fact that you’ve decided to share your life with us. Keep doing what you are doing! You rock!

  • Julie Turner
    March 24, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Jenna- I love this update! As a woman in her late 20’s who is expecting her first child, I appreciate your honesty in sharing what works for you keeping active in this new stage of life. I’ve already had to adjust my routine during pregnancy, and know that it won’t be easy to start a consistent routine again once the baby is here. I know I’ve always felt the best when my husband and I are doing workouts together. Thanks for the inspiration and-good luck!

  • Taylor DuVall
    March 24, 2015 at 10:08 am

    I love that you and your hubby are doing workouts together! It makes such a difference. I love going to the gym with my boyfriend. It’s fun to have a buddy, so I typically power through an entire workout without wanting to quit! Love this post πŸ™‚

  • danielle
    March 24, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    i’m three weeks into Beachbody’s PiYo program. i needed to strengthen my core, especially thanks to lugging around my fourth baby, little mr husky almost 30# 9-month-old! but i’ll forever be amazed at how waking up early to exercise gives me more energy than lying in bed longer. (i mean, once i’m not breastfeeding every 2-3 hours overnight, at least.) so great you found something that works for you!

  • sarah
    March 25, 2015 at 9:47 am

    After reading this, combined by my recent realization that after 9 months of setting goals to physically get to the gym at least twice a week (and consistently not doing it!), I’m happily accepted that at-home workouts are just the way to go at this point in my life (have a 9 month old baby girl). My husband had bought T25 last year, so I started it this week! It’s super fun and like you said, we can do anything for 25 minutes! Thanks for the little push! Also–regarding your comment about feeling fatigued, have you had your iron levels checked? My levels became low during the last part of my pregnancy and I just feel like they’ve stayed that way the last 9 months through breastfeeding and taking care of the baby, no matter how much red meat, greens, beans, dried fruit, etc. I try and eat. When I take an iron supplement, I really can tell the difference. Take it or leave it, just sharing! Have a great rest of the week. Grayson is so adorable.

    • jenna
      March 25, 2015 at 10:18 am

      Oh good, I’m so glad!! And I hadn’t thought about iron – that’s interesting. I’m going to get it checked out, thanks!

      • sarah
        March 25, 2015 at 10:44 am

        p.s. Know you have some roots in Vero–if you guys ever get down here, let me know. Would love to have a playdate with our little ones. We probably know a lot of the same people!

  • What We Snack On
    March 25, 2015 at 10:25 am

    […] Lastly, I’ve been trying to make one healthy snack a week during naptime. Last week it was Gina’s brownie batter protein bites and this week it’s Emily’s sunbutter energy bites (made instead with almond butter). I snack on these and send them to work with Adam. Our appetites have really ramped up in the past two weeks due to our workouts! […]

  • Rose
    March 26, 2015 at 11:48 am

    I love the update on fitness Jenna! I used to be Such a gym girl in my early 20’s but lately it has felt like pulling teeth to get there. Over the Summer I taught a ladies outdoor bootcamp which was fun and kept me on my toes. But once Winter hit Hard here in Canada, I was struggling. I work evenings, and so I wake up later in the day and dragging myself out before work was impossible. I started doing online workouts at fitness blender and they’ve been SO great and really made me fall in love with at-home work outs. I have some dusty turbo-fire workouts, I’m inspired to start them up too πŸ™‚ Can’t wait for the T-25 update. I was wondering, about the online barre3 workouts- did you find them to be effective in terms of shaping your legs/butt etc? I’ve heard this effect from barre-style… I am getting married in July, and I am at a healthy weight, but would love to slim down/tone my hips a bit for my tight fit & flare style dress πŸ˜‰ Would love to hear your experiences results-wise (or from anyone else who is reading!) Thanks!

    • AshleyL
      March 30, 2015 at 1:02 pm

      I have noticed a huge difference in my booty from barre3! And my core! I would recommend doing something like their 28 to great to prepare for your wedding. I think you’d really be happy with it.

  • Amelia
    March 27, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    What carrier are you using in the picture where Grayson is on your back? I am trying to find a good carrier for the back to support my growing 12 month old!

    • jenna
      March 27, 2015 at 2:13 pm

      it’s a tula πŸ™‚

  • Candice
    March 28, 2015 at 6:14 pm

    hi Jenna,

    Have enjoyed your blog for the last couple years since I stumbled across you while I was pregnant two+ years ago. Just had to share since I had been feeling much like you: exhausted, but pretty happy with my body postpartum. After months of feeling like if I just tweaked the right thing I’d feel better, I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid. Apparently it is quite common postpartum. I can feel the difference now between the slight exhaustion from being a momma to that overwhelming dragging energy of hypothyroidism.

  • Danielle
    March 30, 2015 at 12:26 am

    Hi jenna! Have your iron levels checked. After both my babies were born, I had low iron and it made me super lethargic, no energy, tired all the time…..once I got it in check with iron rich foods and supplements; I seriously felt like a different person.

  • AshleyL
    March 30, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Have you thought about also checking your iron? Might help with the fatigue. Good luck!

    • AshleyL
      March 30, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      Haha whoops just noticed the girl above me commented the same thing!

  • Kristine
    June 29, 2018 at 6:37 am

    I know this post is old and so much has changed (I follow you on IG) – but I’m wondering if you still drink shakeology or if you’re just on the collagen train now? I’m pregnant with my second (due one week after yours!) and am almost out of both my prenatals and my collagen, and have been toying with the idea of forking over the $ for some shakeology. Thanks!