I am totally without words right now, which is a first for me!!!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR BUYING MY E-COOKBOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, having you all be so supportive means the absolute world to me and I could never do this without you. Just the other day I was talking to one of my friends here about how difficult it is sometimes with my shin splints when I want to go much further than I actually can right now. But then I told her that with every supportive comments and every donation from you all it just makes me that much more positive that I CAN do this and I WILL do this for all of those who are wheelchair bound or in a hospital receiving chemotherapy, just dreaming that they could go outside for a nice run. I am going to be strong and do this for all of them!
We have now raised $1,415 and are still going strong! I urge you, if you haven’t gotten a chance to already, think about purchasing yourself a dessert bible e-cookbook for this great cause! Can any of those readers that have already purchased one leave some of their feedback on the book on this post? I would love to hear what yall think of it since I rather slaved away on it!!! 🙂
Now, back to my day! I’m sorry for only posting once but I have been non-stop with emailing these e-cookbooks out that I didn’t have a second to spare! When I got home from work, I had about 50 requests in my inbox and it took a little while to get everything squared away.
This morning I had my favorite combo for a mini breakfast—hot carbs ‘n nut butter again!
This was my last Rudi’s whole wheat bagel toasted and topped with a big scoop of pumpkin seed butter and raspberry preserves. YUM!
My real breakfast was about 4 1/2 hours later and was a gigantic breakfast cookie!
A yummy combo of 3/4 cup oats, 1/2 banana, 1/2 scoop protein, 1 big scoop almond butter and 3 tbsp lowfat milk.
And then after work today I decided to try something new and split up my lunches…as in have one “mini lunch” (like I do with my breakfasts) and have one “real lunch” a little later after exercising. This way I could exercise right away and not wait for my food to digest and then have the rest of the afternoon to work on the blog. It worked really, really well!
My first “mini lunch” was a banana stuffed with Naturally More peanut butter (drool) and a Chobani-—
And then after I exercised (more on THAT in a second!), around 2:00, I had my first turkey sandwich in a long time!!!
A toasted whole wheat Arnold’s sandwich thin with boar’s head turkey, jalapenos and a little feta cheese with some celery sticks and a carrot on the side. Oh man, it was delicious. I love me a good turkey sammie. 😉
I think the whole “mini meals” thing is going to work out very well with my schedule and my training. I like eating small meals frequently because I’m always hungry and it feels like I get to eat more even though I am consuming the same number of calories that I would be if I ate a couple big meals during the day. Do you all eat 3 square meals or mini meals? Why or why not?
As for my exercise……..I finally broke down and did it……
It got to the point where I felt like I was the ONLY ONE who hasn’t tried Jillian’s Shred workout in the blogworld and I wanted to see what in the world the big deal is!!!! I really am not a fan of exercise dvds because I don’t feel like on average they really work you like the gym or an actual personal trainer would, but I have heard good things about this one so I thought I would give it a whirl. Helped that I found the videos free on YouTube!!!
I’m not going to do this every day but maybe start doing it twice a week? Do most of you that “shred” (haha) do it every single day??! That would be HARD! I guess you are supposed to in theory but I don’t have time for all of that. Anyways, today I did Level 1 and IT WAS HARD!!!! No, correction, it kicked my butt! I haven’t done lunges or weights in awhile and totally felt it. I am totally eating my words since I used to make fun of “shredding”, thinking “how much can it REALLY do?!“, but wow….my arms are like total jelly right now. Thanks, Jillian!
After my first Shredding experience, I immediately went into a 30 minute lunchtime flow from YogaDownload.com. Those chatarungas were much harder after all the push-ups a la Jillian, that’s for sure! Finally, I used the foam roller on my shins (ouch again!) and then collapsed in a sweaty mess on my yoga mat and went downstairs to eat my turkey sandwich in victory!
I sent out e-cookbooks for a solid hour, walked Mikan and then made dinner. It centered around THIS:
Mmmm you guessed right. Leftover pizza made by moi from yesterday! I love making my own pizza (especially when I have every ingredient ever created at my fingertips) because I know exactly what is on it….no preservatives, no oils…just homemade fluffy bread dough covered with fresh veggies and cheeses. Delish nutrish. 🙂
The whole meal also contained leftover homemade spicy veggie slaw, carrots, celery and juicy pineapple!
Dessert was divine—
Oh yes, I am STILL enjoying Miss VeggieGirl’s homemade chocolate chip-almond-fig blondies…..straight from the freezer! The recipe for these bad boys is in my e-cookbook (obvi) and if you make them (which you should), FREEZE THEM! I loved them straight out of the box, but I like them even better straight out of the freezer. They are chewy and oh so delicious. I only have one bar left in the ice box so I might have to make a batch soon myself….
I am SO happy tomorrow is Friday…aren’t we all? On Fridays there is always a plethora of free breakfast-y food in the break room and that makes me all the happier. And it is GOOD stuff like fresh berries, melon, bananas, COFFEE and muffins made by most likely me. After work I am grocery shopping, racing home to grab something to eat and then heading out first to meet with an accountant to get my taxes done (groan), and then going to my doctor’s appointment to find out the results of my bone scan and discuss the next course of therapy action for the old shinies. Wish me luck!
Crystal
April 2, 2009 at 3:17 pmI just joined a challenge on another website and I’m going to try to Shred for the whole 30 days. I have no idea how since it’s only been two days and I’m sooo sore already.
life coach jen
April 2, 2009 at 3:24 pmMy gosh Jenna, what weight were the hand weights you used when you did Level One of the Shred?? They looked huge!
I started it a little over a week ago but have mostly been doing it every other day…I get bored being inside all the time so I mix it up. It’s fun, though, and it gets me super sweaty in a short period of time.
jenna
April 2, 2009 at 3:56 pmjen,
oh no…those were just 10 lbs. I switched back and forth from 8 lbs to 10 lbs the whole time.
Run Sarah
April 2, 2009 at 3:28 pmI do mini lunches sometimes but often I get too hungry and eat it all at once! I shred a few times a week but have still found it is making a difference!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
April 2, 2009 at 3:29 pmWhat a day! Girl, you are rockin’ the shred!! Get it!
~c~
April 2, 2009 at 3:30 pmJenna…you really should provide us with a sampling of recipe names that are in the book. I am sure you will triple your sales just by getting us to drool over the sound of the stuff!
jenna
April 2, 2009 at 3:55 pmC,
If you check out Kath’s morning post: http://www.katheats.com/banana-theft/ , she gives a great selection of recipes in the book!!! 🙂
Shannon @ TheDailyBalance
April 2, 2009 at 3:34 pmLOVE naturally more – best PB. ever.
Go you on the shred! That is my favorite go-to work out video when I can’t make it to the gym!
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
April 2, 2009 at 3:48 pmYeah!!! Shred!! Ugh, I did Level 1 on Tuesday, and my inner thighs are still killing me today!! It never gets any easier for me which is good I guess….I’ll never out grow Jillian!!
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
April 2, 2009 at 3:54 pmMan, I wanna look like you when I grow up 🙂
megan
April 2, 2009 at 4:01 pmBeautiful dinner, Jenna! Pizza, pineapple, and veggie girl blondies! Yum! And congrats on the cookbook sales 🙂
Have a great night, girl!
Lisa D
April 2, 2009 at 4:05 pmi love mini-meals, especially when you have the time to sit and eat a bunch! Those meals loook delicious!
K
April 2, 2009 at 4:08 pmThank goodness it’s Friday!! Jenna you’re so cute with your work out! Glad you liked the Shred 🙂
That veggie slaw looks supreme!
VeggieGirl
April 2, 2009 at 4:22 pmHOORAY!! 😀
Michelle
April 2, 2009 at 4:27 pmI woke up this morning thinking that I should be doing the 30 day shred as well..that’s hillarious. Now that you found it online for free is even better 🙂
I would say that I eat three main meals with snacks inbetween…I mentally need to have a meal…I think it goes back to how I was raised.
Happy training.
FoodsThatFit
April 2, 2009 at 4:42 pmThe cookbook is awesome Jenna! It is so professional and organized! I cannot wait to try ALL of them!
Way to go with the shred. I actually have the DVD but haven’t tried it yet b/c we live on the second floor and I am scared to bug our downstairs neighbors with the cardio bit. I have heard such great things about it though and it seems like a good bang for the buck….20 minutes for an awesome workout, that is sweet indeed!
Kath
April 2, 2009 at 4:42 pmI have not yet tried the Shred!!!! But maybe since it’s online I will!
Marissa
April 2, 2009 at 4:48 pmThanks for sharing that it’s on YouTube! I have a hand injury so I am a bit worried about buying it and realizing the moves won’t work for me
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
April 2, 2009 at 4:50 pmIf you were a cabbage, you’d be coleslaw…cause you are shredded!!!
Feel free to use that as a pickup line, if you wish 😉
Genesis
April 2, 2009 at 4:55 pmThanks for sharing the free workouts! I’m always hesitant to buy a workout DVD because of the price and sometimes im not that into the whole thing, so itll be nice to have it free to test out 🙂
oh btw, the cookbook looks great! im going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen(the bf and brother will appreciate it). although its going to be counterproductive if i workout then munch on these goodies! another bonus is the fact that many of these recipes only have very few ingredients, and so even a kitchen novice can do this.
good job on the cookbook!
Amanda
April 2, 2009 at 5:01 pmJenna,
I’m glad to see you try 30 Day Shred!! I can honestly say that it has not only flattened my stomach and made my arms more buff, but it made me better at yoga (core and arms) and a better runner 🙂 Haha I sound like an infomercial.
I try to Shred about 3 times a week .. I treat it, along with yoga, as my “strength training” and then run for cardio. LOVE IT and those 20 mins aren’t too hard to commit!
MJ
April 2, 2009 at 5:05 pmHi Jenna –
Thanks for the info on Ezekiel’s. After looking on their site, I picked up some of the 7grain muffins today and will be trying them soon. (after I finish the Arnold’s thins – another find from you) However, I avoid soy (exceptions for limited oil or soy lecithin) so I can only eat a few of their products. I’m also going to check out Rudi’s.
Since you love nut butters, thought I’d point out the reviews and recipes on http://www.peanutbutterboy.com – lots of good info there, and where I saw a review of PB Co’s choc pb. He mentions a product you might like – NaturallyNutty (.com)- they add flax and hemp seed (but looks like no extra sugar), and have some flavors as well. Peanut, almond and soon, sunflower butter. I still want to try PB2 and the Futter’s butters – so many nut butters, so little time!
Shelby
April 2, 2009 at 5:08 pmI just started “shredding” and it was so hard!!! I totally wasn’t expecting that! I attempted level 2 today but due to my back pain I couldn’t finish, it was pretty crazy though haha.
I am going to try and do it 3x per week as strength training.
Nicole
April 2, 2009 at 5:14 pmThat’s actually how I eat everyday. 5 small “mini meals.” I never get hungry and it’s really good b/c i run alot and i always have that engery supply ready. Great blog by the way! I have to try the “shreding” and the yoga site that you posted. I’m always looking for a way to change up my workouts.
Emily
April 2, 2009 at 5:23 pmWowzers, girl! Work it out! 🙂 All that food looks delicious. And you do some serious working-out. Very inspiring. That dessert recipe looks fantastic.
Sarah W.
April 2, 2009 at 5:31 pmI haven’t shredded but I do have the DVD. I’m waiting until after my 10mile race on Sunday to start and I plan on doing 30 days of it. Similar to Caitlin’s challenge 🙂
Kailey (SnackFace)
April 2, 2009 at 5:34 pmCongratulation on the sales! That’s awesome.
I often eat mini meals througout the day. It’s just the way my body likes to work. I get really tired after big meals and just want to nap, so to stay fueled and energized for the whole day I just snack!
You’re so cute in your shredding pics! I still haven’t picked up that DVD :/
Good luck tomorrow with the bone scan results and have a great Friday!
brandi
April 2, 2009 at 5:46 pmWhat a day! I’ve been hearing so many good things about “the shred”, but I don’t think I could do that AND bodypump in the same week 🙂
Melissa
April 2, 2009 at 6:30 pmI’ve been eaating 5 or 6 smaller meals a day since I read Eat Cleaan Diet. I try to make sure that each meal contains protein with carbs. I love that I get to eat every 2-3 hours.
Heather
April 2, 2009 at 6:32 pmCongrats on your first shred! (Haha, it sounds so cheesy saying that.) Jillian has said in her podcasts that it’s pretty hardcore to do it every day and you should do it every other day, if anything. I do it about 2 times a week, sometimes only 1 just to break up the monotony of the gym. It’s kicked my ass several times and I tried to do level 2 the other day but had to go back to 1. I am a wimp!
I’ll have to get the dessert cookbook tomorrow on payday. Congrats on the amazing job so far!
Sarah
April 2, 2009 at 6:47 pmI got the shred DVD this week too, but I only started with 3 & 5 lbs weights. How wimpy am I? Lol.
I haven’t bought a cookbook yet, but I plan on it.
Jessica
April 2, 2009 at 6:58 pmThe cookbook is great!! All of your hard work and effort really paid off! It is neat and organized and the recipes look absolutely delicious. The first thing i’m going to make is those blondies, i’ve been drooling over them for a long time now!
I own Jillian Michael’s shred dvd and it is a killer! I definatly don’t do it every day. I have tons of dvds that i’ve collected over the years because i can’t afford to join a gym. Let me tell you, level 3 is hard but i think level 2 is actually the hardest.
Nicole
April 2, 2009 at 7:04 pmWow! Congratulations on raising so much for the cookbook, that is amazing!
theskinnyplate
April 2, 2009 at 7:09 pmYou look great, even when working out. I love the 30 day shred workout. Level one kicked my butt as well!! I’m working up the stamina to do it every day for 30 days.
Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!)
April 2, 2009 at 7:43 pmI can’t decide what’s making me hungrier: the blondie or the bagel! Yum yum YUM.
Danielle
April 2, 2009 at 7:45 pmSo glad you tried and enjoyed the shred!
Laura
April 2, 2009 at 8:00 pmGood Luck with Training for the Marathon! I ran my first Marathon last year and I trained with Team in Training and it was a awesome experience! I broke down and bought the 30 day Shred too! I will start shredding this weekend!! Love your blog!
Sharon
April 2, 2009 at 8:13 pmHahahaha, look at you go!!!!
manda
April 2, 2009 at 9:21 pmI think the ecookbook is awesome! I wanna make veggie girls blondies! I think i might this wkend….hmmm…I think you should totally do a “other” food ebook too, like all the bloggers can turn in their most liked/ trusted dinner items or something! I would buy that for sure!
Emily
April 2, 2009 at 9:31 pmJenna,
WoW! Great work! Those e-cookbooks are absolutely amazing! You are doing such an incredible thing-totally inspiring.
I always go for mini meals over 3 square. Fr a busy girlie like me, it works. I practice the “Chocolate Covered Vegan” habit of first and second breakfast because I work out first thing in the morning. However, sometimes I break down and eat my bigger half before the workout and then REALLY regret it once I get on that treadmill!
Don’t feel bad. I’ve never done Jillian’s video either. Although I listen to her podcasts all of the time. If you like those youtube videos try searching Ford Fitness models. They have some great workouts too. I actually blogged about it…last Friday I think. Check them out!
With Love,
Emily
TorontoGirloutWest
April 2, 2009 at 9:49 pmJenna,
I’m soooo thrilled that the fund raising efforts are going so well! 😉
I will be sure to make one of the recipes this weekend and post a review!!!
Jessica
April 2, 2009 at 10:15 pmOn my longer days, mini-meals always work so much better!! It leaves you without feeling starving, and YES… you just get to keep eating all throughout the day and even more frequently!! win, win! 🙂
Caroline
April 2, 2009 at 11:19 pmHey Jenna! I am so glad that your cookbook is having so much success. I made my donation last night…when can I expect to receive my copy of the e-cookbook?
Karen
April 3, 2009 at 4:51 amI’m glad you liked the 30-Day Shred. I’m a big fan of exercise DVDs and I actually think the really good ones (and Jillian Michaels DVDs are very good in general), are actually more challenging than the weight machines at the gym. I think any time I use free weights and my own body weight when I strength train, it’s a lot tougher.
Katie
April 3, 2009 at 4:55 amI did the Shred for the first time this week also, still sore all over but I’m no where as fit as you. I really liked it, simple, quick and effective.
Hannah Hawley
April 3, 2009 at 5:32 amNo matter how great a DVD is, I can never get the motiviation to do it at home, any tips?
I eat three meals a day, but if I am hungry, I definitely snack.
Jenna
April 3, 2009 at 6:42 amI haven’t tried the shred either!! I have been so tempted to get it though!!!! 🙂 Your dinner looks awesome!! drooling over that pizza big time!
Anais
April 3, 2009 at 8:32 amI love the shred!! I like doing weight training, but if I do it by myself I get bored after 1 rep and stop…so the shred keeps me on track, AND kicks my butt! I do it 3 times a week. (haven’t tried level 3 yet…I’m a little scared!)
I also have bad shin splints which are definitely keeping me from achieving my full potential…Like yesterday, after my run I went to volleyball, and my hip started hurting as well and woah…I had trouble just standing up!!! 🙁
Michelle Hisae
April 3, 2009 at 9:16 amI’m all about the mini-meals! I bring lots of snacks (yogurt, apples, oranges, pretzles, crackers, granola, celery, cherry tomatoes, etc.) to work, so that I can munch throughout the day. It gives me something to look forward to, and it sustains my energy really well! I just get tired after bigger meals.
I can’t wait to try that DVD on YouTube! I don’t want to go out and buy it, so now that I know it’s free, I’m there!
Jess
April 3, 2009 at 9:34 amI do 3 meals and usually at least 1 small snack. If I had to exercise in the middle of the day, I would definitely split up lunch into 2 mini meals.
RunningWithin
April 3, 2009 at 10:40 amI’m a three square meals and 3 snacks kind of girl. I have to eat something before I workout in the morning, a mid-afternoon snack, and there’s always room for dessert : ) I liked the Shred, but between training for my half marathon and Yoga I just don’t have time.
Can’t wait to get the dessert book!
Annie
April 3, 2009 at 1:05 pmThe cookbook is fab, Jenna! I am going to try out Shandi’s Pumpkin Cranberry Spice Muffins tonight. I couldn’t be happier to donate money! =)
Jessica
April 3, 2009 at 1:37 pmMmmmm you’re making me hungry!
And WOW, I love your abs 🙂
Angie (Losing It and Loving It)
April 3, 2009 at 2:03 pmKev and I are going to do the 30 Day Shred together. We’ll probably start later this month or in May. I’m excited!
Meg
April 3, 2009 at 6:37 pmYou look so cute doing the Shred!!! I loved it, I just had to stop as it totally messed up my knees!!! I could only do about 3 or 4 days in a row until my arms hurt so bad I had to take a day off.
ttfn300
April 6, 2009 at 6:05 pmLOVE the cookbook Jenna!!! great job, I can’t wait to get baking 🙂