Today I am excited to interview Jen Dunlap, an encouraging blogging friend of mine, who happens to also have a heart for physical finesse. Be prepared to be inspired and encouraged today as you read about her health and fitness tips!
1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and how you got into fitness training, etc.
I’m a homeschooling mom of six children, all of whom joined our family through international adoption. My oldest is 13 and my youngest is 6. A couple of years ago as my 40th birthday was approaching, I felt like it was time to get serious about adding in a more consistent exercise routine. I had always been interested in healthy eating, but not so interested in exercise. My husband and I started working out together and it has been that way ever since. I don’t buy it when people tell me they don’t have time to make health and fitness a priority – it’s just an excuse! What I don’t have time for is to be sick and not be able to keep up with the demands of my busy family. I feel so much better, more focused and more confident when I’m eating right and exercising. In turn that makes me a better wife and mom.
2. You are a Beachbody Coach. What has that meant for you and your fitness?
I became a Beachbody Coach after trying, and falling in love with their products. I first tried Brazil Butt Lift and then started drinking Shakeology. I have since tried a majority of the Beachbody programs and have been consistently drinking Shakeology. My day just isn’t the same without Shakeology! Many of the Beachbody programs are now 30 minutes or less. Everyone has 30 minutes in their day to exercise. How often do we sit down to watch a 30-60 minute tv show or spend 30 minutes on Facebook or Pinterest?
3. Have you ever struggled with your weight and/or health? If so, how were you finally motivated to change?
I haven’t really struggled with my weight, but I’m not super skinny either. For me it has always been more about good health, taking care of the body I have been given, and wanting to feel confident. It’s not about hitting a certain number on the scale or trying to look a certain way. It’s about being the best version of me!
4. What is your favorite exercise routine and why?
I always workout at home with my husband, in the morning before our day gets started. It’s the only time I can consistently fit it into our busy day. Over the last few years we have worked our way through the many Beachbody programs. It’s great to workout together, we motivate and challenge each other everyday. Once a week or so we try to get outside for a walk, just the two of us. It’s a great way to get a bit of extra exercise and more importantly to connect. Recently as a family we have started taking tennis lessons and our children are all involved in other sporting activities
5. What are your favorite resources for fitness tips and information?
I have found it motivating to follow a few fitness pages on Instagram. I use Pinterest to find great new healthy recipes. I have a Healthy Living board as well as recipe ideas:
Good to Eat Dinner
Good to Eat Lunch
Good to Eat Breakfast
6. What are your favorite tools, products, or apps you use or encourage clients to use in their fitness?
The app that I use most consistently to track my fitness is My Fitness Pal. Finding the time and the desire to workout is pretty easy, it’s good clean eating that I find more challenging. I have never met a dessert I didn’t like! My Fitness Pal helps me to keep track and to make indulgences a treat, not an everyday occurrence.
7. What top 5 kitchen substitutes would you recommend for someone just beginning a healthier lifestyle change?
I think healthy eating can be the most challenging, but yet the most important healthy living component.
Brown rice for white rice
Try quinoa – a great source of protein
Low fat dressings on salads
Use moderation–even healthy foods like avocados and olive oil should be used sparingly
Eat more veggies
Go meatless a couple of days a week.
We are bombarded with so many unhealthy choices and portion sizes, it’s hard to remember what a healthy meal and portion size looks like!
8. What is the best fitness advice you have received and/or could give?
Moderation and baby steps. Small changes done consistently over time make a big difference. Don’t think of your new lifestyle as a diet but as just a new way of living! We didn’t get unhealthy over night, it’s going to take time to get healthy. Good health is worth the time and effort!
Have any fitness questions for Jen?
Feel free to leave then in the comments or contact Jen directly. Jen blogs at Forever, For Always, No Matter What. Stop in for a visit as she blogs about their Catholic faith, large family living, homeschooling and adoption, all while trying to fit in exercise and healthy eating. Jen can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, Google +, and Pinterest.
This post is the 3rd of 12 in the 144 Plan to Physical Finesse. To learn more about the 144 Plan or catch up on a missed post, check out the complete the complete 144 Plan Training Log.
To eat much honey is not good, nor is seeking one’s honor honorable. (Proverbs 25:27)
The post Interview with Jen Dunlap on Creating Physical Finesse appeared first on Cornerstone Confessions.
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