Another year wiser, Another year stronger, Another year OLDER??! hahaha

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! I still get ridiculously excited about my birthday every year! This year I started the countdown about 5 days out with a random birthday dance/shake that my husband witnessed HA! It always confuses me when people stress out about their birthdays because I completely embrace it! Another year means another notch on the wise belt, another new beginning, another chance to make my life the best EVER.

Today, I turn 29. It's the last year of an era :) I am determined to make this 29th year of life absolutely amazing. If you have followed my blog at all this past year, you may agree with me that my 28th year was action packed. I competed for the first time. I won first place at a major show. I look and feel better than I have in my life. Setting out on this new 29 adventure, I have new goals, dreams and MORE DETERMINATION THAN EVER.

So, where are you? Do you look at each birthday as the next step downhill? Here are 3 ways to stay energized, motivated and at your BEST as the years go by :)

#1- Believe YOU are worth it!!
You are valuable! You are special, unique and are the only one who can fulfill your individual purpose so start ACTING like it!! Start making changes towards health NOW. Nothing happens overnight, but small changes add up in a big way. Start by cutting out soda or processed foods. Once you have that down, add a cardio and weight training routine to the mix and be consistent! Soon you will be feeling great and looking your best.


#2- Know that you can never be TOO OLD!
Your time has not passed, you are not too old to change, you are not too old to start something NEW. Maybe you have limitations, but you can do SOMETHING. Don't let mental or physical limitations stop you. If you can't run right now, start walking. The important thing is finding what you can do and starting today.

#3- WRITE your goals! Short term and long term :)
Overcoming daily challenges is so much easier when you understand what you are working towards. Write down 2-3 short term fitness related goals and 2 long term goals, one fitness related and one personal. Short term goals should be achievable in 1-2 months maximum. Long term goals can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to achieve. Once your list is made, post it where you can see it EVERYDAY. I have a few of my own goals posted on my mirror in my room. They are a reminder to me everyday of what I must do to get to where I want to be! Make your goals challenging, but doable. Get ready to see yourself succeed!

In closing, get your wise, unique behind off of the couch and begin to DO what you have been talking about for the past month and a half :) You can, and will be a success at any age.

In Health,

Jada

WOOO HOO! I'm featured on shemuscle.net!!!!

Hey Everyone!!! Hope you are all having a great day! I am so thankful today for a few reasons...First, I am featured as an up and coming NPC Bikini Competitor on shemuscle.net!!! Check out the link below :)

http://www.shemuscle.net/2010/11/jada-kelly-interview-bikini-competitor.html

Second, I am thankful for life!! This morning was one of those that I was reminded again of how much I have. My feet work, my hands work, I can breathe...sooooo much to be thankful for.

I encourage you to focus on what you HAVE today :) Make it a great one.

In Health,

Jada

Don't Let the Holidays take you OUT!!

Ok, so every year, during this festive time from November to January, the TRUTH comes out!!! We are forced to face the never ending supply of cookies, cakes, candies, chocolate, pies and eggnog and must decide HOW WE ARE GOING TO DEAL!! Even the toughest are challenged by delights only seen at this time of year. When health is still the goal during the feasting of the season, how do we still enjoy but not over do it with our eating selections?

#1- REALIZE that you CAN say NO- You do not have to drink the eggnog or eat the slice of pie JUST because it's offered or sitting there in front of you. Exercise your self-control and just say NO THANK YOU. I like to play a little game with myself called "Is it worth it?" When presented with a treat, I ask myself if I would be willing to do an extra hour of cardio in exchange for eating the treat. Usually the answer is NO and I get over it because I realize I didn't want the treat that bad. When the answer is YES, I enjoy one piece (or 1 serving) without guilt and then plan when I will get my extra hour of cardio in that day.

#2- Eat to be SATISFIED, not STUFFED- The Holiday Feast is sitting in front of you and you can't wait to try EVERYTHING on the spread. You fill your plate, only to realize you don't have enough room to fit Granny's mashed potatoes or Pap's biscuits. So you go get another plate...RIGHT??? WRONG!!! While it's ok to loosen up a bit on the holiday's to enjoy the meal, DON'T take this as an opportunity to go crazy. Try a little of everything but DON'T stuff your plate. Eat slowly, drink sips of water between bites and savor the flavors while you enjoy the company and the conversation. Learn to appreciate the experience (food, friends, laughs) as a whole and take the focus off of how much food there is. Eat so you are SATISFIED but still feel like you can move when you are done. Encourage everyone to take a walk after dinner to stimulate digestion! And, make sure to hit the gym the next day :)

#3- NO LEFTOVERS!! Well, I guess this depends on what you want to take home. Mac and Cheese, potatoes, bread, and anything that you would not eat regularly needs to stay. Turkey, lean steak, chicken can be GREAT leftovers so feel free to take those and add them to your eggs, sandwiches and salads for quick and easy meals. Leave pies, cookies, cakes and any other treats. Remember, there are more holidays right around the corner so you will have another opportunity for treats!! Don't feel like you have to eat them all now.

#4- STICK TO YOUR WORKOUT PLAN!! Many times, when we get busy, our workouts are the first thing to go!! DO NOT sabotage yourself this holiday season by getting lazy and forgoing the gym. Stay on task with your strength training and cardio to ensure minimal damage as you enjoy the wonderful foods of the season :)

I know you can be successful this holiday season!!! Let's do this together and stay healthy and happy during the holidays!

In Health,

Jada

I'm featured as Fitgemsnation.net's Fit Gem of the Month!!

WOO HOO!!! God is so good and I am sooooo thankful to receive this feature on www.fitgemsnation.net! Check it out!!!! Leave a comment :)

http://www.fitgemsnation.net/page/fitgem-of-the-month

Thanks and have a WONDERFUL DAY...

In Health,

Jada