Tell us a little about yourself and your family!

 

My name is Jennifer. I grew up in Bridgeport and graduated from BHS.  Shortly after graduation, I moved to Jacksonville, Fla. where a lot of my family lived.  I spent about 8 years down there before coming back to Bridgeport and meeting my husband, Keith.  We have 3 active boys at home, River, Canyon & Knox, that I’m blessed to be able to stay home with. When I’m not doing one of the MANY roles that come with being a stay-at-home mom, you can find me doing wine tastings with a company called ONEHOPE. It’s a charity-based wine company located in Napa Valley that uses wine as a way to fundraise and give back to non-profits.  I love the fact that I’ve been able to raise money through these wine tastings for different non-profits right here in Bridgeport.  

 

What is your favorite motivational/self-help book? 

 

I hate to say it but my stack of these types of books is pretty tall, but my time to read is not. I did just start a program called 75 Hard where you have to read 10 pages a day and I’m hoping this will help me get through my stack at least a little. You can, however, find me reading whatever devotional I’m on at the time and my Bible. Those are the best motivational books you can find!  

 

What’s your favorite heathy meal? 

 

Give me a salad loaded with all the veggies and either grilled chicken, salmon or tuna and I don’t even use dressing to eat them.  One of my favs is Winnie’s grilled chicken salad with grilled veggies, roasted tomatoes, egg, avocado and cucumbers.  Give me all the fresh toppings! 

 

Favorite workout? 

 

Hands down BodyPump with Abby Veigel at Rival Fitness!   I also love being outside with the family...we love to go hiking and mountain biking. 

 

How do you fit health and wellness into your busy lifestyle? 

 

Right now, with a lot of discipline!  I’ve had spurts off and on throughout my life where I’ll work out and then lose the motivation, so I stop. What I’ve learned in the last couple years is it’s way more about being disciplined because unfortunately motivation just doesn’t last or keep me going.  After the gyms started closing last year, I decided to invest in some at-home workout programs and again did a little here and there, but nothing like I had been doing at the gyms. I decided after the crazy year we just had that it has to be a top priority not just for my physical well-being, but my mental health too.  Plus, like I said I have 3 very active boys I want to keep up with. So, I created my own little gym space in our basement...giving me no excuses.   I absolutely love it and work out daily down there.  My favorite thing is when the boys come down and try to do the workouts with me. 

 

Favorite motivational quote? 

 

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

1 Peter 4:10 

 

How did your health journey start?

 

It’s always been a part of my life in small ways, but after having kids I’ve learned it has to be my life.  Having 3 boys in activities and an active husband is a lot to keep up with and I want to be the best mom and wife I can be. This requires making my health, whether mental, emotional and/or physical top priority. I spend a lot of time learning healthier options in the kitchen. I work on my mental and emotional health through devotionals and leaning into God’s word with a group of amazing women.  Plus, I really try to be in tune with my body and mind and what it needs. Whether it’s sleep or quiet time to myself, I try and take that time.  I’m really bad with overdoing things and I’ve learned to slow down and even stop sometimes for my mental state. The physical part and working out is getting easier and easier because of my discipline. I no longer debate with myself whether I’ll work out or not because it’s just a part of my day that I know NEEDS/HAS to happen...there is no debate anymore.   I just completed a 9-week program that was amazing and now I’m doing 75 Hard which actually requires two 45-minute workouts a day...one being outside. I’m loving it because it gets me and my little ones outside, no matter what. It’s pushing me physically even more.  

 

What are easy habits you recommend starting with?

 

Drink water! Get sleep! Move...even if it’s just a walk outside! Get outside! Turn off electronics!  We take a lot of electronic breaks in our house; weeks at a time with none. You’d be totally shocked at the change in kids and yourself when you unplug for a week or more.