Jenn Apple

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 A new journey has begun.  One that focuses equally on my outward appearance, as well as my inward growth.

It all started by joining the local Gold's Gym...then with entering the "Body Challenge 2010" at that same gym. Then there was a great sermon at church today which was so inspiring...only to be followed by this fabulous movie on Lifetime.

Through these chain of events, I began to soul search.  Only to come to the realization that I've never truly liked myself...nothing I've ever done was good enough.

When I was in college & was 110lbs soaking wet, I still wasn't skinny enough. 

I would get a 98% on a test & be upset because I didn't get 100%. 

When I played sports, I HAD to be the best, then rarely had fun because I pushed myself so hard. 

When I was single, I wanted desperately to be married...when I got married, I realized how much I wasted being single by always wishing I wasn't.

Now I have this beautiful 2 year old daughter....she is the light of my life.  And, I'm becoming more aware of the example that I am setting before her.

Sure, it's not all about looks (even though I still have every pound of my baby weight), but it's about being healthy....physically & emotionally. 

Do I WANT the chocolate ice cream & candy bar???  YES!!!  But, I'm putting them aside & I'm learning to love apples.

How random, you may think...why apples? 

Well...2 reasons, really...

#1: When I go over the nutrition plan that the gym set up, it encourages people to eat 3 apples a day before each meal. 

Apparently, apples fill your stomach much faster because they contain pectin. Pectin is known to make you feel full, and allows you to retain that "fullness" feeling for a longer time. Another great thing about apples is that they are very low in calories. So, munching on apples can satisfy your hunger pains without putting the extra calories in your body.

#2:  Ironically enough, weeks ago my daughter started assigning each member of the family with a specific fruit or veggie.  Daddy is a pumpkin, Nana is a banana, and I was...AN APPLE!

So, I'm learning to love apples on many different levels...as a snack, and as myself  :o)

Through this journey, I not only want to learn to love myself more, but I want to inspire & encourage others to do the same.  

I'm tired of wasting my life with woulda, coulda, shoulda's.  I want to do something that means something in this world!

And, for the first time, I'm not seeking perfection...rather, health!

Please join me on this journey...