I’ve been concentrating on being happier and healthier in 2014 — and in 2015 I’m committed to be even better at it. I’ve been inspired by so many of you who have made the same resolutions for 2015!
In 2015, it’s time for a new year – and a new you! To help us all get inspired, I’m kicking off a weekly feature called “new year, new you!” It’ll be a positive place for all of us to share ideas for being happier and healthier in 2015. That may mean something different for all of us: it might mean bringing more joy into every day. It might mean being more consistent with exercise. It may mean cooking and eating healthy. Or it might mean affordably upgrading your wardrobe or living space to help you feel more focused and free. Whatever it means to you, hopefully you’ll find inspiration in these upcoming ideas!
In 2014, I made good progress on my goals of losing weight and eating more healthily! I feel like I’ve made good progress in the last 18 months or so since this picture was taken:
(Keepin’ it real with the messy master bedroom!) I knew I needed to lose some of my blogger weight!
The one biggest thing that kick-started my new healthy focus was participating in April Kennedy’s 60-Day Body Mind Spirit Challenge! It focuses on exercise, eating healthy, good habits, and spreading joy and positivity. I lost 15 pounds from this challenge!
That was enough to rediscover my joy of running, and then this year since the challenge I’ve lost another 25 pounds to get me closer to my ideal weight. And I’ve been focusing on eating more healthy, drinking more water, and being positive.
So, for example, one of my favorite discoveries has been my Fitbit Zip. I’ve burned out about 4 of them this year. I like the kind that clip on — like this one — rather than the wristband kind, but you may like the wristband better!
This was the lowest price I saw for the Fitbit Zip:
My oldest daughter loves her Fitbit Flex because it has a sleep tracker – and my middle daughter got one for Christmas, too!
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One of the reasons I started blogging was because of the fun interaction and conversations we had. I miss that now — and maybe we can do more of it here and on social media like Instagram (just tag me and use the hashtag #newyearnewyou). I’m hoping this helps inspire and spark positive conversation!
I’m looking forward to a year of positive changes for all of us!
Happy New Year!
xoxo
Jen,
First off, thank you so much for sharing about my challenge with your readers. The challenge helps change you from the inside out I believe and that is why it works so well. I’m so happy you have continued to lose weight! Congrats.
Second, I miss you! I’d love to chat if you ever have time or find yourself back in Danville to visit your sister. I will drive to you since I know vacation time goes fast. Just let me know!
Love,
April
Congratulations on your success! You look amazing! I’m really looking forward to this series, and I may have to run out and go get myself a Fitbit!
Thanks Tyler!! Yes!! I think you will love having a fitbit. It has really motivated me.
xoxo
Hi Jen
Congratulations you look amazing, can you explain me what does the challenge gives you: a meal plan??, thank you so much
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Diana!!
Happy New Year!
xox
I love being your fitbit friend!
I’m joining a gym tomorrow and started a NEW blog and twitter account to help me be more accountable. I will be working out with my best friend that just won her fight with ovarian cancer. We’re looking forward to focusing on our health and transforming into a couple hot babes.
Looking forward to interacting with you (and everyone else)!
connie!!!! I adore you!!!! I think you are so amazing and I love you so much!! Yes!! Hot babes for 2015 LOL!!
xoxo
They say its never too late! Im in!
Yay!! It is never too late!!
xoxo
You look fabulous Jen! I’m definitely making an effort to focus on my health this year. I’m starting Whole30 with my husband on Monday and joined a blogger group running The American Oddessy Relay in May. 3 kids and a million excuses later I need to think about me again!
That’s amazing Jessica! I can’t wait to see how awesome you do. Yay!
xoxo
Congrats!! this is my goal for 2015! I used to be very healthy, after 3 kids I have not given myself time. 2015 is the time for change. I’ll be keeping up with you!!
Yes!! It’s so easy as a mom to focus just on this kids and lost focus on what we want to make us happy. I think it’s good to take some time for ourselves and our happiness. I think 2015 is going to be amazing!!
xxoxo
Wow – congratulations on your journey of looking and feeling healthier! You look amazing and I hope you’re really proud of yourself for all of your progress.
Looking forward to this new feature. Love the idea 🙂
xx Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
Thanks Kathryn!! I am so excited about the new year and new goals. I think it’s going to be amazing!
xoxo
When you say “burned out” done mean you’ve had to replace it four times? I just got one for Christmas and I was hoping battery changes were all I had to look forward to, not complete replacement…
Hi Amy! I think I am just hard on my fitbits. I have washed mine and worn it at hot yoga. I am sure if I was gentler to it and treated it better that it would have lasted longer. I really do love my fitbit. It has motivated me like nothing else.
xoxo
Love this idea! Congrats on adopting and choosing healthier behaviors!! My sisters and I are doing something similar, with a slight twist. Rather than thinking about making signficant changes for a long (12 month) period of time – we want to take this on 30 days at a time. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you and your readers join us!! Choose a change you want to make for 30 days and post pictures on Instagram and reflections on our facebook page using #30tohealthy hashtag.
Here’s a post with more detail! http://www.mohansrule.com/30tohealthy-30-day-healthy-living-challenge/
Hope you will join us and Happy New Year!!!
~ Maya
Hi Amy! I think I am just hard on my fitbits. I have washed mine and worn it at hot yoga. I am sure if I was gentler to it and treated it better that it would have lasted longer. I really do love my fitbit. It has motivated me like nothing else.
xoxo
Awesome job! You look fantastic!
Thanks Allison!!
xoxo
You look amazing Jen! I’ve been looking for something to help get me kick started… I’m definitely going to check this challenge out. I love the focus on being positive, too. Your change is truly inspiring:-)
WOW! You don’t even look like yourself. I thought you looked good before, but now, just amazing. Looking forward to this series – definitely something I need. In 2014, I gained 10 pounds, and for 7 months, I could not for the life of me figure out why. I had given up soda, was eating better and was exercising – yet I still continued to gain. Finally, in November, the answer came to me in my sleep – the only thing that had significantly changed was that I had stopped taking birth control. My hubs got fixed, so I didn’t need it anymore – and darn it – I GAINED weight!! So now, I have to be more diligent and make a significant lifestyle change. I know this series will help. Thank You!
What if there was a contest who wins the most. Maybe you could write up an article on that person? Some reward, for why they did what they did and tell about them. Maybe use the things they put on pinterest as some of the things you use in your newsltrs. Have a contest but heavy people loose faster and more if they try. I don’t know how it would be fair but has to be something.
congrats jen, you looks amazing! I’ve lost 70+ pounds this past year so I am all into healthy right now!! 🙂
You look amazing!! I am working on the same goal – to lose the blogger weight! I’m down 15 pounds since last January but I haven’t been very good about sticking with it. I got a Fitbit for Christmas and it’s awesome! I like competing against myself and striving for more! Looking forward to the new series!
You look great, Jen! This is a great idea for a program/series. I really miss the interaction between blogging friends and readers too…probably one of the reasons I cut way back on blogging in 2014 (besides, you know, having a baby and all) There are some major changes I need to look at for myself…this might be the kick I need. 🙂
I bought my dd a ftibit for Christmas, why didn’t I get one for me???? That is next on my list! I will be following along as well. Since my parents passed away I have gained 25lbs. I am determined to change that this year!!! Here we go.
Wow! You look great! I’m glad I came across this post, just the motivation I needed to kick start 2015 off right. Thanks for sharing 🙂
good for you! and i miss the conversations on blogs, too- hoping 2015 is the year we all take a little step backwards to how things used to be, but in a progressive manner.
Jen!!!! 45 pounds!!!! That is amazing! Funny, I looked at your picture a bit ago and thought you looked thinner or something. It’s showing, sweet lady. Congratulations
Excited for this series… I am definitely trying to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Congrats and you look awesome! And better yet, I am sure you feel awesome! I have been stubbornly battling baby weight this year. Was so much easier with my first baby! Second baby weight… just not losing it easily! Look forward to your posts!