#ShewhoDaresProject

“I think as a society we get so caught up with perfection and thinking if we reach a certain destination we will find happiness.  I’m learning happiness is appreciating the journey, and acknowledging your progress.” -@justjessicahealthylife

I’m so excited to introduce ya’ll to Jessica Foster!  She’s fit, she’s fun, she’s motivated, and she’s constantly sharing recipes that give me big ole heart eyes! (Don’t worry, I’ll  point you in the right direction to those!)   I had the opportunity to talk with Jessica about what got her started on this journey, and how she stays motivated, even when the critics start spreading the hate!

I met Jessica several years ago while we were both working for a veterinary office.  I witnessed a little bit of the beginning of her journey towards bettering herself and her body, and remember thinking even then that she was such an inspiration to women everywhere. But, as she explains, it wasn’t until about 5 years ago that she got into full force focus and wanted to gravitate towards a complete lifestyle change.

“I’ve been through a roller coaster of ups and downs with losing weight to only gain it back. I finally started to really dig into nutrition, and the importance of whole foods. And through that finding easy, delicious, nutritious recipes.”

When asked to share one of her  favorites, Jessica had somewhat of a hard time because she has so many! But, with the temperatures rising, Smoothie Bowls seem to be a crowd pleaser for her palate.  Her current favorite?  Dark Cherry Chocolate Smoothie Bowl!

 

Recipe

1 cup of frozen banana

1 cup of frozen dark cherries

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (Jessica suggest Califia farms, it’s clean and organic)

1 cup of Protein Powder (Jessica suggests a powder with low sugar and little to no artificial stuff in it.  Her current choice is Vega’s clean protein in Vanilla)

1 tbsp chia seeds (good source of fiber)

1/2 avocado (Jessica says this is a game changer, keeps you full longer and counts towards your healthy fats)

Fill your blender up with some spinach or kale (she knows this scary, but says you can’t taste them, and you get your greens in!)  Jessica topped hers with unsweetened coconut, extra dark cherries, and 2 squares of 85% dark chocolate, this can be bitter if you aren’t used to it..start with at least 70%. And Purely Elizabeth granola (all natural, organic.)

And, although we wish food was the only thing it took to stay fit, we must not forget the physical activity part of the deal!  Jessica does attend a boot camp class at her local gym, that she loves,  but, she also suggests that you find something that makes you excited to exercise, this is what will keep you motivated.

“I have a very active 8 month old border collie that requires running, so I usually run with him a couple days a week.  I work and ride at a local horse barn, another passion/hobby of mine.  I just tried a pure barre class and I loved it! My friends and I take our dogs hiking on Turkey Mountain, and we run the occasional 5k.  I’m getting ready to try yoga with my dog downtown at the Guthrie Green. My advice is to find something you love to do!”

In talking with Jessica, what I loved the most, and what made me realize I had to have her for this project is those kind of statements.  She is so positive, and she really is a big advocate for doing what is right for YOU.  We are all different, with different body styles, and different things that work for us…and we have to embrace that in order to succeed with positive vibes and a healthy spirit.   But…unfortunately, we are still going to run across those who want to criticize our works.

How does Jessica respond to the criticism?

“I use it as a fuel to push me to work harder.  And as an example to show people that I’m all about body positivity and accepting every roll, cellulite, stretch mark, and every imperfection you may have!”

And that is the attitude that gives me room for zero doubt in the success of Miss Jessica on her journey!  She is currently working with the IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) to get her established in her goal of Health Coaching!

I couldn’t be more proud of this girl, beautiful inside and out!  I hope you’ll join me in following her on this road to success, and continuing to bring encouragement to strong women just like her, all over the world!

She who dares, succeeds!

Click below to follow Jessica on her journey (and enjoy all of her delish recpies too!)

Just Jessica Healthy Life

Until next time…