My Journey 2 Health Four Month Check-In

Happy Fall!  I am exactly at the four-month mark of my Journey to Health and am so happy to have some news to report. I stayed focused, for the most part, and worked all summer to change my lifestyle to eat well, move well and live well.  


It has been a rewarding journey so far and has been thrilling to see the success that comes with eating and moving well.

One of my favorite observations on this journey so far is that I do not feel like I am missing out on anything. This is such a mind shift for me! The educational posts in  Journey 2 Health, - along with the valuable coaching I’m receiving - are helping me to learn not just how, but why to make changes in how I  eat, move and live. It is wonderful to check-in each month with individual coaching. Because it makes more sense to me, I am motivated, and the changes are sustainable and attainable! You can choose your journey from the available plans including the individual coaching sessions here.

In the past, I have been in a battle with craving things like sugar and white flour (baking) and attempting moderation. Now, I rarely want to fill myself with these items that have no nutritional value or benefit. Yes, sugar cravings are real. Even though I have done well to eradicate the sugar in my diet, my brain remembers sugar. That’s okay, it also remembers the sugar low afterward, the mood swings from sugar highs, and the digestive discomfort of white flour and bland filler ‘foods.’

With a little reminder, I know why I am making the choices I make. Now, I enjoy seeking out healthier options rather than choosing what is quick, easy and awful for me.

I remember when our children were younger, we’d play “spot the lie” in advertising. Now, I “spot the lie” in the food industry and make a wholesome choice! For example, green labels do not always mean healthy, organic or USDA certified. I’ve found everything from “have a great day” with a green leaf label, to a green “this is recyclable paper.” We love recycling. However, the green has nothing to do with the unhealthy item in that package.

My Top Three Items on my Update:

I.  Thrilled.  I am so very thrilled and excited that I have taken this journey for the long term. One of the greatest benefits of health and wellness is feeling vital and healthy again! Take a glance at the photo above - it shows the symptoms I had back in June when I began this journey (bottom diagram - see all of the red!). Look at the symptoms for September- progress!

I’ve shared on my blog and through my podcasts about my struggle with grief and how challenges can ‘derail’ my wellness. I knew I was struggling when I joined Journey 2 Health. It was hard to accept how much I had lost my way. Yet, I knew I wanted to take this challenge. I am so thrilled I did as I have seen the weight loss, my measurements drop, and my usually low blood pressure stabilize to a normal again. These are remarkable changes in areas I was struggling in daily.

Observation: Over time, it has been pretty triumphant to see markable success all because I have been willing to stay focused on making good choices to eat well, move well and live well. The first check-in, I only lost two inches in my waist, then, the next month, I lost in my hips. It all balances out. I need to believe in the process.

II. Training. “Knowledge is power and with power comes great responsibility!”

The educational training has been empowering and invigorating! I love learning why and how to benefit my healthy living long term. The knowledge has given me the confidence to succeed rather than just read labels and chase calories, fat and carbs. Here is another incredible visual of my progress in healthy living.


These four months later, I am immensely more educated about health and wellness. The educational aspect has been so rewarding and encouraging to my commitment. The more I learn how foods positively affect my body and wellness, the more eager I am to enjoy them. The lessons I receive each week on my iPhone in the Journey 2 Health app are so informationally packed and encouraging. I love that I get a text from my nutrition and wellness coach each morning with real information that will help me.

Consistently I’ve become more active. With the lessons on my iPhone app, I can access a short video of how to move well at any time. There are exercise and workouts to be used on the go, with any amount of time. So nothing is lost. It is very freeing to know I can move well, and it will be effective, wherever I am!  Exercise is fun again!

Observation: I’ve loved being more active again! We love hiking, and  I have gone to yoga again. It challenges me and I do moves that work for me, which means I am typically a step or two behind the instructor. But at the end of the hour, my happy endorphins have kicked in and I feel dynamite so it’s not even on my radar to worry about “how fast” did I go. In the past, I was discouraged by yoga goddesses who could do everything so perfectly. Now, I consider them my allies. I have access to perfect form right next to me and that encourages me to go on and, honestly, not injure myself! :) And they are often the nicest and the most encouraging people in the class. Because as Elle Woods says, “Exercise makes you happy, happy people don’t k*ll their husbands.” Bwahahaah Really though, joy exudes joy!

III. Thankful. I’m so thankful for taking this challenge. When we work for something, we own the reward. It takes time. I am thankful I am making the time and effort to embrace this incredible nutritional, exercise and wellness information with my incredibly positive coach and team. However, the work has been mine for the taking. The rewards are great.

You can start your own team, or join a team and benefit in the same way! I love the benefit of simple and nutritious recipes with real foods. I love learning about exercise moves that are beneficial to my body and goals, and learning how to execute them injury free with articles and videos I can reference in my J2H App on my iPhone anytime.

Observation: I’m thankful I noticed that as I grocery shop for real foods, locally sourced or well-sourced, that I am willing to spend differently. I enjoy budgeting in healthier choices rather than making spontaneous unhealthy choices. I’m thankful that grocery shopping has become simple and fun. I shop more often and purchase smaller, fresher amounts. I use sales flyers to buy organics at regular prices and find better choices on sale. I used to bring home big ‘hauls’  of packaged items that are bagged and boxed. Those fill up grocery bags and carts but  leave you saying, “what’s for dinner?” “Where are the protein, fruits, and vegetables?”

Let’s Talk About Results:

So excited to report that I’m so thrilled about the metabolic and symptom screening improvements. As for inches lost: during the four months on Journey 2 Health, I’ve lost a total of four inches in my waistline! In addition, I’m down two inches in the hipline! Y’all know for a pear shape like me this is miraculous! So excited! I will carry on and I look forward to more updates here.

Guess what the scale said this morning? 20 pounds lost in these four months and three days. I am so thankful to Journey 2 Health in every way! It has been worth every effort!

It is incredibly peaceful going into the holiday season eager to make delicious and traditional dishes more healthily. I hope you’ll continue to follow along as we approach the holidays. Check out the Journey2Health.com articles page, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for great recipes, exercises and more. Even better, join a team or start one of your own and experience success! Let me know if you have questions.

Warmly,
CarolinaMama
FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Journey 2 Health. All opinions are my own. #Journey2HealthPartner






Jekyll Island Club Resort: Best Hotel in Georgia

Jekyll Island Club Resort: Best Hotel in Georgia 
by Southern Living 
                          

Thankfully, the Jekyll Island Club Resort coast is clear! I'm so thankful to receive this news! We've been eager to share all of the beauty that the Jekyll Island Club Resort is and that we experienced as they hosted our family for a family travel experience this summer! It's all perfect timing because it's the ideal destination for Fall Break, Thanksgiving and even Christmas / Holiday Getaways with those you love! 



The boys were so excited to swim after driving to Georgia from North Carolina! It was the 
perfect cool down activity! :) 



First, let's get checked into our Cottage! Already, we are loving it here! 


The Jekyll Island Club is a historic hotel of America. It is so enchanting. The ancient oak trees are captivating. Of course, I grew up climbing oak trees and on Oak Street! Look at these beauties here and throughout my post. 


                           

We loved the beauty throughout the property. It is a serene feeling to experience.

                            

The palm trees add to the magic! Look at this view! It's the best world! 

Palm Trees on Jekyll Island Club Georgia. 

One of the most appealing things about the Jekyll Island Club is that it is so secluded and private. We love that Jekyll Island is 65% undeveloped land. When the private owners donated the land to Georgia, that was the stipulation - the land remains pure and undeveloped. You get this sense of pride right from the first step and glimpse of the island.


This distinguishes Jekyll Island from others. This Spring, Southern Living named Jekyll Island Club the Best Hotel in Georgia!  We knew why as soon as we arrived! 




We were so excited to check in! Everyone was so hospitable and busy as a bee! Loved the Southern style! 


The beautiful cold water with lemon and cucumber was so welcoming and refreshing! 



The Jekyll Island Club history is fascinating. Colonization in 1733, "General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia and named Jekyll Island in honor of Sir Joseph Jekyll, his friend, and financier from England." 

Look at this beautiful style! HGTV would be so proud! 


The navy paint has my heart! Don't you love the etching of the resort! 


These gorgeous planters add to the ambiance. 


So, I adore this view! I took this the morning we all went to play croquet! Isn't this cool! 



The boys loved riding on the golf carts! 


We joyfully followed along and photographed! We're on the way to our cottage!


This was our Cottage! We had so much fun in this elegant and historical cottage! 


The dining at the cottage was beautiful! Love this option! We were hosted at The Grand Room so we didn't try our cottage dining. It looked beautiful! You may now book a cottage for your wedding and it is all catered and everything is magically ready for you at the resort! 



Here is the beautiful outdoor seating at our cottage. This wa so quaint and pretty.


The rooms were spacious and beautiful! The treats were welcome! :) 


Loved it so much! It had all of the beautiful features and conveniences. Such a relaxing atmosphere and the beds were so comfortable! 


Our bathroom was very spacious and accommodating! LOVED everything. 



Back to the welcome sweets! These two were ready to go swimming so they had a little snack before swimming. :)


Off they go to the swimming pool which was right near our cottage! We are still not used to our 16 year old Tigers being so grown up! Afterall, they are certified LifeGuards! So proud of them. 


Another delightful view at the cottage. 


When we stepped out to dinner, I couldn't help capturing this beautiful moment! This was our view! 




The Terrell Tribe headed to The Grand Room for an exquisite fine dining experience. 


CarolinaMama and Family at Jekyll Island Club Resort

This evening was so elegant and the food was spectacular! Look out for a separate post about the outstanding Grand Room Dining!


Here's a glimpse.... 

Jekyll Island Club Resort - The Grand Dining Room


  • Jekyll Shrimp & Grits “Multi-award winning” Georgia white shrimp & stone milled yellow grits garlic, scallions & andouille sausage

Jekyll Island Club Resort Award Winning Shrimp and Grits


Here is another glimpse at the beauty and genteel spirit at Jekyll Island Club Resort. We loved being whisked away from all of the business of everyday life. 


This memory is precious to me. We were all heading onto the front lawn for a morning of Croquet! I grew up planing Croquet in my own backyard with my family so it was another parenting moment that was so surreal. I was so happy to introduce our boys to croquet and get a good competition going. Truth be told, the boys won! We get competitive so that was a downside for me! :) 


The joy completely eclipsed the loss. Until next time, Tigers! 




Of course, I loved capturing our moments on the lawn. I'd love to go back right now and play a few games!


Clearly, the boys loved it and one lead the show! 



Us on the golf cart tour of the oaks and property. The gentlemen at valet were so accommodating and helpful. They are so knowledgeable and proud of the Jekyll Island Club Resort history! 



While we were getting the history of the Oaks and the Club, someone had a grand time climbing the oak trees! Just like his Mama did as a girl! Again, this was so endearing! I even climbed this tree - a little - with him! Treasured family time, indeed! 


We loved watching the boats pass by in front of our cottage. 


Au Revoir from the Terrells! We loved the Jekyll Island Club Resort! 
Thank you for having this Southern family. We adored your property! 


Hope you all can visit Jekyll Island Club Resort soon for your vacation getaway!

BOOK NOW: 20% OFF Midweek Stays Through December 31st!

Thank you, Jekyll Island Club Resort for hosting our family! We made forever memories and hope to see you soon!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jekyll Island Club Resort. All opinions are my own.