Thanksgiving 2013

Hunter and I are blessed to have 3 moms and 3 dads! The bonus to having a big family means more Thanksgiving dinners!!! Unfortunately all of our family lives two hours or more away so we don't get to visit everyone on the holiday so we get to celebrate holidays for weeks!

We had our first Thanksgiving the weekend before with Hunter's mom's side of the family. We were lucky and got to host so it made decorating fun! I love setting the table for fun dinners and I got to use lots of my fun wedding gifts! (Still haven't used the china, but we will one day!)

Hunter and I used this day as our CT cheat day.  We were good to start with and had our smoothies before dinner to prevent over-indulging and I think that helped! Everyone helped cook and brought food, Hunter smoked a turkey, and we drank the wine from our winery visit last month! Everything was perfect! We sat by the fire all evening watching football and catching up, just like family visits should be!

I'm very blessed by the flexibility in my work schedule and Hunter's extra PTO this year so we headed to St. Louis to see my family for the week of Thanksgiving!

We loaded up the dogs and were headed north Tuesday afternoon! I have to brag that we have the cutest, best dogs ever! They didn't love staying in a hotel, but they were so well behaved the entire trip!

Did you know Chick-fil-A gives you dog treats??!

Our first stop in St. Louis was Imo's Pizza and brought it back to my parents. Those who grew up in St. Louis and have moved away, know just how exciting authentic STL style pizza with fresh provel cheese is. (I bought 5 pounds of the cheese to bring back to Dallas!) 

We enjoyed lots of family dinners and family visits! I miss my niece and nephews so much, it was great watching them play and seeing how much they have changed in the past few months. 

My grandma has had some health problems this year so it was nice to bring Hunter over to visit and see some of my cousins. She was interested when she realized I was an OT and asked me to show her the exercises her therapist left for her to do. I also modified her phone, remote and made some other recommendations to my family to help them take care of her. It made me feel really good to help out because being so far away, I feel like I can't help my family how I would like to. She was happy and rewarded me with some of my Aunt's famous brownies!  

Our Thanksgiving was also our Christmas since hunter and I can't make it up again this year. It was beyond cute watching the kids open their presents (and everyone else's!). Kids make Christmas so much more fun and so much more exciting. Mom and Dad got us a food saver and I can't wait to start freezing some stuff! Mom knows I'm frugal and hate wasting anything, so that was the perfect gift!

Saturday was the Texas A&M vs Mizzou football game in my old college town, Columbia. Our original plan was for my best friends and their significant others and my parents to all go to the game together, but unfortunately my Dad got sick and my friend's grandma went into the hospital so we were down a few important that day. We had a great day, but they were missed!

I had so much fun showing Hunter around MY campus. Seeing everything there brings back so many memories of the years I spent there, the friends I met and the life lessons I learned!  We went downtown to our favorite pizza place then hung out in a bar I used to sneak into when I was underage!

The game is so important to us not only because those were the schools we attended, but because the Mizzou/A&M rivalry is where we got engaged 3 year ago! My parents got us the tickets as our 2 year wedding anniversary gift and it was a perfect way to celebrate!

Just like the weekend we got engaged, Mizzou won! Hunter was depressed, but later admitted it was a fun game because of the energy in the stadium. 

I felt like it was freshman year again, and I had my best friend of 15 years at my side. We spent more time chit chatting and laughing than we did following the actual game, but that's what made it so great. 

My Mom still came along even though my dad got sick and she had so much fun hanging with us "kids"! We loved having her and we laughed so many times telling her college memories she probably still wishes she never knew!

We got back so late Saturday night that we slept in late on Sunday and got a late start!  Just like every other morning we were there, mom had an awesome breakfast ready for us! We were beyond spoiled this trip like we are every visit. It never gets easier leaving my parents house, but knowing that I get to go back home to Dallas with my husband and puppies makes it bearable till the next visit!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Hunter and I have been doing the Complete Transformation for a few weeks now, and this is one of my FAVORITE smoothies! Easy, yummy, and holiday festive!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

What you need:

2-3 bananas (depending on size)

1 cup coconut or almond milk

1/4 cup honey (warmed to pour easily)

1/2 can puréed pumpkin (organic, GMO FREE)

1/2 cup freshly ground flaxseed

1/2 cup finely ground Almonds (OPTIONAL)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (OPTIONAL)

2 scoops Juice Plus+ French Vanilla Complete Plant Based Protein mix

How to make it:

1. If you like your smoothies more "frozen", make sure to take the pumpkin OUT of the can and freeze it ahead of time. Also peel the bananas then freeze them (don't freeze with the peels on, and don't ask how I know this)

2. First blend the bananas, milk, honey, and pumpkin into a smooth purée. (If you add everything at once, the powders don't seen to blend as well)

3.  Add the spices, JP+ complete, and ground flaxseed/almonds and blend well.   I didn't measure the spices precisely, I did it to my preferred taste. Don't hesitate to add more or less of what you like! I added more cinnamon because I love cinnamon flavor!

4. Want to add some fun to your holiday? Blend in some Rum Chata or Bailey's for an extra kick!

5. This mix makes a blender full of smoothies so be ready to share or put in mason jars and freeze for a smoothie to go!

If you are interested in ordering some Juice Plus Complete Plant Based Protein mix for your smoothie, Contact Lauren Jarvis, MOT, OTR or order directly from www.LaurenJarvis.JuicePlus.com

Email: LaurenJarvisForJuicePlus@gmail.com 

Being Grateful

I think you are always reminded of what you are thankful for during Thanksgiving, but this year I felt extra reflective. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer this fall and has been fighting her battle since. We are blessed to have the financial resources and hospital facilities nearby to help her fight and I'm forever thankful for God's blessing in that!

Mom is doing daily radiation treatments until the week before Christmas and has already undergone a successful lumpectomy. Her prognosis is fantastic and she is totally kicking cancer's ass! I'm so proud of her for being brave and tackling her diagnosis head on without any hesitations! 

For thanksgiving everyone always shares what they are grateful for and reflect on the blessings they have been given. This thanksgiving, I was the purest definition of grateful I have ever been. 

Grateful to have a healthy, able body. 

Grateful to have a kind, loving, caring, husband. 

Grateful to have a strong, happy, FUN, faith driven marriage. 

Grateful to have two dogs that completely fill my heart with love. 

Grateful to have a nice, warm home with plenty of meals and cozy blankets for lazy nights.  

Grateful for supportive, positive friends that encourage me to better myself, but love me for who I am.  

Grateful to have a family that loves me and all the craziness that comes with loving me, and does it unconditionally. 

But this thanksgiving, I was most aware of being grateful to have my mom. There are so many cheesy things I could say about how my mom is the best  ever and she is my best friend, all of those would be true, but they don't define why I'm grateful to have her. 

I'm grateful to have a mother that LOVES me. She loves me to the moon an back. Everytime she calls she greats me as "hello Sunshine!!" She will listen to me talk endlessly on the other line of the phone while I talk through my problems, helping me solve it myself so I can learn from it. She is all those awesome things a mom is and more. 

I have a mom that is driven in all that she does by the love of her family. When she got her diagnosis, she didn't question treatment. Letting cancer win wasn't an option for her because she knows that my sister and I NEED her. 

She didn't let fear paralyze her when she had to go in for that extra mammogram when one came back "weird". She didn't think twice when the doctors wanted to do an invasive biopsy. When she got the "Big C" diagnosis on my birthday, she waited to tell me so I could enjoy my fancy date night with my husband. When she told me the next day, she already had an action plan ready. 

Two weeks after her lumpectomy, she was busy tying up lose ends at work and packing so she could meet me in Orlando for a conference and a girls weekend. 

During her first week of radiation, it seemed like everyone around her needed her. She did her treatment quietly and helped everyone else. Now she goes every morning before work for radiation, just like someone stops by Starbucks. 

During my visit she just casually mentioned some side effects she's been having from the radiation but always reminded me she can't complain because what's she's going through is noting compared to what so many women go through. 

I could give more anecdotes about how she is the coolest, the best, or the most fun, but if you re-read what I wrote above, her battle is more than enough to show how much she loves as a mother. She's fighting because I'm worth it to her. She's fighting because she has a husband that would be lost without her. She's fighting because she has a daughter just figuring out motherhood and still needs her guidance.  She's fighting for a lot of people because she loves you and can't let you down. 

This thanksgiving we all got together and ate too much, because we could. God gave us another Thanksgiving as a family so we celebrated. This time though we celebrated a little deeper and a little more lightheartedly. 

Thank you for reading and thank you for the prayers that I hope will follow.  This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for my mom. Simple as that ;-)

Everything is Transforming!

Complete Transformation Week 2 Updates!

I am absolutely loving the changes we have made! I'm feeling better than ever and seeing my body changing in a great way! Today my patient asked why I got bigger yoga pants if I was "on a diet". (#1 my patients know I'm super lazy and wear yoga pants everyday! #2 those yoga pants were the same ones I wear everyday, they are just so much looser now because I've "debloated")

Last Monday my Texas Fit Chicks Trainer took my measurements after 1 week eating clean and the changes I felt were on paper! I lost 3 pounds and 2 inches all over!! In one week! 

Now, I'm going to say it again....the Complete Transformation plan is not designed for weight loss and I'm by doing it to lose weight! The CT is to clean up your eating habits and help you create better habits for a healthy eating lifestyle. However, if you stop eating things that are bad for you (soda, refined sugars, gluten to name a few) you will naturally lose weight (if you have extra weight to lose!). 

Now I don't expect to lose 3lbs and 2 inches every week, I know that I am on the right path. This week I actually felt fuller and more satisfied after meals and ate more food, but lost body fat! I think the majority of what I lost was part of a detox and I'm good with that! I love how I feel and how my body is changing. 

I didn't do my measurements yesterday because our workout class was canceled because of a winter storm here in Dallas. So next Monday will be a real test and I'm sure have interesting results! I will have had 3 thanksgivings, and several cheat days during my visit to St. Louis for Thanksgicing! (Oh I can't give up St. Louis style pizza just yet! And provel cheese..... YUM! I'll just double up on my JP+ and do a few extra burpees!)

Yes I said cheat days! That's why I love the CT plan. It's ok to fall off the wagon if you don't lose your path!  We will splurge on our favorite things, but make sure to compensate during other meals and keep eating clean, drinking lots of water, and filling up on healthy foods and sampling the bad ;-) 

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving this year! I'm looking forward to celebrating to my family in St. Louis!  

Complete Transformation-Week 1

Hunter and I have been doing the CT for one week tomorrow!  I know we are only 1 week out of 6, but I can't even tell you how good I have been feeling!  We have cut out gluten, refined sugars, and most importantly soda and fast foods! I wouldn't say that I felt badly before we started the CT, however I know this week has shown to me there is always room for improvement.

I thought I was not going to make it without a Dr. Pepper all week, but it was only hard on Tuesday and Friday night. I think Tuesday I was detoxing and going through withdrawl, I had a pretty bad headache Tuesday, but I powered through and went to a great wellness presentation about gut health and it reinforced my decision to stick with the CT!

A few friends have been referring to the CT as my "diet" or "cleanse" so I want to clarify again, Hunter and I aren't doing either of those! The CT is a jumpstart to a healthier way of eating. There may be days that I want to "cheat", and I will.  But I have so much information and education about why clean eating is so beneficial to our health, I just have terrible addiction to breads and soda! It's awful, I know!

One of the best experiences of this week has been cooking together! Tonight we tried a tortilla-free chicken tortilla soup with gluten free cornbread.  The soup was pretty good, but needs some recipe tweaking because it was a little bland, but the cornbread was soooo good! Didn't even miss the gluten :-) We have gotten pretty creative in our recipes and are looking forward to trying new ones! The best part of the CT is there is a lot more to eat than what NOT to eat! You are actually encouraged to eat a lot on the plan! I'm making a point to eat lots of snacks during the day to keep any cravings at bay.

So far I've made homemade granola bars, post-workout protein snacks, and LOTS of smoothies! We've made lots of different salads, smoked a turkey, and baking chicken in different ways to add to our salads.  I have felt more full than I ever did when we eat out. Plus I don't feel that awful "stuffed lets just pass out in bed" feeling!

This past Saturday night I hosted a Healthy Thanksgiving Girl's Night with some friends at my house and we had a great time! I was proud of my self and really tried to stay on track. Before everyone came over, I made sure to have a protein smoothie to help keep my cravings at bay! I cheated and had some cranberry bread, spinach dip, a cocktail, and some of a delicious pastry wrapped baked apple! Even though I cheated a little bit, I made sure to not eat too much of the Non-CT approved and I was extremely satisfied! Usually I would have more than over indulged on everything carb-loaded and wine! Instead I over indulged on the yummy pumpkin smoothies we made, fruit tray, and quinoa salad!

The party was great and I really enjoyed catching up with my friends! They brought some great recipes that I can't wait to share here on the blog!

Tomorrow morning my trainer does my measurements again and I look forward to seeing how my body has changed! I can already tell my body is changing each day. My clothes are fitting better and I feel like I have more energy for my workouts!

Here's to week 2!

Complete Transformation

You have probably seen me posting on Facebook, Instagram and twitter about starting a "Complete Transformation" and have wondered what the heck I'm talking about!

It's simple, Hunter and I are completing transforming our health! We are using a 6 week program developed by Juice Plus+ to jump start a clean, healthy, and nutrition packed diet. To keep things simple, I'm going to refer to it as "CT". 

The reason for starting the CT is for Hunter and I to get out of the bad rut of eating fast foods, processed foods, soda, excess gluten and start a diet that's plant based, with less animal products and reduced gluten. 

The CT isn't a diet. It doesn't focus on what you CAN'T eat. The CT gives you guidelines to help you decide what you SHOULD  eat! That's the difference between a diet and the CT, the focus is of the CT is on things you CAN eat vs the things you CAN'T eat. 

So how does it work?

I'll keep it simple! There are 6 weeks, but at the end of the 6 weeks, you don't have to stop, you can keep going because its a lifestyle, not a diet!  The reason Juice Plus+ products are included and a critical part of it is because Juice Plus will provide you the the variety of produce we need daily, increase the amount of nutrition your getting each daily, promote good digestive health, and give you the benefits of vine ripened produce we just can't get at the grocery store. Also, the Complete powder gives you a greater variety of important plants that are rich in fiber, protein, and other nutrients that help you stay full longer, balance your blood sugar, help your body recover post work out, prepare your body pre workout, and increase your variety of fruits, veggies and grains. 

What you need to get started:

Juice Plus+ capsule trio

Juice Plus+ Complete (vanilla or chocolate, or both if you prefer). 

Week 1: Eat 2 clean meals a day, have one meal replacement smoothie with JP+ complete powder. Have lots of healthy snacks throughout the day! Eliminate or reduce your intake of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, and gluten. You can continue to eat dairy, meats, and other gluten free grains, just make sure they are organic, GMO free, lean, and keep the portions small (more plants than animal!)

Weeks 2-5: Enjoy 1 clean meal a day and have 2 meal replacement smoothies each day. Continue to eat lots of healthy, yummy snacks during the day! This is where you will want to get creative in your smoothies! Be sure to use the Complete powder for added protein to stay full longer! Make sure you are drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day! Getting dehydrated can be mistaken for being hungry. 

Week 6 and on: Same as week 1, eat 2 clean meals a day, 1 Meal replacement smoothie, and lots of yummy healthy snacks! After week 6, if you would like to re introduce gluten to your diet, do it slowly as your body may have changed how it processes gluten (in a good way!!)

If you have questions or are interested, reach out to me and let me know! I've given just a short abbreviated version and would love to share more with you! Hunter and I could really use a buddy in this to help us stay on track, so let me know if you would like to be that buddy!

I'm a recovering carb addict and Sod-aholic and could really use all the kind words and support you would like to give as I go through my detox phase!  

If you want to know more about the JP+ products and how to get started, check out this website and ask me questions! 

Www.LaurenJarvisForJuicePlus.com 

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Check back each week for status updates, recipes, confessions and more!

Tomorrow I'll be posting my day one starting measurements. I'm not doing the CT for weight loss; I'm doing it for health gains. If along the way, I lose weight, that's an added bonus, but my goal is to BE a healthier me!! I want to feel good with lots of energy! I want my body to be strong so I can do powerful things with it! I want my body to be healthy to carry a baby one day. I want to inspire other people with the same lifestyle habits I have to make one small step and change towards improving their health. If I can do those things in 6 weeks, I will have achieved more than a weight loss diet or weight loss program could have ever done! 

Here's to good health!

God bless and Gig'em!

That's the Jarvis form of a house welcome sign! 

Hunter is a true, die hard Aggie. He lives and breathes for Aggie sports and Aggie traditions.  On Sundays and Wednesday nights he records a radio show with his friend that you can listen to on Mondays and Thursdays at www.AroundAggieland.com 

Yes, my 30 year old dear hubby follows every twitter account, blog, and recruiting website for the latest Aggie sports scoop so he can blog and do his radio show. It has nothing to do with his Aggie obsession. (Insert Sarcasm)

I mean it doesn't mean you're obsessed with the Aggies just because you had a grooms cake made to look like your college ring?  

Now that I've prefaced my Husband's obsession you will understand why this weekend was one of Hunter's best weekends! Last Sunday Hunter so sweetly asked if we could go to College Station on Saturday and see Johnny Football's last game at Kyle field. 

I'm glad we went because we had a great time! We love road trips together! We spend the time in the car talking, uninterrupted and not distracted by our phones or TV. This time we spent a lot of our conversation about our career and family goals and how they match up, but that's another post!

We stopped in Waco on our way and dropped the dogs off with our sweet parents to be spoiled and swim all day, and we headed out to College Station! 

Road trips wear this baby out! 

By the time we got to Northgate area near the Texas A&M campus the place was packed with tailgaters! We met at a bar to get a pregame beer and lunch with some newly friends and Hunter's college roommate. 

Hunter and his friend Michael 

Newlyweds Michael and Kacie

Me and the Husband decked out in our Aggie gear!

The game was great! So much energy in the Stadium and it was a PACKED stadium! It was also the last game before they begin renovations to build a bigger and better Kyle field!

Check out that sunset at the game!

Hunter had a good time teaching me all the "yells" and different Aggie football traditions (my favorite is when the guy kisses his girl after each touchdown). I enjoy making these kinds of memories together! We had a great time together at the game just the two of us! We have so much fun and I enjoy sharing in his Aggie world (even if I only cheer for the Aggies just because I know if they lose, I will have a really cranky husband)

Thankfully the Ags won so it was smiles all around!

After the game I convinced Hunter to help me jump the wall so I could get down on the field and touch the grass the police made such a big deal about not touching. 

Living like a rebel down on the track at Kyle Field. It was so cold! I was wearing flip flops and my toes were numb!

We were both tired from standing and walking across campus we picked up pizza from the same place we ate late night on Northgate the day we got engaged. Sorry no pictures, we ate it too fast, but I can tell you Antonio's pizza didn't let us down!

The day was fun reminiscing about Hunter's college days and remember how 3 years and a couple weeks ago when Hunter asked me to marry him on the Texas A&M campus under the century tree! Loved making new memories and remembering the old!

October 16, 2010 Hunter asked me to marry him at the Mizzou vs. A&M game! Best part was having our families there for the whole thing! 

As the weekend wraps up I am enjoying thinking about our next football game back in Columbia for Mizzou vs. A&M at thanksgiving! It's going to be great reliving the college days with my best friends and family! Can't wait!!