Clean Eating- Baked Parmesan Fries

Tonight, my family will be enjoying Baked Parmesan Fries! I have to say they smell delicious cooking! I am trying to have a least one clean dish on our table every night! I found this recipe on Clean Eating Magazine's site.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb Yukon gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
• Sea salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place potatoes on baking sheet, drizzle evenly with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper. Toss to coat, then arrange potatoes in a single layer. Bake in center of oven for 10 minutes, then flip and stir, and bake for 5 minutes more or until lightly golden.
2. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with salt and Parmesan. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Nutrients per serving (2/3 cup Parmesan fries): Calories: 156, Total Fat: 5.5 g, Sat. Fat: 1.5 g, Carbs: 20 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugars: 0 g, Protein: 6 g, Sodium: 162 mg, Cholesterol: 5 mg

Nutritional Bonus: One small spud offers 15% of your day’s recommended intake of vitamin B6. The water-soluble B vitamin is vital in the production of serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that help regulate your sleep and mood. 

If you try them, let me know what you think!!!!

Hope you enjoy!!!

XOXO

Clean Meal-Balsamic Pork Chops with Peaches

Tonight my family is enjoying another "clean" meal! I made Balsamic Pork Chops with Peaches!!! I found the recipe on Clean Eating Magazine's site. I however, really only used the ingredients from it!


*1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
*1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
*3 tbsp honey
*1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
*4 5-oz lean boneless pork chops, trimmed of visible fat
*Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
*4 peaches, halved and pitted
*Fresh thyme leaves for garnish


I choose to bring the vinegar, oil, and honey to a simmer. I then added the pork chops and pan seared them. I also chopped both the rosemary and thyme added both to the sauce. (I'm using these cooking terms like I know what I am talking about haha) I cooked the brown rice while that was cooking. Once the pork was done, I added the peaches and just let it simmer. Once the rice was done, I threw it in there with everything else, and let it simmer awhile! It smells amazing!!!


Honestly this was so super easy to make! I also think you could use pears instead of peaches to give it a different flavor, just depends on your preferences! I would highly recommend cooking this if you are short on time, because it was so quick!

Let me know what you think!


XOXO

Are you comfortable in your own skin?!?!

 How many of you are honestly 100% comfortable in your skin?! If I had to guess, I would say most of us are not!! I know for sure, that I am not. I hate when people take pictures of me. Don't get me wrong, because if you are my friends or family you will be thinking to yourselves that I am always taking pictures, and yes that is true, but I always use the front facing camera on my phone, so that I can see what I look like before I snap that pic. I am extremely self conscience. I usually change 3-5 times before leaving the house. How many of you can relate to this?! I think no matter what size or shape you are, we all have insecurities. As I type this, I think to myself, what will it take for me to be completely comfortable in my own skin, and my honest answer is, that I don't know!!! I think back through my childhood, and I was always thought of as the "bigger" girl. I can't remember a time when I did not struggle with my weight. This journey isn't only about losing weight, it's about discovering myself on a whole new level. I've shared this with you before, but I once had a teacher say, "pictures don't lie". You know what? He's right!!! We tell ourselves, oh that camera adds 10 pounds, but you know what?! It's the fact that we don't want to face reality. I am guilty of it, I always told myself that. Up until recent times I truly believed that! As part of the journey, I have been taking pictures every step of the way. The truth is....pictures don't lie!!! Take a picture of yourself today......yes a full body picture! What don't you like about it? Your midsection? Your arms? Maybe a double chin? Don't hide from that picture. Embrace the beauty that is you! But learn from your picture, set goals, and create a plan of how you are going to reach those goals. It's not going to be easy. That I have learned from experience. I have been giving it my all for 3 months now, and just recently I am staring to see results. But, that's ok! 3 months ago, I couldn't run a mile, in fact in high school I always had one of the slowest mile times, now I average 5 miles in 45 mins! My body is capable of so much more than it was 3 short months ago. This is just the beginning for me. What am I going to be able to do 3 months from now, or 6 months from now??? I don't know, but I do know that I am NOT GIVING UP! Many of you have sent such kind words to me after sharing my last picture, and those thoughts mean so very much to me! Honestly, more than you would ever know. It's very very hard to put myself on display, but I do it to prove to all of you, that it can be you in that picture! If I can do this, you certainly can! It doesn't take huge steps to start, it just takes a little motivation and drive to want to succeed! I am here with you every step of the way, honestly! Have you taken your picture yet?!?! Well, what are you waiting for???? Together we can do this!!! If I have inspired just one of you to look at your picture a little differently, then my job here is done! You are all truly beautiful individuals! Our beauty is what makes a unique! Well.......quit reading......and get to work on reaching your goals! Just remember....I BELIEVE in YOU!!!!

This is one of the hardest pics to share! 

But this can be you! 

I love you all!

XOXO

Clean Eating- Sinfully Clean Chocolate Brownie

Tonight's dinner, was followed by a sinfully clean dessert!

I have to say, this is not one of my faves. But once you expect the fact, that clean brownies are not going to taste exactly like real brownies, then I would say this taste pretty darn good. It does have a "different" texture and certainly doesn't look like the picture. But I would give this ONE THUMB UP. It's worth a try!

Sinfully Clean Chocolate Brownie

Ingredients

• 1 square (7 g) dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Pinch sea salt
• 2 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp applesauce
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 FF. Break up chocolate into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Place dry ingredients, except chocolate pieces, in a large mixing bowl and mix.
3. Add wet ingredients to bowl and mix to combine. Stir in chocolate pieces.
4. Pour batter into a single-portion oven-proof loaf dish and bake 16 to 18 minutes. Serve.

Let me know what you think!!


XOXO

Clean Eating-Pasta Roll-ups with Turkey and Spinach

Tonight I made my first "clean" meal I have ever cooked for my family. I really enjoy cooking, so I couldn't wait for them to try it!

Overall, we give this recipe TWO THUMBS UP!!!!

It was very good! I left the spinach out of the recipe because my family and I are not a fan of cooked spinach.  The only thing I may change next time would be less cinnamon. I am not a fan of it, and I could defiantly taste it. Everyone else seemed to really enjoy it! I would definitely recommend trying this one! Delicious and healthy......what more could you ask for!

Pasta Roll-ups with Turkey and Spinach

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground turkey breast
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes in juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 sheets dried high-protein or whole-wheat lasagna
• 1 10-oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 15-oz container nonfat ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Turn heat to medium-high and add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula until meat shows no sign of pink. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg, then add tomatoes and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring and breaking up tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse and allow to cool in a colander.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Squeeze all remaining moisture from thawed spinach and place in large bowl. Add ricotta cheese, egg and a 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese to bowl. Stir until combined
4. Spread 1 cup of cooked tomato sauce into bottom of a 9 x 10-inch casserole dish. Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat in front of you. Use your fingers to spread 1/8 of ricotta mixture across the noodle and roll it up. Place the rolled pasta seam side down, into the casserole dish. Repeat with remaining noodles. Spread remaining tomato sauce over roll-ups, then top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella
5. Bake, covered with foil, for 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 5 minutes or until roll-ups are browned and bubbly.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Let me know what you think!!!

"Eat clean, Train mean, get lean"

XOXO

The Healthiest meal of the Day!!!!

 Have you guys ever heard of SHAKEOLOGY?!?! Well, if you are my Facebook friend, then I know you have! This past week I have started replacing one meal every day with a shakeology and in three days, I am down 3lbs!!!! It is packed full of superfoods! These are things that I would never in a million years think about eating. I bought the chocolate flavor and I have to say, it's honestly DELICIOUS! To keep the variety I add different things to my shake every day so that I do not get tired of it! I love the chocolate flavor alone, it tastes just like chocolate milk! I have added peanut butter, and I love it!!! That may be my favorite! It tastes just like a peanut butter cup! I have also added mint, and it tasted like a mint chip milkshake! The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the varieties you can make!

I have always had trouble when it comes to protein shakes because I usually end up gagging it down or throwing it up! This shake honestly tastes amazing! I would not steer you wrong! I am one of the pickiest eaters every and this goes down smoothly every morning! I have more energy, and less carvings! I swear this is one the best things I have ever tried! I really can't believe I can start my day off every morning with one of these and it's healthy! Watch my Facebook for my Shakeology recipes!

 

These pics are hard to share! But I want to show you hard work does pay off!

If you are interested in trying SHAKEOLOGY or would like more info, please check out my site!

"Shakeology, the healthiest meal of the day!"

I Knew this Journey Wouldn't be Easy....

During this challenge, I have come to realize that food journaling is a must! Friday night, I worked out the hardest I ever have! I jumped on the scale only to find out I gained weight! I didn't know if I wanted to cry or scream! I was devastated!!! I immediately sent a message to my coach because I was so upset. Before she even responded, I thought about a food journal, but that is exactly the same thing she suggested! It made me feel good when she told me I am definitely putting in the work, because that is exactly how I feel! So I have decided that I am going to start writing down the times I eat and what eat! I think it will make me much more aware of what I am putting into my mouth. Do you use a food journal? I think it is going to be very helpful! I suggest trying it for a week and see if it is an eye opening experience!  Who's with me?!?!

"Your body keeps an accurate journal, regardless of what you write down."

 

XOXO

Did Someone Say Clean Eating?!

Hello my fabulous followers! I hope you are all doing wonderful! This week I have started a cleaning eating challenge. I have been working out very hard lately, but not getting the results that I want. So, I have decided that I need to tackle the hardest part of my journey, my eating habits! Just as I was thinking this to myself, I get a notification that a fellow coach of mine is running a clean eating challenge this week! I believe it was fate! Like someone saying to me you're ready to do this, now just expect the challenge! That's just what I did! So here we are day 1! I have spent some time today researching some recipes that I feel I may enjoy! This is going to be one of the toughest challenges! I am one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet! But I am going to try my best! So, I am going to post a clean eating recipe everyday on my Facebook page, and I will post reviews on here of recipes that I make! 

***What I would like for all of you to do is to head over to my Facebook Page and share one of your favorite clean eating recipes with us! With all of this healthy eating, we are going to be looking AMAZING!

"What you eat in PRIVATE, eventually is what you wear in PUBLIC! Eat CLEAN look LEAN!"  

XOXO

What Keeps Me Motivated?!

So did you all love my exciting news? I'm so pumped that I have all these new resources for helping all of you! I have been spending a great deal of time reading and studying all of my materials so that I can better motivate you all! I hope you are all keeping your eyes and ears open for the announcement of my first challenge group!

Lately, a lot of people have been contacting me asking how I stay motivated! Well, let me just tell you how happy I am that I have stuck to this and NOT GIVEN UP! I feel terrific! Even if I look the same as the day I started, which I don't think I do, I already feel more confident in myself! But it's definitely taking hard work to get there! Last night I worked out for a long time! I ran 5 miles, did T25 Total Body Circuit, and did some weight training!

What is T25? For those of you who don't know what T25 is, it's simply.....truly.....AMAZING!!! When I first started working out, I bought this program just because I knew it was 25 mins long and then I was done! If you can't spare 25 mins for yourself everyday, we need to have a talk! Well, I got the program and I love that there is a little clock in the corner counting down your time for you! It's a great motivator to just keep going and push to reach the 25 min. mark. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with them or do every move they do, well fear not! On the TV you will see 5 people working out, one of which is a modifier. She breaks the moves down to easier ones for you! I definitely used that in the beginning, and I'm not going to lie, I still look to her for those days when I can't seem to do what the others are doing! Is it tough?!?! Um YEAH! If you only want to work out for 25 mins a day, you have to make it count right?!?! Is it doable? FOR SURE! I was a freakin' couch potato and still managed to get it done! If you have any questions about that program, email me!!! I have owned this for 3 or so months now and would be happy to answer questions! If you want to check it out, teambeachbody.com/jessbeattie

So what else keep me motivated? My coach! Yes I said my coach! Just because I switched over to the coaching world doesn't mean I have stopped reaching out to mine for encouragement and support! No way, she is awesome and I still lean on her when I need to! Just the other night, I was working out while I had a migraine and fighting a stomach bug, I sent her a message complaining about how long it was taking me to complete what I wanted, then sent her another message when I FINALLY finished! Both times, she answered right away with words of encouragement to kick me into gear! I am here to do that for you as well! HIT ME UP and I will be your little burst of support and encouragement!

A huge motivator for me is my why list! Do you remember that list I posted way back in Oct?!?! Well I still read that to myself all the time! I want to reach my goals more than you ever know! My biggest reason for wanting to be healthy is so that I can have the opportunity to save someone's life! Save someone's life what???? Yes! When my mom got sick, I quickly realized how important organ donations, blood donations, any type of donation they can use to save someone's life are! My mom had many many blood transfusions, and if those people had donated their blood, she wouldn't be here! As you all know, my mom is an amazing person, and a true fighter, but the reality that we live with every day is that she is in stage 3 kidney disease and one day may need a kidney transplant! And you better bet your buns, I'll be the first one to be tested! But to be considered for a match, you need to be in good physical health! This is a huge motivator for me! Could you imagine, if I was a match, but they didn't take mine because I wasn't healthy enough, I couldn't live with myself!

There are of course little things I do everyday to keep me motivated as well!

1.When I run I watch a movie or favorite TV show on my phone! It helps the time fly bye without you realizing how far you have ran!

2. Some days I read a book while I run! I love to read and when I start a book, I can't put it down. So lately my life has been so crazy busy, the only time I get to read is when I am running! It's a great reward to myself!

3. I talk to myself! I mean literally talk out loud motivating myself if I have to! The others at my gym make think I am crazy! And they are right! I am CRAZY motivated to reach my goals!

4. Take pics! I take pics of the sweat pouring off me after a workout to remind myself I have earned every bead of that sweat!

5. This blog! I love reporting to you all! All of your comments, and likes, and what not are crazy motivating! You all believe in me, and that is amazing!

Don't ever forget I am here for you! Reach out to me! I want you to succeed and reach your goals more than you do! I know you can do it! I believe in you!

XOXO

This really makes my blood boil!!!

 If you have ever shopped in the plus size section of a store, you know it's not always a pleasant experience. The clothes look like ugly area rugs sown together. If they can make cute trendy shirts and dresses in sizes xxs-xl, why the heck can't they just use a little more fabric and make larger sizes of the same shirt. I just don't see why no one has really jumped on board and done this. Don't get me wrong, I know there are some stores that make beautiful plus size clothes, but they come with a hefty price tag. Why is this?!?! I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this issue. I also can't stand the fact that stores have a "plus size" section. Why not just put all the woman's clothing in one section?! Nope, if you're a "plus size" girl, you have to shop in a designated section or a special store. The fact that it's still called, "PLUS SIZE" blows my mind! In men's sections most of the time, it's all blended together. I can't say that I have ever seen a "plus size" men's section. They are all blended together because it is more acceptable for men to be bigger. But.....Us women.....have to shop in special sections, or special stores! This is something that makes my blood boil!

Lately, I've been getting emails asking where I shop to find comfortable clothes to work out in or what sneakers I run it! I love it, keep the questions coming! Let's face it, it's not always easy to find things to wear, when you are a larger girl! I am always here to lend an ear, or share my experiences with you!

"Never change who you are because someone else has a problem with it"

XOXO

BIG and EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!!

Hey all! I have big and exciting news for you today! As you all know, I won my first 60 days challenge, and I couldn't be more excited about that! Well Wednesday night, as I sat here and was trying to talk myself into getting off my butt and going to the gym, I received a message for one of the coaches from the challenge! Basically she was asking me if I have ever considered being a coach!!! I sat here as I read her message, and thought, me?! What are you crazy?!?! I haven't had a crazy transformation like so many of these amazing people had, she's asking me if I am interested in coaching when I am sitting here giving myself a pep talk to go work out!!! Well, I have to admit, I was curious! I had been asked in the past, and turned it down. I didn't feel I have what it took to coach. But, here again, I am being asked again by another coach from this amazing team. She told me, have at it, ask all the questions you have, you have what it takes, and you inspire others everyday. You're doing it already, let's make it official. So questions that came to my mind, do I have to recruit a certain amount of people to coach? This was important to me because I won't put pressure on people, when they are ready to make a life style change then I am here to help, but I will not pressure others into joining me. It was a decision I needed to make on my own when I joined my first challenge, just like it needs to be your decision when you want help achieving your goals! So the the simple answer was no, I don't need to recruit a certain amount of people! That made me very happy! Second question that came to my mind, do I have to push products on people, but that is something I will NOT do! The answer....no! I can recommend that your try workouts or things I am using, but I will never force you to buy anything! You all know me, I'm not like that!

So now for my very big and exciting news...............after many questions, time, and consideration.......I have accepted the offer and am a COACH for Team Commit! I couldn't be more excited! This allows me to help you guys all the more! I will be able to motivate and inspire you all the more! In one of my last posts, I told you all that I would text, or email you daily if you needed to motivation, well now I truly can! I can invite you all to be a part of challenges groups, just like the one I joined in Oct. I will be there every step of the way to keep you motivated and most importantly hold you accountable. When I joined my first challenge group, I need the accountability more than anything! Let me tell you, 3 months later, and I'm still going strong. These challenge groups, and coaches changed my life, and I am beyond exciting to join them, and be that inspiration for you!

I spend Saturday morning at a conference with these amazing coaches, and let me tell you......It was AWESOME! We had so much fun, and I learned so much! I couldn't be more excited! I know that I made the right decision, by crossing the threshold into the coaching world! If I can inspire and motivate only one person, then my job is done!

Thank you all for letting me share my good news with you all! From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for following me on this journey! It's been a crazy ride so far, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!

I can't begin to tell you how painful it is to share this picture. When I took this first picture I wanted to cry. I thought I will never share this with anyone ever! The second picture I took yesterday! While you may not see a huge difference, I see progress! I still hate the way I look, but I have taken the steps I need to work on myself. I have a long road ahead of me, but I will get there. If I can do this in 3 months, what can I do in a year? You don't have to start by running miles at a time, or lifting large amounts, you just have to start. As I write this I am hesitant to hit the publish button, but if this pic inspires you, even a tiny bit, then I am happy I shared it with you!

PS Remember me telling you, the pants I couldn't buy because I couldn't get them on?! Well the pink pair is one of them!

XOXO

Coach Jess

January Progress Pic!

Well, it's that time again.....time to show a "progress" pic! It's harder than you would think to post these pics! I look at this picture from yesterday, and all I see is big, disgusting arms. (Usually I work out in long sleeves, but last night I didn't, mostly because I couldn't find a shirt to match my pants! Oh come on, we all have those days right?!)  Then I look at the pic from October and I do see some progress when I compare them! It's the motivation I need to keep pushing forward. The pants I wore to the gym last night, I could have never worn them in October! They didn't fit! Trust me I tried! They would have been so tight, with a giant role hanging over, and I wouldn't have been able to breathe comfortably. I had tried them on in the past because I love all the fun workout pants this store has, but could never buy them! Well....guess what?! I fit into them now!!! This may not be the most amazing progress pic, but it's real! It's reminder that progress takes time and patience! If it was easy, we would all walk around in a size 6! The reality of it is, you have to put the time into it, if you really want it!

 Lately, a lot of people have reached out to me and asked how I stay motivated, well here it is! Take pics! I'm not saying you have to post them online like I do, but take them for your own eyes, even take some in your bra and panties, whatever it takes! Next month take another, compare them! Do you like what you see? Do you see progress? Now push harder this month! It's that simple, if you want to change, you have to work for it! Lately, Friday and Saturday night, I'm not out with friends like I was in the past, I'm working hard in the gym because they are open later on these days, and it gives me more time to focus on ME! Secondly, I joined a facebook f group that keeps me motivated! Everyday you have to log your workouts! Believe me the last thing you want to tell your group is that you didn't workout after you have gotten everyone's notifications all day long! I literally feel like a failure when I don't post one. You have to do what works for you, and what is going to keep you motivated! I am always here to keep you in check! If it's going to take me emailing or texting you everyday to check in or shoot you a reminder, I WILL! We are in this together, and I will do everything I can to help you stay motivated, because you are all my reason to stay motivated each and every day!

I'm serious, if you need me to check in with you to keep you motivated, check out my contact info and shoot me an email! I am more than happy to help you reach your goals! We can help keep each other motivated! Thank you to all of my fabulous followers! Truly from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for following me on this journey! We got this! 

"Success doesn't happen over night, keep your eye on the prize and don't look back" 

XOXO

~January Goals~

I'm sorry this is a few days late....better late then never right?! After the holidays, I really need to get back on track! I have been eating horribly, and drinking soda! My body feels terrible! It's amazing how bad you feel when you fill your body with junk! January is such a good month to set goals! Have you stopped and thought about where you want to see yourself in December! I have, and I have 12 months to get there. This year, running is going to be a big focus for me. In the past I hated running, in high school I always had one of the slowest mile times! Now, I enjoy running, don't get me wrong, I put it off and put it off, but when I get to the gym and start I get such a feeling of accomplishment. It relives my stress, and I walk out feeling like a new person! My goals this month are....

 1) No Soda- It makes me feel bloated and disgusting. This month I do not want to drink any soda!
 2) Hydrate- Like I have said before, this will be on my goal list for awhile! I need to focus on my water intake!
 3) Focus on Healthy foods- I have been eating so many unhealthy foods, that I have not felt good. I really want to focus on food prep. I feel that preparing foods ahead of time will make it easier for me to make healthier choices. Do any of you food prep? I am always open to suggestions, and would love to share your ideas on my blog!
4)5 Miles a day- Last month I did really well with running 3 miles a day! This month I want to kick it up to 5 miles a day! I have really come to love running, it is a great stress reliever!
 5)Two 5KS! As you all know, one of my goals for this year is to run a 5k a month, well I want to kick start this goal with two 5ks this month! I will be finishing up my 81K this month, and doing both a Wonder Woman 5K and an Autism 5K!
6)Squat challenge- This month I am going to follow a squat challenge. So who wants to do this with me?! 7)T25- I really want to get into a routine that includes T25 everyday! I know that if I do this, I could improve my results greatly!

What are some of your goals this month?? I am so excited to kick start this year on a great foot! I hope you are all with me! Together we can do this!!!

"Don't let life change your goals, achieving your goals can change your life"

XOXO

Virtual Lupus 5K!!!

As many of you know, my Mom was diagnosed with Lupus and stage 3 kidney disease about 2 years ago now. Before her diagnosis in 2003 my mom become very ill, and her kidneys began to shut down. I was in the 7th grade and I remember getting a phone call around 5 am that my grandma and I needed to go to the hospital. My mom had been in the ICU for a few days prior to this phone call. Little did I know at the time, that we received the phone call to come and say our good byes. Still to this day, typing this brings to tears to my eyes. That's my biggest fear, losing my mom, and here I am in middle school and my fear is becoming reality. Well to make a long story short, my mom was transported from our small town hospital to Philadelphia. She went into the hospital in June and came sometime in late August, early September. It was truly a miracle that she pulled through. It was the worst summer of my life. My mom couldn't walk, and she would throw up every time she tried to talk. Each day we would play hours of rummy to pass the time in her hospital room. I lived in fear every day, and never prayed so much in my life. My mom came home and was put on dialysis. My uncle would take her to her treatments, and then she would come home throwing up every time. I did the grocery shopping and learned at a young age to read food labels because she could not have potassium! It could have done severe damage to her already unhealthy kidneys. Like I said it was truly a miracle that my mom pulled through. She made a full recovery and is overall pretty healthy to this day. Her kidneys do not function as well as mine and yours, but they function enough that she doesn't need dialysis anymore, and we don't need to think about a transplant at this time. Sometime in the future we may face this obstacle, but right now we don't need to worry about it! 

Fast forward 8 years.....mom was diagnosed with LUPUS. Doctors feel she has had it for more than 15 years and was the cause for many of her health problems in 2003. Many have no idea what this disease even is. Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. This leads to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. (In my mom's case it affects her kidneys and joints mostly) Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. At present, there is no cure for lupus. (From the Alliance for Lupus Research)

This past year, I also tested positive for the Lupus antibodies. Upon further testing I am not considered an active Lupus patient because my numbers are low, but the reality of it is, that some day, I too may be fighting this terrible disease.

When my mom was diagnosed I became very angry and sad. I felt as though she had been through so much already and I couldn't bare to see her so sick again. My mom takes medication everyday to help manage her joint pain and fatigue, which has been working wonders. She has an amazing team of doctors that I thank god every day for. After my mom's diagnosis I was able to take my anger and sadness and focus my time on spreading awareness about this disease. Together my mom and I have participated in over 6 Lupus 5Ks, and spent a great deal of time raising money and spreading awareness.This past year we flew to Palm Beach, and I pushed my mom in a 5K! She is truly my inspiration. She spends much of her time helping others, and often forgets that she needs to take care of her health as well!

I apologize that this is such a long post, but I hope it helps everyone to understand why I am so passionate about this charity. My mom needs a cure!!!

One of my goals for 2014 is to run at least one 5K a month! I have found many amazing virtual runs to participate in, and today I am asking you to JOIN ME and run one for LUPUS!!! The donation is $7. I will email you a customized race bib, and mail a Lupus awareness bracelet that my mom and have designed! All of the proceeds will be donated to the Alliance for Lupus Research where the money will go towards research for a cure! 

I encourage you to share a picture from your 5K on my facebook page! We would love to see you showing your support!

My mom and I have many ideas for raising money up our sleeves this year! This is just the beginning!

2014 WILL BE THE YEAR WE FIND OUR CURE!!!

We truly thank each and everyone of  you from the bottom of hearts for your continued support. Words can not describe how much you all mean to us!

XOXO


The donation for the race is $7

This includes:
~Customized race bib
~Lupus Awareness Bracelet
~Free Shipping