Author: Jennifer Van Barneveld (Coach JVB)

Turn the page…

I love this write up courtesy of Mandy Hale that I found online last year that really summed up how we should continuously move forward in life. In the past, I’m entirely guilty of holding on to what comforts me most which failed me in moving forward in my life. When I finally started embracing and welcoming change (both the good and the unexpected), my life started to evolve allowing me to accomplish all of my deepest desires. It’s funny really. That we can hold ourselves back simply by being resilient to one of life’s greatest gifts – EXPERIENCING NEW THINGS. I hope this write-up positively impacts your day just like it did for me. Happy Wednesday! TURN THE PAGE Don’t stay stuck re-reading the last chapter because what’s to come is uncertain. Everything in life that matters starts off with a little uncertainty. The stories your life has told in the past were good…and they got you to today…so be thankful for them but then let them go. Turn the page. Allow yourself to be …

15 Reasons Why You Are Still Bloated When You’re Eating Healthy & Clean!

As a Mom, Nutritionist and Weight Loss Coach, I’m obviously very health conscious and I choose to eat foods that make be feel good and give me energy for my busy days. So when I personally experience bloating or I have my clients experience bloating red flags go off! Holistic Nutritionist, Erin Gauthier and myself have come up with a detailed list of some of the ‘suspects’ of bloating even if you are eating healthy and clean. Next time your bloated run threw this list, and see if you can identify the culprit…FYI it could be one of these or a combination. You are Dehydrated. The body is holding on to water, or rather its holding onto sodium, in order to preserve water. This is also why chronic dehydration can cause hypertension (high blood pressure.) What to do about it? DRINK 3-4litres of water per day (depending on activity level). When the body is hydrated properly, it no longer holds onto sodium. allow your body to flush. bye bye water bloat. Are you taking a …

The Top 7 Reason Why You Should Include Kettlebells Into Your Fitness Routine

Having kids give you a lot of love and joy but certainly not a lot of time. As a fitness professional and athlete I used to train 1 – 2 hours a day in a gym setting. I had all the time in the world (oh the life!). Of course after my little bean was born that all changed…drastically! I was now on his schedule with very little time for myself and since fitness  is the business I own as well as my entire being, I needed to find a way to keep it up. I knew for my own sanity, health and overall mindset as a New Mom that I needed to continue training even if the time was cut in half. So…I welcomed the Kettlebell into my routine. As a lifter at heart I loved the fact that I could bring the Kettlebell upstairs and while Jackson napped I could get a full body and challenging resistance workout in 20-25 minutes sometimes even less. I loved it so much that I decided to …

3 Things That Changed My Life

Have you ever had a list of things to do and when you look at the clock it’s the end of the day and everything that was supposed to get done didn’t? This used to happen to me…a lot! I would write down my to-do list the night before (for the next day) and I wouldn’t get past the first task. Looking at my list at the end of the day left me feeling completely defeated. My goals were now pushed back another day. Even smaller (every day life) tasks were delayed. I had no spare time for myself, my workouts were suffering and I felt drained. My days were running me… Until one day after read ‘The Perfect Day Formula’ by Craig Ballantyne & ‘Inner Strength’ by Tony Robbins, I decided to take full action of the things I can control in my life. This is what I revised in my life:   1. I changed my wake up time. Rather than waking up at 7:00am I now wake up at 6:30am. 15 or 30 minutes …

Toxic People – Get Rid Of Them

One of the biggest struggles my clients constantly encounter is guilt from “friends” just for choosing to be a better version of themselves. Of course it’s not just my clients. It’s almost everyone that wants to take their fitness goals to another level. Even me! While I certainly encourage a periodic dieting break while “on plan” to be used with friends, family, or loved ones so there’s plenty of room to enjoy food freely without getting negative commentary about your health choices… There are always others that are scheming to derail you or belittle you simply because they can’t take charge of their own life. So my advice when it comes to those people who belittle your goals and ambition: GET RID OF THEM. They’re TOXIC. Because when you do get rid of them, it’s still not fast enough. Having supportive people in your life is so important and when they fit my “Triangle Of Safety”, then I know I’m in good company. i) People that are truly happy for your success. ii) People that …

Learn The One Reason Why Most Women Want to Participate In A Photo Shoot

I have come to the conclusion that the majority of women I meet or coach have some kind of burning desire to participate in a photo shoot to see themselves in a light just like many of the gorgeous models they have always admired. But the question becomes…will they ever admit to this desire? This may be a bold statement but I can back it up. I’ve been in the fitness industry for more than a decade helping people achieve leaner physiques, a healthier relationship with food and most importantly themselves. I have learned what makes women succeed and accomplish their goals and, at the same time, also learned the things that can hold them back from succeeding and reaching their goals. The one thing that all my success stories have in common is that they have accepted and acknowledged that they are capable of living an extraordinary life. So what does that mean exactly? It means that these like-minded women have looked deep within their soul and acknowledged that their wants and desires are …

How Yoga Can Help New Moms & Their Postnatal Recovery

I am not a Yoga Expert but I have participated in a few yoga classes and have really enjoyed them. I know a lot of new moms who have practiced yoga throughout their pregnancy as well as postpartum to help with recovery, strength and stress levels. And from what I’ve noticed anyone who starts yoga, continues yoga… So I decided to interview my dear friend, Julie Hinton, Elite Yoga Expert and Mom of 2 beautiful children. Julie helps me to uncover the many amazing health benefits of yoga for New Moms. Here is what Julie has to say; Yoga is a great way to help new moms get physically and mentally back on track after 40 weeks of pregnancy. With all the joy your new bundle brings, you will also undoubtedly feel heightened responsibility and worry. In addition to its many physical benefits, yoga helps quiet the mind. Yoga helps with postpartum, anxiety, fatigue, and mild depression and will help you through the many aches and pains after delivery. 1. How can a new mom start …

Find Out How This New Mom Of 2 Lost Over 50 Pounds

When my beautiful Tiz Parente came to me a couple of years ago, she was desperate to take charge of her health and also frustrated from years of continuous dieting (trying everything under the sun). And also struggling with weight for as long as she can remember and even more so after 2 pregnancies. Even her very first email to me had the tone of defeat before I even put together her plan. Fast forward to today and this incredible Mom of 2 is a guiding source of inspiration and information for my new clients. Struggled? Tiz did. Frustrated? Tiz was. Overcome her fears and conquered her goals? Tiz did…and just SMASHED IT OUT OF THE PARK! We put together a strategy for initial weight loss using plenty of food flexibility and then, over time, transitioned to strengthening and shaping her body. With over 50 lbs lost, this amazing super mom is also an inspiration for her family in making healthy food choices while also enjoying plenty of food variety and balance. Tiz says, “Jenny …

Find Out How This Mom Lost The Baby Weight & Kept It Off

STOP THE PRESS!!! Words alone cannot describe how proud I am of this Beautiful, Smoking Hot Momma! Jordanna came to me looking looking to lose 10 lbs primarily in her belly and back area after the birth of her daughter. We started with “At Home” workouts but quickly transitioned her to the gym for weight lifting to truly shape her physique. Our biggest obstacle together was emotional eating situations so we worked very closely together rebuilding her relationship with food and also herself. Today she is one of my “Go To” girls on my team helping direct my newer clients with her guidance, experience, and genuine positivity…and that is what makes me most proud in terms of her journey. But let’s not look past the obvious… Holy Moly she looks incredible!!! Jordanna has lost over 20 lbs (more than DOUBLING her goal) including shaving off 8 inches around her belly button and 4 inches around her hips. Even better she looks tighter, leaner, and just all around fit! Jordanna says, “A couple of years ago …