Let’s Be Real About Meal Delivery Services

Between work, kid’s schedules, the gym, and squeezing in a social life, cooking healthy meals every day can feel like a full-time job you never signed up for. That’s where meal delivery services come in. Meal delivery services have become hugely popular in the past few years and it’s made eating healthy a lot easier—especially for those with busy schedules. I’ve tried two popular options – Factor and Nutré, and this post breaks down everything you need to know, including pricing, nutrition facts, and real customer reviews. If you’re trying to decide if meal delivery services are right for you, let’s dig in.

Who Are Meal Delivery Services Actually For?

Before we compare, let’s make sure this is even the right solution for your life. Meal delivery services are a great fit if you tick any of these boxes:

Not sure it’s for you?
If you genuinely love cooking and have the time, a meal kit service (where you prep and cook) might be a better fit. But if “dinner ready in 2 minutes” sounds like a dream — read on.

Meet the Contenders

Here’s a quick snapshot before we get into the nitty-gritty.

Price Comparison: What Will It Actually Cost You?

Let’s talk money — because nobody wants to fall in love with a service and then quietly cry at the checkout. Both use a sliding scale: the more meals you order per week, the less you pay per meal.

Both brands are very close in pricing and because of the sliding scale, you can see how the pricing model shifts the more meals you add to the cart.

Money-Saving Tip
Both services run regular new customer promos. Always check for a promo code before you subscribe — it’s almost always there.

Nutrition: What Are You Actually Eating?

This is where things get interesting — and where your personal goals really matter.

Both services are transparent about nutrition and ingredients, but Nutre is particularly popular with those watching calories, sodium, or sugar.

Nutrition Tip
If you’re managing blood pressure, heart health, or a calorie deficit, pay close attention to sodium and total calories on Factor’s higher-end meals. Nutré tends to run leaner by design — it’s kind of their whole thing.

Taste & Real Customer Experience

Okay, nutrition labels are great, but let’s be honest — if the food doesn’t taste good, no one is sticking with it. Here’s what people (myself included) are actually saying:

Factor	Nutré
Flavor-packed meals that genuinely impress	Big on flavor despite lower calories
Huge menu variety — rotates weekly	“Protein plus” options help meet fitness goals
Dietitian support & transparent nutrition	Beloved by the fitness & macro-tracking crowd
Praised by major outlets (Good Housekeeping, Healthline, NY Post)	Clear, trustworthy nutritional labelling
Some meals can be “mushy” — texture varies	Portions can feel small (intentional for calorie control)
Many meals fall in the 700–1000mg sodium range	Compared to Factor’s national infrastructure, Nutre feels more “local”

My Honest Take

Both genuinely surprised me with taste — I was expecting “healthy = bland” and got proven wrong. Factor felt more like a restaurant meal, very filling, good portions and very flavorful. Nutré felt much more calorie conscious and smaller portions, but still very flavorful. Quality of ingredients across both were very good. Delivery and logistics could be tricky some times with timing and packaging so you need to plan accordingly for both, but that comes with the territory of meal delivery services.

The Verdict

Neither is “the best.” The right choice depends entirely on what you’re trying to achieve, your budget and your routine. A meal delivery service is a great option if you are starting off on a health food journey, need help in the kitchen in order to eat healthy, short on time but still have goals to meet, or just ready to try something different.

If a meal delivery service is something that fits into your budget, both Factor and Nutré are great options. Factor may be more well-known, offer more variety and pack a flavorful punch, whereas Nutré is more macros friendly and has a more local audience. There are plenty of meals between the two that could help introduce some new flavors into your day-to-day.

Ready to Give One a Try?

Both services offer new customer discounts — so make sure to take advantage if you are trying them out for the first time. It’s a great way to switch things up at a much cheaper price point. Click the links below to browse their current menus and find the plan that fits your lifestyle.

For 40% off of Nutré meal delivery services, use my affiliate code JJ50.

The post Factor vs. Nutré: Here’s My Honest Take on the Best Meal Delivery Service appeared first on Jane Erica.

Now that we are officially settled into 2026, how are those resolutions holding up? Be honest.

We’ve all been there. You start the new year with high hopes—a list of to-dos, a vague plan to “eat better,” and a desire to finally get organized. But by the end of the first week, life has happened. The planning has fallen short, the motivation has evaporated, and you’re feeling more scattered than when you started.

You may have even bought a beautiful, new yearly planner hoping it would magically organize your life, but those generic planners often fall short. The problem? Those planners are rigid. They force you to retrofit your thoughts, notes, and unique schedule into their boxes. If you miss a week, you have wasted pages staring back at you, guilt-tripping you into quitting altogether.

You don’t need a planner that dictates your life, you need a system that adapts to it.

That’s exactly why I created The Wellness Reset Planner—a thoughtfully curated system that doesn’t just track your habits and goals, but guides you through them with intention, support, and a rhythm you’ll want to return to every day.

Why You Need a Reset (Not Just Another To-Do List)

The Wellness Reset Planner is different because it helps you build routines based on your goals and lifestyle—without the pressure to fill every hour of your day like most planners demand.

It follows a simple, flexible rhythm called the RESET Method, built on the idea that you don’t need a rigid plan—you need a sustainable practice you can return to and build upon.

The RESET Method stands for:

• Reflect: Pause and check in. Where are you right now?
• Establish: Create simple routines and habits that realistically support your life.
• Support: Fuel your body, energy, and mindset in ways that feel sustainable.
• Evaluate: Notice what’s working and what feels hard.
• Tweak: Make small changes instead of quitting. Progress comes from refinement, not perfection.

By basing your routines and daily practices around thoughtful goals, you can build healthy habits that actually stick. This planner allows you to plan your days alongside your real responsibilities—work, parenting, and all the other to-dos that matter.

What You Get in The Wellness Reset Planner Instant Download

The Wellness Reset Planner lets you customize the way you plan your goals and routines. Designed at 8.5×11” with a clean, minimal aesthetic, it prints beautifully at home on standard printer paper.

The kit includes 22 printable pages to help you build your own system:

• For the Big Picture: A Vision Board and Yearly Goals layout to map out your 2026 strategy.
• For Daily Focus: To-do lists and Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Planners to organize your time.
• For Health & Home: A Meal Planner with grocery list, a Workout Planner with body-focus tracking, and a Chore Chart.
• For Consistency: Habit Trackers to monitor your morning, afternoon, and evening routines.
• For Mindset & Self-Care: A Daily Journal with gratitude prompts, focus points, and a mood tracker—plus a fun 30-Day Self-Care Challenge to help keep your cup full.

My Personal Hack: How I Build the Ultimate Custom Planner

I don’t just design these pages—I rely on them to keep my own chaos under control. Over the years, I’ve learned that a planner I build myself is the only thing that truly works.

Here’s exactly how I use The Wellness Reset Planner to run my life:

• My base: I use a disc-bound Happy Planner because it allows full customization and flexibility.
• My sections: I create tabbed sections for Goals, Weekly Planning, Parenting, Blog, School, and Health & Fitness.
• I print what I need: Instead of generic filler paper, I print the exact sheets that match each section—Weekly Workout Planners for Fitness, Chore Charts for Parenting, and so on.
• The secret weapon: A disc-compatible hole punch lets me snap my printed pages right into my planner.

This system gives me the best of both worlds: the structure of a bound planner with the freedom to customize everything inside.

Stop Buying Planners That Don’t Fit

If you’re tired of abandoning planners by February because they don’t “fit” your life, it’s time to build one that does.

For just $5, you can download The Wellness Reset Planner today. You’ll have the file forever—meaning you can print a fresh Habit Tracker or Goal Planner whenever you need a reset, whether that’s tomorrow or six months from now.

Your goals for 2026 deserve a plan that actually supports them. Let’s make this the year we stop fizzling out and start following through.

Not Ready to Buy Yet?

I completely understand if you aren’t ready to dive into the full system yet. If you want to dip your toes in, you can check out my free weekly planning sheet. It’s a great starting point! Download the free weekly wellness planner printable here

The post How to Reset Your Wellness in 2026 (With a Planner That Actually Works) appeared first on Jane Erica.

Ready to torch calories, boost endurance, and build strength in just 45 minutes? This full-body HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout combines cardio and strength training with minimal rest to give you maximum results—fast.

Inspired by popular classes like Orangetheory Fitness and Team Beats (found in Technogym-equipped gyms and YMCAs), this workout is designed to keep your heart pumping and muscles working. Grab your heart rate monitor, lace up your sneakers, and let’s go!

What to Expect:

This workout can be done in any order, cardio or strength, and even the blocks within each section. It requires a lot of equipment, so you’ll need a pretty large at home gym, an apartment gym or an area at your gym with these items in close proximity. Here’s what you can expect at a high level:

• Total Workout Length: 45 Minutes
• Cardio Time: 20 Minutes
• Strength Training: 25 Minutes
• Equipment Needed: Treadmill, Rower, Stationary Bike, Dumbbells/Kettlebell, Medicine Ball
• Heart Rate Monitor Recommended: Yes

Tip: Come warmed up and ready—this workout does not include a warm-up phase.

Why Use a Heart Rate Monitor?

Using a heart rate monitor allows you to train smarter by targeting specific intensity zones:

• Green (Base): Build endurance and burn fat
• Orange (Push): Improve speed and cardiovascular capacity
• Red (All-Out): Increase power and anaerobic threshold

This method ensures you’re getting the most out of every rep and sprint—no guesswork. Let’s jump into the cardio portion.

The Cardio Breakdown (20 Minutes)

What I love about this workout is the mix of cardio to keep your training interesting, targeting a full body workout.

For this cardio session, we’ll be using heart rate zone training to guide our effort levels, alternating between endurance-building and explosive efforts. Here’s a deeper look into the paces we’ll be using for our intervals.

Base Pace:
This is a challenging but sustainable pace that you can maintain for 20-30 minutes, typically in the green heart rate zone (71-83% of your max heart rate). It’s meant to be an active recovery stage, focusing on building endurance and burning fat.

Push Pace:
This is a faster pace than your base pace, designed to push you into the orange heart rate zone (84-91% of your max heart rate). It’s meant to be a challenging effort that you can sustain for a longer period, but not as long as base pace.

All-Out Pace:
This is your fastest, most intense effort, pushing you into the red heart rate zone (92-100% of your max heart rate). It’s meant to be a short, explosive effort, not something you should sustain for long periods

Treadmill (10 minutes)

The treadmill is where you’ll spend the most time during this cardio portion. Check out the intervals and make sure to push yourself into the red zone during the all out sections.

Stationary Bike (6 minutes)

Switch things up and get your glutes working on the stationary bike. You’re only here for six minutes.

Rower (4 minutes)

Row as hard and fast as you can for 4 minutes straight. The goal is to reach 1,000 meters, or more.

According to rowinglevel.com, “A good distance for a woman rowing for 5 minutes is 1,219 m. This is the average distance for 5 minutes across women of all ages. The furthest distance rowed by a woman for 5 minutes is 1,574 m.” This is a good target to reach for for this workout, making it challenging but still attainable. Push yourself and see what you can do.

Strength Training (25 minutes)

The format for the strength training portion of this workout is a 4-minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) per block. Rest for 30 seconds between blocks. You should be doing each exercise for 1 minute before moving on to the next one. Then, repeat the entire series one more time.

Tip: Set up an interval timer on your phone to keep you on track. There are free apps available in the app store for this.

Strength Block 1

Choose a moderate set of dumbbells, or a few options for these blocks that will work for upper and lower body. Kettlebells also work great for majority of these exercises.

• Alternating lateral lunge
• Squat to shoulder press
• Deadlift to upright row
• Glute bridge

30 second rest

Strength Block 2

• Bicep curls
• Single arm rows with tricep kick back (Right)
• Single arm rows with tricep kick back (Left)
• Chest press

30 second rest

Strength Block 3 (Core Focus)

• Russian twists with medicine ball
• Leg lifts
• Bicycle crunches
• Full body crunch

Repeat 1x

Cool Down + Stretch

Don’t skip the cooldown! Stretch your hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, shoulders, and core. The foam roller is a great cool down option, too.

Final Thoughts

This 45-minute HIIT heart rate zone workout is perfect for busy adults who want a structured, diverse and efficient approach. It keeps things interesting (and sweaty!) and is a great combination of exercises that targets a full body workout.

Want to checkout some more heart-pumping routines like this? Check out this 15-minute, no equipment HIIT routine and this kick-ass kettlebell routine.

Pin for Later

The post 45 Minute Heart Rate Monitor HIIT Workout appeared first on Jane Erica.

What I Ate This Week: Fresh, Healthy & Easy Meals

Breakfast

This week I prepared two of my go-to breakfasts. Depending on what I am feeling like they both are great options to keep me full and satisfied, while also being healthy and easy to make.

This go-to option for breakfast is a quick egg scramble with spinach and tomato. Once the veggies are sauteed, I crack 1-2 eggs (depending on my hunger level), scramble everything up with salt and pepper and serve.

Breakfast option number two is on the sweeter side, with these whole wheat protein pancakes, smothered in berries and a tablespoon of pure maple syrup.

You can find these in the freezer department at Aldi (I am not making fresh waffles during the week, these babies pop right in the toaster for a few minutes.) Rylee loves them too and she is a huge fan of berries so this is one of her favorite breakfasts in the morning as well. Two waffles is 12 grams of protein and only 220 calories.

Lunch

Lunch this week did work around some leftovers I had in the fridge from the weekend. I cooked salmon and used that for two days this week. I served one lunch with some leftover green beans and a homemade Greek chickpea salad.

I used the other piece of salmon on another day, with a salad filled with fresh veggies we had in the fridge like spinach and Italian mixed lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red/orange peppers, topped with sunflower seeds for crunch and an olive oil and vinegar dressing.

One of my new go-to lunches are these Greek “lettuce pita” gyros. I used leftover lemon-pepper, oregano seasoned chicken and filled them into these butter lettuce cups, added tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese and Aldi’s pre-made tzatziki sauce which is incredible.

They are delicious and really filling too.

Dinner

Dinners included a normal Greek Pita, filled with chicken and all the veggies, and of course that tzatziki sauce.

We also had our typical Taco Tuesday night. I served my tacos on corn tortillas and made three little tacos. I like to preheat the corn tortillas in the air fry for a few minutes before topping them to make them a bit more sturdy and easier to eat. I like the texture better that way, too.

Not pictured was also one night of our go-to seasoned chicken thighs with a side of vegetables. It’s such an easy dinner to make and so satisfying when we can’t think of anything else. You bake the chicken thighs until they are cooked through and have good color on them and then serve it with whatever sides you can think of. Mac and cheese, rice, veggies, salad are all good options.

Sunday night dinners are always our go to spaghetti and sauce. Rylee actually made it this week, and I served mine over whole wheat pasta while the rest of the fam enjoyed Angel Hair. And to add some veggies to the mix, a salad on the side. There’s always something really comforting about ending the weekend with a delicious spaghetti dinner.

Dessert / Snacks

For snacks this week, I reached for my go to pantry staples. One morning I was rushing out the door to get to the office and grabbed this protein shake for breakfast. Which, with 30 grams of protein, was really helpful to have and filled me up until lunch. That day we ordered in soup and salad from Olive Garden, so I was able to stay on my healthy track (skipping the breadsticks of course, which I don’t really love that much anyways, so it worked for me!)

And in the afternoons if I needed a snack, I reached for one of these Maxx bars from Aldi. I love that they are not too sweet, which a lot of protein/snack bars are, and it has simple ingredients.

I still can’t help just a tiny bit of sweet as a nightcap at the end of the day. So I’ve been steering towards these babies for 1-2 little sweet treats at the end of the day. They are so good and can be addictive, but usually 2 little berries does the trick as they are pretty sweet.

And that is what I ate this week: fresh, healthy & easy meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks!

Let me know what you think and if any of these are similar to your go to meals or if they have inspired your menu planning for next week!

The post What I Ate This Week: Fresh, Healthy & Easy Meals appeared first on Jane Erica.

As a mom constantly on the go, finding time to squeeze in a workout can feel like an impossible task. Between work, endless after school activities, and household chores, exercise often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But that doesn’t have to be the case with quick workouts tailored specifically for busy moms. So if your here to help jump start your routine with some quick workouts to boost your energy and get those workouts in, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll provide you with some quick and energizing exercises that fit into even the most hectic schedules.

The Importance of Staying Active for Moms

I preach about self-care regularly on this blog and cannot stress enough how crucial regular exercise is, especially for moms. Prioritizing working out, even with quick exercise routines, has so many health benefits. Plus it makes you feel great! And let’s not forget about the incredible mental health benefits, offering a natural way to combat stress. I mean, having 30 minutes to yourself is enough to release tension, imagine the endorphins you’d get weight training, too!

Understanding Time-efficient Workouts

There’s nothing better than a good HIIT workout. Time-efficient workouts like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can maximize your workout benefits without spending hours at the gym. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods, making it a perfect fit for a quick workout session. Tabata, a form of HIIT, is a great way to get an intense and quick workout in. It consists of 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 4 minutes.

Incorporating Workouts into Your Daily Routine

Finding a great HIIT or Tabata class at your local gym is a great way to incorporate workouts into your routine. They are usually only 45 minutes and create a great full body workout with an amazing sweat. You can also create a workout schedule that sticks by waking up a bit earlier in the morning, or walking around the soccer fields at practice. In this blog post, I talk about 5 super easy workout schedule tips you can try to fit exercise into your routine. You can also integrate exercise into daily tasks, like walking around the house while folding laundry or doing squats during commercials.

Five 10-Minute Workouts to Jumpstart Your Day

If you’re feeling ready to kick start your day with an energizing workout, here are some quick 10 minute workouts to get you started. These can be done with or without weights, but challenge yourself as you begin to build a routine.

Monday Morning Energizer: Start your day with a full-body wake-up routine. 15 jumping jacks, 15 high knees, 10 walking lunges, 20 arm circles. Repeat two times.

Tuesday Midday Boost: Get up and out of your chair. Take a brisk 10-minute walk around the neighborhood. You can build up your walks over time for longer workouts. Walking is also a great habit to start daily.

Wednesday Quick Core Circuit: Focus on your core to improve balance and posture, and shoot for that six pack abs. Start with 20 basic crunches, then add in 20 bicycle crunches, 20 Russian twists and end with a 1 minute plank. Repeat two times.

Thursday Lower Body Tabata: Ready for a quick Tabata workout to get your heart rate up and legs burning? Do the following exercises 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off each, and repeat it 4 times. Jump squats, curtsy lunges, hip thrusters, mountain climbers, plie squats.

Friday Upper Body Fix: Tone your arms and shoulders with 10 push-ups, 15 tricep dips, 10 bicep curls, 10 shoulder presses. Repeat two times. If you don’t have weights, use a couple of cans of soup or other household items.

Keeping Motivated and Tracking Progress

Now that you’ve got a super easy week of quick workouts, you’ll have a kick start to achieving your goals. Stay motivated by being consistent and celebrating when you accomplish small tasks. Tracking your progress will help you visualize your accomplishments, no matter how small. Apps or a simple journal can help you track your progress. Remember, consistency is key, even if your workouts are brief. Some of my favorite apps for tracking are the Apple Health / Fitness apps that are tied to my watch for tracking steps or My Fitness Pal for tracking workouts.

For extra motivation for creating a busy moms fitness schedule, check out this post about what a typical week looks like for a working mom.

Quick Workouts for Moms

The most important thing to remember, is that quick workouts for moms are a great way to incorporate fitness into your day-to-day. You can still feel accomplished and energized even if you only workout for 10 minutes a day. When you start with these quick workouts for moms, you’ll discover that fitness is a part of your routine, and you’re already getting stronger.

Looking for more fitness tips and exercises to keep you energized? Subscribe to my newsletter and never miss an update. Share your own quick workout victories in the comments below and inspire fellow moms on their fitness journey!

Subscribe below!

The post Quick and Energizing Workouts for Busy Moms appeared first on Jane Erica.

Why You Need a Weekly Wellness Planner

Life moves fast, and keeping track of everything can feel overwhelming. Research shows that people who use structured planning systems are more likely to stick to their health and wellness goals. When you write your plan down, you are more motivated and encouraged to stick to it. And you’re less likely to find yourself eating your kid’s snacks midweek because you didn’t plan properly.

That’s why I’ve designed this weekly planner that provides an overview to your week in one place, combining four essential elements to help you with your wellness planning:

1. Workout Planning Made Simple

Instead of saying to yourself, “I’ll go to the gym this week”, commit to your workouts for the week by writing them down. Consider your workout times and intensity to help you plan out the rest of your day. In this planner you’ll:

• Have space to plan your weekly workout schedule
• Check off your workouts when completed

Remember to plan for rest days so you don’t get burnt out.

2. Smart Meal Planning

Meal planning may sound daunting, but it’s the best strategy for consistently eating healthy, well-balanced meals and avoiding that dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question. Planning a head ensures your making a delicious meal at home, with the macros you need, rather than opting for take out which is more caloric and more expensive. This planner has space for:

• Weekly meal planning for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack
• Grocery list
• Reminders to include protein and fiber at every meal

If you need some meal planning tips, this blog has some great advice to get you started.

3. Habit Building Framework

Starting healthy habits takes time and intention. And the feeling of checking them off each day is enough to keep you going. This planner includes:

• A daily habit tracker section
• Space for customizable habits based on your goals
• Check boxes for each day so you feel accomplished

4. Personal Task Management

Balancing your health and wellness goals with your day-to-day is key. This planner also helps you prioritize important personal items and to-dos such as:

• Top three priorities for the week
• Weekly planner for personal reminders
• 2025 Calendar
• Weekly to-do list
• Space for notes and ideas

How to Use Your Weekly Wellness Planner

1. Sign up below to receive the free download in your email. Print out the correct number of pages for each month, per week. Paper size is 8.5×11 and fits in any discbound planner of that size. Punch your planner pages using a discbound hole-puncher and add to your planner.
2. Sunday Planning Session. Start each week with a 30-minute planning session. You can use your planning to build your grocery list and head to the store on Sundays as well.
3. Daily Check-ins. Take 2-3 minutes each morning to review your plan and adjust as needed. Use the habit tracker to maintain accountability.
4. Weekly Review. Reflect on your progress, celebrate wins, and adjust your approach for the following week.

The Science Behind This Design

This planner isn’t just pretty – it’s practical. Research in behavioral science confirms that visual tracking and regular check-ins significantly increase the likelihood of achieving your goals.

The layout is specifically designed to reduce decision fatigue and make healthy choices easier. By combining workout planning, meal prep, and habit tracking in one place, you’re more likely to see the big picture of your wellness journey.

Ready to Transform Your Weekly Planning?

Download this free Weekly Wellness Planner printable below. It’s everything you need to organize your workouts, plan your meals, track your habits, and manage your personal tasks – all in one beautiful, user-friendly design.

Your journey to better organization and healthier habits starts here.

The post Download My Free Weekly Wellness Planner Printable appeared first on Jane Erica.

1. Set Clear and Realistic Goals

Establishing clear and realistic goals is essential for maintaining motivation. Try simpler goals that work with your schedule, like making it to the gym three times a week. Then build on that as you continue to succeed. And for longer-term goals, break them down into smaller, achievable milestones. Like losing weight, training for a marathon or even getting your forearm stand. Celebrating these mini victories will keep you motivated and provide a sense of accomplishment which will propel you forward on your journey.

2. Find Your Why

Identifying your personal motivation or “why” is a powerful tool for staying focused on your fitness journey. Whether it’s improving your overall health, increasing your self-confidence, or setting an example for your loved ones, understanding your underlying reasons will help you stay committed. Write down your why in a journal or notes app, and when you feel the need for a bit of motivation, pull it up and read it.

3. Create a Supportive Environment

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support your fitness goals can significantly impact your motivation. Join a fitness community like a running group on Facebook or a local gym that has classes you can take with friends. Find a workout buddy with a similar schedule and push each other to hit the gym together. Or share your progress on social media. The encouragement and accountability from others will keep you motivated and inspired.

4. Mix Up Your Routine

Repetitive workouts can lead to boredom and will suck the motivation right out of you. Keep your fitness journey fresh and exciting by incorporating variety into your routine. Many boutique gyms offer a per class price, so you can incorporate new styles, like cycle or pilates. Or try engaging in outdoor workouts, hit the trail on foot or by bike. You can even try goat yoga! Trying new workouts and switching things up will prevent monotony and keep your enthusiasm high.

5. Track Your Progress

Monitoring your progress is a fantastic way to stay motivated. No matter your goal, keeping a fitness journal or app to record your workouts, measurements, and achievements is a great way to start a habit and stay motivated. Even checking off your “go to the gym” checklist item on your calendar each day is a feeling of accomplishment. Tracking your progress will allow you to visually see how far you’ve come, and will inspire you to keep going.

6. Reward Yourself

Setting up a system of rewards can be a great way to stay motivated. Have you been eyeing that adorable pair of shoes? What about a new workout outfit to keep you motivated? Treat yourself to a small reward when you reach a significant milestone or achieve a specific goal. It could be a massage, or a day off to relax, or even that new purse you wanted. These rewards will help you stay focused and give you something to look forward to along the way.

7. Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful technique used by many successful athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself achieving your fitness goals. Imagine how it feels, what you look like, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching your objectives. This practice will help reinforce your motivation and keep you focused on your desired outcome.

8. Embrace Mindfulness and Self-Care

Remember that fitness is not just about physical strength but also mental well-being. Incorporate mindfulness practices and self-care into your routine. Prioritize adequate sleep, manage stress, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of your overall well-being will help you maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated throughout your fitness journey.

How to Stay Motivated on Your Fitness Journey

Staying motivated on your fitness journey is a continuous process that requires dedication and perseverance. By putting in place some or all of these strategies, you’ll be on your way to reaching the horizon. Setting clear goals and finding your why, creating a supportive environment and incorporating variety into your routine will help keep you on the right course. And tracking progress, rewarding yourself and visualizing your success are ways to inspire you to keep the journey propelling in the right direction. Remember, every step forward is progress, and your commitment will pay off. Stay focused, stay motivated, and enjoy the transformative journey toward a healthier and happier you!

The post How to Stay Motivated on Your Fitness Journey appeared first on Jane Erica.

Friday Night in Indian Rocks Beach

We arrived Friday night, later than everyone because Rylee had her dance team class that night and she can’t miss it, but the drive to Indian Rocks Beach, where we rented an Airbnb right on the water, was a quick and easy ride. There was a bar and restaurant right in the complex where we met up with everyone for a bit before heading to the condo.

The views from the Harbourside condos were so beautiful, it was really nice to sit out on the balcony and watch the water.

That night, we all got acquainted with the place, watched some football, and tried to calm the kids down enough to go to sleep.

Saturday 5k and 1 Mile Kids Run

The next morning was the 5k and the kids 1 mile run. Brett and our friend Desiree were both running the 5k and all the kids were excited about their 1 miler. We laughed when we saw Brett, who is not a runner, but decided to sign up and then questioned why he did so. Their entire race was over a bridge and back. What a challenge! We were tracking them on the app and they both did so well!

We rewarded them with a Starbucks coffee. And a hug.

Then it was time for the kiddos to start their race. They waited very patiently for the start of the race.

When the horn went off, the race went by so fast! All the kids did so good, it was fun to see them crossing the finish line. One mile is the perfect distance for them. Poor Reece, though, is just like me and got a terrible cramp! But he pushed through and made it. Our friend Easton was the first kid to finish! He is super fast, and we were so proud.

Number 1!

After the race, everyone was pretty hungry and tired and wanted to head back to our place to eat and get ready for the beach. The beach was so close and relaxing. The water was beautiful, nice and calm and refreshing.

It was great therapy for those of us running the next day and the perfect primer for me mentally.

Of course, the boys had to play a few games of football on the beach. We were worried one of the dads were going to break an ankle in Ashton’s hole he was digging!

That night, we all knew we wanted to take it easy and get to bed early. We decided to cook a meal at home and it was perfect. We made a delicious lasagna with cheesy crescent rolls and salad.

After an inspiring convo on the patio with the ladies and a full belly, I decided to hit the hay around 9pm. I started reading our October book club pick to help wind down my mind, it’s an instant attention grabber!

Sunday Half Marathon

Sunday was the big day! I am not going to lie I was very nervous about how it would go down, since I didn’t train very well and it’s been a while since I’ve ran in a race. These speedsters were in the second corral, and I made my way up with them so we could stay together, for a little bit at least.

I am not that fast and typically finish around 2:30 so by mile 2 they were long gone. But I kept up with them for a little bit, especially down the bridge, ha! I was impressed with myself for being above my average pace for the first 6 miles, when the 2:15 mile pacer passed by me. I’ll take it!

I have run in another Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Savannah years ago, and that experience was amazing, but different. The views of the Clearwater race were incredible, even though the best ones were over three giant bridges. And the entertainment was so good! I thought it was much better than Savannah from what I can remember.

After the first bridge that took us over to Clearwater bridge, we ran along the beach and it was so quiet and pretty.

Then it went through a gorgeous neighborhood before taking us over another bridge. Right as I got to this one, the cannons went off on this pirate ship!

I thought it was so cool that there were people dressed like pirates, cheering us on on their microphones. The amount of support throughout this race was really incredible. The people on the sidelines, the encouraging shouts from spectators telling us to keep going, it really felt so good during the race. I especially loved the Hulk Hogans on the trail as we made it to the final 3 miles, giving fist bumps and telling us we’re almost there!

Around mile 10 is where I was really struggling. After making my way through the Biofreeze station, and then again for quick spray down at a medical tent, I thought my legs (my hips and knees especially) were going to give out if I stopped. But I told myself to keep going and that I was so close. Plus in the back of my mind I wanted to stay close to my target time of 2:30.

When I crossed the finish line—at a record time of 2:28!—at the end of the bridge, and made my way down the spiral walkway, I caught a glimpse of Brett and the kids, and the emotion poured out of my heart.

Being exhausted, legs burning, hips aching, mentally and physically fatigued, and then seeing my kids cheering for me at the finish line, was the most incredible feeling I have ever felt.

They gave me the biggest hugs and told me I did a good job, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.

I kept moving with the crowd after my hugs to get my medal, and tried to hold them back. Not sure why I cared if other people saw me crying at the medal awarding. It was a happy cry, and would have felt so good. If I could go back in time I’d let them out. Let them ALL out. I’m getting emotional now thinking about that feeling. It was honestly and truly amazing.

I headed straight for the expo area to meet up with everyone, grab my delicious well-deserved beer and listen to the entertainment.

And of course take a few photos.

We did it! I’m so proud of all of us for committing to this half marathon and sticking to it! Of course there is such a high when you finish these things, even though we were in pain, one of us said, “When’s the next one?”

Wedding Anniversary Dinner

This was also the weekend of Brett and I’s 12th wedding anniversary. Since Brett’s parents live close by, they met us at the race and took the kids home with them for the evening, so Brett and I could enjoy a nice dinner out. (After a few naps on the condo sofa)

We went to Salt Rock Grill and it was amazing! The view, the company and the food!

We started off with a delicious firecracker tuna appetizer, pictured on the left that was to die for! Looking out the window, with my love, enjoying this food was one of the best anniversaries yet. Our entrees were so good, we decided to share and make our own surf and turf. The fish dish was absolutely divine, and so up my alley, it was amazing!

I loved reflecting back on this amazing weekend with family and friends. It was nice to have a short week, and I decided to fully recover from my race day weekend and skip the gym so I can get back into the groove for the week.

I have to say, I am very excited to not be only running and training and to venture out into other classes and styles of working out. Gotta work on that new routine now!

Thanks for reading about my journey at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Clearwater, Florida. It was such an amazing experience and I hope you are inspired for your next fitness adventure, just like I am!

The post Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Clearwater Recap appeared first on Jane Erica.

Song #10 – If It Ain’t Love by Jason Derulo

Number ten on the list is this oldie but goodie. I love the high energy of this one that gets me running at a good pace and then sprinting during the chorus. It’s a great motivator for running fast and always gets me in a good mood to keep going.

Song #9 – One Day by B’Bach, Karla Sax, Ynnox

This song may seem to start of a little slow, but it builds and builds until the chorus and then it’s time to sprint! It’s another feel good song, sprinkled with some saxophone, and a great way to pick up the pace gradually.

Song #8 – love race by Machine Gun Kelly (feat. Kellin Quinn)

Bring down the pace to a nice steady run with number 8 on my list. No matter if your racing for the finish line, or running from your love life, you’ll be singing along to this catchy song and Kellin Quinn’s majestic voice.

Song #7 – What a Feeling by Alex Guadino, Kelly Rowland

And the energy is right back up with number 7, What a Feeling. Such a fun song to run to with a nice heavy hitting beat. One of my favorite songs to run to, although I’m usually choreographing a dance in my head to this one, so not sure it’s helping my pace, but it’s fun as hell.

Song #6 – We Are Young by Parker

We are Young by Parker is number 6 on my list and it’s an instrumental with an awesome breakdown. Right around 50 seconds is a countdown to an upbeat section that gets me sprinting. 1-2-3 let’s go! I love songs with no words when I run, I concentrate and zone in and my breathing stays more steady (probably cause I’m not singing). And it’s magical.

Song #5 – All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled

Ok we’re halfway through the list, and it’s time for a little self affirmation during your run. All I Do is Win by DJ Khaled is the way to get your spirits up, and probably throw those hands up in the air a few times during your run. Don’t worry about how people are looking at you on the trail, just go with it.

Song #4 – Run by One Republic

Getting closer to the finish line and need a little bit more encouragement? Run, run, run, run run! Like One Republic says. This song has a good steady beat and a reminder to just keep running.

Song #3 – Lil Bit by Nelly, Florida Georgia Line

Just a Lil Bit further now, with this fun party jam by Nelly and Florida Georgia Line. Makes me want to finish my run and have an after party when I listen to it. And I keep telling myself, “Just a Lil Bit further to go!”

Song #2 – Vibes by Lemi Feels

Song number 2 will get you deep into the vibes with another instrumental with a very intense… well, vibe. I always get into my head on this song and focus on keeping my feet going and it makes me feel stronger during my run, especially when it’s towards the end.

Song #1 – Wicked Wonderland by Tungevaag

And we’ve reached song number one on my list! Come on this wicked journey with me to Wonderland and experience a high energy, wake me up and sprint me to the finish line kinda jam. I love the journey it takes me on while I’m running and I’m always sprinting to the finish line when it comes on.

10 Songs You Need to Add to Your Running Playlist

I hope you found some (or all 10) songs to add to your playlist for the next time you hit the trail. Adding new songs is always a great motivator for me to get out there and run, so I hope this post inspires you to do the same!

If you have spotify, feel free to like my playlist or save it to your account to listen to all 10 of these songs.

The post 10 Songs You Need to Add to Your Running Playlist appeared first on Jane Erica.

Alright, superhero moms, let’s face it: life in the mom lane can be like a rollercoaster ride with no off switch. From carpooling to dinner prep, and everything in between, I’m sure your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt. But guess what? Mindfulness is here to save the day, cape optional! This blog post is all about how to reduce stress for busy moms.

So read on to learn how you fabulous mamas can kick stress to the curb and rock the crown of well-being by incorporating the power of mindfulness in your daily routine.

Embrace Your Inner Zen Warrior

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a non-reactive way. It isn’t about becoming a meditation guru on a mountain top (unless you’re into that kinda thing). It’s about tapping into your inner zen warrior while changing diapers or battling Lego minefields. By cultivating mindfulness, you can learn to manage your reactions to stressors and enhance your overall emotional well-being. To embrace mindfulness, try to be in the moment, minus the judgment – even if your living room is more like a battlefield.

Stress-Busting Benefits, Mama Style:

Interested in adding to your super powers, mamas? Mindfulness has been shown to reduce the body’s stress response by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. So you can turn down the dial on chaos and enjoy your coffee (while it’s still hot). As you start to practice mindfulness, enhance your aura with these amazing benefits.

Improved Mental Health

Regular mindfulness practice is associated with decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression, so you can maintain a positive mental state, even through those “Mom, where’s my [insert lost item here]?” meltdowns.

Enhanced Patience

Mindfulness encourages you to respond to situations with patience and understanding, rather than reacting impulsively in stressful moments. This is extremely beneficial when helping your kids with their homework.

Better Emotional Regulation

Rule over mood swings by acknowledging emotions, without the drama. Mindfulness can equip you with the tools to recognize and manage your emotions, turning you into the Queen of Calm.

Increased Self-Care

Mindfulness encourages self-care practices, reminding you to prioritize your own well-being without feeling guilty. It also reminds you that sanity matters too.

Magic Mindfulness Practices to Try:

If your excited to reap the benefits of mindfulness, but have no clue where to start, try some of these techniques that you can add to your routine.

Mindful Breathing

Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath can center your thoughts and induce relaxation. Where ever you can find a quiet place, choose your favorite yoga position and put away the cell phone to focus.

Body Scan Meditation

Turn your focus inward and say goodbye to tension. Imagining an invisible scan going over each part of your body, from head to toe, can help release tension and promote a sense of physical awareness.

Mindful Moments

Engage fully in everyday activities, like cooking or playing with your kids, by giving your complete attention to the task at hand. Being mindful while eating can also help you understand your body, let you know when you are full and help you make healthier choices.

Gratitude Journaling

Keep a journal of what rocks in your world and reflect on the positive aspects of your day in a journal. Banish negativity from your life with gratitude.

Mindful Parenting

Practice being fully present when interacting with your children, listening and engaging without distractions. Even when your kid’s trying to explain why unicorns are cool.

Integrating Mindfulness into Mom Life:

Taking things step by step can help make mindfulness a routine for you. As you discover the practices that you enjoy the most, integrate them how and when you can. Try some of these ideas to get you started.

Tiny Steps, Big Wins

Start small, like hiding in the pantry for two minutes. Gradually increase the duration of your practice as you become more comfortable.

Schedule Mommy Minutes

Dedicate specific times during the day to incorporate your mindfulness practice. Whether your sneaking away to your secret lair – aka the bathroom – or your little ones turn their imaginations in for nap time, a few minutes can be all you need.

Be Kind to Yourself

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection, it’s a skill that takes time to develop. So embrace your inner yogi, even if you can’t touch your toes.

Utilize Apps and Resources

There are so many mindfulness apps and online resources that offer guided sessions, making it easier to incorporate mindfulness into your routine. Now that’s magic.

Lead by Example

Teach your kids about mindfulness by practicing it together, creating a calming and connected environment for the whole family. Just pretend you’re at Hogwarts thinking up the next spell.

How to Reduce Stress for Busy Moms

Ladies, you’re the wizards of your realm, balancing strollers and laundry detergent like a boss. Mindfulness isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about savoring the feast of life and enjoying every step of the way. So, wave your wands, embrace the chaos, and let mindfulness sprinkle its fairy dust over your epic mom journey. Remember, every superhero needs a trusty sidekick, so make mindfulness your mantra and you can conquer anything – one breath at a time.

Namaste, my undercover heros.

The post The Power of Mindfulness: How to Reduce Stress for Busy Moms appeared first on Jane Erica.