What do you know, I DO exist! I’ve been a VERY VERY bad blogger as of late but I HAVE been a GOOD vlogger and been doing daily videos every.single.day as well as update my intagram and Facebook page on a daily basis. I do, however, vow to update on here a bit more.

Ok…let’s back up a bit, so on my last post I TALKED about hiring Michelle Davis as my coach/trainer and guess what??? I’m on week 5 baby!! I did it and I will NEVER look back. She’s basically everything I expected and more. I train 5 days a week and am LOVING it! I will start uploading weekly progress pictures starting this Saturday:) This journey DOES, however, go hand in hand with The What’s Beautiful Campaign by Under Armour, which I am a proud to say am taking a part of through FitFluential.

So what exactly IS the What’s Beautiful Campaign? It’s a contest to redefine the female athlete by setting your own goals and PUSHING your limits!! I’ve already created my own page where I’ve set my goal to stick to my lifting and cardio training with Michelle. Not only am I sticking to it but I’m truly PUSHING past my limits to be the best version of myself possible.

What I love about the campaign is that it’s PURE motivation for me. I love setting goals and surpassing them <3 Especially when I’m in such good company (Robyn, Morgan, Krysten and I are all training for the Warrior Dash and including it as one of our goals to shave 4 mins off our last year’s time of 54min54sec – WE GOT THIS). Not to mention you can win some pretty awesome swag by participating;) Here’s where you can find all of the details.

I truly appreciate this opportunity to challenge myself and others with this campaign. Let’s get ready to CRUSH these goals! 

Now it’s your turn, what are your goals? State your OWN #IWILL statement! *

Much love,
Jess
xoxo 

*This post is sponsored by Under Armour through FitFluential

Yikes, it’s been a busy few weeks! Andrew and I are finally back in Toronto and we couldn’t be happier! If you don’t watch TrulyDaily, let me give you a quick update. Andrew’s parents were travelling Australia and New Zealand for 3 weeks and we house sat for them! This meant a much bigger house with a big backyard, perfect for Annabelle! While we loved our stay, there was a lot about our Toronto home we missed. And you know what they say, there’s NO place like Home <3

We’ve been back for a week now and I’m back to my routine and feeling great! SO many exciting things are in the works, one being my 10K race next week! EEP!! If you follow me on instagram or twitter, you already know that I’m running The Toronto Yonge Street 10K as part of the Digital Champions Team! Bloggers REPRESENT!! I’ve been training hard and am HOPING to run the race in 55 mins with my friend Lisa!! We GOT this!!

In other news, I’m really proud of my fitness accomplishments this year. I’ve dealt with a lot of ups and downs throughout the years and I knew that 2013 was going to be MY year and man, I really have worked hard and haven’t stopped…

The picture on the left was taken 2 years ago and the pictures on the right were taken yesterday. I LOVE to workout in shirts I had back then. Not only are they comfortable but they also remind me of how FAR I’ve come. Weightloss isn’t EASY in any means, it’s constant HARD work but you know what? All that work is WORTH it. And I’m officially letting you know that I’m ready for MORE. Ready to take my fitness level to the NEXT level. How? Easy! I’m going to start training with my main inspiration, Michelle Davis. I’ve been following Michelle on instagram for over 6 months now and I’ve always wanted to train with her but I wanted to WORK my way there. This year was all about sticking to my goals and to CHALLENGE myself. Well, since January 1st, 2013, I’ve done just that. I’ve been going to the gym, religiously and eating well, with some hiccups along the way, of course! But the point is I’ve found it. The motivation, the dedication, the strength, the willpower and now, I’m ready to train my little heart out with none other than my inspiration, Michelle Davis (How cute is she?)

I’ve never ever had much experience (if any) with heavy weight training and I’m ready to CHANGE that around. I’m ready to push my body like I NEVER have before. I’m ready to set NEW goals. I’m ready to be 100% ON POINT. I’m ready to be an MShell Bomshell

The next months won’t be easy – nope – I don’t expect nor want it to be. On the contrary, I’m so excited to be pushed to my limits. I’m ready for you MShell Fitness

I’m so happy and excited about LIFE <3 So much in store…the sky is the limit!

Much MUCH more updates to come. Promise. 

Much  love,
Jess
xoxo 

Woah, four posts this week? I think it’s some kind of record for me;) I told you I’d be having my Apple Crumble Pancakes again but alas, I had no apples so bananas it was!!

Ingredients
1/2 cup Buttermilk FlapJacked Protein Pancake Mix
1/3 cup cold water
1/2 banana, sliced
1/4 cup Muesli (I used Good For You Fruit and Nut)
2tbsp Walden Farms Caramel Sauce

Directions
1. Mix your FlapJacked mix with 1/3 cup of cold water and set aside
2. Cook your pancakes as you normally would, I split the batter in 4
3. While your pancakes are cooking, mix your banana slices with the muesli. Due to the banana’s texture, the muesli will stick perfectly:)
4. Once your pancakes are done, place one pancakes on your plate and top off with 1tbsp of your syrup of choice, I used Walden Farm Caramel Sauce as it was what I had on hand, however you can skip syrups all together!!
5. Once you reach your last pancake, top off with your banana “crumble”
6. Dig IN my friends!

Sounds similar to my last recipe? Guilty! I used the exact same one but subbed the apple for banana and the buttermilk mix for the cinnamon apple.

Hey is something is good, why change it when all you have to do is sub some ingredients?? I say go for it! And it’s not hard to make these pancakes taste good – I honestly couldn’t say enough good things about FlapJacked and no I’m not paid to say that!! They are just so easy to make! For example, this morning I had to wake up at 4am to head to the gym and then head to the train station to head to Toronto – that meant having breakfast packed and ready to eat on my way to Toronto! So this morning I woke up, made my Apple Crumble Pancakes, had some tea, did some dishes (while the pancakes were cooking) and I was off to the gym! The pancakes were even delicious cold! That’s what I’m talking about!

That’s it for today my friends! Have a wonderful Friday and kick-booty weekend! Stay active, eat well, be happy!

What’s your easiest t0-go breakfast? 

Much love,
Jess
xoxo 

So it happened, I woke up sick, just like I thought I would yesterday. At 5am, my alarm clock woke me only to make me realize that all my body needed was rest. Sometimes it happens and the best you can do is, well, REST! So back to bed I went until 8AM. Much needed.

The only thing I was looking forward to today was trying out FlapJacked Cinnamon Apple Protein Pancake mix. I had been thinking of different toppings I could do and since this week is no-dairy week, I had to be a bit more inventive. Then came the best pancakes I’ve ever had. Seriously. SERIOUSLY. Ladies and gents, I give you my Apple Crumble Pancakes!

Ingredients
1/2 cup Cinnamon Apple FlapJacked Protein Pancake Mix
1/3 cup cold water
1/2 chopped apple (I used Honey Crips)
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 cup Muesli (I used Good For You Fruit and Nut)
2tbsp Walden Farms Caramel Sauce

Directions
1. Mix your FlapJacked mix with 1/3 cup of cold water and set aside
2. Spray a saucepan with non-stick spray or use 1/2tsp coconut oil and place heat on medium
3. Once saucepan is heated, add in your chopped apple and stir often until apples are soft and golden brown
4. Mix in your cinnamon and muesli and set aside
5. Cook your pancakes as you normally would, I mix the batter in three
6. Once your pancakes are done, place one pancakes on your plate and top off with 1tbsp of your syrup of choice, I used Walden Farm Caramel Sauce as it was what I had on hand, however you can skip syrups all together!!
7. Once you reach your last pancake, top off with your apple “crumble”
8. Dig IN my friends!

Guys – when I say these are the best pancakes I ever made, I am NOT kidding. These were moist, flavourful and the added texture of the muesli brought these protein pancakes to the NEXT level!

After my first bite, I said, and I QUOTE, “I don’t think I’m even going to like my own protein pancakes after this….FlapJacked what have you done to me???” I’ve got today’s TrulyDaily is prove that too;)

For anyone scared of that “dry protein pancake” this DEFINITELY will place your fears at rest. It actually still shocks ME that simply adding water can still leave this pancakes MOIST!

Mmm Mmm GOOD! 

Do yourself a favour and try this ASAP…you WON’T regret it!

Happy Pancake Eating!

What’s your favourite pancake topping?

Much love,
Jess
xoxo 

Ok so let’s talk about my recent love for rice bowls. As you may or may not know I use to be so scared of eating carbs. As a matter of fact, I avoided them like the plague. I even stopped eating fruits due to their carb content. Yeap you read that right. I.Stopped.Eating.Fruits.  All I wish I could do right now is go back and slap myself at the back of the head (Complete V8 commercial style). What the heck was I thinking? I knew I NEEDED the carbs to fuel my workouts but I didn’t care, I loved seeing that scale number go down, down and down, even if that meant my energy was low. I didn’t care, I was losing and I rocked! Umm…yeah not so much.

It took some time but I finally broke that habit of thinking carbs=bad. Now, I happily welcome carbs into my life and use it as fuel so I can keep kicking major booty at the gym;) And while we’re speaking of carbs, lets talk about my new favourite, very versatile, Bliss in a Bowl

Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked long grain brown rice
1/2 cup steamed broccoli
5 spreads of asparagus, steamed
2 mushrooms, diced and steamed
1/4 avocado, diced
1 tilapia filet, chopped
1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette

Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine your rice, broccoli, asparagus, mushroom and tilapia filet and combine
2. Drizzle both the olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette on top of your rice mix and fully combine
3. Place your mix in a bowl of your choice and top off your bliss in a bowl with your diced avocado

That’s it, that’s all! This recipe is TRULY so versatile because you can switch any veggies you prefer, switch the rice with quinoa or add any ingredients you want! Personally I ADORE adding some goat cheese to the mix, however, I am off dairy for a week so that wasn’t an option for me;)

There truly isn’t anything like a delicious, FILLING bowl filled with good carbs, protein, fats and GREENS! Eat up buttercup!

What’s your favourite go-to “Bliss-in-a-Bowl”? Share!!

Much love,
Jess
xoxo 

Let me start today’s post with a simple picture…

And I know what you’re all wondering and YES it does taste as good as it looks;) Recently, FlapJacked, a protein pancake mix company, sent me three of their protein pancake mix for me to sample: Banana Hazelnut, Cinnamon Apple and Buttermilk. As an avid protein pancake lover, I was truly excited to try them out! And at 200 calories per serving, I definitely had the freedom to add some awesome icing Well my friends…let’s get to it!

Ingredients
1/2 cup of FlapJacked Banana Hazelnut Protein Pancake Mix
1/3 cup of cold water
1/2 cup 2% greek yogurt
3 tbsp PB2
Stevia, to taste
Medium Banana, sliced
1/4 cup crushed Peanut Butter Puffins

Directions
1. Mix your Pancake Mix with your cold water and let sit for 3-5 mins
2. While your pancake mix is aside, spray your non-stick pan and place on medium heat
3. Take one third of your mix and spread on your pan, cook as you normally would a pancake
4. While your pancakes are cooking, mix your greek yogurt, PB2 and stevia until fully blended
5. Once your 1st pancake is cooked, layer a spoonful of your greek yogurt mix on top and add some banana slices, repeat after every pancake
6. Once you’ve reached your top layer, add the rest of your greek yogurt mix, then dust your pancakes with your crushed Peanut Butter Puffins for an extra crunch
7. Garnish your pancakes with the rest of your banana and enjoy!

Woah – seriously incredible! I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this pancake mix. Was it going to taste like my regular protein pancakes? Was I going to like it? And HECK yes I did! They were surprisingly fresh and reminded me of the pancakes I had when I was a kid! I think the buttermilk flour definitely helped me reminisce back to those Sunday morning breakfasts with my family;)

I INHALED my brunch after my workout this morning! I definitely see myself getting more of this mix to have readily available when I’m looking for a quick, easy and delicious protein pancake! I mean can you really complain? All you need to do is add cold water! And the best part? All of the ingredients are CLEAN! Thanks again FlapJacked for sending these over! Tried-Tested-and-True, FlapJacked has a TrulyJess seal of approval haha who am I? 

I can’t wait to try the other flavours and add different “icing” to them! Next up? Cinnamon Apple! And I’m thinking a Baked Apple Icing is in order….stay tuned;)

It’s time to head back to prepping for tonight’s Easter Dinner! Today marks the FIRST Holiday dinner Andrew and I will be hosting! I’m BEYOND excited and feel so grown up:) Ok now that sounded pretty dorky but it’s the honest truth! Making a spectacular Holiday dinner for the people you love is fun and exciting! I’ll make sure to share with you guys some pictures of the food we’ll have – it’s definitely going to be wonderful! And as always, if you wish to see the day in video format, TrulyDaily will be up tomorrow!

Have you hosted your OWN Holiday Dinner before? What Holiday was it? Were you nervous? Did you have fun?

Much love,
Jess
xoxo

First, I got to start by saying that although this week was quite eventful, it’s been a great one. Why? Because I stuck to my goals no matter what the obstacles. I kicked major booty at the gym and I actually got to instruct two Booty Camp sessions tonight at my old location! So much fun!

I’ve been feeling really good lately and I can’t help but smile! It’s the best feeling <3 Another thing that made me smile? My New Peanut Butter Apple Crunch. Clean, Quick and DEEEE-licious!!!

Ingredients
1 apple cut in chunks (I used Honey Crisp, my fav!)
1/4 cup greek yogurt (I used 2%)
1/2 cup muesli (I used the brand Good For You)
1 tbsp chocolate pb2
Few Stevia Drops

Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, place all ingredients, save the stevia, and fully combine
2. If needed, add in a few drops of stevia and mix again
3. Place in a glass cup or bowl to fully see the amazingness of your PB Apple Crunch

So Simple. So Flavourful. So delicious.

355 cals, 5.7g fat,64.5g carbs, 9.8g fibre, 12.7g protein*

*Keep in mind, these stats based on the muesli I used

I hadn’t made this mix in SO long! But I always go back to it and tweak it time after time. To be honest, I have been wanting to make this recipe for the longest time but I couldn’t find a muesli mix that didn’t include SO much sugar! Seriously – have you seen the ingredient list on some of them? No thank you! Well, that was until I found the PERFECT muesli made with ONLY real ingredients: wheat flakes, oat flakes, raisins, barley flakes, banana chips, roasted barley flakes and roasted hazelnuts! That’s really all you need.

This mix is a no-brainer! The base is simple – fruit, yogurt and oat-type mix. The rest is all up to you! Be forewarned  that this mix WILL appear on the daily vlogs often in the next few weeks…You’ve been warned

Mmm Mmm Good!

I’ll end on this delicious note as I got to get my booty up at 4:30AM to head to my morning cardio and upper body workout on time tomorrow morning;) No excuses!  

Much love,
Jess
xoxo  

Ok so I know that’s a BOLD name for an oatmeal recipe…but…it’s the truth;) I made this last week and I’m hooked! This isn’t your average mashed banana in oatmeal type deal. Nope. This is an overnight/over-gym (aka make before you head to the gym and have it ready after your awesome workout). Are you ready? Let’s go!

Ingredients
1/3 cup oats
1 cup water
1 tbsp Chocolate Chia Goodness or Chia
1/2 mashed banana
1/2 cup non fat greek yogurt
Stevia to taste

Directions
1. In a saucepan, over medium-high heat mix 1 cup of water with 1/3 cup of oats
2. Once oats have thickened and have absorbed most of the water, add in your chocolate chia goodness or regular chia (this will thicken your oats a bit more)
3. Add in your mashed banana and mix
4. Set aside and let cool for at least 5 mins
5. Place your cooled oats in a bowl and mix in your greek yogurt and stevia
6. Fully mix and place in your fridge until you’re ready to devour it!

I topped off my oats with PB & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams but you can DEFINITELY enjoy these without! The banana adds enough flavour on its own!

Seriously my favourite breakfast lately. I’ve been loving having my breakfast ready once I’m done with my morning workout and I’ve found that adding greek yogurt to my mix has definitely kept me full and satisfied! And bonus? It’s delicious! Not too shabby;)

What’s been your go-to breakfast lately?

Enjoy my friends!

Much love,
Jess
xoxo 

Long time no post – oops! You know the story…busy busy busy…blah blah blah but let’s concentrate on the positive shall we? Yes? Great!

First – I’ve been feeling awesome lately. I’ve already mentioned that 2012 was year filled with ups and downs…downs being weight gain. Yeap it happened but what I decided to do about it is to work my booty off and do is a healthy way. No crazy restrictions just tracking my meals and MOVING! I’m finally seeing some results and feeling STONG! If you follow me on instagram, then you probably already saw this picture but just in case you’re not, lets get to it!!

Small progress is progress! But don’t you just love FEELING and SEEING the changes when you put on that same t-shirt? Ahh best feeling!

Ok now it’s get to some new recipes I’ve done this week! First up…Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Batter  - woah 

Ingredients
1/2 cup oats
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup egg whites
3tbsp Chocolate PB2 or 1tbsp of any nut butter
Cinnamon, to taste
Stevia, to taste

Directions
1. Mix your oats and water in a saucepan on your stovetop on medium high heat
2. Once your oats have thickened and are cooked, add in your egg whites and mix
3. After about 2 minutes your eggs should be cooked. Once they are, turn your burner off and add in your cinnamon, stevia and Chocolate PB2 or any nut butters of choice
4. Either have it warm right away or place in the fridge overnight or before heading to the gym to enjoy cold for breakfast (I prefer it cold)!

I topped my peanut butter “batter” with 1tbsp of Chocolate Nuttzo. This was my first time trying Nuttzo and I have to say I’m a fan! I recently purchased two jars when Kristin, aka STUFT Mama, raved about it! She would put it on top of all of her delicious concoction!!! I knew I had to try it and low and behold – it’s a winner! If you like crunchy nut butters – you’ll love Nuttzo!

307 cals – 5.3g fat – 37.5g carbs – 27.5g protein – 7.5g fibre

That’s the stats without the Nuttzo butter btw;)

The batter is honestly amazing. Hardly any ingredients and BAM you got yourself a winning recipe! And if you’re not fond of egg whites…SKIP it! I won’t make you have it;)

Next up….Sweet Potato Quinoa!! I was feeling extra creative today and wanted a filling and YUMMY lunch!

Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup boiled sweet potato
30g goat cheese
10g walnuts (all I had left)
1/2 cup scrambled egg whites
4 pitted prunes (all I had on hand, I would use apricots OR cranberries)
Cinnamon to taste

Directions 
1. Mix your desired amount of cinnamon to your quinoa
2. Mix all ingredients together and enjoy warm or cold!

Ok so I know this mix is SO random but it was DELICIOUS and filling!! Next time I would definitely use a dried fruit with more flavour such as apricots or cranberries! So yum!! Another good fat to add could be avocado!! I had none on hand so I stuck with the walnuts!

This filling meal came at 492 calories and kept me full until dinner! No joke!

On that note, it’s definitely bed time for me! I hope you’re all having a fantastic day!

Much love,
Jess
xoxo 

I know I’ve been away for a bit – so incredibly busy but I’m popping in to say HI and to announce the BLOG winner for my 5 yr Youtube Giveaway!!!

The winner is…..

Congratulations!!! Please email me at TrulyJess@Gmail.com with the subject BLOG WINNER and include which tank/tee you would like (colour and size) by March 15th, 2013 as I will be placing all orders that day!

I will have more giveaways in the future and promise more recipes are coming up this week!

Happy weekend everyone!

Much love,
Jess
xoxo