Reaching 185 pounds was a wake-up call. It happened twice—during my second pregnancy and again four years later. Despite career success, I used food as a coping mechanism, especially sugary snacks, which sent my sugar addiction spiraling. I was working constantly and eating late into the night.

Even though everything seemed to be going well, I knew I wasn’t taking care of the body that was carrying me through all the ups and downs. Living in Texas, where “everything is bigger,” I realized that I needed to take control of my health in a way that felt sustainable and true to myself. 

I hadn’t fully realized how big I had gotten until a ski trip with one of my closest friends and family. I was so out of breath carrying around all this new weight and ski gear, something had to change. Also, while we were all freezing I noticed my legs were never cold, these thighs had gotten too thick, honey, something had to change. Besides, I had three months until my friend's 40th birthday in the Bahamas, and I wanted to show up feeling confident, not weighed down. I needed to change my eating habits, because you can workout everyday, as I did, and still get thicka than a snicka. 

It’s not just the weight on your body; it’s the weight on your mind.

I turned to Google and found fasting. After years of trying every diet out there, fasting worked for me. I started with intermittent fasting, eating between 12 PM and 8 PM, and saw real results. Fasting triggered ketosis (burning fat instead of carbs) and autophagy (cell regeneration), giving my body a much-needed reset.

Now, I do a 24-hour fast once a month. It sounded impossible at first, but I built up to it. Fasting helped me feel empowered—reminding me I control my cravings, not the other way around. There’s something empowering about saying no to food for just one day, gaining mental clarity, and reminding myself that I have control. So while everyone was eating, I was generating energy through fasting and praying. 

Sometimes, the best way to take control is by simply saying no—to the food, the habits, and the noise.

I love working out, but with kids and a business, I don’t always have time for intense sessions. Walking became my solution—10,000 steps a day, even if I’m on Zoom calls or chatting with friends.

But walking alone isn’t enough. Strength training is crucial, especially as we age. Did you know women start losing muscle mass after 40? And muscle is what keeps us strong, balanced, and less likely to fall. I keep weights by my desk and kettlebells in the bathroom. On busy days, I do 100 quick reps—jump squats, lunges, overhead presses, you name it—just to make sure I’m getting stronger.

Strong women are made, not born. Keeping fit over 40 is about showing up every day, even if it’s just for 100 quick reps.

I hope my story encourages you on your journey. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up every day and trusting the process. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone—God is walking with you every step of the way.

The journey is never perfect, but every step forward is progress.

Quick Takeaways:

• Intermittent Fasting: Helps manage cravings and supports mental clarity.
• Strength Training: Essential for muscle preservation and injury prevention.
• Prayer: Keeps me grounded and helps me resist temptations.
• Daily Movement: 10,000 steps a day keeps the mind and body balanced.
• Mindful Eating: Differentiate between true hunger and emotional cravings.

Download Jordyn's Fitness Cheat Sheet for afirmations, distraction techniques, and fasting tips to help you on your journey!