Living Jillian has proven to be life-changing for me. I have never felt better! I have a tremendous amount of energy, drive and spunk to fulfill my life-purpose! I have wasted enough time and energy for the past five years, struggling relentlessly with my health and emotional well-being. I have fought my way through the trenches of the following symptoms:
Weight-gain
Bloated/ Swollen
Hypothyroidism
Major Hormonal Imbalances
Manic Depression/ Anxiety Attacks brought on by Stress
Over-Taxed Adrenal Glands and DHEA Levels in the 2,050 Range.
Low self-esteem
Sluggish, Fatigue
Foggy Brain/ Short-term and Long-term Memory Loss
Overeating/ Under-eating
Eating Disorders
Acne
Muscle Tension
Intestinal Tract Problems
Infertility and Missed Menstrual Cycles
Hair Loss
Migraine Headaches
I was convinced, that I was doomed and that there was no doctor or guru out there that could change my mind! Nothing could fix the laundry-list of symptoms I faced, daily, at such a young age. So, I decided to take matters in to my own hands and it WORKED!
I began my own diary called, The Secret Life of a Self- Destructor, discussing all of the ways in which I have self-sabotaged myself over the years by overeating, under-eating, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, diet and energy drinks, sugar-free everything, exercising compulsively and thus getting no where.
I continued to cling to my secret body-image problems; something that I would not dare reveal to the world; especially not my weekly clients, until now.
I mean, what would these people think if I’m sitting here telling people how to be fit and I, myself couldn’t even take control of my own life? Don't get confused, I was super, disciplined with my diet and workout regimen and STILL wasn’t getting results. I felt humiliated, embarrassed and knew that there was a missing link.
You see, it was never about the weight-loss and my body-image; that was only a distraction I used to feel alive and in control. It was my life that needed readjusting.
The biggest lesson I learned is that most, if not all of my symptoms, were caused by both emotional and physiological issues that could have been avoided if I would have known what I know now!
I promise to provide all of my readers and supporters with the most current, breakthrough research Jillian unveils for weight loss, hormones and lifestyle diets. I truly admire Jillian and respect the stand she is taking for this nationwide health epidemic.
Please feel free to give me any useful feedback and any other additional comments or questions you have. I look forward to hearing from all of you out there who are desperate for the ultimate inspirational jump-start that will change your life forever.
I am known as the toughest trainer, like Jillian, and I never intend on lowering my standards. I believe that my story and journey will lift your spirit and change your old-way-of-thinking for good.
Living Jillian has changed my life and she’s about to transform yours too…!
Julianna LoCascio
Living Jillian
Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Guru, Health Expert,
and Life Coach
Thursday, October 22, 2009
And Living Jillian was born...
Today, I am not an avid fitness junkie and health Nazi for nothing! I have built, from the ground-up, a rock-solid and successful business as a personal trainer and health advocate these last few years. I am completely passionate and deeply driven by my work but there is still something missing…
Oh yes, my writing and producing skills.
To tell you the truth, I have continued to write through out the years but I have failed to share my unique insight with the world for one conclusive reason; by simple lack of confidence. I had it in my head that no one would want to listen to some young girl who thinks she’s fat and has no clue what FAT is!
You may be thinking,
“This girl can't help me! She has no clue what I've been through!”
Think again.
First of all, I don’t ‘help’ people I support and guide them to leading a healthy lifestyle. I see the word “help” as cop-out and a form of co-dependency that will not be life-altering.
And no, I have never been in the "obese category" but I can promise you one thing, I must have been fat person in a past-life.
What can I say, I am truly passionate about obese people and I know that I can give all of you a major jump-start in your weight-loss journey.
Secondly, speaking in past tense about what you have been through is not going to change what you are today. (Hence, my favorites quote, "We can not become what we need to be by remaining what we are." -Max DuPree)
With that said…
It has NEVER been about the “by-product a.k.a. your voluptuous physique” causing your current weight-gain and health problems.
It has NEVER been about the kids that teased you in school nor what people think of you today.
These things have nothing to do with why you haven't won this battle.
It has ALWAYS been about how you feel about yourself.
Self-love and acceptance is the main issue here and science plays a major role too!
Something got you to this point of hopelessness and that’s where I come in.
There are actual actions you can take right NOW to reverse this self-destructive behavior and feel good again!
For starters, think about all of the POSITIVE aspects of your life right now!
And NEVER I mean, NEVER Give up on 'you'!
You must trust the process!
You throw in the towel? Game over!
So, as I was saying…
I would get so frustrated and I began reading everything I could get my hands on from self-help books and inspirational successes stories to modern-day Christian readings and then I came across, Jillian Michael’s from The Biggest Loser and that’s when my entire life transformed in to something worth sharing.
I was so determined to get well!
I was not going to feel self-defeated for one more day!
I was no longer going to feel like a ‘door-mat’ that anyone could come and wipe their muddy feet on!
So, I am fully committed to revealing my case-study in dedication to all the women out there who feel hopeless and unhappy. I don't care if you are trying to lose ten pounds or two-hundred pounds I can give you ALL of the tools and knowledge to feel youthful and exuberant again!
I am committed to standing side-by-side with Jillian by teaching you how to symphonize your hormone levels, trim away the armor you’ve been wearing for so long, and say good-bye to the person with the low-self-esteem and love handles. I refuse to help that person because it was NEVER you to begin with!
You get to reclaim your true identity. Finally!
I have now set out on a journey to do everything Jillian! I have been empowered and uplifted by her teachings and I have followed her advice to the tee. I have seen every TV appearance, You Tube videos, and, you better believe, I have followed-up on all of her unique tips and tricks she shares on Biggest Loser, every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on NBC.
I receive daily “Losing it with Jillian!” e-mails and I follow her religiously on twitter and facebook.
I have also successfully completed her "Making the Cut" : The 30 Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You.
And most recently I have completed her 30-Day Shed Program on, Cardio Max and her recently released Power Sculpt DVD. Next, I plan to take a chance at her "Hot Bod in a Box" designed to make high intensity interval training a synch.
No, I am not a stalker or crazed fan, I am merely a student-in-training being mentored by a public fitness-icon. I have never been driven to follow a celebrity or famous person until now! Jillian is actually doing something transformational for the world! She changed my life, in a VERY REAL way and now I have the information and tools to pay it forward.
I have helped countless people lose weight, inches and body-fat by using her training techniques and healthy-living findings. And best of all, I continue to teach people how to regain their self-confidence from within, sleep like babies and eat clean, wholesome foods for "energy-sake".
Like Jillian always says, “If it didn’t come from the ground and it doesn’t have a mama, don’t eat it.”
I have decided to start this blog, Living Jillian, for all of the skeptics out there, intrigued or inspired, but not fully convinced, in adopting Jillian's life-altering solutions. she has in her hands years of research that have transformed her own life and now millions of others.
So,
No more excuses!
No more exceptions and entitlement-drama!
No more "I'll start tomorrow."
Get-up out of your chair and start doing something for yourself, for once!
Julianna LoCascio
Living Jillian
Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Guru,
Health Expert,
and Life Coach
Oh yes, my writing and producing skills.
To tell you the truth, I have continued to write through out the years but I have failed to share my unique insight with the world for one conclusive reason; by simple lack of confidence. I had it in my head that no one would want to listen to some young girl who thinks she’s fat and has no clue what FAT is!
You may be thinking,
“This girl can't help me! She has no clue what I've been through!”
Think again.
First of all, I don’t ‘help’ people I support and guide them to leading a healthy lifestyle. I see the word “help” as cop-out and a form of co-dependency that will not be life-altering.
And no, I have never been in the "obese category" but I can promise you one thing, I must have been fat person in a past-life.
What can I say, I am truly passionate about obese people and I know that I can give all of you a major jump-start in your weight-loss journey.
Secondly, speaking in past tense about what you have been through is not going to change what you are today. (Hence, my favorites quote, "We can not become what we need to be by remaining what we are." -Max DuPree)
With that said…
It has NEVER been about the “by-product a.k.a. your voluptuous physique” causing your current weight-gain and health problems.
It has NEVER been about the kids that teased you in school nor what people think of you today.
These things have nothing to do with why you haven't won this battle.
It has ALWAYS been about how you feel about yourself.
Self-love and acceptance is the main issue here and science plays a major role too!
Something got you to this point of hopelessness and that’s where I come in.
There are actual actions you can take right NOW to reverse this self-destructive behavior and feel good again!
For starters, think about all of the POSITIVE aspects of your life right now!
And NEVER I mean, NEVER Give up on 'you'!
You must trust the process!
You throw in the towel? Game over!
So, as I was saying…
I would get so frustrated and I began reading everything I could get my hands on from self-help books and inspirational successes stories to modern-day Christian readings and then I came across, Jillian Michael’s from The Biggest Loser and that’s when my entire life transformed in to something worth sharing.
I was so determined to get well!
I was not going to feel self-defeated for one more day!
I was no longer going to feel like a ‘door-mat’ that anyone could come and wipe their muddy feet on!
So, I am fully committed to revealing my case-study in dedication to all the women out there who feel hopeless and unhappy. I don't care if you are trying to lose ten pounds or two-hundred pounds I can give you ALL of the tools and knowledge to feel youthful and exuberant again!
I am committed to standing side-by-side with Jillian by teaching you how to symphonize your hormone levels, trim away the armor you’ve been wearing for so long, and say good-bye to the person with the low-self-esteem and love handles. I refuse to help that person because it was NEVER you to begin with!
You get to reclaim your true identity. Finally!
I have now set out on a journey to do everything Jillian! I have been empowered and uplifted by her teachings and I have followed her advice to the tee. I have seen every TV appearance, You Tube videos, and, you better believe, I have followed-up on all of her unique tips and tricks she shares on Biggest Loser, every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on NBC.
I receive daily “Losing it with Jillian!” e-mails and I follow her religiously on twitter and facebook.
I have also successfully completed her "Making the Cut" : The 30 Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You.
And most recently I have completed her 30-Day Shed Program on, Cardio Max and her recently released Power Sculpt DVD. Next, I plan to take a chance at her "Hot Bod in a Box" designed to make high intensity interval training a synch.
No, I am not a stalker or crazed fan, I am merely a student-in-training being mentored by a public fitness-icon. I have never been driven to follow a celebrity or famous person until now! Jillian is actually doing something transformational for the world! She changed my life, in a VERY REAL way and now I have the information and tools to pay it forward.
I have helped countless people lose weight, inches and body-fat by using her training techniques and healthy-living findings. And best of all, I continue to teach people how to regain their self-confidence from within, sleep like babies and eat clean, wholesome foods for "energy-sake".
Like Jillian always says, “If it didn’t come from the ground and it doesn’t have a mama, don’t eat it.”
I have decided to start this blog, Living Jillian, for all of the skeptics out there, intrigued or inspired, but not fully convinced, in adopting Jillian's life-altering solutions. she has in her hands years of research that have transformed her own life and now millions of others.
So,
No more excuses!
No more exceptions and entitlement-drama!
No more "I'll start tomorrow."
Get-up out of your chair and start doing something for yourself, for once!
Julianna LoCascio
Living Jillian
Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Guru,
Health Expert,
and Life Coach
U is for Understanding...
I remember the day I woke up and realized I had to make something of myself without anyone’s permission but my own!
I soon realized and began to understand what it meant to NOT feel invincible; that I could literally drive straight into a brick wall and be dead! That was my first, OMG, who am I? and Why the heck am I here?, awakening as woman in her clueless 20’s.
I was no longer thinking about what movie I was going to see with my boyfriend that night or concocting some sort of clever excuse to tell my step-dad when I didn’t follow his ridiculous 2 a.m. check-up call. I didn’t have to wake up for class or even eat breakfast that day if I didn’t want to.
I didn’t have the option of spending my days lounging by the pool with my friends with a magazine in hand dreaming of what I would being doing ten years from now; That ten years had passed and the magical question of "what do you want to be when you grow-up?" turned into a ahhhh, what the eff do I want to be? I was in complete panic mode! I mean, what am I good at? What are my passions? And why didn’t anyone tell me about this step? I got the fancy SMU degree and figured I could do something with journalism but I didn’t know what yet…
I began to see how powerful or powerless I could be. So I started reading inspirational books, going to church and reaching out to, what was once, so familiar and comfortable. Without my morning call to my Mom, I wasn’t sure what do to with myself that day! But she acted so different this time; "You need to figure out where you’re going to get a job, Julianna, because your Dad and I are getting ready to cut you off girlfriend!"
I began to understand what it meant when they say, "independent woman!" "What now?" Ok, I spend most my time at the gym, so I guess I can become a personal trainer, live in my parents house until I can save up enough money to move-out, and in the meantime figure out what I really love and could do everyday of my life!
Months went by, that felt like centuries, and I was still at square one until one day I woke up, glanced in the mirror and thought to myself if she could do it why couldn’t I? I was going to make movies, write books and travel because I said so…
~ ~ ~
The funniest part, I failed to mention, is that I wrote this issue two years ago for my good sister/friend who is now a well-established internet-icon. In fact, her two-year-old blog-site, Genpink.com, was where I posted this issue and I was recently looking through the archives and saw this letter that I had basically written to myself two years ago.
So, I read it and thought to myself, "Wow, it's amazing how much the human mind evolves and matures." Yes, I am still a writer and share all the same interested listed above, and I had the right idea in my thinking, but my reasoning and drive for doing what I do have changed, dramatically.
Basically, I had all of the pieces to the puzzle lined up but I had NO clue how they all fit together. I had all of the right insight, information, tools, talents, motives and ideas but my passion and drive to get there had not yet ignited.
Today, I realize that my failed attempt to produce a movie was the perfect stepping stone for what I am today. The Five, whom I love dearly, slowly began to drift and transition away in to their own lives and ambitions and there I was picking up the pieces of my so-called calling.
Julianna LoCascio
Living Jillian
Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Guru, Health Expert,
Life Coach
I soon realized and began to understand what it meant to NOT feel invincible; that I could literally drive straight into a brick wall and be dead! That was my first, OMG, who am I? and Why the heck am I here?, awakening as woman in her clueless 20’s.
I was no longer thinking about what movie I was going to see with my boyfriend that night or concocting some sort of clever excuse to tell my step-dad when I didn’t follow his ridiculous 2 a.m. check-up call. I didn’t have to wake up for class or even eat breakfast that day if I didn’t want to.
I didn’t have the option of spending my days lounging by the pool with my friends with a magazine in hand dreaming of what I would being doing ten years from now; That ten years had passed and the magical question of "what do you want to be when you grow-up?" turned into a ahhhh, what the eff do I want to be? I was in complete panic mode! I mean, what am I good at? What are my passions? And why didn’t anyone tell me about this step? I got the fancy SMU degree and figured I could do something with journalism but I didn’t know what yet…
I began to see how powerful or powerless I could be. So I started reading inspirational books, going to church and reaching out to, what was once, so familiar and comfortable. Without my morning call to my Mom, I wasn’t sure what do to with myself that day! But she acted so different this time; "You need to figure out where you’re going to get a job, Julianna, because your Dad and I are getting ready to cut you off girlfriend!"
I began to understand what it meant when they say, "independent woman!" "What now?" Ok, I spend most my time at the gym, so I guess I can become a personal trainer, live in my parents house until I can save up enough money to move-out, and in the meantime figure out what I really love and could do everyday of my life!
Months went by, that felt like centuries, and I was still at square one until one day I woke up, glanced in the mirror and thought to myself if she could do it why couldn’t I? I was going to make movies, write books and travel because I said so…
~ ~ ~
The funniest part, I failed to mention, is that I wrote this issue two years ago for my good sister/friend who is now a well-established internet-icon. In fact, her two-year-old blog-site, Genpink.com, was where I posted this issue and I was recently looking through the archives and saw this letter that I had basically written to myself two years ago.
So, I read it and thought to myself, "Wow, it's amazing how much the human mind evolves and matures." Yes, I am still a writer and share all the same interested listed above, and I had the right idea in my thinking, but my reasoning and drive for doing what I do have changed, dramatically.
Basically, I had all of the pieces to the puzzle lined up but I had NO clue how they all fit together. I had all of the right insight, information, tools, talents, motives and ideas but my passion and drive to get there had not yet ignited.
Today, I realize that my failed attempt to produce a movie was the perfect stepping stone for what I am today. The Five, whom I love dearly, slowly began to drift and transition away in to their own lives and ambitions and there I was picking up the pieces of my so-called calling.
Julianna LoCascio
Living Jillian
Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness Guru, Health Expert,
Life Coach
Healthy Mind, Healthy Body!
Healthy Mind, Healthy Body!
I’m just going to say it; without a healthy mind, you will NEVER have a healthy body!!! Take it from me; the mind body connection is the most powerful key to lifelong weight loss, energy and sustaining muscle. I’ve seen it and been through it a hundred times!
You must learn how to shut off your negative thoughts during your journey to fitness, especially during your workouts, when every second counts. Your mind has to be as prepared as your body to receive effective and efficient results.
As a personal trainer, I can’t tell you how many times I have said to my client, “belly-button to spine, don’t let your knees pass your toes, use your legs and core to lift, shoulders protracted (squeezed together), chest up, keep your neck aligned with your spine, an apple should fit between your chin and your chest, right now (in reference to abdominal and core work), breath in to your stretches, don’t forget to breath, inhale down, exhale up” (in reference to a push up…).
The point I am trying to make is, if your mind is preoccupied with the woman your husband was flirting with at dinner last night, how you're going to manage to pay your rent this month, why your Mother-in-law is so possessive, how fat you look in the mirror, how stressed-out you are, you will never be able to achieve or sustain the leanest, sexiest ‘you’.
That brings me to another thing, quit comparing yourself to others! Yes, your friend or co-worker may have a speed-of-light metabolism and can eat whatever she wants, but guess what? She is not the one reading this article, you are! They may be dealing with a far more paralyzing demon, who knows! All that matters is that you move forward and towards improving and restoring the best ‘you,’ and that alone could inspire, encourage, and uplift others to conqueror their issues too! Bingo! A win-win!
So, basically over-thinking, in general, is a counter-productive behavior that should be disposed of ASAP, from your consciousness, in every aspects of your life. And the spiraling downward-slop will cunningly reveal itself when your results are not near what you intended, after weeks of endless trips to the gym.
I'm pretty sure my clients have my voice engrained in their skulls for life- and you too, will eventually understand how to perform perfect, efficient form that will lead to a perfectly-sculpted physique.
Once this is established you will be able to focus solely on your form and oxygen-intake for the duration of your workout. Trust me ladies, this will save you SO MUCH energy you would normally waste on worrying.
I’m not saying that your body defines you but imagine the confidence level you could achieve if you would simply stop and focus on the present moment; the rush of endorphin running through your system, the flow of blood circulating from your heart to your muscles, and the feeling of euphoria, adrenaline and relief when you are complete.
Wow! - Sounds sort of like something else...It’s the CLIMAX, people!
Now, imagine what you could accomplish today, feeling and knowing that you tried your very hardest in the gym, on top of consuming pure, clean whole foods- your mind is clear, your focus is sharp and your energy and drive is REVVED-UP and ready to conquer the day.
Next Weeks topic: Change up your life-routine!
Julianna LoCascio
Personal Trainer
National Health Advisor
Life Coach
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”-Max DuPree
I’m just going to say it; without a healthy mind, you will NEVER have a healthy body!!! Take it from me; the mind body connection is the most powerful key to lifelong weight loss, energy and sustaining muscle. I’ve seen it and been through it a hundred times!
You must learn how to shut off your negative thoughts during your journey to fitness, especially during your workouts, when every second counts. Your mind has to be as prepared as your body to receive effective and efficient results.
As a personal trainer, I can’t tell you how many times I have said to my client, “belly-button to spine, don’t let your knees pass your toes, use your legs and core to lift, shoulders protracted (squeezed together), chest up, keep your neck aligned with your spine, an apple should fit between your chin and your chest, right now (in reference to abdominal and core work), breath in to your stretches, don’t forget to breath, inhale down, exhale up” (in reference to a push up…).
The point I am trying to make is, if your mind is preoccupied with the woman your husband was flirting with at dinner last night, how you're going to manage to pay your rent this month, why your Mother-in-law is so possessive, how fat you look in the mirror, how stressed-out you are, you will never be able to achieve or sustain the leanest, sexiest ‘you’.
That brings me to another thing, quit comparing yourself to others! Yes, your friend or co-worker may have a speed-of-light metabolism and can eat whatever she wants, but guess what? She is not the one reading this article, you are! They may be dealing with a far more paralyzing demon, who knows! All that matters is that you move forward and towards improving and restoring the best ‘you,’ and that alone could inspire, encourage, and uplift others to conqueror their issues too! Bingo! A win-win!
So, basically over-thinking, in general, is a counter-productive behavior that should be disposed of ASAP, from your consciousness, in every aspects of your life. And the spiraling downward-slop will cunningly reveal itself when your results are not near what you intended, after weeks of endless trips to the gym.
I'm pretty sure my clients have my voice engrained in their skulls for life- and you too, will eventually understand how to perform perfect, efficient form that will lead to a perfectly-sculpted physique.
Once this is established you will be able to focus solely on your form and oxygen-intake for the duration of your workout. Trust me ladies, this will save you SO MUCH energy you would normally waste on worrying.
I’m not saying that your body defines you but imagine the confidence level you could achieve if you would simply stop and focus on the present moment; the rush of endorphin running through your system, the flow of blood circulating from your heart to your muscles, and the feeling of euphoria, adrenaline and relief when you are complete.
Wow! - Sounds sort of like something else...It’s the CLIMAX, people!
Now, imagine what you could accomplish today, feeling and knowing that you tried your very hardest in the gym, on top of consuming pure, clean whole foods- your mind is clear, your focus is sharp and your energy and drive is REVVED-UP and ready to conquer the day.
Next Weeks topic: Change up your life-routine!
Julianna LoCascio
Personal Trainer
National Health Advisor
Life Coach
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
“We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”-Max DuPree
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