Weight loss has always been the gold standard for measuring progress. We use it to determine whether a workout program or set of eating habits are working or not. But, if we're holding out for that scale to budge, we're probably missing out on all the other changes that are happening. We find ourselves discouraged and frustrated, assuming that all of our hard work is in vain. 

You need to see that there are SO MANY other markers of progress, clues that changes are absolutely happening! And each of these other indicators are worth celebrating. 

On this episode, I'm sharing why it's incredibly important to recognize and celebrate even the smallest of victories. And then together we'll go through a long list of changes that might be happening for you that are worth acknowledging...proof that you're doing well! 

"Remember, we belong to a Kingdom where it's now in our DNA to celebrate small, seemingly insignificant things. And the more we can do that, the more joy and encouragement we feel in the process." 

Resources from this episode: 

• Sign up for my newsletter here! 
• The Strong Mommas Squad - FREE private FB community for moms that would like more accountability & support! 
• Luke 5:8-10
• 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
• Ep. 6 - "Should You Be Weighing Yourself?" 

It's no secret that Intermittent Fasting is gaining in popularity these days. If you ask someone that has been IF for a while, they will sing its praises and say "it's the best thing they've ever done". The results and health benefits that people are experiencing are awfully convincing, but is it a great option for everyone? 

Scott and I wanted to see for ourselves. For two weeks, we followed a specific IF protocol, all while taking note of our mood, energy and hunger levels, the impact on our family, and of course, physical results. 

On this episode, you'll learn the general idea behind intermittent fasting, different methods, we'll describe our experience, discussing the pros and cons, and offer some general recommendations for those that might be interested in trying this out for themselves. 

MORE RESOURCES: 

• Sign up for my newsletter here! 
• The Strong Mommas Squad - FREE private FB community for moms that would like more accountability & support! 
• [video] Intermittent Fasting: Fact or Fiction - John Berardi
• [article] Intermittent Fasting for Women - by Dr. Helen Kollias
• Leangains and Martin Berkhan - More on the 16/8 fasting protocol
• [video] Thomas DeLauer's quick guide to IF for women  
• [blog post] Food: Our Broken & Strained Relationship

There's a general fear among women: lifting weights, especially heavy weights, could potentially turn them into the hulk, making them look bulky and thick and masculine. But is this actually true? Perhaps your own experience says, "Yes! This happens to me!" 

On this episode, we're talking all about the different body types and their potential to gain muscle mass, the different muscle fiber types, what's actually happening when you feel "swole" after a workout, and the real reason why you might feel thicker when you're strength training. 

Also, there are some personal body image fears that we need to address. I'll be sharing my own story and personal physical perceptions of "bulkiness" and how I've overcome. 

We're packing a LOT in the episode! You're going to learn a ton about body types and muscle fibers and how your own body operates. 

More Resources: 

• The Strong Mommas Squad - FREE private FB community for moms that would like more accountability & support! 
• [SM Article] Will Lifting Weights Make Me Bulk Up? 
• [GGS Article] Does Lifting Heavy Make You Bulky? 
• Philippians 4:12-13

​