@JennyCraig 5 day weight loss starter kit available exclusively at @Walmart #JennyCraigKit #spon

If you checked out Friday's Instagram and Blog Post Teaser, then you know I am going to spill the tea today on Jenny Craig's new weight loss kits being sold exclusively at Walmart in participating stores. (right now in store only)

Last year I entered a blog contest over at The Chatty Momma for one month of Jenny Craig which included weekly one-on-one consultations with a dedicated consultant who would help identify challenges, map out goals and track my progress as well as a one month supply of food. Shout out to Tonia for the amazing giveaway, it really helped me get a good running start to re-vamping my Lifestyle Choices when it comes to meals and portion control.

That was my first ever intro to Jenny Craig, I had never tried a program like this prior to this experience and I am happy to report I was successful at losing weight with the program - Members following the Jenny Craig program on average lose 1-2 lbs. a week.

Out of the four weeks, I had only one 'un-successful' week and it is because I didn't stick with it, I was away from the meals most of that week because of my insane schedule - that is the only week I gained, not much, but it proved without a shadow of a doubt that if you stick to it, the program really does yield results. I wasn't just 'out and about' I was traveling so I couldn't take the food with me, if only this kit had been available then, I could have just purchased one when I landed!

As promised, I am going to prove to you that this average sized box actually contains 3 meals a day PLUS a snack for FIVE days (here is the kit 'un-boxed'):

Contents:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five healthy Breakfasts! (Very Left with the Yellow Labels)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five Healthy Lunches! (Second to Left with Orange Coded Labels)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five Healthy Dinners! (Second to Right with Green Labels)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Five Tasty Snacks! (Far Right with Purple Labels - a little salty and a little sampling of sweet - because sometimes you want chocolate other times chips!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One month free consultation at any Jenny Craig Center or Jenny Craig Anywhere

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ***Special $50 food savings when you join a Jenny Craig Center***

The Jenny Craig Weight Loss Starter Kit is available exclusively at Walmart - right now in store only - there are also three day kits available (the three day kits retail for $44.98) - those kits have the chocolate dream shakes in them which I highly recommend! (If you buy both kits you'll have the weekend covered too! PERK)

For the truly observant you may notice my kit accidentally contained 4 dinners and 6 lunches but if that happens to you don't worry you can substitute - I just used one of the lunches for dinner.

and one of the things I love about the program is that you can add a salad to any lunch or dinner - now just remember, it's NOT the salad that does folks in, it's the dressing - the plan comes with a pre-portioned balsamic dressing that I really love. They also offer 'anytime' items. 

MY TAKE:

Advantages/Loves/Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The fact that this kit does NOT require refrigeration and can be stored at room temp makes it perfect for my 'cubicle chicks' - no worries about stuff disappearing from the office fridge. (In my younger days I worked on a Trading Floor and lunches constantly disappeared from the Fridge - not cool, especially in winter!) - Just store them in your desk and you have all your meals literally at your fingertips. And with having the dinners with you, if you work late, you are covered and don't have to worry about being starved by the time you get home.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hate meal planning? - BOOM, this kit plans for you - it literally doesn't get easier than that.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Hate shopping for a ton of ingredients you don't end up using or having food go bad? Not going to happen with this kit. With me being a single gal in the city with no kids I don't want to prepare elaborate meals just for me - lunches especially - I don't have time for it, so this is absolutely perfect for me. I also tend to skip breakfast if left to my own devices, this system helps me start my day with something in my system making me less likely to snack before lunch and give me more energy. PERK!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Even as a SOHO (small office/home office) I love that I can always have something portion controlled, healthy and TASTY at my disposal. They are super fast to prepare which is perfect and some of the lunches that don't even require heating like the salad kits (chicken or tuna salad with whole wheat crackers and apple sauce) can be tucked into your purse for a meal on the go so you are less likely to cheat while out.

Cons: (these are actually not 'bad' - totally personal preference stuff)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the beginning it takes getting used to the smaller sizes, especially for the snacks. Re-training my brain can be hard, especially when I am up late at night trying to meet deadlines - that is my snacktime danger zone. I know enough to know it can be exhaustion from working solid so many hours coupled with de-hydration from not taking enough breaks that make me crave the bad for me snacks. I wish the snack portion sizing were a bit bigger but that's the point - not to cut out snacking completely, just learn to cut back. By the way, while it was not included in this kit - the triple chocolate cheesecake from Jenny Craig's is addictive and rivals any of my favorite cheesecakes hands down. A pro and a con indeed! Delicious - total pro, the fact that I want to eat at least four of them in one sitting a con! LOL

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am a grab and go if at all Breakfast person - the chocolate dream shake is PERFECT, but it is not included in this particular kit (I am at an advantage and dis-advantage that I am familiar with the entire range of meals offered and have my favorites!) I do wish this five day kit included the shakes as the shakes can also be used for a boost mid-day if you are craving something and are far from your next meal time, the shakes are considered 'anytime' items (as well as many of the bars like the Chocolate Peanut Butter Anytime Bar). Nothing to count, just follow along the menu plan and it outlines how to incorporate anytime items into your day.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Now I don't know if all the kits are like that, but I wish mine hadn't repeated meals more than once, and had given me total variety with something different each day but I have a feeling that most of the other meals are ones that require refrigeration so that is why they weren't included.

Now I know what you are thinking butterflies, "but butterfly if the program worked for you, why didn't you stay on it longer than the trial month?"

Good Question, simply put the weekly meetings were really hard to fit into my schedule. I am a Life Coach, Social Media Consultant, Freelance Writer and Blogger and commuting to the city as there is no branch closer to me just for the consultations got harder and harder to schedule, now that the kits can be picked up at MY convenience I can see myself picking it up again to jump start my way into Spring and get myself back on track eating wise and portion control wise. Also, with the beverages, hauling the food from the branch to my home as someone who does not drive and was taking public transportation was also a challenge for me, this kit is way lighter and much more compact and can be picked up during a regular shopping trip closer to home so it's a total win/win in my book.

For those of you who decide to become full members after trying the weight loss kit, here are my personal food faves from the Jenny Craig Menu:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Breakfast Faves: Egg, Cheese & Turkey Sausage Burrito, Florentine Breakfast Pizzas (Whole Wheat Crust, Scrambled Egg White, Spinach and a blend of cheeses and BACON, yes Bacon!) and for me I used the Chocolate Dream Shakes often for Breakfast as well.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lunch Faves: Baja Style Chicken Quesadilla, Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder, Stuffed Pizza Bites, White Bean Chicken Chili (this one is included in the kit! PERK!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dinner Faves: Turkey Chili, Chicken Carbonara (which has BACON!), Chicken Fettucini, White Fish and Mushroom Risotto

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Snack Faves: Bruschetta Veggie Chips, Black Bean Taco Chips, Chocolate Lava Cake and Gold Stars to the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake!

When following the program, I lost just under 2 pounds per week each week, so I hope that the new kits at Walmart will also be made available soon at Walmart.com because having it delivered right to my door would definitely make an already good thing - that much better!

What say YOU? Do you shop at Walmart? Will you be making a bee line for the diet/weight loss aisle to try the new Jenny Craig 5 day Weight Loss Starter Kit exclusively at Walmart? The Ground hog says Spring is coming early and you know what that means - summer isn't far behind!

***NOTE: $50 Food Discount to be used in $10 increments with minimum food purchase of $90 (US) $95 (CAN), plus the cost of shipping, if applicable. Membership is required to redeem the $50 Food Discount. Enrollment fees and monthly fees may be required and vary by location. Valid at participating centers, Jenny Craig Anywhere and jennycraig.com - Valid for food purchase only;  may NOT be used for shipping costs. No Cash Value. Not Transferable. Restrictions Apply.***

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FTC Disclosure:  This is a sponsored/compensated Post in conjunction with Acorn Influence and Walmart, however all opinions are 100% my own! The Weight Loss and The Love Is Real Folks - Portion Control really is KING. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Check with your Doctor before starting this or any weight loss program. Some meal/snack items contain tree nuts, read ingredient labels carefully before purchasing.

#JennyCraigKit now available @walmart #ad

Fresh off Ascending Butterfly's Instagram Feed: Hard to believe this is 5 days worth of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks too! The #JennyCraigKit is now available at EXCLUSIVELY at Walmart and I had the chance to try it out! Look for a full post on Monday so you can see what's in the box! This is just a teaser! :-)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated/sponsored Campaign, All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Ascending Butterfly May Monthly #Book Club Title: Review and #Giveaway of The Fast Metabolism Diet #FastMetabolismDiet

This is a sponsored post/Giveaway for SheSpeaks/Fast Metabolism Diet (All opinions are my own):

I spent 2010 and 2011 on a series of Lifestyle Changes that resulted in very healthy weight loss overtime. Getting more excercise and recipe substitions had resulted in the loss of 3 dress sizes and way more energy. I was thrilled!

Then 2012 happened. I spent the bulk of the year at three different hospitals for long term stays. Which meant being sick to my stomach and not wanting to eat due to the medications and surgeries, and a ton of time in a hospital bed which meant no excercise. To say last year threw me off my game is an understatement. Considering I was told I may not make it, I have much to be grateful for. Every few months it's back to the hospital for testing and I still can't go back to a full workout routine yet.

With summer coming I want to have tons of energy because after a year in the hospital, I plan to go out everyday and take full advantage of the sun this summer! I knew I needed to find a way to get my metabolism going knowing full well that I can't yet go back to the workout routine I was enjoying in 2010 and 2011 (which included Zumba and Yoga).

I had actually seen the book on TV before I was invited to participate in this campaign and it had caught my eye. The one thing I've learned through the years is that Lifestyle Changes, (no matter what they are for, to break bad habits, learn new ones, incorporate meditation into your day), have to be logical and not too difficult to incorporate to be successful. From what I had seen this looked easy to do, and seemed to make sense for me with my many restrictions.

I am going to be totally honest, I tried this out and didn't follow it to the letter, but it's OK because I knew I probably wouldn't. My schedule is erratic and because of my varied obligations, it's ever changing. Events in NYC come with cocktails, food, appetizers and all kind of things that are not always what I was meant to be eating that day. And worse still meetings all day and events most evenings including weekends leave very little time for much of a workout routine anyway.

The Science behind The Fast Metabolism Diet is explained graphically on their website and it's worth taking a look at so you can get an idea of 'the HOW' behind the diet. As a single girl in the city I didn't have the problem of worrying about other people in the home not liking the meals, it was just me I had to worry about. Is that how I eat everyday? NO. So it was hard to get adjusted to. For me the biggest problem was the cutting back of refined sugars, I love my chocolate and my Ice Cream and I am NOT going to cut them completely out of my life.

I was excited to discover that some of the foods I already love like Lobster, Shrimp, Avocados, Cashews, Seaweed (Sushi anyone?), stimulate the release of fat-burning T4 and T3 hormones which create a thermogenic effect in the body, melting those hard fat stores and allowing them to be liquified by the Thyroid Hormones, burned for energy and released from the body. This burn boosts your metabolism!

I know what you are thinking by now, 'So Butterfly, Did it WORK?'. Yes it did. I did not lose 20 pounds, but I have a firm policy of not gauging my weight loss with the scale, I lost one dress size so far, and I have maintained that size, my underwear/lingerie are all so loose I have to get new stuff in a size down, and I am happy with that progress. I am not following it to the letter, but with the principles it outlines, and with me slowly but surely being able to become progressively more active I am sure I will be back to where I was in 2011 in no time.

We are happy to make this our first title for the return of the Book Club, and with the advent of swimsuit season upon us, I am happy to recommend this program as the kick start to a series of full Lifestyle changes that will help you get ready to put your best face forward this summer!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Author Haylie Pomroy on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Follow @hayliepomroy on Twitter

WIN IT: 

Our friends at She Speaks and The Fast Metabolism Diet want one lucky Ascending Butterfly reader to have the chance to kickstart and rev up their metabolism too!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post for She Speaks/Fast Metabolism Diet. I received compensation and a complimentary copy of the book, the sponsor is also fulfilling to the giveaway winner. All opinions are 100% my own.

@LuckyMagazine Bloggers Luncheon with @JaneIredale + @JeanGodfreyJune Lucky Beauty Director #beauty #makeup #inspiration

Last month in the midst of holiday madness, a whirlwind of personal and professional events, (including Spring and Summer 2013 Previews how bizarre is that right?), came a gem of an event that left me truly inspired and uplifted afterwards, a bloggers Luncheon with Jane Iredale hosted by Lucky Magazine.

My first introduction to the brand was during the Makeup Show in NYC in 2010. When I got to the Jane Iredale booth I met Kevin Mendleson who is now the Global Educator for the Jane Iredale Cosmetics Brand. He gave me what I considered then and still consider to this day a total transformation. His makeover truly transformed the way I saw myself.  And that of course started my fascination with the brand. Kevin actually really took the time to understand my lifestyle, my rush out the door barely time for anything mornings, down to my eating habits and diet! I was pleasantly surprised, he gave me a ton of advice, and decided on giving me an all out glam girl look and he *gasp* introduced me to the muted/aka 'Nude' lip! (and I was delighted that he did appreciate the work that goes into my signature custom daily red lip). He made me let go of my comfort zone and help to see myself in a new way.

And that inner/outer combination is what exactly Jane Iredale is all about!

So in a mixture of personal pictures, professional pictures and quotes, here is a recap of the luncheon:

Lucky Magazine Jane Iredale Bloggers Luncheon, Pro Shot used WITH permission!

Before the event began we were given the chance to write out a question we wanted to ask Jane! Which I thought was fantastic, nothing scripted, and everything straight from the heart and on the spot!

Left: Lucky Magazine Beauty Director Jean Godfrey-June, Right: Jane Iredale, President and Founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics (makers of jane iredale)

Our Moderator and all-around 'hostess with the mostest!' was none other than Lucky Magazine Beauty Director, Jean Godfrey-June (can I be her when I grow up?), and many of us curious bloggers also wanted to know Jean's answers to many of the questions that were also asked of Jane.

"Good skin is important to the longevity of a career" ~ Jane Iredale

Left: Jane Iredale, President and Founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics (makers of jane iredale) Right: Lucky Magazine Beauty Director Jean Godfrey-June

"I asked myself, why can't we have a makeup that's GOOD for the skin?" ~ Jane Iredale

Much like me Jane is NOT yet a mom, but dotes over her 'furbabies'. She said "Having two dogs helps, they have to be walked, they have to be taken care of - that at least gets me out of the office! One of my absolute favorite quotes from the luncheon was:

"To be a successful entrepreneur, you have to have passion for what you are doing then that passion is all consuming" ~ Jane Iredale

 

We learned that the company came about after a broadway show that had flopped in a week left Jane searching for what was next. I personally think being at a standstill be it personally or professionally is where our best ideas come from, and hearing someone that has reached such an amazing level of success say the same just added fuel to my flame to stick with my passions, allow myself to sometimes go down the rabbit hole and see where it leads!  When Jane said "The Public Failure, it was just ugly, but I learned that I didn't know enough about it to take on writing a Broadway show, but it was good. If that hadn't happened I wouldn't have started my company", I think it was an 'a-ha' moment for everyone. I doubt there is anyone out there who can't relate to personal or professional mis-steps of their own. But it's what she did with that 'failure' that led to her ultimate triumph and victory.

"Lifestyle and diet are absolutely key, I think supplements help a lot with Health. What you put on the skin is absorbed by the body." ~ Jane Iredale

Jane's Greatest Moment? - The first testimonial that came in from a consumer

How Jane Defines Beauty and who she thinks is beautiful? - "Beauty is very nourishing for the soul, whether it's a person or place or art. Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep - they have both inner and outer beauty!

What does Jane do in her 'spare time'? - "I love to read. I love Gardening, it resonates to everything I do" She also likes to play Golf and hang out with her Dogs!

When asked - What do you have in mind when you design? she replied "Things I have personal interest in, and things consumers would like. We have two seasonal collections that are really, really about color."

When asked - Do you have advice regarding criticism of your work? I really loved her response:

"It's hard to deal with, but you can't ignore it. The worst thing you can do is pretend it didn't happen. you have to face it. And have some objectivity. Confront it, deal with it, it's an opportunity to learn." ~ Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale's Advice for women over 35:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Don't ignore makeup

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - It's not about wearing less and less, it's about ADJUSTING

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Feel free to pay attention to trends, but adapt it to what works for YOU

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Too much blush can be aging

How to prevent the dry skin look that mineral makeup can sometimes impart in winter:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Use a tinted mouisturizer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - or you could also try a facial spritz then pat your face gently to set the minerals

What is the #1 benefit of using Jane Iredale Cosmetics?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - It lets skin breathe and function normally. The skin is the body's 3rd lung and 3rd kidney, it must breathe, it's important that you are NOT blocking things!

What are your preferences for applying Foundation?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - For Powder - Definitely a brush!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - For Liquid - I use my fingers but many of our artists will use a brush with Liquid also

What is the Go-To Product in your line?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Loose Powder as well as our Lash Conditioner (to help them grow and keep them healthy!)

I found Jane to be a true inspiration, and the luncheon was incredibly empowering!

Jane was nice enough to give us a gift to give to YOU, so stay tuned butterflies for a Jane Iredale Cosmetics Giveaway coming SOON!

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FTC Disclosure: I attended a Lucky Magazine Luncheon as a member of the Digital Press. Our lunch was provided and Jane Iredale provided a product sample for editorial consideration, however this is NOT a compensated post and no monetary compensation has been received to recap this event. All opinions are 100% my own.