In 2006 at the age of thirty-one, Jennifer was crowned the first ever Miss Muscle and Fitness, making her one of the most sought after fitness models in the nation. To date she has appeared on a record breaking 44 magazine covers. Jennifer has also created a complete collection of exercise DVD’s titled Fabulously Fit Moms. Jennifer is the CEO and visionary power house behind JNL Worldwide, Inc., and the spokes model for all of her lifestyle brands, wellness products, exercise equipment, DVDs, home, bath, bedding, spa, and electronic downloads, and websites. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Specialist in Sports Nutrition.
Diet Detective: Hello Jennifer, what exciting changes you made in your life, and what a great role model you are for moms around the country — we’re glad you can share your success with us. My first question is about your dramatic weight loss and turn around — what motivated you? How did you do it? Also, tell us about being on Oprah? Were you nervous?
Jennifer: I knew that I had to be healthy for my children, and my lifestyle really affected many more people than just me. Being a mom is a sport! You never get to clock out and you always have to be on your feet. Therefore, I made it a point to get fit and never look back. I lost over 70 pounds after the birth of my second son leading me to be crowned Miss Bikini America. After this major milestone, I knew that my family was my driving force to be in great condition and to never give up.
Being on The Oprah Winfrey Show was a blessing to me. Oprah identified with my yo-yo diet past and it was such an incredible opportunity to share with other women and moms who also needed to hear my motivational story, to prove that all things are possible with dedication, vision, and determination.
Diet Detective: Can you tell us a bit about your fitness DVDs? What makes them different?
Jennifer: My Fabulously Fit Mom exercise DVD’s are the answer to a busy modern day women’s lifestyle. These workouts are challenging, and are not only for moms. I have a total of six titles, all devoted to getting a solid workout in, all in the comfort of your own home.
Diet Detective: What do you think is the one most important things that makes or breaks a diet/fitness program?
Jennifer: Many of my clients want immediate results. If they don’t see results instantly, they give up and give in. I urge all of you out there to focus on keeping your eye on the prize and giving yourselves the gift of time. Also, don’t strive to be perfect, rather be persistent and you will see results.
Diet Detective: Are people surprised that you’re a mom and fitness professional? Why are they surprised?
Jennifer: Yes! They see me with my sons and can’t imagine how I have so much stamina, energy, and endurance. I work 14 hour days and even on the weekends, but I never run out of steam — it’s all based on exercising and sound nutrition. I am proud to be a mom, and it’s the most rewarding role in my life.
Diet Detective: How do you get someone motivated to stick to a fitness program?
Jennifer: I motivate my international clientele by unlocking the why in why they want to lose weight. And this why needs to be much more than just to look good at a wedding. I evoke their pain and make them realize that living a healthy life is the answer to all!
Diet Detective: In all your years of training what do you consider the best non-weight related exercise?
Jennifer: Hands down jumping rope — It’s an incredible natural fat burner.
Diet Detective: If you could only do one strength training exercise (using weights) what would it be?
Jennifer: Walking lunges with dumbbells. It gives you an instant “butt lift” and works out your entire lower body-including your glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, and even your lower back and abs! It’s an all in one power move.
Diet Detective: What is the worst strength training exercise for women? Or one that is the most frequently done incorrectly?
Jennifer: I have to say chest. Many women don’t need to workout the chest, and they end up looking like a female version of Hulk Hogan! Women, lay off the chest exercises if you still want to look feminine and sexy!
Diet Detective: If you could eat one forbidden or unhealthy food (candy, cakes, etc.) whenever you wanted without gaining weight, what would it be?
Jennifer: This is an excellent question! I love spicy nachos with everything on it — guacamole, sour cream, ground beef, and cheese! Can you please take the calories and fat out of this meal for me?
Diet Detective: What’s your favorite healthy breakfast?
Jennifer: I follow my “JNL Super Food Meal Formula” which consists of a lean source of protein, a complex carb, and a fibrous carb. My favorite breakfast is an egg white omelet made with spinach and mixed bell pepper, and a half cup cooked oatmeal with a touch of ground flax seed, 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil (its excellent for your metabolism) and also a cup of green tea.
Diet Detective: What do you consider the world’s most perfect food?
Jennifer: It sound boring, but an organic egg is the world’s most perfect food! It contains tons of protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fat.
Diet Detective: Which person do you respect most, or who motivates you?
Jennifer: Of course God — he is my strength. And also my loving husband and kids. They give me so much love, support, and are the reason why I do what I do. I love them so much. No amount of money or fame could ever replace them. They are my true victory in life.
Diet Detective: If you had to choose a specific song or band to get you excited for your workout, what would it be? What other songs are on your iPod ?
Jennifer: I love “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross. She is a true Diva and she radiates positive energy and pizzazz on that song!
Diet Detective: What do you do to reduce stress/relax/center your mind? Do you participate in an organized relaxation activity such as yoga, meditation or tai chi?
Jennifer: I love Hot Yoga, and I must have a massage once a week. My weekly massage balances me, and forces me to relax and really understand the most important things in life are your friends and family.
Diet Detective: What’s the most bodacious chance you’ve ever taken?
Jennifer: For sure when I allowed my husband to talk me into sky diving, and also hang gliding over Rio De Janeiro! Scary but so fun.
Diet Detective: What was your worst summer job?
Jennifer: I have to say my first job of working at a movie theater at the cash register. I was so slow! My line was always the longest and I could not move fast enough. I also burnt the popcorn one time so bad the entire theater lobby smelt like smoke!
Diet Detective: Define failure.
Jennifer: There is no such thing as failure — only results! If the results are not what you want, then learn from it and move on!
