Have you ever looked back at a photo of yourself.... and see someone different. Someone that you now wish you could be? Like what were you doing differently then? What happened. How did I get to here. I thought first of all, you change for the better? I recently look back and realize those things. But then also realize that it is better now. Cause, to get to the ultimate place... we have to pass through all the sh*t... until we become that person who can handle it from there. I have had so many realizations today it's overwhelming. 

Basically I had a very confronting conversation with a good friend. Who helped me realized a lot of things even without saying it. Of course she asked me all the right questions to get me to those thoughts. And that I am thankful for. First of all I realized from the questions, #1, I'm in denial. I don't want to believe the fact that I am truly on the wrong route. Not in life, but with my day to day thoughts. I know from research and just my everyday learnings that - You become your thoughts. But it's never actually been something I applied to my own self. Now I realize, all the negative thoughts- have become even more true about myself. 

She asked me to name 5 things I love about my body. Hm. Why was this so hard? Then she asked me what would I like to love about my body. And answer in the sense as though I do love them right now- even though truly, I was not happy with those areas. Look, I'm a girl, I know we all have our things we don't like. I've heard skinny people say they don't like their arms. And here I am just wanting that persons skinny arms. We all have our insecurities. Thats fine. But I have let all of these things define who I am. Which right now if I were an animal I'd be most like a hermit crab. Is that who I thought I'd be? Hell no. But if I had to be true that whats I'm acting like. And that in itself is enough to say- something has to change. 

So, 5 things you love about your body? Go ahead say them. or write them down. If their only things you would like to love- then say that. But say that you do love them. Close your eyes and breathe. Smile. Mine were, My lips. My eyes. My arms. My legs. My hair. 
It's very hard to say that I love my arms. Because I have had a problem with them for a very long time. The other thing I could say to that- is besides saying I despise them, what have I done to change them? Yeah right there, So shut it me! Until you start putting things into action. NOTHING will happen. Nothing. Whats that saying, Doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results, defines insanity. Yep, sorry guys, But I've been insane. Haha.

Well on a happier note. The realization in conclusion is this. Hermit crab- Bird. Yeah. A bird. An animal not afraid to fly. Transformation isn't easy. But you have to be first willing and open to accept it. I've got ALOT of evolving to do. So many things. Not even gonna lie. But you have to have dreams, aspirations. Where do you want to be this time next year? The way I have been living my life I will be in the exact same place! And I do not want that. So what has to be done? What has to be done is change. I have to make changes. I have to realize that my family history of health problems, makes my destiny of health lined up to be not a good one. So I have to make everyday count. I have to make sure I take care of myself in those ways and more. Because I love myself and I truly want to be content and happy with my success in life. But right now.

Right now I'm realizing that the importance of being available for my friends and family in a loving way, is priority. And I've let my own selfish problems get in the way of all of that. I don't want to become a bitter mean old lady. But I am on that route. I have become impatient. And angry with myself. I know ya'll know I live a bit of a different life being an aspiring actress, yes I know this. Yes I want this. And this is the way it has to be in order for me to achieve my dreams. But there can be a different path for me a long the way if I allow it to be so. We don't always have to take the struggle, rocky road... Just cause we think it's a hard life. You make that up for yourself. I've made up that this is a difficult life to lead and my confidence gets torn and I get beat up from all the rejection and I've taken every single no personally. This is not the way I should have gone about it in the past. But it's ok, because I know now. I have been a shy person since I moved here. The funny thing is I wasn't so shy when I was younger. But realizing when I came to this town I wasn't the only one with my dream. I got quiet. Which is weird, cause why wouldn't I want to be loud and getting attention? Well. Places change you. I was culture shocked moving here from a small town in Ga. I went through some weird sh*t. I had a lot of struggles. But I let them happen. and now I'm letting them go. If I want to cry at something being so beautiful I can. I am sick of holding back from speaking up. I am sick of not standing up for myself. I'm done with holding back from letting my voice being heard, in auditions and in life. This is it guys, we have just this life. WHAT are you going to do with this gift that we are so lucky to be having the experience of?

Ah this whole time my foot has been asleep. Must go.

Love youself!

Yeah, it's almost that time. When I leave for home for about 3 weeks. I'm very excited- don't get me wrong. But .... if you know me. Well, ya'll know me somewhat, but you maybe don't know this- I am quite the procrastinator. I'm not even gonna lie. Seriously. I'm an out of sight out of mind type of gal. So now that I realize how fast this trip is coming up and how little I've done to reach my goals of becoming fitter for the visit. It's crunch time. Yeah, you heard me- c r u n c h time. It can be done folks. It can be done. Nothing is easy- for the things you want most. I know that going in. 
So basically I'm changing up my diet and workout plan a little. Work out plan as in, actually going to ! Haha. Yes, I've been slacking. Well only in the work out area. I can't tell you how many other things I've been doing for my career lately. Now that I am proud of. But health always needs to stay as a priority. And I have put it on the back burner. But hey, listen... It's okay. Wanna know why? Cause we can change it. Nothing is set in stone. You think people who are paralized sit there and allow their lives to just be that? Hell no. People are playing sports- pushing themselves so hard. We can make whatever out of what we are given. My life is this right now. And I need to make some healthy lemonade with all these lemons! ;) 

Ok. So for those of you who are in the same boat. Here is the deal. 
-Working Out 6x a week. [1 rest day]
-Eating Clean EVERYDAY- (no exception)

Now a more in depth look into that. Meaning- 
Alcohol, 1x a week, sugar- not at all.
No added Salt. No added oil. and vegan.-(this is just for my own self, you can achieve clean eating very easily if you are not vegan- I am choosing this lifestyle at the moment cause I will not be able to eat as clean and vegan as I'd like when I'm in Ga. :(

Comprende?

So what a day looks like for me will be...

B: Oatmeal with 1/2 packet protein and 1 tbsp peanut butter.
L: & D. Quinoa/brown rice with veggie and Protein (ie. tofu, tempeh, beans or lentils )
Snacks : Sweet Potato, Nuts and fruit. (1-2 a day)

Now. Who wants to join me on this challenge?

17 Days to a Cleaner YOU! 
(why 17? that's when I leave for Ga, PLUS that is a # I like. and equals enough time for change.)

I wish you all the best with this and I hope you'll do the same for me! Good luck to us both! Lets do this! Follow me on instagram for daily photos and motivation if you'd like! <3 

Why the name, The Hulk? Well the Hulk is quite huge and quite green.
Just like this smoothie is. Well it's not so huge. But The Hulk could probably eat it for breakfast too
considering the amount of protein in it! I've been upping my protein intake due to lack of carb intake. So heres how I do it, fast and simple! No excuses.

1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond milk.
1 banana (a smoothie isn't a smoothie unless theres a banana!)
1/2 cup blueberries (Yes, I realize this is a carb. -but it's a natural fruit and ok by me in the A.M)
Loads of Spinach. Like 2-3 handfuls. seriously, you won't taste it!
2 scoops of Garden of Life Protein -Original

= 34 g of P R O T E I N

Enjoy and feel satisfied! <3

Need I say more? Um. There are NO carbs in it. And just about 200 calories (Not counting the veggies- cause I don't count calories for veggies. (Just cause!)). Whoah Now! Soooo Yes. I created this dish yesterday. As I have decided for the month of May, to go complex carb free. For me, that means any grains and all flours and potatoes removed. (With the exception of the sweet potato which I will have occasionally.) I have absolutely no problem with grains, please don't misunderstand me. But I have learned from past experiences, when trying to drop a few pounds it does help to omit those from your diet for a short amount of time. Which is all I have until I fly back home to see lots of family and friends. Trying to get toned up for all the wedding photos I will be in! (My two best friends from childhood are getting married.... :'( ) I've got one month and so this is what I'm doing in the short amount of time I have. As well as watching my calorie intake. Otherwise- I'm typically ok with my body, and usually eat when I am hungry and keep it healthy- always. But tend to indulge a little too often ;) So this is good for me. Training myself to be disciplined! 

Things are changing!

Not on The Daily Kale of course. But for the girl behind it all ;) My oh my! 
I just want to start off by saying I am sorry for my absence. But this past month was a toughie!
Lots of change. LOTS of it. I worked probably 6 days 2 weeks in a row also :p Bleh. I've been doing some work on set, which is very important to me :) I hope you can understand. I will be on the show Blood Relatives, in one episode airing in June. I'll let you know when to look out for that!
I also have been traveling back in forth from different places often this past month. So once again, I am very sorry. I never meant to take a hiatus, but it just kinda happened :/ Oh and the launch of my new website. www.krystenjorgensen.com. Yes. Pretty exciting.

Enough about me- How have we all been doing?
Any goals reached that you'd like me to know about? Or struggles? or questions- or advice needed. You know I'm here! Although It may have looked like I wasn't before :s

So for the meaning of this blog. May I Warn You. Was decided because first of all- were going into "May". And I need to warn you and myself- That things are changing. For serious. 
Putting in the efforts and seeing the outcome, come June. Because this months diet- is next months body. Remember that. Stop being impatient. Truly, give yourself sometime. let this be a lifestyle, your lifestyle. Not just a temporary fix. Otherwise your going to be right back to where you were before if not worse. Believe me! 

So as I sit here writing this blog, in which has been so long. I'm finally having my breakfast, oatmeal with a protein smoothie- and it's pretty late in the day :/ I had a early morning meeting though, very far away from where I live so I snacked on nuts and fruit on the way there and back. But now I'm enjoying my time, and soon going to go outdoors and workout this booty.
I have my planner beside me with pen. Ready to write down new goals and new work outs for the coming week. I've decided to create a daily workout {TheDailyWorkout}. I do every other day, and the days in between I will have a normal 5 mile walk. This is easy for me to remember, and more reasonable for me and my body. I'm just not one to jump up and go running for 20 miles :/ I gotta take it easy- just my personality. As I get stronger, I'll 'pump up the volume' ;) If you will. 
So whose with me? Whose down to be a goal getter. Lets jot some things down we want. The plan in order to achieve it. and then EXECUTE it. No time to waste. Be healthy RIGHT now. Not tomorrow, or 'monday'. Right now people! :)

Take care of yourself.

Until next time.

It's that time! Yep yep. So how is everyone? This is my weekly Wednesday weigh in!

Hello there Daily Kale lovers!

I have gained some new followers lately- and always like to remind my readers- what The Daily Kale is all about. I first of all- started The Daily Kale to inspire my sweet Mama. We don't live close at all to each other, and the internet is a great way for us to connect besides the phone of course ;) So in my attempt to get my mom healthier- I share as much healthy knowledge I can. I know I share lots of vegan recipes, but I am not one thing. I'm not just vegan. I do love cheese. And I also love sushi. Not the vegan kind. I also would like to remind you though that in addition to all those things "I love" sometimes they aren't the best for us. But all of us are not created equally. I have an ear problem. And still dealing with it until further notice unfortunately. I avoid dairy as much as I can. But yes- I do I do love cheese so much. It just is not the best thing for people who have ear problems. Or so I have read, and so I have noticed. When I don't eat it- I have less complications, etc. As well as fish. I have it about once a week, if that. If not I'm a 'vegetarian'. But whose into labeling? Who really cares ? We just need to eat to nourish ourselves. The junk is what is GONE completely. If I eat badly- it's probably some healthy packaged snack. I never ever- go to McDonald's or have some nasty french fries. I might not be skinny. But I sure as hell take care of the inside of my body. 

Perhaps I eat too much of a good thing. Don't we always have too much of a good thing? Well maybe not all of you- who have it under control. But for myself. I over indulge in the good stuff, every so often. But my cholesterol is not going up because of it- is yours? Anywho- kinda went off on a tangeant, about what this post is all about after all!

So on this inspiring Monday. I hope your watching The Biggest Loser by the way! That in itself is SO freaking inspiring. All of those people pushing themselves so hard. To change their lives. With dreams of becoming a healthier, lighter, happier person. They transform. Has there ever been a time in your life you think back on and want to go back to? I sure do. I remember last year. When I went on the best vacation of my entire life so far. I went to Cancun, Mexico. For my best friends wedding- who you'll get to know later on in this post. I had the best time there, because it was no ordinary vacation. There was no technology involved, besides my camera. I really connected with all of nature and the love of my life, my boyfriend. We spent nights, sitting by the beach, listening to the water, talking about our future, our past. I remember the feeling of the warm water. And floating, in it- looking out into the endless ocean I was apart of. I also pushed myself. I'm not the most active person:/ I'm not gonna lie! We went on this Tulum something or other adventure! And that sh*t was crazzzzzzy. We went zip lining, and then of course this thing I was scared out of my mind to do. The repel. I was shaking so hard. SO HARD. I mean seriously. I felt like I could die? Yet my boyfriend was ready to do it twice. I dunno why I was scared actually- cause I pretty much have never been that scared of heights, I thrived off of them when I was little. But, times change. And I didn't feel secure doing this. Because you had to rely on your strength, or this hand thing you had to do- either way- I didn't get it and didn't trust myself, nor my tour guide :/ BUT that being said, they let me go down, with them pulling my down instead. That also was very scary to me. But I did it. When I got done, my whole body was shaking and scared. But I did it!

That feeling of being connected with the earth, being active, eating beautiful amazing food. MY GOD, Feeling so free, and feeling calm and peaceful. it was the most beautiful experience. Might I mention I saw my best friend get married to her best friend :)
I also quit the job I hated, when I got back. Lots of things changed from that trip. Including me getting to know myself. I know that the person I was there is who I want to be all the time. Some times living where I live, I steer far away from that emotional, nature- connection I once had in Mexico. But I always remember that beautiful memory. So we have to remember. This is really true. Life is about making memories, those are all we have in the end. The memories.
I lost my dad when I was 18 years old. For a long time I was mad and hated everything about anyone mentioning their father and their good times together. I refused to even look at things involving him. Cause I put all those feelings away- I stored that anger. Once I realized it was ok to think about my dad, it's okay to tell people about the memories, and it not be weird. Now I feel free, talking about him. Because I don't want to ever forget him- I have many thankful memories of him. I'll never forget. :) He inspires me to stay healthy and be happy.

Now to my friend, Elizabeth. She is 26. and just completed her 2nd marathon. My friend inspires me. Because in her world- anything is possible. And if she wants to do it- she will. She's an inspiration for me and for so many others in a healthy way. This is the same best friend who had her beautiful wedding in Mexico btw. Check her out! She did it! x 2!

Ok ya'll. Please from the words of Tara Stiles, 'who made the rules?'


Go out there and do whatever you want!

<3 I love ya'll. 

So what has been weighing you down?
 
Whether it be greasy fatty food- or stress. A lot can hold us back from having our ultimate body. Meaning the one were supposed to have. I don't mean being a rail- that might not be your body frame. First off we need to realize we all have different body types, and we need to embrace our own. Focus on the things we do have. And realize we are very special in our very own way!

No matter how old or young you are. Do not let that be an excuse. As long as you have an open mind and wiliness to change, then you can lose weight. I think one of the most important things to realize is that you have to BELIEVE. I'm serious. If you don't believe in the fact that it is possible for you to transform. Then no matter what you do- you will not ever change. Because you don't believe you can. That means give up the negatives. You're wrong if you think you can't change. WAY wrong. I believe in you. I know you can. But you really got to change the way your living.
Refuse to settle. Refuse to accept this. and change! Things can be different. No matter where you are in your life- you can change the way your living.
-And by the way let me add here that if you are interested in losing weight, your not alone, this information I am giving to you- I am also taking! I want to lose a few pounds, but in no way do I want to count calories, or go low carb everything, etc. No diets here. This is a way of changing your thinking and lose weight in the process. 
I'm not sure of anyones situations. But let me point out some things - 

*Don't eat when your not hungry. 
I don't care if it is dinner time. Are you actually hungry? If your not- then don't eat. It's ok! Only eat when you are actually hungry and stop eating when you truly are full! I know sometimes when were eating something, ooooh it's sooooo good. Yes. But maybe half way through- your good. You don't need anymore. But you still keep eating it cause it tastes so good. Box it up! It's not going anywhere! That could be your dinner for later if you kept it safe and sound in the fridge! Don't over indulge. Eat when your hungry, stop when your full. 

*Eat HEALTHY FOODS!
And nothing else. If that sounds like a death sentence to you- then I'm sorry. But look here, eating potato chips will get you NOWHERE! They are not good for you or your weight loss. Because certain foods keep you hungrier. Their empty calories. Their stupid! They do not deserve to be in your beautiful clean body. You won't be as puffy. You'll be clear and feel focused and good. I love food- I make super delicious foods, and it's all 'healthy'. So seriously- it's not a big deal. Just go back to the basics. Fruits, Veggies, Nuts, Legumes, & Lean protein (if you eat meat.) And sometimes red wine & or dark chocolate, over 70% cacao. (Beer is ok as well in moderation.) Just think naturally.
If your vegan or vegetarian, eating all those fake soy products are not good for your body either. It's good to eat 'clean' foods to remove the toxins from our bodies and keep it clean. Yes, I do eat tofu and gardein products sometimes but it's a treat, and not that often. I also don't eat fake vegan cheeze much. I'd much rather make my cashew cheeze from scratch. Eat as less oils as you can as well. And use as little sugar as possible! Keep it clean!

*Excercise.
No matter what it is you do, get moving. I walk for 3 miles about every day. And it's just walking! I am not an exercise feen. I don't care to have ripped arms. I just know how important it is for our hearts and our bodies to stay active. For energy and mood as well. It helps I promise. I notice if I haven't worked out for a week, I am more negative and not energetic. Thats not ok! Everything changes when I exercise! Much more happier :)

So now that I've shared my most important things to stick with through out you day. let the questions and comments begin! I'd love for us to keep us all accountable. If you'd like to comment and let me know through facebook or here, when you've exercised- what healthy recipe you made, etc. Please do! I'd love to hear it! If you have any questions or concerns please ask me! Will be posting a weekly weigh in every wednesday! So next wed. be ready to weigh in on how your past week went! I wish you the best! Get moving! 

So I've watched about 5 episodes too many of the Biggest Loser tonight. Eek :/ But I love it. Cried almost every episode more than 3 x as well. ;) Man I LOVE THIS freaking show. Seriously. After watching it- at say, 8pm this evening, I already am entirely inspired and want to change I spend the rest of my night. Wouldn't everyone love Bob Harper to be yapping in their ear all the time? I would. Well. I'm here to say, I can be your Bob. I'm no famous trainer nor big tv show. But I more than anything want to be apart of helping someone on their journey of finding themselves. And sometimes we get lost in weight, and eat when were not hungry, and then end up somewhere we didn't belong. And thats okay.

We all follow different paths, but guess what, were all on it together. Were all lost TOGETHER. Okay so knowing that- I"M HERE. Were here together. Please let me help you. You help me. Etc. Lets all help each other?! The Daily Kale is about daily inspiration, health advice, love, support, and all things positive. If things aren't going well in your life right now, that means something isn't working. And we gotta fix that. We gotta change it NOW. We all act as if we are invincible. As if, we'll have another body to work with some other time. No. This is it. The body you have right now is your body right now. and if you don't like it. Then hands down. Were freaking changing it. I mean IT. I will not allow to let you follow my site and continuously stay unhappy. If something is not working for you in your life- you want to lose weight. Lets do this. 

Starting on Wednesday. Everyone is going to comment on the post I create on Wednesday called weigh in. I will continuously post every wed. a post where you will post your progress. And you can discuss with anyone else with in the comments if you'd like to support them or compliment or push them, etc. I want to do this together, no matter if your down the street from me or states away. Were all together in this and we can figure this thing out. Please let me help you! I will post healthy tips with diet and exercise tomorrow, on how to reach a 2 pound weight loss every week. Lets get this going! I love you all!

Lets be honest- (which I always try to be with you all, as much as possible)...Sometimes we get stuck. Stuck in a repetitious cycle. And the outcome is boring. A boring life. Unhappiness, maybe even depression. I have been in that place. I'm assuming we all have? Speaking from my own experience. In which instead of crying about it- I write about it. And I just happen to have a few readers out there :) Even so, writing in a journal could easily do the job, it's mostly about getting your thoughts out of your own head and onto paper. And letting them stay there. Cause usually those negative thoughts- the ones that don't serve you at ALL. Are best left out of your mind, cause their not true. 

I sat down with a coworker today, and was completely inspired. Could it be true that one simple conversation, with someone, whom I actually don't know very well. Changed my day? Yes. Wow, the impact we have on one another. And let me tell you, this was no ordinary conversation. I learned something about someone, that I already thought was very nice and beautiful and glowing and bright, in her own unique way. But the positivity this woman exudes. my goodness! I wanted that. I was completely intrigued and wanted more of this. I find myself wondering, how did she get to that place? Has her life not been as hard as mine? And maybe thats why? All these questions and excuses come up for me. But the truth is- she chose it. She choses that. She choses love over any other feeling. She obviously choses kindness and patience. Seeing that lady be mad would be weird for me. Anywho. This person inspired me so much. I decided to write about her! And share her personality with you- in hopes of getting you inspired. She told me that she doesn't fear much when it comes to abundance, because she knows that the Universe will provide it for her. Her belief in optimism, positivity, is admirable! As well as the fact she says she asks herself in tricky situations, What would love do? And then answers with that response. Wow wow and wow. I was shocked, how can someone live this way all the time? 

People are amazing.
A - m a z i n g. Right? I mean just when you get to talking to people. All walks of life. Learning about their past- what they do for a living. I'm endlessly in love with learning about everyones lives. It's just so inspiring in everyones own way. Who knows- my story might inspire someone. But here I am thinking I'm just a girl, pursuing her dream, living in L.a. Well that ain't to shabby now is it? For a girl who used to sit in her bedroom in a small town in Georgia and dream of living in California one day. Sometimes I think when were feeling stuck, right now in life, as I was when I woke up this morning- It's good to think back. To remember a different time, and then see where we are right now. Why the hell would I be unhappy. I'm doing exactly what the 15 year old self wanted. But as we evolve in life, things change. Sure the importance of pursing my dream is still very powerful. I very much want to be acting- either on stage or tv/film, whichever. But I also have grown to love other things that involve my creativity and passion. Which has become this, The Daily Kale. My purpose was to help my mom at first. To share healthy information through the internet, so she can see it in Georgia. My passion for helping other people become healthier has only grown stronger. And I must say- watching The Biggest Loser last night, (yes I love that show). I remembered why I do what I do, when it comes to this site. I want to inspire you all. I want to make sure you all are important and your health is. I hope that all of this comes across when I wrtie to you. Maybe certain things, you don't connect to., but I hope something does out of the things I share with you.

The fact of the matter is- this post. It's to share how you can be lost. You can feel low. Feel uninspired. That is okay. Just be with that. Don't run away from it. Dig really deep and think about what it is , why your feeling this? There is a reason. It means something isn't working. And you gotta fix it. Try a different path. Go think back to when you were younger, when you had big big dreams. What were they? What are you doing right now that is similar. Go back to your kid self. Color in a coloring book. Go do karaoke. Go bowling. Go be young. We all are young at heart. We have the sweetest, kind spirits. Sometimes life wants to shake it out of us, with all the negativity. But don't focus on that. Listen to happy music. Make some yummy food, make it beautiful. Realize that YOU ARE FREE. Your a free bird, you can do whatever the hell you want. Your not stuck. Believe me, your just not- thats a lie. Do whatever it is you want to do. Belly flop in a pool. Be spontaneous. Or just simply sit at home and read a nice inspiring book with a cup of tea :) Just enjoy life. I love you guys. Take care of yourself please!