I am proud to be the honourable hero for both Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada's (LLSC) Team in Training (TNT) -Prairie's Chapter & Pineapple Challenge-Calgary.
I wish all participants good luck in their training & fundraising this year!  Without all of you (participants, LLSC staff & volunteers & supporters) I wouldn't be here today.  

I hope to represent LLSC-Prairie Chapter/Calgary the best that I can.  I want everyone to know without the support from these groups, my family & friends wouldn't have received the support that has touched them knowing a loved one has been diagnosed with a blood cancer.  I have seen how each person close to me has dealt with and coped with such devastating news.  I thank LLSC for the tremendous fundraising they do and for increasing blood cancer awareness. 

I also want to thank everyone who has run for me, helped me fundraise for a charity that is so close to my heart.  Since being diagnosed in August 2007, I have accomplished many things.  I have continued to run, train & become an NPAA Bikini Competitor. I have started my own nutrition company, JCJNutrition.  I've been able to keep my passion for food & nutrition, fitness, watch my nephews grow up & enjoying life with my family & friends at a higher level.  Thanks to charities like LLSC Team in Training, Light the Night & the newest addition Pineapple Challenge, I have been able to get back to quality of life. 

Thank you everyone & help me support those who are battling blood cancers.  Continue to follow me in this journey & this great opportunity with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada-Praire Chapter/Calgary, AB.
~JCJ oxox

It's already the first week of December - only a few weeks to go before the big day, December 25th! 

Your behaviour during these next weeks is critical to preventing holiday weight gain. Why?  You need to set the tone for the upcoming holiday food frenzy. 

It's that time if year when you are rushed - you're doing Christmas shopping and wrapping, baking, decorating, socializing, partying, and general "fa-la-la" and "ho-ho-ho!"-ing.  Do you see where I'm going with this?!  Many of us fall victim to the trap of not having enough time to eat healthy during the holidays.  People gain an average of 5-10 lbs before Christmas Day, and then a little extra during the holiday week because they figure "Oh, what the heck? - I'll hit the treadmill and eat healthy in the New Year!"

 Well...why don't you start now?!?

JCJ Approved Tips for Holiday Health!

1. Make time to prepare snacks!  Prepping and packing snacks means you won't be caught off guard when a holiday craving or hunger pang hits, whether you're stuck in line at the mall or at Suzy's winter concert.  Grab some almonds, carrot sticks, or healthy snack bars - opt for those low in sugar! - and stash them in your purse, pocket, or glove box for a quick fix.  A water bottle is a great (albeit heavy!) addition too!

2. Socialize smartly - simple swaps!  You can still eat well when you socialize during the festive season.  If you're partying potluck style, try bringing a fresh fruit tray with yogurt dip  or  tomato and mini cheese skewers drizzled with olive oil. 

When surveying the buffet, choose items that are least processed and most simple for the healthiest choice. 

Appetizers are a popular trend during the holidays.  These items are very often deep fried & high in fat, making this a place where the calories can add up quickly!  Choose appys like chilled shrimp with cocktail dip over breaded or fried shrimp, like those generally found on skewers.  Pickles & olives are a great choice to feed your salty craving, rather than chips and dip. If there's a cheese platter, choose a few cubes (think: the size of a couple dice) with rye crackers & fruit over a smear of brie with a fatty or sugary topping. 

When filling up your glass for a Christmas toast, choose hot chocolate or cider rather than fatty and filling egg nog.  If you're looking for something a bit stronger, choose wine, light beer or champagne rather than sugary cocktails. 

3.  Dealing with candy canes & sugarplums:   At this time of year it seems everyone loves to share their favourite sugary, chocolate-y recipe!  If you have a sweet tooth, stick to one treat and then walk away.  Limit yourself to just a taste...but not a taste of the whole platter!!  We want you to enjoy the holidays an not deprive yourself, but don't forget to use your healthy snacks (which are ready and waiting in your purse, now that you've taken my advice!) as a smart alternative to the sweet treats.  And, if the parade of sweets seems to be constant...daily...never-ending!...remind yourself "I had a sweet treat yesterday...so today, no thanks!" 


Remember the holiday season is a time to celebrate with your closest family and friends.  Food brings people together, so share these tools with your company and if you indulge, keep it in moderation!

Happy Holidays!

- JCJ