Hey heyyy 
How was your Monday? I loved reading what y’all were thankful for. I’ll tell you what else I’m thankful for: a strong body. I don’t know why I feel the need to mention this right now but guess what?!?
I’ve gain 10 POUNDS since moving to California!
For the first time in my whole life I actually have real curves and you know…it’s not so bad. I might even like it. Heather really nailed it this morning when she talked about the inability to size up to our society’s unrealistic beauty standards. So, so true. As a culture in whole, we have suuuuuuuuch a disordered, unhealthy perception of what beauty really is. I’m not going to lie—at first I might have been a little freaked out about gaining 10 pounds but…it’s grown on me (no pun intended muhahaha). I’ve had several trusted friends of the opposite sex tell me that I look much better now than I did, say, five months ago and I feel like I sort of “fill out my clothes better”, so to speak. I think it might be because my butt has grown bigger but who knows. 
You’ve gotta laugh at these things…and seriously, I’ve been laughing hard. All five of us have gained weight since moving here and it’s actually quite humorous when you really think about it. I think these 10 lbs I’ve gained have hailed from the tastiest and best calories I’ve ever consumed. Rock on.
What was I saying?
Oh yeah, I’m thankful for a strong body because it got me through a crazy intense spin class this morning! For some reason spinning is just so much harder on Monday morning, no?
After my workout, I chugged some grass in the car on the way to work. Keepin’ it classy.
I also had half a AG protein bar for a double shot of superfood—
Lunch was standard and rather boring. A hummus and turkey sandwich on whole wheat + 2 kiwis:
But my snack was out of this world!!
This was my first time trying this Honest Foods bar and it was to die for. Seriously…so freakin’ delicious. And filling, too! I ate this at 2:30 and was set for the next few hours, hands down. I loved the chew!
You know what else was to die for?
That would be my dinner, which was pancakes and a fried egg. I love breakfast for dinner (can I get a BFD?!) and have a very loving relationship with Kodiak Cakes pancake mix. I still can’t believe I pay $8.00 for pancake mix but this is one of those things that is just worth it. I promise. So tonight I just used my standard half cup of mix/half cup of water and made two fluffy pancakes, topped with TJ’s yogurt, almond butter and maple syrup (duh). It was fabulous.
Because we are besties and all, I was telling Kevin tonight about frozen banana soft serve and how genius it is. He was very much intrigued about the idea of pureeing whole frozen bananas in the vita-mix and having it turn out like perfect froyo from the heavens (as in, he is making it tomorrow). Talking about it made me want it, so naturally I whipped up some and topped it with dark chocolate chips—-
The problem was that I was SO excited about this and I took a picture on my blackberry to send Kevin to prove to him how awesome it is that I forgot until it was almost gone to take a photo for the blog. It looked really pretty before I devoured it. Sorry.
***
About to jump in a really hot bubble bath and read myself to sleep. Mmmmm
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It’s nice to see someone that doesn’t freak out about 10 pounds. It’s such a great attitude, and very appreciated.
And it is SO cool that you and Kevin still chat. And even cooler that he wants to try banana soft serve! I still haven’t had it!
Jenna…I know exactly what you mean about the ten pounds. Last year, I was on a kick where I wanted to weigh 110 pounds. I went from 120 to 110, and (thought) I was so happy! Unfortunately, I was also SO hungry. I measured every single thing that went into my body. I would restrain myself to the point of being miserable. I even found myself snapping at my loved ones. I was not fun to be around! After awhile, I started to let up a little bit and became less restrictive about what I was eating. I now stay around 114 to 116, and feel SO much happier, because I can eat what I want (in moderation), and even indulge in decadent desserts every now and then. The funny thing is, all of the size 2′s that I bought when I was 110 still fit just fine. I look back at my former self now, and shake my head. I cannot believe I was making myself miserable just to define myself by a number!!!!
I love that you said you’re thankful for a strong body! To be healthy and strong allows us to do so much: run, hike, spin, play, stretch, swim and dance! I try to remind myself how lucky I am for that everyday. Numbers and scales don’t mean much; it’s all about what you can do and how you feel. It sounds to me that you’ve been feeling energized, inspired and simply loving life!
Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous! That is all I have to say that you are. You look good, feel good. Life is not about a number or what or how much you eat. Never ever worry about that!! You are too important and special a person
Yay to butts!!! Mine has grown too 
Jenna you are such a beautiful woman- inside and out, no matter if you have gained 10 lbs or not. Your body enables you to do the things that you love to do. So I say.. embrace it! If it makes you feel more confident and sexy to have curves.. then work it girl!
The photos that you have posted since you moved to California have been so beautiful and you look happy!! SO happy! which is the most important thing, above all.
As long as you are happy with how you body looks and feels that’s great.
I love that you are enjoying your new surroundings and fitting in
Your positive body image is inspirational! It makes me proud!
You look great even gaining 10 pounds! As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters. That banana soft serve looks awesome, how exactly do you do that? Just puree frozen bananas? Do you add anything else to it?
I started drinking Amazing Grass and it’s pretty good! I’m not brave enough to make green monsters with spinach and what not but it sure is good with frozen fruits!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
You know what, kudos to you Jenna- what a great and positive attitude you have regarding your gain. From what we can see on this side of the blog, those pounds were earned by some DELISH food that I’m super jealous of!!
Have a great day!
Good for you! I totally agree about the body image bit… curves are awesome. I’ve started to realize that if you’re eating great food, you’re bound to look great too, regardless of your weight. I think you might be living my dream life out there in Cali, so live it up, girl. 10 pounds is a small price for some serious happiness (and serious YUM)!
A littel bit of curves never hurt anyonw, glad yoru embracing them. I love the banana soft serve, now I think I want some for tonight’s dessert! Ihave some frozen naners in the freezer.
You.are.uh-mazing. THank you so much for posting this. I have put on an additional 10 lbs over the last year (after gaining an initial 7 to get to my goal weight in my treatment for anorexia) and it has been such a painful experience. In the past couple of months, I have been trying to embrace it. Seeing that even you can gain weight shows me that it isn’t neccessarily that I’ve been doing something wrong to gain the weight, people’s bodies change! Thank you thank you thank you. And you look absolutely gorgeous. I have been reading your blog since day 1, and rooting for you every single step of the way. I am so incredibly happy that you are doing well and feeling good. You deserve it, beautiful woman!!! Much much love.
Anna
I actually was thinking the other day- I don’t remember which post- that you were glowing! You look great!
You.are.uh-mazing. THank you so much for posting this. I have put on an additional 10 lbs over the last year (after gaining an initial 7 to get to my goal weight in my treatment for anorexia) and it has been such a painful experience. In the past couple of months, I have been trying to embrace it. Seeing that even you can gain weight shows me that it isn’t neccessarily that I’ve been doing something wrong to gain the weight, people’s bodies change! Thank you thank you thank you. And you look absolutely gorgeous. I have been reading your blog since day 1, and rooting for you every single step of the way. I am so incredibly happy that you are doing well and feeling good. You deserve it, beautiful woman!!! Much much love.
Anna
This post made me so happy. It is so refreshing to read that someone who appreciates and embraces their body and life. Thank you for making my day. =]
A worthwhile gain in my opinion. You are eating some of the best food I have ever seen! If you are happy and healthy, the number doesn’t matter.
you are having the time of your life….i wouldn’t put another thought into those 10 pounds!!
life and food are too good to go to waste! 
Hey Jenna,
I’m glad you posted about your weight gain (as taboo as that subject may be). I have always thought you were gorgeous, but I’ll admit I was a little worried that you were promoting an unattainable body image on this site. Embracing a 10 lb gain is just what this site, and really our skinny-minded society needs. And if anyone can rock curves, it is you!
You are glowing! I didn’t notice the 10 pounds… but then, why would I? And it doesn’t matter, obviously. You’re seizing life, enjoying yourself, and living it up. 10 pounds of happiness, it sounds like!! Plus you just always look pretty
BTW: those pancakes look to-die-for.
Good for you! I love your positive outlook on this, you are enjoying yourself to the fullest, so whats 10 pounds anyway?? Nothing!!
Weight is such a funny thing. Last year I was 25lbs thinner than I am no and I was MISERABLE!!!!!!!!! I am 25lbs heavier than I was a year ago (with about 15lbs to lose) and I am the HAPPIEST I have ever been. Weight is one measure for some about happiness. The moments, the feelings in our soul, the food we eat, the company we keeps is another measure of our happiness. May you continue to shine and love life.
I don’t comment often, but I am ALWAYS reading! I just wanted to commend you for this post! Not because you are content with your body (which is great) but because you make a distinct point about society in general. Who decides what’s beautiful and what’s not?
I can say that without a doubt you have influenced my view on life sooo positively in the past few months. As a good food and wine lover, I do struggle with truly enjoying myself at times. But you have set such a great example and I am very thankful to have found your blog.
Keep enjoying California and sharing your amazing experience with us as well!
Thanks for such a great and ballsy post. Bravo for celebrating and not obsessing over a little extra weight. Our views on beauty, health, and weight are so skewed, myself I cannot imagine in your state of mind now but I can hope for one day! I panic over even the possibility of weight gain and I know it effects what I consume and the pleasures I avoid because of it. And I’m really glad it hasn’t turned you off to California
I do think I eat more healthfully here than elsewhere and not just because it’s my home. I believe I do have easier access to healthy and diverse foods than other places in the country that I visit.
Jenna,
I read everyday but don’t comment, but I wanted to chime in along with everyone else and say thank you for this post. You are radiating happiness, and the fact that you were honest about this and have no regrets also reflects your confidence. Girl, you got in goin’ on!
You are such an inspiration to me (and I know, others) who STILL thinks from time to time that certain foods are “bad.” Keep doin’ what you’re doin’….you are making a huge difference, more than you know!
Holly
I am so glad you shared this, I was beginning to wonder and feel a bit jealous of how you’d eaten so much good food, ha ha. Good for you for being comfortable with the “evolution” of your body! Have a great day
Thank you for this post!! your such an inspiration to girls and women everywhere! Keep doing what you do!
I love your attitude about the weight gain! Thanks for being positive. More power to ya!
Such a great attitude! Laughing about “Baby Got Back”
Congrats on a beautiful, healthy 10 pounds!! That’s amazing…good food, good friends, and good wine and looking better than ever. I’m jealous! You’re awesome!
It kinda makes me jump with giddiness and glee at the fact that you’re getting Kevin, a Top Chef contestant to make banana soft serve! There are so many blogger food tips I am going to take with me on my culinary school journey..
I’m so happy you shared this. I too have gained some lbs, probably 7 or 10, and even thought I’m only 17 I’m perfectly ok with it. I was actually shocked when I realized how ok with the weight gain I was, and then started to get a little worried thinking I should be freaking out about it since many girls my age would. But now after reading your post and seeing how nicely I’m filling out my clothes (cough…chest…cough
), I’m definitely perfectly fine with it. I’m still healthy, fit, and confident (maybe even more so than before??) But congrats girl, I’ve been reading your blog for months now and I’m amazed at well… everything. And thanks for showing its ok to gain a little weight.
Jenna, even though I read every post I don’t always get to comment….but just know of how much I look up to you and love the image you represent!!
Keep enjoying Cali (it’s the best!!!!! sd girl right here
…), and keep doin’ what you’re doing! You still look just as gorgeous as before, if not better!! Have a great day, xoxox
PS that BFD looks damnn good!
Hey Jenna,
I’ve probably gained 20 lbs since I started blogging because every time I eat, I think, “hey, you’re doing everyone else a big service!” haha
I just started reading your blog recently and have to say that I’m hooked, so please keep eating and writing.
Having chatted with you just a couple of weeks ago, I can confirm that you do in fact look great at your current weight. I was remarking to my friend HEABS that I wish I, too could celebrate a 10 pound gain- it’s commendable!
I love your attitude about gaining 10 pounds! Look how much you have enjoyed life in the process!!!
Those pancakes look Soooo good with those toppings!
You may have gained 10 lbs, but you have a great attitude about it and you look fab!
The pancakes look delish.
you have some serious self control if you’ve only gained 10 – i’d have you beat by at least 5 if i were in your shoes right now
what’s a number though? you look beautiful! you are still hitting the gym and yoga-ing (yes, it’s a word). you are chugging your grass. you’re healthy!
i admire your honesty and i’m happy that you’re enjoying life!
ok.. and jealous that you hang out with kevin and eli and get to eat so much delicious, FRESH food…
Curves are awesome and so are you for saying it!
Great attitude!
I just wanted to jump on the Thank you” band wagon. I really appreciate you posting about your weight. I spent about 2 years losing 30 lbs (I needed to, I was over-weight and didn’t eat right or exercise) and am now making the transition from calorie counting to eating in moderation. Your blog is an inspiration to me and it is so nice to be able to see what a healthy attitude about food and fitness looks like.
Thanks so much!
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