There’s something almost medicinal about 1980s music, especially for those of us who are in our 50s. It isn’t just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. These songs didn’t sit in the background of our lives, they scored them. They held our firsts and fears, our questions and sometimes answers, our wins and heartbreaks, our becoming.

The 80s were a collision of sound, identity, rebellion, and raw emotion. You could move from the atmospheric depth of The Cure to the polished pop brilliance of Duran Duran in a single radio hour. You could feel the angst of U2’s “Red Hill Mining Town”, then shift into the unapologetic confidence of Madonna’s “Everybody” There was range and no lines, no fractures and somehow it all made sense.

For many of us, hearing Rush, Gordon Lightfoot, Burton Cummings, Simon and Garfunkel brings back something uniquely Canadian and deeply personal because this is what our parents listened to.. Songs like “Tom Sawyer”, “Triangle”, “I’m Scared” captured the tension of growing up after our parent’s own quest for their freedom and identity discovery resisting the pressure to conform their parent’s expectation influenced our feelings of trying to find our place in a structured world. A “De Do Do, De Da Da” by The Police highlighted well the deceit before us by the “influencers” of that time. 

And then there’s that darker, more introspective thread that ran through the decades, music that didn’t just entertain, but understood us like Depeche Mode who gave us “Never Let me Down” and “People are People”. We had songs that felt layered, moody, and strangely comforting in their honesty. And alongside them, Morrissey, both in his solo work and as the voice behind The Smiths, offered a kind of lyrical vulnerability that was rare and disarming. Tracks like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”  and “Ask” didn’t shy away from longing, loneliness, or quiet defiance. They gave a voice to emotions many of us were feeling but couldn’t yet articulate.

That emotional depth carried on through bands like Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure and Modern English ~ their music gave us permission to feel introspective, even melancholy, at a time when we didn’t yet have the language for it.

At the same time, the decade pulsed with rhythm, movement, and undeniable groove. Jody Watley brought sleek, stylish confidence with her brand of pant suits and strength singing “Looking for a New Love.” Luther Vandross gave us soul in its purest form with “So Amazing” that still wrap around you like warmth. Janet Jackson redefined control, independence, and sound with “Nasty”and “What Have You Done for Me Lately”.

And for many, the infectious energy of New Kids on the Block, New Edition and The Bangles with their harmonies that still echo. These were part of the fun: posters on bedroom walls, choreography memorized, a shared cultural moment of pure pop devotion.

Rock, too, had its anthems, big, bold, and impossible to ignore. Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Heart gave us songs that demanded to be played loud and on replay “Jump,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Alone.” They were made for car rides, for dance singing with your friends feeling unstoppable, even if just for a few minutes.

And woven through it all were bands that shaped the alternative and artistic edge of the decade, Tears for Fears with their emotional intelligence in “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Mad World” ~ they were so ahead of their time or is it that they were timeless. Talking Heads, INXS and The Eurythmics with their magnetic energy.. and not forgetting Bronski Beat and Level 42 with their unmistakable British vibe. And oh the Pixies, the all American alternative rock band… all quietly laying the groundwork for what music would become next.

But the music didn’t exist in isolation. It was woven into the culture of how we lived.

Films like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles ~ the unmistakable signature of John Hughes ~ captured something honest about adolescence that still resonates. The soundtracks weren’t just background music, it all had meaning and became part of our emotional vocabulary. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” wasn’t just a song; it was a feeling. It was our declaration. A quiet promise that who we were mattered.

And outside of the screen, life itself felt different.

We gathered in living rooms ~ like really gathered with no second screens, no distractions ~ phones were literally stuck to the wall not glued to our hands. Just friends, popcorn, a stack of VHS tapes, maybe even sneaking cigarettes and cans of beer to watch the thrill of a horror movie together on a Sunday afternoon: half of us brave, half of us pretending to be. The laughter, the screams, the closeness of sitting too many people on one couch and sprawling all over the living room floor. Those moments didn’t need documentation. They were lived fully, not performed.

And then there were the nights that stretched into mornings… all-night clubbing at clubs: sticky floors, flashing lights, house music we could feel in our chest and way too many Broken Golf Cart orders. The DJ wasn’t just playing songs; they were curating a feeling, a rhythm that carried us for hours. We’d lose track of time somewhere between “I’ll be Your Friend”, “Pump Up the Volume”, “I’ll House You” and “Work it to the Bone” dancing with friends and disappearing into our own world, in our own safe communities because that’s just what it was.

And sometimes, those nights flowed right into slower weekends crashing at a friend’s house, drinking king can beers, flipping on Saturday Night Live and laughing until we fell asleep mid-sketch. It was messy, unfiltered, and completely real. No photos, no posts just stories that live on because we tell them again and again.

We were a generation raised by parents who, in many ways, had just “fought for their own right to party.” There was a looseness to it all, giving us kids a longer leash, more space to roam, to explore, to figure things out on our own. And if we’re honest, many of us ended up raising ourselves in certain ways. We learned through experience, through trial and error, through moments that shaped us in ways we didn’t fully understand at the time and for some, by the Grace of God we’re still here! We did things we look back on now and quietly think… I hope my kids never do that. And yet, those experiences became part of our resilience. Our independence. Our story. The very fabric of who we are.

We are the last generation to experience a kind of unfiltered freedom. The culture for us as kids was to do our housework first thing Saturday morning and then leave the house for the day with the understanding that when the street lights came on, we went home… oftentimes just to negotiate more time to continue hanging out with our friends. We played a mean game of hide and seek spanning a couple of blocks in our hood, oftentimes with no less than 20 us and it was for reals ~ being the last to come out of hiding was highly regarded bragging rights.

We are a generation that drank from the hose without thinking twice. We knocked on doors instead of texting. We existed in moments that weren’t curated, captured, or shared ~ they were simply ours.
And maybe that’s part of why this music hits so deeply now because when we hear those opening chords… “Dearly beloved…” or “We run…” we’re not just remembering songs. We’re remembering a way of being. A time when life felt expansive, unscripted, and deeply human.

Today, so much is recorded, stored, and replayed. But not everything is meant to live on a screen or a SIM card. Some things are meant to stay sacred, held in the quiet corners of our memory, softened by time, but no less powerful.

The music of the 80s has become the tapestry of who we are, not just because of how it sounded, but because of how we lived when it was playing. And when we return to it now, we’re not going backward. We’re reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that still know how to feel, to remember, and to live a little more freely to remember, even for a moment, how to do so unaffected.
​
In an attempt to summarize my messy thoughts about being an 80’s kid, I think the song and movie by the same name “Stand by Me” is an accurate reflection of how our friendships during that moment in time served us collectively through uncertain but magical moments offering us experiences that uniquely shaped who we have become and unbeknownst to us… the last generation of the “true age of innocence.”

We don’t talk about this enough.
Not the salary.
Not the benefits.
Not the promotions.
But the other paycheque.

The one you can’t deposit, but you feel every single day.
The sense of fulfillment when your work matters.
The quiet pride in doing something aligned with who you are.
The energy that comes from actually enjoying how you spend your time.
The feeling that your life, not just your income, is moving forward.
That’s what I call an emotional paycheque.

And here’s the truth most people don’t realize until much later:
We often trade that in… for the one that pays the bills.

The trade-off we don't question. Somewhere along the way, many of us learn to prioritize what's practical. 
Stability.
Security.
Responsibility.

And to be clear, those things matter. They really do.
But quietly, almost without noticing, we begin to make decisions that sound like:

• “This is just what I have to do.”
• “It’s not forever.”
• “At least it’s steady.”

And in doing so, we slowly forfeit the emotional paycheques that once felt important.
Not because we’re doing something wrong… but because we’re doing what feels necessary.

When the cost shows up the challenge is, emotional paycheques don’t disappear without consequence.

Over time, the gap starts to show up in ways that are harder to name:

• You feel tired, even when you’ve rested
• Your motivation fades
• Things that used to excite you… don’t anymore
• You feel disconnected from yourself

Sometimes it looks like burnout.
Sometimes it feels like numbness.
Sometimes it’s just a quiet sense of “Is this really it?”
And because everything on the outside might look “fine”… it’s easy to ignore.

A question worth asking. This isn’t about guilt. And it’s not about blowing up your life. It’s about awareness because once you see the trade-off, you get to ask a different kind of question:
"Where in my life am I choosing the paycheque over the feeling?
And… is there a way to have more of both?
Even a little more alignment.
A little more energy.
A little more purpose woven into your day-to-day."

What if it didn’t have to be one or the other? For a long time, we’ve been taught that this is just the deal:
You work for money, and fulfillment is something you find outside of it.

But more and more people are starting to question that.
They’re looking for ways to:

• earn an income and feel connected to what they’re doing
• build something meaningful and financially sustainable
• create a life that supports both their responsibilities and their well-being

Not overnight. Not perfectly. But intentionally.
Because the goal isn’t to escape reality, it’s to reshape it in a way that actually works for you.

A different kind of conversation. If this resonates with you, even a little, there’s probably a reason.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need a big, dramatic plan.
But you are allowed to explore what “both” could look like in your life:
- A real paycheque.
- And an emotional one.

If you’re curious about what that could look like, I’m always open to a conversation. No pressure, just an honest look at what might be possible for you. 

As a coach, one thing I see over and over again is this: families don’t struggle because they don’t care about their health… they struggle because life is busy, habits are hard, and consistency feels overwhelming.

That’s exactly why I love the Juice Plus+ Healthy Starts program.

At its core, it’s simple: when an adult orders Juice Plus+, a child (ages 4–25) can receive their product for free! It’s essentially a buy one, gift one for families who want to grow healthier together. 

But what makes this program truly powerful isn’t just the product… it’s the culture behind it.

It's not about perfection but about healthy habit stacking and in our J+ Community, we don’t chase extremes, we build healthy habits that stack over time:

• Eating the rainbow  (more fruits and veggies daily)
• Drinking more water 
• Prioritizing quality sleep 
• Moving our bodies regularly 
• Focusing on whole food nutrition 

These are the exact pillars the Healthy Starts program is built on: nutrition, hydration, sleep, and fitness because real health isn’t one thing, it’s everything working together. 

And here’s what’s amazing…families who participate don’t just take a product, they start living differently!

Studies and long-term surveys from the program show kids:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Drink more water
• Cut back on processed foods
• Miss fewer days of school 

That’s the ripple effect of simple daily habits because let’s be honest, most families are not hitting the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables between school, sports, work and everything in between…we're struggling with consistency.

That’s where Juice Plus+ comes in. Now let me be very clear, this isn't about replacing food, it’s about bridging the gap between what we should eat and what we actually eat every day. 

And when both parent and child are doing it together? Well, that’s where the magic happens.

Backed by research: this is THE reason I said yes to J+ 25 years ago and still the #1 reason  I passionately and confidently share today with families because it’s backed by decades of research.

• Over 50 peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on Juice Plus+ 
• Research in areas like immune health has shown benefits, including support for reducing the impact of common illnesses like colds and flu
• The Nemours Children’s Clinic studies have explored improvements in things like insulin sensitivity and markers related to conditions like type 2 diabetes 

This isn’t about hype, it’s about giving families a tool that’s been studied and supported over time because at the end of the day, Healthy Starts is about something bigger than capsules or chewables. It’s about:

• Parents leading by example
• Kids building lifelong habits early
• Families getting healthier together

And in a world where nutrition feels complicated… this is one of the simplest, most doable ways to start because sometimes, the best thing you can do for your family’s health isn’t a complete overhaul… it’s just one small habit, stacked daily, that changes everything.

Check out my Healthy Starts Tools link here: your kids will have fun tracking their successes and printing this out for your fridge keeps it top of mind!

Here for you with any questions,
​JP Jenn

Here’s something about sugar that I think is pretty fascinating. No wise doctor would encourage you to eat more sugar. Like “Hey, go grab something sweet… and when you’re finished, have more… and keep that cycle going every single day for the rest of your life.”

But your brain sort of nudges you in that direction because our brains are naturally drawn to sweetness. 

As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I see this constantly with clients who assume their struggle with sugar is a discipline problem when in reality, there’s a lot of physiology involved.

If you go back thousands of years, this wiring helped humans survive when life was uncertain, when food could be scarce. When our predecessors stumbled across something sweet, they understood it to be fast fuel. Their brain’s message was simple: eat this and don’t waste it because there’s no guarantee you’ll find this again soon.

Sweetness meant energy and energy meant staying alive.

The issue today is that our brains still operate on this ancient programming but the world around us has completely changed.

Sugar used to be difficult to find but now it’s baked into almost everything in some way, literally. It’s inexpensive and it’s the foundation of just about every ultraprocessed food. It’s blended so cleverly into products in ways our great-grandparents likely would not even recognize today.

And the health trends reflect this shift. Here in Canada, roughly two out of three adults carry excess weight. About one in ten people are living with Type 2 Diabetes and millions more have early blood sugar problems without realizing it.

When people think about unhealthy foods, they usually think of things like fries, burgers, wings, chips, or pizza yet many times, the real evil working quietly in the background is sugar being a key ingredients in these foods.

And just as an fyi, it rarely appears plainly as “sugar” on ingredient lists. It often shows up under different names like glucose, fructose, maltodextrin, barley malt, and many others. And then there are artificial sweeteners marketed as a guilt-free alternatives. But here’s the catch…your taste buds still detect sweetness, and your brain assumes sugar is on the way so your body responds as if it is arriving.

Another common ingredient you’ll see is high fructose corn syrup aka HFCS. Much of this is processed through the liver and it’s not limited to obvious treats like soda or candy. You’ll find it in everyday items like salad dressings, sauces, crackers, yogurt, soups and even pasta sauces.

If you’ve ever wondered why reducing sugar feels harder than it should, give yourself a break because it's not a willpower thing. Our appetite for sweetness has been carefully shaped by decades of food engineering, advertising, and product development all for profit ~ not your health.

We often hear people say, “Life is short… eat the cake.” and sure, enjoying a treat now and then is part of life but when I zoom out and look at patterns with the people I coach, I see a different picture emerging.

• More weight gain.
• More chronic illness 
• More long-term illness.
• More exhaustion.
• And overall, a lower quality of life.
  
  

What concerns me most, though, is what’s happening with our kids.

The average child in Canada consumes around 100 grams of sugar per day. That adds up to roughly 80 pounds of sugar in a year. Read that again and let that sink in because it shows up in everyday living that makes life harder for you and our children. We can see our youth become physically and mentally ill: obesity, anxiety and immune suppressed are just a few ways it presents.

Our kids are growing up in an environment where sweetness is constant and when we're complacent, this becomes their norm and at best, an unhealthy habit they must break.

That’s why something as simple as a five-day sugar reset can make such a difference, especially for families to do together.

• It’s not about being perfect.
• It’s not about avoiding sugar always.
  
  

It’s about resetting your palate, easing the cravings, and giving your body a short break from the constant sugar load.

Grab my FREE 5 Day Sugar Detox Guide and ask my about my 5 day sugar free reset monthly group challenge: https://boards.com/a/l3NuMz.1X7f2A

I'd love for you to feel the impact it has on how you feel!

Have you ever hit a point where your workouts start to feel… stale?

Maybe your body isn’t responding like it used to, or you’re just not as excited to move as you were a few months ago.
​
If that sounds familiar, it might be time to introduce one of my favourite training tools: cross-training.

Cross-training simply means mixing up your workouts with different types of exercise: strength, cardio, mobility, flexibility, balance, even recovery-based movement. When you blend these together, your body (and mind) get stronger, more resilient, and far less prone to burnout.

Here’s what makes it such a powerful approach:
1. You build a stronger, more balanced body.
Every type of exercise challenges you in a unique way. Weight training builds muscle and bone strength. Cardio supports your heart and lungs. Yoga and Pilates enhance balance, stability, and flexibility. When you combine them, you develop well-rounded fitness: strength that moves well and lasts.

2. You prevent injuries before they happen.
Doing the same movement patterns every day (like running or lifting heavy repeatedly) can lead to overuse injuries. Cross-training spreads the workload across different muscles and joints, giving tired areas a chance to rest and rebuild.

3. You stay motivated and avoid workout burnout.
We all know how routine can become… too routine. Changing things up keeps your brain engaged and your body guessing, which is a recipe for faster progress and way more fun.

4. You recover faster and feel better doing it.
Alternating between high-impact and low-impact days helps your body recover without losing momentum. So instead of needing to take full breaks, you stay active while still giving your muscles time to repair.

5. You get results that last.
Cross-training doesn’t just make you fitter, it builds longevity. You move better, have more energy, and stay consistent because your workouts feel good instead of exhausting.

So, how can you start?

Try adding one new movement style into your week, maybe swap a run for a cycle, add a yoga or Pilates session between your lift days, or try swimming for low-impact cardio.
Your body thrives on variety. The more ways you move, the more capable, strong, and energized you’ll feel.

Keep mixing it up, keep challenging yourself, and most importantly, keep moving with purpose.
​
You’ve got this,
JP Jenn 💚

As Thanksgiving approaches, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a warm, joy-filled holiday.

Every year, our family likes to mix things up a little at the table. One of our favorite traditions has become this beautiful Lentil Wellington: a plant-based twist on a holiday main that still feels hearty, festive, and full of flavour. It’s become such a staple for us that it just wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without it.
​
You can find the recipe here:
https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/puff-pastry-wrapped-lentil-loaf

What I love most about this dish—beyond how good it tastes—is what it’s made of. Lentils are one of the most underrated nutritional powerhouses out there.
Here’s why they deserve a spot on your plate:

• Protein for strength and satiety: For just one cup of cooked lentils, you get about 18 grams of protein, that’s more than two eggs! Perfect for keeping you full, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting lean muscle (something we all need more of in midlife).
• Fiber for gut and heart health: Lentils pack 15 grams of fiber per cup, feeding your gut microbiome, supporting healthy digestion, and helping maintain balanced cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Iron and folate for energy: Lentils are one of the best plant-based sources of iron, which supports oxygen transport in the blood, key for steady energy levels, especially during the darker months.
• Magnesium and potassium for calm and balance: These minerals help relax muscles, regulate blood pressure, and keep your nervous system happy, important for managing midlife stress and supporting good sleep.
• Slow-digesting carbs: Their low glycemic index helps keep energy stable—no crashes, no cravings.

It’s comfort food that loves you back, which feels like the perfect balance for the holidays.
I’d love to know what’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year. Are you sticking with the classics, or trying something new? Share in the comments what you’re making – I always love seeing everyone’s favourite traditions.

Wishing you gratitude, good food, and great company,

Jenn

There was a time in my life when I never thought I’d be the one standing on stage, delivering training for Corporate to our Partners. Honestly, I used to be the woman in the back row, doubting myself, thinking, “Who am I to teach anyone?”

Well this past weekend, I got to do exactly that. And as I looked out into the room, I couldn’t help but think about how far I’ve come not just in my business, but in the way I see myself. That’s the power of a growth mindset.

What I Used to Believe
For years, I thought talent and ability were fixed: you were either naturally good at something or you weren’t. Fitness? Business? Public speaking? If it didn’t come easy, it must not be “for me.”

But here’s the truth I’ve learned: nothing changes if we let those old beliefs run the show. Staying stuck in “I can’t” keeps us small. Shifting to “I can’t yet” opens the door to growth.

What a Growth Mindset Really Means
A growth mindset is about believing that your skills, abilities, and even your confidence are things you can build. It’s about showing up for the work, staying curious, and trusting the process even when it feels slow.
For me, it meant:

• Lacing up my shoes and getting stronger, one 20-minute workout at a time.
• Choosing whole foods, most of the time, and giving myself grace when I didn’t.
• Learning to share my story (like my sobriety journey) even when it felt vulnerable.
• Saying “yes” to opportunities that scared me and figuring it out along the way.

The Compound Effect of Small Choices
One of the most powerful things I’ve learned as a trainer and coach is this: your small choices today compound into big results later.

• Skip the workout today? You don’t feel it immediately, but you will over time if you skip everyday.
• Show up for yourself consistently? You’ll feel stronger, more confident, more alive.

It works the same in business, relationships, health, and even mindset. Momentum builds when you commit not because you never fail, but because you choose to keep going.

Why This Matters (Especially in Midlife)
At this stage of life, it’s easy to believe “this is just how it is now.” Slower metabolism, less energy, shrinking dreams. But I’ve seen too many women, myself included, prove that’s simply not true.
You are not stuck.
You are not finished.
You are not too old.
​
When you lean into growth, you create strength in your body, resilience in your mind, and freedom in your life.

A Challenge for You
This week, I want to invite you to notice one area where you’ve been telling yourself, “I’m just not good at that.” Then pause, and add the word “yet.”
➡️ “I’m not good at strength training… yet.”
➡️ “I can’t stay consistent with nutrition… yet.”
➡️ “I’m not confident enough to speak up… yet.”

Let “yet” be your reminder that growth is possible, at any age, at any stage.
I never imagined I’d be the one holding the mic, teaching others how to dream bigger and do better but here I am. And if I can make that shift, so can you.

To your growth and strength,
Jenn

Back-to-school season is here and I’ve got the perfect way to make it smoother (and tastier!). Your favourite French Vanilla Complete Single-Serve Pouches are on Back-to-School Sale and this one’s BIG!

Save 35% off (that’s $82 in savings!) now through August 31st but only while supplies last! I've already ordered a few boxes for my hubby and I and our kids because back to school routines are in full effect and Juice Plus+ is our not so secret tool!

Why I’m Obsessed with Complete Protein Powder & why you will be too:
> Clean, plant-based protein you can trust: no whey, no junk, just whole-food ingredients your body actually recognizes and so can use.
> Convenient single-serves: these are perfect for tossing into your teen's backpack or your University student can use as a quick grab when they need fuel between two and 3 hour, back to back classes. The convenience is a no brainer for us parents too: quick out the door meal or even between zoom meetings.
> Fuel for real life: steady energy for busy mornings, after-school chaos, or post-workout recovery. Seriously, if you're not nourishing your body post workouts you're missing out on prime time recovery and muscle building support.

But here’s the real game-changer…

More Plants, Made Simple. As a personal trainer, I’ve seen how most of us struggle to get enough plants in our day, especially protein-rich ones. That’s why Juice Plus+ Complete is such a win. Each serving delivers:
✔️ 13g of high-quality, *plant-based protein 
✔️ Real whole food powders from veggies, fruits, and grains
✔️ Fiber to support digestion, balance blood sugars and keep you feeling satisfied, longer
*plant proteins offer more impact because of the PHYTOnutrients it also carries with it so it's literally a power punch for effectiveness.

Juice Plus+ Complete is an easy “plant boost” for your body in a shake, smoothie bowl, or even baked into a snack. It’s one of the simplest ways to sneak in more nutrition without overthinking it. Can I tell you how much I love this?!

Recipe: Back-to-School Raw Cookie Dough
Yes, you read that right. Cookie dough that you actually want your kids (and you!) to eat.

Ingredients:
1 scoop French Vanilla Complete (or 1 pouch)
2–3 tbsp plant milk (to desired texture)
¼ cup dark chocolate chips

Method: 
Mix Complete & milk until smooth.
Add chocolate chips.

It's the school lunch that actually gets eaten! Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or late-night cravings (without the sugar crash).

Pro Tip: Double the batch for quick after school grab-and-go treats.

Don’t Miss This Sale ⏳This French Vanilla Complete offer ends August 31st (or while supplies last). Back-to-school season is hectic enough, let’s make it easier (and more delicious).

Grab Your Pouches Here Before They’re Gone!

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