An Introduction

"Not the Average Bear" is a place to keep my uninhibited thoughts on my one true passion: fitness.

Through trial and error, I've learned that a major component of this 'fitness' thing is also the way that you nourish your body. This is a space where I can share what I've learned about exercise and diet, tell you what works well for me and hopefully help others along their journey in the process. I'm not an expert and I'm still learning about myself - hopefully this outlet aids in that process.

Let me tell you a little about myself, the 20-something behind the blog. 

My name is Jessi and my story is likely one you've heard before.

I was a three-sport high school athlete who later went on to play Division I Softball in college. That full scholarship turned into three degrees and later a full-time job at my dream company based in Portland, Oregon. 

Like many former collegiate athletes, once I left my sport I was no longer getting my routine workouts and quickly put on the "graduate 15". If you're not familiar, that's the 15 pounds you gain after college because you're now able to legally drink, your full time job makes you sit at a computer all day and you just learned about the "Pint and a Slice" deal at your local Pizzicato. The struggle was real.

The only thing I could think of to combat the quick weight gain was to take up running. For four consecutive years I ran 100 miles a month and didn't miss a single goal. I committed blood, sweat, tears and precious time out of my early twenties and realized once I turned 26 that I just wasn't getting the kind of results I should be considering the time investment. Running defined me for a long time, but there's never been an easier decision to make than ending that streak to search for something different. 

There were a few sudden changes I made, for both fitness and my diet.

For Fitness: 

Cut: Running completely 

Added: Weight lifting, high intensity interval training, hip hop dance classes

For Nutrition:

Cut: Grains, dairy, processed foods, sugars 

Added: Meat, vegetables, green smoothies, almond milk, multi-vitamins

And the results? 

I've lost 15 pounds. 

I've dropped a pant size. 

I've gained tone and muscle. 

I can show my arms in public for the first time in y-e-a-r-s.

I walk with a confidence that I'd been missing for a long time.

If you follow along, you're in for sights of healthy foods, sweaty selfies and the confidence of a 26 year old who lives a happy and healthy lifestyle in Portland, Oregon.

Happy training!