I’ve been The Produce Mom for 211 days. I’ve grown so much.

I’ve worked harder in the last 7 months than I have worked in the last 31 years of my life. I’ve bit my tongue over & over again as I listen to people talk about their busy schedules or stress load.  I’ve been extra cautious to not speak too much about my schedule or stress load – everyone is stressed.  everyone is busy.

The Produce Mom is a compassionate voice of knowledge for the consumer.  She understands that you want to eat a bag of Fritos with a can of bean dip at 11pm after your kids finally fall asleep.  She knows what it feels like to have jeans that don’t fit.  She has a budget for her grocery shopping.  She never has enough time.  Or energy.  Or money.  She relies on others to help her through her journey.

Tonight I’m going to introduce you to Heather.  Heather Briggeman has played a more instrumental role in this journey than anyone else in my life.  Yes.  More than anyone.  That’s a bold statement.  I’m surrounded by a lot of love in my life – I’m married to my soul mate, Chip & we share 2 adorable children.  My parents live just 3 doors down from us & I visit with them daily.  My sister is my biggest fan.  My brother is my comic relief.  I have the best aunts, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers… heck, even my in-laws love me & I love them right back.

What makes Heather different?  She empowered me to love myself.

Heather is a fitness instructor & runs a small yet thriving Pilates & Yoga studio in Greenwood, Indiana.  She also offers boot camp, TRX, personal training & more.

I knew I had to do something about myself when I took on a public figure role & began blogging for my company in January 2012.  If you are going to represent Indianapolis Fruit… you need to look like someone who is practicing what they preach, right?  Prior to having Heather light the fire underneath me, I looked more like The Marshmallow Mom than I did The Produce Mom.  Heather encourages me to set goals.  She holds me accountable – I often get text messages from her asking me about what I’m eating & what kind of exercise I’m doing on the days we don’t have boot camp.  Anyone can buy a gym membership or pay for a personal trainer.  But no amount of money can buy the passion for wellness that exists within Heather Briggeman.  She has a gift & I’m blessed to be on the receiving end.

Through this journey we have become best friends.  Best friends.  Another bold statement.  I have friends in my life whom I’ve known since 1st grade.  I had 10 bridesmaids stand beside me on the most beautiful day of my life.   Mac’s Godmother is one of my friends.  All very special & important women in my life… but Heather’s role is just different.  She has molded me into this being that I love.  I love who I am.  I love how I look.  And I finally love being active & healthy.  She deserves the BFF title.

I know that there would be no Produce Mom without Heather’s support and encouragement.  I rely on my fitness & wellness practice so much in my business life.  Heather has coached me to understand it: you fall down & you get up.  You try & try again.  Today you ace it & tomorrow you might not be able to do it.  “It” is a yoga pose when I’m at the studio, but usually “it” represents my ability to think critically & grow The Produce Mom brand.  Maybe “it” is a news interview.  I’m at the point now where I schedule in time for media everyday on my calendar…. live TV segments, phone interviews, writing press releases & more.  Some days I have “it” – some days I don’t.  That’s OK.  I can accept failure because I know I can get right back up and try again.  I’m not intimidated by these opportunities that are suddenly coming my way; Heather has taught me that I am just as capable of soaring as I am of falling.  And more importantly, she has helped me understand that both success & failure are inevitable.  My persistent attitude is the reason The Produce Mom continues to grow.  And I only have this because I’m confident and comfortable with the fact that it’s not always going to work out, but I am strong enough to persevere and work until it does.  If I’m capable of holding the plank position in a 100 degree hot yoga class, I’m capable of putting together a retail initiative program for our customer base.  Sure, I have to modify things- just as I modify my exercises.  It’s a learning curve.  I set goals with my workouts.  I set goals with my business plans.  I reward accomplished goals with new goals.  It’s so much fun & it’s obviously working.

Thank you, Heather, for being part of my journey.  Thank you for caring about me & for helping me feel better about myself.  I love you… but I love me more.

xoxo Produce Mom

Q & A WITH HEATHER BRIGGEMAN, The Produce Mom’s Fitness Instructor & BFF

Q: Why is healthy eating important in your life – both personally & professionally, as a fitness instructor?

Being an instructor you have to practice what you preach, and personally I just feel better when I eat better. Fruits and veggies give you energy and strength; they help with digestion and skin care. They are just great for you and the more you eat the better your body will run.

Q:  What is your favorite fruit & vegetable?  Why?

My favorite fruit is pineapple and veggie is cucumber, they both taste fresh and light. When I’m craving sweet the pineapple will fix it and I love cucumber with hummus.

Q: If someone is working out without diet modification – will they see results?

They will see results but not near as much. Diet is so important,  especially  if you are working out hard. Why put all that hard work in and then feed your body junk? You will feel better and get quicker results by modifying your diet.

Q: How important is healthy eating for people who are exercising?  Any tips for people trying to stay motivated with both? 

It is so important! Give your self small steps to stay motivated. Change one thing at a time and keep adding each week until you are filling your diet with good things and exercising regularly.

Q: Why do you believe in The Produce Mom?

How can you not? She is promoting healthy lifestyle choices for children and herself.  She is changing her life which will change her children’s life for the better… Being a role model for those around her.

Q: How is there a Produce Mom in you?

I try to teach my children and people around me what healthy choices are and how they can affect your life.

Q: Has The Produce Mom changed your life?  How?

She definitely has! Seeing her motivation to be better makes me want to better.  She challenges me to be a better trainer and coach and friend. I want to be a positive role model to her and her followers which helps to keep me on track too.