Born in New York and raised in Florida, Jaclyn Stapp is a southern girl at heart who overall enjoys life especially acting and competing in pageants since age 13. This one time skinny, boyish looking girl recalls her first introduction to the stage and lights when her mom entered her in her first pageant at a nearby mall. That experience led the way for Jaclyn to embark on various opportunities in pageantry, modeling, acting, and the start of fulfilling her childhood dreams. With a great passion for TV and modeling, Jaclyn has loved the spot light and the spot light loves Jaclyn.
Jaclyn was crowned Mrs. Florida America 2008, and placed 1st runner up in Mrs. America. Now as a mother of three, Jaclyn is an all-new person with insights on postnatal fitness, diet and skincare.
To share her life experiences as a mother and embracing parenthood, while staying healthy and fit, we have with us Jaclyn Stapp, who graces our last issue for the year!
Namita Nayyar:
With a pretty incredible background as a philanthropist, fashion model, and former miss New York USA, you have embraced motherhood with utmost grace and perfection. If given a chance to define this new phase of your spectacular journey, how would you define it?
Jaclyn Stapp:
Motherhood is the greatest gift of my life. It’s not the easiest job but I can say, for me, the most rewarding. I cherish every moment hearing them call out mom, mommy, mama. I am committed to God, and my family. Growing up in a family of five children, I learned early in life about the joys and challenges of being responsible and respectful. Being more of a giver than a taker. Mentoring, teaching, loving and passing on family traditions to my children will help shape their lives. The impact on my life of being a wife and mother defines my journey in life.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been blessed with three wonderful children. Share real challenges that you face as a working mother. Many women try to keep away from experiencing motherhood with the fear of added burden of managing work & home life.
Jaclyn Stapp:
It is not an easy task to juggle motherhood, being a wife, a job, the kids school schedule, their music lessons, sports activities , and staying involved in community service. So I have learned to prioritize, organize, and ask for help when I need it. It takes a while but I finally mastered multitasking and delegating. I love my career and value my work to make an impact on the community and those in need. Some days I may call out sick, skip hair, makeup, and glitz! Other times, when I have dance practice and football at the same time and cannot cook, Dad kicks in or I tap into food delivery which the kids love. With tons of emails, speaking engagements and traveling on tour with hubby calendars help keep me organized. Every mom has a different schedule and family needs. Weekends for me are prime time when I recharge my batteries from the week, put away the phone, laptop, the errands, and focus on making the weekend fun and last. We mothers some how have a miraculous way of making things happen and do what works best for our families.
Full Interview Continued On Next Page
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All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness
Stylist: Blair Berisha
Makeup : Meg Kashimura
Hair : Damian Monzillo
Namita Nayyar:
With the arrival of baby Anthony, how did his siblings react to his arrival and do they help with baby chores?
Jaclyn Stapp:
One of the greatest feelings of joy was the arrival of this incredible baby who gave us such an overwhelming sense of purpose, love, and gratitude! Baby Anthony brought tremendous excitement and happiness beyond anything we could have expected. While holding baby Anthony in his arms, 8 yr old Daniel whispered, “This is the best gift I could ever have. Better then anything I have ever gotten for my birthday or Christmas.” 11 yr old Milan said, “God answered my prayers! All I ever wanted was another little brother.” Our common denominator is baby Anthony whose feet don’t touch the ground because we all just want to hold and love on him. We rush to feed him first, change his diaper, or take him on a stroll. Scott and I have lovingly turned down some our social life because we love being at home or doing activities with our kids. We really enjoy our time together as a family.
Namita Nayyar:
With such a busy schedule, how are you able to find out time to workout? Share five favorite exercises for postnatal fitness?
Jaclyn Stapp:
We are all very busy in our daily lives and have work to complete or places to go. I’ve found it important to take care of my health in every aspect, mind, body and spirit. I have a daily routine which I make sure includes time for exercising. Some of my favorite fitness classes are Hot Yoga, Orange Theory Fitness, Barre 3 and Sculpt house. Either hubby or grandma stand in for me so I can get in my morning classes. I also love walking the beautiful Nashville trails around our home with the baby. Post work out, I finish with a protein drink, and Ezekiel bread with avocado.
Namita Nayyar:
You recently told us when dieting, “First thing I did was focus on my mouth. Yes, my mouth because what goes in matters.” Were there any food that you eliminated or added to your diet which helped you in building a healthy physique?
Jaclyn Stapp:
What we eat definitely matters. I love salads with a protein and vegetables, but I am human and can’t beat the cravings for a hamburger and fries sometimes, but not too often. I focus on low carbs and high protein. I cut down on sugars and salt. My husband is so disciplined with his diet exercise so he helps makes sure the kitchen is stocked with healthy foods.
Occasionally I’ll cheat with my moms home made baklava, but like with hamburgers, I limit my cheat meals to 2-3 per week. Overall, It is important to eat a balanced diet, but I can’t say I don’t look forward to my cheat meals.
Namita Nayyar:
With a festive season setting in what are your do’s and don’ts for a Christmas dinner party?
Jaclyn Stapp:
I love hosting events at my home and try to serve both naughty and nice plates. I have a big family that we host often. I try to cook with oils instead of margarine, stay away from gravies, I use broth a lot, replace whole rice with brown rice. I try to cut down on the holiday chocolates and cookies and lay out trays of vegetables, nuts, fruits, and low fat gourmet cheeses. When attending dinner events, out side of home, I try to resist candy, pastries, and cakes with small portions or dark chocolates.
Namita Nayyar:
With so many dinners and parties to attend, it may sometimes be hard to find time to fit in a workout session. How are you then able to still make out time for a quick workout or yoga session?
Jaclyn Stapp:
Mothers of three sometimes have to compromise social events for staying at home which can be another good way to avoid the festive dishes, holiday cocktails, dips, chocolates and savory casseroles. Everyone is different and what works for one may not work for someone else. I practice yoga, and sculpthouse mostly everyday, even in our home gym, and sometimes yoga with the kids which is hilarious as they try to bend, stretch and keep balance. It’s another bonding moment for us. I also love using the Mindbody app on my phone where I can schedule classes in advance around my travel and work schedule.
Namita Nayyar:
Stretch marks are a challenge in every woman’s pregnancy. What recommendations would you like to make to help reduce them, post-pregnancy?
Jaclyn Stapp:
I am lucky to have my moms genes with a skin type that doesn’t burn or easily stretch. I am also a firm believer in Pure Fiji nourishing exotic body oil that I massage on my tummy, legs and other parts of the body everyday. I used this oil for all 3 of my pregnancies and have no stretch marks. I drink lots of water to stay hydrated and I also try not to take very hot baths or showers which can dry the skin.
Namita Nayyar:
Share with us your top 5 skin care tips for dry and rough skin.
Jaclyn Stapp:
Hydration and exfoliation is the first start for skin care. I use the Enhance skin care hydrate ultra and I love Karee Hayes Koji pads. I drink lots of water daily and once again I am careful about sun exposure and eating healthy.
Dr. Irene Gladstein from Enhannce Aesthetic Arts in NYC customized my skin care products for my type of skin. Nightly moisturizing is also a must as well as reducing sun exposure. My personal skin care routine consists of exfoliating, toner, moisturizing and getting enough sleep! Post baby “brown spots” had been a challenge for me so I use Brighten Serum at night from Enhance Skin Care.
Namita Nayyar:
You manage CHARM, a non-profit charity that provides education and support to underprivileged children despite being a busy hands on mom. How do you manage this and take out time for working towards a better future for these kids?
Jaclyn Stapp:
I was raised by my widowed mom in a home with five children. Living a life with humble begins, we were thankful for all that we did have and even learned to give to others. She led by example volunteering to help families, mothers, and children which left an indelible imprint on my life. In high school, I competed in pageants with a platform to reach out to children in need so I started my charity called CHARM Children are magical. I continued this platform into college and focused on at risk students to help keep them in school. As Miss New York USA, I was able to expand Charm Foundation to partner with various other organizations such a NAMI, Anti-Bullying campaigns, Susan G Komen. We recently had our annual Back to school Bash in Nashville. As for my children, they are in the forefront attending, organizing and meeting other children as Charm ambassadors and they love it. I dedicated Charm Foundation to my mom who instilled in me such values and morals.
Namita Nayyar:
Being a fit mom, share 5 health tips for children of today to prevent obesity?
Jaclyn Stapp:
The biggest tip that comes immediately to my mind for children is activity, body motion, and avoid junk food!
We need to get our kids off of iPods, iPad, phones laptops, X-box, Playstation’s and spend more time out doors.
Walking, swimming, jump rope, running or hiking, are all great ways to keep bodies in motion. The YMCA has great after school programs, there are community playgrounds, and many after school activities which are all good tips to get the kids outdoors and spend less time in front of the screens and electronics.
Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness works relentlessly to motivate women all over the world with best in health, fitness, nutrition, beauty & fashion. What do you wish to say about the website (Womenfitness.net) and a message for our readers?
Jaclyn Stapp:
The industry of women’s fitness is full of information selling various products, programs or services with promises for quick fix results. It is important to trust and rely on valid information. Women Fitness is very meaningful to me and relatable to those striving to stay healthy, and feel confidence at any age. Despite our busy lives, I encourage others to find themselves a time, a work out and a buddy to stay motivated and work toward a healthy lifestyle and a way of life for them and their entire family.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Fitness and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http:// www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness