Jill McCauslin, Author at Becoming Elli

Stronger Together: What I’ve Learned from the Becoming Elli Community

October 20, 2025

When Chris and I started Becoming Elli, we were searching for answers—and connection. Like many women over 50, I wanted to get stronger, healthier, and feel confident in my body again. But most fitness spaces didn't seem to understand what that journey looks like for us. So we decided to create one. You can read more about our story and why we started this community here. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a vibrant, supportive community. Every day, I'm inspired by the stories you share: women running their first races, lifting heavier weights than they ever imagined possible, and rediscovering joy in movement. Why We Cheer Each Other On You know what I love most about this community? Watching how we lift each other up....

#community #strength

September Flying By: Time to Switch Up Your Fall Workout Routine

September 25, 2025

Fit and Strong, Work Outs

Okay, is it just me or did September literally disappear? Like, I swear it was Labor Day weekend yesterday and now I'm digging through closets for actual pants. Wild. I can always tell when it’s fall because my jeans come out and my old running shoes replace sandals as my go to shoes. But honestly? I'm kind of here for it. There's something about fall that makes me want to totally shake up my workout routine. Those sweaty summer gym sessions were great and all, but now that it's getting chilly, my body is craving something completely different. I've been really into strength training lately – there's something so good about lifting heavy things when it's cold outside. Like, my body naturally wants to build that internal...

#cozycardio #strengthtraining autumn

Why My Pedal-Assist Ebike Changed Everything

September 16, 2025

Bike Riding, Fit and Strong

I'll admit it – I was skeptical about ebikes. Maybe it's because I'm attached to my vintage Cannondale hybrid, or maybe I had this idea that using electric assistance somehow wasn't "real" cycling. My boyfriend bought me a pedal-assist ebike for Christmas. I'd been dealing with some lung issues, and I think he thought it would help encourage me to keep riding. I was sort of embarrassed to have one and felt weird talking about using my bike. Funny how our vanity affects us, isn't it? The first thing I noticed? It still felt like riding a bike. You pedal, you steer, you brake – all the familiar motions are there. But then you feel it: this gentle, almost magical push that makes everything easier. It's not...

#bikeriding #Cannondale #ebike

The Real Deal About Getting Fit and Strong

August 15, 2025

Fit and Strong, Work Outs

Here's what I wish someone had told me years ago: fitness isn't about perfection. It's about showing up, even when you don't want to. Getting fit and strong isn’t a one stop deal. It’s a long term prospect. You know how they’re always saying, “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.” Well, that’s true. In fact, it might actually be an ultra. I'll be honest – I've fallen for the all-or-nothing trap more times than I care to admit. You know the one. Where you're either crushing every workout and meal prepping like a boss, or you're sprawled on the couch wondering where your motivation went. Sound familiar? But here's what I've learned through my own messy journey: becoming fit and strong isn't about those dramatic before-and-after photos....

building strength fitness

Boost Your Health: Simple Ways to Add More Fiber to Your Diet

July 24, 2025

Fit and Strong, Food and Drink

Fiber is one of the most underrated nutrients in our daily diet, yet it plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health. From supporting digestive health to helping regulate blood sugar levels, increasing your fiber intake can transform how you feel every day. I don't know about you but I can struggle to get in enough fiber. I feel like eating vegetables should be enough but you sometimes have to add in things like berries, lentils, beans, and seeds. Did you know raspberries are fiber powerhouses? Why Fiber Matters Most adults need 25-35 grams of fiber daily, but the average American consumes only about half that amount. For women over 50, fiber becomes especially important as metabolism naturally slows and digestive efficiency can decline. According to the...

#fiber

It’s Never Too Late to Get Strong: Strength Training for Women Over 50

July 15, 2025

Building Muscle, Fit and Strong, Fitness, Work Outs

I'll be honest with you – when I first walked into a gym at 52, I felt completely out of place. All those young people lifting heavy weights, grunting and sweating, while I could barely figure out how to adjust the seat on the leg press machine. But here's what I wish someone had told me back then: strength training for women over 50 isn't just possible, it's one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Why Your Body is Actually Ready for This Let's talk real talk for a minute. After 50, our bodies start losing muscle mass faster than we'd like to admit. It's called sarcopenia, and it's not just about looking good in clothes (though that's a nice bonus). We're talking about maintaining...

#resistancetraining #strength and conditioning strength training

Beyond the Basic Bowl: Creative Ways to Use Quinoa

June 30, 2025

Food and Drink, Recipes

So you've jumped on the quinoa bandwagon (welcome to the club!), but you're getting tired of the same old quinoa-and-vegetables routine. I get it. Even superfoods can get boring when you're eating them the exact same way every single day. The good news? Quinoa is way more versatile than most people realize. There are some creative ways to use quinoa in your cooking. Chris and I have written about quinoa before and came up with some good ideas but you can always use more. Quinoa is a good source of vegetarian protein so it's worth trying to figure out ways to use it creatively. First up, let's talk breakfast. Quinoa porridge is a game-changer for anyone looking to switch up their morning routine. Cook quinoa in milk...

Protein Quinoa

Getting Your Protein Fix: The Vegetarian Way

June 16, 2025

Food and Drink

One of the first things people ask when you go vegetarian is, "But where do you get your protein?" It's like they think protein only exists in chicken nuggets and steak. Spoiler alert: it doesn't! There's actually a whole world of delicious, protein-packed foods that don't involve any animals whatsoever. I’m not actually vegetarian so I don't get asked this question but I've been told this is a common question. I've also heard people say they can't go vegetarian because they can't get enough protein. I don't think that's true. I’m trying to include more plants in my daily diet and that includes getting protein. I know there are plenty of protein sources that don’t include animals. Chris and I have discussed protein and written about...

Beans Legumes Protein tofu Vegetarian

Mat Pilates for Women Over 50

December 3, 2024

Fit and Strong, Work Outs

Mat Pilates for Women over 50? In our talk with Coach Adina O’Neill, Adina mentioned the value of doing Pilates as a cross training exercise. That motivated me to return to the Mat Pilates class at my gym. The first class I attended this time was a real eye opener. I could tell I was working my abs. I also really felt my hips moving in ways that I don’t do much anymore. Nothing really hurt but I was sore afterwards. Not injured but I could sure tell I’d used my body in a different way. Mat Pilates offers a way to improve strength, flexibility, and balance without the need for equipment other than a Mat. At Becoming Elli, we’re all about empowering strong women, and...

#MatPilates Pilates

Buddha Bowl

November 14, 2024

Recipes, Veggie Challenge

What is a Buddha Bowl? It usually includes a combination of both cooked and raw vegetables, whole grains, a source of protein and a sauce. Buddha Bowls were originally a vegan dish but if you're not a purist, you can add some animal protein. I usually end up with chicken or some shrimp on mine. The beauty of Buddha bowls lies in their flexibility—you can tailor them to fit your taste preferences, dietary needs, and what you have on hand. Whether you’re aiming for plant-based, low-carb, or just looking to increase your vegetable intake, there's a Buddha bowl for you. To build your own, start with a base like quinoa, brown rice, or leafy greens. Add colorful vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers...

#Buddha Bowl #grains #roasted vegetables

Author: Jill McCauslin

Stronger Together: What I’ve Learned from the Becoming Elli Community

September Flying By: Time to Switch Up Your Fall Workout Routine

Why My Pedal-Assist Ebike Changed Everything

The Real Deal About Getting Fit and Strong

Boost Your Health: Simple Ways to Add More Fiber to Your Diet

It’s Never Too Late to Get Strong: Strength Training for Women Over 50

Beyond the Basic Bowl: Creative Ways to Use Quinoa

Getting Your Protein Fix: The Vegetarian Way

Mat Pilates for Women Over 50

Buddha Bowl

Beyond the Basic Bowl: Creative Ways to Use Quinoa

Buddha Bowl

Vegetable Soup for a Cold Weekend

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