The long road back.

I'm sure many of you feel the same way I do right now.  After having a great Christmas it seems so hard to get back on track.  There are still Christmas cookies and goodies in the house.  Plus any chocolates you received as presents or you simply bought yourself.  You body feels sluggish.  Your tummy is upset.  Your face may be breaking out from over abundant sugar intake.  Ahh we could go on and on but the truth is we have the power to change.

You have the power.  You have the power to give away or throw away the goodies, the cookies, the chocolates.  You have the power to shop for healthier options, to fill our fridge with real foods: fruits, veggies, organic meat, fish.  You have the power to not buy processed foods.  Your body recognizes real things not names on the back of a box that we can't even pronounce.   Here's the catch though.  It is hard to do this alone.  It is hard when no one is supporting you and keeping you accountable.  It can seem like the road back to healthy is going to be a tough one.. BUT.  You don't have to do it alone. 

I honestly don't think I could do this alone and thank goodness I found my support network.  I even created my own support network knowing what I would need to succeed.  I need challenges. I need goals.  I need rules.  I need encouragement. I need a group of people with similar aspirations.   Thank goodness for Beachbody.  With this company I have found all that I need and have created a support group that offers the encouragement that it takes for me to succeed.  That doesn't mean I don't stumble myself (cause Christmas goodies certainly got me!) but when I do I'm ready to get right back on track.  And I'm ready to help others do the same.

If this sounds like you.  Or you are ready to start!  Then please contact me and lets get you started.  Please fill the form out below and I'll be in touch!    

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo templates to make your own HTML forms.

Started my 4th week on the 22 Minute Hard Corp program by Beachbody and got to try Resistance 3 for the first time.  Can I say I loved it.  

So I have totally figured out what type of program I like.   Fast paced, body weight or lighter weights.  Doesn't take a long time to do the exercise but is pretty intense during the workout.  21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, and 22 Minute Hard Corp are my type of programs.  I really wanted to love The Master's Hammer and Chisel but I had a very difficult time finding the motivation to do the workouts because of the type of structure.  I may try it again this summer we'll see.

Some short videos of today's workout. Loved it.

If you are interested in learning more about this program or any of the Beachbody programs please fill out the form below and I'll get back with you.  

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo templates to make your own HTML forms.

Hubby joined the fun!

It was great today doing my workout with my hubby.  After playing with his new toy which is the "little secret" that I will be sharing with you in a post very soon, we got home and I still needed to push play and get my Cardio 2 done for my 22 Minute Hard Corp program.

Now I almost didn't do this workout tonight because I will say I was just plain ole tuckered out.  I had already ridden Bella and been to personal training and been outside with Dane playing with his new toy.  So when we got home it was late and I didn't feel like doing it but I told myself that if Dane said he would work out with me then I would do it.  So I went upstairs and asked him and he said yes and away we went.  It was actually a ton of fun working out with him and will say that I probably work out a little harder when he is with me which is really good for me.  But boy am I done now.  It is time for a shower and some tv and relaxation time.  I think I earned it!

April Dates

Don't forget to make your calendars for our upoming events.  You have a few options.  A free 6 day clean eating challenge group, a 21 day Challenge group and a sneak peak into what being a Beachbody Coach is all about and if it is right for you.  If you are interested in any of these things please fill out the form below.  We would love to have you join any of the above.  Take your future into your own hands and be proactive.

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

From sluggish to a fabulous day.

This morning I posted about my over indulgence yesterday from Easter causing some sluggishness.  And I wasn't sure if I was going to just lay in bed and enjoy a slow start to the day or get up and get it done.  If the photo above is any indication then you know that I got up and got moving.  I decided this morning that I need to do the cold start warm up for the 22 Minute Hard Corp before I really got into the workout.  This was a nice choice.  My body slow started waking up and by the time I started Cardio 1 I was ready.  So, I completed cold start, cardio 1 and core 1.  I will say that I felt much better after I got my workout done and it set the tone for the rest of my day.

I then went down to the barn and had another great and I mean great lesson on Bella.  There were a few funny moments in the lesson such as the time Judy told me to keep my hands down by Bella's withers.  I can't do that, my arms are to short and my torso is to long.  I tried to follow her instructions but then I had to stop and tell her I physically can't do what she was asking.  We had a good laugh because Judy has the opposite problem her arms are long and her torso is short, she would have found that very easy.  After we made a few adjustments for my body type things just got better and better.  So proud of my Bella girl for giving me her all again today.

After my great ride I ran to the store and bought a few things to meal prep for the week.  As you know from previous post I have really been on a salad kick.  Still on it.  And these salads are delicious.  I also decided to make cauliflower pizza.  I haven't made it in such a long time but it is pretty yummy.  So meal prep got done and I made the very yummy pizza (recipe in the recipe section of this blog).  Now I'm ready to sit down and relax with my hubby before we have a super early morning skypeing with his sister in Germany because tomorrow she gets married!!  So excited for her!  Wishing her the best here in the US!

Cauliflower pizza Yummy for my tummy!

Today I made cauliflower pizza.  If you haven't tried it you should.  It's actually pretty yummy and not that hard to make.  And I can say that because I am not that good in the kitchen.  I will also say that I'm horrible at measuring things so honestly I do a pinch of this and a dash of that but I will try to give you accurate amounts.

Here is the ingredient list for the dough

1. medium size head of cauliflower- preferably organic

2. dash of koser salt

3. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

4. 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

5. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

6. about 1/4 cup or a little more Parmesan cheese

7. about 1/4 cup or a little more mozzarella cheese

8. 1 egg

-preheat the over to 450 degrees while mixing everything.  If you have a pizza stone then feel free to throw that in the oven while your preheating

-cut your cauliflower into florets you really don't need the stems.  Blend or food process florets into a little rice like bits

-microwave cauliflower rice bits for 4 minutes

-let cool then put cauliflower bits into a towel and ring it out.  A lot of water will come out, try your hardest to get as much moisture out as possible this will help with the finished product

-mix all the ingredients with your hands in large bowl. 

-spread on parchment paper and form pizza shaped dough

-slide into pizza stone or baking sheet and cook for 10-15 minutes

-add sauce and cheese and any other toppings and bake for another 8-10 minutes

That's it!  Let me know if you make it and how it turns out.

Over Indulgence Leads to a Sluggish Start

Well, first let me start off by saying I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter yesterday.  I was very blessed to be able to celebrate the resurrection of my Lord Jesus with my wonderful family.  I enjoy getting to see everyone and catching up but what I really enjoy is the amount of delicious food that is prepared.

I have such a hard time saying no to foods when we are all getting together.  And I kind of don't believe I need to say no to most things I just need to eat less of the foods that maybe aren't my best options.  That is not what happened yesterday.  I just ate whatever was in sight that looked good and it was good.  Then I went back and had some more.
So, this is where we are today.  I'm tired my tummy hurts a little and I just want to lay in bed for the entire morning.  Yesterday's decisions affect today's actions.

I have some choices to make today. I can give in to this desire to lay here and let the morning waste away or I can get myself up and moving which will probably make me feel better anyway.  I've found a little bit of middle ground by deciding to lay here and write a post for my blog but I will be done doing this shortly.  So, at the end of today I will let you know what I did.  Did I let yesterday's choices start my day today or am I going to be proactive today and make it a new day with a new start!  Let's see!

Feeling Pudgy and Tired

I know that it is ridiculous to feel pudgy but I do.  My clothes are a little tighter and I'm all around just a little bit softer.  I'm pretty sure that this is from my switching birth control pills recently.  My new pill has a higher level of estrogen and this can sometime cause weight gain.  I'm going to give it a few months but man so not fair when I've just started a new workout program!

And a workout program that I'm really digging.  I like the 22 Minute Hard Corp a lot.  I've pushed play everyday that I am suppose to and I'll admit that everyday I'm not going full out but I am getting it done.  My eating hasn't been completely on par but it also hasn't been horrible.  I know that in that department I need to do a little better and I am trying to and I will.  So it should be very interesting to see where this takes me.  With a new pill with new hormones and a new awesome workout program I can't wait to see myself after the two months time.

If you are interested in trying this program fill out the form below.  I would love for you to join me on this journey!

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

Zucchini Boats

Thank you Lexi's Clean Kitchen (Lexiscleankitchen.com) for this delicious recipe.  I will be making it next week for my 2nd week of 22 Minute Hard Corp plus clean eating.  I will let everyone know how it taste but if you make it first please share with me how good it is!  And this also proves that clean eating doesn't have to be boring it can truly be delicious. Try it!

Ingredients

1. 4 large organic zucchinis, sliced in half down the middle
2. 1 lb. grass-fed beef
3. 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 large organic carrots, chopped
5. 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
6. 1 white onion, chopped
7. 1 clove garlic, crushed
8. 1 15 oz. can Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce
9. 1 6 oz. can Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste
10. Himalayan sea salt, to taste
11. 1 tsp garlic granules
12. 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, more or less as desired
13. 1/2 tsp cayenne
14. Cracked black pepper, to taste
15. 1 small bunch fresh basil
16. Optional: 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, more as desired
17. Optional: 1/2 cup portobello mushrooms, chopped
18. Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375
2. 2. Clean and cut zucchinis in half down the middle so you have two boats
3. 3. Using a spoon or a melon baller, scoop out the center (you don't want it too too thin)
4. 4. Place zucchini on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 10 minutes while preparing your filling
5. 5. In a large pan heat oil and garlic
6. 6. Add in onions, carrots, and peas (add in mushrooms if using them); cook for 5 minutes or until veggies are cooked down and soft
7. 7. Add in meat and cook until brown
8. 8. Add your tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, red pepper, cayenne, basil sea salt, and pepper- mix well to combine (if adding spinach, add it here)
9. 9. Let the flavors cook together for an additional 5–7 minutes, until mixture thickens, taste and adjust spices as desired
10. 10. Remove zucchini from the oven and spoon mixture into each boat
11. 11. Cover each boat filling with parmesan cheese and place back into the oven for 15 minutes, or until zucchini is cooked to your liking

Prizes for Winners!

One of the great things about being a Beachbody Coach is getting to give away prizes to challengers who have really committed themselves to eating healthy and working out.  My team and I run a monthly Challenge Group that last for 21 days.  We have our Challengers post about their workouts and healthy eating and make sure that they share a photo of their daily dose of dense nutrition, Shakeology!  In doing these things they help eachother throughout the day.  It can be very inspiring to have your facebook feed show other people trying to accomplish their fitness goals.  Well, at the end of the 21 days we count up all the photos and post and see who has the most points and we have a winner.  Our point system isn't based on weightloss or loss of inches or loss of anything because everyone is at a different point in their journey and may not need to lose weight but just might want to be healthy and in the best shape of their lives.  

We just recently finished a challenge group called Love Your Belly and the prize was the entire P90x2 program.  Yep, you read that right.  We gave away an entire program!  Because here's the thing the winner is dedicated to being fit and healthy and we want to help them as much as we can.  Next months Challenge Group, Race to Gold, has a great prize too.  The winner will receive a full size Energize from the Beachbody Performance Line and a $15.00 Gift Certificate.  So yes, I love this job!  I love giving away prizes to people who are committed to getting healthy.  If you or anyone you know is interested in joining a future challenge group please fill out the form below and I will get back to you soon!

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

The Fat Still Jiggles

At the bottom of this post you can see my video of my jiggling fat! But first you have to read my post.  Today is day 2 of my 8 week journey and I am really excited.  As I've said this program is my kind of program.  Fast paced moving constantly and done in a very short time. If this sounds like something you would like you should check out 22 Minute Hard Corp.  (you can buy it by clicking on the photo on the right side that says Shop Beachbody Products)  Anyway, I was watching my video before I posted it to YouTube and to this blog and thought wow there is definitely some jiggle going on.  I mean it's not really that bad but still I noticed it right away.  So I cannot wait to see how long it takes to make that stop.  It will stop I have no doubt because I am determined to follow this program very closely in both the exercise and eating department.  And so far (day 2) things are going great.  Eating healthy and exercising lets see if on day 22 I'm still going as strong.  I really hope I am.  I really hope that I'm not just going strong but kicking butt.  So I guess we will all see when I get there what the outcome will be. Now feel free to watch!

Start Day!! Let's Go!

Today started my test groups 22 Minute Hard Corp 8 week program. I'm psyched.  This is my kind of workout program.  I started with the Fit Test Assessment.

Push ups 1 Min. = 25
Squat Thrust 1 Min.= 26 w/10lbs
Pull ups- 5 without stopping
Jumping Jacks 1 Min. = 75
Plank Hold= 1:33

I would like all of those numbers to get higher.  Next fit test in 4 weeks so I'll let you know if there is any improvement.

We are also keeping a food diary and sharing it with the group at the end of the day.  I decided to do this because for me food is the most difficult part of  losing or maintaining my weight.  This will really keep me accountable.  I'm using a small calendar book to keep track through out the day and then I'll just type it in to the group at the end of the day.

I also took my measurements last night.  Coach Stacie (my best friend, sister-in-law and fellow Team Rise & Shine Leader) took my measurements and I took hers.  I think we were both a little bloated and for me personally I'm definitely a bit bigger right now.  But this is such a good place to start because there is room for some improvement.  We will take measurements every 2 weeks and see how we are progressing.

If you are interested in trying this awesome program please check out my Fitness Programs section and fill out the form.  Or click on my link to shop products and buy the product right away.  I will be beach ready this summer, want to join me?

It does pay off..

So, I have permission to share this success story but the person will remain anonymous as requested. One of my challengers started her journey with me on July 20, 2015. She was inspired by the results I had with the 21 Day Fix. Trust me it was the leanest she or anyone else has ever seen me. So she moved forward and bought the 21 Day Fix. Now what I love is that her husband has been extremely supportive. He does a lot of the cooking and knew that in order for her to succeed he would need to follow the rules. And he has! Everyday he packs her a lunch according to the color coded containers and for dinner he makes sure that it is what she needs to eat to fuel her body properly. Now everyone will tell you that eating is half the battle but I would even say its more then half the battle! Eating clean and maintaining a healthy diet goes a long way in losing and keeping the weight off. But lets get back to my challenger. When she started the program she worked out at least 5-7 days a week doing the prescribed workouts with the 21 Day Fix program. She is not one to brag so she just continued eating healthy and doing the workouts through the summer and into the winter and through the holidays. Now fast forward to today. This week she tried on all her spring clothes and guess what? THEY DIDN'T FIT! They were to big. She couldn't believe it and neither could her husband (cause now she has to go shopping). With time and consistency all of her hard work has paid off. And the good news is that since this has been a full lifestyle change the pounds will stay off. This wasn't some quick fix diet. This was a life change and a change for the better. I am so proud of her and so proud of all of my challengers who have stayed the course!

I'm always so excited to share when a new challenge group is about to get started.  In a little over a week the Race To Gold Challenge Group starts and I can't wait for it.  Spring weather has been showing its lovely face and that means summer will be close on its heels.  Summer means less clothes just because of the darn heat and humidity in the greater Washington DC area.  

So if you put a few of those pesky pounds on over the winter or you really need to start a fitness regime now for the first time in your life, lets do it.  This group comes in all shapes and sizes, all different age groups.  Moms,  Dads, Grandmoms, furbaby moms, students, full time and part time workers everyone and anyone can join as long as they are ready to exercise and eat right.  We do this together.  We support one another.  So having said all that I just get really really excited because I know that I'm helping people get started down the right path.  And I want to help you!  If you are at all interested in learning more and talking to me please take the time to fill out the form below.  Grasp change with both hands and commit yourself to a healthier, fitter you now!

Fill out my online form.

The easy to use Wufoo form builder helps you make forms easy, fast, and fun.

Rock and Roll

Today was the Rock and Roll Marathon in Washington DC. Needless to say I'm not a runner/jogger/I'm never doing a marathon, but I knew that they would be running and that my way into work would be blocked. So I planned ahead and decided to go around. So here I am driving through Virginia and then suddenly I see blinking red and blue lights. Say What? They closed my detoured way into work. I had a moment of panic and then I turned on my lovely Waze and found another way into DC. But here's my thought process during my detour. First a little angst, then the realization that the people running worked very hard to accomplish this goal. So good on them. It may not be my form of exercise but I can appreciate that a lot of people love running. So Go Guys Go! Rock On!

Health and Fitness also means massages...Yes!

It is so important to take care of your body.  We ask our bodies to do so much for us but do we take care of our body?  I'm trying to by eating healthy and working out on a regular basis.  And because I workout very regularly and push my body I need to take care of it.  And yesterday I did.  Yesterday I booked myself an hour massage.  For me this is very important because I get knots and very tight. Now I know your thinking but I use the foam roller and that is great.  I use the foam roller at least once a week and try to work things out but nothing can replace a good massage.  A massage by a professional massage therapist who is skilled can not be replaced by anything.  If you are hurting or tight or have knots like me you should really consider trying to get a massage at least once a month.  I know this can be hard on the budget but I say save the money from eating out (where your bound to overeat anyway) and use that extra money to get a massage that your body deserves!