What is a challenge group?

So a lot people ask me what a challenge group really is.  Honestly, without my challenge group, I wouldn't be where I'm at today.  I honestly can not afford a personal trainer to right beside me while I workout. I need that motivation and support to push through or I'll give up when I feel like I can't do it anymore. This time of year everyone is rushing to the gym and buying a yearly membership...but after a few of weeks of being committed to going there, they stop. I was one of them!  Even though I knew how great it felt to workout, I still quit.  With the challenge pack, you're going to stick with it and get results!  This is a side by side comparison of the 2.  Monthly fees can range anywhere over $20 a month, plus your joiners fee.  With a challenge pack, you'll receive a DVD workout and Shakeology for 1 month.  There's workouts at all levels of physical ability and price.  So there you go - you're getting the workout and 1 meal a day for that price!  The amount of time yous spend on your workout varies.  I usually would spend at least an hour at the gym working out, plus my drive time and having to go out in the cold and finding a babysitter!  Now I can do my workouts at home while my kids are around or sleeping whenever is convenient for me that day.  Mostly I just do them in the mornings before everyone is up.  But my kids actually love watching me...making fun of me. :)  But I like that they can see I'm working my butt off for what I want and I'm showing them how important it is to be healthy!  They even get in on the action at times!  The other thing I like about the DVD's is that the week before I started my program I watched each one just to figure out the moves-I stopped and went back and redid things to get the hang of it.  So along with that challenge pack you're able to be a part of the challenge group.  It's a closed Facebook group so no one sees what's posted except those in the group.  We check in everyday and rate our day on a scale of 1-5.  Did we have a treat?  Did we stay on track?  How was the workout?  Did we give up on it or push through?  What kind of Shakeology recipe did we use?  We post of meals, recipes, and lift each other up.  I had no idea people would be so nice to me about things!  It seems like we live in a world that where so many people just care about themselves.  This support group seriously wants everyone to succeed and we push each other through our struggles and successes.  It's amazing how one motivating or uplifting comment on a bad day can completely turn your day around!  I've made some great friends just through these groups!  At the beginning of my working out, I had absolutely NO SUPPORT from anyone physically close to me besides my group.  I did have my mom whom I check in with daily who lives in another town.  She was and is still great support...although she's actually killing her own workouts now!  I'm constantly surrounded by junk food!  My support group helped me turn away from it...amazing!  And I love that we share our recipes and meals...so many ideas!  Then when the transformations start to come...oh my!  If you're not comfortable sharing pictures it's completely fine, you don't have to.  But some do and WOW.  If that isn't motivating I don't know what is!  I'm so proud of everyone in my challenge groups and I'm proud of myself for sticking to it!  You can do this too!  Let me help you get started!  Next challenge group now forming and starting February 3, 2014!  Join us and get the results you've been wanting to see!

Falling off Track

Well, I thought getting back to regular life after the holidays would be great this week.  I was so prepared for Monday, had our lunches and breakfast Shakeology made and woke up and did my workout.  All day my eating was dead on!  It felt so awesome!  Then Tuesday came...wow I couldn't get out of bed....really?  I went my whole vacation getting up and working out just fine, then this happens?!  I went to work and ate good all day, but once I got home...no workout :(  So disappointed in myself!  Wednesday was much better! Worked out and ate perfect still.  Thursday again...couldn't get out of bed!  What was the deal?!  Then went out for Mexican food...one of my favs...Although the rest of the day was perfect and I did go without eating tortillas so I felt good about that.  But then Friday....Had to leave for work out of town by 6:30am...no workout!  At a meeting all day which meant food was brought in...not good!  I feel just horrible about my week because i was making such good progress..even down another 2 pounds on Tuesday!  Tomorrow is Saturday and I have a list of cleaning to do at home so that itself will be a workout!  I definitely plan to do a T25 workout...or 3!  I'm going to stay on track now-even through the weekend.  I'm angry at myself, but what can I do?  The damage has been done and there's no going back so I might as well suck it up and move on and just make next week rock even more!  I keep telling myself...do not give in and do NOT give up!

Lemon Salmon

I love love love seafood!  And Salmon is so good for you! This is one of my favorite ways to prepare it other than just salt and pepper.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Wild Salmon
• 1/2 Lemon
• 7 Green Stuffed Olives
• 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbs. White Wine plus a glass of wine for you to drink while preparing haha :)
• 1 Tsp. EVOO
• Black Pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.  Place salmon on a foil lined baking sheet.  Slice lemon into thin slices and cut olives in half.  Place the lemons and olives over the Salmon.  Mix the lemon juice, wine, and EVOO together and drizzle over the salmon.  Sprinkle it with pepper and pull up the sides of the foil and put in 2 tbsp of water.  Fold all the edges of the foil together and seal it tight.  Cook for around 10 minutes or until the Salmon flakes easily with your fork.  It's quick and easy and Delicious!  Enjoy!

Herb Roasted Chicken with Veggies

I found this recipe on my Team Beachbody site.  I was a little hesitant to try eggplant, but I told myself to try it anyways...that's what I tell my kids to do, so I guess I should lead by example.  It was really simple to make too!  My presentation isn't the greatest, but it's the taste that counts right?! 

Ingredients                                         

                                               

Raw boneless/skinless chicken breast around 6 oz per serving

1/3 eggplant

1/4 c chopped onions

1 tsp chopped garlic...I used minced and it was perfect! 

2 1/2 tsp EVOO    
1/2 tomato     

Dash of dried basil     

Dash of dried oregano

Dash of Salt

Dash of black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. Lightly coat a baking pan and place chicken in middle of the pan.  
3. Wash and peel the eggplant and cut into thin slices.  
4. Place eggplant, garlic, and onion into a large bowl.  Drizzle with EVOO and stir together.  
5. Spread veggies around the chicken.
6. Chop the tomato and place on top of the veggies.
7. Sprinkle chicken with spices to your liking.  
8. Roast in oven for 10 minutes.  Turn chicken and stir vegetables.  Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and then vegetables are tender.  

Becoming a coach

It didn't take me long before I decided I wanted to become a Team Beachbody Coach.  I already loved the products and wanted to get a discount!  But once I realized the earnings potential I wanted to learn more.  I was a little hesitant at first and wasn't believing the amount I could earn each month.  But once I dug into it and did a lil research and watched the training videos that explained how I could make money I knew it was something I needed to do!  I enrolled in my coach's Apprenticeship class and have learned so much just from the course.  I love the 1 on 1 we were able to get with each other and the coach.  Any questions or concerns were always answers and she always gives us great ideas on how to do things.  If you've ever wanted to become a stay-at-home mom, make extra money, pay down your debt, or whatever your reason it; this could be the thing for you!  You'll be a part of Team Beachbody's #2 team in the company!  We have amazing training and resources available-Training from the best of the best!  I have big dreams for this year and my business!  Message me and we can set up a time to discuss things and get you started.

Homemade Chili Seasoning

While buying pre-packaged seasonings is convenient, you can easily make your own seasonings at home and store for when you need them.  It's way simpler than I realized, plus I know what's in it and there's no added sugar or secret ingredients!

 

Ingredients

4 tbsp chili powder

4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp paprika

2 tbsp ground cumin

3 tsp salt

Mix ingredients together in a bowl and store in a Mason Jar or other air tight container.  So simple! You could also use this as a taco seasoning!    

Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Parmesan

I love squash!  I also love pasta...minus the carbs!  Spaghetti squash is a great trade off for pasta.

What You'll Need:

3 lbs. spaghetti squash that is quartered and seeded
1 tsp. olive oil - I like coconut oil for almost everything these days
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced in thin strips
1 tsp. dried sage
2 tbsp. minced chives (fresh)
3 oz. shave Parmesan cheese
Aluminum Foil

• Preheat oven to 375 F.  Place squash cut side up on baking sheet (or pan) lined in foil.  Make sure to use a rimmed baking sheet.  Add 1/4 inch water to the baking sheet.  Bake until edges are golden brown and squash is easily pierced with knife or fork.  Around 30-35 minutes.  Set aside until it's cool to handle.
• In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil on medium.  Add chicken and cook for 2 minutes.  Flip chicken and add sage.  Cook chicken thoroughly.  Transfer chicken into a large bowl.  
• Scrape stringy squash flesh from skin and separate into strands.  Add squash strands into bowl with chicken; add chives and toss to combine.  Garnish the top with cheese.   

New Year New Me

2014 is almost here!  I can't wait to start out already ahead of my
goal!  My goal for 2014 is to be in the best shape of my life!  Not to
be skinny, but to be energetic, healthy, and happy!

Tips to Begin an Exercise Routine

A new year is just about here.  Everyone is in full swing planning out their resolutions.  Some are wanting to be more organized, keep up on household chores, save money, and be healthier.  I actually have chosen all of them for my new years resolutions.  When you think about it, they kind of go hand in hand with other.  If I'm organized, chances are I'm going to be able to keep with my house cleaning.  Being organized also helps me save money.  I use my weekends to plan out the next week's agenda and meals.  Planning out my meals saves me money so I'm not having to go through the drive-thru or go out for dinner because we have nothing planned for the night-this also helps me eat healthy!  If I have everything planned out, my chances of staying on track are much better!

Getting on a regular schedule and keeping organized has been a challenge for me.  My exercise routine didn't come easy to me.  For starters-I'm anything but a morning person!  While I don't like to sleep my day away, I also don't like having to get up and start my day-especially Monday-Friday when I have to go to work!  If I could stay home in my yoga pants and sport bra all day I would!  I'd go to bed and tell myself tomorrow is the day!  I'm going to get up early and workout and start my day before anyone is up!  I'd set 5 alarms to go off.  Morning would come, and there I would lay talking myself out of getting up.  I'll start the next day I'd tell myself, or I'll just sleep an extra hour now and work out after work...which would never happen.  I was too exhausted by the time I got home from work!  It was a vicious cycle!  I had an elliptical and a weight bench at home, there were no excuses, but I kept making them over and over.  Then I started strength training about 3 days a week, but wasn't consistent about it after a few weeks.  When I found my Beachbody coach.  It was like she light a fire beneath me!  And so it began....

Here are some tips on how to start your health & exercise routine:

• Don't dive right into it.  Take it slow.  If you're completely new to exercising just take a few days to start and work your way up.  Maybe workout 3 days a week for the first week and then gradually build up to 5-6 times a week.  Or instead of working out for 1-2 hours everyday, just start with 30 minutes.  Even just going for a walk to get started! When I first found Beachbody, I borrowed Insanity from a friend and did a couple workouts one week to test it out.  It was tough and I waited until after work to do them, but I knew I needed to change my habits.  I was told it would take 6 weeks to create a habit-so I kept telling myself that!  When I ordered my T25 workout, I took the first week to really WATCH the videos and figure out the moves then the following week I started the actually Day 1 program.  It still took me about 2 more weeks until I didn't look like a complete lunatic doing the moves haha.
• Accountability.  This was huge for me!  Find yourself a friend to workout with or even just to share your workouts with each day.  This is where Beachbody saved me.  I was added into a group with so many motivating people all in the same boat as me!  We checked in daily with our food and workouts-rating from 1-5.  Everyone was so uplifting and encouraging that it made me want to continue.  I would text and call my mom a lot to see if she was doing her workouts and how her eating plan was going.  She's 62 and exercises 5 days a week most of the time!  If she can do this so can I! We share our meals with each other and I love hearing how much will power she has!  Seriously she amazes me!  
• Plan your week.  Make a meal plan for your entire week.  Write down all your meals for each day-including snacks and add the exercise you're doing for that day as well. Being able to see what each day has planned really helps to manage your time and get it done!  
• Have fun!  Make exercising about having fun.  Do something you'll enjoy.  I chose T25 because it looked like it was something I would enjoy and it's only 25 minutes so it fits my schedule best.  I also have Hip Hop Abs...I like the upbeat stuff!  Once and a while I'll switch things up and do kickboxing, run, or go to the gym and ride the stationary bike.  Some day I'd like to try Zumba!  If you're doing something you enjoy, your chances of sticking to it are much better.
• Use an app or fitness site.  I like to use My Fitness Pal.  I've also downloaded several apps on my phone, but my fitness pal is my favorite, plus it's free!  This allows you to track your exercise and food intake; making it easier to stay on track.  For Christmas I received a Fitbit...I absolutely love this!  It's really helped motivate me to move and workout harder. 
• Hybrid your workouts.  I get bored easily...I was fine the first 4 weeks of my T25 workout, but was getting burnt out in the 5th week; luckily after 5 weeks it starts a new phase!  Once I complete this and move on, I plan to hybrid with another program so I'm going back and forth between the two. Another option I like is to add in kickboxing or other classes at the local gym just to spice things up a bit!

Once you start getting into the routine it does get easier I promise!  You just have to take the first step and make it happen.  I really do have my challenge group to thank for getting me going with my fitness journey.  I can't believe how much that accountability helped me.  After 4 weeks it really just became a habit for me.  I like to get my workouts in first thing in the morning so I have it done for the day!  I'll touch on some tips on how to become a morning person soon!  

Beachbody Challenge

Turkey Roll Ups

This is one of my favorite snacks!  Very simple to make.

What You'll Need:

2 Slices of Low Sodium, Nitrate-Free lean turkey breast
1 Tbsp. Soft Goat Cheese
1/2  tsp. Raw Chopped Walnuts-or any kind of nut you prefer
1 Avocado

Spread the goat cheese on the turkey breast, top with walnuts, and 2 thin slices of Avocado and roll it up.  

I was out of Avocado when I made this the last time so the picture isn't quite right, but I'll upload another one when I remake it again soon!

Pita Sandwhich

 
Tomorrow is my grocery shopping day; which means I don't have much to choose from in my kitchen.  My old eating habits would talked me into going out to eat for lunch today, but not anymore.  Now I make do with what I have until I can make it to the grocery store.  (This helps with saving money as well as staying on track eating.)  So I found some whole wheat pitas, bacon, tomatoes, and green onions.  I don't eat bacon very often, but once and a while is completely ok.  I normally eat fish, turkey, or chicken during the week.  As much lean meat as possible.  But I eat beef or pork once in a while too, otherwise I'd get bored with my food choices and fall off track.                                                                                  
It's basically a BLT on a pita minus the lettuce since I didn't have any left.  All I did was cut up a tomato and some green onions and crumble my bacon that was baked in the oven.  Then I just shoved everything into the pita...delicious and quick with very little clean up!  :)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

I'm a sucker for cookie dough!  I used to just make cookie dough to eat it and not even bother making the cookies!  This recipe is yummy and healthy at the same time!

Ingredients

2/3 c raw cashews or almonds?!
1/3 c rolled oats
2 Tbsp Agave
1 Tbsp Natural Maple Syrup 
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract?  I'm crazy for almonds!
1/4 c chocolate Chips 

Directions

Blend the cashews and oats in a food processor or high speed blender until they resemble a fine powder. Make sure not to over blend.

Add the agave, maple syrup, and vanilla and blend. Blend in several short spurts until it's combined; you don't want to over-process it.   

Stir the chocolate chips in by hand.

Form into balls and serve. If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator or freezer for a bit so it's easier to work with.

Freeze them for later or enjoy once you're done!

2014 is a new year!  Which means a brand new start!  So many people out there have goals and resolutions.  What are your 2014 resolutions?  Is it to get in shape?  Maybe drop a few pounds?  Lose 80 pounds?  Tone up and get some muscle definition?  Maybe it's just to eat healthier and have more energy!  Whatever it is, I can help you!  These challenge groups have completely changed my mindset on dieting!  I don't even diet anymore.  I just eat healthy.  I get to eat all the time!  There's no starvation involved.  So are you ready to accept the challenge and be in the best shape of your life?  My 2014 New Year New You challenge group begins on January 6, 2014.  Spaces are limited so act quickly to get your spot!  You'll receive daily motivation and support for your fitness goals.  Along with meal plans, recipes, fitness tips, and all the support you need.  This is all done through a closed Facebook group.  Let's make 2014 the best year yet!  Check out this video on our Team Beachbody Challenge groups.  They're an awesome way to help you reach your health and fitness goals!  Join me today!

Challenge Group Overview

Here's to getting fit in 2014

Where did the year go?  2013 has been a challenge for me.  I've struggled with my weight for the past few years and finally in August of 2013 I had my "Ah-ha" moment!  I was looking online for different workouts; mainly a quick fix!  I stumbled across several sites on Facebook about clean eating and strength training.  So I thought why not?  I've never succeeded at anything before so what would it hurt right?  In 1 week of clean eating only, I dropped about 3 pounds.  I thought to myself, I can keep doing this!  So I did.  Sure I'd have a cheat here and there, but mainly I stayed on track and even added a little weight lifting a few days a week.  I lost about 10 pounds total in 3 months and I was stuck there.  I was getting frustrated and ready to throw in the towel until I came across a site on Pinterest for a Team Beachbody coach.  I went to the website and signed up for my free account with my free coach...little did I know how much I would fall in love with this company.  I joined a 7 day challenge group with my coach and sampled Shakeology for the first time...I fell in love with the shakes immediately!  I decided to order a workout and a month's supply of Shakeology.  T25 was a perfect fit for me...25 minutes a day and an AWESOME workout!  I incorporated clean eating along with the workout EVERYDAY!  It was a challenge at first because I wanted to do my workouts in the morning-I'm so not a morning person!  But I only had to wake up 30 minutes earlier, so I knew I could do it if I wanted it bad enough...and I did!  I started getting up every morning to workout.  After about 4 weeks it definitely became a habit for me.  I even wake up before my alarm now!  I have energy to start my day and I feel amazing.  I'm down a total of 17 pounds so far since August and I'm really noticing a difference in my body; especially how my clothes are fitting.  I've lost several inches since starting my Beachbody routine.  I can't wait to continue this into 2014.  I have about 2 and a half weeks of my Beta phase in T25 and I can't wait for the final results!  I'm armed and ready to bring on 2014.  I'm going to work hard eating clean and working out 5-6 days a week.  Hoping to become more organized in the process to help me through it!  I hope to be at my goal weight by January 2015!  Bring on the new year!