#SummerStrong!

Like it or not the weather has begun to HEAT up! And if its not warm where you are yet, don't worry. It WILL be! In LESS than 57 days Memorial Day will be upon us. How crazy is THAT? And pretty soon we'll be digging out the shorts, the tanks, the flip flops and of course the bathing suits!

 I can recall a time not so long ago that I used to DRED digging out those summer clothes. Some years the ONLY things that fit me comfortably and confidently were my FLIP FLOPS! But I have fortunately changed ALL of that and no longer worry about wearing my favorite summer outfits and I am on a MISSION to help others get ready for summer too!

 I am on a mission to help other busy MOMS of young kids to transform their bodies and their nutrition so that YOU too can begin to feel more confident, have a positive self body image, and of course energy so you can keep up with the demands of a busy life!!!

Throw away the "I'm too busy" excuse. There are TONS of programs that 30 or minutes or less. Including 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Hammer and Chisel and 22 Minute Hard Corps. And each program comes with an amazing nutrition piece that includes portion controlled containers and meal plans and recipes that are fool proof.

When I started my journey I:

• worked out for 30 minutes a day in my garage
•  I had a 2 year old and a 4 year old
• I was (and still am) a full time stay at home mom and the primary care giver
• We lived on a limited budget so we didn't have a TON to spend on groceries and exercise programs

But I wanted to feel amazing and keep up with my kids! I was willing to make a small sacrifice of getting up an hour early everyday to workout at home.

Don't wait until May to start working out and working towards those health and fitness goals! Start now! It takes 4-6 weeks to really begin to see the effects of eating right and exercise.

So what I am going to do for you is this:

1.  I want to help you with meal planning, healthy recipes, motivation and tips.  

2.  I am going to share with you what I did to lose 20 lbs in 63 days, to create a healthier lifestyle not just for myself but for our family too.

3.  Give you tools to make your workouts a lifestyle change vs a crash diet.

4.  Help you with quick easy, on the go meals and snacks for your lifestyle.

5.  Give you sample meal plans to help with the planning.

6.  A place to stay accountable with daily check ins and tips specific to the things that come up in every day life.  How to handle eating out at restaurants, late night cravings, parties, and vacations.

Starting on the 18th of April I am launching the #SUMMERSTRONG support and accountability group.  This group will take place on the newest challenge tracker app which you join through me as your coach.  I will match you up with a fitness program and nutrition plan that meets your needs.  We will set realistic and achievable goals and together we will set out to take it 1 day at a time and change your old habits into newer and healthier ones!!!

So if this sounds like something you would like to do the next step is to complete the application below.  This will help me to make personalized recommendations based on your needs and wants.

**Note if you already work actively with a coach please do not apply. This is for my new and current customers only.

My goal is to give you the tools and the support you need to have an awesome, confident and energized summer!  

Are you in??  Lets do this together!  I want to help you take control of YOU and live life to the fullest.

  Fill out my online form HERE to reserve your spot in my NEXT group!

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

Summer Sale!

Have you heard about Beachbody’s Summer Sale? This sale starts today (6/10) and will run until 6/17. 

But since these prices are so low, they WILL run out and once they're gone, they're gone! So don’t wait. 

This is a great opportunity to try out a new program or give the gift of a new fitness program.

What's on sale:

•10 Minute Trainer 43% off

•Brazil Butt Lift + the Green Band 16% off

•Hip Hop Abs & Dance Party Series DVD 68% off

•Hip Hop Abs Dance Party Series DVD and weighted gloves 57%

•Insanity Deluxe Workouts 49% off

•Insanity The Asylum Volume 1+ Equipment Buddy Kit 53% off

•Les Miss Combat + Combat Gloves (Medium and Large Only) 55% off

•Les Mills Combat Gloves (Medium and Large only) 84% off

•Les Mills Pump 32% off

•Les Mills Pump with no weights or barbells

•Les Mills Pump Deluxe DVDs 66% off

•P90X Free P90X Plus 53%

•P90X Plus 62% off

•P90X2 and Stability Ball 53% off

•Slim in 6 29% off

•Tai Cheng 43% off

Equipment

 •Squishy Ball 59% off

•Stability Ball +Medicine Ball combo 62% off

•Team Beachbody Apparel Up to 65% off

•Rumbleroller is 16% off

•Ankle Weights 45% off

•The Black Resistance band with the over the door attachment 56% off

•Jump Mat 44% off

Click on my link here to take a look for yourself.

It's time to kick off Summer In Style!  So stock up and get yours TODAY.

If you want something more customized hit me up and I would be happy to help you find the right fit for you!

3 Day Shakeology Cleanse

So as many of you may know, last week I did the 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse. I had mentioned before on Facebook that I had attempted to do this 3 or 4 times before but would always get hungry and quit about 1/2 way through the first day.

Well last week I was finally able to successfully complete the ENTIRE 3 days! My motivation was a wedding I was attending and wanted to feel great for it. So this time I was determined and focused and ready to get it done! Since I was drinking Shakeology 3 times a day with this cleanse I wasn't at all worried about not getting enough nutrients for my body or starving myself. I love my Shakeology and I drink it every single day. I know there's nothing out there that can supply me with all the nutrients, vitamins, proteins, and minerals in these amounts the way Shakeology can.

Photo booth fun at the reception!

I started on a Monday only because its easier for me to avoid the temptations of eating out or cheating during the work week. Basically on this plan you do the following:

3 Day Shakeology Cleanse

Wake up: Green Tea
Breakfast: Shakeology, 8 ounces of water, ice and 1/2 cup of fruit blended
Mid-morning: 1 piece of fruit
Lunch: Shakeology blended with water and ice only, followed by 1 cup of green tea
*PM Snack: HERE or AFTER DINNER- Shakeology blended with water and ice only
Dinner: 3 servings of greens with 4 ounces of protein (grilled chicken breast or white fish) with 2 Tbsp of non dairy dressing
Water: 64-128 ounces daily. No dairy!

Day 1

Day 1 was pretty good. I got in my Total Body Cardio Fix 21 Day Fix workout and followed it up with a cup of green tea. On day 1 I decided to have my afternoon snack mid afternoon simply because I was HUNGRY. Big mistake! By 8:00 p.m. I was pretty much ready to chew my arm off and was starting to get a headache so I called it a night early and went to bed before I blew my entire day.

Day 2

 I was starting to feel fatigued on day 2. Got up and did Upper Fix from my 21 Day Fix workout and it wasn't my best day by any means. I didn't struggle too bad, I just couldn't lift my heaviest weights. So I kicked it down a notch and got it done. I actually felt better after my workout and wasn't quite as tired feeling as when I initially woke up.

I decided that I would save my afternoon snack for after dinner so I wouldn't get quite as hungry in the evenings and this worked out really well for me. However, I was tired during the day and was more than ready to move on to day 3.

Day 3

I was starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and I was feeling REALLY good! I skipped my Lower Fix workout on this day  because I didn't want to fatigue myself. Not really that hungry throughout the day on day 3 but by dinner I was starving! I did feel a little tired but it felt like I had been up most of the night with a sick kiddo. So it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.

I drank at least 80 ounces of water each day. This didn't include the water in my tea or my Shakeology.

Feeling great in my dress!

Day 4

DONE! I stepped on the scale after my workout and was down 7 lbs! I knew that some of was water weight but I was good with that. That meant I wouldn't look bloated or feel uncomfortable in my dress. Water weight can really leave you feeling miserable! I have since kept off 4 of the 7 lbs.



I would definitely do this again but if you're not comfortable with being hungry or feel like feeling hungry would trigger a major cheat, I would stick with the 3 Day Refresh. The Refresh uses a product called Vanilla Fresh which is made with potato protein. Potato protein has been clinically proven to help fight hunger and make you feel full. This will keep you from feeling too hungry. In addition, 3 Day Refresh also incorporates Fiber Sweep, which helps with regularity if you're body isn't used to consuming a lot of fiber in foods. Another advantage to the 3 Day Refresh is that you wont blow through your Shakeology stash. If you drink Shakeology everyday, you wont get 30 days of servings from one bag because you're drinking 9 servings in 3 days. However, if you have a stash (like we do) then its not a problem!



If you're interested in doing your own 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse click here.

Curious and want to give the 3 Day Refresh a try? Check it out here.


And as always, my Challenge Groups offer all of the support motivation and tools you need to be successful on your journey to better health! Message me for more challenge group information and details on when my next group starts.

Hello Summer!

I am so excited! The pool is almost ready, my 5 year old is done with Pre-K for the year and

Memorial Day Weekend in right around the corner!  Who doesn't LOVE this unofficial summer season kick off?

However, with this weekend comes the burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw and all things barbecue and picnic related. Which can also pack on the pounds. While one "bad" meal won't make you gain weight it's sure hard to avoid the summer favorites throughout the ENTIRE summer. And I seriously love potato salad. And I didn't even begin to mention the ice cream...

So here are my tips and tricks for keeping clean eating in check and not falling into the mayo laden, loaded burger summer pitfalls.

Enjoy In Season Fruits and Veggies

The BEST thing about summer (besides lazy days by the pool) is all of the fresh summer produce. One of my favorite ways to eat more vegetables is fill up on a delicious vegetable kabob prepared on the grill. You could even add some shrimp or chicken for some protein.

Fresh fruit such as pineapple can add a little flair to your kabob. My favorite is mushrooms, green peppers and pineapples. Have you thought about throwing some watermelon on your grill? (be sure to keep an eye on your watermelon as its high water content can cause it to burn) How about peaches? Strawberries? One way to really add some unique flair to your next barbecue is offer fresh fruit kabobs as a dessert. Set out a bowl of fruit and have guests skewer their own combinations. My kids particularly love this as they can add whatever fruits they like.



Summer Salads

Since we're talking summer season foods lets not forget salads! But they don't have to be those ho hum garden kids! Cucumbers with Roma tomatoes marinated in balsamic vinegar is one of my favorites as is a wonderful cucumber salad with onions and a light marinade. Tabbouleh is a wheat salad that is delicious when prepared chilled and with olive oil, diced tomatoes, lemon juice and mint.






Burgers Aren't Just Beef!

There are TONS of options for your burger choices if you're avoiding beef. Pre-made turkey burgers are a great alternative as are salmon burgers or even grilled chicken! All of these options can be put on a multi-grain bun, topped with lettuce, tomatoes (or even a slice of cheese). And again fruit can really spice up a burger! Is beef the only option? Opt for one that is the correct portion size or simply cut one in half! I do try to avoid chips whenever possible but a small serving will be just fine to keep it to a minimum.

Just One Please...

Serving of starch that is! Keep starches to a minimum. Love corn on the cob or chips? Choose one and then wrap your burger in lettuce. Holding out for those cupcakes or strawberry shortcake? Skip the starches all together, fill up on protein and vegetables and save that starch for dessert.

Water, Water Everywhere

Try to avoid sweet sugary drinks. Not only will these make you even more thirsty, they easily pack on the pounds. My biggest tip, always have a cup of water in your hand. This will not only keep your hands busy and occupied and out of the snack foods, it will help keep you fuller so you wont be tempted to overeat when it comes to meal time.

Stay Active!

The point of living a healthier lifestyle is not about eliminating all of the things you LOVE! Its about moderation and balance. And if I know I'm going to be indulging, I make it a point to get my workout done first thing in the morning (I've even been known to throw in an extra 10 minute ab workout or even an extra walk around the block). Even participating in a little extra backyard fun can help burn those extra calories. Tag with the kids, hide and go seek or even a quick game of Frisbee can burn calories. Ask friends if they'd like to take a quick walk around the block after the barbecue. Its a great way to continue to socialize with friends while getting in some extra steps.

Interested in More?

Do you struggle to keep your eating on task throughout certain times of the year? Looking for a little extra help or motivation? Want some great meal plans, recipes and even MORE tips and tricks? How about recipes for some of those great salads you just read about? Contact me here and send me a quick message about my June 8th challenge group where I provide all of these things plus MORE. I will even work with you to help you find a workout that you'll love and will fit your lifestyle. Remember, its not about elimination, its all about moderation!

Whats a Challenge Group??

I'm pretty excited right now! I have 14 weeks until I leave for Nashville TN to attend Summit. In Beachbody land this is the time when coaches travel from all across the country to attend workshops, network, meet and workout with Beachbody's celebrity trainers and of course celebrate successes!

Looking at the calendar, I just realized I have EXACTLY enough time to do 1 round of P90X3 and fit in 1 final round of 21 Day Fix Extreme. And while this leaves me feeling a little overwhelmed, I know that the key to my completing these programs and getting great results will be my challenge groups.


One of the #1 questions I am asked when I'm sharing what I do with others is "What is a Challenge Group?" Challenge groups are totally unique to Beachbody and for me, was the key to my success with losing weight. To this day, the challenge groups that I run help me maintain my fitness goals AND push me to continue to set new goals.

During my first challenge group I had incredible support. Someone to be accountable to and if I was struggling, others to lift me up to help keep me motivated and inspired. I can specifically remember a day when I didn't want to press play. I posted my question about taking a rest day in my group and immediately got responses. Reasons to get in my 30 minutes, challengers just like me telling me that it was ONLY 30 minutes, reminding me of the reason I started this journey in the first place and great advice from my coach about getting to the REAL reason I felt like I needed to "rest".

 My challenge group was there when I had a day with 2 sick kids, doctors appointments and nothing healthy ready to eat for dinner. In the past I would have driven to the closest fast food restaurant just because I was tired and it was convenient. When I posted my struggle in the my group, fellow challengers helped me figure out what I could cook in a jiffy that was stress free, used what I had in the house AND followed my 21 Day Fix clean eating plan.

So ask yourself these questions:

Do you need some help staying motivated and accountable to your health and fitness goals?
Do you want to lose weight but don't know where to start?
Are you the type of person that needs someone constantly telling you what to do so you do it?
Do you enjoy working out with others?
Do you just want to maintain your body and learn how to eat healthier?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, a challenge group might just be what you need to help you reach those fitness goals.

FAQ's

Do Challenge Groups Meet in Person?

• No.  Beachbody challenge groups are entirely done online, on a private Facebook page. 

• I  provide tips, motivation, meal plans, recipes, accountability and challenges each day through a closed and private Facebook group!  This means no one but you can see what is posted or what YOU post.

• Typically in each group there are 5-25 others people all working toward their health and fitness goals, Sometimes the groups are geared toward everyone doing the same program such as 21 Day Fix or Insanity. Other times it's a mixed group where challengers are doing a variety of different programs.

How do I Become a Part of a Challenge Group?

• To be a participant in my challenge group, every person must purchase a Beachbody Challenge pack program. Included in your challenge pack is the program of your choice and a 30 day supply of Shakeology. Challenge packs are DEEPLY discounted in order for you to get the best value for your money. 

• I will work with you to help you find a Beachbody program that best fits your fitness goals.

• I will commit to you 100% to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

Have more questions? Check out my Inspire Fitness Facebook page HERE and send me a quick message. Let me help you reach those health and fitness goals!

But don't wait too long... My next Challenge Group starts April 20th and its my Six Weeks 'til Summer Bootcamp Group. Lets get summer ready TODAY!

21 Day Fix Extreme... The Nutrtion Plan

 I have to be honest, after I did the coach sneak peak workout on Saturday morning, I wasn't all THAT excited about this program and couldn't quite figure out what the buzz was all about. But then I listened to the Beachbody Coach National Call and heard it straight from Autumn Calabrese herself. And let me tell you I am now seriously considering getting this program when its launched on February 2nd.

When describing this program overall Autumn said "I created this program to get you seriously shredded in the shortest time possible. It’s a breakthrough 21-day fitness and nutrition program that combines simple portion control, focused nutrition, and extreme 30-minute workouts to help you finally get the lean, defined, hard body you’ve always wanted".

Who is this program for?
According to Autumn Calabrese this program is " for people with a dramatic short-term weight loss deadline like a big event, vacation or photo shoot. It’s also for 21 Day Fix graduates or graduates of other extreme programs like P90X^®, INSANITY^® and FOCUS T25^®. The next group is those who don’t have much weight to lose, but just want to shred up and see their abs. Lastly, this program is for people who don't want to count calories, weigh their food or follow complicated recipes. It was designed to make losing weight and getting shredded simple. Just follow the Extreme Eating Plan and get ready to see serious results!"

So how is this program different from 21 Day Fix?
The food lists have been changed. Some things from the lists have been eliminated and other more nutrient dense foods have been added. Cheats have been eliminated. That means no chocolate, no wine. The nutrition component of this workout is a lot more dialed in. This program also comes with 2 different meal plans. The "regular" everyday 21 Day Fix Extreme meal plan and also Autumn's "Countdown to Competition" meal plan. This is the exact meal plan Autumn uses 21 days before a figure competition or a photo shoot. According to Autumn "It’s my secret to shed fat and lean out every inch of my body. When you have to look great and have only 21 days to do it, this is the plan for you. I follow it when a big competition or photo shoot is coming up. It's a tough mental challenge, but so worth it."

The Workouts
Weights are incorporated into EVERY workout. Even Pilates uses resistance bands. There is an upper day, lower day, Pilates day, cardio days and an active recovery yoga day. There is high impact but there are modifiers for all workouts and you can take the high impact out and make it low impact.

This program is results driven, meaning that if you stick to the meal plan and do the workouts for 21 days you will see results. This program is for people that are ready to see serious results in terms of muscle definition and weight loss.

Are you ready to get the best results of your life in only 21 days? You can ONLY get this program through a Team Beachbody coach.  I am inviting you to be a part of the first group of the general public to use this program, in my upcoming 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Group. The test group  will begin on February 9th.

Fill out the application below or contact me to learn how you can be a part of this group!

click here to complete the application to be in my 21 Day Fix Extreme Test Group

Holiday Goals!

Here we go! The countdown is on for the holiday season and I am not AT ALL ready! I'm usually pretty good about being prepared for this time of year, but this year I'm not. Top it all off with the fact that my youngest has a Christmas Day birthday and it's very easy for me to begin to feel overwhelmed.

The time between Halloween and New Years the average American gains anywhere between 7-12 lbs. I was starting out the holiday season with the goal of NOT putting on any weight. But I have finally broken a plateau (that I was stuck at since September!) and I have decided to up the ante! In order for me to stay accountable, I'm sharing my goals WITH you! When I announce my goals I am more likely to stick to them. So here I am sharing my goals WITH you and inviting you on my continued journey.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY GOALS

1. Lose 5 lbs. This is the last of the weight I am looking to lose. I also know that I shouldn't obsess over the scale but my ultimate goal is to lose 5 lbs of FAT and then start gaining lean muscle mass. Which means I need to lose a little more and then can start some serious weight training (Body Beast is on my radar as my next Beachbody program!).

2. Complete P90X3. If I stick to my plan and according to when I started, I should be entering my final week of P90X3 January 6th. This will be HUGE for me as I have found this program more challenging than 21 Day Fix AND I am not digging getting up at 5:00 a.m. since winter has settled in.

3. Workout 6 Days a Week. P90X3 has one rest day a week (or you can do a workout that is mainly stretching). I have been playing with my rest day but really need to stick to the P90X3 schedule and take my rest day when it is scheduled. I know the schedule was made for a reason the way it is and that way os to give tou maximum results over the 90 days. Making whatever day a rest day is NOT going to get me to where I want to be when I am done is January!

4. Increase my dense vegetable intake when I am hungry. Sounds simple, right? But for me when I'm hungry I'd MUCH rather go for seconds for a carb than a veggie!

5. One plate at Thanksgiving. I don't plan on excluding certain items this year. After all it's not about eliminating the things you love. It's about learning to have proper portion sizes and not overdoing it! So there won't be any seconds for me (unless they are nutrient dense vegetable!)

6. Limit my holiday baking. This will by far be the toughest one for me. I love to bake! And I love to bake at Christmas. I would typically make 5-6 different types of cookies and sweets for the holiday. This includes sugar cookies, sweet breads, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, candied pecans. The list goes on. And on. And on! This year I only plan on making sugar cookies with the kids. Cranberry orange bread and of course cupcakes for my sons birthday.

So there you have it. My 6 goals to see me through the holiday season! I plan on spending less time in the kitchen (baking and eating) and more time concentrating on healthier habits and spending the time with my family.

My 3 Day Refresh Results!

I decided to do the 3 Day Refresh because I was seriously struggling with getting my eating back on track since getting back from our Florida vacation in September. I have no problem with getting my workouts in. It's my eating that has always held me back in the past and after all my hard work for our trip, I certainly wasn't going to blow it this time due to bad food choices!

3 Day Refresh Kit includes your booklet and recipes, 3 packets of Shakeology, 3 packets of Fiber Sweep and 6 packets of Vanilla Fresh

I did mine over Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You can choose any three days that work best for you. I decided the weekend would be easier for me because my husband is home and would help me stick to it!

So what is the refresh?  The Refresh is a Team Beachbody Product that is meant to be a healthy alternative to cleanses that are on the market that really don't respect nutritional value.  For example, the juice cleanses out there really are not the best options for you.  The R&D team really was looking to create a product that gave nutrition that was safe and effective at helping you with rapid weight loss.  

What comes with the refresh kit?  With the basic refresh kit you get 3 shakeology packets, 3 packets of the fiber sweep, 6 packets of the vanilla refresh, a nutrition guide and program manual.  

How do you do the refresh?  You drink a Shakeology Shake for breakfast with a serving of fruit from the book.  You get to have the fiber sweep as your mid morning snack and water.  For lunch you have the vanilla refresh shake with a serving of veggies, fruit and a good fat.  Dinner is the vanilla fresh shake with a meal choice from the nutrition booklet.  You can drink green tea and water but avoid all processed foods, canned fruits and veggies, sweeteners and dairy.  You are truly cutting back to the basics to cut the bloating and help you lose weight. 

The biggest question that people ask me is this... Am I going to be on the toilet for 3 days?  Nope not at all.  There was no surprises or out of the ordinary experiences.  The only thing you could possibly experience is a little fullness in your stomach or gas from the extra fiber if your body is not used to that.  This is normal and is totally ok.  That means the cleanse is working and doing its thing.  So just chug water and go with it!  It's very short lived if it happens to you at all.

My Vanilla Fresh that I drank alongside my grilled vegetables at dinner. I added some cinnamon to it which made it taste even better!

So, after 3 days what were my results?  

I lost 4 pounds on the refresh.  I felt 100% better, no bloating or fullness, I had energy and my cravings were gone for sweets. I worked out during the refresh with no issues at all.  But of course, if you experience any dizziness definitely stop and rest.

Left: Before 3 Day Refresh Right: After 3 Day Refresh
I definitely FEEL much better and after the 3 days started to get some definition back in my abs. Before Refresh I felt bloated for sure and my pants felt a little snug right out of the dryer. After Refresh I was definitely more comfortable in my freshly washed pants!

The first day was the hardest.  I had a terrible headache which I attributed to the fact that I had eliminated caffeine plus my 2 year old decided to wake up way too early and I had gone to bed too late the night before. So I had a bad headache and was exhausted but not really ever hungry.

Day 2 was easy for me. I woke feeling terrific after a full night of sleep, headache gone! Got up and did my 21 Day Fix workout (Dirty 30) and had enough energy to get through the workout pretty good! I had no hunger whatsoever.

Day 3 was a breeze.  I was still exercising and feeling good, I was just really ready to eat food again!  I made it through and I was totally ok! This is something I could and will totally do again!


How often can you do the refresh?  You can do it once a month if you would like.  It's save, effective and keeps you on the straight and narrow.

So, if you want guidance with the refresh and even more importantly you want something to keep you on track after you are done then join my 30 day clean eating and shakeology group on November 3rd to detox from halloween and to learn tools to help you make healthier choices, to handle the upcoming holiday temptations and to prioritize what you want to eat and what you want to splurge on!!!

The holidays are totally the easiest time to get sidetracked.  So join me and together we can keep it in check!  

Click on my link below to complete your application to my 30 day group!

https://inspirefitness1.wufoo.com/forms/30-day-clean-eating-application/