Muffin Top Massacre !!

Spring is approaching Fast and its time to shed those Bulky sweaters and pull out that Spring/Summer Wardrobe. It's never fun when they don't quiet fit the way that we had remembered.

I have been part of that yo-yo category when it came to weight loss for YEARS !! I tried over and over to do it on my own. It was to easy to make an excuse because I had no accountability, no one to check in with, no one to push me on the days that I didn't want to do it. I don't think that I ever made it through an entire program.  UNTIL I came across a Challenge Group ! This one the one thing that finally worked - it kept me motivated, engaged and determined to succeed. This is my SECRET SAUCE !!  But its really not a secret at all. Its about having that FAMILY of people that are their day in and day out rooting for you - cheering you on, lifting you up and letting you know that you ARE WORTH IT !! You can achieve those results that you long for. 

It was a different feeling for me. When someone posted about having a good day, it pushed me harder, it made me second guess my choices for the day. I wanted to post a good score. I wanted people to be proud of me for what I did. When someone posted about a bad day, it made me realize that this was totally normal. It was OK. No one is perfect. I no longer let that bad day turn into a bad weekend just to start over on Monday. 

I finally found success with this approach -- Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success

I now run my own challenge groups. I wanted to pay if forward and help others who had experienced the same struggles that I had. In these groups we develop relationships. We share our WHY, we post sweaty workout pics, we share recipes and meal plans = We have FUN along the way. My challengers motivate me each and every day just as much as I am there to help them. 

These groups are the gateway to making a lifestyle change. It is proven that if you stick to the workout program, and the nutrition plan you WILL get results. We celebrate all the success along the way BIG and SMALL!! We are more successful in trying to make a change in our life when we have people alongside us to keep us accountable and motivated.

Are you looking to:

• clean up your nutrition
• increase your fitness levels
• learn how to stick to a meal plan
• increase your energy
• fit in smaller clothing
• drop a few pounds
• lower  your cholesterol
• feel stronger
• have the ability to make healthier choices
• become a happier version of you 

Lets Massacre that Muffin Top Starting March 9th !!  

I would love for you to experience what the group is all about. As part of the group you'll get an awesome workout you can do at home nutritional guidance, tips and recipes a month of Shakeology, & me as your coach!! 

All of this, plus the awesome support, motivation and accountability that comes from joining the group. 

Spots are filling up FAST !!  Fill out the form below to reserve your spot!

Fill out my online form.

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21 Day Fix EXTREME Testimonial - Week One

I have done the 21 day fix workout programs and was following the meal plans -- well NOT exactly. 

So the Holiday's really took a toll on me. Yes I worked out consistently BUT -- my picking and snacking was really getting out of control and I was noticing that it was affecting me. I was starting to really feel icky. 

Fast Forward to last week !!  I made a decision to really commit to my nutrition and the 21 Day Fix Extreme was just the program to do it. 

This program focuses on dialed in nutrition. NO CHEATS !! If I want the results that I am after this nutrition plan will set me up for success. 

WEEK ONE UNDER MY BELT

There are 3 Meal Plan Options: Which one to Choose?? 

• Extreme Plan
• Countdownn to Competition Plan 
• Combo Extreme/Competition Plan

I decided that if i am going to do this, I'm going all in - Countdown to Competition Plan all the way. I want the EXTREME Challenge and I am looking to see how shredded I can get.

So what does it enatail? 
Sitting down on a sunday and doing some prep work. You use the color coded containers to plan out your meals for the week. It is super simple, no counting calories, just aligning the correct amount of containers per day. The containers tell you what food to put in each and you decide the timing and the order of how you eat.  It really doesnt get any easier than that. 

With Nutrition being my biggest challenge how did I do?
Day 1 - Competition Plan -- it was good - it was day 1 I was super pumped and mentally prepared

Day 2 - Competion Plan - Today I struggled I was waiting to long in between meals and fouund that by the afternoon I was feeling hungry.

Day 3 - Extreme Plan - I was excited to try some new recipes - Cashew N Oat Hotcakes and Mini Veggie and Egg Cups. ** I survived a day out with the kids Bowling, Pizza and the Movies (no cheats) 

Day 4 - Competition Plan - I am getting the hang of it - I like to have a snack at night so I moved my meal plan around a bit - saved my Shakology for night time. Made it into IceCream.

Day 5 - Celebrated my son's bday with family and did awesome until for some reason - My hand reached into the bowl of wheat thins and dipped into the cream cheese and tomato dip. Yes I had a handful. 

Day 6 - Extreme Plan - Back on track and followed my plan 

Day 7 - Competition Plan - This is really getting easy, no more cravings

One thing that I am sure helped was the water that I was drinking - this helps curb cravings and kept me full. I was getting down a gallon a day !! 


What were the workouts like?
There are 7 workouts - 30 minutes a day - of course its not to say that they werent challenging. Yes I was sore for the week. No pain no gain !! I used a light set of weights 5 pounds and I ranged from 10 - 15 for the heavy weights. Some of the lower body exercises I went HEAVY ! You also need a resistance band. I had one from another program but I think that it was wasy to heavy.. I couldnt stretch it out far enought and had to modify some of the exercises. No problem !! Off to pick up one from Target -- it is recommended to have a resistance band of 15 pounds. 

I loved the workouts - they are a combination of steady state aerobics, resistance training and power moves. 

Favorite Workout was Dirty 30 
Least Favorite was Pilates (I think that may have been due to the wrong bands) 


This week I want to get a little more creative with my meal plan - I stayed pretty basic the first week to get familiar with the new meal plan.  I plan on Crushing my goals this week!! 




















So What were my results from Week ONE!
I lost 5 pounds !! (and even had that one little cheat)
I cant believe how great I feel ! (that whole nutrtion thing really is the key) 
I have lost that stomach bloat feeling

I can only image what the next 2 weeks are going to bring !! I am excited to find out !

Are you interested in starting to work on your FITNESS + NUTRITION ? 
Fill out the form below and lets get you engaged in a group. I promise that if you follow the plan you to can achieve the results that you are looking for!! 

Fill out my online form.

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Healthy Snacks - Simple Snacks

Here are some great ideas that are easy to prep and will keep you going througout the day!! Making sure that you are prepared is KEY in your success. 

The best snacks are 200 calories or less, filling yet satisfying. Snacking keeps your metabolism up throughtout the day, helping you burn calories and keep your energy levels up. 

Healthy Snacks

Apple Slices + Almond Butter
Banana + Almond Butter
Brown Rice Cake + Peanut Butter
Carrots + Hummus
Celery + Peanut Butter
Cocoa Almonds
Cottage Cheese (non-fat) + Blueberries
Dried Fruit Chips (no sugar added)
Edamame (steamed) + Sea Salt
Greek Yogurt (plain) + Honey + Berries
Guacamole + Veggies

Hard Boiled Eggs

Peanuts + Dried Cranberries
Peppers + Hummus
Popcorn (plain)
Protein Bar
Raisins
Quest bars
Kind Bars
Raw Almonds
Raw Cashews & Strawberries
Shakeology
Small Piece of Dark Chocolate
String Cheese + Grapes
Trail Mix

Mini Veggie Egg Cups

I can't get over how awesome the recipes in the 21 Day Fix Extreme plan are!! They are simple and quick and the best part is that I make enough to have some to freeze for future meals. This is really key to keeping me on track !! 



Makes 6 Servings, 2 Veggie Cups each 

Ingredients:
12 large eggs
SeaSalt or Himalayan Salt, Ground pepper to taste
1 (10 oz bag) baby spinach , finely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper finely chopped
2 Green Onions, finely sliced

Directions:
1. Heat over to 375
2. Lightly coat a 12 cup muffin tin with spray
3. Place eggs in a large bowl; whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper if desired
4. Add spinach, bell pepper and onions; mix well
5. Evenly pour egg mixture into muffin cups
6. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean

21Day Fix 
1 Red , 1 Green

Sneek Peek !! What is this Coaching thing all about ?

I am a full time corporate mom of 3 awesome kids that are involved in lots of activities !! I am a wife to an awesome husband!! We tag team to get it all done !! I took on this coaching opportunity and wasnt really sure how and the heck I was going to do it all or what it really entailed. 

Errrrr.. Flash back 1.5 years ago..... I joined a Challenge group,  I was looking for a change. Little did I know that the success from my Challenge group would lead me to the Coaching. 

I'd love to share more information with you via this E-Mail Sneak Peek - as easy as opening your e-mail you can learn what this opportunity is all about. 

Do you have to be a fitness expert?
Do you have to be a nutritionist?
What kind of time do you need to do this?

All these and more will be answered in the EMAIL Sneek Peek !! 
I would love to share what this opportunity has done for me! 

Fill out my online form.

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Cashew 'N' Oat HotCakes

I love breakfast food !! Even more I love pancakes !  I am always looking for different recipes to try out that fit within my clean eating plan !! 

These are in the new 21 Day Fix Extreme Plan ! 

Makes 10 servings, 2  hotcakes each

Ingredients:
2 cups Old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 dash sea salt or himalayan salt (Mineralize)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 large egg
1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 1/3 cups water
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

5 cups mixed berries

Directions:
1. Place oats, cashews, salt and cinnamon in a food processor or blender, pulse until coarsley ground.
2. Add egg, oil, water and vanilla, pulse until well blended. Batter will be thick, but if it is thick as paste add 2 to 3 additional  Tbsp of water.
3. Heat medium non skillet, lightly coated with spray, over medium heat.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into skillet for each pancake
5. Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds
6. Repeat with remaining batter
7. Serve pancakes topped with berries.

**21 Day Fix containers **

• Purple 1/2 
• Yellow  1
• Spoon   1 

Carmel PopCorn

 I was inspired to find a Clean Version, after a friend of mine made some homeade carmel popcorn this weekend and shared it with me. While I ate the entire baggie that she gave me and enjoyed every last morsel, i decided that it was time to do my research and make some modifications. I really do love carmel corn and have just tried to stay away from it. But I found and taste tested a recipe that will allow me to have that special treat on occasion and without the guilt! 

Makes 8 cups popped corn (2 servings)

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided ( 2 tablespoons if using allready popped pop corn)
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Place 1 tablespoon coconut oil into deep pot or pan with tight fitting lid and melt over medium high heat. Add in popcorn kernels and cover. Shake pan back and forth every 20 seconds or so to heat kernels evenly. After about 2 minutes, kernels should start to pop. Once popping slows, remove popcorn from heat and pour into large bowl.

**Alternate method : I use Skinny Pop (already popped)

In a small saucepan, place remaining coconut (if using allready popped pocorn you will only need 2 tbsp)  oil with maple syrup and salt. Boil 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Spread out onto some parchment paper to cool 30 minutes or so. Serve.

Source: http://www.laurenslatest.com/healthy-caramel-corn/

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

What only 5 ingredients are needed to whip up these delicicious muffins ?? Yep!! 
I whipped these up tonight!! I was excited as they are super easy and all you need is a blender! Throw all the ingredients in, blend up, and pour into your mini muffin pans. 

These are going to be a perfect snack for the kids! OK me to !! This is a healthy snack that I can feel good about them grabbing !! No added sugar and junk !! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 large eggs 
• 2 medium sized very ripe bananas
• 1 Tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 Tbsp honey (optional, but I added it)

Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, coconut, raisins, craisins

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until mixed well
Pour batter into mini muffin pan greased iwth cooking spray/coconut oil
Add your toppings into each spot and stir.
Cooking time varies - 8 minutes for mini muffins

Source: http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com

Why Challenge Groups?

I have been part of that yo-yo category when it came to weight loss for YEARS !! I tried over and over to do it on my own. It was to easy to make an excuse becuase I had no accountability, no one to check in with, no one to push me on the days that I didnt want to do it. I dont think that I ever made it through an entire program.  UNTIL I came across a Challenge Group ! This one the one thing that finally worked - it kept me motivated, enageged and determined to succeed. This is my SECRET SAUCE !!  But its really not a secret at all. Its about having that FAMILY of people that are their day in and day out rooting for you - cheering you on, lifting you up and letting you know that you ARE WORTH IT !! You can achieve those results that you long for. 

It was a different feeling for me. When someone posted about having a good day, it pushed me harder, it made me second guess my choices for the day. I wanted to post a good score. I wanted people to be proud of me for what I did. When someone posted about a bad day, it made me realize that this was totally normal. It was OK. No one is perfect. I no longer let that bad day turn into a bad weekend just to start over on Monday. 

I finally found success with this apporach -- Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success
I now run my own challenge groups. I wanted to pay if forward and help others who had experienced the same struggles that I had. In these groups we develop relationships. We share our WHY, we post sweaty workout pics, we share recipes and meal plans = We have FUN along the way. My challengers motivate me each and every day just as much as I am there to help them. 

These groups are the gateway to making a lifestyle change. It is proven that if you stick to the workout program, and the nutriton plan you WILL get resutls. We celebrate all the success along the way BIG and SMALL!! We are more successful in trying to make a change in our life when we have people alongside us to keep us accountable and motivated.

Are you looking to:

• clean up your nutrition

• increase your fitness levels

• learn how to stick to a meal plan

• increase your energy

• fit in smaller clothing

• drop a few pounds

• lower  your cholesterol

• feel stroger

• have the ability to make healthier choices

• become a happier version of you 

I have a new challenge group beginning on Monday February 16th and I would love for you to experience what the group is all about. Along with the group you'll get:

• an awesome workout you can do at home 
• nutritional guidance, tips and recipes
• a month of Shakeology 
• a focus in February on self love and establishing a positive body image, wherever you're at in your journey
• me as your coach!! 

All of this, plus the awesome support, motivation and accountability that comes from joining the group. 

I have a few spots left for February and would LOVE for you to join us. Fill out the form below to reserve your spot!

Fill out my online form.

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