Good-bye November

Hello friends! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends! This time of year is my all time favorite and we certainly filled our long weekend with lots of family time and traditions to kick off the season!

This past month has been a crazy one for my family.  We moved out of our home Halloween weekend and into our new home in our new (technically old since we moved back to our hometown) town that Monday.  I left that Thursday (three days later) for a leadership training event in Dallas (you can read about that here) until Sunday night.  Then it was painting, a funeral, a birthday party for our middle guy, more painting and well--Thanksgiving hit!

To say November was a whirlwind would be an understatement.  All of that led to a pretty poor workout routine for this mama.  My workouts were spotty.  And if my workouts were on--my nutrition was OFF!

You see we all have triggers.  My husband is currently commuting as we transition so has been spending large parts of the week away.  I found myself with a lot of responsibility in addition to my usual routines and I can be a stress eater plus I hate to be alone.  Can we say triggers? But enough is enough.  I used to be blind to the fact that I was sabotaging myself or that I was getting bigger but I am so aware of how junky I feel when I don't have my clean eating and workout routine in order.

Tomorrow--new month, new Monday, new me!! I am getting back on track (along with some other ladies!)  I am really excited about it. I will be following the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan (ASK ME about that if you don't know because it is awesome) and starting T25.  I know I can easily fit in 25 minutes sometime in my day and the HIIT training is exactly what my post-partum body needs!

Check out my meal plan for this week! Talk about yummy!

You may notice everything on this menu is gluten free.  This is another added "new" in my journey.  Last week I began to transition  my family into a gluten free lifestyle.  There have been indicators for me that I may have an intolerance and there are some indicators we are seeing in our oldest based upon the research I have done, what I have read, and after talking with some other people who have transitioned to gluten free.  It is scary because I know I have lots to learn but also exciting because I think it can mean some great things for our family, especially our oldest.  I will be sharing recipes I find that our family loves with you all too! So I am looking forward to that! And I am definitely open to hearing some recipes you love! 

This time of year can be tough as we strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  But I am committing to it.  I know I need to for myself and my family.  Anyone else wanting to commit? 

Results

How is it already the end of October? This month has flown by! This YEAR has flown by!

We have been crazy, busy around our house.  At the beginning of the month, we began to pack up our house in preparation for our move (2 more days!!). Add to that the responsibilities of two toddlers (one in preschool) and a newborn, I had my hands full.  Not to mention, I was busy running a challenge group with people all dedicated to reaching their health goals {ME included}! 

I took my before pictures and measurements exactly 30 days ago and committed to the 21 Day Fix.  I know this program can bring results but had not completed yet not pregnant.  {I did two rounds during my pregnancy.}

One reason I love being a coach with Beachbody is the accountability I have as a coach.  My team is great at keeping me motivated. Their energy and love for a healthy lifestyle makes me want to get up and get the work done even on days when I really don't feel like it or the time seems to be slipping away.  My clients in my groups push me too! They could all come up with 100 excuses but they don't.  I don't want to let them down so I press on!

Today when I got on the scale and did my pictures and measurements I was shocked! It is often hard to see the changes in our body day to day.  We doubt if we are making progress.  I also wasn't perfect this past month.  I missed three workouts and didn't eat as clean as I wanted to! I followed the plan pretty well but there were a few dinners {pizza} that I had an extra slice.  

Down 6 pounds

-6.5 inches gone (2.5 from my waist alone)

I am really happy with my results! I still have a long way to go but these photos prove that good choices, consistently, will pay off over time.  It isn't about fad diets, pills, or long workout sessions.  I love that I got to eat.  I consumed between 1500-1800 calories a day {higher than my bracket but I am breastfeeding}.  I only worked out for 30 minutes.  

I still have a ways to go to get my pre-baby body back but I have never been this fit so soon after a pregnancy before.  

ANYONE can do this!! I am proof of that! If you would like to get started or have any questions, I would love to hear from you! 

Fitness Friday: Oct 17

Finally Friday! This week seemed a little long to me...probably because of the constant rain we seemed to get until yesterday! Today, I am linking up for Fitness Friday

Aubrey

Eating and Training
Week 2 of the 21 Day Fix is ending.  I feel like I worked really hard this week.  I used heavier weights during both the Upper and Lower Fix workouts when called for, went the full 60 seconds and rarely modified.  I definitely feel stronger.  I even went for a run yesterday; the first one in a LONG time (like 9 months!). Definitely wasn't feeling so strong after that.  

My eating has been pretty good.  I've been hungry more this week.  Not sure if that is because little guy is going through a growth spurt so I am nursing all the time or what.  It has been a constant battle to not just go snack every time I want to.  When I have caved (because I'm so darn hungry) I have made healthy choices. 

I am up .7 pounds this week (151..can't get the photo to load).  I feel like I need more calories and that not having enough played into the gain.  I could focus on it or I could focus on the fact that I feel stronger, thinner.  I'll go with the latter.

Looking Forward 
Looking forward to continuing with this program, my healthy choices and getting results.  I plan on adding in a few more runs next week too! 

Progress

I loved waking up to it being Wednesday.  I love that the week is already half over and we are nearing the weekend.  I mean, not mathematically, no.  We need to get through Wednesday but whatever.  

Heather/Ash/Erin

Today was day 10 of the 21 Day Fix.  I love this program.  LOVE IT! I do my weigh-ins on Friday with my online fitness group {who are rocking it by the way}.  Today was Lower Fix; thirty minutes of concentrated leg work.  Talk about working up a sweat! This workout challenges me.  Last week, I had to pause the workout to calm my newborn back into his slumber. {We were having all kinds of nap issues that we seem to have surpassed. PTL!} This week, I not only didn't pause it, I used heavier weights for many of the exercises! #nonscalevictory

I have really been working on sticking to the nutrition guide.  It is honestly a guide I should follow all the time.  It is so simple and easy and advocates for clean eating.  As a nursing mom I did worry that my milk supply might be compromised but it honestly hasn't.  I am eating enough and drinking lots of water and still getting enough milk for my 7 week old.  I love that! 

Last week I lost three pounds.  My husband, who is working out on his own but using the Fix nutrition, lost almost 4 pounds last week.  

I am hoping to have another good loss this Friday.  More than that I want to loss inches.  I feel like my body is back to normal {well, close to it} except for the dreaded mom pooch area and thighs.  I know the pooch is just a result of my third cesarean and that area takes time.  But I'd really like to see some inches leave those areas ASAP! 

How is your week going? 

October Goals

Hey all! Happy October! I love this month! I love all fall months in general! I'm keeping this short and sweet but read to the end because I have some news on some GREAT deals to get into your skinny {jeans}! :)

Since it's a new month, I thought I'd share my new goals for fitness!

Here's the breakdown:

{ONE}

I started this program on Monday and am bound and determined to use this program to rid myself of this baby weight and tone up. I miss my clothes and am ready to rock any outfit I want again! 

{TWO}

Water is my best friend.  It helps me with nursing.  And with exercising, I need to make sure I stay hydrated.  This is the number one thing that can effect your milk supply so I really work to keep this in check!

{THREE}

The weather is beautiful and I just love watching the leaves change.  This month is BUSY for our family but I want to make sure to pause and take time to enjoy the beauty of the season and get some exercise and fresh air together!

{FOUR} 

Being a busy mom and breast feeding, I certainly can struggle with getting in my nutritional needs and can find myself snacking late.  It is a terrible habit and slippery slope for me so I am determined to nip it in the bud this month!

Fortunately, I am not going this alone.  My Fall into Fitness group on Facebook is full and I just know we are going to push each other to reach our goals! 

Check out the Current Promotions page to read about ways you can SAVE BIG on some programs that will give you amazing results! 

And--if you are looking for some accountability and support on your journey--I'd love to hear from you! Let's connect! 

Doubles

****First let me start out by staying prayers to all of those devastated by the storms that swept through so much of our country last night.  I know so many of my Impact family was in harms way.  Please know I am praying for you and your loved ones and if you need prayer specifically please email me or comment below. 

Happy Monday y'all!!

I am heading into my LAST week of the 21 Day Fix and I am really excited.  The group of ladies that have been pushing play with me are doing so awesome and staying super motivated.  Some have even committed to another round to continue on their journey to meet their goals! Love that!

This last week I have decided to push myself even harder. I am going to alternate doing doubles and adding in the 10 Minute Ab Fix.  I know that I want to really continue to sculpt my arms and legs and create tone underneath my growing baby bulge.  

My schedule is going to look something like this:

I know this schedule is going to challenge me.  But that is ok.  We SHOULD challenge ourselves.  The thing is, it would be easy for me to say, "I'm getting too pregnant.  I just want to take it easy. Probably shouldn't push myself."  But the thing is, that would be an excuse.  And excuses have never gotten me anywhere.  

We all have excuses we can make but they aren't going to get us to what we want.  So instead, I am telling myself things like, 

"You are having a great pregnancy.  You can do this." 

"You will bounce back and feel better if you continue this lifestyle." 

"Your baby has the right to be given the best nutrition possible so eat well!"

"Cancun is a year away.  You know you will not want to be in a tankini!!" (that last one is a real motivator ;)

I am 22.5 weeks pregnant.  Here is my pregnancy progress.  I am excited to see how I can continue to push myself these next few months! 

What excuses are you going to throw out the window today? What are you going to start telling yourself to keep you going?? Let's start our own pep talks and be our biggest cheerleaders.  

And if you need someone to cheer for you in your corner, I'll love to help! Use the "Contact Me" form on this page! 

Meals on Monday

Happy Monday everyone! 

Today I am beginning week 11 of P90x3.  I am so excited and ready to complete this program.  It has been a tough one but I love how it has challenged my body.  I love that I can say I completed the whole thing while pregnant.  And I love what it has done for my challengers who have taken this journey with me!

I am MORE than ready to tackle the 21 Day Fix in full.  I have loved the eating portion but to be honest, last week had a few slip ups. I gave in to too many cravings and snacked late more than I should have. Let's just say I paid for it.  I felt tired and sluggish and just..off.  I am ready to really get a handle on my eating! Treats are fine; they just can't become a habit.  And I know myself well enough to know that I could let that happen all to easily.

So when creating this weeks menu, I opted for ease.  I kept most of  my meals and snacks the same for a few reasons: 1) cut down on prep 2) cut down our grocery bill 3) cut down on thinking about what to eat each day.  Keep it simple.  Simple fitness; simple nutrition.  That is the Fix in a nutshell, right?

I even kept my dinners simple too.  And a little fun.  I have two boys and I never want them to associate healthy eating with boring or bland.  As parents, we have to teach them that healthy eating is best, tasty and can be fun too! I try to get my oldest in the kitchen with me when I can so putting some things on the menu he can help with always makes that more possible.

So here is what is cooking in my kitchen this week to help me stay on track and meet my goals.  Being pregnant it not a free for all! Say it with me! :) 

Have a wonderful week!