My Healthy Plan: Week 2

Happy Monday, friends!

This weekend absolutely flew by! It was a busy one for our family so I was especially tired when the alarm sounded at 5 am but day 1 of week 2 was completed and a great way to get myself energized!

I've been open on here that I have some big goals with my program and what I want to achieve. So for the purpose of full disclosure, I thought I would tell you how my weekend nutrition went. (Weekends are typically my downfall)

Saturday morning I had an early morning meeting. I got a few things done around the house, made my boys cinnamon rolls and then headed out the door arming myself with my chocolate Shakeology. I was pretty proud of that.

I had a baby shower early afternoon and then our family had a wedding reception open house that evening before meeting my in-laws for dinner. I squeezed in some laundry and my workout before getting out the door!

Warrior workout! So tough but finished!

I grabbed a larabar (cashew cookie--only two ingredients). At the baby shower I had some water and fruit. And at the reception I had some veggies and nuts. I was pretty hungry by the time we got to my in-laws.  They ordered from a local spaghetti house which is AMAZING but I had a chef salad and only a small slice of the garlic bread because, balance. My father in law also made homemade ice cream and I had a small scoop of that. It wasn't a perfect day but it wasn't a bad day either!

Anyone else love getting dolled up??

Sunday our family did late church because we were going to friends' to swim. I knew I wanted to stay on track so packed the makings of a vegetable tray and some fresh salsa and gluten free chips. Since we did late church I made omelets and Ezekial English muffins (only halves) for breakfast. Those English muffins are thee best in my opinion! So good!

Our friends grilled some awesome hamburgers and hot dogs. So for lunch I had a hamburger (no bun), lots of veggies with greek yogurt cucumber dill dip, fresh fruit and some chips and salsa. Still full from dinner my husband and I had our shakeology for dinner.

It wasn't a perfect weekend but it was far more on track than many this summer have been!

Today it was back to to the plan and pushing even more water since the weekend I lagged a little with all the busyness.

It is definitely not about being perfect. It is about balance, making the best choices you can and always pushing ahead.

Week 1 Update

Technically week 1 ends tomorrow and Sunday is a rest day, but tomorrow is a crazy busy day with Super Saturday, a baby shower, a wedding reception and then family dinner with my in-laws.  Yes, all of that in one day. Talk about having to fight to stay on track nutrition wise! What a test! Ha!

Today's workout was one of my favorites in the entire program. All of these workouts are 30 minutes but they are varied that you have to push yourself every day to find the strength to get through THAT workout.

CVX is weighted cardio, meaning you do cardio moves holding a weight. #whoa #letthatsinkin
It's challenging even using a light weight like I did (only five pounds). What I love is that with a weight in my hand, the whole workout changes. I can feel the muscles I am working more acutely than if I was doing a jack press without a weight. To have to push through and engage your core every move is awesome. Talk about a challenge!

I mean look at me---SWEATY MESS!!

I feel stronger for sure. I feel really energized. I feel determined to continue to push physically. And mentally. I know it is not all about the number on the scale.  But, having a successful first week, not giving into cravings, following the meal plan EXACTLY, get in all my water.... y'all I'm down FIVE pounds! Determined??? Like never before!

I've always loved this program and now I remember even more why it is one of my favorites! If you want more info on this program, on joining one of my accountability groups, or a program that YOU will fall in love with, send me a message or drop a comment below with your email and I will be in touch.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Benefits of an Early Morning Workout

Well, friends, four days down. Four days of getting up early and doing a quick devotional as I wake up then pushing play on my workout.

I used to get up at 5 am when I worked full time outside the home. Having to get myself ready, get the boys ready for the sitter, dropped off and to school, being an early riser was just part of it. But it has been a few years since I had that routine. So this new change has taken a lot of effort. To be honest, once I am up, I'm good! It is just making myself sit up, swing my feet to the floor and shuffle to the basement.

This week I was curious as to if I would notice anything different from starting my day with a workout versus sleeping until my boys wake up. I'm really surprised at all I've noticed, in just four days!

{O N E} More Energy

Considering my old wake up time is a couple hours later, I was really worried that I would feel tired getting up so early. Sluggish around nap time, maybe. I haven't experienced that at all!! I am much more alert. I am more productive. I feel like I have time to get several things done in the morning after my workout before my kids get up. I feel more focused during the day; just clearer in general. As a mom with young kids growing my own business and juggling my outside responsibilities, this extra energy has been a HUGE benefit!

{T W O} More Time

My workout is only 30 minutes. When I finish, I have a good hour (or MORE) before my kids wake up most days. I have that extra time to fold some laundry, unload the dishwasher, clear my inbox, review the days activities so I am prepared for what we are doing. It is so, so nice. I mean, of course it's obvious: get up earlier, you have more time to get things done. Actually having it though, and utilizing it-- our home has run much more smoothly this week. 

{T H R E E} More Patience

With more energy and things already crossed off the to-do list when my kids wake up, I have so much more patience. It sounds terrible, I know. But I used to feel tired. Or because I slept late, I felt rushed. And when I feel that way my patience has a tendency to run a little thin. 

I love having my workout out of the way. I love that a quick devotional and time in prayer starts my day. I feel much more able to be present with my kids instead of running around trying to get everything done. I mean, the whole reason I work so hard is so I can be present purposefully in their lives.  Waking up and working out early is absolutely helping me do that. 

{F O U R} More Food

Ok. Maybe not more food. I am following the 21 Day Fix portion control containers which is a ton of food. But I'm noticing I feel hungrier quicker. When I wake up and workout in a fasted state, I am burning through stored calories instead of what I've taken in that day. I feel leaner when I wake up. And that is an awesome feeling after just 4 days. 

I am excited to keep going with this new habit! Any other early morning workout fans? What are your favorite parts of getting your sweat on early? I'd love to know!

How to Meal Plan As a Busy Mom

Failure to plan is planning to fail right?? 

Nutrition is always the tougher component when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.  In the last three years I have learned a lot about what to eat, when to eat, how to eat, how MUCH to eat. My issue has always been in the follow through. Allowing one too many treats, or deciding that what I planned for diner really isn't sounding good so just going with Plan B. 

Not anymore! My mindset is different. I want to succeed like never before. I know my body deserves more. I know I am made for more than just mindless eating. I've read Lysa Terkeurst's Made to Crave and know how deeply God doesn't want me to succumb to food cravings. 

Since I said I was going to be using this blog as a way to stay accountable, I figured why not share what I'm eating. Maybe nutrition is a struggle for you too! Maybe you don't know where to start or how to plan. Maybe you need some accountability. Whatever the case, here is the menu plan I am following this week. 

A few notes:

- The menu is color coded because I am using the 21 Day Fix portion control containers to help me stay within my portion parameters. I don't want to overeat; which, can still happen even if the food is healthy! 

-Shakeology: It counts as a serving of protein but know I mix in some other ingredients to increase the calorie count. Depending on the day, if I need more greens or purples, I add in spinach or 1/2 a banana. I always add in all natural peanut butter, ice, and water. YUM!!

-It's simple! I don't h ave time for a fussy menu plan. I won't stick with it if it isn't yummy, takes too much time, or leaves me feeling dissatisfied.  This menu combats all those feelings! 

If you are interested in more specific details of the recipes used in the menu, head on over to my Pinterest page and hit follow or shoot me an e-mail! I'd love to connect! 

Day 1...Again

After an awesome week in Nashville for our annual conference, way too much yummy indulgences, I started over on a brand new program.

Again.

The program isn't exactly brand new. It is just the next one I'm doing since finishing 22 Minute Hard Corps.

When I was thinking of what I wanted, how I wanted pushed, what I wanted my body to get out of a workout...I knew! I just KNEW what workout I was going to be doing!

P90x3!!!

I've loved this program from the very first workout I did almost three years ago. There is so much variety. The workouts are all only 30 minutes. I love how quickly I see results. And obviously-- Tony!

Here's the deal. If I am being honest, I can workout with the best of them. Like, get my sweat on and not miss a workout. But this summer, the multiple indulgences have added up and detracted from my hard work. That really SUCKS!!

So I'm saying no more! I've done it before! While pregnant!!! I can totally do it again

See?? Proof! 

So day 1 is in the books. My nutrition and water were great. AND, my husband is committing to doing this with me. Talk about awesome accountability!

So stay tuned! I'll be sharing what I'm eating, progress and in 90 days--some awesome results! 

Day 60 Results

To say that I was a little intimidated to do P90x3 was an understatement.  I had done one month of P90x and just didn't finish with the holidays and busyness.  The workout was amazing but I just couldn't commit to the time. (I know, I know--excuses but I'm just being honest.) 

Why was I intimidated? Because I saw people who were die-hard P90xers and I just didn't feel like I could keep up.  And finding out I was pregnant a couple of weeks before the start date?! I kept doubting myself. Like- would I be able to do this? I was the pregnant girl who, when she found out she was pregnant, immediately put my feet up and ate some ice cream.  

WAS.  I was that girl; meaning I wasn't that girl any more.  I had worked really hard before getting pregnant to make the progress I had made. I was working out consistently.  I could do both. I could work out, eat right AND be pregnant.  They were not mutually exclusive.  

My doctor sure thought it wouldn't be a problem. Physically there wasn't anything stopping me.  Mentally, I was my biggest enemy. 

I have to say I have loved this program and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone! It has great modifications.  And what I have seen through my group, is that they have gotten stronger really quickly.  Within the first couple of weeks they were modifying less.  Into the second month, they have increased their weights, done more push-ups, are hardly modifying; if at all anymore! Truly amazing! 

Just a reminder! :) 

So here we are with only 30 days left of this 90 day program.  These past two weeks I have incorporated the 21 Day Fix nutrition portion into my routine.  I am still doing the x3 workouts with weights and without modification.  This last transition week I did notice that the cardio workouts were a little tougher.  I felt out of breath quicker but I know that is just my body changing with the pregnancy.  I am careful to make sure that I don't let my heart rate get too high or too out of breath.  I have a small snack and full glass of water at least 30 minutes before working out.  Have water throughout my workout, and then another full glass after.  I also have a small snack after my workout too, or my lunch if it is that time of day.

I have gained about 3-4 pounds since I began the program.  My legs and arms are continuing to tone.  And honestly, even my core.  Which has ALWAYS been a struggle.  I know that my stomach is really going to start to change as I get farther along (I'm expecting a bump any day!) but I know I am creating muscle memory.

So here they are- Day 1 to Day 60. If you are looking for guidance during your pregnancy, or looking to get healthy and fit, let's chat! Click my FB icon to the right to find me or send me a message! I'd love to hear from you.

P90x3 30 days

A few posts back (here) I gave my personal review on P90x3 so far.  Well this week finishes up block one.  

Before starting a new block, you have transition week.  It is a mix of different workouts and I have LOVED this week.  Lots of stretching and holding, moves that are firing up my core.  This week's schedule looked like this:

Block One, Transition Week (Classic)

Monday- Isometric

Tuesday- Dynamix

Wednesday- Accelerator

Thursday- Pilates

Friday- CVX

Saturday- X3 Yoga

Sunday- Rest or Dynamix

Such a great mix for a different challenge every day! It was so much different than the previous three weeks that I felt muscles getting pushed in a new way.  I loved that different sore feeling I had each day. The fact that this program continually changes your routine is what aids in getting such great results.

This past week has also been interesting because I had a HUGE fail! I normally always have a reserve bag of shakeology at my house.  My husband and I drink it daily. (He just became a DAILY drinker since starting this program) and I had several people desiring to purchase samples before they bought the product.  Between those two things, my reserve bag ran out before my next shipment arrived.  I EVEN MOVED UP THE SHIP DATE! So I have been going all week with no Shakeology. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy, my hunger levels.  It stinks y'all!! I am pushing through but think this week has set me back a bit in results.  

My focus has changed a little bit in that what I originally wanted from this program has shifted.  *Stay tuned for why that is* But what I do notice is that, even with the setbacks, this program is continually working my whole body, getting my heart rate up, challenging me in my flexibility and strength.  

My husband is also doing this program with me. His results blew me away.  I am beyond excited for him and I know that the progress he has made has really sparked him to kick it up a notch MORE to get the best results possible at the end of these 90 days.

We started January 6th after the holiday indulgence had set in.  We've had a very busy month with lots of things going on for our family.  But what kept us going, was the fact that we could do our workout in 30 minutes! Such a game changer! 

Here is how I have changed in the first 30 days:

My weight- the same! I have went up and down about three pounds the entire 30 days
Chest- same
Waist (natural) -.5"
Waist (belly button or as I like to refer to it-- mama's trouble spot) -1.5"
Hips: -.5"
Thighs: -.5" each
Arms- same

I could have felt really discouraged if I went solely on the scale.  This is why I am such a believer in taking measurements and photos.  I notice huge changes when I look at those things.  All that bloat is gone and I am seeing my core muscles really start to pop through.  My booty is tighter again.  In 30 days y'all!

Now check out my sweet husband, Andrew's changes in the first 30 days:

Weight: -8 pounds

Waist (natural): -3"

And that was as far as I got with measurements because he was just too busy! Ha! 

His front photo impressed me because I see his once six pack wanting to pop through.  But his side photo, that gave me chills.  His gut is gone! He has obliques and his chest is more prominent! 

I am beyond excited for what this program is doing! And it can do the same for you too! This program is helping us! And we aren't the only ones. My challenge group had 30 day photos that blew me away too! I would love to help you too! I coach for free so let's get started!

Meals on Monday- P90x3

I am going into my third week of P90x3.  I have lost 5 pounds in the first two weeks and am feeling myself tighten up.  I will give you a full review on what I think of this program later this week.  Stay tuned for that!

When I am working through any program, I study the nutrition guide that comes with it! (Did you know all of Beachbody's workout programs come with a nutrition program and meal guide?!)

This one was a bit different for me.  It dealt with blocks of food, proteins, carbs and healthy fats.  I had to think about how to vary my meals, incorporate those foods, and carefully make sure I wasn't doubling up on a block.  

Meal planning is something I love to do.  I love to create a map for my health.  I have to tweak it based on how I'm feeling. After the first week I realized I was relying too much on heavy, starchy carbs instead of leafy greens and fruits to fill my carb requirement.  I am constantly reminded that every day is a chance to learn something new and change something to get better results, to feel better.

So here is what my plan looks like this week.  I like some variety but I also believe that you can repeat things to stay on budget at the store! This mama loves sticking to a budget!