PiYo Update

I will keep this post short and sweet.

I wrapped month one of PiYo last weekend and began the second month. I feel REALLY good. It has been a long time since I saw a program through beginning to end. I think the last time I went the full round of a program was back when I did Insanity Max:30.

One area I am really focusing on during this second month is nutrition. Here is the thing about Beachbody's programs: they WORK! They work really well. They are simple to follow. One of the reasons I was drawn to Beachbody was because it had everything; great workouts, nutritional support through Shakeology and nutrition guides to follow for the specific program, plus accountability from your coach.

When I did my first program, I was religious about it. I followed the program. All of it! Nutrition included. I ate what I was supposed to and did the workouts on the right days and never skipped or, if I did, I made it up with a double or on my rest day.

I was DEDICATED. I didn't want to have wasted my money or my time and it not work out because I wasn't giving it my all.

Month one went well. I never missed a workout. Some days I had a double workout if I was teaching Cize Live. And my nutrition was pretty good but I allowed some cheats, more than I should have and many that weren't necessary.

When I took my 30 day measurements and photos, I was pleased, but I wasn't thrilled. I saw changes. I am down inches. I am tightening up in my legs. And my arms look toned and strong. But that darn midsection, it shows every cheat. It is my trouble area that is stubborn and is only changed when I really become dedicated. Although I am down inches, the visible change is what I desire and I know that I have to become dedicated again to make that happen.

So, month two will be a NO CHEAT month. That means: no Halloween candy, cake at a friend's wedding, pumpkin treats, caramel apples, or any other fall goodie that sneaks up on me. I CAN choose to say no. I can choose to be dedicated to myself and my goals.

Anyone else have a struggle they find hard to overcome? How do you combat it?

Aha moments and results

This  may turn into a long post so consider yourself warned.  

On December 29th, I began Shaun T.'s new program, Insanity Max:30.  If you know me at all, I am not a fan of an all cardio workout.  This program was that exactly but to the umpteenth degree.  

I enlisted the support of some fellow coaches on my team and we began the program together.  I knew I needed accountability.  I was not planning on doing this program {probably ever} but I had gotten really complacent.  I wasn't following a program consistently, I was allowing to many cheats, and the holidays did not help my trim my post pregnancy body. 

In truth, I needed a swift, firm kick in the butt!

The premise of the program is to push yourself and max out every workout.  And each workout thereafter, to push yourself a little farther, increase that max out time. I was really amazed at how quickly my body began responding to the workouts.  My max time was steadily increasing. I could feel my body getting stronger.  I was finding a rhythm again.  

This program taught me so much. Before every workout, during the opening credits, Shaun T. gives a little pep talk.  During those minutes before I began, I had to really get my mind right.  The first month I was juggling my three kiddos, a nursing newborn, and a traveling husband.  To say there were days I didn't want to do it, days I didn't want to push to my max out- would be an understatement. 

Our mental statement is such an indicator of our success.  Not only in fitness but in EVERYTHING.  Negative self talk is destructive.  If I told myself, I could take a break.  If I told myself I could eat this cheat. If I told  myself that my actions weren't paying off; if I focused on the parts of my body I {thought} weren't changing, I would have given up.  If I didn't have the SUPPORT from my fellow coaches, I would have given up. 

Here is what this program helped me accomplish in just 30 days. 

That lesson of mental strength was an important one.  The program is 60 days. (56 to be exact, less than that if you opt out of the optional Saturday workout.) The second month, all workouts are taken up a notch (or two). I had to have the mental strength to push myself.  

Month two had a whole new set of obstacles.  Two birthdays, my son's birthday party, Valentine's Day. I didn't miss a workout but my nutrition began to slip. I wanted the best results possible and I also wanted to break some habits I started to see creeping up.

To end Max:30 I paired it with the 3-Day Refresh.  Tomorrow I will share those results as well as what I learned during those three days.  

I definitely achieved progress with Max:30.  I saw results.  I pushed myself harder than I ever have in a workout.  I saw myself gain strength and muscle.  I increased endurance and stamina.  My legs and arms have tone like they maybe never have.  All without a weight.  

Here are my results from Day 1---> Day 30 ---> Day 60

This program changed my mindset.  It changed my body. It changed my view of myself and what I was capable of.  I know that anyone can find success with this program.  It isn't easy.  But it is MORE THAN worth it!

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? 

Monday Motivation

Here we are at another Monday and I am thinking about all my teacher friends who are starting back this week or preparing to start next week.  I can't help but think about how fast this summer has gone!

Maybe you are like me and wondering how the time has gotten away from you; that you still have a list of things you were planning on doing that are still undone and you are wanting to squeeze them in before the rush of school and the next season.

I know I have been talking with quite a few people lately who have been so busy this summer they have put themselves on the back burner (again) and not gotten around to the goals they set for themselves about their fitness and health.  UGH! Haven't we all been there? Life just fills our calendar up so much that we take care of others first and find us burning the candle at both ends? Ladies? Mamas?? I know you know!

Well today, I want to tell you, you have a choice! You have a choice to keep going on like you are OR to stop, re-evaluate your goals, and make a plan to go after them! It can be small steps.  Overhauling your life might be too much.  Changing a little here and there over time, adding in more water, eating more proportionately, adding in exercise a few times a week--then building off of that could be your first step.  

Whatever the case, whether you want to start small, whether you want a more intense workout schedule, whether you just want some advice on how to get started and where to start, I would love to help you on this journey! 

Just because summer is ending and you haven't reached your goals means you have to give up! Keep going, get started! Just do!! 

Have a great Monday!

Third Trimester

Hello 3rd trimester (almost--we are like days away!) Any other mama's out there going to be battling the summer heat with me? 

If there is one thing I have noticed, it is that I am hungry.  And not like, "oh, I'm pregnant, I want to eat an ice cream cone" hungry.  Like, "I would eat a whole head of broccoli, or bag of carrots, or anything, I am STARVING!!"  

So, I am upping my calories.  I can just tell that I am not getting enough with these longer workouts I am doing.  I am also adding a lot more weight training into my routine.  And although I am upping  my calories, I don't want to just eat anything. So I am really focusing on three areas {two predominately} 1)protein 2)veggies 3)healthy fats.

I want to eat small meals more throughout the day to keep my blood sugar in check.  I hate that feeling of being too full, especially in the third trimester as the baby takes up so much room that eating larger meals can feel uncomfortable.  

I compiled a list of snacks/small meals to keep me on track and thought I'd share with you all! 

1. Hard Boiled Eggs. Awesome protein. Super quick to prep and grab!

2. Almonds. These keep me feeling full longer.  I measure them out using my 21 day fix container so I don't overeat but raw almonds are amazing. Try them cold! :)

 3. Cottage cheese and fruit.  I just found this picture, but you can do any fruit.  I love berries with my cottage cheese. 

4. I love veggies but I am also a big dip girl.  So hummus naturally fills that need and doesn't completely derail me like my other dip choices used to.  Salsa is another dip I like to incorporate. 

via

 5. When I need a good crunch, these are my go to. Simple and so yummy!

via

I've also been eating turkey rolled around bell pepper strips, healthy tuna salad (recipe to come).  Avocado gets added to my salads as of late too! Oh, and a friend just gave me a Greek yogurt recipe to try so I will update you on those findings as well! 

What are you eating to keep you on track?? 

You've gotta get some!

So my post about pregnancy cravings.  I still hold strong to that.  Because I know full on today, I was craving anything in particular.  I was craving junk.  Not the baby, me.  Straight up comfort food.  The ooey-gooey kind that makes you feel warm inside and just makes the world right.  There are a lot of things that could have done.  I could have gave in.  I could have completely ignored it.  Or, I could just satisfy that craving with a little mockery.  

Clean eating does not have to be, it absolutely should not be BORING! Or bland.  You should still get to have the foods you love, just better. Smarter; cleaner. 

So I looked at what I had and I looked at my Pinterest board for some inspiration (what did we do BEFORE Pinterest???) and there it was.  A little gem I had recently pinned.  The original recipe and post can be found here.  

Tonight's dinner:
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

I am not one who wants to spend that much time in the kitchen for a couple of reasons. One- I have better things to do (play with my kids, go for a walk, paint my nails, read a book, etc) Two- I am a taster. Sip of that, nibble of this.  All kinds of extra calories get added into my day and I am none the wiser (or thinner!) Three- I really like to be in the kitchen..to bake.  And by bake, I mean whip up some mean sweet treats and I generally don't have a lot of will power. And see number two again. ;)

That being said, I was a little turned off because I felt this meal would require a lot of time.  FALSE.  Not true.  Most of the time related to this dish is said dish baking in the oven.  Like two hours of it.  Wait--don't run away.  An hour and 20 is spent baking that yummy spaghetti squash, the ingredient that makes this little dream possible.  But there are tons of ways to save time.  Like bake it in the crock pot all day so when you get home from work or whatever you spent your day doing, you can just scoop those noodles out and carry on. BAM! Half the time already gone from this dinner.  Honestly, it is three simple steps!

I called this a clean cheat.  It is mostly clean.  The squash acts as your noodles and cuts WAAAAYY down on the ol' calorie total.  I used skim milk but whole fat cheeses.  That makes it a little less calorie friendly but still clean.  So still watch your portions.  I don't eat a whole lot of cheese anymore and I hadn't had any healthy fats yet today so it worked out alright.  

So seriously, if you are hankering for some down home cooking but do not what to get totally off track, this meal hits the spot.  Pair it with a salad, a glass of vino, or heck, a slice of really tasty bread if you really want to indulge.  

You can thank me later! 

Cravings, I'm Calling Your Bluff!

The first time I became pregnant, I couldn't wait to experience my first "pregnancy craving".  I had heard about the range of crazy foods pregnant women craved; all hours of the day; ranging from typical to the most unusual.  

I always wondered what mine would be and when they would hit.  I would picture my husband getting up and heading to the market or random eatery to pick up something so out of the blue that I craved on a whim.  

And oh did they come! I was surprised how quickly those pregnancy cravings kicked in.  It almost seemed like the minute I knew I was pregnant, that baby was just demanding all kinds of tasty things.  

What were those cravings?
Pickles
Candy (sour and chocolate)
French Fries
Ice cream
Cheeseburgers
Pizza

CRAZY right? No--not at all.  Those are foods I love.  Those are foods I would eat all the time.  Foods I would pick (now) as a treat or cheat or indulgence.  

Can I tell you something? I don't think there really are pregnancy cravings.  At least, not in my world.  I craved the same foods I crave anytime.  The difference was, during my first pregnancies, I gave into them because I had this excuse (pregnancy) to give into them.  To eat whatever the "baby" wanted. 

What a joke! What sabotage! The best foods for my baby isn't junk food.  It is whole, healthy, clean foods.  And the more I indulge in those the better I feel.  

I think it can be easy to use pregnancy as an excuse.  I sure did.  And believe me, I still indulge in those cravings from time to time.  The difference is, I choose when.  I choose how often.  And I do so knowing that it isn't a pregnancy craving; it is me choosing to treat myself to something I don't normally.  I recognize now that just because my mind is telling me I want something or I'm hungry--it doesn't mean I actually am.  If that were the case I would be eating french fries dipped in milkshakes all day long.  

We have to learn to differentiate between a true feeling of hunger and boredom.  A true craving versus just a yummy treat we'd like to indulge in.  

I'm far from perfect at this but am making an effort!

What was your "pregnancy" craving that you liked to give in to?? 

When life gets busy

This blog is called Mama Finds Fitness.  So do know, that as a mama, I get it.  Finding fitness can be HARD as a mama.  I don't care what age your kiddos are, if they are still living at home, we mamas are B-U-S-Y! 

We either have littles that demand our attention and our time and create messes that take time to clean up and just as we finish cleaning up one mess or meal, there is another mess or someone needs a snack!

Or our kids are school aged and that means homework and practice and extra-curriculars and volunteering for the PTO Carnival/Book Fair/Family Reading Night supper.  

Or maybe your kids are even older and they can drive but the homework is harder, there are more events and let's face it, those "babies" still need us mamas.

But we have to remember ourselves.  We just do.  We can't be these super hero moms if we are running on diet cokes, pringles, and no sleep.  It just isn't possible. 

Today I really want to focus on nutrition.  Because for the longest time, for me that was the missing piece.  It was the one area of being healthy I just couldn't get a grasp on.  

It is hard to take the time out of our day and make ourselves a meal.  As moms, we must though.  So here are some tricks and tips I have used to keep  myself on track.

1. Menu plan.  Yes, it can be tedious at first. But I menu plan every week. Once you begin to do it, you will get quicker and quicker at it.  I include not only meals but snacks.  It helps me remember what to set out for dinner if something needs defrosted.  It saves me time when making a grocery list and at the store.  It saves me money because I am not buying unnecessary items.

Tip: If you want to use the same foods each day to save on food prep or budget further- go right ahead!!

Lots of variety

Keeping it simple

2. Food prep.  I know I posted about back here but it really is so simple.  I prep all my snacks and the kids' snacks for the week.  You CAN overfeed your kids, too! Childhood obesity isn't on the rise because we are giving them nutritious snacks in great serving sizes.  If you want to do your prep in an afternoon for the week- DO! If you want to do a little each night to prepare for the next day- DO! Find a system that works for you.  If you want to purchase snacks for your kids that are healthy and already portioned out- DO!!  

Tip: If your kids are older- make a healthy snack station in your pantry and fridge where they know to go to choose snacks.  My three year old can do this. He also knows he gets only pantry snack a day and the other snack is a fridge snack.  This cuts down on eating too much packaged food.  Even if it is healthy, fresh is best!

3. Shakeology.  This is my GO TO! At night I look at what the next day holds.  If we are going to be out running errands, if the morning is going to be quick out the door, if our evening is jammed packed- I will use Shakeology as my quick meal.  It takes me two minutes to make.  Seriously! It is yummy, has every bit on nutrition I need to fuel my body, and gives me a boost of energy.  

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeo

1/2 banana

2 teaspoons PB2

Water and Ice

Blend and enjoy!

4. If you can, make your meal time coincide with your kids.  I make my kids lunch first, get them settled, and then, as they eat, I make mine.  I did this just the other day.  It took me less than 10 minutes to get my food prepped, cooked and on my plate.  

5. If you work, plan your dinners to have some leftovers.  That is an easy way to ensure a healthy lunch the next day.  You can pack your lunch while you clean up the kitchen.  Two tasks done at the same time?! Talk about a time saver.

I get it.  Finding the time to eat and enjoy your food without a kid tugging on you is hard sometimes.  Even when I worked outside the home (as a teacher) many a lunch period was spent with a child who needed some extra help or needed caught up. Take on trick or tip from this list and apply it.  See how easy it can be.  Then add another.  Soon you will be eating healthy without taking up extra time!

What are some of your tricks to getting in healthy meals as a busy mom?

Xoxo-Bekah

Some days are less fun

Real talk for a second?

Pregnant or not, making healthy choices in both my dietary decision and fitness decision is not always easy.  To be honest, it isn't always exciting.  Sometimes when I am cooking our healthy dinner, I really just want to save it for later and call for some take out.  

Not that I am trying to lose weight, but you know what I mean! Those days where you really want to do all those things (and I'd add pizza and fries too! Just saying!)

I have to remember that regardless of it being easy, or fun, or something I feel like doing, making healthy choices is what is best for my body.  Even more so during pregnancy.

So what are some ways that I stay motivated and try not to undo all my hard work? 

*Allow indulgences.  Yup--not everyday, not all the time. But I do allow a treat meal once in awhile.  I know that if we are ordering pizza to make sure I eat well all day, drink lots of water, and serve my slice with a large salad. I know to split a treat with my boys or husband, or give myself a small serving.  A taste really does take the edge off.

*When you treat, eat it slowly.  Seriously, enjoy those bites and flavors.  Don't rush through it because it's so good because, more than likely, you will just reach for more.

*Apple test.  Sometimes when I am feeling like I am so hungry, I ask myself if I would go grab an apple.  If the answer is no, I'm not really hungry.  I'm just bored or have a craving.  If the answer is yes, I'll get myself an apple.

*Drink some water.  Hydration is always important but even more so during pregnancy.   Lots of times I think that I am hungry but really I am just thirsty.  I drink some water and try to busy myself (which is never hard with two little guys already).  Most of the time I forget about being hungry.

*Paint my nails, take a shower, or some other activity that allows for a little me time.  Just taking a few moments to myself releases stress.  I know I am a stress eater if I don't keep myself in check.  So doing things for myself, no matter how small, helps.

*Go to bed.  Staying up too late, not getting enough sleep- not good for baby, you or your goals.  It is easy to munch when you are tired so just go to bed.

What do you do to help keep yourself on track with staying healthy?