Back to School, Back to You!

The past couple of weeks I have been getting a lot of questions from other moms, and other women in general, about what I eat and my workouts.

It is HARD to find time to focus on you. We have jobs, families, activities, committees. There is a lot.

I remember feeling like there was no possible way I could squeeze in a shower let alone a workout and meal prep?? WHAT?!!?

What I do know now is that it IS possible.

Starting next week I will be working with several women; all age ranges, all fitness levels, all at different starting points, just wanting to get healthier. To feel their best and carve out a little time each day to focus on themselves.

With school starting back up and routines happening again at home as we bust out our mega-calendars and color-coded systems, why not pick a color for you?? Choose to put yourself on the calendar!

If you are interested in joining my exclusive accountability group on Facebook, comment below with your email or shoot me an email and I will be happy to chat with you more!

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!

Overcoming the Perfectionism Trap

I'm a competitive person. I don't even want to play if there is no chance I might win. It's absolutely a family trait. Monopoly is like asking WWIII to erupt in the family living room.

That way of thinking makes me especially hard on myself. I can genuinely praise others and build them up all day long, but personally, it's easy for me to pick myself apart.

It's why I struggled with self-esteem for so long. It's why, in my earlier years, my self consciousness often came out as a rude and sarcastic at the expense of someone else (I'm still super sarcastic but now it's not pointed at others).

When I first started really pursuing health, and surrounding myself with others who saw the best in people, I slowly began to change my thinking and give myself credit; starting speaking a little nicer to MYSELF.

But can I be real? I still REALLY struggle in this area. And makes me feel like a phony. Because I SO BELIEVE in loving yourself but it's hard for me. Just the other day in conversation I discounted myself and my hard work, honing in on ONE area I struggle to see change.

I forget the muscles in my arms and shoulders that I notice while blow drying my hair and not flexing.

I forget the strength in my legs.

I forget that I can do more push ups now than a month ago. That I'm in a size smaller pants. That my skin is clearer because I'm eating better more regularly. That my kids like working out with me because I'm showing them it's FUN!

I get consumed with that little pouch of mine I can't seem to change.

Well here's a message- to me- and to all my competitive, perfectionist friends out there-

SEE YOURSELF! See your WHOLE self. Not the bad.
But the good.
The strong.
The capable.
The witty.
The kind.
The persevering spirit.

And love it all. <3 

Let's Get Crockin'!

Hey y'all!

Happy {almost} fall! The weather around here has been absolutely gorgeous. Blue skies, mild temps, sunshine. My boys and I have walked almost every day. I like to save our walks for after dinner when Dad is home and we can do it all together.

I love summer but when the temperatures start to drop just a little, I am completely falling for fall! And when that happens, I want to cook for fall! Do you know what I'm saying???

Stews, soups, warm, hearty, filling, delicious, comfort food foods! The only problem is that sometimes all that comfort food undoes all of my effort from eating well or my workouts. And then those winter pounds slip back on.

Not anymore! I have learned that you can eat yummy, filling, healthy foods you love. You can even make life simpler by using your crock pot.

I am hosting, alongside some of my teammates, a FREE 5 Day Clean Eating Crock Pot group! It all begins Monday, September 28th and we would love for you to be part of it too!

You will get a grocery list, meal plans and recipes for all five days that will give you 3 meals and two snacks, all dinners done in your crock pot! PLUS you will have tons of positive support from multiple coaches! It doesn't matter where you live because it is all through Facebook!

Interested? I know--it's hard not to be. The only thing that could make it better is if someone would do the grocery shopping for you! ;)

If you want to join this group, comment below! I will get in touch!

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!

Quick Update

Hey all!

I have neglected this space terribly.  To be honest, I have had ZERO time for blogging at either space.  My husband has been traveling 4-5 days a week for the past 2.5 months {thankfully he was home for the holidays}.  His absence has just added to my work load at home and my boys are needing lots of my attention.  And, family comes first!

BUT-- I just have to share with you about a new program that I am in love with!

Let me just preface--I am not a cardio girl.  I don't enjoy cardio activities or movements.  I was not going to purchase this program.  I actually wasn't entertaining the idea of ever doing it. But then, a good friend and fellow coach, who was part of the test group, shared her results.  And I was blown away! 

So I got it.  I recruited some coaches on my team to do it with me.  I knew I needed accountability and support. 

Last Saturday was the end of our second week.  I felt like my body was changing.  I was curious.  Was it all in my head or were there actual changes?  I stepped on the scale, took some photos and measurements and compared.

My JAW HIT THE FLOOR! I couldn't believe how my  body had changed in two weeks!

I still have lots of work to do but I am so proud of how far I have come.  Back into jeans that I was only squeezing into around Christmas time, inches gone, more energy.  Me against me every day.  

If you have any questions about this program, I would love to answer them for you! If you are interested and need support, my online accountability group is kicking off February 2nd.

Happy Wednesday, friends!  

Grain Free Recipe Reviews

Hey all!

Is it just me or is everyone going a million miles a minute? I love this time of year and we are doing so many fun things but it never seems to slow down!

My family is continuing on in our gluten free journey.  However, it appears that we are going more grain free than gluten free.  And after a friend shared some articles, I feel even more confident in this decision for our family.  {If you are interested in reading the articles, I posted the link to my Facebook page so you can check them out there}

Many dinners I make are already grain free.  And honestly, eating a grain free meal can be as simple as we want.  But I also know my family, and myself, like some variety, so I have been trying out some great recipes! In the midst of the busyness, I haven't been able to photograph them all but let's be honest, I don't take the best foodie pics anyway.  Instead, I am sharing with the link the original recipe and my family and I's opinions of the meal and if we changed the recipe at all!

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Strips

I served this main dish with broccoli sprinkled with parmesan.  It was a busy Friday night.  My husband has been working out of town a lot and was getting in. I wanted to make a meal that he would love but to get dinner done with my three littles is not always easy.  This meal was SO SIMPLE to make! It took no time to prep and was on the table in about 35 minutes.  

We all ate this dinner up! It was delicious.  The flavor of the chicken was amazing.  Really juicy; had the yummy taste of bacon and the honey sauce brushed on was the perfect addition of sweetness.  I used {what little} leftover strips in a salad the next day for lunch and they reheated and were awesome on my salad.  

My husband said he could eat them every week. And that is coming from a man who likes variety! 

Italian Sausage and Potato Quick Skillet

This dinner! Just make it! Tonight!

Like I said above, my husband has been traveling.  Which means it is me solo against the world...or my three boys, whichever.  On Mondays, my oldest has soccer at five.  It's just a half-hour intro to soccer because, I mean, he's three.  But by the time it is over and we have bundled up and driven back across town, we are nearing six.  For us, that is past the dinner hour and Tuesdays are preschool days.  I have learned that dinner needs to be simple and quick.  

On this night, I did all the prep work before soccer.  It took me about 10 minutes or so to chop everything up.  When we got home from soccer, my mom {bless her} gave the little two a bath while Hudson got a quick shower.  I had time to dump it all in the skillet per the directions and had it done in about 15 minutes.  This meal was full of flavor and texture.  It was hearty and filling.  

It calls for 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes.  I like spicy and so do my boys.  This meal was pretty spicy however.  If you are not a fan of spice, I would leave the red pepper flakes out or use less.  

Other nights we had really simple meals. I made chilli with 50/50 venison and ground beef.  We always have leftovers when I make chilli.  Another night was a simple meat/starch/veggie combo.  Sweet potatoes are generally are go to starch and are really versatile.  

Point is, if you have any issues associated with grains or gluten, or maybe you want to live a clean and healthy lifestyle, look into if grain free is a good choice for your family.  

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! 

Did someone say FREE??

Happy Monday, everyone! It is absolutely beautiful weather around here! We were outside lots this weekend in between packing which was wonderful.  I know the cold months are coming so I relish these lovely, fall days!

I am going into my final week with my challenge group.  At last Friday's weigh-in I was down to 148.  I total of 5 pounds gone! Hopefully never to return. 

{Sidenote: I need a pedi.}

 I am so thrilled with my group and how dedicated they are! We have lost a combined total of 45+ pounds in three weeks and one of my members has lost 10!! It is so exciting to watch others succeed and find their way to their healthiest selves! 

I know this week will be a challenge as our entire kitchen is packed up.  I have planned out how to eat as healthy as possible even without cooking.  We have about a billion little details to wrap up on top of work and our three boys so my workouts are going to be something I have to be diligent about as well. One reason I know I will get my workouts in is because of the accountability of my group. I struggled when it is just me to be accountable to.  My excuses seem to take over.  But when I am part of a group, I have that team mentality that says don't let them down.  Show up and give it your best.  That is really helpful for me.

I'd like to extend that opportunity to you. And it's FREE!!! My team is hosting a 30 day challenge.  We will provide daily workouts, menu ideas, and motivation for 30 days! All we ask in return is that you participate and be engaged! It doesn't matter where you live! The group is done entirely on Facebook.  We already have some people committed and we'd love this group to be huge! 

I'm blessed every day to be surrounded by support on my journey.  I'd love to share that with others! If you are interested at all, or have any questions, please send me an email or a message on Facebook! 

Menu Revamp

On Friday I was a little disappointed in my weight loss, or lack there of, for the week.  I know I have lost inches the past couple of weeks but I really want to see that number drop too.  

For me, when that scale doesn't move in the direction I want, I look at my food choices.  I know my work outs had been good because I hadn't missed, I had gone harder and I had increased weight. Plus, we all know our results are based largely in the food choices we make (right, right? That is a must know). 

Although I had done well with clean eating, I felt my carb load might be a bit high.  So I started adjusting my plan.  I wanted my carbs to come from the fruits and vegetables I was eating more than the starchy carbs.  I also upped my protein.  I wanted my protein to be a larger part of my diet. I started doing this on Thursday.  I noticed by Saturday that I was increasingly hungry by the end of the day but I attributed this to me not eating later and the higher protein maybe helping my metabolism be more effective.  I also noticed when I woke up my tummy felt flatter.  

I am really excited to see where these adjustments take me this week.  I know I have to be making progress because today I put on a pair of pants I couldn't button last week AND because my husband said, "Wow, that is the thinnest you've looked.  You are definitely thinner than you were two weeks ago!" 

I will take those non-scale victories! 

What are your goals for the week? Any changes you are making to meet them?

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! 

I've been there

 Sometimes it is easy for people that haven't known you long to assume things. I have had people tell me that they don't think I know their struggle because I am thin.  Or was thin before I got pregnant with Gabe.  

The fact of the matter is, my struggle with weight started long before that.  If you have watched my YouTube video you know how I packed on weight my first year of marriage.  

March 2010

April 2010

 Just before our first anniversary we learned we were pregnant.  It was an exciting time.  But that extra weight was combined with even more pounds packed on with pregnancy.  I didn't exercise.  I ate what I wanted.  I had reflux, heartburn, and back pain a lot throughout pregnancy.  

37 weeks; my heaviest weight

After Hudson I vowed to get lose the weight.  I hated my body.  It tormented me because nothing fit.  But notice, I vowed to lose the weight.  It wasn't about health, not yet.  I just wanted to look better.

The weight came off but my body still wasn't where I wanted it to be.  By the time Hudson was 14 months, I was still in a pant size that was bigger than typical and we were pregnant again.  

It was after Beau (our second) that I knew something had to change.  My body didn't like the crap I was putting into it.  I was unhappy and felt unattractive to my husband.  I also knew that I wasn't teaching my kids good habits if I wasn't being an example.  I worked really hard to change my body, my eating habits, and my overall health.  I connected with Beachbody products and FINALLY got results that I could be proud of! 

Before Beachbody. 6 months post partum with Beau

Feb 2014 size 2 

8 months using Beachbody products

Yet here I am again.  I am blessed with another baby and trying to get my body back.  This time I have the tools I need to get back to feeling good.  I had the best pregnancy because I chose to workout and eat right.  I recovered much quicker from my c-section this time.  

4 weeks post partum with third baby

Here is what I am telling you.  I have been there.  I have been at the point where I didn't think I could ever get the body I wanted.  Where I could ever just feel good about myself.  But I did.  And I will again.  And you can too!

Know that I understand the struggle. I have learned how to use exercise and clean eating to achieve results.  I want to share that with you.  The question is, will you let me?

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! 

I'm BAAACCKKK!

Seriously! How is it already mid-September! These days are flying by.  If you weren't aware, the reason for my hiatus:

Our little guy arrived almost three weeks ago! So between that and our oldest starting preschool, we have just been trying to figure out life with three, three and under! Some days are easier than others but I know how blessed we are!

So what is up in September? Well for one, my Back to School Bodies group is KILLING it! These women are checking in daily, working hard and kicking butt! It is amazing to see the motivation, support, and encouragement going on between these ladies all connected by their goals and this group! It is pushing me too! (You better believe I have goals! Buh-bye baby weight!!)

If a group like that sounds like something you could use in your life, then you should definitely be in my Fall into Fitness group that kicks off October 6th.

Yes you are reading that right--just by joining and doing the work, you could win some fabulous prizes! I can't tell what they are {because that would ruin the fun} but just think read the sign close and see if you can figure it out! 

If you aren't sure where to start, I can help you.  Helping people find something that they can get on board with and find success with is something I love to do! I am passionate about helping people realize that a healthy lifestyle isn't boring or too much work; it is 100% WORTH it! 

So please shoot me an e-mail {bmbruce20@gmail.com} or find me on Facebook {facebook.com/bekahmbruce} and let's chat about your goals! We can reach them together!! 

Getting my body back!

No--I haven't had baby yet but I am fully aware that I won't be slipping back into my size twos after baby unless I work for it! 

My thoughts exactly!

Fortunately, I have been staying on track {for the most part} during this pregnancy and am hoping that hard work helps my efforts.  But it is going to take more than that.  And since working out is out of the question for a few weeks at least {silly c-section} I know nutrition is going to be my biggest ally!

So I am hitting it hard with the easiest nutrition plan there is to follow.  This program has given countless clients amazing results in such a short amount of time.  There is no measuring, guess work, counting calories.  I have tons of clean food choices that I can prep beforehand or grab easily when juggling the responsibilities of a newborn.  

What little gem am I referring to? The 21 Day Fix of course! I will be utilizing my Shakeology and the nutrition guide to get myself back on track while not working out.  I know that I will still be eating for two (since I am breast-feeding) and want to make sure I am properly nourishing my body and my baby's by eating the best way I can: fresh, clean foods in the right portions! 

I would love to have some support and accountability! If you are interested in joining me, comment with your email below or find me on Facebook!! You can choose any program that is right for you! I am really excited to host my first post-pregnancy group and kick butt with you all! 

Let's get healthy{er} together!! :) 

The cost of getting healthy

One thing I have noticed since becoming a Beachbody coach is the common factor of money being an issue.  I cannot tell you the number of times I am having a conversation with someone about their lifestyle and their goals and they have such a deep desire to get healthy and fit and just live better and then, money. 

I get it.  One hundred percent. Life is expensive.  Even if you live on a budget and are financially savvy with your income most people just don't have tons of extra cash and those that do are pretty particular in where that money goes.  I also get it because I was making the same excuses and struggling with the same concern: "Is this really worth the money?"

I personally would like to break down the cost of getting healthy at home and how it actually SAVED my family money!

Working out at home vs. the gym
Before I began working out at home, I had a gym membership.  Our gym offered many classes as part of your membership.  Specialty classes (Les Mills, Insanity, P90x {which- sidenote, is totally hilarious because I never thought I'd be using those programs at home} were offered for an additional cost). My gym membership was $60/month.  For just myself.  I had my membership since before Hudson was born and did pretty well going 3-4 times a week UNTIL he was born.  Then the balancing act of work, new baby, house and just life in general put my gym time on the back burner.  I took a pretty long hiatus for like 6 months post baby and then resumed working out.  It was fewer times a week.  I felt like I had to spend at least an hour there to get in a good workout. And I had to choose times that worked for Andrew to be home or with Hudson's schedule.  And then I got pregnant again and well..yeah. I never went back.  

Fast forward to six weeks after Beau and I knew I HAD to do something.  I contacted a friend who had gotten amazing results (in just two months) working out in her garage.  SAY WHAAATT???? I was intrigued.  I purchased something called a challenge pack for the grand total of $160.  My husband was a little leery because, well, my track record the past couple of years with the gym sucked. And we had wasted a lot of money.  But I promised that I was committed, and with the support of my friend and her challenge group, committed I was!

Now--the cost.  I paid $60/month.  That is $720 for a year.  This one time purchase gave me a program that I could do for life! I still have it and have done this particular program twice over.  Had I purchased just the program (not the pack) the program was only $60! Seriously--a lifetime program cost me the same as 1 month at the gym.  And this program came with some equipment I needed, a nutrition guide and since it was a video--I felt like I had a the experience of a personal trainer sculpting my body.  I got more results in two months than I did in two years at the gym! SOLD!

One thing I love about working out at home is not only do I save on my monthly costs, but we save on gas.  I don't worry about when to workout because I can workout whenever I choose.  When it's crappy weather, my gym is always open.  And my littles can get in on the action! 

Eating Clean
This is another part of the conversation.  It is so true. You can not out train a bad diet.  One healthy meal doesn't make you fit just like one poor meal won't make you fat.

  I really try to convey the message of lifestyle versus diet. Who wants to be on a diet anyway? NOT ME! I really just want to eat to live, indulge now and again and not constantly be thinking about calories or if I should eat that or not. Anyone else get me???

Like I stated above, I purchased a challenge pack.  It was more than just the program because my pack included a month supply of Shakeology.  If you want to know more about shakeology you can check it out here. I used this product to replace a meal once a day. I know, I know what you are thinking--meal replacement? Seriously, I was SO skeptical too! But just check it out--or message me! #gamechanger

I will be the first to say I thought, "This is crazy expensive! I'll just use {insert any product} instead."  Then I did some research about what Shakeology was, what it offered and the results people got and no other product compared.  Nothing compares still.  

When I broke down the cost of Shakeology it was about $4/day.  Well I was replacing breakfast.  Since starting, my husband has also become a shakeology user.  So it is about $8/day for the two of us to eat a meal.  Where else can two people eat for $8? No where! 

We used to spend so much on "quick" breakfasts we could take with us in the car that had no nutritional value.  We don't have to buy those items anymore.  

We also changed our eating habits.   I will admit the first few months our grocery bill was outrageous and I couldn't seem to figure out why.  I wondered if it was because we were adding Shakeology.  I wondered if we were eating more.  But then I looked at our receipt.  It was because we were still buying JUNK too! I was buying the same stuff and then adding in our healthy stuff.  WHY?? If we were going to eat healthy, we didn't need the junk.  So I consciously stopped buying junk.  No more chips, boxed goods, snack-kind of stuff.  We were eating real foods for our meals and snacks.  I was cooking simpler with better oils and spices to flavor our food.  

Once we started this, along with meal planning consistently, our grocery bill went from $200/week down to $125 (this includes our shakeology).  We were SAVING money and eating better as a family! That savings alone was paying for our shakeology itself! 

Real Cost
So now that you have some facts, I think the real question is, can I afford not to get healthy? For most of us, that answer is no.  It may be more pressing for some than others, but in reality, how we take care of our bodies affects us.  The healthier we are the less we are going to be paying in co-pays, medications, procedures to fix or repair down the road what we have done to ourselves.  I wasn't terribly overweight but I found myself getting run-down and sick more often before I decided to change my lifestyle.  And buying new clothes because my old clothes weren't fitting anymore was getting to be a little bit ridiculous.  Let's not forget also the toll it takes on us when we start to feel a certain way about our body.  

So if money is your concern, don't let it be.  Save up for a bit. Choose to get healthy over that new handbag.  {Because seriously, I never thought twice about a new purse or pair of shoes.} Or talk to me, or your coach if you have one already, about a budget you are comfortable starting out with. I know we have effective programs that start for $20.  And if you really don't have the money, start with changing your food choices, drinking more water, and just lacing up your tennis and walking for some exercise.  

Just do something that your body will thank you for tomorrow! 

If you do have questions about programs or products and aren't working with another coach, I'd love to help you along your journey.  You do not have to go it alone.  It is always easier, and more FUN, with friends along the way! 

Need some accountability??

Happy Wednesday!

If you have checked out the pages section of this blog you will see some new info was updated! I wanted to take a minute to share with you my next accountability group- All or Nothing!

I shared with you all my August goals and one goal was to help 10 new people this month.  One of the ways I would love to help you is through this support group! I run my accountability groups through Facebook so it makes it easy to check in with you irregardless of your location! It was an accountability that started me on my journey to better health and a better life and I really just want to pay that forward.

This month I am also offering a FREE 3-Day Refresh Kit to those who purchase a challenge pack! This new product is amazing and the results people are getting, both physically but just overall well-being and how they feel, is amazing.

What about if you have a program already? Not a problem! I still want to help you! Coaching others is not just a job! It is my PASSION! So if you have a program you want to dust off and try again, this group is for you too!!

So let's set August on FIRE with our commitment to getting healthier and stronger! Who's with me??

Feed Your Soul

So terribly sorry that I have been absent but July has just been crazy!

BUT--I wanted to post this quickly to give anyone a chance to join in if they are interested!

Starting Monday, I am hosting a FREE accountability group for clean eating! But there is a twist!! 

I am really excited to not only share some healthy clean eating and nutrition ideas but to delve into some encouragement for the spirit as well! 

It is 100% free (except the cost of groceries), is done via Facebook so no need to be local and starts Monday! Email me if you are interested! I would love to have you!