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!

Bucket Fillers

When I was a teacher, we talked a lot about the importance of being a bucket filler.  You know--about doing and acting in a way that would positively impact those we came in contact with.  Those actions didn't have to be big but they were so crucial in making our world better.  Giving a smile, a kind word, making eye contact and listening whole-heartedly, giving a compliment.  This was an important part of my role as a teacher.  I wanted to not only teach my kids in subject area but in LIFE!

This past weekend my bucket was so full it was overflowing! If the bucket were real, I would not have been able to carry it around it was so filled in every sense imaginable.  

Let me back up. Last Thursday, after moving into our new home on Monday and madly unpacking home contents and madly packing suitcase contents, I flew to Dallas for leadership training for work.  I knew I was going to be surrounded by amazing people, learning from inspiring leaders, and training with top coaches and instructors.  I was excited.  I was ready.  I was NERVOUS!

You see, I was going to this conference, meeting people from my amazing team, but actually, finally meeting them in person.  Out of the large group that was attending, I had only met three {THREE!!!} in person.  And of those three, I only really knew one.  I had lots of doubts and insecurities.  I mean, yeah we were cool online and I considered them friends but what if we didn't click? What if it wasn't the same in person? Can you relate? Have you ever been in that kind of situation?

I arrived on Thursday, nervous and cautiously excited, to find out that the ONE person I knew wasn't going to be able to make it into Dallas until Friday afternoon! "WHAT?? What now?" is what raced through my mind.  I literally did not have a clue what my afternoon and evening would look like.  But I stepped outside of my comfort zone, messaged a fellow coach I knew was already there and met up with her and some of her coaches. 

I  mean look at the hotel.  It was even intimidating! 

And y'all, that night, I met some of my best friends.  Seriously.  Within minutes, I was laughing harder than I had laughed in awhile.  I was sharing about my life and learning about theirs.  We were open and honest and all my insecurities left and my guard was completely down.  

PiYo Live with Chalene Johnson

Previewing Insanity: Max 30

The amazing thing though, is that same thing continued to happen all weekend long as I met more and more coaches from my team.  They smiled at me.  They listened.  They included.  We shared stories and meals and laughter and LIFE.  We learned together and worked out together and had a party of a time together! 

Dinner with two amazing women!

I am so grateful. What would my life be like if I hadn't gone, had I never taken the step and said YES! to this opportunity?  I can't imagine.  I am such a better person because of it; because of people like Cynthia, Brooke, Anastasia, Kristen, Stacy, and so many more who came into my life in an even bigger way last weekend.  

Do you have that in your life? Bucket fillers? Are you a bucket filler? I always strived to be but am definitely going to be even more intentional about it now! 

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?

Late pregnancy workouts

Oh hello 39 weeks! You are a sight for sore {tired, up many times a night} eyes!

There are so many great ways to workout during pregnancy that are safe for you and baby.  But as you come closer to the end of your pregnancy, those workouts might not be as comfortable anymore.  You may feel more winded, more pressure, or just not quite be up to the same level of activity.  

I know for me about 37 weeks I didn't have the same "oomph" going on during my workouts.  I wanted to listen to my body so I stopped doing PiYo and changed my routine last week.  I know I am still getting a good workout but definitely feel more comfortable with this level of activity until baby comes {which, really, any day now is fine sweet boy!}

Walking
For the past two weeks I have been walking around 4 miles a day.  Now, to be clear, I do not do all four miles at the same time. I usually take a walk in the morning and then again after dinner. I do this for a couple of reasons.
     1) It's August.  It's hot.  And I am pregnant and not super quick.  So a four mile walk would take around 45 minutes or longer and that is just not pleasant.  I also have my boys on the walk and they can only last so long at my slow pace in the stroller so we break it up.
    2) Should I go into labor, I do not want to be exhausted.  Most doctors say walking is wonderful exercise as this stage, can help with labor by keeping you in shape, but also advise not to walk too long because you can exhaust yourself before the ultimate workout of delivering your child.  

If you think plain, same pace walking seems a little boring, change it up with some intervals or change your route, throw in some hills, etc.  Here is a great little interval training that will give you a good burn. 

Yoga
While I stopped Piyo, I have been doing yoga.  Yoga is completely different than PiYo because it more stationary, I can choose poses to stretch out areas that need focus, and I can also focus on my breathing to deepen the stretch.  There are several great articles and tips of late pregnancy yoga.  I have been doing some flow of down dog, chaturanga into up dog, cat/cow, pigeon, warrior series.  I have also been holding a low squat pose which you can modify by doing against a wall if your balance is off.  

Really any stretching has been wonderful and relaxing, especially as my legs have felt restless these past couple of weeks. 

Strength Training
There are all kinds of strength training exercises you can do to keep your body active.  For  me, this little circuit has been great.  It targets different areas of my body, doesn't completely exhaust or strain an area and is something I can do several times through to get in a good burn. 

Whatever the case, for me, staying active has made a HUGE difference in my overall health during this pregnancy and has helped to alleviate a lot of the discomfort I experienced before.  What do you do to stay active? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

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??

If you're waiting for a sign..

Happy Friday, y'all!

Can you believe we are halfway through May? Summer is definitely approaching.  And although my belly is growing, I am still working towards my fitness goals.  I wanted to extend an invitation to you.  

I love what I do and I want to help you on your journey.  I am looking for some ladies that are ready to lose belly fat, lose weight and lose inches! If you are willing to commit, ready to make a change in your life and your health, fill out the form below! Join me and others for some fun, some support and accountability, and some results!!

June Challenge

Don't waste another summer sitting on the couch or on the sidelines wishing you would have made a change.  Make the change now! You will be AMAZED at what can take place in a short time! So....

Check out what is possible with a some motivation and support..and a kick butt system! 

See ya 1st trimester!

I posted here last week about our news.  My hope is to share my journey through this pregnancy focusing on how to be the healthiest I can be and stay fit.  I hope to inspire other women who are pregnant or who want to be pregnant in the future.  If you check out my story I was far from fit or healthy during my first pregnancy and only faired slightly better during my second.

So what am I doing? I am about to begin my 7th week of P90x3.  This program has been wonderful in helping me stay active.  I get to work my entire body in a great workout that is only 30 minutes long.  This was extremely helpful during that first trimester when it is so common to feel exhausted.  We are growing a human being!! Another thing that I have really loved is the mix of workouts.  They are intense and I am always careful to listen to my body but since I was used to working out, continuing to do so has not posed any problems.

Another thing I am doing this pregnancy is drinking Shakeology every day.  I did check with my OB about this. She was amazed at all the nutrition I was going to get.  She looked at the full ingredient list and saw no reason to not do this.  Besides getting all of that nutrition for both myself and the baby, I have noticed one other HUGE benefit.  With both of my boys, the first trimester zapped me.  I napped every day when I was pregnant with Hudson (the perks of being a teacher with summers off) and went to bed super early each night when pregnant with Beau.  This pregnancy I did not have that zap of energy like before.  There were days here and there but overall, I felt normal!! Anyone who has been pregnancy and can recall that exhausting feeling can attest to how awesome that is!

Today I am adding one more component to this journey.  I am starting the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan.  Why this plan? I wrote about it back here in full detail but it is basically a portion control nutrition program that focuses on using whole, clean foods.  There is no measuring or counting required.  It is super simple.  But more than that, I know I can over eat.  I know that I have used the "eating for two" excuse before and in reality ate like I was pregnant with triplets!  

Here is what I am eating this week:

I spoke to my doctor at my first appointment about weight gain and exercise.  Since I was already working out, she felt I could absolutely continue with my current program. We talked about what amount of weight to lift was acceptable and when to stop high impact aerobics to take any stress off my pelvis.  We also talked about what was an acceptable weight gain and when it was necessary to really increase my calorie intake.  You only need 300 extra calories/day when pregnant. 300!!! That is a snack people! 

For me, an acceptable weight gain is between 20-25 pounds. Could I gain more and still be healthy? Sure! Is it necessary for my baby's growth and development? No.  For me personally, gaining in that range is fine.  

I haven't gained weight yet but know that I will gain start to gain soon as my baby develops.  Using the Fix, I hope to gain weight steadily from healthy carbs, fats, and proteins.  That's right! I am not avoiding any food groups! I am eating foods in a balanced plan to fuel my body and nourish it to grow this sweet little one.  

I can't wait to keep you updated these next three weeks as I use the nutrition portion.  I will be starting those workouts post P90x3.  Check back often! And if you have questions send me a message or leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!

**I am not a doctor, dietitian, or fitness expert.  As always, discuss with your doctor before starting a program while pregnant.  All opinions pertain to my own personal journey and experience.