Protein Packed Oatmeal

Hello LUNCH!  It's a cold rainy day in New England what an AMAZING clean eating recipe!

1/2 C Old Fashioned Oats, 1 Scoop Protein Powder, 1/8 C Slivered Almonds, 1/8 C Dried Cranberries, Dash of Cinnamon. Follow the directions to make the oatmeal, add your mix ins and BAM!! Enjoy!! 

I have not Failed, I've Simply Found a Thousand Ways that Do Not Work!

Albert Einstein said that quote and it's so true. 

P90X Results 2012

I have had my ups and downs in my fitness journey, I'm by no means perfect.  In 2012 I was running a lot.  I used it to deal with work stress and grief.  I felt like the next hurdle for my fitness was to embark on P90X.  I had friends that did the program and I heard about this strange nutrition plan and what is this all about?  I read about the technique and the logic behind the workouts.  How I needed to eat in each Phase.  The preparation it was going to take.  Could I do it?  With kids, work and everything else?

So like most things I do, I was all in.  And it WAS NOT easy, I worked my tail off, literally and as you can see from my results, it was very effective.  

I worked for the results with the support of my husband and managed to push thru my 90 days.  I was feeling great!!  But I didn't quite know what to do once I was done.  It was REALLY hard to get thru the program. I made unbelievable changes to my body. I figured I'd do another round and really dial it in.  

We finished the program right around November and went on vacation with the kids over Thanksgiving break.  And it happened.  Like it happens to many people, my focus changed, work picked up significantly.  Stress level started ramping up and next thing you know it's TWO YEARS later.  At this point I'm not only back to Day Zero- but now I'm having gall bladder problems and my health is in serious decline. 

NYC 1/2 Marathon

 So I set another goal for myself.  I always enjoyed running and ran cross country in high school. I decided I needed a new goal.   I was going to run the New York City 1/2 Marathon.  I half heartedly entered the race and  figured since there was a lottery there was probably NO WAY I'd get in.  WRONG!!

I started training in January of 2014 in the dead of New England winter.  I purchased a running plan and started training.  I had hoped to finish the race in 2.5 hours if possible.  

I actually CRUSHED my goal and crossed the finish at 2:09:09!  I was ECSTATIC!  It was  fantastic run thru Central Park, thru Times Square and right down to the financial district, past ground zero. I was beyond proud of my accomplishment and ready for my next challenge!

But little did I know that this was not to be.  I pushed so hard in my run that I injured myself.  I ended up with post tibial tendonitis.  So after the high of the race, literally the day later I was crippled.

 I was now sentenced to be in a boot for 6 weeks.  This was NOT in the plan! I just busted my but for 12 weeks preparing to run this race and I never expected THIS.  I was beyond bummed but I knew I'd have to make a plan.  

I know now that my big mistake? Not stretching enough pre and post run! But that wasn't going to speed along the next month and a half!!

Time passed and I wasn't 100% but I wanted to start my next program.  Over that 6 weeks I found out about Challenge Groups while I was on FaceBook. There were Beach Body Coaches that ran them and would help guide you as you wen thru the programs.  I thought that was a great idea!  I didn't have that kind of support the first time I did P90X the first time.  If I had questions, my husband and I had to just figure them out.  So I signed up, dusted off my P90X and went for it.

I successfully completed P90X and I'm currently on day 60 of P90X3!  And not only did I complete the P90X successfully in a Challenge Group.  I'm now a coach too!  I help people meet their goals and share how I managed to make my transformation and strategize how they can meet theirs!

I have learned so much from my Challengers and I'm always thrilled to help more people.  

If you learn anything from my story, its that success is rarely a straight line. Just because you have a set back doesn't mean you can't come back from it.  It's simply putting one foot in from of the other and finding a way!  

BRING IT!  And let me know if I can help you find your way too!

Shakeology: My WHY and What is it about?

I was introduced to Shakeology with my first BeachBody program: P90X. And at first glance I figured this was just another protein shake. I was committed to doing the program and I wanted to follow it as it was designed. So I chose to invest in make that initial investment in my health. I also couldn't argue with a 100% money back guarantee!

The more I learned about what Shakeology really was, it became evident pretty quickly that this was more than just a protein shake. It's a complete meal replacement. I would use initially in the afternoon. Almost immediately I realize a change. I had reduce cravings I felt full longer. Overall I felt like I had more energy. As I learned more about what I exactly was in Shakeology, I realized that the ingredients were an amazing blend of Antioxidants and Super Foods that was improving my overall health.

The most affordable Meal of the day!

So you may ask (and I did) what the heck are "Super Foods" anyway? We always here these buzz words and sometimes forget to ask. They are the most incredibly healthy foods on the planet. Low in calories and high in nutrients and go beyond meeting basic nutritional needs. They have high concentration so multiple nutrients that work together to support the immune system. And who couldn't use THAT!

It really was like drinking a salad every day!

I used to take a combination of vitamins, a women's multivitamin, a calcium supplement, vitamin E. I really disposed this ritual. I don't like downing pills and I would wonder if I even absorbed any of it. Not to mention that in order to get the dense nutrition I received from one serving of Shakeology I'd have to add a lot more vitamins to the mix!

This was an easy way that I could get the benefit of all the extra nutrients in an easy, portable, tasty format. I absolutely LOVE my daily shake.

Many of my Challenge Group participants have said:

"I cannot believe how tasty Shakeology is! I used to use another shake that didn't keep me near as satisfied."

"It really keeps me full the entire first part of my morning! I used to be dying before my first snack, not any more!"

"I initially only used Shakeology, cleaned up my diet and a walking program, my pants are literally FALLING OFF me. Me and my husband are believers!"

The next hurdle was the cost. 

I decided to become a BeachBody Coach to get a 25% discount on the products to help offset my cost as well. So my Shakeology is less than $3 a day! I used to go to Starbucks, get a Grande, Sugar Free, Soy Latte and an Egg White Wrap to the tune of $7 most mornings on my way to work!! 

 Uh yes… I admit it. Most EVERY day, thinking I'm doing a good thing for myself! I mean I work, I have to get the kids going in the morning, why can't I have my morning indulgence. For a little over $3 a day they may let me have the foam at the top of the latte!! LOL!














So I chalk it up to another meal that is contributing to my health and well being AND saving me money in the end! Do I want to pay a hospital co-pay? Or INVEST in my health today! I think you know the answer.






Give it a chance yourself and you'll see!! Contact me about my Shakeology and Clean Eating Challenge Group! It's no risk and you can see how Shakeology can make a positive change for you too!


Take the first step in the right direction!

Classic Coco-Nutty Coffee

PX3 Review So Far: 30 Days

So, how are the workouts you may ask?  

So I am a graduate of P90X and I'm familiar with hour long workouts.  I will say that I LOVE that the PX3 workouts!  Not only are 30 minutes long and you are done.  But the intensity of the workouts produce RESULTS (as you can see above).  

There is a "Cold Start" workout you can opt to do before every workout. I will do that for most of my workouts.  The warm up and cool down is so important and I want to maintain and increase my flexibility.

But it is a BUTT KICKING workout and you have the ability to modify it to give you an assist or make it more of a challenge.

My Pull Up Assist!  Love it so I get a boost to get my reps in
and I can adjust the tension to make it more challanging!

You ALWAYS have the option to press pause - and I'm not about to tell you I haven't done just that!  Your form is so critical, if you have poor form you can definitely hurt yourself and whats the point.  You need to check your ego at the door!  The great thing about PX3 is you really do get an hour workout in 1/2 the time.  

Paddock Pump is also part of my day!  Mucking and feeding the ladies!

With a busy household I LOVE that! I work full time, kids,  dogs horses and chickens- we have a FULL plate.  

That doesn't include all the kid activities, school and every day household chores.  I need every second I can squeeze out of my day.  

This program has proven to be a really amazing addition since I feel like I'm still making significant gains in strength and flexibility and not sacrificing the gains I already made with P90X.

I have, at times, substituted Yoga X for my PX3 if I had extra time and wanted to fit more practice in.  How important flexibility and strength training is has definitely been a lesson that has carried over from P90X.  But honestly, I don't feel it's a "have to" with this program at all.  Because, each workout jam packs high intensity into EVERY DAY. But 30 minutes and you are DONE for the day!

Shakeology is a GREAT way to get balanced WHOLE FOOD nutrition!!

So, how are the meals?

Nutrition is KEY in PX3 or any of the BeachBody programs.  I used to think it was B.S. that "abs are made in the kitchen" but its the TRUTH. 

You will not see all the fruits of your hard work if you don't feed and hydrate your body accordingly.   

For this program I chose to follow the meal plan in more of a macro-nutrient way by using the "My Fitness Pal" App.   I entered my calorie requirement and the App breaks it down by Carbs/Protein/Fat (40/30/30).  

As enter my food and record my meals I can check that I'm in the right ratios.  This has worked really well for me and is just ONE of the ways to track your calories in this program.  You can find the one that suits you best so don't panic if it sounds complicated.  Just like everything else you get there one step at a time. It's easy to become overwhelmed when you are starting something new.  After the first couple of weeks it will become easier and you will find ways to make it workable.  

You definitely have to like what you are eating so be creative and reach out to other in your Challenge Group!  

Summary

Did I believe I could get my butt kicked in 30 minutes a day?  NO WAY!  Did I get my butt kicked?  HELL YES!  This workout like any other Tony Horton workout will push your limits!  You need to know your limits!  Workout smart, don't let your ego get in the way and enjoy the ride!  I am AMAZED what I can do now that I never DREAMED I could do before.

I'm not "genetically gifted" or have a natural ability to reshape my body.  It takes effort and CONSISTENCY.  

You can do it too!! So reach out to me and lets talk about what your fitness goals are and what you struggle with!  

I can't wait to see what the next 30 days brings!  

Chocolate Banana Kick

Guess what I forgot from THIS recipe!! the BANANA!!! LOL!  I didn't see it till after I posted!! So don't forget to add it!

PB and Raspberry Jelly

Shake-o-latte

LOVE my Starbucks but this is a FAR more nutritionally dense version!!  ENJOY!! It ROCKS!

Double Raspberry Protein Results

I love to punch it up a bit when I want to get some extra protein in there.  This  is a GREAT way to do just that! Enjoy!

P90X Results July 2014

So GULP.. These are my VERY REAL P90X results from my first round which ended on July 2014. I held out on posting them, but you know what. This is what hard work looks like. It's slow and deliberate.

I would not want to go back to the person I was in the Day Zero picture. And I only want to continue to improve. There is NO MAGIC here. No pills, no miracle fat melting wraps or whatever people are hocking these days!  

YOU CAN DO THIS. I did not step ONE foot in a gym. My gym in upstairs in my house, where my kids and commitments are. Simple as that. It takes some planning and making a promise to DO YOUR BEST. No putting yourself down allowed. Not in my house!! 

Be your own best cheerleader. I'm onto PX3 now and am very excited to share the results after those 90 days fly by!  and as you can see below, I keep improving.  

How?  By taking it one day at a time, planning and doing my best.  Nothing extreme or out of the ordinary.  Just keeping a commitment to myself.  This time it's going to stick!

August 2014

It is so easy to backslide and to give yourself a pass on a meal or missing a workout.  I'm no different.  But the GAME CHANGER is not making it an every day occurrence.  Hold yourself accountable!  

I found myself so far off the path because of seemingly small, insignificant bad choices EVERY DAY that spiraled into an unhealthy life style and and overwhelming sense of failure and hopelessness.  

It's really hard to do better if your biggest critic is YOU!  Dig deep and make the choice to not only do better but commit to make a change.

One of the single most effective tools I found this time around was Challenge Groups!  I absolutely loved the support and accountability it created for me.  You don't have to do this alone and everyone struggles.  But together we can help keep each other on track!  

Make a change, reach out to me.  Ask questions and let me help you find a way to reach your goals and this time, make it stick!!