Hammer & Chisel: Round 1 Reveiw

8 Weeks of one of the newest programs on the market complete.  The program is basically 60 days start to finish. A mix of weigh lifting with some cardio.  There are definitely days where its a lot like weighted cardio as well. That depends on the track you decide to take. There is a lean program and a build program. My goal was to lean out. 

To give this some context around MY results I was working out with Body Beast before I started Hammer & Chisel. I started my BB program in September and began Hammer & Chisel the beginning of December.  The reason that I point that out is that I did gain weight with Body Beast.  I was building muscle before I even began Hammer & Chisel. 

So my before pictures are actually from September 2015. 

I know, I know I'm supposed to take my before pictures before every program but things happened and I didn't get it done!! I did have some measurements and body fat percentage since I really wanted to gauge how much I was building and losing.  As I have learned from going thru these programs, results are way more than the number on the scale.  Its how you look and feel.

My Mapped out Meal Plan

While I was doing both of these programs I was using the beach body Performance Line. I used Energize as my pre-workout to give me a boost, Recover post workout, Recharge on nights I was especially sore and to repair muscle overnight (which was a good amount of the time), Creatine daily to help with muscle building and Hydrate as needed (a supplement you put in your water during your workouts that includes electrolytes etc..).

The program's nutrition is based on a container system I am very familiar with from the 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme and Max 30.  It truly is a solid program! Once you learn the program you can literally apply it to any workout program.

You choose your calorie range based on the results you want to achieve.  For me personally, after Body Beast I realized that I wanted to lean out.  So I opted for the lean program over the build program.  You calculate your range based on your activity level and then it calculates into how many of each container you can have per day.  For me this was the easy part since I was already familiar with other programs that use the same container system.

While I KNOW I built muscle, the heavy weight lifting is not my favorite thing.  I felt like Hammer and Chisel would be a nice combination of traditional lifting and combined lifting and cardio I have enjoyed with Autumn's programs.

The 60 Days was broken out into a calendar so I could check off and follow each workout every day as it was mapped out.  Each day brought a new challenge.  There was always a way to modify or make the program more difficult depending on how you felt that day.  I was also adamant about recording my daily progress and tracking the weights I used with the tracking sheets I could print on line.  That way I could challenge myself more and increase weights week to week. 

So here is where the rubber meets the road.  This was my road map for the last 8 weeks.  I pushed thru each and every day and it was not a cake walk.  Workouts were anywhere from 25-40 minutes long depending on the day.  If you added on abs one day another 10-12 minutes.  So totally doable and you can increase the challenge based on the weights you use etc..

The results that are out there are really impressive! I wanted to go all in and felt I could make some real changes. I am not a stranger to weights and even did some amateur body building at one point so this was right up my alley.  Fellow coaches also were getting great results.  So in the end here are my results. 

I gained 5.5lbs of muscle - which I am pretty sure went all to my arms!! I increased my bicept by 3/4 of an inch!! both my arms have been stuck at 11" FOREVER! So to see that growth was EPIC.

My strength has improved dramatically, I pushed with my weights. In retrospect I could have push harder for sure. 

STRAIGHT TALK

If I am going to be straight up honest with my results its as such.  I gained overall 9.2 lbs. 5.5 lbs of that was muscle.  I also increased overall 5"- that includes my bicep growth, legs and and 1" on my waist.  Listen, not many of the ladies, including myself would like to post that.  But that is the truth. 

Not what most people want to read or hear right!? But the bottom line is I did have some serious results.  Yes my clothes are fitting a bit tighter, I do want to "cut" down on the fluff layer as well. 

Was I PERFECT in my nutrition.  No, I can't say I was- I was doing this thru the Holidays so while I did get my workouts in, I did NOT do a perfect job so that could have contributed to the lack of fat loss as well. 

HOW CAN I IMPROVE ROUND 2? LESSONS LEANRED

Well THIS round I will be cutting out most of the Performance Line products.  For me- they added calories I clearly did not need.  I also will skip the Creatine- while it gave me a great pump, I think I held on to extra water that overall didn't make me feel great.  I'll keep my Energize- lord knows I'll need it to get my butt out of bed and get these workouts in!! 

I will also stick to my meal plan like CRAZY! Hey it's a bump in the road, but one I know I can overcome. 

I really do have faith in this program- I'm not giving up yet. The first round was practice- this round is going to be results - besides this is a JOURNEY, not a destination! I'm not stopping!! Round 2 I'm coming for you.  I'm going to have those Abs like Autumn again! I had them before, I'm going to have them again!! BOOYA!!

I'm going to start Round 2 right away!! I have Challenge Groups starting every month- if you are interested in starting your OWN journey, join me in the next one!! Fill out the form below and I'll be in touch!

Fill out my online form.

Peanutty Peanut Butter Squares

Clean eating can be delicious and on plan!

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 C all natural smooth peanut butter

1/2 C cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup)

2 Tsp pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs at room temperature

1/2 Tsp baking soda, gluten-free 

Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly coat and 8 x 8 baking pan with spray. Set aside. Combine peanut butter, honey, extract, eggs, and baking soda in a large bowl, mix well. Evenly spread batter into prepared pan. Smooth top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes. 

Squares may be a little soft one coming out of the oven but they will continue to cook. Cool. Cut into squares. 

Serves 16

Prep time 10 Min (that's literally how long it took me to throw this together)

Cooking time 20-23 minutes. 

Container equivalents per serving= 1 💛 and 2 1/2 Tsp. 

For my plan I cut the servings in half so they equal 1/2 💛 and 1 1/4 Tsp. 

Enjoy!! Let me know how yours come out! 

Recipe found in "Fixate" by Autumn Calabrese 

Progress Not Perfection - It Takes TIME!

My story is no different than many of yours.  I wanted to make a change in my health and I set out to do just that.  The hardest lesson I have had to learn over the years is trying a program only to have it seeming stall out even backslide even though I felt as though I put EVERYTHING into it.

10 Month Results

My FIRST instinct... GIVE UP. Yes, its absolutely true.  So easy to want to throw in the towel because my results were not coming quickly enough or I didn't SEE a big enough change after just one week! I honestly laugh at that now that I know it takes well over a week to see real, substantial changes.  It takes LONGER than that to create a habit so I just needed to give these programs the time they needed to see results.  

Everyone sees a before and after and they want the after, they want to know the "secret" to achieving a transformation. But I have to tell you that there really is no secret! 

#1. Learning a different way to eat and workout that will fit into your life; and

#2. Being consistent. 

For me the "consistent" part was the hardest until I got involved in challenge groups a little over a year and a half ago.  The reason they worked for me is that it held me accountable to a group for my workouts and nutrition.  But it also provided a POSITIVE framework and support I was lacking before! We all, literally, struggle together. 

Have you ever tried something new and everyone you thought would be supportive isn't? It happens, sometimes not from their desire for you to fail but lack of understanding.  

This team mentality as well as my fitness and nutrition programs have kept me going because its MY blue print for success. What workout to do, what to eat, how to fit this into my life.  I learned it all in Challenge Groups. 

As a busy working mom with 2 school age kids, horses, dogs, you name it.  I have little time to drive to a gym to get a workout in.  I do however, have time to either push play on my DVD or stream my On Demand workout for 30 minutes a day.  I'm just not in a place where group exercise classes work out for me right now.  But I missed the SOCIAL aspect of my gym.  My Challenge Group provided that part too.  I made amazing friends in my group that are still my friends today!

There are days that I would likely skip my workout, or maybe I was out and forgot to pack my food so I might cheat. Having the messages from the group or even just that point of contact, reminded me of my goal. Even when I had a rough weekend that didn't go as planned, I was more likely to pick back up the next day because of my Challenge Group.

So if you take anything away from this post- real results take time but it is possible to get them.

If you are pressed for time and want to try a different program that may help you start, get on track or even back on track- apply below and I'd love to help you learn more about my upcoming groups.  

You can do this, its a process but it's one you can achieve.  No giving up.  You are worth it!

Fill out my online form.

New Year- Time to SHINE!

About two years ago I joined a Challenge Group for the first time, I had NO idea what it was all about but I was so desperate to make a change I decided to give it a try.  After all, what did I have to lose?  What I was currently doing just was not getting me the results I wanted. 

I made improvements on my own but I just could not seem to make them stick or lose that donut from my midsecton (literally)!  What was missing? What did a challenge group really have to offer me?? This is what I learned

1. Accountability

I was part of a closed, private group on-line.  Even though it wasn't in person, we all checked in daily to report on how we did every day.  Even if you struggled you reported and likely found out that others maybe struggled too.  The accountability was great because the truth is every day isn't perfect.  Seeing how others managed thru their days helped me learn ways to do better.  My coach posted inspiration daily that helped me stay on track and stay the course!

2. Consistency

Everyone starts a program.  That's the easy part.  But sticking to it every day, or getting back on track, that was the hard part. If I though I might skip one day, or found myself off track, I would see the posts from other Challengers and I might be inspired to keep going.  Not to give up and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

3. Nutrition did not mean starving!

I actually had to eat at least 6 times a day. But not what you may think, boring boiled chicken and bland rice. FLAVOR! I mean if I couldn't enjoy what I was eating- sticking to it just wasn't going to happen! But in the group, we shared recipes and tricks on how to swap out less favorable choices for better ones.  Lets face it, I'm a working mom.  Its easy to fall flat with nutrition in favor of fast food or more processed meals.  The tips in the groups and learning how to meal prep were life savers for me! 

Not to mention having one of my daily meals ready to go so I didn't have to prepare it.  Shakeology helped to add one meal to my plate that I could mix up in the blender and go.  Especially key on those busy mornings when I had to fit in my workout, get the kids out the door and myself to work.

4. Non-Scale Victories mean MORE!

I learned that the scale was not the BEST way to measure my progress.  While that scale might stay the same some weeks- I still experienced amazing inch loss and my body was getting stronger and I looked and felt AMAZING!

It wasn't an overnight process, but I learned something I didn't have before:  Consistent dedication! No magic pills, no wraps no BS. Learning to eat cleaner, make improvements and stay consistent over time.  

You absolutely can do it too.  What is holding you back from committing to a change? Push the fear and self doubt aside and do this because you know you can do better and maybe what you have been doing isn't getting you where you want to be.  I took the leap and I'm never looking back! 

My next Challenge Group begins January 4th! Apply today!

Fill out my online form.

Banana Oat Pancakes!

Clean and plan approved! Can't go wrong with this crowd pleaser!

1C Unsweetened Almond Milk

2 Large Egs

1 Large Ripe Banana

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1tsp Baking Powder, gluten-free

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 Dash Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt

2C Old-fashoned rolled oats, gluten-free

1/2 tsp Extra virgin Organic coconut oil

3C Fresh Mixed berries

Place Almond milk, eggs, bank, extract, backing powder, cinnamon, salt and oats in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.

Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form around the edges of the panckake.

Continue with remaining batter

Service with Berries!! (recipe from “Fixate”)

Serves: 8- 2 Pancakes each!

Container: 1 Yellow 1/2 Purple

*Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a toaster!

Shakeology Mixology 101

 I was not a pro the first time I mixed my Shakeology! Now I know WHY! I didn't use a blender, I didn't use enough liquid.  I also didn't know I could add ice or even a teaspoon of peanut butter! YUM! I hope this helps you to have a better 1st experience than I did! I haven't missed a day in almost 2 years and my results show for it!

Enjoy!

Holiday Party Survival Tips

It's that time of year and holiday parties are on the schedule. But how can you clean it up? Especially if you've got more than one? You can definitely enjoy the day and avoid gaining that extra 10 pounds. Here's five simple tips to get you in the right frame of mind! 

Leadership Retreat: Destin Florida!

I recently returned from Destin Florida. This was my FIRST Leadership Retreat and I realize you may not know what that is about and I want to share my experience with you! I was honored to be invited to this retreat by my Coach and spend it with 39 other women on our team.




The Location
The long weekend would include accommodations at a mansion, pool and jacuzzi just steps from a private white sand beach! Four days of personal development, training, a photo shoot and an FUN just for helping people to reach their goals!!?? This is truly my DREAM come TRUE!! So HOW could I pass it up?

Inside Scoop

Well I was SCARED OUT OF MY MIND for one! Yep, I've been on many a business trip, but a retreat like this?! Uh..... NO. Not ever. What was going to happen? What did I get myself into? Were we going to have to get tattoos?



You want to know the DEAD honest truth? I was scared because I have NEVER gotten along well with other women... EVER. I'm not the kind of person that has loads of girlfriends. Really. I had low self esteem as a kid and never felt part of the crowd EVER, awkward in my own skin. That's a blog post for another time.

In this situation I felt like there was a good chance this trip could be the BEST or the WORST thing ever. But there is such a profound FIRE in me for this opportunity, none of that mattered. I was going to soak it all in and make the best of it.



I used to see other Coaches going on these trips and thought that would be SO NICE!! And here it was! MY TURN!
It was AMAZING
I have to be honest that it was the BEST decision I EVER made! Not only did I have the opportunity to dedicate time to myself and my business. But I had the honor to spend it with a group of women who were also taking a chance on believing in themselves!

Theme: Be That Girl!

The theme of our retreat was "Be That Girl" based on the book by Alexis Jones - How to Speak your Truth, Discover your Purpose and #bethatgirl. We all needed to dig deeper for our WHY. Why I am SO PASSIONATE about Coaching and learning what I can do to be better for my challengers and my coaches. How can I give them tools to continue their own journey's?



Arrived Thursday: Glam Squad A day and a half was centered around a photo shoot for each of us by a fabulous photographer and glam squad. It was so amazing that this was coordinated for us as part of our reward as leaders building our business.

Training Begins

The first night of training was Friday night and we spent two hours getting to know all 40 women and how BeachBody changed their life physically, emotionally and financially! We laughed, we cried, I was inspired as I listened to their stories of overcoming the obstacles that led them here.


This is was only the official day ONE of training and it was eye opening. So much light and positive energy! Truly AWESOME!! With this many people on one retreat I could not believe how smoothly things went and the relationships we quickly developed. We all want each other to do well and learning from each other was such an awesome opportunity too!

Training Day 2: 

Corporate RepresentationThe following day Cim Carver, Sr. Director, Field Development & Hispanic Sales from Beachbody Corporate travelled to Destin to provide training and sit with each and everyone of us about our businesses. That was really amazing, to have that kind of insight, to our personal and business goals as well. That kind of interest by Corporate was truly such a positive impact.

Inspired!? 

Have you felt like your life is happening to you instead of you having control of what happens in your life? Like you have LOST all control? I felt like that for too many year to count. The loss of my best friend to breast cancer sent me into a downward spiral. I blamed EVERYONE and EVERYTHING for what was happening in MY life. My health declined, my family suffered. I took jobs and opportunities I would NEVER consider just because I felt I had NO OTHER OPTIONS.



NO MORE. There's NO need to waste precious time on things I can't control. I AM FOCUSED on what matters and the things I can control. Like being a role model to my children and pulling myself out of that deep hole of self loathing and depression.

Sweat by the Pool

Why I CoachThis business of Coaching started for me as a way to keep me Accountable I needed that extra push for my own health and fitness and has grown into SO MUCH MORE! I have not only built up my own confidence, but helped others find theirs. I have grown thru personal development and found real happiness. I have made AMAZING friends all over the country!! Challenger’s and Coaches alike!! HOW COOL IS THAT!! Eeekkk!! Seriously gives me chills!

Gourmet clean eating kitchen!

I have been blessed to travel to amazing places and experience such awesome things.



All because I set aside the doubt and listened to my heart and took a leap of faith. REALLY! Hanging out with these girls, I laughed till I actually cried too! I learned so much about myself, stepping out side of my comfort zone and really INVESTING in my future. I'm not afraid of hard work. What I am TERRIFIED of is NEVER TRYING!

This opportunity from day one made my palms sweat and my heart race. I knew deep down that it was the right direction for me, yet I allowed doubts to creep in and delay my commitment. I realize now that many of us experience that same fear! Once you break thru it, you open the door to absolutely AMAZING things!


I also learned REAL, TANGIBLE skills to push my business forward! While having a mini-vacation, workouts EVERY morning and gourmet, clean meals every day! Yeah, sign me up for my next leader retreat!!

Morning Sweat with my BFF's

It is totally true when they say, the things you want are outside of your comfort zone. It is true. Why not believe in yourself? I knew it was time to stop being a victim and start engaging in my life. This is my time and this trip solidified it for me.

Blinders on, eyes on the prize. The better I am as a leader the better I will do. I cannot succeed if I am not POSITIVELY IMPACTING the lives of the people that join me on this journey. Period. And if I wasn't sure about it before, I sure as hell am now.



I am so proud and fulfilled to be part of something bigger than me. I cannot wait to see where it takes me next and who decides to take a chance on themselves as well.

Are You Ready?

If you are serious about learning more, fill out the application below! I would LOVE to talk to you about this opportunity and what it can mean for you! You are worth it! And I know it!

Fill out my online form.


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Overnight Oats (Kid Approved)

Ahhhh tried this one and WOW! Score!

I was inspired at the grocery store!! My baby girl loves oatmeal and yogurt! She will eat a whole oatmeal raw! So I'm thinking this is going to be a nice combination!! I was inspired at the grocery store tonight!! 

🔷1/2 C Oatmeal

🔷1 TBSP Chia Seeds

🔷1/2 C Yogurt (I used low fat organic)

🔷1 TBSP Honey or Agave Syrup

🔷1 TSP Pure Vanilla Extract

🔷1/2 C - 3/4 C Unsweetened Almond Milk

🔷Stevia to taste.

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar.  Close the jar and shame until well combined.

2. Place in the refrigerator overnight and add more milk in the morning if you would like a thinner consistency.

3. Top with fruit, granola, cinnamon….. use your imagination!

This was a total WINNER recipe! Fast and DELISH in the morning! The kids loved it! You may want to start with 1/2 C Almond Milk and add more in the morning for a thinner consistency.  My kids loved this! Almost as much fun to make as eat!

Chocolate PB Banana Ice Cream

This has seriously been an amazing life saver! I can put a hurting on a container of Ben & Jerry's. Not only does this satisfy my sweet tooth but it's clean!

Makes five servings about 1/2 a cup each. 

Total Time: 4 hours 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

2 Scoops Chocolate Shakeology

1 C Unsweetened Almond Milk

2 Medium Frozen Bananas

(cut into chunks before freezing)

2 Tbsp All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter

Place milk, she ecology, bananas, and peanut butter in high-powered blender (such as a Vitamix); cover. Blend on low for five seconds; increased power to high and continue blending for 30 seconds until smooth. Pour mixture into a large glass bowl; cover. Freeze for four hours, stirring every 30 minutes, before serving. 

*So as a sidenote I did not stir it every 30 minutes for four hours. Probably the first two hours. So mine was a little bit icy. It was still FAN-FRIGGIN-TASTIC!

You won't be sorry!! 

Original Recipe courtesy of Beachbody.