Why Not Start Today?

Not a lot of people know this about me. For the first few years after I got married every single time I went to the grocery store I would buy a doughnut or a candy bar. I would hurry and eat it on the way home so that Matt wouldn't know about it. As the months went by and I started gaining weight it didn't really bother me because I assumed I would get pregnant soon and that once I started breastfeeding I would lose all my gained weight. HA! It only took 9 years to get pregnant and have my 1st kid! Well that one doughnut or candy bar turned into 2 and then I was doing a candy bar and a doughnut or 2. IT GOT SO BAD! 

It took a few years, and Matt finding the "evidence" and that is when I realized that I had a very unhealthy relationship with foods. I have probably come across lately that I have it all together. And have never struggled with food. But I have. I have cravings just like you. I love food. Good food. I love sweets because it helps me feel happy and sometimes it brings back great memories of something from years ago. It is what I choose to do with those cravings that makes me different from back then to now!

But what I have learned is that I am stronger than those cravings. And those sweets only give me like 5 minutes of pleasure and add that to the way I would beat myself up afterwards it just isn't worth it. And the amazing food out there. Yeah, I still have it, sometimes, NOT everyday. I allow myself to indulge. But I also feed myself great tasting whole foods. And just because I eat healthy doesn't mean it tastes bad. It is actually pretty delicious! 

If you have ever felt like this or feel like you need a little helping hand in getting your nutrition and exercise back on track? Let me know! Send me an email message! I will get back to you and we can talk about your goals or set them if you want! I'm starting my next health and fitness private support group on the 3rd of August and I would love to have you join me and the others in the group! Let's do this together!

-One on one support from me to help you set and reach your goals.
-Daily motivation.
-Work with a program that is just right for you to fit your lifestyle.
-Provide you with recipes and a meal guide
-Daily dose of nutrition.
-Plus you will be with other people just like you in our PRIVATE accountability group where you can ask questions and get real answers.

Our Motto for August is: Simply Be-YOU-tiful It is never too late to take care of you! You are worth it!

(You must be willing to make a small investment in your health and wellness.)

Interested? Fill out this form!

Lower Body Tabata

Wanna kick your lower body workout up a notch? Add a dumbbell to increase the intensity! Check this out!

Great Morning Stretch

Need a great little morning stretch to help stretch out your hip flexers. Try this sequence. 

Plank, bring your food forward between your hands for a runners pose. Bring your chest up to a lunge, drop your knee softly and press your hips forward to stretch out the hip flexers, and grab your toe for an added stretch. Hold each position for a good 10 count. OH it feels so good! 

Repeat sequence with opposite leg. 

And, of course, be sure to like our FACEBOOK page and follow us on PINTEREST for motivation, clean eating tips, and healthy lifestyle resources.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Registration

The Disney Princess Half Marathon registration opens to everyone TOMORROW! Have you decided yet if you are going to be doing it or not? I sadly won't be doing it in 2016, as we have a couple of family events to attend next year that we are saving up to be able to attend but man, if I had unlimited funds, I WOULD BE DOING THE RACE! No questions asked. It is really that awesome.

Yes I was 29 weeks pregnant when I ran mine. Yes it was hotter than hades on a nice balmy day, and yes, my body hated me for the rest of the day, but it was TOTALLY worth it. The experience of running in my first Disney race, which is something that I had wanted to do for years! but the experience of it all. All the women coming together. To be healthy, to try something that seems impossible to so many. We did it! I DID IT! And I will never ever forget my experience of it. All 13.1 miles. (I may have zoned out for a mile or 2 in the beginning but still!) I remember the whole experience.

Put this on your race todo list if you can't do it in 2016. You want to!

Check out my tips for the half marathon!

Half Marathon Race Recap

The 1/2 Marathon race: What to expect

The Expo

The Costumes

Race Morning

Next Adventure...

I have a new adventure I wanted to tell you all about. I have a YOUTUBE channel now! WHAT!?! This is totally new and I wanted to share some tips that I have with clean eating and sometimes it is just easier to tell you about it than writing it down! I won't be vlogging all the time just on some stuff so make sure you check it out. And that you subscribe to keep up to date on what I am doing! It is small right now with only 2 videos but over time it will grow and I hope that you will join me over there too.

I really am a real person. Sometimes it might seem that I am just someone story teller and yes I post pictures of me and my family but it is nice to see that I really do exist in real life. I fully believe that we all need some motivation. And I plan on doing some motivation type videos to help give you that push to get up and go for a run or do your workout. I really hope that you guys can see a whole new side to me.

Here is my most recent video that I did. One thing that I have written about is that last Friday I had oral surgery. For the past 8 years I have been told that I would eventually need a gum graft. Well that day has come and I had it done this past Friday. I made this video on Monday so I am still having a hard time talking and I can't smile at all (I know you will miss my big smile! My favorite feature!) But still I think the video is pretty educational on how to add greens into your daily Shakeology or Green Smoothie without having to have a salad. And it is cost effective.

So in this video I am making Kale Shots, as I call them. They are just 1 ounce cubes of pureed kale. I don't know about you but I have such a hard time eating Kale. I think it is too bitter and I just can't get it down. And using it in smoothies, I just wasn't getting through all of it in a week. So my solution is to puree it up and freeze it. And one once is equal to like 4 cups of Kale. And it is totally masked by Shakeology, and a banana or in your green smoothie. You will still taste it a little because it is so bitter but it won't be like it is in a salad or just straight up. Let me know what you think of the video, subscribe! And hope you join me on this next adventure!

21 Day Fix Round 2 Results Photos

I can't believe the change that my body has done already! I talked about how much weight and how many inches here in my 21 Day Fix Round 2 Results post. I have lost the most inches from my belly and it is SO OBVIOUS! I feel like I am finally losing that baby bulge that I have had for a year now since having Collin. Not to mention how much smaller my hips are finally getting.

I have so much more energy and I don't crave sweets and sugars. It is such an amazing feeling knowing that I am not giving into these powerful cravings that I have had my entire life.

For years, I have had such an unhealthy relationship with food. If I was feeling sad or upset I would indulge and eat cookies, ice cream, pastries, and all manner of junk food. I would eat until I was full, way beyond satisfied. I used it as my coping for when Matt was deployed. I used it to drown my sorrows for the fact that I couldn't get pregnant, and I even used it to help me cope with my miscarriages and other frustrations I dealt with on a daily basis. During one miscarriage in particular I was eating ice cream almost every single day for the 6 weeks that I was pregnant for. It was AWFUL! I gained so much weight, lost control and just felt horrible. I have been dealing with that decision for 2 years now. Because I never lost the weight from that miscarriage before I got pregnant with Collin.

Thankfully I learned my lesson. When I got pregnant with Collin I was being more healthy. Exercising regularly. And now for the first time since I had Collin and this past miscarriage, I AM LOSING INCHES AND POUNDS! What an amazing feeling.

On top of taking care of myself, I am helping other women reach their goals too! You can join my FREE Private Health and Fitness Online Community with over a hundred women working on their goals. Tips, info and an amazing community filled with support! Come on over and join us! CLICK HERE to request to join!

Are you ready to get results like these? The time is now to get your membership to Beachbody On Demand bundled with Shakeology and your own Nutrition Fix Containers! NOW to join my EXCLUSIVE group!  CLICK HERE TO ORDER and I will send you an email to connect and help you get started right!  If you need to upgrade your current subscription or have questions EMAIL me, or send me a message over at FACEBOOK! 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! Don't forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK.

21 Day Fix Round 2 Results

I don't have my pictures yet. (CLICK HERE To see my 21 Day Fix Round 2 Results Photos) but I wanted to post my results from my second round on 21 day fix. 

In 7 weeks, I have lost 10 lbs. 10 POUNDS! I am no longer stuck at the weight I have been at for months and months. I am on my way to reaching my first goal which is 25 lbs lost.

I have lost 7.65 inches off my body. The most being from around my belly. I fit my pre pregnancy clothing more comfortably and just overall I am feeling great! 

I am so excited to keep losing weight. I see my goals happening because I have decided that I am doing this. I want this and I am worth it. This time is different for me because I have so much support from my challengers on our private support group page and together we are making huge changes in our lives!

Are you ready to get results like these? The time is now to get your membership to Beachbody On Demand bundled with Shakeology and your own Nutrition Fix Containers! NOW to join my EXCLUSIVE group!  CLICK HERE TO ORDER and I will send you an email to connect and help you get started right!  If you need to upgrade your current subscription or have questions EMAIL me, or send me a message over at FACEBOOK! 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! Don't forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK.

A Little Perspective

I finally uploaded my pictures from my phone to my computer. There were a ton of pictures but these two kind of caught my eye. I forgot that I took a picture of myself after the miscarriage to show how white I was after everything and the blood loss. But here it is. 

On the left is me at 7:17am on March 21st volunteering for the 10 miler and on the right is me at 5:33pm on March 22nd. That night of the 21st I went through the absolute worst experience of my life. And almost lost my life. But here I am despite all of what happened, still smiling. Putting on a brave face. That's who I am. I find the good in all things. I was still alive. And I was thankful for it. 

I have come a long way mentally and physically since the 22nd. I don't blame myself anymore for the miscarriage. I am still learning to accept and cope with it. Can't do anything about it now. Just keep moving forward. But now I am taking care of my body and my life so that I am as healthy as I can be for the next time I do get pregnant. 

I am drinking a daily drink that fills my body with vitamins and minerals and superfoods that give me energy to keep up with my 2 beautiful boys. I am exercising daily for only 30 minutes. And I am reading personal development for both spiritual and mental well being. I am dedicating my life to helping others reach their personal goals and I am loving every minute of my life right now! I am still alive. And I am so thankful for that.

If you need that extra little bit of motivation in your life to reach your goals, no matter how big or small and willing to make a small investment in your health, just let me know! I am starting my next private fitness support group on July 1. I would love for you to join me! Comment below or message me. We can do this together! 

Finding that Drive

Have that lacking feeling of doing what you know you should be doing? I sure have! I need some motivation. I need something to kick my butt in gear. So what do you do to get that little kick in the tush to get you going???

1) Get support! Tell your family members, friends, co-workers, kids tell everyone what you are going to be starting. Because often times you will be reminded by someone asking you, "Hey how is your weight loss program going?" Or I was even told recently by a friend that her little girl was saying, "Mom, I don't think we should go to places like McDonalds until after you've gotten all your fatness away." Her little girl was helping her mom. And guess what, they aren't going there anymore!

2) Reach out to others going through the same thing. You can probably name 3-5 people who are "working on their weight" or watching what they are eating just like you. Find someone to check in with on a weekly basis to share how you did the last week, or to discuss your game plan for the coming week. Also Online Support Groups. I hold a 30 day support group every month now to give the daily motivation you need, plus inspiration to keep going and there is access to clean recipes and clean eating information. Plus others that are going through the same exact thing. There are so many thing available to you now to help you. Take advantage of that!

3) Make a game plan. Have your goals set on what you want to accomplish and by when. Make weekly meal plans so that you have everything set so that you don't go for foods that you shouldn't be eating! It just takes a little time to schedule and plan your week. And the more you do it the easier it will get!

4) Shed the negative. So you have done this before and it didn't quite work. Well how is this time going to be any different. BECAUSE IT IS! You want it to be different which means it will be. You are going to have the support of your family, and a small micro community, making a weekly meal plan. This is going to be your time to kick butt and take control of your life. And if there is anyone in your life telling you that it is not going to happen. You couldn't do it last time. blah, blah, blah. IGNORE THEM! Because if you choose to do something and you really decided that you are going to do it, YOU WILL! You can do anything you put your mind to. No more I can't. I CAN! The key though is that you need to believe that you can do this and you will!

5) DO IT! You have made the choice to do it, so do it! Make this time different. Don't let excuses get in your way and try to stop you. You are better than any excuses. You deserve more than any excuses. And you have 30 minutes to workout everyday. It is that important! Scheduled it in to your day. Workout first thing in the morning or before you go to bed. Just get it in there!

If you need that extra little bit of motivation in your life to reach your goals, no matter how big or small and willing to make a small investment in your health, JOIN MY FREE PRIVATE COMMUNITY. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! Don't forget to follow me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

One Step Forward, or Crawl

Can I just say how much I love this saying...I LOVE THIS SAYING! Because it is so true! It doesn't matter if you tip toe, crawl or drag yourself in the right direction just make your way there! NOW! 

I have seen what one wrong choice after another after another and many more can do to you. It drags you down deeper and deeper. People lose faith in trust in you because of the choices and actions you make. Or you lose faith in yourself that you can actually do better or be better (yo-yo dieting, why start over again if it hasn't worked in the past?) Or you might want to get out of the huge pit you dug for yourself but don't know how to even start or which direction is even the right direction. Well as long as that direction is opposite to what you have been doing lately then it is more of a right direction than you have been in. The point is to GET MOVING into that direction.

If you decide today that you are done living your life how it is. Yo-yo dieting. Or tired of putting of starting a new workout for next week. Make that choice to just do it. Set a date that you are going to start your workout. And do it! Stop yo-yoing around and don't diet, change your lifestyle! Dieting has such a negative mindset to it. Decide you want to change how you look at food in the first place and do it. Stop doubting what you can truly accomplish what you put your mind to! Read books about foods or watch documentaries about clean eating. (see below)

If you need any help in clean eating. Let me know! Or finding a workout routine that actually fits your lifestyle so you stop putting it off. LET ME KNOW! You have to make that first move. That first step and I will help you drag yourself, crawl, tip toe or even run if you want but you have to make that choice that you are ready to change! 

Books: 

Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora Gedgaudas

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

Documentaries: 

Forks over knives

Fed Up

Super Size me

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead