Connect the Dots Ginger | Becky Allen

Monday, September 24, 2018

5 Tips To Eating Out For Special Occasions

It's a HOLIDAY WEEKEND! YAY! For us it is our Anniversary weekend. So Labor Day is pretty special for us. (hoping it doesn't turn into actual LABOR day though...3 more weeks baby girl, 3 more weeks! 14 years on Monday and we are celebrating tonight with an amazing dinner and of course we are going to indulge in a melted pot of chocolate! So let's talk about those fancy date night meals or indulgent meals. Hey, this is real life. No more restricting things. This is why we eat clean 80% of the time! So that we can enjoy the other 20%. I won't eat like this every single day (I used to want to!) Not anymore. Just occasionally am I ok with eating over indulgent food.
HERE ARE MY 5 TIPS TO HELP YOU WHEN EATING OUT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS!

1. DECIDE BEFORE WHERE AND WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO EAT: We have already looked at the menu and the restaurant we are going to is African inspired but looks VERY healthy and has lots of healthy options. The only thing with eating out is you don't know for sure how they prepare your food. How much salt or oil. So try to pick something that is the healthiest option. Avoid cream sauces or deep fried foods. Your tummy will thank you the next day.

2. DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO EAT ALL OF THE FOOD. There is nothing better than enjoying leftovers guys. If it is a good meal, the leftovers can be pretty yummy too! Most restaurants give you too big of portions anyways. It is best to eat 1/2 or 1/4 of what is on your plate depending on how BIG the portion is. Think of your containers. Because as we learned from Autumn, it is still not good to over eat even the good foods!

3. START WITH YOUR VEGGIES AND LEAVE THE CARBS FOR LAST. I know I am no fun! But make sure you get some veggies on your plate, just like your momma taught ya! And start with them first. Hey, I think of it that if you don't like veggies, eat them first so that the rest of your food takes away the taste of them! ;) But get those veggies in because they are the most important, then go to your protein, and leave any carb for last. You don't want to fill up on quick burning foods and have no room for the stuff that your body really wants and needs!

4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ORDER DESSERT. Share your dessert with your date. That way you aren't eating the whole thing by yourself. I struggle with this because we are often split on what we want for dessert and have in the past ordered one for me and one for Matt and then tried both. Occasionally this would be ok. But every time you eat out or go on a date. Probably not. I will be sharing my pot of melted chocolate tonight but only because it is so much I don't want to waste any!

5. DON'T ORDER TOO MANY "FUN" DRINKS! Make sure you don't enjoy too much alcohol or Mocktails. (that is what I get since I don't drink any alcohol. Try to limit yourself, because they are more empty calories and if you are doing an appetizer, dinner, dessert, that is already a lot of calories! Before you go decide how much you are going to drink, 1 or 2 glasses and stick to it! Your bill at the end will thank you too!
Remember, it is ok to eat out and enjoy what you are eating. Tomorrow you will be back on your regular eating of clean eating. You just need to think about it, plan ahead (just like you do at home!) And you will have an amazing time. Remember you are there with your partner and as long as you are together, that is all that matters!

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!

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

How To Gain Daily Motivation To Exercise In 4 Easy Steps


Are you wondering how someone, like me, has the motivation to exercise daily? I get asked, "How do you have the motivation to exercise daily?" After they have been watching my Instagram account. In truth, I didn't in the beginning. I mean beyond the excitement of starting a new program and before the soreness from said new program set in. I was just like anyone else who just wanted to sleep in, or catch up on watching last night's episode of The Bachelor. But what really changed my game was picking a time every day and sticking with it.

This was my big GAME CHANGER!

1) I carved out a time in my everyday for just that 30 minute workout.
2)  I planned out my workouts on Sunday night so I knew exactly what I was doing every day.
3)  I set up an alarm on my phone to remind me.
4)  I reminded myself first thing in the morning and had it in the back of my head that at 12:30pm I was going to work out.

MAKE IT A POINT NOT TO SCHEDULE ANYTHING DURIG THIS TIME! For me it coincided with my kids mandatory quiet time. Win Win! Me time and quiet time all wrapped up in one. And the more I was consistent with sticking to that time the easier it got every day.

STICK WITH YOUR SCHEDULE! Do the work when you planned on doing it and stick with it. You are your most important appointment you have all day!

Now a year later, exercise is part of my daily habit just as much as brushing my teeth is. My day actually feels off when I don't exercise because my body and my mind need those happy making endorphins in  my system. Even just last week, I took some extended rest from exercising because I pulled my achilles tendon, and I started to suffer from my depression. Exercising helps me function better, be a better mom and be able to handle the stress of the day a little easier. I make it a goal to workout at at least 5 days a week depending on which program I'm following.

My workout time has change to earlier in the day, because honestly, I started making excuses why I couldn't workout at 12:30, and it was becoming more difficult to get myself to do it. So I moved it to earlier in the day. Technically my new workout time at 7:15 am is more inconvenient because I have at least 1 child around and I only have a little wiggle time before I have to get my second son off to school. But, having a small of time kind of makes me focus harder and get the job done instead of blowing it off until later.

In the end, you have to make time daily to get your workout in, commit to doing it and actually do your workout at that time, and do it consistently and before you know it, it will be part of your normal every day life. A big help for me was following the hottest workout on the market right now, 80 Day Obsession. It's a 6 workouts a week program that were filmed in real time and with a total of 80 separate workouts to follow. It comes with a complete meal plan that tells you exactly what to eat, exactly how much to eat and when to eat to help you not only lose fat but totally change your body shape. Check out this link to learn more about it! This is my BEST PICK to get you what you need to be successful! And if you do decide to opt in, you not only get access to over 700 workouts, exclusive trainer tips, meal plans and the healthy cooking show, but you get to work with me directly to help you reach your goals in my exclusive groups! Any questions you can always send me a message on Facebook or email me!

Stay consistent. And trust your gut that you can do this! Because you can!

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!

Monday, September 17, 2018

80 Day Obsession: Last Round Of The Year!


It's that time of year! We are coming up on the final 3 months of the year and I am ending this year stronger than I started. But I'm doing it with the same program that truly has changed my life. It's time for my 3rd and final round of the year with 80 Day Obsession! So, if you have been thinking about this program, anything you have seen in the last 9 months that has made you think, "Wow! I wonder if I could ever do that?" YES GIRL! YOU CAN! I know it sounds so cheesy but if I can do this. YOU CAN TOO!

Here's where I have struggled the most with this program. The nutrition! Not that the nutrition is hard to follow, confusing or just impossible. BECAUSE IT'S NOT! It is so easy to follow because it tells you exactly what to eat, when to eat and exactly how much to eat. Takes the guess work out of the whole what do I eat to lose weight. My problem is, I fight against the process and try to figure out a work around and still have my key lime pie and results. But it doesn't happen. And honestly, last week I did a 3 day cleanse and realized how inflamed I have been from some of my choices. You guys, I finally realize now that my body just doesn't process dairy, gluten or sugars well. It's time to make that change. And that's what helps me feel my best. Staying consistent with the better choices and following my plan without giving in to other things. I finally want to feel better from the inside and out.

So...if you are ready to make changes in your life.

-- Develop DAILY EXERCISE as your go to and stress reliever during the hardest time of the year.
-- Help your body feel amazing on the inside by feeding your body the foods it needs or wants.
-- Being surrounded by an amazing support community doing the same program as you
-- Getting the support you need from someone cheering you on!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO JOIN ME! NEXT GROUP BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24!!! Check out the info below of what's included! 

WHAT IS 80 DAY OBSESSION?
80 Day Obsession is a total body 13 week at home or anywhere (online streaming from your phone, computer or tablet) program that focuses on the core and booty. Checkout some quick info about it: 

🌟 80 days of workouts that were filmed in real time, meaning that they are all completely different from each other and can be done in your own home, or at the gym. 
🌟 A COMPLETE nutrition plan that tells you not only what to eat, what size portion to eat but WHEN to eat for best results.
🌟 Focuses on Core and Booty, but everyone had all over results 
🌟 Uses new equipment / gear that look easy but will totally change your body.
🌟 EXCLUSIVE TEST GROUP with LIVE workouts, daily motivation, inspiration, tips and MORE! 

So...READY TO START YOUR 80 DAY JOURNEY with me to help you along the way? CLICK HERE NOW to order your bundle kit to get EVERYTHING YOU NEED to get VISABLE results in the first 30 days! (This kit includes a year membership to the online streaming service, the equipment, the pre workout mix and post workout recovery drinks (to give you energy for your workout and to help you be less sore the next day after your workout), and easy to follow container system. It's what I'm using right now! AND YES, it is what I recommend!)

If you are interested but need more info first, curious about how it all works and want to learn more, CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE so I can personally chat with you and answer any questions you have! Or EMAIL ME

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!

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

80 Day Obsession: Round 2 FINAL RESULTS


You guys! In all honestly, I really didn't think there was going to be much visible change in my body, because let's be honest, I wasn't 100% on the meal plan. I had a few too many treats, especially the last 2 weeks of the program after my husband got back. But...this just goes to show that even when not 100% on eating and still working out hard, you can still get amazing results. CHECK THEM OUT FOR YOURSELF!

Beginning Weight: 246. Round 2 Final Weight: 238
Total inches lost: 11.75
GAINED: Confidence, Strength, and Feel LIKE A BADASS AGAIN!




NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO JOIN ME! NEXT GROUP BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24!!! Check out the info below of what's included! 

WHAT IS 80 DAY OBSESSION?
80 Day Obsession is a total body 13 week at home or anywhere (online streaming from your phone, computer or tablet) program that focuses on the core and booty. Checkout some quick info about it: 

🌟 80 days of workouts that were filmed in real time, meaning that they are all completely different from each other and can be done in your own home, or at the gym. 
🌟 A COMPLETE nutrition plan that tells you not only what to eat, what size portion to eat but WHEN to eat for best results.
🌟 Focuses on Core and Booty, but everyone had all over results 
🌟 Uses new equipment / gear that look easy but will totally change your body.
🌟 EXCLUSIVE TEST GROUP with LIVE workouts, daily motivation, inspiration, tips and MORE! 

So...READY TO START YOUR 80 DAY JOURNEY with me to help you along the way? CLICK HERE NOW to order your bundle kit to get EVERYTHING YOU NEED to get VISABLE results in the first 30 days! (This kit includes a year membership to the online streaming service, the equipment, daily shake, pre workout mix and post workout recovery, and easy to follow container system. Everything I'm using right now! AND YES, it is what I recommend!)

If you are interested but need more info first, curious about how it all works and want to learn more, CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE so I can personally chat with you and answer any questions you have! Or EMAIL ME

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!

Monday, September 3, 2018

Building Lean Muscle and Plus Size


Never have I ever had visible back muscles before! This just goes to show that you can make serious change on your body when you put in the work. And you don’t have to be a certain size or weight to see the results. I’m 245 pounds. I’ve been working hard to build muscle this past month specifically with this new program I’m following more than to lose weight because as I’m gaining muscle I’m losing fat and developing and building the body I want for my “goal body”. I want a strong, lean, toned and defined athletic body. Because that is my build and body type. What’s going to be amazing to watch is more of my muscle becoming visible as my body releases more fat and weight. The scale isn’t everything guys. Work towards progress you are proud of and over time the scale will reflect that too. Here are my TOP 5 TIPS to build lean muscle and burn more fat! 


1) Lift Heavy Weights. You have to work up to it of course but don't be afraid to increase your weight each week. I was up to 20-25 pound weights for most leg, back and chest exercises. 15 pounds for bicep exercise and 10 pounds for shoulders and triceps. Smaller muscles means smaller weights.

2) Go back to the basics and do traditional single move exercises. Chest press. shoulder flys, Rows. When you do compound moves like a squat to Shoulder press you might not be able to lift heavier weights because you are working more than one muscle group at the same time. But when you are focusing on a single muscle like doing a chest press, you can lift heavier. See videos below: 

Single move sets:
Compound moves:

3) Be consistent! Be sure to follow your program and exercise the days it tells you to. LIIFT4  (available in OCT!) is a 4 day a week program with 30-40 minute workouts only. It's great to go back to the basics and focus on form and heavy lifting. 

4) Listen to your body. If you lose form or feel something that doesn't feel right, then lower your weights or take a break. My legs can handle me adding and extra 30 pounds to do the exercises, but my forearms can not. So, I lower the amount of weights so I don't make my forearms angry! 

5) Do it because it feels good! In the end, by increasing your strength it helps you build lean muscle and the more muscle you have on your body the more you are able to burn body fat. Often times the scale might not move or it can even go up a little as you gain lean muscle, but fat will start to reduce from your body. Don't be discouraged by the scale if it doesn't move when you are lifting heavier. Muscle takes up less space than fat but 1 pound is still 1 pound. As you are consistent with your eating right and exercising the fat and weight will come off, but it won't happen over night. Trust the process! 

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!
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