Connect the Dots Ginger | Becky Allen

Monday, March 4, 2019

Ultimate Portion Fix Nutrition: It Really Works!


I had a realization today that I have completely changed my diet from fast foods, processed foods and actually enjoying eating whole foods. This is exactly what we are learning in the new nutrition focused learning course I’m currently learning from and getting certifying in. 

That moment when you realize you have transition to a mostly plant based diet and actually LOVE eating the foods! That's a big freaking deal! No I’m not vegan, I still eat animal meat and dairy, but most of my meals, LOOK LIKE the picture above now! A new to me recipe from our Fixate Cooking Show available on Beachbody On Demand: Fitness and nutrition online streaming. 

My meals consist of Kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, quinoa, asparagus, cucumbers carrots, bell peppers and more. They all fill my fridge every week! 10 years ago I would have gagged every bite down of this meal but now I can eat kale, spinach and other veggies without any resentment. 


For the longest time eating healthy was a punishment for being overweight or eating too many sweets or treats or a way to justify eating whatever I wanted later. Now food is my fuel. Foods that make my body function at its best and do good things for my body and helps support me in my daily workouts. And yes I’ll still have a doughnut or other sweets and treats occasionally but I’m learning healthier ways to make them and moderation / control so that I stay on track with my goals! 


Do you struggle with nutrition know what to eat, how much to eat and even when? I know there are a lot of diets and theories out there but what if you could lose weight without restricting or cutting out food groups? JOIN my Summer Ready Bootcamp! Daily live workouts, perfect for beginners. Access to this Whole Foods diet without cutting food groups or counting calories and learning Perfect Portions to help you for the rest of your life. CLICK HERE to get set up with your online workouts, nutrition and pre and post workout drinks to help get you started with your workout and keep you from getting sore. You'll get access to me as your coach and join our community of women working towards their goals too! 




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, January 28, 2019

Tidying Up Your Fridge


I just #konmari my fridge! --well not many storage containers holding everything separately but still, it's super organized and clean! You know, from the Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.  This past month my family has not only have chosen the clothing that sparked joy in our closets but, I took it a step further and went to my fridge. Because really, does it bring you joy to open your fridge and see the options you have for yourself in there? If not...keep reading! 

How many times have you gone to the store and over spent on foods you didn’t really need or ended up having to throw out spoiled foods from good intentions that never happened or literally have ZERO space in your fridge because you keep eating out? We used to buy all the food and go out to eat (a lot more than we budgeted for) and wasting so much money, throwing out food that went bad because we spent our hard earned $$ on groceries and eating out. 2019 Is our year to make a change! 

BEST HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ORGANIZING TIP:  To keep your fridge organized and healthier foods in your house: Only buy the foods that you know you are going to eat and use and that are the best food for your body so that by the next time you have to go to the store, your fridge is ready to be filled! That’s exactly what happened to us this past week. Even Collin was saying “MOM! We need to go to the grocery store. There’s no food!” What he didn’t realize is that I had a plan and I stuck with it. 

Using everything we had before going back to the store:

Fully Stocked:

It’s about committing to your journey and keeping your family healthy! Changing your lifestyle takes discipline and consistency. You have to make that choice to make time to meal plan in advance. Include date night, or pizza night. Or even salad from Chic-for-a. What’s on the calendar is what’s going to happen. 

Additional Tips:
1) Make a grocery list that align with the foods you are going to make and only buy foods that are on your list. 

2) Stick to your meal plan by having meals or items prepped ahead of time or making sure that your meals are easy in the first place. Or have an easy backup meal ideas that still align with your goals. If I don’t want to cook we have a YO-YO Night (you’re on your own). Kids pick what they want (usually cereal) and I have my easy to make daily superfood filled shake. 

3) Be persistent in your consistency. Just like health & fitness. Dig your heels in. Remind yourself why you want to make this change! 
You can do this! 

Need healthy recipes your whole family will love? Did you know we have a cooking show with amazing recipes included in our fitness and nutrition memberships? Yep! Complete health, fitness and nutrition solution for you and your family! Just order and I'll be in touch to get you plugged into my exclusive health and fitness virtual gym community and help you not only get started right but stay motivated to keep going LONG TERM! I'm determined to rock my journey and just as determined to help you succeed!


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!

Friday, January 25, 2019

Unique Wood Watches: The Perfect Distinguished Gift for Him or Her | Review + GIVEAWAY


I'm a busy mom of 3 always on the go and you guys. being disciplined in health and fitness and just mommy life, requires me to stay on track and on time, ALL OF THE TIME! One way I've really been successful with making sure I don't forget my daily workouts, or meals -- yes. meals because I can get so busy coaching with my virtual gym side hustle I lose track of time, or even the bus pick up so I set individual alarms on my phone. But this year I made it a personal goal to be more present in our house and working on my phone only at specific times making sure I have that balance of work and home life. It really was like the universe knew what I needed. I've partnered up with Jord Watches to help keep me on time and help me be more stylish for when I'm not sporting my workout clothes!
I have very sensitive skin and have been limited in the past on what type of bands I can use for watches. That's why I loved the idea that the Jord watches mix natural, and largely reclaimed materials, combined with quality in their movements and components. Compared to other watches I have personally tried and looked for, this is by far the most unique and stunning piece I've come across. I personally received the Conway Dark Sandalwood band with stunning details and a burgundy (I love RED!) face place.
The watches can be sized for the perfect fit, perfect for those of us that have struggled finding bands in the right sizing. And the backplate and stunning cedar humidor storage box, can be engraved to give it a more personal touch making this a perfect gift!
With Valentine's Day coming up this is the PERFECT time to get your significant other (or yourself) a new stunning timepiece that you will love for years to come! ENTER our $100 GIVEAWAY towards your favorite watch with worldwide shipping! Everyone who enters will receive 10% off! Check out the LINK HERE to see all the variety and pick which one you would love to have!
 
Wooden Wrist Watch 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!

Thursday, January 3, 2019

Plus Size Fitness: Core Strengthening Plank Exercises


Gone are the days of having to hold a plank for FOREVER to really activate your core! Challenge yourself with these beginning core strengthening plank exercises (yes beginning active exercises, it's best to be able to hold an isolated plank position for at least 30 seconds before moving to these active movements)

All done using floor sliders! Don't have floor sliders you can still do this. If you have wood or tilled floors you can use your most slippery socks-- or those socks you get in the hospital after having a baby-- or a towel. For carpet go get some paper plates. Only a temporary fix but it can get the job done. Want to get floor sliders and resistance loops click the links! Want to do more moves like this? Join my Transform Your Year group NOW with this STARTER KIT (floor sliders and resistance loops are included in the starter kit!) and work with me as your coach! You'll start the program that has literally changed my life and made daily exercise a habit and not a wish! Once you order your kit I'll message you and get you plugged into our community group!

Complete 10 reps of each move twice. I like to go through all 5 moves take a short break then do all 5 moves again.





PIN FOR LATER Below!!! 

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, December 31, 2018

3 Year Progress With Home Workouts


It's been 3 years of steady consistent work on myself and I couldn't be happier! I have lost so much body fat that I have completely changed my body composition. The picture on the left is a month before we found out we were expecting baby number 3. And i've also had to come back from an emergency appendectomy surgery a year ago. That's exactly what this whole journey is about It's about staying consistent for the long run, getting stronger, getting healthier and loving yourself. More than any number on the scale.

Steps I took to change my body composition: 

Eat better for your body  because you want to and not because it's to let you eat something you want, or as a way to punish yourself for eating something you shouldn't have, but honestly and truly because you want your body to feel better from the inside out.

Move your body more days than you don't. That means at least 4 days a week you are moving your body. Exercising. Walking, swimming, lifting weights, dancing. SOMETHING!

Don't be afraid to lift weights. This year I tested my ability to gain muscle mass and definition, which you can see here. But in general when lifting weights, women will not bulk up unless you are trying to. I wanted to see how much I could lift. I wanted to see if muscle definition is possible in a 243 pounds plus size woman. And it is! But lifting weights, creates lean strong muscles for us women. That's the way to help burn more body fat.

Have a plan and follow it. Follow a program. Make it a goal to complete it. This will keep you consistent. This will get you results. I used to be a cardio bunny at the gym, and just use the treadmill and elliptical, because I really didn't know what else to do or wasn't comfortable what to do. But your body needs to be challenged in different ways to. Try using the weight training machines, or the dumbbells. Or do at home workouts. They really do work! (want to get started with at home workouts that I follow and want to work with me? CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP AND GET STARTED and try out my favorite pre and post workout drinks at 50% off to help give you energy for your workout jitters free and then help you be less sore the next day so you can do it again!)

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!

Friday, December 28, 2018

Get Cravings? Get Curious


Last night I had my first major cravings attack in almost a year. Like, ready to rip the doors off the fridge to get what I wanted, ain't nobody could stand in my way, kind of cravings. Honestly, it scared me because I haven't had to deal with these feelings in so long, so I GOT CURIOUS!

I had to take a step back and figure why the heck my cravings for ice cream, with hot fudge, salted caramel topped with walnut and a side of butter popcorn were calling to me.

I didn't have any of the items I wanted in my house and my hubs wouldn't go out and get it for me and since I'm still healing from my PRK lasik surgery, I wasn't about to go out either. So...the food was a no go, but I really wanted to know what was driving this major carb attack. Learn from it.

First, I got some water and drank about 16 oz to show my body, I really wasn't hungry. Maybe just thirsty, Then I realized, it's been almost 2 weeks of no exercise. My body is used to burning more energy and working more than it has been metabolism wise. My body WANTED something to burn, and fast! Also, I realized that I hadn't had enough veggies in my day to fill me up, so I actually got HUNGRY (ish) around 8pm. And generally when I get cravings, it always hits after 7. So... there's my answer. I didn't follow my eating plan as well as I should, so my body was going for something that was fast, easy, and would satisfy my sugar addiction.

DON'T GET STUCK ANYMORE WITH YOUR CRAVINGS GUYS!

I feel so empowered knowing that my body just needed something to do, but also learning that my body needs a little more filling foods (veggies) especially at dinner to help stave off later night cravings.

Next time a massive cravings hit, or you're about to have a binge fest, or maybe this is the day after, take some time to do the following:

1) DRINK WATER FIRST- before you ever give into any craving. You might just be thirsty. Also, the water will help fill you up just a little bit.

2) Stop and think -"How am I feeling right now?" Are you feeling sad, angry, upset, embarrassed, hurt, lonely, bored, excited? Any feelings. Take a minute just to think about it. Once you figure out your feelings, move to step 3.

3) Ask yourself- "Do I really need to eat this? If I do eat this, Will this help me get to my goals?" Yep, ask yourself and if you automatically say, "I DON'T CARE" That's bull crap! The fact that you are saying that, means that you do freaking care so don't say that again. Don't justify you reason saying you don't care when you do. There's something else going on. Again go back to your feelings. But when you stop and think, Do I really need to eat this and if I do, Will this help me get to my goals? you'll realize that it will go against what you need.

4) Pick something else instead- Keep your house stocked with fruits and veggies and go grab a fruit and a handful of nuts instead. Not only will you feel better about it and overcoming your craving but...it's a better option. It's not about denying yourself something. t's actually about making better choices and healthier swaps that are life long.

5) Journal or write down everything you learned about your craving from the previous 4 steps. Keep a log of what you're craving, your feelings, and how you dealt with it. Do this enough times you are going to see a pattern. Think about his kind of information you are gathering on yourself. Your cravings and when and how it hits. EMPOWERING! This is how you make real change. You take steps to LEARN from it.

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, December 25, 2018

Happy Christmas From The Allens!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! May you have a happy and healthy celebration with your family and friends. Remember, Drink lots of water, and fill your plate with veggies most. And enjoy yourself. 1 day off from your normal eating won't derail you from your goals! You got this!

Monday, December 24, 2018

Gift of Sight- PRK Lasik


I did it! I finally did it you guys! I will no longer have glasses swinging from my face while doing plank moves, or causing breakouts on the bridge of my nose from the plastic rubbing. I did ti! I got Lasik surgery! Sadly it wasn't the lasik I wanted but still, in the end after everything is said and done I will have the same results.

Did you know that there are different types of lasik surgery? I only knew of the traditional "flap" Lasik surgery. Where they lift a flap of your cornea do the lasers and put it back in place. Benefit: Can see the next day, super fast recover! That's what I wanted. But, it's not what happened or what I qualified for.

If you're thinking about lasik most centers will give you a free consultation to see if you are eligible for lasik and what kind. So if you have any questions about it, check with your local center. I'll be giving the info how I understand it. Oh and where did I go? I personally went through TLC Laser Eye Centers.

From what I was told is that everyone qualifies for PRK but not everyone qualifies for the flap lasik. The flap lasik requires a specific depth of the cornea in order to work correctly. If you don't have that they can't do a flap. But PRK is different. PRK is more invasive and has a longer recovery time, and longer time to see clearly. "The protective surface layer (epithelium, which is too soft to hold the laser correction, is removed. The epithelium will regrow within five days after the procedure."*  So, the way I understood it was part of the cornea was actually shaved off to do the procedure, then a clear contact lene like bandage is then applied to the eye to protect it while the cornea grows back. Sounds so horrible but, the eye is numbed prior to the procedure, and the lids are held open so there is no chance of blinking during the procedure.

What makes it challenging is that you are "legally blind" until the contact lens is removed 4-5 days later. And then, it's not all clear. PRK requires a longer "clarity of sight" time and clarity can take 4-6 months. I'm now almost 1 week out from surgery and yes i'm seeing without my glasses, but it's cloudy, like my contacts were in far too long. and still a little blurry on my distance surgery.

In the end, the results of PRK are just as good as traditional lasik, it just takes a little longer to get there. Day 2 and 3 after my surgery were the absolute worst pain wise. It was more of a sand in the eyes burning that's couldn't be fixed. I did a lot of sleeping during those days. I'll post another update as I get further along, but if you are considering lasik, get a consult. Get educated. Reach out to me and I'm happy to answer any questions of how my procedure was and how recovery is going.

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!

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

I'm A Certified Personal Trainer!


I've been studying so hard you guys for the past few months, that's a big reason why my blog has been so quiet. I can only do so many things and sadly to be able to help more, my blog took a hit. BUT!!!! I passed! I passed my Personal Training Certification! I am now a National Academy of Sports Medicine PERSONAL TRAINER, focusing on VIRTUAL TRAINING! I wanted this to be able to give more information, tools and resources, and now I can! So...just know, I'm here! You are more than welcome to join us over on my Facebook Community! We'd love to have you!

And if you are ready to start your health and fitness journey, NOW is the perfect time! Not only do you get a complete workout program, nutrition plans but you get me as your coach and mentor! Al you have to do is EMAIL me or message me over on Facebook or Instagram and let's get you started!

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Healthy Holiday Habits Success Group


Do you struggle with the holidays? Staying motivated to eat right? Staying motivated to exercise daily? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Many, many people struggle this time of year. All the parties, comfort food, and the thinking that it's an all out feast day to eat whatever. What if I told you there was a better way? What if I told you that you could stay on track and still enjoy your holiday GUILT FREE? Ready to end this year strong?

November 5th, I'm hosing an exclusive Success Group. Me, sharing my tips on how I stay motivated. How I stay committed and how I stay consistent AF! And just think, if you could stay on track during the holidays, how much easier would it be the rest of the year??? THIS IS WHAT I CAN HELP YOU WITH!

Ready to get started? THIS MONTH ONLY there is an additional discount on our bast kit with access to a year of online streaming of all the workouts, plus you get the perfect portion container system and you get to try my favorite game changing pre workout all natural energy boosting and endurance giving drink and post workout anti-soreness drink! CLICK the link below to get started and I'll message you and get included in my success group and accountability tracking app!


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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