Help find Bryson a kidney!

 

     

      Good morning!  I need your help. It's a cause near and dear to my heart. You see, my nephew, Bryson Hatcher, needs a kidney.

     Bryson, he's a fighter. Multiple doctors told my sister when she was in the last trimester to go ahead and start planning his funeral - she had no amniotic fluid because his kidneys weren't functioning. The lack of amniotic fluid would affect his lung development, he wouldn't live an hour outside of the womb. Thank God for her spirit and determination, because she refused to believe that and searched for a doctor that felt the same. She found one at Jackson Hospital in Miami, FL. The doctor told her that as long as he came out breathing on his own, they would do everything in their power to keep him alive. Needless to say, he came out screaming...here to stay.

     But, Bryson's story doesn't end there. Over the 2 1/2 years of his life, he has endured test after test, in a quest to correctly diagnose and treat the condition that he affected by. That diagnosis finally came late last year at the incredible Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He was diagnosed with a rare condition called Joubert's syndrome.

     Joubert's causes blindness and kidney failure. Bryson has been blind since birth, but that's something he can live with. He CAN'T live without a kidney. He's currently enduring a regimen of nightly dialysis, a round of 8 different medications per day, and weekly bloodwork. It's a full-time job shared by his parents, Rachel and Phillip. Phillip works days and Rachel works nights and picks up extra shifts on Phillip's days off...all so Bryson has everything he needs.

 



     Bryson is on two transplant lists, but that could take up to a year or longer, and his little body is getting really tired. Understandably. Neither of Bryson's parents are a match. While any kidney is better than no kidney, a live donor is best. They are lookin for a healthy man or woman, non-smoker, age 18 to 30, with O positive or O negative blood type.

     If you or someone you know fits this criteria and is in the North Florida/Panhandle area, please feel free to contact Rachel and Phillip at jpatcher_78@yahoo.com or on Facebook at Phillip-Rachel Hatcher . If you would like to show your support and follow Bryson's story, you may do so at Finding Bryson a Kidney .

     Thank you for taking the time to read and share this post. <3

Worship Wednesday! 4.24.13

It's Worship Wednesday here at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!  Here are just a few verses and images that have spoken to me this past week!  Have a blessed week! <3

 

 

I LOVE this image...it says to anyone and everyone, the Lord can USE YOU no matter what because His grace is sufficient. Do not worry your heart about what anyone else thinks because He is the only one that matters!

When I was overweight, I was a fearful, timid person. I was constantly worried about what others thought and that worry caused me to EAT and lack the self-discipline that I needed to accomplish my goals. I was reading a devotion one night, early in my fitness journey and this was the verse that was part of that devotion. Ever since, I have had it posted in my house. It gives me strength! 

 

Something that I have recently taken on is teaching a Youth/Teen Bible Study on Wednesday nights at our church. I may not be the most qualified, but the Lord put it on my heart to do it and I am loving it! (I don't know about the kids so much...lol) It has been a blessing to become involved with these young adults.

I was broken and now I'm amazing. ;) Thank you, Lord, for your never-ending love and strength!

5 reasons why YOU should be drinking more water!

 

So, I know what you're thinking...you've heard this a hundred times before.  Well, let this time sink in. Your body is over 70% water and your brain is 90% water. That right there should tip you off to drink more water, but if that's not enough, here are FIVE important reasons why YOU should drink more water!

 

 

1. Promotes weight loss by removing fat by-products, acting as a natural appetite suppressant, and increasing your metabolism.

 

2. Helps keep you regular - water is essential for digestion and prevents constipation. Bye, bye belly bloat!

 

3. Relieves fatigue caused by dehydration and causes you to feel more alert and able to focus and concentrate better. Also relieves headaches caused brought on by dehydration. (since your BRAIN is 90% WATER...Remember?!)

 

4. Flushes out toxins and all of that cruddy stuff through your sweat and urine -- and improves your complexion by moisturizing from the inside and diminishing wrinkles!

 

5. Best of ALL - it's FREE!  So, it saves you some major cash when you decide to get some good ole tap water instead of your regular calorie and sugar loaded soda or sweet tea.

 

Keep coming back to Flabby Mom to Fit Mom for more fun tips! And, feel free to share with someone you care about!



Beachbody Challenge Transformation: Tanya C.

Meet Tanya C., she lost over 101 lbs. and 17" off of her waist using Insanity and ChaLEAN Extreme.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?* 
To be completely honest, before I was ashamed, negative, lazy and de-motivated, I did not care what went into my body or how I treated it. I'd choose people and events in my life that also reflected that. I would drink coffee all day loaded with cream & sugar, smoked a pack a day, was exhausted of all the time always looked forward to food at every event (birthday parties, family gathering, etc.). I've always been overweight and for some reason, I had it in my head that being a mom and a wife it didn't matter what you looked like.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?* 
 Shortly after my 31st birthday, I felt old. I was always tired with daily headaches.I set a goal to quit smoking, as I smoked a pack a day at least. The true, unfortunate eye opener for me was loosing a former coworker at the age of 38. She also was a wife and mother and battled with her weight we both had similar medical history in our families; diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., so I took the drive and started making changes instead of excuses and for once I was changing my life not looking back. January 5th 2012, I quit my 14 year heavy habit of smoking. At the same time, I slowly but successfully ditched the cream & sugar in my coffee then went to one black coffee a day. I then replaced my smoking habit with exercise, running for 30 minutes per day. I realized it was a snowball effect, I did not want junk in my life!!! I didn't want diabetes or heart disease to ruin my life. I wanted to beat it before I had to treat it! I reduced this chance and I was going to make it important!
 

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?* 
 The biggest challenge was finding a sitter or time to go for a run. With the Beachbody DVDs, I was able to do it from home. Plus, it has all the results of a personal trainer without the time and money. With winter on its way I wanted a workout I could do with snow on the ground, rain or shine, I still could press play day after day.
 

Why did you choose this particular program?*
 I wanted high cardio with a challenge and I liked that it was under 60min mostly, so I went with Insanity. I wanted something to replace my running. I saw the informercial and wanted that t-shirt so bad. So, I took the 60 day challenge!! I was so proud of myself and how I got stronger and faster I repeated the challenge 3 times. I was so pleased with Beachbody, I decided to try another program and I'm now 2 months in on the ChaLean Extreme program and sure am pleased that I'm in the best shape of my whole life!

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?* 
 I liked that it looked challenging and it promised results I wanted to give myself this mental and physical challenge.
 

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?*
  I still remember my 30 day picture compared to day one photo. When I saw the comparison I cried!!! I was so proud of myself! I felt and feel so confident, strong, and happy. So much so that I kept going 3 times! I'm proud of the strength & speed I have achieved. This was an investment that I will continue to use alternating with other programs. I'm so pleases with the diversity that Beachbody offers. I have never ever had this amount of definition.
 

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?* Words can't express how my life has changed!!! I'm stronger mentally & physically, happier, healthier. I did a 360 on the history of trending diabetics in my family!!! I'm my sons hero and a role model for many. Most importantly, I love and respect myself and am so blessed for this new found life Beachbody has helped me create for myself!!!


If you're ready to take the Beachbody Challenge and get results like Tanya's, please don't hesitate anymore. Email me today at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/candace.g.taylor -- I'm here to help YOU and look forward to it!

 

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/cgtaylor85

 

Eat Clean: Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

 

 

 

Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

1 tbsp all natural peanut butter
1-2 tsp stevia (or any sweetener!)
1 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 single serving plain Greek Yogurt

 Directions:
Mix it all together and enjoy!!

 

To make more like ice cream freeze for at least 30min.

Photo Credit: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/946215/original.jpg

Eat Clean: Chili Chicken Kebabs

Chili Chicken Kebabs

 

 

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp / 45 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ Tbsp / 22.5 ml balsamic vinegar
• Juice of one lime
• 1 tsp / 5 ml chili powder
• ½ tsp / 2.5 ml paprika
• 1 tsp / 5 ml cayenne pepper
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 lb / 454 g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1½ inch / 4-cm pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped into thick pieces

Preparation

1. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar and lime juice. Season with chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and pressed garlic.
2. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish with the sauce and stir to coat.
3. Preheat the grill to medium high. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with chopped onion pieces. Discard the marinade.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the skewers for 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear.

Serve with roasted (or grilled) asparagus, vegetables, or your favorite salad!

Nutritional Value per Kebab:

Calories: 186
Calories from Fat: 75
Total Fat: 8.5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Total Carbs: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Sodium: 334 mg
Cholesterol: 61 mg

All credit for the recipe goes to .

Worship Wednesday

     

      Today is Worship Wednesday here at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!  I questioned when coming up with his blog whether or not to share my faith, but when sitting and truly thinking about it. I felt ashamed for having questioned it. I wasn't always a faithful Christian growing up, but since having children, I felt that it was not just important to set an example for them -- it was a necessity. I want to be the type of mother that they are proud of. I want to teach them the principles of being Godly young men.

      Recently, I began teaching a teen Bible study at our home church. Many of the young men and women that often attend come from non-Christian homes. I want to be an example to them, as well. While I don't see but one or two of them on Sundays, I hope that our time together on Wednesday nights is one that they cherish and that I can be a role model of sorts to them. I'm teaching them the Word, as well as learning more myself!  It's a truly awesome thing to be a part of!

      Now that you've read a little about me, let me share some of my favorite scripture in pictures... enjoy!


     Be sure to leave a comment with a few of your favorites!  <3

Insanity!!!

I'm currently going through the Ultimate Reset and will be posting some of my favorite vegan recipes from that journey soon, but first I want to let all of you know that my NEXT journey (starting in 9 days...) is going to be INSANITY!

 



 

This will be my first time doing this program and I am excited and scared all at the same time.  I know several others who have had incredible results with it and can't wait to document my journey here with you all! 

 

I'll be posting weekly accountability photos so you can see what's happening with my consistent use of Insanity plus Shakeology. Day 1 will be April 25, 2013. That day I will post my before photos and measurements along with a general meal plan that I will be following. (On that day, you will also find the meal plan under the 'Meal Plan' tab at the top!) 

 

I would love some of you to join my challenge group to not only help keep me accountable, but keep you accountable, as well. If you are interested in joining the challenge, please shoot me an email at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or you can purchase the Insanity challenge pack at the following link.  The challenge pack includes the program, your first month of Shakeology, and ME as your coach and accountability partner!

 

 

Let's do this together!!! <3

 

Purchase your Insanity Challenge Pack HERE!

 



Eat Clean Recipe: Tosca's Keep It Light Tilapia

      One of my favorite Eat Clean recipes is for the mild flavored white fish, tilapia. It's lower calorie and never has a fishy flavor. Find the recipe below. I always pair this fish with a nice green salad or roasted asparagus.  YUM!

Tosca's Keep It Light Tilapia

YIELD: 4 servings
PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes
COOKING TIME: 10 minutes

---

Details

Satisfy your taste buds and set your metabolism on fire with this delicious recipe! Cayenne, ginger and mustard are three ingredients that help you burn fat just by eating them!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup / 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 tsp / 5 ml paprika
• 1 tsp / 5 ml ginger
• 1 tsp / 5 ml fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tsp / 5 ml dried mustard
• 1 tsp / 5 ml oregano
• 1 tsp / 5 ml chili powder
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 4 tilapia filets, thawed

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF/ 205ºC. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl combine olive oil, garlic and seasonings.
3. Dip each filet into the seasoning and place it on the baking sheet.
4. Pour any remaining seasoning over the filets on the sheet and place the baking sheet in the oven.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. 

Nutritional Value per Filet
Calories: 183.25
Calories from Fat: 78.5
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
Total Carbs: 2.6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 23 g
Sodium: 153 mg
Cholesterol: 57 mg Sugar: 0.2 g 

ENJOY!

How did you DO that?!

 When I first started losing weight and people started noticing, the question I got mostly was, "how are you doing it?"  When I would tell them that I was using Shakeology daily and doing an exercise video at home 5 to 6 times per week along with eating clean, they would then say that they couldn't possibly do THAT. This response never offended me because a lot of the people that told me this eventually began doing the same things that I had been doing and they began seeing RESULTS.

      I try to make it clear that in order to be successful at anything, you have to set goals and commit to those goals. Most of all, you have to set SMART goals.  The goal needs to be (S)pecific - not just 'I want to lose weight,' but 'I want to lose x number of pounds because I am prediabetic and if I don't take control of my health now, I'll be a diabetic.'  They also need to be (M)easureable. Assign that 'x' in the above statement a realistic number. Your goal also needs to be (A)ttainable, something you can see yourself achieving. They need to also be (R)elevant. See the above statement - WHY do you NEED to lose the weight?? Because you are prediabetic and if you keep gaining weight, you'll end up in a diabetic state. Last, they need to be (T)ime-bound.  When you set your goal, give yourself a realistic time frame to achieve your goal. For example, I want to lose 45 lbs, because I am pre-diabetic and don't want to become a diabetic. I WILL lose the 45 lbs. in 6 months or less.' Assign it a completion date to hold yourself accountable.

 

      By setting these types of goals, I achieved my initial weight loss goals. I have now set new goals to complete my health and fitness journey.  I'll share a few of those goals with you all.

1.  I WILL complete Insanity by June 23, 2013 because I want to be able to give a firsthand account to my clients as to how difficult the program is and I just want to say that 'I DID IT!'. (Start date: April 29, 2013)
2.  I WILL become TurboKick and Insanity certified (to TEACH!) by October 7, 2013 because it is my passion to help others find a workout that they love.(my 28th birthday)
3.  I WILL reach 2-Star Diamond in my business by August 31, 2013, because that means that I have helped not only one, but TWO people on their road to improved fitness and financial status!
4.  I WILL step outside of my comfort zone and INVITE more people to join me in working out and improving their health and fitness because we are facing a country-wide obesity epidemic and I want to be a part of the solution. (Ongoing)
5. I WILL continue to GROW my relationship with the Lord in order to solidify my presence as my church's youth group leader because the kids there need a POSITIVE, UPLIFTING person to lead them in their personal relationship with God. (Ongoing)

 



      Those are just a few of my MANY goals. What are some of your goals?  Fitness related or otherwise?  If you need help in goal-setting, please feel free to shoot me an email at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com, I would love to be able to help you gain a laser focus on the things you need to set goals for!

Working on my Fitness!

 A little over one year ago, I was at a very different point in my life than I am today. I was nearly a year post partum and very depressed about my body. I knew I had to do something but going to the gym everyday just wasn't practical for me and my family. I needed something I could either do with the kids or at home while they were napping. So,  I did what any resourceful person would do and I went online. I had heard a lot about Beachbody's P90X program and searched every imaginable site for reviews (good and bad) and for other women who had started in a similar position following childbirth. I came across my (now) coach, Seay. She had an awesome transformation and inspired me to purchase the program. I took my before photos at my all time highest weight of 205 pounds (on my 5'4" frame). I had never weighed this much for so long. My mom was the only person to see those pictures since I had her take them for me.

A week later, my program got to my doorstep and I started it that day. I could hardly get up off the floor at the end of the workouts and I was sweating profusely but I loved it! Every day I would put the kids down for a nap and go to the basement to do my workout. My husband was very supportive and watched the kids when I was home so I could workout. It became a routine and while I was enjoying it, I just wasn’t seeing the results that I wanted. I started to do more research into the Beachbody products and came across Shakeology and ChaLEAN Extreme. I decided that was a little more my pace, as I had loved lifting weights in high school and college, so why would now be any different. I also ordered Shakeology to drink as a meal replacement for breakfast since I knew that it was important, but rarely ate it. I contacted my coach about being in her upcoming challenge group and started in February 2012.

Unfortunately, I hit a point about 30 days in where I stopped losing weight. When I took my 30 day pictures I was sad that I didn't see more of a change. I was discouraged and frustrated with it. I was working out so hard and watching what I ate but I couldn't drop the pounds. I was introduced to the principle that your weight loss is 80% nutrition, 10% exercise and 10% genetics. A friend from our support group posted about the "Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno. I bought the book and read it in 3 days. I followed her principles about pairing the right foods together and cutting out all processed foods and sugar. I immediately started losing weight and I felt even better! I am addicted to eating clean and when I don't eat clean my body feels sluggish and heavy. I have totally changed the way I shop for food and cook my meals. After 60 days I could tell a huge difference in my body. I even got up the courage to post my before and after pictures on facebook for accountability. After 90 days I had finished ChaLEAN Extreme and I chose to start hybrid of ChaLEAN and Brazil Butt Lift.

  I was halfway through my second 90 day challenge when I decided to sign up as a Team Beachbody coach.  I have achieved so many of my fitness goals and have gained my self confidence back and thought why not help others do the same?! I wasn’t the only one in my challenge group to sign as a coach following that first challenge group. I have a whole second family now of people who helped me up when I was down and shared the same struggles and the journey that led us to our fitness success!

I love helping other people and this is just another way I can share the knowledge I have gained about weight loss and nutrition with others. If you are interested in getting fit and healthy please email me at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com and I can help you set up an exercise program and meal plan to meet your needs.

Team Beachbody also has a great thing called ‘The Beachbody Challenge’. They have a daily $500 giveaway – which I’m proud to say that I won in October 2012 for my transformation. All you have to do to participate in the challenge is create a free account at www.teambeachbody.com/cgtaylor85 and choose me as your coach. Enter your goals and your before picture and choose a workout program (P90X, Insanity, ect). Then log your workouts into Wowy Supergym weekly to earn prizes. If you would like additional information on workout programs that beachbody has to offer let me know and I'd be glad to help you customize your workouts to meet your specific needs. Beachbody has a long list of programs to target all areas of the body. They also have a great product called Shakeology. You can either use it as a meal replacement or a snack. So far I love it and I am going to use Shakeology to help me lose those last few pounds. Check out my site for additional information on Shakeology http://www.myshakeology.com/cgtaylor85 .

I look forward to this page becoming a community to help anyone go from ‘Flabby to Fit’! <3