Transformation Tuesday: Joanna M.

Meet Joanna M.! She participated in The Beachbody Challenge and won the $500 Daily Prize for November 10th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I started my journey at 240 pounds. When I started, I was sad, depressed and felt hopeless! I had just had my daughter, and, in a time that should have been filled with joy, I was angry and sad. I couldn’t believe that I had let myself get to that point! I would never go out of the house, and I rarely let people come over.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My daughter! I refused to settle with this body! I refused to let her see me unhappy because of my physical appearance! I wanted her to have a healthy happy mom that sets a good example of what health should be! I did it for ME! I knew there was something better than this, something better than waking up depressed and feeling fat every morning!!

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
The greatest challenge I faced before starting was overeating! I had absolutely no self control! I ate my weight in chocolate cake most days, and then I wondered why I wasn’t losing weight! Once I started 21 day fix I figured out that it was my portions and probably the pounds of junk I ate daily. Once I started drinking Shakeology, paying more attention to my portions, and working out harder, the weight started dropping off, and my confidence started to comeback!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
When I first started 21 day fix I was 205 pounds. I have lost 45 lbs so far! That’s a huge accomplishment for me! I can now do burpees. When I first started, there was no way I was doing even one burpee!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
My life is completely different! I am so much happier and confident. In return, that has made me a better mom! I have this new passion and outlook on life! I am now a Beachbody Coach, because I truly believe in this product and in Beachbody products! I have a purpose now and a passion to help other moms find their confidence again!

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge, for the ultimate motivation to get fit! Select any Beachbody program and once you complete it, share your results for your chance to win cash and prizes.

Need help selecting the right program for YOU? Email me at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com TODAY!

New Year New You Challenge Group - starting January 19th!

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU CHALLENGE GROUP!

Starting January 7th, 2015

Well, the holidays are over and now you maybe sitting here wondering how in the world you are going to get back on track for the New Year.  You might be wondering how you let it get so far out of hand.  You may also be wondering how you packed on that may pounds in a short period of time.  

But don't let that get you down.  Just because you made some bad health choices doesnt mean you can't turn it all back around!   You do what I like to call a U-Turn!  You just find the right path and get back on it.  The key to getting back on the right path is having someone to do it with!  I would love it if that person was me!!!

Hey! That's ME after two challenge groups!

So check out my plan for the New Year and let me know if this is something YOU would like to be a part of!

How many times have you made a New Year’s Resolution that left you feeling like a failure less than a month into the new year?  It happens to the best of us!  Last year I made a New Year's Resolution to get organized and if you could see my closet, garage, or office...well, you would know I failed!  I sit here today with a disorganized desk but a totally fit and clean body! Some things we are motivated to change and others we are not.  But I can tell you that I have pinned some awesome tips for organization and added some organization websites to my favorites.  I'm setting specific fitness and organization goals for 2015 and I can already see the shift in thinking happening.  There is something about being surrounded by people with similar goals in life that keeps you on track!  So this year I want to surround you with positive energy, fitness support, and clean eating lifestyle tips and tricks to get you in shape for the REST of your LIFE!

The definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” right?! So why do we keep doing it?

 Let’s stop being insane and actually commit to changing ourselves with the goal of making a lasting change - whether that takes 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, or a year! This means let’s stop trying to achieve a YEARLY resolution in the first few weeks of the new year and let’s take small steps each month that make positive changes lasting all year (and beyond!) long.

We want everyone to create maintainable change. Start small and build on top of practical goals. Stop being SO results driven. That’s exactly why I have set up my New Year, New You Challenge month by month, and better yet, day by day. Let’s face it, simply saying, “this is my new years’ resolution,” no longer works. We need this to be "this is my LIFE'S resolution!"

Here are the guidelines for our challenge—yes, “our,” which means I am doing this with YOU!

• Each week I will pick a positive topic video related to improving fitness and wellness (mental and physical).

For Example: clean eating in January, heart healthy habits in February, balanced nutrition, family health, etc.

• Focus on incorporating positive habits based on our weekly topic each day during that month.
• At the end of each month, I will pick a New Year, New You Winner based on the results of the previous 30 days.
  
  • Each participant will have the opportunity to fill out a form sharing their 30 day results change for extra points!!
• I will provide tips, motivation, meal plans, recipes, accountability and challenges each day through a closed facebook group !  Which means no one but you can see what is posted or what YOU post.
• Keep yourself and ME updated and stay accountable through social media or email candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com also.
  
  • Post pictures and status updates tagged on Facebook for points
   
  • Tweet @CandaceGTaylor
   
  • Refer friends to the Challenge for points and free stuff!
   
  • Follow/share on Instagram —  Follow: flabbymomtofitmom and hashtag #FlabFab2015 We will have a Photo a Day Program going on each month as well. The more you follow the Instagram Photo a Day, the more chances you have to win!
   
  • The more you share, the more we motivate one another!   
   
  --->As a participant in this group you will be required to commit to a Beachbody Fitness Program which I will help you find the one that best fits your personal needs plus invest in your health by replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology for the duration of your fitness program.  In return you will have my 100% commitment to helping you reach your health and fitness goals.  I have helped over 100 people this year reach their health and fitness goals and I want to help you to!!!  This is your year!!!<----
• 
  ----->It is important to note that if you aren't into social media and have no idea what a hash tag or instagram is have no fear!  You can still be a part of the challenge group.  You don't have to do the extra assignments! It's just EXTRA! <------------>

What’s in it for you?

What, you mean you are not solely motivated by incorporating positive changes in your life all year long? Okay, well how about some PRIZES?!?! That’s right, each month we will pick a participant based on the changes and challenges you share to win AWESOME PRIZES from your ME your COACH!!!!!

*If you do not want to participate in optional assignments you must rate your day every day   (Not including optional day off Sunday) or will remove you from the group !!! We need everyone to stay active for this to work and be effective !!! This is a Challenge :) I will show up everyday  and I expect the same from you !! 

So are you ready to get started?!?!

I hope so, because I'm totally fired up!

So what's next?!  Even if you are not sure that you want to do the challenge group, go and sign up for a free TeamBeachbody Account with ME as your COACH!  Then, you will receive an email from me and we can determine if this program is a good fit for you!  Together we will pick a fitness program that will meet your needs, choose a flavor of Shakeology that you will enjoy drinking everyday and develop REAL, achievable health and fitness goals unique to you!

Note: If you already KNOW what flavor of Shakeology and which program you would like, you can proceed to sign up and get your program and Shakeology HERE! 

21 Day Fix - A Christmas Journey Week 2 Results!

21 Day Fix - A Christmas Journey - Week 2 Results! 

So, here they are - I'm down two weeks with the program and this is what I have accomplished so far - I have lost 4.6 lbs and I don't know how many inches as I will take those on Day 22. I have one week left with the program and will detail my plans to maximize my results below! 

And, just in case you forgot -- this is where I started two weeks ago...

Now, my plan to finish my 21 Day Fix out strong is to do doubles as laid out in the guide and to complete the 3 Day Refresh starting on Monday. The 3 Day Refresh pretty much dictates what your diet will look like for 3 days, so that's nothing crazy - until then I will be continuing to do lower carb, drinking my Shakeology everyday, drinking at least half my body weight in ounces of water, and avoiding junk food and soda. I'm officially 3 weeks clean of any type of soda! Yeah! 

Ready to get the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology?  Click HERE to get yours today! 

Wanna join me in getting healthy and fit?? Look out for my next challenge group OR sign up for a FREE Team Beachbody membership with me as your COACH to receive an email from me for a one on one discussion of your goals and what you would like to accomplish with a specific Beachbody program! <3 You can email me at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com or sign up for your membership HERE

Christmas Morning Recipe - Pecan Pie Muffins

This is my first Pinterest recipe that I have actually cooked!  Can you believe it?? I have tons pinned and regularly drool over the beautiful food photos that can be found there, but have never actually made one of said recipes...until now! And, man, did I pick a good one to give a try! These muffin/cupcakes were found on the Bake or Break website and are absolutely delicious!  Please note that these are a TREAT - not a regular occurrence recipe. I was looking for an alternative to actual pecan pie because I'm not a fan of the goop - but love the pecans off of the top!  This was just perfect! All of the taste of pecan pie without all of the mess!

Ingredients (yields 24 mini muffins):

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar (I used light brown)

2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a 24 cup mini muffin tin.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Fill each muffin cavity about 3/4 full.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are browned and centers are set.

Enjoy!

Note: I doubled the recipe - except for the butter - and they came out great!  I watched them and they only needed to cook around 14 minutes in my oven. But, as you are well aware, all ovens cook differently - the above is a general rule. Keep an eye on yours to make sure that they don't burn! :)

Like Flabby Mom to FIT Mom on Facebook

21 Day Fix - a Christmas Journey - Week 1 Update!

21 Day Fix - A Christmas Journey

Week 1 Update

Progress Photos

So here are my week 1 progress photos. I'm down 2.6 lbs and I don't know how many inches. I didn't take measurements this week. I'll take them at the end of the three weeks. 

Something that I will be doing going forward is exercising on an empty stomach in the morning to optimize fat burn. Studies say that you burn 20% more fat when doing fasted exercise in the morning. And, I'm ALL about that FAT burn! I will also be following a carb cycling plan as closely as I can while also following the 21 Day Fix plan. I know that I will be eliminating my yellow containers two days per week and introducing them in 1 by 1 during the week until I use both on my high carb day. 

I will be sticking to around 1200 calories per day on my low carb and medium carb days and around 1900 calories on my high carb day - which also conveniently coincides with LEG DAY! 

This new part of my journey will be a struggle, but one that will prepare me for getting ready to compete in late 2015. I am looking forward to the challenge and accept it.

A sample of my meal plan and what it will look like on LOW CARB days is as follows:

Meal 1: Oatmeal & Egg Whites

Meal 2: Grilled Chicken and boiled potatoes

Meal 3: Orange Roughy and broccoli

Meal 4: Shakeology & 12 almonds

Meal 5: Fish filet and salad

Meal 6: Turkey breast and asparagus

If you are interested in learning more about the 21 Day Fix or Shakeology, shoot me a message at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com

If you would like to follow me on Facebook, you can find me here: Flabby Mom to FIT Mom

Gluten Free Pumpkin Quinoa Muffins

These things are the BOMB.COM! No joke - and especially great since they are also gluten free! 

I don't remember where I wrote down the recipe for these from, so if you know, please let me know so I can give proper credit!  Thanks!

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa flour (you can make your own by milling quinoa in high speed blender or just buy quinoa flour)

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp pink himalayan salt

1 egg

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup grapeseed oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix egg, pumpkin, oil, and vanilla. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Pour into muffin cups (makes 6), top with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) if you like. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. (Check for doneness all along as ovens cook differently in different areas.)

21 Day Fix - a Christmas journey

The 21 Day Fix is a program that combines at home exercise with a portion control meal plan to optimize weight loss and toning. The portion control part of the plan involves using the color coded containers to measure out your food.

Your container allowance per day is calculated based on your weight and the average of 400 calories burned per fix workout.  Then you are given a range you need to stay in!

For me, I am in the 1,200 to 1,499 calorie range! That gives me 3 green (veggies) 2 purple (fruits), 4 Red (protein) 2 Yellow (starchy carbs) 1 Blue (nuts, ect) 1 Orange (nuts and dressings) 2 spoons (nut butters, olive oil).  

Then, each container is broken down in the manual with a list of foods that you can eat. I can easily pick from each list and create a meal plan for the week.  The foods are listed in order of importance, so the higher on the list the foods are the better they are for you! You should aim to have a variety of foods from the lists to give you appropriate nutrients for your body.

I do not eat out of the containers, but I measure and pour onto my plate.  The containers LOOK deceivingly small, so I am amazed with how much food I am still eating.

There is the option to drink milk, soy milk, almond milk, coconut water, coconut milk and fruit juices but you have to sub out a yellow container and you are only allowed the subbed yellow container 3x per week - this container still staying within your yellow containers for the day!  So it does make you think about your drinks as far as what they would equal nutritionally, as well.  I tend to use black coffee instead of any type of milk or juice in my Shakeology so that I can have the carb later in the day to keep my energy level up!  Also you can have a glass of wine but you give up a yellow container which is a carb for the day!  In my case, I would rather eat food than drink wine!  I get hangry without food! 

How does Shakeology fit into this??  It is counted as a Red container which is a protein! Making it the perfect meal replacement for me, since I tend to slack on my protein intake!

There are also treats allowed as well. They give you a list of treat ideas (with recipes!) that replace a yellow container. 

Recipes!  There are a list of seasoning mixes that you can whip up to prepare your food with! They are super easy to prepare and taste amazing!  There are container recipes for your veggies, protein and starchy carbs, as well.  I especially love the recipes for the homemade dressings!

There is an awesome restaurant guide as well.  I like that they give you a list of restaurant foods and what containers that they will check off.  For example cheese and veggie pizza (1/4 of  12inch slice) is 2 yellow, 1 orange and 1 green!  In my opinion that would not be worth it to me!  I'm all about getting the most out of the foods that I eat!!!!  The one I would go with is lean meat tacos (soft corn) with cheese, lettuce, and salsa (2 tacos) is 1 yellow, 1 red, 1 green and 1 blue!
Now that is worth it and filling! 

So now the hard part is figuring out how to keep track of all this and make it work for you!  Luckily we have made it easy for you!  On the Team Beachbody site there are tracking sheets that you can put your container allowance at the top and you can tally each meal of the day and check of what you have! This really gives you a visual to follow. There are also amazing apps available in the Apple Store and Android Google Play store!

Now, the hard part - showing the good old 'goodbye' photos! These are my before photos for this round. Following a total hysterectomy in August and then 12 weeks of recovery - this is what I look like - not horrible, but not great either. I have a goal of competing come November of 2015 and want a solid start! Time to start stripping some fat off of this ole body!

This is me in 2012 - time to get back to THAT!  I looked good and even better, I FELT good! 

It's game on!!!!  You can follow my results over the next 21 days!!!  I'm ready to rock it!

Do you want in on my 21 Day Fix accountability and Support?!?!  Sign up for your FREE Team Beachbody.com account HERE and email me at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com to be considered for my next accountability and support group!  I will keep you on track to reaching your own 21 day success!!!!  The start of a new you, a healthier lifestyle and the body you have always wanted..... THE HEALTHY WAY!!

An apology...

    I want to apologize to all of you that read this blog. I have slacked on posting the things that I had hoped would inspire and motivate other moms to get healthy and lose weight. I have slacked on my fitness and nutrition. I have let LIFE get in the way. I have missed emails and comments and have just plain sucked it up.

    Well, my resolution for this year is to be better than ever at bringing you all quality content and helping you all to see the benefit in working out at home with your family. While my workouts are my "me" time, it never fails that a little guy will come wandering in wanting to join me and I wouldn't have it any other way - because we are the examples of healthy living for our children and healthy habits ALWAYS start at HOME. 

    So, in closing this apology, I'm starting my resolution early. Look for great content DAILY. Look for tips on how to fit your workout in, while balancing the rest of your busy lives. Will it be easy (on my end or your end)? No. Will it be worth it? YES! 

Email me at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com with questions or concerns. I'm open to fielding anything and everything.

Transformation Tuesday: Mackenzie S. lost 17.6 lbs in 21 days!

Transformation Tuesday: Mackenzie S.

Mackenzie was a new mom who found she wasn’t losing her baby weight like she thought she would. She joined a 21 Day Fix Challenge Group, and was able to lose 17.6 pounds and 16 inches in just 21 days! Read her story in her own words below:

Before starting the 21 Day Fix I was feeling like I had lost all motivation to lose weight. I had gone through a major weight loss journey and finally gotten down to my goal when I got pregnant with my third baby. Throughout the pregnancy I indulged a little more than I probably needed to and had a much more difficult time taking the excess weight off postpartum than I had anticipated. I thought for sure I would lose all the weight by the time my baby was 6 months old, but as 8 months post partum rolled around I was still feeling tired, worn out, and overall disappointed in my lack of motivation to better myself and become more active and healthy. I was worn out and exhausted from the roller coaster of weight loss and gain. I wasn’t feeling motivated or desirable and wasn’t putting in any effort to achieve results but was continuously feeling let-down that nothing was changing. I was really searching for something that would make me feel motivated to lose the rest of the weight I had gained.

I chose the 21 Day Fix because I had seen some of the amazing results people had with it, and knew that I needed something structured yet easy. After reading about the 21 Day Fix and looking at some reviews on it, I figured it was worth a shot and might be exactly what I needed to get back into the fitness mindset. I had a great experience! It was so easy to follow and made my meal planning a breeze. My favorite part about it was that it really taught me proper portion control! I loved the color-coded containers, even my kids liked that they were colorful! (and who am I kidding, this mama to three little ones loved that they were dish-washer safe and BPA free!) I also loved that there was an option for eating out or having little treats.

I like how much the 21 Day Fix simplified my eating! I could prep the majority of my meals at the beginning of the week and then just pull out my already prepared containers and eat those! It really changed the way I think about food, too, and opened my eyes to how much I was mindlessly snacking or having “treats” all day everyday. Once I did the Fix I realized that those “treats” really weren’t being a treat to my body, they were slowing me down and making me feel sluggish.

I am most proud of how empowered this program made me feel! I feel like I can do anything now that I have proven to myself that I can stick to goals I set for myself. I set out in this program saying that I would fully commit myself for 21 days and see how the results made me feel. Well I can definitely tell you that I will be sticking to this for much longer than 21 days! It truly is a lifestyle and I now feel that it is an achievable lifestyle! This program has refocused my goals and gotten me back on a path I feared I might have strayed from forever. I now feel ready to take on the world!

The 21 Day Fix really made me accountable to myself about my portion control as well as my food choices. I liked the workouts and found them motivating and challenging. I felt like the structure of the workouts made them tough enough to feel like I was pushing myself, but not so hard that it was discouraging. I saw the most change in my core/midsection, I lost a lot of inches and gained a lot of strength. I felt that my Challenge Group pushed me to finish, as well as really helped me to find new meal ideas and try new recipes! I loved the group and felt they were all motivational!

I have shared the 21 Day Fix with everyone I know! I feel this program can be tailored to fit anyone’s needs and is such a great option for anyone trying to eat healthy, even those (like me) who already ate clean foods. It really provides much needed structure for portion control and when to eat the right foods. 
(Original article appeared on teambeachbody.com)

IF YOU ARE READY TO TAKE THE 21 Day Fix Challenge - you can order YOUR program by clicking this link ---> 21 Day Fix Challenge <--- and adding me on Facebook here ---> Candace Taylor <---to be added to my 21 Day Fix Challenge group!  If you have any questions prior to ordering OR you would like to hear my experience with the program, add me or message me on Facebook above! <3  (If you are not looking for the 21 Day Fix, but would like to participate in the Beachbody Challenge, you can do so at the link below!)

You can change your life, too, by clicking this link---> Beachbody Challenge, for the ultimate motivation to get fit! Select any Beachbody program and once you complete it, share your results for your chance to win cash and prizes.

Cough and Cold Season: ALL NATURAL cough syrup!

Cough and Cold Season: ALL NATURAL, Homemade cough syrup!

As you all know...the cold and flu season has hit. And, it has hit a little earlier than normal. I know...because my oldest son brought a cold home from school two weeks ago and it has made it's rounds and finally landed on ME! Ugh...

BUT, unlike everyone else in my house, I have developed this terrible, deep, hacking cough with my cold. It has been keeping me (and my poor hubby) up at night. NOTHING has been able to work at keeping it at bay. I've tried every over the counter cough syrup that we can get our hands on, I recently had a hysterectomy and had some of my pain medication left over. Tried one of those just to see if that would help. Nope. (My husband is a pharmacist and even he has been stumped at what else we can try...)

Whoa!  I bet that WOULD get rid of a cough...by knocking you OUT!

So, what's a girl to do when she's up at 1 AM hacking and unable to sleep? ...get on the internet and search for homemade cough syrups! And, while I was hoping to find something with whiskey or the like in it (just kidding!!!) - I found several with ingredients I had readily available even at 1 AM. And, you know what?  IT WORKED!!! I slept last night, with an ever so slight tingle in my throat, but no cough!!!

The several recipes I found varied with the amounts of each ingredients, so I just went with what didn't taste absolutely appalling...so here's my recipe below!

All-Natural Cough Syrup
2 TBSP. Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's if you have it, if not, regular will work!)
2 TBSP. Raw honey (local if available)

1 TBSP. water

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Mix in a little jar with a lid. Keep in the refrigerator for longer storage - just be sure to shake up before use as the ginger and cayenne will settle as it sits. 

One tablespoon worked for me. Dosing will vary by person.

Week1/2 PiYo Results and 3Day Refresh Befores!

So, I totally missed posting all last week and for that I apologize. It was a crazy week! But, nonetheless, I am back now with a jam packed post for you all! Yay! 

First things first, my week 1 results from PiYo. I lost 3 lbs...I don't know how many inches because I only take those every 30 days. The photos in black, if you recall, we're from Day 1...the pink are from Day 8. I was pretty excited!

Now, onto my week 2 results...much less impressive and no weight lost. To be honest, I was a little disappointed, but considering I came out of the week without GAINING any weight (until Saturday...more on that later) I was pretty happy! So, back to Saturday, that's when SHE came to visit. Ya know, Aunt Flo. (Sorry guys! TMI!) Anyway, SHE brought 5 pounds of water weight with her, I'm feeling icky and squishy. So, I'm starting the 3 Day Refresh today! So excited! 

I'm weighing in this morning at 149...mind you, I was at 144, down three lbs from my first week. I'm being completely vulnerable and honest here. It is no picnic to admit that number. That means I'm now starting over from my starting weight plus two pounds because of that lovely visit. But, it's cool. I can tell from my pictures that everything is tightening up and slimming down. 

Speaking of tightening up and slimming down, are you looking for some extra accountability and support? Want to learn more about my next challenge group starting preseason on July 28th? Sign up here --->>>http://flabbymomtofitmom.automaticCEO.com to learn more! I look forward to hearing from YOU! 

 

PiYo Meal Plan : My Secret salad weapon!

     Want to know my secret weapon for my salad dressings?? I'm going to be honest, RANCH DRESSING is my absolute FAVORITE dressing of all time!  But, weighing in at a hefty 150 to 200 calories per two tablespoon serving, it's not exactly diet or waistline friendly. I usually make my own dressing, but have been on the hunt for a delicious bottled version similar to what I make at home. Well, I found it! See the photo below! 

    The brand is Vino de Milo and everything is ALL NATURAL! Can I just say that I'm in love?!  They are both delicious and will definitely help me stay on track as the Balsamic & olive oil dressing is only 60 calories per serving and the roasted garlic dressing is only 30 calories per serving.  Score!! You can check out the other flavors this wonderful company has to offer here. 

If you're interested in learning more about PiYo, Shakeology or any other Beachbody program, click here to contact me directly!

PiYO Snack Recipe: Shakeology No-Bake Cookies!

 PiYo Snack Recipe: Shakeology No-Bake Cookies

    This recipe is everywhere on the internet, but it's not on my blog - so for those that follow me, you may be completely oblivious to the healthy goodness that is waiting for you!  These are a go-to snack in my household as I can have them and enjoy 'cookies' and my three year old and five year old love them, too!  All the better that they DON'T know that they're not laden with tons of sugar and butter! 

Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
• 1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup Chocolate Shakeology

Preparation:
1. Combine peanut butter, honey, oats and Shakeology in medium bowl. Mix well.
2. Roll 24 balls, each the size of 1 tbsp.
3. Flatten each slightly so takes on the shape of a traditional cookie.

Nutritional Information (per serving - 2 cookies):

Calories: 112

Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 2 mg

Sodium: 13 mg

Carbohydrate: 12 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 7 g

Protein: 5 g

There you have it - super simple list of ingredients plus super simple directions to assemble equals one delicious snack! If you're interested in learning more about Shakeology and all of the health benefits that it offers, please click here to contact me for more information!

My PiYO Meal Plan - Week 1

My PiYO Meal Plan - Week 1

    When I decided to tackle this program, I knew I would need to take a long, hard look at my diet. Let's be real, regardless of whether or not I started this program or another, my diet needed to be revamped and in check to get me back to where I was and beyond! Here is a sample plan and the exact plan that I am following for this week. I will be sharing my dinner recipes throughout the week so that you all can make them, as well!  

BREAKFAST

Obviously, I'm pretty boring for breakfast. I try to stick to the same routine because it simplifies my life. It also starts my day out with the healthiest meal of the day, Shakeology - setting me up for success the rest of the day because it helps curb my cravings and fills me up!  I add a half scoop of extra protein because I find that I don't normally get enough throughout the day to provide enough support for my body to maintain lean muscle. All of that and it's crazy easy to make!  Put ice in the blender, throw your Shakeology and protein in, pour in 1 cup of water and blend to your desired consistency!

LUNCH

I also tend to each the same thing for lunch every day (are you sensing a pattern here yet?  LOL) – a big salad with about 3/4 cup of chicken, and homemade dressing. To keep the salads as low-prep as possible, chop and mix the greens and divide into individual ZipLoc bags. Go ahead and cook/chop your protein – don’t keep it with the greens, though, give it it’s own small ziploc (sometimes they can get a little soggy after a couple of days, and no one likes a soggy salad!). Don’t put the dressing on until you are ready to eat the salad, that way everything stays as crisp and fresh as possible!

SUPPER

I like a little variety during supper time, mainly for my family. If I were a single gal, I would probably bulk cook like I do for lunch and eat the same thing every night. Ha!  But, since I'm not, I like to vary my supper time meal, so that noone else gets bored with routine. One thing is consistent though and that is the use of lean, white protein (aka chicken or turkey) and/or fish. Due to much reading by myself and my husband, we are trying to eliminate as much red meat as possible from our diet. It will be used only as a treat meal - such as a nice filet mignon. I include a complex carbohydrate at supper for my family, personally, I will be sticking to extra veggies and will only consume complex carbs and fruits before 3 pm.

SNACKS

I'm not a HUGE snacker, so I have to make sure that the snacks I have I enjoy. Hummus and fresh veggies, Shakeology cookies, and fresh fruit are at the top of my list and make the cut for the PiYO meal plan. I limit myself to two snacks per day as I'm in the lowest calorie bracket for the program. If I'm having fruit or Shakeology cookies as a snack it will usually be in between my breakfast and lunch and I try to stick to my veggies after lunchtime.

Hopefully this gives you a good idea of what has been keeping me full (and sane!) with my PiYo meal plan. Ready to get started on your first week of the PiYo diet and Shakeology? Want to go on this journey with me?? CLICK HERE to learn more and to get signed up! 

My PiYO Journey Begins...

    My PiYO Journey Begins...

 To say that I'm embarrassed of myself would be an understatement. I've treated my body like a trash bag over the past month and it SHOWS. I'm beyond mortified at my 'before' pictures and the extra 10 lbs that I've put on that is EVERYWHERE!  It looks like I've gained 20 since my 21 Day Fix results. Just goes to show that what you eat in private, you wear in public. So, it is with much trepidation that I share with you all my 'before' pictures and measurements for my new journey with PiYO. 

    Disappointing, right?  Totally. The end of the world?  No. I can lose that ten pounds I put on plus some. My goal is to lose 20 lbs by October 7, 2014. To be in the best physical shape that I can be. I'll turn 29 on October 7th. I have said over and over again that I want to be in peak physical condition before 30. Well, this is it. The end of the road. I have to do it THIS YEAR. Period. I can do it and will do it.  Now for the second hardest part of this post. My measurements. 

Measurements:
Weight - 145 (as of 7/7/14)
Chest - 35"
Waist - 28.75"
Hips - 39"
R Thigh - 23.75"
L Thigh - 23.75"
R Bicep - 11.25"
L Bicep - 11.25"

    My thighs have NEVER...let me repeat that, NEVER, been smaller than 21.5" around. I have a goal to get those bad boys down to 20", or ultra toned and muscular. Anybody else??

    So, here's the thing, I need accountability. I need other people who are on the same journey with me!  I need YOU to help ME get back and stay on track! If you are ready to tackle the PiYO journey with me, NOW is the time!  My PiYO test group is starting officially on Monday, July 14th. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about PiYO and get signed up for the group!