Paleo Banana Bread with Pecans

So, I don't know about y'all, but when it is cold outside, I CRAVE comfort foods! One of my absolute faves is banana nut bread -- but it's not exactly on my current diet plan. So, what's a girl to do during an ice storm when she has a craving? Hit up Pinterest for a cleaner, leaner recipe - of course! The recipe I decided to give a try was found at [Inspire & Indulge]...and it was delicious...here's the recipe.

[Paleo] Banana Bread
Inspired by Civilized Caveman Cooking
Makes 8 slices
Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
• 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• optional: 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or all-spice, 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• optional: dried cranberries, orange zest, chocolate chips, chopped pecans (I added 3/4 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 c. mixed in batter, 1/4 c. on top)

What to Do

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Add the ripe bananas, eggs, almond butter, coconut oil, honey and vanilla extract to your blender.  (Remember, you can melt your coconut oil by placing the jar in a bowl of hot tap water.)
3. Blend on high for 15-20 seconds, scraping down sides if necessary.
4. Add the coconut flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and optional ingredients.
5. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds, scraping down sides if necessary.
6. Pour batter into your loaf pan.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until inserted knife comes out clean.
8. Allow the loaf to cool slightly then slice and enjoy.

Transformation Tuesday: Shayla R. - a Turbofire Success Story

Meet Shayla, a formerly self-proclaimed unhappy and over weight bride to be, she lost 15 lbs and went down 3 dress sizes in 3 months with Turbofire and Shakeology...but I'll let Shayla tell you about her journey in her own words below...

There are two words to describe my life before Beachbody: “unhappy” and “overweight”. I had zero self-confidence, always hid under layers of clothes (even in the summer), and would barely speak for fear of drawing attention to myself. It got so bad that I even stopped hanging out with my family and friends because I felt so uncomfortable in my own skin. I'd wear the same few outfits over and over again because those were the only things that fit and I refused to buy a size 16 (the next size up).

Then one day I was over being fat and decided it was time to find "me" again.

I used to do TurboKick (similar to TurboFire) at the gym and loved it! But apparently so did everyone else. Unfortunately, the classes were packed, and slipping on someone else's sweat is just not cool. So when I discovered that I could get Turbo Fire and do this intense, yet fun, workout in the comfort of my own home, I was hooked. No longer did I have to worry about other people being all up in my space.

Chalene's a great motivator and the music was so upbeat I often forgot I was working out—it was that fun! And the best part is, I got crazy good results. I loved the daily check-in's with my fellow Challenge members because it kept me motivated. If I didn't have to report to anyone, honestly, I wouldn't have done the workouts because no one, but me, would have known I was slacking off. But getting the messages from not only my Coach, but from other members of the Group, when I hadn't posted in a couple of days is what kept me accountable.

My Coach, Lori, was amazing. The fact that she had completed a few Beachbody programs and had incredible results is what motivated me to start my weight loss journey in the first place. She was always sharing recipes, advice, and daily motivation. She'd even send me private messages to check in, which has led to a friendship that will last a lifetime. Lori has been my biggest inspiration and I'm so thankful she's my Coach, and my friend!

I use Shakeology as a meal replacement and post workout recovery drink every single day and I love it. It has improved my regularity so much so that I went from going maybe once a week (which I thought was normal) to every day. Plus it curbs my appetite, gets rid of my mid-day cravings, and it gives me a huge boost of energy!

In three short months I lost 15 pounds and went from a size 14 to a 10. I lost 3 ½ inches in my waist, hips, and chest, an inch and a half in my arms, and half an inch in my thighs. So while I lost inches and pounds with this amazing program, I also gained a ton. First, I gained my confidence back! I'm Shayla again. I'm that girl who loves spending time with others. Now I no longer feel embarrassed about my body or that everyone's staring at me.

I also gained my life back; I truly feel that way. My weight loss with TurboFire has brightened my future and I can wear a bikini in public once again. Plus, it helped me lose some unwanted pounds, which allowed me to finally fit into my wedding dress. Today I smile more because I'm happy, healthy, and fit. Ultimately, I gained ME back!

Leading a healthier lifestyle isn't that hard, it just takes commitment. All I did was make a small investment in a TurboFire Challenge Pack and I've completely changed my outlook on life. Lack of self-worth, depression, and social anxiety are no longer issues for me. Instead, I have a newfound passion in health and fitness.

It's hard to imagine the person I used to be a year ago, before I made the choice to get fit. I now know that I'm capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I now have the tools I need to help me stay healthy, fit, and happy. I'm an avid Shakeology drinker and have moved on to a new workout program to help me reach my weight loss goals. Thanks to you, Beachbody, I will never be that unhappy and overweight girl again. EVER!

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. When you join me for the Beachbody Challenge, you also get an exclusive 21 day meal plan to help you drop up to 10 lbs in 21 days! Sign up to have me as your FREE coach here , then add me on Facebook letting me know that you are READY! Once you sign up, we will discuss which program options are BEST for you and where you are at right now to get you started in the best possible way for YOUR weight loss transformation!

My next challenge group is starting on February 3rd!  SIGN UP TODAY!

GUEST BLOG from Kendra Thornton: Fit Family, Happy Life

GUEST BLOG

FIT FAMILY, Happy Life!

Many thanks to Ms. Thornton for offering a guest blog on keeping your family happy and healthy!

Kendra Thornton, travel expert and FIT mom to 3!

Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife andmama of 3. Kendra is a long time travel expert who has been packing her bags and traveling the world since she was 3 months old! She has found her utmost desire in life is right in her own home. She has taken her excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of her favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
(Bio provided by Kendra Thornton)

Kendra is an expert on travel, having been the Director of Corporate Communications at Orbitz prior to founding Thornton Public Relations in 2005.

 

 

Fit Family - Happy Life

by Kendra Thornton

Keep moving – that’s what I always do. I can’t help but move with my three busy kids. Being active is just a part of my life. But that’s what gave me the idea to stay fit, whether at home or on the road. I like the way it makes me feel and I like the way being in shape lets me keep up with kids. So, since it is Fit Family Lifestyles this month, I’ve decided to share some of my tips and tricks for staying healthy while I’m out on the road. Incorporating these in your lifestyle will keep you looking great and feeling great:

Fresh Air

Get outside. Plain and simple. The benefits of fresh air are well documented. If you are on the road, make an effort to stop at rest stops and parks. When the kids say they need a bathroom break, take it. Then walk around outside, stretching your legs and breathing in that fresh air that is so good for you. Walking around outside will also allow everyone to burn off some of that energy they have pent up from riding for so long, which will make the next leg of the trip easier… at least for a little while. Even will this cold weather - if you’re traveling to a chilly destination, go ice-skating, snowshoeing, or even try skiing...utilize the outside atmosphere!

Munch

Even when you are sedentary, sitting in a car or plane immobile for long stretches of time, your body needs nourishment. Pack snacks, and lots of them. Choose easy to eat snacks that won’t make a mess, like pretzels, bananas, string cheese, maybe even some trail mix – make it yourself with raisins, peanuts, dried banana slices, dried coconut, and some M&Ms… no one said you couldn’t have a little treat here and there!

 

Don’t Forget the Sneaks!

Amidst all of your pool wear, dinner outfits, sandals, flip-flops, and high heels, pack a pair of sneakers. Who knows when you’ll want to go on a run before everyone else gets up or watch the sunset as you jog.

 

Set Yourself Up for Success

Babies need their routines to be as close to what they experience at home as possible when they are away. This is not only good for them, but also for the parents! Be sure to bring their pillow with the pillowcase they always use on it, their favorite books, and anything else they might need like a pacifier, noise machine, sleep sack, a special blanket, etc. Ease baby to sleep and get some much needed rest of your own as well.

Plan Your Trip

It’s always good to know what you want to do on a trip. This is especially true when traveling with children. Be sure to include hiking trails and theme parks, even outdoor museums where the kids can not only enjoy themselves, but stay active as well.

These are the things I do and they work wonders for my family. I extend a lot of these ideas to school time also, continuing to pack healthy snacks in their lunch bags and getting them outdoors and active as often as possible. You can get outside any time of year. During this season, my family really enjoys making snowmen and going skiing! What kinds of things does your family like to do?

You can find Kendra on Twitter & Facebook - go follow her and show her some love!



Tasty Thursday: Turkey Lasagna with Homemade

Tasty Thursday

 

 

I happened upon this recipe while thumbing through the latest Clean Eating magazine and bought the darn thing JUST for this recipe. It. Is. DELICIOUS.

 

I urge you to make it right now. Tonight. Just do it...soon. You will love it as much as my family and I did. I promise.

 

 

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 white onion, chopped

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

1 large celery stalk, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp dried oregano

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 28-oz. BPA-free cans unsalted whole tomatoes with basil (TRY: Eden Organic Whole Tomatoes with Basil)

1 Tbsp raw honey

1/2 tsp sea salt, divided

1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided, plus additional to taste

1 9 oz. package frozen chopped spinach

olive oil cooking spray

1 lb ground turkey

15 oz. reduced fat ricotta cheese, drained

1/3 cup loosely packed chopped fresh basil leaves

12 whole wheat lasagna noodles (no boil or boiled at home)

4 oz. reduced fat, grated Italian four cheese blend

 

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until soft and lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add vinegar and let bubble for 10-20 seconds, scraping any browned bits in bottom of pan. Add tomatoes and stir to combine, breaking up with a spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to medium-low and maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until thickened. Stir in honey, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

 

2. Using an immersion blender, blend sauce to slightly chunky puree. Boil noodles as directed on package at this time, if they are no boil noodles, skip this step.

 

3. Place spinach in fine mess strainer and press firmly to drain. Mist a large skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-high. Add turkey and cook, breaking up with spoon until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Add spinach, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.

 

4. In a second bowl, combine ricotta and basil. Season with additional black pepper.

 

5. Spread 1/4 cup sauce inside a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 4 noodles, half of ricotta, one third of cheese blend, half of turkey and one cup sauce. Repeat once more, starting with noodles and ending with sauce. Top with remaining noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining cheese blend. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, 5 to 10 minutes more. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.

 

Nutrients per serving (1/10 of lasagna):

Calories - 253, Total Fat - 9g, Sat. Fat - 4g, Monounsaturated Fat - 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat - 2g, Carbs - 30g, Fiber - 5g, Sugars - 8g, Protein - 24g, Sodium - 310mg, Cholesterol - 44mg

 

 

For more recipes, tips, motivation, and help with losing weight FROM HOME -- follow me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom ...I look forward to helping YOU reach your goals! If you would like me to be your FREE coach - please sign up here!



 

 

Waistline Wednesday : Update Postponed...

Waistline Wednesday

Update Postponed...

 

My Waistline Wednesday update is postponed until next Wednesday for the following reasons:

1. My official two week progress will be on Monday, January 27th, so I'll take update photos and measurements then.

2. My monthly visit is here and frankly, even though I've been busting my booty, I feel like a busted can of biscuits.

And, on that note, I shall share an extremely helpful and interesting article to help YOU avoid the Physique Misery Syndrome that I am currently suffering from. The article was written by Shannon Clark over at bodybuilding.com.

4 Ways Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Workouts

by: Shannon Clark

     PMS might as well stand for Physique Misery Syndrome. From firsthand experience, I can tell you that the appearance changes caused by your menstrual cycle can be significant. One morning I'll wake up and see clear ab definition, causing me to feel excited that my hard work in the gym and kitchen has been paying off. Then the next morning, I'll wake up only to find that my abs are as easy to find as a prim-and-proper tabloid shot of Britney Spears. I know when to expect it, so I can don't panic. And the problem vanishes after about a week, as quickly as it came. Still...
The symptoms of PMS vary by individual. They can range from feeling like a nuisance to turning your life upside down for a week. The classic PMS symptoms include water retention and bloating, irritability, strong cravings, appetite changes, fluctuations in pain tolerance, as well as differences in your energy level. Simply put, for the week or two before your period hits, the last thing on your mind is putting in a hard workout or eating healthfully. You want to eat chocolate, ice cream, and pizza while lying on the couch. If you're dedicated to the gym, PMS can leave you feeling psychologically devastated.

Click To Enlarge.PMS can also limit your performance in the gym,
but you can minimize the negative effects.

And don't think this just affects you mentally and appearance-wise, either. PMS can also limit your performance in the gym, making any effort you do put forth less than productive.
The good news? By learning what impact your menstrual cycle has on key factors influencing your workout performance and your body composition, you can minimize the negative effects.
Let's look at some of the key intersections between your cycle and your workouts:

Measuring Your Metabolic Rate

One of the most important factors that you must take into account if you're currently trying to melt off those last 10 pounds of body fat is your metabolic rate. That's a fancy term for how many calories you burn over 24 hour. It'll vary not only from person to person but also from day to day in the same person.
If you're highly stressed out, your metabolism may rev a bit. On the other hand, if you've been following a very-low-calorie diet for a couple of weeks now, you're likely finding that your metabolism has slowed down.
Your cycle also influences your metabolic rate. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle—the week or so before your period is set to begin—you'll burn up calories faster than at all other times throughout the month. Researchers measure increases in total energy expenditure of 2.5 to 11% during this time.
This may not seem like all that much, but if you're dieting, it'll make a difference.

However, most women also experience an increase in appetite during this period. They're hungrier and more prone to cravings. The net result is that they end up consuming more calories than they're expending through this increase in their metabolic rate. They're burning more, but there's more to burn.

So one important take-home message from this is that if you're currently dieting, and will continue dieting through your cycle, be extra careful about your adherence during the week before your period. You could easily undo your weight-loss efforts.

Beat The Bloat — Get On Track To A Leaner Stomach

Another of the biggest cycle-related complaints among fit women concerns bloating. It's not abnormal at all for women to take on 5 to 10 extra pounds of water during their cycle. As you can imagine, this can have an unsettling effect on the reflection in the mirror.
One morning, you may wake up impressed with the degree of definition your body is showing. The next morning, you might see what looks like a blanket of fat covering what used to be those defined muscles. That's not fat; it's just excess water retention caused by female hormones, mainly estrogen. If you're on birth control pills that have a high estrogen level, talk to your doctor about changing meds to an alternative with lower estrogen levels. In theory that should mean less bloating every month.

Other strategies you can employ to help lessen water retention:

1. Avoid salty foods
2. Drink more water than usual
3. Sip some herbal tea
4. Season your foods with oregano

Setting The Table For Success

Avoid starting on a fat-loss diet plan during the luteal phase, for the reasons mentioned above. Since you'll be at a higher risk of experiencing hunger during this time of the month—and that hunger will also likely lead to greater incidences of food cravings—beginning your diet during this phase raises the odds of backsliding. Instead, cycle your calories. Bring your calorie intake much lower during the two weeks immediately proceeding your period, when hunger levels are lower and cravings less frequent. Then increase your calorie intake back to a maintenance level during the week before and during your period.
This will help mitigate that natural increase in hunger coming your way. But it will also help reset your metabolism. So if your metabolism is slowing down at all due to the reduced calorie intake, you bring that rate back up again through this increased food intake. Once you move back to dieting after your period is over, you're burning body fat as fast as possible.
Additionally, since you'll already be dealing with increased bloating during the week before your period, staying strict with your diet may be tough anyway. If there's one time of the month you should be taking a break, well, this would be it. Since you're also burning up calories at a slightly elevated rate during this time, the extra calories will stand a lower chance of being deposited as body fat. That's yet another advantage of taking a short diet break during the early luteal period of your menstrual cycle.

Smart Structuring Of Your Workout Plan

As for your workouts, there are some additional considerations to take into account as they relate to your menstrual cycle.

• First, keep in mind that your body temperature will rise during the luteal phase of your cycle. So if you're performing intense workouts—which also raise body temp—you may become uncomfortable, and hence unable to sustain very high intensities.
• A second thing to bear in mind is that your tolerance for pain will be higher during the follicular phase of the cycle, after menstruation takes place. So it makes sense to place your harder workouts, the ones where you really plan to push yourself, during this time. You'll find that you have a higher level of tenacity. Time to push through and hit some new personal bests!
• Carrying excess water weight throughout the luteal phase will also affect workout performance, especially if the workout includes running. That added weight will make you feel like you're working harder than usual.

Keep Making Progress

So keep these factors in the back of your mind as you go about your workout and diet routine during your cycle. By more clearly understanding the changes taking place within your body, you can help reduce the chances of them affecting you negatively. Until you hit menopause, you can't change the fact that your period will arrive each and every month. But you can keep it from disturbing your workouts and body progress!
References:

1. Davidsen, L. et al. (2007). Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Determinants of Energy Balance: A putative role in weight loss attempts. International Journal of Obesity. 31, 887-890.
2. Price, D. et al. (1998). A meta-analytic review of pain perception across the menstrual cycle. Journal of the International Association for the Study Of Pain. Vol. 81, Issue 3. Pp. 225-235.
3. X.A.K.J., De Jonge. (2003). Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Performance. Sports Medicine. Vol. 33, No. 11.

 

Fit Tip Friday: Fit Family Lifestyle Month!

Fit Tip Friday

 

 

Did you know that the month of January is not only the month of personal resolutions, but it is also the month to really get your family in on the act!  It's officially Fit Family Lifestyles Month! (I had no idea until a kind reader emailed and pointed it out, Thanks Kendra!)

 

So, today, I thought that I would share five tips to keep your healthy habits all in the family! :)

 

1. BE THE EXAMPLE!  Be the example that you want your children to model. If they need to get moving a little more, you need to get moving yourself!  If they are eating a lot of junk -- it's usually because they see one or both parents enjoying the not so healthy stuff. If they need to drink more water, start drinking more water yourself!  You're probably dehydrated anyway. ;)

 

2. KEEP EACH OTHER ON BOARD!  If you're making getting healthy a family affair, it's pretty difficult to hang out inside while the rest of the family is outside playing and having a good time. Cheer one another on as you learn new ways to move your body and as progress is made!

 

3. PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR! Schedule your fitness as you would any other appointment. If your family has made a commitment to walk every evening after dinner -- put it on the calendar and keep that commitment as if it were any other important appointment!

 

4. REWARD YOURSELVES! If your family has stuck to the program and has done their daily movement and healthy eating with little to no complaint for 3 days or so, have a family game night! Or, if they've committed to a sporting league, get them a new piece of gear as a reward for making that healthy commitment!

 

5. KEEP IT FUN!  This is the most important, especially for small children. If they are not deriving some sort of enjoyment from an activity, they are less likely to continue to do it on a regular basis. So, keep it interesting and keep them interested by doing things that they enjoy. If you have children that are total opposites (say, one is wild and one is calm) - alternate between activities that one or the other would enjoy more, that way each child (and parent!) experiences something that they otherwise would have written off. Who knows they may end up loving soccer or football, when they otherwise would have been hanging out on the couch.

 

 

For more recipes, tips, motivation, and support - come join me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom on Facebook!



Tasty Thursday Recipe: Shakeology Pancakes!

Tasty Thursday Recipe:

 

 

 

While I normally wouldn't cook my Shakeology (because anything over 110 degrees kills the nutrients in it...), I was craving PANCAKES and didn't want it as a shake - I had a shake for breakfast.  Therefore I employed the process of protein pancakes before me and went to work! Here is the resulting recipe and review.

 

Shakeology Protein Pancake

1/2 banana, mashed

1/4 c. egg whites (or 3 egg whites)

1 packet or scoop of Shakeology (Chocolate or Vanilla, although the NEW Strawberry would probably be good, too!)

1/2 TBS coconut milk

Dash of cinnamon

Organic cooking spray

 

Mash banana thoroughly in bowl, add egg whites and coconut milk - combine thoroughly. Next, add scoop or packet of Shakeology and dash of cinnamon. Again, mix well.

 

Heat skillet over medium heat. Spray skillet with cooking spray, spoon mixture into skillet -- cooking approximately 3 minutes per side or until cooked through.

 

Top with your favorite pancake toppings.

 

Review: Texture is much like any protein pancake. Flavor is great - the banana adds just the right amount of sweetness without being TOO sweet!  Overall, a great alternative for someone needing a protein packed snack that doesn't involve any kind of store bought batter or crazy number of ingredients. AWESOME SAUCE! :)  AND, my two boys (ages 2 and 4) loved them, too! WIN!

 

 

Be sure to follow me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom for more great recipes, tips, and motivation! Or, if you want to have me as your FREE coach, sign up here!



Tasty Thursday: Five Reasons to Love GARLIC!

Tasty Thursday

 

 

 

If I could eat EVERYTHING with garlic in it or on it, I would. BUT, then my husband and children might not come near me. Ha! I love garlic not only for the great flavor that it brings to different dishes, I love it for the health benefits, as well! 

Check them out!  

It keeps you looking and feeling good! Garlic helps your body detox by strengthening your liver. This means clearer skin, brighter eyes and a slimmer midsection!

Great for your heart! The most well known benefit of garlic is its ability to keep your cholesterol levels within healthy zones by contributing to better circulation.

Helps you relax! That’s right :) Garlic contains compounds that reduce stress by helping your muscles relax and your body wind down.

Give your Immune System a big boost! It’s a great source of antioxidants, selenium, manganese, and vitamin B6. This helps your body stay strong and healthy! It’s also known as a natural antibiotic that can help your body fight infections! Feeling under the weather? Add some extra garlic :)

It makes everything taste AWESOME! This versatile herb goes well with almost all savory dishes, especially Italian dishes. Add to dressings, dips, veggies, quinoa, brown rice, wraps, sandwiches… you name it!

 

 

For more fun tips, follow me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom!

 

Waistline Wednesday: The beginning of my P90X3 journey

Waistline Wednesday

The beginning of my P90X3 journey...

So, as you all can see by reading, I didn't finish my third round of Chalean Extreme...not that I didn't want to, but my husband gifted us with P90X3 for Christmas. For us to work out together...

First, let's just say, he's not a big fitness person, he used to be -- but grad school and the trials of marriage and two kids in 5 years, he has lost his love for it...so, I was thrilled when he surprised me with the program! And, decided that whenever he was ready, we would start the program.  He chose the start date of January 9, 20134- then got sick, haha. So, we officially began the program on Monday, January 13, 2014 together.

Here are MY before pictures taken on January 12, 2014. (He asked that I not share his with the world...YET.)

 

 

 

My measurements are as follows:

 

Weight: 140

Chest: 34.5"

Waist: 28"

Love Handles: 35.25"

Hips: 39"

R Thigh: 22.5"

L Thigh: 22.75"

R Bicep: 11"

L Bicep: 11"

R Calf: 14"

L Calf: 14"

 

 

I pretty well maintained my weight through the holidays, my measurements went up though, so I will be working to get THOSE numbers down.

 

Who wants to join me?? Find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom, then message me asking about the February 3rd challenge group. :)  #Iwannahelpyou

21 Day Commit - "Commit to Your Resolutions" Commitment Letter

21 Day Commit “Commit to Your Resolutions” Commitment Letter

THE 8 CHALLENGE COMMITMENTS

The “Commit to Your Resolutions” 21 Day COMMIT

I WILL FOLLOW THE PROGRAM — Do the entire 21 days as suggested, including workouts, beginning photos and measurements, the fit test, and nutrition based on the program guide.

I WILL DRINK SHAKEOLOGY ONCE A DAY –this is a much needed investment into my health and I am committed to doing this for the entire 21 days.

I WILL POSITIVELY ENGAGE WITH THE SMALL GROUP – We all hold a valuable spot in this team, and we need all of us to do our part, to help, encourage, challenge, and praise each other on facebook and one on one via messages and phone.

I WILL NOT OVERTRAIN — For the next 21 days I will focus all of my exercise efforts on this program and not overtrain my body by adding additional workouts I WILL SHARE MY ACTIVITY – I will report Daily to the Challenge group page upon completion of my workout, and I will share how my eating was for that day.

I WILL SHARE MY PHYSICAL RESULTS — I will begin by sharing my results with this small group and others who may ask me. The more I share the more I give inspiration and gather support.

I WILL SHARE MY EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL RESULTS – Along the way you will experience “life changes” on more than just a physical level. It’s important that you share your emotional and social results within this small group. Chances are, others in the group are facing or have faced the same things.
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

I WILL FINISH – I am making a 21 day commitment, and I am holding a valuable spot this team of challengers. It is my duty to myself and others to COMMIT to these 21 days!
I WILL NOT STOP SHORT!! AND I WILL NOT ALLOW THE OTHERS ON THIS TEAM TO STOP SHORT!!

I WILL PAY IT FORWARD — The change begins with me, and along the path there may be others who ask, who need, or who want to know about what I am doing. I am committed to paying it forward as the opportunity arises. I can pay it forward by referring them to the challenge organizer, or by joining the team of coaches who organize challenges for others.

What “DAILY DEVELOPMENT” will you get? Development isn’t just about a physical change. Its about becoming stronger mentally, physically and intellectually. There will be a morning post that will include at least ONE developmental benefit to keep you learning, motivated and on track for these 21 days.
The posts will include:
Specific Recipes for fat burning and weight loss.

Inspirational and Motivational Posts

Clean Eating and Label Reading Lessons

Accountability Contests

If all sounds GREAT and you are ready to participate and fully Refine Your Body and COMMIT, then comment below as your “signature”.

Want some EXTRA music motivation? How about some of these songs…http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-inspirational-songs-that-keep-you-motivated-for-life.html

Congratulations!!!  

Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________

My Tips for Dining Out

   

    Being a Mom, I’ve learned to plan ahead. Having a back up plan is also a good thing.

    The same thing goes when eating out. Be prepared to be bombarded with the specials of the day and the temptations that are always offered at the end of the meal. Have a plan. If you can, cook at home. This way you know exactly what you’re putting in your body and are able to cook your food exactly the way you NEED it to be, if you are trying to improve your diet and lose weight/get healthy.

If you MUST go out:

(Tips adapted from Tosca Reno's "Stripped" book.)

1. Develop a “healthy” Mindset. Before dining at a restaurant, make the plan to automatically ask for a to-go box so that when your entrée hits your table, you can put half into the box to go. Out of sight, out of mind and staying in your caloric range for the day.

2. Listen to your body-  By all means, enjoy your food. Enjoy each bite! But, eat for the purpose of satisfying your hunger. Listen to what your body (not your mind) is telling you and remember to keep your goal in mind! If you need to (and I'm one that does this!) put a copy of your "goal" or motivation photo in your handbag or wallet to look at at the beginning of the meal.

3. Hold the bread! Remember this is not helping you achieve your weight loss goal.

4. Start green. Start your meal with a house salad, but have them hold the dressing. Squeeze a lemon wedge or two over your leafy greens or ask for some balsamic vinegar.

5. Soup's the name of the game. No salad options on the menu? To curb your hunger so you’re not ravenous by the time your entrée shows up try a broth-based soup.

6. Check for Clean Cooking. Look for entrée options featuring grilled, baked, or roasted meats or fish and steamed or raw veggies. If they aren’t listed on the menu, ask the server to prepare it that way. (No, it's not rude to ask the kitchen to prepare your meal to your standards.)

7. “Fletcherize.” The practice of chewing each mouthful a minimum of 25 times. It gives your body a chance to recognize when you are becoming full. Yes, this practice takes some time to get used to, but is well worth it to practice. You become completely aware of when you are full.

9. No Drink for me, please. You want to avoid alcohol because sugar can derail you in the most powerful way. Have sparkling water with lemon or lime slices.

10. Stop before the end. Think of your plan to shed those pounds, if you can’t resist something sweet ask if they have fresh fruit and have 1 cup. Leave it at that.

My personal favorite tips are to look up the restaurant menu ahead of time online. That way you can go in with a plan written down - no need to even look at the menu the waiter/waitress will hand you. Or, don't be afraid to ask them to cook exactly what you need to reach your goals. Most restaurants have a lean meat or fish and plenty of greens (most have broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or salad) to satisfy you and your goals.

Remember to follow me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom for more tips and motivation!