Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

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.

Monday, July 21, 2014

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! 
 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

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!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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? icon smile My PiYo Meal Plan   Week 1 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! 
© Flabby Mom to Fit Mom. Powered by