Looking for friends to choose grace with me...

Just doing a little reflection and thinking about my business with Beachbody, as a coach.

I've always known the level of success that could be achieved and that I *wanted* to achieve but I have yet to be able to reach. I'm not a top 10 coach, I'm not even a top 100 coach. I have made a really great income, but not six figures. (which is totally okay!) I haven't been able to reach my desired level of success, not because I haven't had the drive or surrounded myself with the right people...but because of my internal "fear of success".

I know you're thinking 'fear of success'? What? How can someone fear SUCCESS???

I was afraid of losing myself in this business, in the numbers and the constant of running a business. I was afraid of being tethered to my business, instead of living the freedom of time that I was pursuing (and have, personally, for the most part - but I also want it for Kevin, too.)

I have been too wrapped up in my fear to really see my success thus far. And, to see that when I slip up and get lost (because I will - I'm not perfect, by any means) that I can choose to give myself the gift of grace...and keep going.

I know my calling and that is to encourage, inspire, and equip other women - that are also entrepreneurs and moms and that share in my passion of health, fitness, and whole self wellness. I have been in the depths of depression, self-loathing, self-doubting, low self-esteem and self image. I have seen the darkness that can easily take over our lives when we allow that darkness to be all encompassing.

But, I have also been blessed to find an opportunity that has allowed me to live my calling, that helped 'save' me from myself, that helped give me a sense of purpose again, beyond being a mom and wife. It has allowed me to encourage, inspire, and equip other women. It has allowed me to live out my calling and marry it with my passion.

And, I want to help you do that same thing and to build a business from home that you can be proud of and live out your calling.

I am looking for 5 FRIENDS to join me on this journey in living out our passion and calling to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

If you believe that you are missing the mark in living out your calling and believe that this opportunity may be for you, please fill out the application below. <3 

The Master's Hammer and Chisel TEST Group! Starting January 4th!

What is the Master's Hammer and Chisel?
It is a new resistance-training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phased- Stabilization, Strength and Power- or SSP Training. This is how co-creators and expert trainers, Autumn and Sagi help efficiently build, chisel and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days!

Is this program for you?
If you are looking for a comprehensive resistance-training or muscle-sculpting program.
If you crave a simple, flexible nutrition plan to help you reach your unique goals.
   
Check out these AMAZING results from the original test run! I personally know most of these coaches and they have just RAVED about how PHENOMENAL this program is!

You WILL need some equipment for this program with all the weight lifting. It is totally worth it to create an awesome home gym in your living room ;).
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Dumbbells, workout bench OR stability ball, chin-up bar OR resistance band with door attachment (not included in base kit).
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
Yoga Mat or Beachbody Core Comfort Mat are helpful but not required.

Check out these AMAZING results from the original test run! I personally know most of these coaches and they  have just RAVED about how PHENOMENAL this program is!

If you are looking for a comprehensive resistance-training or muscle-sculpting program.
If you crave a simple, flexible nutrition plan to help you reach your unique goals.
I am hosting a ONE TIME ONLY Test group. The official start date is January 4 to make sure you are 100% COMMITTED when the time comes! I will open the group in December for us to get prepared and get to know one another so we totally ROCK this group! I am taking applications NOW to make sure this is the right group for YOU. Complete the application below to grab your spot!

Heyyy Pregnant Ladies and Baby Mamas! I've got a program for YOU!

Hey Pregnant LADIES...& Baby Momma's!!!!

This one is AWESOME and all for YOU! heart emoticon

Check out this amazing new program exclusively available on BOD - that's Beachbody On Demand for those of you that don't know!

Autumn Calabrese creator of the 21 Day Fix & Fix Extreme and Co Creator of Hammer & Chisel (to be released this December) went back to her Maternity/Postpartum Workout ROOTS!

She started her personal training work early on helping moms have fit pregnancies & reliable postpartum routines that got their pre-baby bodies back in no time!

I know I am trusting my body with Autumn with the 21 Day Fix and would have loved to have had this at my fingertips a few years ago!

Message me for more info on how to get access to ‪#‎BOD‬ and Active Maternity. I mean come on...who wouldn't love a catalog of over 100 streaming workouts??? YES PLEASE!

Message Me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom TODAY (or if you don't have Facebook, email me at candace.g.taylor@comcast.net) !! 

If you're ready to get started with BOD - use this link to get signed up and have me as your personal coach! ** #BOD Sign Up **
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Flabby Mom to FIT Mom: The Hormone Reset Diet Group!

Hey guys!  I hope you watched the above video, but if not, here's a brief synopsis...

A few weeks ago, I opened up about my struggles since my hysterectomy last year. In an attempt to help alleviate some of my symptoms up until my BHRT (bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) appointment on October 16th, I will be following The Hormone Reset Diet by Dr. Sara Gottfried for 21 days starting on September 28th. 

I will also be continuing to do the 21 Day Fix workouts, the 21 Day Fix containers. and utilizing Shakeology daily as the hormone reset diet says to use a protein powder/shake supplement to help prevent muscle wasting by providing extra protein while you eliminate certain things from your diet to reset your hormones.

I would love to have a group of 3 to 5 women that would like to join me in this group, so for every woman that purchases the 21 Day Fix challenge pack (which includes your first month of Shakeology, your workout program, the container system, etc...) I am gifting them with the Hormone Reset Diet book so that it is not something extra that you need to purchase. 

You can purchase your 21 Day Fix kit by clicking the picture above - I will be notified that you ordered and contact you directly! 

If you have any questions before ordering, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at candace.g.taylor@comcast.net ! I would love to hear from you!

Post Hysterectomy Fitness - What my current Diet looks like...

                                          

I mention the meal plan I am following in the video. No doubt, the nutrition is the hardest part, but even following a super clean eating plan before, I found myself gaining weight - instead of losing. The average weight gain of most women in the first year post hysterectomy is 25 lbs. 25 POUNDS!  That's crazy! So, to help you help yourself, please check out my meal planner below - it has the first 7 days filled in to give you an example of what I am eating. You can use the latter 14 days of space to fill in your meals.

Example Meal Plan

And, I can't stress this enough, if you are struggling and would like to learn more about the programs, supplements, or meal plans that I am following in this post-hysterectomy journey, please feel free to contact me at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com or on facebook here.

Post Hysterectomy Fitness...it ain't easy!

Just a quick update on where I've been, what I'm up to, and how different it is trying to lose weight post-hysterectomy! 

It's not easy. That's for sure. 

5 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight!

 5 Reasons You're NOT Losing Weight!

1. You're not drinking enough water.

Besides keeping you hydrated, drinking water on the regular, according to recent studies, can aid with weight loss. Filling up on water before a meal helps encourage portion control, and eating foods that contain a lot of water (like fruits and veggies) will fill you up faster, causing you to eat less. A small study even found that drinking cool water can speed up metabolism and discourage cravings for sugary drinks like soda and juice.

2. You're OVEReating!

So, you're making MUCH healthier choices and you THINK you're doing awesome, but in reality, while you are eating HEALTHIER, you're still eating TOO MUCH! Nuts, avocados, whole wheat pasta, olive oil, and dark chocolate are all natural and healthy, but they aren't void of calories. You still need to watch how much you eat of the good stuff. For example, avocado offers a ton of health benefits, but an entire fruit is over 200 calories. (21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme BOTH teach you proper portions of not only your favorite foods, but healthy foods, too!)

3. You're a Cardio Queen (or King)!
If you live on the treadmill but never lift a pound, then you're missing out on one of the most important pieces of the fitness puzzle. Not only does weight training prevent injury by strengthening the joints, but it also builds muscle mass and increases metabolic rate. Bonus: thanks to a revved-up metabolism, you'll keep burning calories long after you've slipped off your sneakers. You . didn't know lean muscle mass burns more calories throughout the day?

4. Your significant other isn't on the same healthy road...
A significant other who's on the same or similar path can be a huge help to your weight-loss goals, but if your partner is not on board, then your relationship may be making you fat. You can't expect to lose weight if your partner is constantly ordering takeout, wants to go out for ice cream, or encourages you to sleep in instead of hitting the gym! Communicating that you need their support in losing weight is a great first step in finding compromises — for both of you. To start, next time you go out to dinner, discuss splitting an entree and choosing either an appetizer OR dessert to share. You'll not only save CALORIES, but money, too! Score!

5. You Don't Eat Your Greens! 

Eating five to seven servings of fruits and veggies a day is important for everyone, but dieters who go heavy on the produce are more likely to lose and keep the weight off, since a diet full of plant-based foods offers a greater variety of nutrients with fewer calories — and all that fiber keeps the body feeling fuller longer. Not only that, but you'll start feeling better almost immediately (as long as you're eating a variety) because you will be working on those nutrient deficiencies! 

If you're struggling and need extra support and accountability, feel free to contact me at candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com - I would love to help YOU get back on the road to healthy!

21 Day Fix Approved Loaded Cauliflower Cups

Sooo, these little gems didn't last long in the Taylor household.

I don't know if it was the ranch, the bacon, the cheese, the cauliflower, or the combination, but there were none left shortly after the above photo was taken! 

Want the recipe?  Of course you do! 

Loaded Cauliflower Cups

(serving size: 2 cups - my recipe made 10, so all container counts are based on that number)

1 Large head of cauliflower, chopped small (should yield 5-6 cups)

1 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 Ranch packet OR spices to make your own...

4 strips of bacon (or turkey bacon), finely chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Steam cauliflower until soft, mash with handheld potato masher or fork.

3. Mix ranch packet with Greek yogurt.

4. Combine Greek yogurt, 3/4 c. cheese, and bacon bits with cauliflower. Stir until well incorporated.

5. Spoon mixture into muffin tin cups until full. Top with remaining cheese.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

7. Let cool 5 minutes, then serve! 

Container count per serving: 1 Green, .6 Red, .8 Blue

Enjoy! 

You're Invited!

Currently opening the doors of my online business to others who are looking to create a potential six figure income or simply create a side income opportunity.

I am looking for teachable individuals who have a passion for helping others.

(This is an ideal job for those is the teaching field).

I will send you a 5 Day Email Sneak Peek into how I created a full time income, working it part time. I will also cover:
>Compensation
>Team Environment
> Paid for Travel Opportunities
>Benefits and perks
>Training materials
>More!

All you need is an email learn more! Leave your email below, or send me a private message.

*non-coaches only please.

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

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.

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! 

Waistline Wednesday: My 21 Day Fix Results!

Waistline Wednesday: 21 Day Fix Results and Review

 

So, I haven't posted in a while and for that I apologize. Life has gotten busy, busy and I was (for the most part) focused on getting my faith, family, and fitness in order. I had strayed from the things that keep me sane and had to find my way back. I hope you all understand.

 

I started the 21 Day Fix program late last month in hopes of getting off a few pounds of fluff I had picked up along my wayward path. The program consists of learning proper portion control through a set of seven containers. The look smaller than they are. I was allowed 4 red containers, 3 green containers, 2 yellow containers, 2 purple containers, 1 blue container, and 1 orange container per day. If you follow me at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom on Facebook, you probably saw my food posts and the container count on the photos...but I'll give a sample of what my day consisted of here:

 

Breakfast: Strawberry Banana Shakeology - one purple/one red

 

Snack 1: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with 2 eggs - one purple/one yellow/one red

 

Lunch: Hamburger Patty with one slice of cheese, salsa, and steamed broccoli - one red/one blue/1 green

 

Supper: Large green salad with Italian vinaigrette and 7 grilled shrimp - one green/one orange/one red

 

Water: 10 - 8 oz. glasses

 

Workout: Total Body Cardio Fix

 

The program comes with two discs with 7 workouts and a bonus cardio disc - Plyo Fix. You do one workout EVERY DAY - not terrible since the workouts are only 30 minutes long. The third week, if you want to really ramp up results, you do two a days. (so total one hour - this was the option I chose) The workouts are a great combination of strength training and cardio. The balance of the two along with the incorporation of the portion control really allow you to see results quickly. The trainer was a motivator for me because she has the body I WANT.

 

Ready for ROUND TWO! Want to join me?? Purchase your 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack HERE and then apply for my next challenge group starting on  April 7th HERE! And, don't forget to friend me on Facebook HERE! 

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!