Transformation Tuesday: Jaclyn lost 102 lbs in ONE year!

Jackie K lost 102 lbs in 1 year with FOCUS T25, PiYo, and INSANITY MAX:30. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for September 15th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
My entire life I have been overweight. I remember in middle school hating gym class because we had to wear shorts, and my legs would rub together, and I was always embarrassed. I remember always having the highest number in softball because that was the largest size. I remember in high school hoping someone wouldn’t walk up the stairs with me because I would be out of breath at the top. In college I remember having to scope out restaurants and theaters to make sure I’d fit in the booth or the chairs beforehand. Even worse I had to make sure that they weren’t the cheap plastic seats that I could break! Even as an adult, a wife, and a mother I was still avoiding life. My husband wanted to go to an amusement park and I kept making excuses because I was scared I wouldn’t fit into the rides or I would be too tired from all the walking. Finally I realize that I wasn’t living. I was hiding and making excuses and worst of all, I wasn’t being a good role model for my son, I had more to give. He needed more. He deserved better!

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My son was my biggest motivator. I want to be a very present mother and be involved in all his activities. I didn’t want to worry how far the playground was from the parking lot, or if I could climb up the playset to help him down the slide. I want him to know what a healthy lifestyle looks like and have a healthy role model. I never want him to feel trapped inside a body he didn’t have control over. I wanted to teach him how to be healthy so he won’t go through the pain I did growing up. I also want to expand our family and in my past pregnancies I was always considered high risk and a large part of it was due to my high weight. My weight was a factor in my fertility struggles and I was to blame, that was a hard pill to swallow.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?I was worried about failure. What if I didn’t lose weight and everyone knew. I have tried all different types of diets and the lasted maybe a week or two. I would get frustrated and give up and then I would gain even more weight and feel like a complete failure. I had to change my mindset too. My family is on the larger side so I was just trying to accept I would always be large. Being overweight was my destiny. Beachbody changed everything. Beachbody made it easy to follow a routine and results were inevitable. When you stop with the excuses and just put in the hard work results will come; there’s no getting around it! I owe Beachbody my life! Beachbody handed me the tools to change the path a was cruising down.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
It was fun, energetic, thrilling and yet it was challenging and pushed you to your limits. I didn’t feel like I wasn’t getting a good workout because I couldn’t do all the regular exercises and had to modify a lot. I was really out of shape after having my son and even though I have finished T25 twice and PiYo I still needed some of the modified moves. I really like the strength and endurance I gained with this program! I never felt strong until I completed this program! My push-ups have gotten better, my flexibility has gotten better, and my life has gotten better!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I have more energy, confidence and most importantly I am happy! I have my life back. I don’t want to take a nap every time my son does, I can chase him on the playground, I get right up on the playset and run around with him, I can go on family walks, I don’t have to worry about not fitting into chairs and booths, I don’t dread clothes shopping because every store carries my size, and I can accomplish so much more. I haven’t lost all the weight I want to, but I feel great about my progress and I know with the help of Beachbody I can accomplish anything!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
My confidence has come back! I am happy with what I see in the mirror! I am proud of my hard work and for the first time I am proud of myself! I no longer hide from pictures, avoid stairs, pray the chair doesn’t break, or avoid living life! I don’t live my life with constant fear of my weight getting in the way! My weight no longer holds me back! I am happy, healthy and I can’t wait to see where my next program takes me! I am a better wife, mother, and human! There’s no stopping me!

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
This was my first time being in a Challenge Group and it changed my whole dynamic of Beachbody workouts. All of a sudden I had people holding me accountable and encouraging me to push harder. I was getting praise and constructive advice one what and how to improve! I absolutely loved my Challenge Group and can’t believe I waited so long to join one.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology is a game changer! I cannot stress that enough! I always wanted to try it but the price tag was scary. I went ahead took the plunge by ordering the challenge pack with INSANITY MAX:30 and got the chocolate Shakeology. I don’t know why in the world I waited so long. My husband calls it my “mommy crack” because I live for it now! I drink it everyday and I think it’s 100 times better than coffee! I drink it in the afternoon around 3 o’clock as a pick me up, and it powers me through the rest of the day. My headaches have gotten better, my hair is stronger, my skin is clearer, I have energy and my chocolate cravings are completely satisfied! I love Shakeology and I don’t plan on stopping drinking it anytime soon!

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.

Want to start the Beachbody Challenge with any of the programs discussed above?  Click on the pack you want to get started with and let's get you on the road to healthy! 

Article originally published on teambeachbody.com and can be found here!

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

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!!

Transformation Thursday: Kati C - A Focus T25 Success Story

Transformation Thursday:

Kati C. - A Focus T25 Success Story

 

Before I started Focus T25 I was 30 pounds overweight and had just given birth to a baby boy.  I was so depressed and would cry when I looked in the mirror.  I couldn't believe how out of shape I was.  It broke my heart that I had no energy to play with my babies.  I just wanted to hide from life and sleep all day long.  I would make excuses why I couldn't see friends and family.

My newborn baby and my 3 year old daughter needed a happy healthy mom. I knew I had to get my butt in gear and get moving for them. I started drinking Shakeology and working out with Focus T25. I am convinced that the combination cured my post-partum depression.

My biggest challenge was to face my fear of failure. I had tried so many things in the past I didn't want to fail again. I also could not afford it. I decided to put myself first for a change and paid my electricity 6 days late to buy T25!  I am now a better mom and wife because of my health.

25 minutes was all I could give with 2 kids. I am so glad I did! Focus T25 is so fun and short and sweet!

I love the time and the energy. I also love that Tania is there to modify. I followed her the first week to get my strength back after baby.  I would go to the posts when my husband ate bad food in front of me. It was also so nice to have encouragement and support. Like having 40 work out buddies holding me accountable posting motivational things every day.  I am so proud of the abs I have never had before. I also had legs covered with cellulite...NOT ANYMORE! I lost 28 lbs in the 10 weeks that it takes to complete Focus T25.
I felt so healthy drinking Shakeology. Yes I saw benefits in my mood. I was new to clean eating and it was so nice for me to grab on the go instead of me bringing my Tupperware of chicken, veggies, and sweet potato. I love it. I felt like I was on top of the world. It was like a natural high getting all that processed food out of my diet and getting the whole foods in! I have conquered my post-partum depression! I am myself again. In fact, I am better than ever. I am the mom I have always wanted to be. I am a strong example to my children and to moms everywhere that don't believe they can get back in shape.

If you need a coach or are looking to join a challenge group to help keep you on track, email me at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom!

Be sure to submit your Focus T25 results by entering The Beachbody Challenge!

 

Transformation Tuesday: Sara - A Focus T25 Success Story

Transformation Tuesday

Sara - A Focus T25 Success Story

 

Sara is a 34 year old mom of a 3 1/2 month old and a 2 year old. So, time was an issue, but I'll let you read what she had to say about her experience with Focus T25 and Shakeology.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?*

I felt sluggish, no motivation, depressed, extremely tired all the time! No self confidence and hated shopping for cloths or going to parties afraid everyone was talking about me and how I looked. I didn’t want to leave the house!

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?*

My greatest challenge was to hit play everyday!! Just having a baby 3 1/2 months ago and a two year old time was very tricky to workout and always used that excuse not to workout do to the lack of time! T25 helped me over come this challenge because it was only 25 min a day and there is no excuse not to find 25 min in my life to change it!!

Why did you choose this particular program?*

Only 25 minutes a day! For a busy mom of two small children I found 25 minutes every day to get it done and continue on being the best mother I could! Anyone can give 25 minutes of their life to a new and better you. Before you know it I hit start and was halfway through then it was over in a blink of an eye! The toughest 25 minutes of my day but looked forward to feeling amazing every time I was finished with it! Gave me something to look forward to daily!!

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?*

That it was only 25 minutes a day and I was able to find the time to get my workout in with my crazy schedule!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?*

I am so exited to post my before and after pictures ! I lost a total of 21 pounds and around 19 inches. Went from 180 pounds to 159 pounds! I went from a size 16 pants to a size 10!!! I’m most proud of sticking it out for all ten weeks! When I hit the halfway point and saw my 30 day results I new I had to push play everyday in order to get the most out of this program and for myself! I’m so thankful I got through this program and stuck it out! So amazed with how I look and feel!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?*

Wow where do I begin, I have so much more energy for my kids! I’m not as tired as I was before starting the program! I don’t even need my coffee anymore, thanks to shakeology! It has boosted my energy to a whole new level! I look and feel so much more confident in my own cloths and when I go out I get compliments all the time and people stating”I can’t believe you have a 3 month old baby” I crave to workout now and look forward to dripping in sweat daily! This program has made me a better person, less stressed and more energized for my life and for my family! Thank you beach body for coming out with such an amazing program that works for busy people!

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?

Yes my challenge group kept me motivated and answered my questions all the time! We had weekly Saturday results day and we all said our stats and how we would do more or less the next week with our nutrition, workouts and activity level!

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program affect any existing health conditions you have?

My overall blood pressure and labs were not effected. I am always within range with them!

Did you achieve any other measureable improvements with a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program? (e.g. Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, triglycerides, etc…)

No everything was normal before I started program and they remain normal now.

 

 

If you are interested in Focus T25 (here), Shakeology ( here), or BOTH (here)-- shoot me an email at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or follow the links provided. :)

 

Transformation Tuesday: Cara B. - A Focus T25 Success Story!

Transformation Tuesday!

Cara B. - A Focus T25 Success Story!

Cara's story in her own words - "Before I lost 30 lbs. with T25 I felt like a typical run-down mom. I had gaining over 80 lbs. while pregnant and was depressed. "Who was this person in the mirror?", I'd ask myself. "Where did all my energy go?" All I did was lie on the couch, watch TV, and eat myself into the next day. Then I'd do it all over again. Whenever I did find a little bit of my old-self and get dressed up to have some adult time, I'd try on everything in my closet only to realize just how much I had let myself go. But it wasn't just my body and my attitude that changed. The more depressed I got the more seizures I started having. This is when I realized it was time to change before I ended up really hurting myself, or others around me. So I turned to my father, who's a Beachbody Coach, and asked for help.

I chose FOCUS T25 because of my lack of time. With a toddler running around, only putting in 25 minutes a day for an hour's worth of results sounded great to me! I used to run on the elliptical for half an hour but I never saw any results. With T25, change happened fast. In 60 days I went from 164 lbs. to 134, and from a size 15 to a 7. My waist shrunk from a 36 to a 28, I lost 4 inches in my hips, 8 in my chest, 2 in my arms and 3 inches in my thighs.

I now also drink Shakeology every day for breakfast. Before I discovered this miracle meal I used to skip out on breakfast and lunch because I just flat out didn't have the energy to make myself anything to eat. Now I make a shake every morning and throw anything and everything I can find into the blender. It's just soooooo easy! I've also noticed that I have way more energy throughout my day and can easily accomplish things like getting groceries, working out, and taking my daughter to the park. I literally feel like I have energy coming out of my ears. I've also gained way more patience with my daughter and don't get as aggravated with her as I did before. We laugh and play so much more now and that is one of the greatest gifts I could've ever asked for.

But I couldn't have made such a huge change in my life if it wasn't for my amazing Challenge Group. This incredible group of people knew exactly how I felt and what I was going through and were the greatest support team I could have ever asked for. In the beginning, my greatest challenge was thinking that I couldn't lose weight or change my ways. But with my team's support, I exceeded my goals and couldn't be more proud of myself. Finally, I'm confident in myself again and know I can do anything I put my mind to!

Today I can do everyday things without getting light headed or out of breath. I can bring a basket of laundry up the stairs, take my daughter on 2-mile park walks, play with her on the Jungle Jim, and chase her around. I'm no longer tired and just wearing a spot into the couch. And I'm no longer awake at 2 am eating a family size bag of chips or a whole bag of "fun size" Twix. My seizures are finally under control and I've never felt better in my life.

Now a days people say, "I wish I looked like you!" and "How did you do it?" And I just love that! I've missed those compliments. And now that I feel complete, emotionally and physically, I'm helping others the same way I was helped. Thanks you Beachbody, you saved me. You truly did!!!

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. For more information on how YOU can join the Beachbody Challenge, please email me at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or find me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom!