Flabby Mom to FIT Mom: Surviving Hormonal Imbalance

Phew!  Well, that was quite the break from blogging, huh?  I've had a lot going on since I last wrote on here so I'll fill you in quickly...

So, you see those photos up there?  Well, I don't really look JUST like that anymore...you see, 2015 wasn't exactly *kind* to me...

Following my hysterectomy, things were going really well until I hit a wall at 6 months post-op. I was still doing all of the right things, doing the 21 Day Fix workouts, following the eating plan, adding in extra cardio 2-3 times per week to help really shed fat...but, instead of losing, I started gaining in a BIG way.

For the whole of 2015 - I put on 45 pounds...45 of the total of 90 lbs that I had lost since having my second son in May of 2011. I was devastated, frustrated, ashamed, guilty, you name it, and I had felt that way at some point about the weight gain. The most prevalent feeling was frustration though. I was doing ALL of the right things, WHY IN THE WORLD was I gaining weight?!

Finally, in October 2015, I sought out the help of a bio-identical hormone therapy specialist. She ordered an insane amount of bloodwork. (That, if I'm being real here, I'm still paying for. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE to make sure these types of tests are covered. They don't believe that pre-menopause and menopause should be treated.) She tested my reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testesterone), my adrenal hormones (DHEA, pregnenolone), and my thyroid (T3, T4, Reverse T3, and TSH). Since I had my uterus removed, we knew that the progesterone would be non-existent - what we didn't expect was for my estrogen to be SO HIGH and testesterone to be SO LOW. I was estrogen dominant - which can cause extreme weight gain, as well as, make it difficult to lose. What we also found was that my DHEA and pregnenolone were that of an 85-90 year old and that my Reverse T3 was off the charts...from STRESS.

I was started on a thyroid supplement (Cytomel), as well as, progesterone, a low dose of testesterone, as well as, DHEA and pregnenolone. I started these at the end of November and it took a good 8 weeks before I started to FEEL better - having more energy, a sex drive (thank GOD!), and started to notice the scale creeping back down, instead of UP.

It's been a long road back to feeling like myself, but here I am, 38 lbs of the 45 gone - and feeling MUCH BETTER!  Check it out -- the aqua dress photos...the before was taken on January 9, 2016 - the after on March 18, 2016. That was after I had lost 30 lbs. The bottom photo was taken on April 17, 2016. 36 lbs lost in that one and wearing a BIKINI!  Something that I never expected to be able to do again!

                                          

So, in closing, you CAN get your body back after a baby (or two, or four, or eight...), after a hysterectomy, and after a devastating hormonal imbalance. Seek ANSWERS - seek support - find others going through the same journey and love on them!  You can do this!

(NOTE: I am still drinking Shakeology daily, following the 21 Day Fix eating plan - mainly with a Paleo/AIP Paleo leaning, and working out daily - I switch between doing crossfit and 22 Minute Hard Corps for workouts currently. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me at candacebeachbody@gmail.com!) 

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 

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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Dear First Time Kindergarten Mom...I hear you.

Dear First Time Kindergarten Mom,

Hi. I'm Candace. I'm a first timer, too. I feel like this is an AA meeting and we should introduce ourselves and hash out our stories.

My oldest started kindergarten last Wednesday at a school that he had to test into. Let that sink in...your five year old is TESTING to get into a school. Completely nerve wracking for me and terrifying for him. One spot out of 60 with over 250 applicants. He almost cried then when they walked him into the room by himself to do the test.

And, I almost did then, too. A solid hour passed and then he was back by my side. Smiling, chatty, and happy. Seeing that totally solidified that we had made the right decision.

Fast forward two months,

It is the first day of kindergarten. I get to walk him in to school and to his classroom. As I get ready to leave him on his first day, I could see the tears welling up in his eyes and could feel the all too familiar sting in mine. I don't know how I held it together until I got to the car, because he was loudly sobbing as I walked out the door. I got to the car and the floodgates opened up. I was filled with questions and concerns.

The questions:
Had I let him become too attached to me?

Did we socialize him enough?

Will he make friends easily?

Did we read enough this summer?

Did I teach him all that I could?

What if he's scared?

What if he's bullied?

Who will stand up for him?

What if he cries everyday because he misses me?

What if I cry everyday because I miss him?

Will he miss his brother, too?

The concerns:
I hope he does all that his teacher asks of him.

I hope he doesn't freak out if the structure changes suddenly.

I really hope no one picks on him. He's already sensitive.

I really hope that if someone does pick on him, he'll tell me and his teacher.

I really hope that he doesn't pick on anyone else.

I hope he remembers where I put his snack in his backpack.

I hope he eats enough.

I hope he learns a lot.

I really, really hope he loves it.


I could go on. Seriously...


He's my first child! My heart walking around beating outside of my chest...

That first day was hell.

I missed him so much. He missed me. He had a terrible first day. He cried the entire day. THE ENTIRE DAY. His teacher called to ask how she could calm him down. It broke my heart. Even moreso when I picked him up and he told me how he hated it and I said that tomorrow will be a better day and he looked me dead in the eye, filled with sadness, and said, "Probably not."

The second day was hard, too. He still didn't like it. He still cried throughout much of the day. But, he was able to tell me at least one that was the best about the day. So, it does get better if your child struggles those first few days/weeks. By the third day (even though he did run into a metal doorframe and end up going home early), he is enjoying it and I am, too.

He gets in the car everyday with something new to tell me. A new friend that he's made. A new skill that he has learned. A new song to sing. A new language to practice (Spanish)! It's all so exciting and scary and still oh so new. He is growing up right in front of my eyes with every passing day and new class. He is becoming more confident in himself, in his abilities. "All it took was a little push, Mom."he said when I asked him how he had grown so much in only a few short days.

And, just like that, even with him being so young, my son has become my teacher. He is teaching me how to cope, to learn, to discover again. He is teaching me to look through his beautiful blue eyes and see the world from a new perspective and inspiring me to grow.

All I can tell you, first timers, is enjoy the lesson. We'll blink and it will be over. <3

Stitch Fix Review : August 2015

Stitch Fix Review: August 2015

Mamas - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - if you are not using Stitch Fix - start NOW - you can do so by going HERE!

Today, I'll review 3 of the 5 pieces that I received in my Stitch Fix on August 13th. I also recieved a draped cardigan and an lovely mint dress that I will review in a few days. But, for now, let's get started!

I requested that my stylist provide pieces that could easily transition from summer to fall and she DELIVERED! Every piece could easily be layered or worn alone to accomodate changing weather and temperatures. I have requested that this stylist style my next box, as well, because she hit the nail on the head!

Pixley Ellie Elephant Print Blouse - Stitch Fix 

It's a chiffon-type knit - very lightweight with 3/4 length sleeves - perfect to transition to fall! Looks great with the black skinnies I have on (that could easily be paired with riding boots for a fall friendly look!), but also would look awesome paired with an infinity scarf (maybe in a plum or maroon hue), boyfriend jeans, and tan booties.

Liverpool Jean Mira Skinny Jean in Black - Stitch Fix

Very easy, legging type jean, not too heavy. Can I be honest for a sec? I want these in every single color. They are just like wearing my yoga/workout pants, but obviously look more put together for running around! Increcomdibly comfortable, soft, supple and hug your curves just right. They have a pull on waist band for easy comfort with no zippers or buttons digging into your waist. They would look great with a tee shirt for warmer days or with a chunky sweater and wellies on those cold, drizzly days that we get in winter here in Alabama.

Zad Marriott Charm Layer Necklace - also Stitch Fix!

If I had seen this in store, I probably would not have picked it up, but I love it! The diamond shaped accents make the piece unique, but elegant. It's dressy, but not over the top. Great necklace.

Mossimo sandals - Target! (Another one of my fave places to shop! I use the Target Cartwheel app to get great deals!)

Bixon Ivy draped peach cardigan - Stitch Fix

It's light, romantic, and lovely. 3/4 length sleeves and the layered chiffon make this THE perfect transition piece for summer to fall! Paired with boyfriend jeans and flats for a casual look or layered over a sun dress for a dressier look, this cardigan is a winner! 

Mavi Distressed Emma Slim Boyfriend Jean - Stitch Fix (July 2015)

Much like the Liverpool Skinny Jean above, I could LIVE in these jeans (and also want them in every color...). Super soft, distressed denim with a more modern boyfriend fit (the crotch doesn't look like it's at your knees - as in other bf jeans I've tried). These are another Stitch Fix fave that I recommend to anyone that had asked about my fave pieces so far...

White tank - Express / Nude patent flats - Target

This was my 4th box from Stitch Fix and my favorite so far - if you are looking at signing up for the service, definitely be sure to set up your Pinterest board for Stitch Fix Style Inspiration so that your personal stylist can style your box to fit YOU! 

Waistline Wednesday : My P90X3 Progress

My

 

Journey so far...

Today is Day 27 and close enough to my 30 day mark that I decided to take pictures to see if I could tell any difference from Day 1 to today.

Day 1

 

 

Day 27

I feel like I look more muscular -- my measurements haven't changed much...my body fat has gone down 2% and I've lost 6 lbs.

What do you all think?  Can you see a difference??



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!

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.

 

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

Workout Wednesday: What IS ChaLEAN Extreme??

Workout Wednesday: What IS ChaLEAN Extreme??

 

     I know, you've read about me re-starting my journey with this program ChaLEAN Extreme.  And, I know that you've probably been wondering exactly what ChaLEAN Extreme involves...well, check out this quick video to see what I'm doing everyday and to learn more about what's included in the program.

 

 

 

I personally know the results that this program can produce because I used it exclusively, along with Shakeology, to lose nearly 60 pounds in 6 months. After 30 days, the phase is switched and you're body is left guessing -- revving your metabolism and burning off fat!  My first two rounds, I only had 5, 8, and 10 lb dumbbells to get me through all three phases, so I didn't really BUILD the muscle that I wanted, but I did burn a TON of fat!  This time around, I'm using the selecttech weights that Chalene uses in the videos. (Thanks to my sweet hubby, who bought them for us as a valentine's day gift!) So, I'm looking forward to really PUSHING myself throughout the Push phase of the program.

 

If you have any questions about the program, the nutrition plan included, or Shakeology, feel free to shoot me a message at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com !

 

 

Keep following along with me on my journey!  I hope to help inspire and motivate other moms to go from flabby to FIT! Find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!

Transformation Tuesday: 2 Week Progress with ChaLEAN Extreme

Transformation Tuesday: 2 Week Progress with ChaLEAN Extreme

As promised, here is my two week check in with ChaLEAN Extreme

My photos don't show a ton of difference (to me - sorry for the poor quality...it's beyond time for a new phone), but we also had a holiday thrown in the mix! ;)  (Yes, I enjoyed Thanksgiving goodies in moderation!)



My measurements are starting to look a little better!

Day 1                      Day 14
Weight: 143             140.5
Chest: 34.5              34.5
Waist: 29                 28  (down 1 in.!)
Love Handles: 36      35 (down 1 in.!)
Hips: 40                   39 (down 1 in.!)
R Thigh: 24              23 (down 1 in.!)
L Thigh: 23.25          23 (down .25 in.!)
R Calf: 14                 13.75 (down .25 in.!)
L Calf: 14                 13.75 (down .25 in.!)
R Bicep: 11.5            11 (down .5 in.!)
L Bicep: 11.5             11 (down .5 in.!)
R Forearm: 9.75        9.5 (down .25 in.!)
L Forearm: 9.25         9 (down .25 in.!)


So a total of 2.5 lbs and 6.25 inches in the first 14 days of ChaLEAN Extreme. I'm using Shakeology as a snack during the day, but will begin using it as a meal replacement from here on out! I'm excited to see the changes over the NEXT two weeks, so be sure to check back on December 17th to see my official 30 day photos before I start the PUSH phase of the program!

If you would like to join me on this journey back to health and fitness, please shoot me an email at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com or join me at my facebook page Flabby Mom to FIT Mom! I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your journey with you!

Wonder Wednesday: Pasta and Depression in Women?

Wonder Wednesday: Pasta and Depression in Women??

 

     Pasta and depression?  WHAT?  In a new study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, that is exactly what medical professionals have discovered. Over the course of 12 years, the Harvard school of Public Health followed the diets of 43,000 women and discovered a link to a diet high in refined grains, such as pasta, and fatty, red meats and a 29-41% likelihood that those women would be treated for depression. Blood tests revealed that women who consumed this type of diet tested significantly higher for three biomarkers of inflammation.This new study isn’t the first to link certain diet choices to inflammation and depression, but it is one of the most complete to date. 

 

 

Dr. Michel Lucas, co-author of the study, says that the link between inflammation and depression is not clear, but evidence is accumulating that relates certain foods to an increased risk of inflammation and depression, while others seem to have the opposite effect.

 

Dr. Lucas' research shows that foods such as coffee, olive oil, wine, and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens - if consumed daiy - can actually reduce inflammation and depression. A Mediterranean style diet is recommended, heavy in olive oil and fish,  has been linked to lower rates of mood disorder.

 

 

What are YOUR thoughts on this new study and do you agree with what has been found throughout the conducted study? 

 





Transformation Tuesday: Shanda N.

Transformation Tuesday: Shanda N.

 

 

Before Body Beast, I always struggled with so many things in my life. I was 30 lbs. too heavy. I would work out some, lose weight, then quit and gain it all (plus some more) back again. I dreaded summers because I hated the way I looked in a swimsuit. I had zero self-confidence. I was always so tired, I’d come home early and head straight to bed. I never wanted to buy new clothes because I never felt pretty. I was a mess and I needed help.

That’s when Body Beast changed my life. My boyfriend—who was a Beachbody Coach—said I should try Body Beast. He’d done it and got amazing results. So I said, ‘why not?’ It was tough, but he helped keep me accountable—and it worked.

I gradually started seeing results. I was losing weight, building muscle, and finding so much more energy than I ever had. I added Shakeology and that gave me the protein I needed, as well as extra enzymes and vitamins. My body transformed into a sculpted, petite figure and I felt like I looked like the fitness girls in magazines now. For the first time in my life, I felt good about myself.

Then the most awesome thing happened—I entered the Body Beast Classic at Summit...and I won!

I can’t tell you how much Body Beast changed my life. I owe everything to Beachbody, Sagi, and my coach.

If you need a coach, a friend, or are interested in the program that Shanda used, please feel free to contact me at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com !  I would love to help you with you health and fitness journey!