Motivation Monday: My newest transformation journey

On the road again...

 

 

   On the health and fitness road, that is. I admit it, I fell off track. Got distracted. Didn't care for two weeks. And, well, let's just say, my waistline has suffered for it. So, here they are, my official getting-back-on-track accountability photos. They are here for the entire world to see and help keep me on track - even...no, especially, through the holidays! 

 

 

   Now, onto what I will be doing to lose 10 lbs before New Years Eve...

 

I will be using my old faithful ChaLEAN Extreme and Shakeology.  I will be following the program as laid out in the guide, as well as, following the nutritional guide provided with the program. After the first 30 days - otherwise known as the Burn phase - I will be adding an extra 20-30 minutes of cardio per day throughout the next 30 days - called the Push phase.  The last 30 days of the program, I will be following as laid out. It's called the Lean Phase for a reason!  Check back every week for progress photos and your dose of motivation to push through YOUR workouts! 

 

 

   If you would like to join me in this journey, please shoot me an email at cgranberrytaylor@gmail.com  OR add me on Facebook and reference Flabby Mom to FIT Mom! 



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? 

 





Worship Wednesday: Children's Questions

Worship Wednesday: Children's Questions

 

Do you have children?

 

If you aren't blessed with children (yet), let me fill you in on a little secret...they ask questions about anything and EVERYTHING. Literally everything.

 

"Why is the sky blue?" Because God made the sky blue. "But, WHY did He make the sky blue?" ...well, because, honey, He just did. "Why is grass green?" "Why are clouds white?" "Why do we pray?"  Because we want to thank God for his many blessings that he bestows on our family and to ask Him to be with those that need Him. "BUT, I thought God knows EVERYTHING, so why do we need to pray?"

 

 

This particular question caught me off guard because I had never considered this before. It is true, God does know every desire of our hearts, our minds, every problem that we are struggling with, the concerns we have for others...so why DO we need to pray? I gave the best answer that I could come up with, because our personal relationship with the heavenly Father is strengthened when we personally bring the cares of our hearts to Him.

 

The verse that kept coming to mind was Phillipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."

 

I guess I've always kept that verse in my mind because that's exactly the way that I was taught to pray -- by first thanking the Lord for his blessings, then sharing the cares and concerns of my heart.

 

Why do YOU need to pray?  Share in the comments below! 

Transformation Tuesday: John R.

Transformation Tuesday: John R.

 

"I have always been morbidly obese. Deep down, I knew that. But to me, being fat was more about not being able to find clothes I liked because I could only wear 4X-large, having zero self-esteem, hating the way I looked, being always chronically tired, and yeah, being totally ashamed of the way I looked.

But the fact that I was morbidly—as in death—obese didn’t sink in until my mother died from a heart attack and my sister fell into a coma because of her type 2 diabetes. That’s when I knew I had bigger problems than just finding clothes that fit.

So I promised myself that one day I’d do P90X. Seriously—that was my goal. But I was afraid. A friend of mine who was a Beachbody Coach said that Power 90 would be a great place to start. At 467 lbs., it was tough. But I stayed with it. I modified. I struggled. I did push-ups on my knees. And I kept at it because I was seeing results, reaching goals, and crushing the “I can’t do it” beliefs that had held me back for so long.

And finally, I was ready for P90X. It was hardcore, intense, extreme, and it worked.

So far, I’ve lost over 200 lbs. I’ve gone from a size 56 pants to a size 38, thanks to Power 90 and P90X. I’m healthier, happier, and I’m finally proud of the man I see in the mirror.

Best of all, I’m not stopping. At 264 lbs., I know I still have a way to go. But I’m determined to make it. " - John

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. I'll be here for you, every step of the way!



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!

Transformation Tuesday: Jamie P. - A Slim In 6 Journey

Mom Jamie P. lost 35 lbs and 36 inches with Slim In 6! She did the program for 6 weeks, then continued on to do another round. Check out her amazing results and her inspirational story below.

 

My life was BUSY, FAST and CRAZY! Just like it is now, however I have made my health a priority! That is just short of a miracle for me! I have never been a workout person, always active and living life to it's fullest but never made time to focus on my core body strength and have always eaten anything and everything that my heart or cravings desired. After my 3rd child I was tipping the scale at around 200 pounds.... I continued to eat like I was a food eating champ and was not happy with my body, the way I felt physically or my emotional state of being embarrassed about my body. I knew I could change it, but was just was not willing to put out the effort, which in turn made me feel more weak and pathetic. I started to not want to go out publicly if I did not have to. It was easier to stay home than face the world looking the way I did. I was not proud of "letting myself go."

I realized that what I was doing was not working, and for the past almost decade I had been overweight. I was not getting any younger, and even though I wished it to come true, I was not going to wake up one morning and be myself again. I was screaming inside to get OUT! A friend of mine who I trusted was starting a 90-Day Challenge. She trusted HER friend who was a coach through Team Beachbody and that made me feel comfortable to GO FOR IT! 

I pledged the following: I am about to embark on the most awesome adventure! The best thing I can do for myself (and my family).... and that is transform my body into who I am... what I deserve, what they deserve... and what is inside of me screaming to get back out!!!! HEALTH, STRENGTH and BALANCE! A fitness and health challenge is taking charge of my life! Support me... watch me grow on the inside and lose on the outside.

I chose Slim in 6 because it was recommended to me by my Team Beachbody Coach. I researched many different programs and felt this program would be a good start for me. The 6 weeks sounds appealing and the short 30 minute workout was a HUGE plus as well. I had not been working out and was starting fresh.... this was something I felt I could handle.

I LOVE the short amount of time and the intense EFFECTIVE routine! It REALLY works! My waist shrunk the fastest- it was amazing to feel that change! I was like a butterfly going through a metamorphosis! Slim in 6 focuses on your core strength. One of my friends hugged me one day and stepped back and gasped... "Oh my gosh I can feel your arm muscles." It was the back of my arms from the resistance band workouts! I felt so amazing! I had not even noticed those new muscles until she said something! ; ) They say it takes 4 weeks to notice a difference yourself.... 8 weeks for close family and friends to notice and 12 weeks for the world to notice... I LIVED THAT! It's SO true! I feel amazing because I HAVE EARNED every bit of my transformation!

Transformation Thursday: Rebecca P.

Obviously, if you follow my blog, I usually post these stories on Tuesdays, but I read Rebecca's story and know a few people that it MIGHT inspire, so I wanted to share it with you all today!

Meet Rebecca P. - she lost over 100 lbs. and 21" off of her WAIST -- read her story in her own words. Incredible!



Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?* I have grown up my entire life over weight, I thought this is how I was meant to live and that was it. I tried to hide from cameras, I was embarrassed to be introduced to new people, and I hurt all over. I grew up being told that I would be so much prettier if I had lost weight by family and friends. I basically accepted that I would never be anything but the heavy girl. I was unable to do things I enjoyed with friends because I was to big, I couldn't fit in booths at restaurants, or in a normal seat at the doctors office, even some cars were uncomfortable. I FEARED being out in public because not being able to sit in a sit was scary, I dropped classes because the desk were so tight I did not want people to see me trying to sit in them.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?* After I had gotten married in April of 2011 I did my first 5K it took me over an hour to complete it and I was hurting ALL OVER. I was the last person to finish the race that day. So that, the fact I had been on bed rest due to my high blood pressure, and then having to have my wedding dress made because I was so big I couldn't buy one in my size I knew it was time to change. I was newly married and late 20s I was sick of always eating and sitting on the couch! My weight had caused me to have a miscarriage at 24 weeks pregnancy, stopped me from buying cars, clothes, you name it my weight was controlling me and I was tired of it! I was tired of seeing pictures of myself and not being happy with it.

 

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?* I have used Slim in 6, Les Mills Pump, Turbo Jam, TurboFire (which I now have been doing for over a year), and P90X to get where I am at a total weight loss of 180lbs. The biggest challenge before beginning the program was being open minded in giving it a chance. You see the commercials and you really think there is no way that this could happen with out paying for a trainer or having major surgery. Beachbody helped me because they have something at every level of fitness. My very first program was Slim in 6 and it was perfect for me to get moving, once I completed this I started doing more cardio such as the elliptical and then I saw the Les Mill Pump commercial and I knew that this would be a perfect way to start weight training, after that TurboJam I wasn't using TurboJam to long before I was ready to set this thing on FIRE! And I haven't looked back! I have used it alone and with P90X TWICE!! It's a godsend, the nutrition guides have taught me how to eat more than any trainer.

 

Why did you choose this particular program?* I love to get loud and crazy when I work out, if you're not having fun then why do it?! So I loved PUMP the music was wonderful and great trainers, so I decided to order Turbo Jam after previewing it at a Fit Club and it came with a surprise the Greatest HIITs DVD! Wow I found myself wanting more and more of the that little fire disk I purchased the program!!! It's such a well made program the music is older but STILL good even present day!! It's challenging me still right now!! I mean where else can you get all of these classes, great trainer, great music, and ALWAYS challenging you, not at my gyms!!

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?* None stop challenging and if you feel like you wanna stick your butt out or shake it a little you can and it's highly encouraged by Mrs. Chalene Johnson so is always saying this is your WORKOUT go for it. The class is fun even if your not really there you feel like you are. The HIIT trainings have helped me in so many ways, I hate running but the cardio conditioning I do with this program has really helped me even succeed in RUNNING!

 

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?* My weight loss is unreal still to me! Mouths drop and some even cry when they ask what I have been doing and that I'm using the at home workouts. I tell them I dont have to spend hours in the gym, you can get results at home with BeachBody!!! My clothes fit different almost every week so much that I will not buy any new clothes since I seem to go down a jean size every month. And the fact that I'm inspiring so many other people is the best achievement!! Another honor was that Under Armour Women have been following my progress to loss 200lbs and are so inspired by me they said I was redefining the female athlete and are proud of me.

 

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?* Since I have been using Beachbody I have been asked to be the spokes person for our know your numbers campaign at work to encourage others to get healthy, I have been recognized on the Under Armour Women What's Beautiful Site as a featured Athlete, I have watched as a woman I have inspired loss 30lbs since Jan 2013, I felt confident to get a better job, I'm graduating with me AA this May, and I got Turbo Kick Certified. I don't know if I would have ever gotten to this point with out Beachbody or the community of people that are associated with this AMAZING company.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable? My beachbody coach has now become my friend. She is so humble and real, when she first emailed me my husband said it's a scam...haha, but turns out she is totally real. She continues to motivate me and encourage me to keep pressing play, I never took my before and after pictures before I met her. She said it would keep me motivated to see my results and she was so right it does. I hear from her almost daily, I think she is my biggest fan. Theres not one day she doesnt tell me how proud of me she is.

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey? I love the Shakeology, I believe it really set the bar to eating clean and healthy. I have used all of them you name it and Shakeology is the only one I have been able to continue using. It gives me energy, makes me feel better, the taste is amazing and you can do so much with it. with Shakeology and working out I have brought my grades up, have less cravings, learned what super foods are. Shakeology really helps you learn to rethink all of your daily choices.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program affect any existing health conditions you have? At one point I was taking four pills a day, three for blood pressure, and one for depression but not any longer!

Did you achieve any other measureable improvements with a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program? (e.g. Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, triglycerides, etc...) Team Beachbody home page has a million great tips, I encourage everyone to get on there and browse, everything from nutrition to success stories theres something to inspire and help everyone.