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! 

Transformation Thursday: Rexanne M. - A Les Mills Pump/TurboFire Success Story!

Transfomation Thursday: Rexanne M.

 

 

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?Having gained 60 lbs. during the pregnancy of my second child, I couldn't even bring myself to take the before picture. I couldn't believe I had let myself gain that much weight. How would I ever take it off and feel good about myself again? I finally broke down and just took the before picture after already losing 20 lbs. I knew I wasn't meant to live a life being this overweight. I now had two kids who would look to me for everything and I wanted to have enough energy to keep up with them and set a good example of living a healthy, happy life. I wanted to feel good about getting dressed, not spend hours trying to find something that would perhaps camouflage eveything I was trying to hide. I wanted to wear this swimsuit again (heck any swimsuit) with confidence. I knew I was the only one who could make the change and take my body and life back.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
Knowing that other busy moms have done this, people with greater barriers than I have, have done this. I knew I just needed to find it within myself to make the commitment and follow through.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
Being completely overwhelmed with being a new mom of two kids, carrying around an extra 60 lbs. and absolutely hating the way I looked and felt. I knew that using Shakeology and BB programs, I could do this!!!!! Once I started moving, I began to feel better. Shakeology gave me the energy I needed to get it done and the programs kept me motivated.

Why did you choose this particular program?
I choose a combination of Shakeology, Les Mills Pump, and TurboFire because I knew I needed good nutrition, a weight lifting program and cardio. This was the combination that helped me lose the first 60 lbs. Then, I did the Ultimate Reset and lost an additional 15 lbs. to be in the best shape of my life. I couldn't believe I was staring at someone who looked good inside and out. Thank you BB for making this life a reality for me.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I love the format of Les Mills Pump, the trainers and the music. It is such an empowering workout and I gained strength quickly. Also, you can't go wrong with Chalene and TurboFire. I love turbokick at the gym, so this was an awesome way to bring that class home on my own time.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
Losing 75 lbs., gaining strength, and being physically fit are certainly on the top of my list. Starting a program and seeing it through to the end was huge for me.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
Since my accomplishments with Beachbody, I am now able to set a healthy example for my two boys. I also gained the confidence to train for and run 1/2 marathon, something I never thought I could do. I am not afraid to set new goals, try new adventures, and put in the hard work to get there. I also have the confidence and desire to help others do what I did and find their happiness through living a fit life.

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 played a huge role in my transformation. It gives me energy, curbs my cravings, and helps in weight loss for sure. Finally, the Ultimate Reset taught me how to eat clean and to really understand how to fuel my body properly. The ultimate reset was the key that I needed to finally put it all together.

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.

MY NEXT CHALLENGE GROUP WILL START MARCH 17TH!  If YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THIS GROUP, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION !  I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU IN MY GROUP!

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!

GUEST BLOG from Kendra Thornton: Fit Family, Happy Life

GUEST BLOG

FIT FAMILY, Happy Life!

Many thanks to Ms. Thornton for offering a guest blog on keeping your family happy and healthy!

Kendra Thornton, travel expert and FIT mom to 3!

Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife andmama of 3. Kendra is a long time travel expert who has been packing her bags and traveling the world since she was 3 months old! She has found her utmost desire in life is right in her own home. She has taken her excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of her favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
(Bio provided by Kendra Thornton)

Kendra is an expert on travel, having been the Director of Corporate Communications at Orbitz prior to founding Thornton Public Relations in 2005.

 

 

Fit Family - Happy Life

by Kendra Thornton

Keep moving – that’s what I always do. I can’t help but move with my three busy kids. Being active is just a part of my life. But that’s what gave me the idea to stay fit, whether at home or on the road. I like the way it makes me feel and I like the way being in shape lets me keep up with kids. So, since it is Fit Family Lifestyles this month, I’ve decided to share some of my tips and tricks for staying healthy while I’m out on the road. Incorporating these in your lifestyle will keep you looking great and feeling great:

Fresh Air

Get outside. Plain and simple. The benefits of fresh air are well documented. If you are on the road, make an effort to stop at rest stops and parks. When the kids say they need a bathroom break, take it. Then walk around outside, stretching your legs and breathing in that fresh air that is so good for you. Walking around outside will also allow everyone to burn off some of that energy they have pent up from riding for so long, which will make the next leg of the trip easier… at least for a little while. Even will this cold weather - if you’re traveling to a chilly destination, go ice-skating, snowshoeing, or even try skiing...utilize the outside atmosphere!

Munch

Even when you are sedentary, sitting in a car or plane immobile for long stretches of time, your body needs nourishment. Pack snacks, and lots of them. Choose easy to eat snacks that won’t make a mess, like pretzels, bananas, string cheese, maybe even some trail mix – make it yourself with raisins, peanuts, dried banana slices, dried coconut, and some M&Ms… no one said you couldn’t have a little treat here and there!

 

Don’t Forget the Sneaks!

Amidst all of your pool wear, dinner outfits, sandals, flip-flops, and high heels, pack a pair of sneakers. Who knows when you’ll want to go on a run before everyone else gets up or watch the sunset as you jog.

 

Set Yourself Up for Success

Babies need their routines to be as close to what they experience at home as possible when they are away. This is not only good for them, but also for the parents! Be sure to bring their pillow with the pillowcase they always use on it, their favorite books, and anything else they might need like a pacifier, noise machine, sleep sack, a special blanket, etc. Ease baby to sleep and get some much needed rest of your own as well.

Plan Your Trip

It’s always good to know what you want to do on a trip. This is especially true when traveling with children. Be sure to include hiking trails and theme parks, even outdoor museums where the kids can not only enjoy themselves, but stay active as well.

These are the things I do and they work wonders for my family. I extend a lot of these ideas to school time also, continuing to pack healthy snacks in their lunch bags and getting them outdoors and active as often as possible. You can get outside any time of year. During this season, my family really enjoys making snowmen and going skiing! What kinds of things does your family like to do?

You can find Kendra on Twitter & Facebook - go follow her and show her some love!



Tasty Thursday: Turkey Lasagna with Homemade

Tasty Thursday

 

 

I happened upon this recipe while thumbing through the latest Clean Eating magazine and bought the darn thing JUST for this recipe. It. Is. DELICIOUS.

 

I urge you to make it right now. Tonight. Just do it...soon. You will love it as much as my family and I did. I promise.

 

 

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 white onion, chopped

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

1 large celery stalk, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp dried oregano

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 28-oz. BPA-free cans unsalted whole tomatoes with basil (TRY: Eden Organic Whole Tomatoes with Basil)

1 Tbsp raw honey

1/2 tsp sea salt, divided

1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided, plus additional to taste

1 9 oz. package frozen chopped spinach

olive oil cooking spray

1 lb ground turkey

15 oz. reduced fat ricotta cheese, drained

1/3 cup loosely packed chopped fresh basil leaves

12 whole wheat lasagna noodles (no boil or boiled at home)

4 oz. reduced fat, grated Italian four cheese blend

 

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven or large saucepan on medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until soft and lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Add garlic and oregano and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add vinegar and let bubble for 10-20 seconds, scraping any browned bits in bottom of pan. Add tomatoes and stir to combine, breaking up with a spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium to medium-low and maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until thickened. Stir in honey, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

 

2. Using an immersion blender, blend sauce to slightly chunky puree. Boil noodles as directed on package at this time, if they are no boil noodles, skip this step.

 

3. Place spinach in fine mess strainer and press firmly to drain. Mist a large skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-high. Add turkey and cook, breaking up with spoon until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Add spinach, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.

 

4. In a second bowl, combine ricotta and basil. Season with additional black pepper.

 

5. Spread 1/4 cup sauce inside a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 4 noodles, half of ricotta, one third of cheese blend, half of turkey and one cup sauce. Repeat once more, starting with noodles and ending with sauce. Top with remaining noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining cheese blend. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, 5 to 10 minutes more. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.

 

Nutrients per serving (1/10 of lasagna):

Calories - 253, Total Fat - 9g, Sat. Fat - 4g, Monounsaturated Fat - 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat - 2g, Carbs - 30g, Fiber - 5g, Sugars - 8g, Protein - 24g, Sodium - 310mg, Cholesterol - 44mg

 

 

For more recipes, tips, motivation, and help with losing weight FROM HOME -- follow me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom ...I look forward to helping YOU reach your goals! If you would like me to be your FREE coach - please sign up here!