Fit Tip Friday: Fit Family Lifestyle Month!

Fit Tip Friday

 

 

Did you know that the month of January is not only the month of personal resolutions, but it is also the month to really get your family in on the act!  It's officially Fit Family Lifestyles Month! (I had no idea until a kind reader emailed and pointed it out, Thanks Kendra!)

 

So, today, I thought that I would share five tips to keep your healthy habits all in the family! :)

 

1. BE THE EXAMPLE!  Be the example that you want your children to model. If they need to get moving a little more, you need to get moving yourself!  If they are eating a lot of junk -- it's usually because they see one or both parents enjoying the not so healthy stuff. If they need to drink more water, start drinking more water yourself!  You're probably dehydrated anyway. ;)

 

2. KEEP EACH OTHER ON BOARD!  If you're making getting healthy a family affair, it's pretty difficult to hang out inside while the rest of the family is outside playing and having a good time. Cheer one another on as you learn new ways to move your body and as progress is made!

 

3. PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR! Schedule your fitness as you would any other appointment. If your family has made a commitment to walk every evening after dinner -- put it on the calendar and keep that commitment as if it were any other important appointment!

 

4. REWARD YOURSELVES! If your family has stuck to the program and has done their daily movement and healthy eating with little to no complaint for 3 days or so, have a family game night! Or, if they've committed to a sporting league, get them a new piece of gear as a reward for making that healthy commitment!

 

5. KEEP IT FUN!  This is the most important, especially for small children. If they are not deriving some sort of enjoyment from an activity, they are less likely to continue to do it on a regular basis. So, keep it interesting and keep them interested by doing things that they enjoy. If you have children that are total opposites (say, one is wild and one is calm) - alternate between activities that one or the other would enjoy more, that way each child (and parent!) experiences something that they otherwise would have written off. Who knows they may end up loving soccer or football, when they otherwise would have been hanging out on the couch.

 

 

For more recipes, tips, motivation, and support - come join me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom on Facebook!



Tasty Thursday Recipe: Shakeology Pancakes!

Tasty Thursday Recipe:

 

 

 

While I normally wouldn't cook my Shakeology (because anything over 110 degrees kills the nutrients in it...), I was craving PANCAKES and didn't want it as a shake - I had a shake for breakfast.  Therefore I employed the process of protein pancakes before me and went to work! Here is the resulting recipe and review.

 

Shakeology Protein Pancake

1/2 banana, mashed

1/4 c. egg whites (or 3 egg whites)

1 packet or scoop of Shakeology (Chocolate or Vanilla, although the NEW Strawberry would probably be good, too!)

1/2 TBS coconut milk

Dash of cinnamon

Organic cooking spray

 

Mash banana thoroughly in bowl, add egg whites and coconut milk - combine thoroughly. Next, add scoop or packet of Shakeology and dash of cinnamon. Again, mix well.

 

Heat skillet over medium heat. Spray skillet with cooking spray, spoon mixture into skillet -- cooking approximately 3 minutes per side or until cooked through.

 

Top with your favorite pancake toppings.

 

Review: Texture is much like any protein pancake. Flavor is great - the banana adds just the right amount of sweetness without being TOO sweet!  Overall, a great alternative for someone needing a protein packed snack that doesn't involve any kind of store bought batter or crazy number of ingredients. AWESOME SAUCE! :)  AND, my two boys (ages 2 and 4) loved them, too! WIN!

 

 

Be sure to follow me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom for more great recipes, tips, and motivation! Or, if you want to have me as your FREE coach, sign up here!



Tasty Thursday: Five Reasons to Love GARLIC!

Tasty Thursday

 

 

 

If I could eat EVERYTHING with garlic in it or on it, I would. BUT, then my husband and children might not come near me. Ha! I love garlic not only for the great flavor that it brings to different dishes, I love it for the health benefits, as well! 

Check them out!  

It keeps you looking and feeling good! Garlic helps your body detox by strengthening your liver. This means clearer skin, brighter eyes and a slimmer midsection!

Great for your heart! The most well known benefit of garlic is its ability to keep your cholesterol levels within healthy zones by contributing to better circulation.

Helps you relax! That’s right :) Garlic contains compounds that reduce stress by helping your muscles relax and your body wind down.

Give your Immune System a big boost! It’s a great source of antioxidants, selenium, manganese, and vitamin B6. This helps your body stay strong and healthy! It’s also known as a natural antibiotic that can help your body fight infections! Feeling under the weather? Add some extra garlic :)

It makes everything taste AWESOME! This versatile herb goes well with almost all savory dishes, especially Italian dishes. Add to dressings, dips, veggies, quinoa, brown rice, wraps, sandwiches… you name it!

 

 

For more fun tips, follow me at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom!

 

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

21 Day Commit - "Commit to Your Resolutions" Commitment Letter

21 Day Commit “Commit to Your Resolutions” Commitment Letter

THE 8 CHALLENGE COMMITMENTS

The “Commit to Your Resolutions” 21 Day COMMIT

I WILL FOLLOW THE PROGRAM — Do the entire 21 days as suggested, including workouts, beginning photos and measurements, the fit test, and nutrition based on the program guide.

I WILL DRINK SHAKEOLOGY ONCE A DAY –this is a much needed investment into my health and I am committed to doing this for the entire 21 days.

I WILL POSITIVELY ENGAGE WITH THE SMALL GROUP – We all hold a valuable spot in this team, and we need all of us to do our part, to help, encourage, challenge, and praise each other on facebook and one on one via messages and phone.

I WILL NOT OVERTRAIN — For the next 21 days I will focus all of my exercise efforts on this program and not overtrain my body by adding additional workouts I WILL SHARE MY ACTIVITY – I will report Daily to the Challenge group page upon completion of my workout, and I will share how my eating was for that day.

I WILL SHARE MY PHYSICAL RESULTS — I will begin by sharing my results with this small group and others who may ask me. The more I share the more I give inspiration and gather support.

I WILL SHARE MY EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL RESULTS – Along the way you will experience “life changes” on more than just a physical level. It’s important that you share your emotional and social results within this small group. Chances are, others in the group are facing or have faced the same things.
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

I WILL FINISH – I am making a 21 day commitment, and I am holding a valuable spot this team of challengers. It is my duty to myself and others to COMMIT to these 21 days!
I WILL NOT STOP SHORT!! AND I WILL NOT ALLOW THE OTHERS ON THIS TEAM TO STOP SHORT!!

I WILL PAY IT FORWARD — The change begins with me, and along the path there may be others who ask, who need, or who want to know about what I am doing. I am committed to paying it forward as the opportunity arises. I can pay it forward by referring them to the challenge organizer, or by joining the team of coaches who organize challenges for others.

What “DAILY DEVELOPMENT” will you get? Development isn’t just about a physical change. Its about becoming stronger mentally, physically and intellectually. There will be a morning post that will include at least ONE developmental benefit to keep you learning, motivated and on track for these 21 days.
The posts will include:
Specific Recipes for fat burning and weight loss.

Inspirational and Motivational Posts

Clean Eating and Label Reading Lessons

Accountability Contests

If all sounds GREAT and you are ready to participate and fully Refine Your Body and COMMIT, then comment below as your “signature”.

Want some EXTRA music motivation? How about some of these songs…http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-inspirational-songs-that-keep-you-motivated-for-life.html

Congratulations!!!  

Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________

My Tips for Dining Out

   

    Being a Mom, I’ve learned to plan ahead. Having a back up plan is also a good thing.

    The same thing goes when eating out. Be prepared to be bombarded with the specials of the day and the temptations that are always offered at the end of the meal. Have a plan. If you can, cook at home. This way you know exactly what you’re putting in your body and are able to cook your food exactly the way you NEED it to be, if you are trying to improve your diet and lose weight/get healthy.

If you MUST go out:

(Tips adapted from Tosca Reno's "Stripped" book.)

1. Develop a “healthy” Mindset. Before dining at a restaurant, make the plan to automatically ask for a to-go box so that when your entrée hits your table, you can put half into the box to go. Out of sight, out of mind and staying in your caloric range for the day.

2. Listen to your body-  By all means, enjoy your food. Enjoy each bite! But, eat for the purpose of satisfying your hunger. Listen to what your body (not your mind) is telling you and remember to keep your goal in mind! If you need to (and I'm one that does this!) put a copy of your "goal" or motivation photo in your handbag or wallet to look at at the beginning of the meal.

3. Hold the bread! Remember this is not helping you achieve your weight loss goal.

4. Start green. Start your meal with a house salad, but have them hold the dressing. Squeeze a lemon wedge or two over your leafy greens or ask for some balsamic vinegar.

5. Soup's the name of the game. No salad options on the menu? To curb your hunger so you’re not ravenous by the time your entrée shows up try a broth-based soup.

6. Check for Clean Cooking. Look for entrée options featuring grilled, baked, or roasted meats or fish and steamed or raw veggies. If they aren’t listed on the menu, ask the server to prepare it that way. (No, it's not rude to ask the kitchen to prepare your meal to your standards.)

7. “Fletcherize.” The practice of chewing each mouthful a minimum of 25 times. It gives your body a chance to recognize when you are becoming full. Yes, this practice takes some time to get used to, but is well worth it to practice. You become completely aware of when you are full.

9. No Drink for me, please. You want to avoid alcohol because sugar can derail you in the most powerful way. Have sparkling water with lemon or lime slices.

10. Stop before the end. Think of your plan to shed those pounds, if you can’t resist something sweet ask if they have fresh fruit and have 1 cup. Leave it at that.

My personal favorite tips are to look up the restaurant menu ahead of time online. That way you can go in with a plan written down - no need to even look at the menu the waiter/waitress will hand you. Or, don't be afraid to ask them to cook exactly what you need to reach your goals. Most restaurants have a lean meat or fish and plenty of greens (most have broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or salad) to satisfy you and your goals.

Remember to follow me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom for more tips and motivation!

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!