Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Transformation Tuesday: Jaclyn lost 102 lbs in ONE year!


Jackie K lost 102 lbs in 1 year with FOCUS T25PiYo, 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!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Flabby Mom to FIT Mom: 1 Year Post Hysterectomy Real Talk









This was super difficult to share with the world. I AM a health and fitness coach, but I couldn't get my own stuff together?!  I felt like a fraud and a failure, but fortunately, I have found the cause and there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hope you all will continue to be here, checking in, as I share my new challenges and this new journey.

From what I understand, hormone therapy is a whole different ball game and sometimes it is not fun. But, I honestly am ready for the challenge. These past six months have been akin to hell. I had begun to question myself, my knowledge, my ability to help others...all because of hormones - or lack thereof.

It's times to get myself back and help a whole new population of women that I previously had put on the back burner. Not necessarily because I wanted to, but because they couldn't relate to me personally. I am ready to embrace these women with open arms because Lord knows they are the only ones that understand what the heck I have been dealing with!

Please email me if you ever need someone to talk to or commiserate with! candace@flabbymomtofitmom.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Kodiak Cakes OATMEAL UNLEASHED Review!



        Oatmeal Unleashed is a breakfast product you may have seen gracing the aisles of your local grocery store recently...it's a new product from Baker Mills Kodiak Cakes brand. I was browsing the breakfast aisle when I came across this oatmeal and decided to give a try. I love oatmeal, especially when the weather starts to cool off and was pleased that this oatmeal boasted clean ingredients AND 10 grams of protein!  

"Oatmeal Unleashed is an all-natural crunchy oatmeal served in a convenient, microwavable cup. In 30 seconds you can make yourself a hot, healthy breakfast that will satisfy and energize the rest of the morning. Staying true to our brand, we have made sure that this oatmeal is add-water-only, and packed full of fiber, protein and whole grains without compromising on taste." - product write up on Kodiak Cakes website (http://www.kodiakcakes.com/oatmeal)

          I decided to try the Peach Vanilla Almond flavor. I shook the container first (as directed on the back of the package), then pulled open the top - I was greeted with a lovely peach aroma even before cooking!  That was a plus! I added enough water to cover the oatmeal (again, as directed on the package) and popped it in the microwave for 30 seconds (again...as directed). It SMELLED delicious!


           I stirred the oatmeal up to combine everything well and dug in! 

           The first bite had a pleasant, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla. Nothing too overpowering, but definitely no peach either. That was disappointing. As I kept eating, I enjoyed getting the little bites of peach here and there, but it definitely did not seem like enough. I also enjoyed the crunch that the almond provided. Even though cane sugar and brown sugar are two of the first three ingredients, kodiak definitely did not load this oatmeal down with it - a GOOD THING - it only has 15 g of sugar for the size of the serving. I finished the oatmeal feeling like I had eaten plenty and was not in a sugar coma like I used to get with the Quaker Oats flavored oatmeals of days past. Overall, I enjoyed this flavor and am looking forward to trying the Green Apple Spice next.  

          Pros of this flavor:  Low sugar, added chia seeds to help keep you full, fennel seed and fenugreek seed are great for breastfeeding mothers (along with oatmeal in general) to help boost breastmilk supply, added protein to help keep you satiated and boost protein intake.

          Cons: Not enough peaches, fenugreek/fennel aftertaste - I believe that it's only noticeable to me because I have used both in tea form in the past while breastfeeding. 

         If you are interested in purchasing a 12 pack of this oatmeal, you can do so here: AMAZON.

**This is not a paid review. I have no affiliation with Kodiak Cakes or Amazon. I just like to provide info to the masses on great or not so great products that can help improve your eating habits!** 

Friday, August 21, 2015

CHALLENGE GROUP starting AUGUST 31st!



Are you ready to learn the ABCs of fitness???
This group is ALREADY filling up fast!
I am looking for 10 women who want to lose 20-30 pounds!
If you are willing to invest in your body and your health and you have at least 30 minutes a day to work towards your health and fitness goals and you REALLY want help then this is the group for you!
I have helped many women lose weight & will be spending a significant amount of time to guarantee your success and help you get RESULTS!
I can only take 10 women for this next round! No exception!
If we are successful you will have the chance to win $100,000 for your success story and I am going to help you succeed!
Yes there is a financial investment for this life changing experience based on the tools that are needed to help you get your results.
You will get portion control education, a guide for eating out to keep you on track and still enjoy life!
You even get to have dessert and WINE occasionally!
Also, a bonus gift comes with as well as FREE online access to my private group (on Facebook) and 24/7 access to me!
We start AUGUST 31ST! So, apply TODAY! 
Or leave a comment below with your email and I'll send you an email ASAP!

Transformation Thursday! Check out Brenda S.!



Brenda S, age 31 from Fulshear, TX, lost 32 lbs with 21 Day Fix and Shakeology. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge® and won $1,000!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I started the program I had a 5 year old and a 1 year old and my life revolved around them, which is pretty normal for a mom. We entertain a lot, my husband loves to BBQ, so I was always trying to please our guests with delicious food… which was full of butter usually. I love hanging out with friends and neighbors, which usually meant beverages of some sort. After my second son, I kept packing on the pounds until my “fat” pants were getting tight. That was a crushing moment for me and I felt terrible about how I had let my body go because previously I had been a healthy weight.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
When I put on my “fat pants” and they were snug, I knew I had to change my lifestyle. I wanted to be able to play with my kids and be around for years to come. I knew if I was gaining so much weight at 31, then as I got older it would only be harder to lose. I didn’t want my children to see me like that, so I contacted my friend and now Coach Krista who had dropped a lot of weight and kept talking about how much she loved Beachbody products.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge before was keeping my kids, husband, and guests happy with the foods I prepared every gathering. I wanted everyone else to be happy, so I didn’t think about what was best for me, just everyone else. Beachbody has helped me understand that you can make tasty healthy food and even without the butter my family and guests are happy and now healthy. I have also learned that it is healthy for me to make time for myself to workout and that in doing so I am being a positive role model to my children. They both enjoy doing mommy’s workouts with me. But most importantly I am so proud of myself and so are my family and friends. It is so beautiful to be able to inspire others to make their health a priority.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I started with the 21 Day Fix and I loved the portion control containers and lists of foods to choose from. This really helped me plan for my week and try foods I didn’t regularly prepare before the program. I also like that the workouts are 30 minutes and there is a schedule to stick to, no thinking… just press play.


Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?I am now strong and my sons tells his friends that his mommy has big muscles. That’s such a great feeling. I lost 32 pounds, over 34 inches, and 3 pant sizes. I am also proud to be able to motivate others to become healthy.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I now have confidence that I hadn’t seen in years! I still spend time with friends and family, I just replace fatty foods with healthy foods and calorie filled beverages with water.
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I believe the accountability group is a major part of my success. There were many days that I wanted to “cheat,” but knew that I had to report to my group and didn’t want to let them down.
How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
Krista was encouraging and always checked in to let me know I was doing a great job, which in turn made me work even harder. She thought I was awesome, so I had to show her that I was!
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 an amazing product! It is tasty, keeps you full, and helps regulate my body.
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.

**Story originally published on teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog**

Monday, August 17, 2015

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











Sunday, August 16, 2015

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! 
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