Small Changes

This past week has been so much more consistent for me in the exercise category; I've managed to get a workout in most days of the week both last week and now into this week too.  I’m trying to just switch up my routine a bit to keep from getting too bored, so last week I took a step class at the gym, and yesterday I threw in a run for old time’s sake.

I’m still doing PiYo, but in the summer time I like to get outside too, so when my husband offers to go for a long walk instead of being cooped up in the basement, I happily agree J Either way, I don’t think it matters too much WHAT I’m doing, so long as I’m doing something!  

But that brings me to part 2 – nutrition.  I haven’t been so good with this one.  To be honest, I’ve let a lot of my old habits sneak back in, and I have to put a stop to that! One of the biggest changes I made when I got serious about my health and fitness was to stop accepting free food at work.  I even came up with a saying to stop me…”Free food is FAT food!”

Seriously.  My office celebrates a birthday just about every other day, and because we have a peanut allergy in the office, it’s ALWAYS an ice cream cake.  I used to skip this unless it was my own personal birthday but I’ve been lax about this rule (who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer!?).  Not to mention the countless sales reps that come in on an almost daily basis with things like cookies, brownies, bagels…need I say more? So this is an effort I’m going to make this week – remember that small changes add up to big changes, so simply cutting out the mindless snacking on free treats at the office will go a long way for me, and pairing that with my renewed commitment to daily exercise from last week will mean even more progress.

So, small changes this week and last, in anticipation of re-starting the 21 day fix next Monday.  I need a reminder of portion sizes and what foods are the RIGHT foods to be eating, so it’s time to get back to a program so I’m not just eating whatever gets put in front of me.

If you’re interested in joining me, today is the LAST day I’m accepting new challengers for my accountability group starting Monday 7/21, so email me ASAP if you want in! babebeforebaby@gmail.com

After my first 2 rounds of the fix, I got down to my lowest weight EVER, and I’d love to get back there again, so it’s time to buckle down.  

Q&A with Autumn Calabrese

As I mentioned in another post, I had an amazing opportunity at Summit to go to a private Q&A session with Autumn Calabrese, creator of the 21 day fix.  You all know by now how much I love this program and how successful I've been with it, so I was dying to get Autumn’s take on some of the most common questions I get in my group.  

Today, I’m going to share some of those answers we got from Autumn to help you in your own 21 day Fix endeavors!

Q: How many containers should I eat with each meal? How many meals per day? What does YOUR day in containers look like?

A: I try to eat 5 to 6 meals per day, about 2 to 3 hours between each meal.  I ALWAYS eat all my carbs before 4pm (this includes both yellow and purple containers), and I make sure to eat my orange/blue containers somewhere in the mid-day area, and without carbs.  A typically day looks like this:

1^st Meal: Red + Yellow

2^nd Meal:  Red + Yellow + Purple

3^rd Meal: Red + Yellow + Purple

4^th Meal: Red + Green + Blue or Orange

5^th Meal: (Remaining containers)

Keep in mind: Autumn works out for 3+ hours PER DAY!! She’s a beast, seriously…don’t let her tiny frame fool you, she works hard for that body, and remember, it’s her JOB to be fit, so don’t compare your journey to hers!

Q: What’s the deal with almond milk? Why is it considered a “treat” and a yellow container when it’s so low in calories and macros if it’s unsweetened?

A: Really, that was the nutritionist’s call.  I say if you love your almond milk, go for it (in moderation of course).

Q: I’m in the lowest calorie bracket and I’m STARVING.  Seriously miserable…my stomach could eat itself.  Anything I can do?

A: Don’t ever NOT eat – just bump up to the next bracket if you’re truly starving! HOWEVER, be sure this is really the case.  Are you drinking enough water? Try eating more “Green” containers first to see if that helps.  Play with this to find your sweet spot, especially if you have a more active job or are doing more than one workout at day.

Q: Is a 30 minute workout REALLY enough to change my body and lose weight?

A: New studies suggest that if you push hard in the first 30 minutes of your workout, that’s where all your gains come from.  It’s only 30 minutes, so no slacking off!

Q: How often should I be doing the bonus 10 minute ab workout?

A: You can really work abs every day if you want to, but keep in mind that Leg day also works your abs.  I do abs twice a week in addition to my leg day workouts.

Q: Are there modifications to make if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: If you’re pregnant, add 300 calories to your daily intake.  If breastfeeding, add 300 calories.

Q: Why are beans a yellow? I’m a vegetarian, and that’s where I always get my protein from.

A: Again, it’s the nutritionist’s call on this one; beans are more carb than they are protein, and the bottom line is, at the end of the day, animal protein is the best source of protein for your body when it comes to weight loss.

Q: Is there a preferred fish for the “3 day fix” portion of the program?

A: Tilapia and Cod are best

Q: Do you have “cheat meals”? If so, what’s your favorite cheat meal? How often do you do this?

A: Yes, I’m human, I eat bad food too.  I wouldn’t say I have a “Favorite” cheat meal, but my most common one is that on leg day, right after a serious, intense, long session…I INHALE not 1 but 2 donuts.  Seriously…it might scare you, I don’t think I breathe while I do this, and they’re gone so quick, but they’re delicious, and I look forward to the end of my workout on those days!

Q: What’s the biggest piece of advice you have for someone going through this program?

Want the answer to that last one?? Well, I have to save something for my customers, don’t I? I share this tip with those going through my challenge groups, and my next 21 day fix group starts on 7/21, so if you want this last answer, along with some other great knowledge I’ve learned so far in my various rounds of the fix, then email me at babebeforebaby@gmail.com for more info!!

Truth

So the truth is, I've been a bit off track for the past few months.  I’m not talking 100%, throw in the towel, give up on life off track, but I’d be lying if I said I was putting in any serious effort.  My workouts have been sporadic, and my eating has been less than stellar.

I've even gained back a few pounds L

BUT, this is not the end of the world.  One thing I've learned throughout this journey is that we are never “Done”.  This road has many ups and downs, twists and turns, but the ultimate goal is simply to be healthy.  To me, healthy means eating good, clean foods in proper portions and a few treats (in moderation) here and there, and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

These are the habits that make a healthy lifestyle, and I’m not losing sight of that…sometimes you just need a little kick in the butt to get there!

So, to get me back on track, I’m doing 2 things.

1) I’m starting the 3 day Refresh next Monday.  

Why the 3 day refresh? Here’s some info:

A little ice cream here...

an extra slice of pizza there...

and before you know it, your jeans are too tight and you need a quick way to lose a few pounds and get back on track. Or maybe you're just finally ready to start a new weight loss program, and you want to jump into it with total commitment...

3-DAY REFRESH IS A DRAMATIC CHANGE THAT WILL HELP CLEANSE YOUR BODY AND IMPROVE THE WAY YOU FEEL — WITHOUT STARVING YOURSELF.  

Specially formulated shakes for 3-day results. 

Easy-to-prepare "clean" meals DESIGNED to help you lose a few pounds and never feel deprived. GUARANTEED or your money back (less S/H).

THIS IS HOW YOU BREAK THE CYCLE OF BAD EATING AND GET A JUMP START ON HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS. 

ONLY 3 DAYS, AND THE RESULTS ARE AMAZING.

Just check out Chelsea’s results….5 pounds in 3 days, and she doesn't have much to lose!!!

I’m putting together a support group starting next Monday for anyone interested in joining me in trying this program out…it’s only 3 days, what do you have to lose? Email me today for info though, you’ll have to order ASAP to get your program in time to start with me!

And 2) I’m committing to doing PiYo consistently for the next 21 days, starting today! 

 In fact, I’m ready to go beyond the 21 days, so I’m starting a new accountability group on July 21^st for any one of my customers doing PiYo OR the 21 day fix…this is going to be an amazing group of ladies, I can already tell! I’m going to try to keep it limited in size for personal attention though, so if you’re interested in joining me, email me asap at babebeforebaby@gmail.com to reserve your spot!  BOTH PiYo AND the 3 day refresh are on sale this month only, so this is a great chance to lose weight AND save money

Hope you all had an amazing 4^th of July weekend!

I'm back...with a Summit Photo Dump!

I know, I've been seriously neglecting my little corner of the internet over hear lately, I'm so sorry! I promise to try to do better this month! Summer has me thinking of beach days and pool time, and I keep putting off blogging for some reason, but I'm going to make a bigger effort this month, promise!
So, to get me back into the swing of things, I thought I'd share with you all the absolutely AMAZING experience I had a few weeks ago at the yearly Beachbody convention called "Summit" in Las Vegas.  Honestly...I can't even put into words how awesome this trip was! (Exhausting, but awesome!) I met some incredible people, like my coach Caitlyn from Live, Sweat, Sleep, whom I've been working with (online) for a year now, but never had the chance to meet in person until this trip. We've become great friends through this little business venture of ours, and I'm so grateful I have her to help me through this crazy journey!

 I learned to much while I was there, but above all, I loved the theme of the whole conference: NEVER GIVE UP.  No matter what it is you're going through, your goal is worth it, and you CAN get there.  It was amazing to hear some of the stories that were showcased, like the challenge winners who lost over 100 pounds each using beachbody, or this year's top coach (Lindsay Mattway) who literally went from Bankruptcy to millionaire in less than 2 years.  I love what this company stands for and I'm so honored to be a part of it!

So probably the coolest part (yes, I'm still starstruck) of my entire trip, was that I got a chance to meet a few of the celebrity trainers! I met my absolute IDOL Chalene Johnson, AND I had a chance to do a private  Q and A with Autumn Calabrese herself (creator of the 21 day fix).

In fact, my results even made it into the success story show that day!! 

Even better? I got to work out with her and Chelsea Pearson, in the FRONT ROW of her 21 day fix workout the next morning...don't let her sweetness fool you, girlfriend will kick your booty!!

I'm so excited for all the new things Autumn taught me, that I'm ready to start the 21 day fix all over again.  I'm thinking of doing my next challenge group starting on 7/21, so if you want more info, email me at babebeforebaby@gmail.com!

Busy Week!

I am so so excited right now.  In 2 days, I’m leaving for Summit, which is THE biggest Beachbody event of the year!

Picture thousands of Beachbody coaches, 3 days of leadership seminars, and workouts with the hottest celebrity trainers like Shaun T, Chalene Johnson, and Autumn Calebrese, all on the Vegas strip!

Not to mention the fact that they're using this event to officially release their newest workout by Chalene, called PiYo; I'm dying to start this program, and I'm already planning my next challenge group so I'll be sure to post the details when they come in!

I’m super busy this week trying to wrap things up with work before I leave, then packing for this amazing trip, and most importantly…deciding what to wear! This is going to be a tough trip to pack for..workouts, business casual dress, cocktail attire, pool gear….I hope it all fits in my carry-on!

I can’t wait to share all my pictures with you next week, but until then, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@babebeforebaby) where I’ll be posting pictures throughout my trip!

Vegas here I come!

Lost

There's no sugar coating this post, it's going to be as real as it gets. I lost a friend last weekend...he passed Friday after a long battle with cancer, and frankly, I'm devastated.
He was too young.  He had such an amazing family.  He was a talented architect.  He was so many things, and he was taken from us too soon.  I'm writing this as I'm preparing to head off to his funeral, and while I know that this is going to be so very difficult for me, I can't bear the thought of what his wife and children are experiencing right now.  I was blessed to have had the opportunity to know him as a friend and co-worker, and my life is so much better for it.
Dan taught me to live every day to it's fullest.  Even when he was at his sickest, he made every effort to make good memories with his family.  They went on an "ice cream tour" for the kids spring break after having to cancel their planned vacation because he was too sick...I loved seeing his smiling face eating ice cream every day of the week at a different spot.  He knew how to make the most of any situation, and to not take things too seriously.  I hope that I can live half the life he has.  
He was a good man.  
He will be missed.
We love you Dan. 

Fit by the Fourth

So….I’ve been a little MIA from the blogging world, I know.

Life is a little crazy around these parts! Work is keeping me busier than usual, and we’ve been doing some minor work on our house too, so all of my free time has been going to those little odd projects in an effort to get my house back to normal as soon as possible!
What does that all mean? Well I’ve been admittedly slacking on my diet and exercise L

I’m not perfect, I’ve never claimed to be, and the reality is that life happens and sometimes we lose focus.  The important thing is acknowledging that small things do still add up, and that every little effort we make towards a healthier lifestyle DOES matter, it’s not an all or nothing attitude.

I needed some inspiration this morning, so I was looking through my last 21 day fix challenge group results…these women did AMAZING!!  Even those that admitted they weren’t perfect with their food choices still lost tons of inches and a few pounds too.

Some women lost 4 pounds, a few lost 6 or 7 pounds, and a few more lost OVER 10 POUNDS!! This is exactly the motivation I need to kick my butt back into gear, so I’ve decided to start a new 21 day fix accountability group that I’m calling “Fit by the Fourth”.

I’m going to start it next Friday, June 13^th so we end the day before the 4^th of July, so email me asap, you’ll have to get your order in by tomorrow if you want to join us! babebeforebaby@gmail.com

I’m ready to go into this summer strong, how about you??