Saturday, August 31, 2013


Star Diamond-
GO AFTER YOUR GOALS!!!
 
Set your goals high & your dreams even bigger


There is a HUGE announcement to be made and I couldn't be more excited!!! TOP COACHES on the DREAM TEAM have been working on a Star Diamond in 60 Days Elite Training.

I have been coaching for about seven months and have fallen in love with this. This was the best decision I have ever made. It has not only changed my life and allowed me to dream bigger than I ever thought possible, but it is changing the lives of my current challengers and coaches.

Since starting this journey I have been able to not only touch many peoples lives but they are making a very positive impact on mine. I am working my full time job & making time for Beachbody, seeing the Financial gain with being able to put money away in a savings, pay bills, & make extra payments on my car. I never thought I would get so much out of this one experience. I know I am here for a greater purpose in life and I know it is to help people see the good in themselves and help get them to reach for their goals! I truly cannot even describe the feeling I get when I talk to a challenger/coach and they tell me how much weight they have lost or what Beachbody has done for them. It is an UNBELIVEABLE feeling!!!

Are YOU looking for a change?  Are you ready to stop making EXCUSES and start making it HAPPEN? If you know you have a passion and are here for a GREATER PURPOSE then you need to hear me out!!

I am looking to mentor five people in this group!

ARE YOU READY?!

Apply Here!

 
 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013


Count your blessings

Happiness, Thankful

As I was sitting here tonight thinking about what my next blog post was going to be, I was at a loss for words. I just could not come up with a topic. I remember talking to a fellow friend of mine one day and she said the best blog posts come from when you don't think to hard, just write whatever is in your mind at that moment and go with it. So here it goes....

I stopped worrying about what it was going to be, and just took a moment to sit back and reflect on my day. Do you ever really stop for a second, clear your head, and really think about your day? Not all the bad stuff, the things that make you stressed out, traffic if you have any, or the people that just really make you mad. But the stuff that actually happened, the good things, the new people you met, maybe you went on an adventure, spoke to an old friend you really have not spoken to in a while...yeah those kinds of things. 

Enjoy the moment
 
 I really gave myself a chance to do that actually for the first time in a while, as I was trying to come up with a blog topic. For the past thirty-five days and five more to go I have been doing some personal development with Rick Warren - The Purpose Driven Life. If you are looking for something new and searching for a meaning in life, this is something you should check out and follow. You will not regret it. Every day I am listening to something new and one thing or another always catches my eye.

But the whole purpose behind this post is, it is time to stop just for five minutes. Take some time for yourself and count your blessings. I truly believe this is such an important part of everyone's daily life, that too often we over look. Because I too get caught up in the day to day life.   I am always on the go that last night when I sitting in my living room just relaxing I started to think of every blessing in my life. It started to warm my heart <3.

Blessing #1: Waking up each morning. Now some people probably have not thought about this but waking up each day is a blessing in its self. God has given you another day to do something great. You are here for a reason.

Blessing #2: A roof over my head (lucky my parents haven't kicked me out yet). It seems so silly but there are people out there who are homeless and do not have this simple luxury we have.

Blessing #3: A loving/supportive family. My family has/will always be my top priority in life. They are my biggest critics and best fans. We may have our difference at times, but the bond we have is unbreakable.

Blessing #4: My friends. They are always there for me no matter what, whatever I may need. We may not always see or talk to eachother as often as we'd like or as we are use too, but when we get together it is like nothing has changed. I can always coined on them.

Blessing #5: Eric John (boyfriend). This fella and I go way back. Back when I was sixteen working at good old Max & Ernas. We dated and of course had to grow up a little bit. He moved away and I was off in college.  Then he decided to come back just for me (kidding of course) . I can always count on him and when I need to just let go & vent about something bothering me he's always there. 

Blessing #6: Dexter (my baby). I was never a cat lover, dogs were always my animal. But I am so lucky I went into Seahorse when I did and found my little guy. He seriously melts my heart as is such a momma's boy. Whenever I have a crazy/spastic day coming home and seeing him makes it all better. 

Blessing #7: A full time job. It may not be exactly what I want to do (even though I am still trying to figure that out) but it is a job. It pays my bills, and allows me to save money. Some people are out there looking each and every day.

My blessings list could go on and on. And I could probably write 3-4 pages. The whole point of this post is we go through days and we only think of the stressful  and bad things throughout the day. Think about it, you know it's true. I am the exact same way. Taking a moment each day to sit back and reflect on the positive things in your life will do your soul good. It will warm your heart and put a smile on your face. Thank God for another day of being alive, another day to live your life. :) 


 

Thursday, August 22, 2013


T25 Challengers Success Story
 


Shaun T, 5 days a week

I met Cindy through Facebook and one day we started talking. We started talking about how active she was on her own with working out, going on bike rides, & hikes. Then one day she was curious about Shakeology. What it was, how it worked, etc. She wanted to try it first before committing to a 30 day supply. I sent her the packets. She tried it out but it was making her jittery. I worked with her and told her to reduce her serving to 1/2 scoop instead of full, that still didn't work- so we stopped for a while.

Then, a few months ago Cindy contacted me again and this time she wanted to know about Turbofire and try the new Vanilla flavor. I sent her the packets and she was ready to sign up. Then the newest fitness program T25 by Mr. Shaun T himself sparked her interest. She purchased and decided to join my exclusive Find your focus: T25 challenge group. Seven weeks in and she is still going strong!!

 

Check out Cindy's success Story:
 
"When Alyssa contacted me over a week ago to share my story I was honored! The days have continued to pass (over a week now) and I just couldn't fid the words. Here is my story...

I am 52 years old and extremely active even before I started with Shakeology as the T-25 Challenge Group. Many years ago I developed several health issues led me to Alternative medicine and a healthy lifestyle. I have been eating healthy, exercising, and meditating daily for approximately 15 years.

Before this challenge my daily exercise routine was either walking, hiking, or heading to the gym to use the treadmill and weight training. Weekends consisted of mountain bike rides or snowshoeing with my husband depending on the season. I felt fit (I thought) and in good health. It has been hard to maintain, or even come close, to my ideal weight...things had begun to just "hang" around. When I finally decided to sign up for the challenge group I was HOPING for a total weight loss of 5-7 pounds and to firm up my entire body, even just a little bit! Washboard abs would be icing on the cake! In the back of my mind though I wasn't expecting much because of my normal way of life...if I didn't have all this now how could T-25 and Shakeology possibly help, well it HAS! 

     


   Now for the good stuff .... the awesome T-25 challenge! Once I commit, I commit. I knew I would give 110% and hope that my goals of a few pounds and some toning would come to fruition! By the end of last week (week 6) I have lost 10 pounds, yes ... 10 pounds!!! My body is toning up and the strength in my core and legs is 10-fold!!! I have more energy, more stamina, more stability, more flexibility and an overall on-top-of-the-world feeling like I have never felt before.

           

  The shakes, the 5-6 small meals a day, the T-25 workouts, well it is all FABULOUS! I can’t wait for the next morning to come so I can push play and workout with Shaun-T for those fantastic, energizing 25 minutes. When the workouts are over I feel like I have just reached the moon!!! I am on Cloud 9 and ready to tackle anything that comes my way. I was always a positive person but now it is much more than that....words can’t even come close to describing my new-found attitude and outlook on life. I can’t wait to see myself by the end of week 10. I am sure I will have the results I only dreamed about before this challenge!!!!

    If you are reading this and have been contemplating if you should become a participant in Alyssa’s challenge group ... don’t debate it any longer! Sign up and I promise you ... you WILL be amazed to see where this journey takes you! You will feel empowered and alive like never before. Take it from me someone who thought she was fit but moaned and groaned on Day 1 like never before while working out at home. I have worked out with many DVDs through the years but nothing compares to these workouts and these results!"

These are Cindy's EXACT words when I asked her to write her story for me. She has been such an amazing challenger and dear friend who lives thousands of miles away, but I feel like I have known her forever! Her hard work and dedication alone has brough her to where she is today. She is already super active and to top it off she is working out every single morning with T-25, drinking shakeology once a day, clean eating, & checking in with the challenge group always being upbeat and positive. She is a cheerleader you want on your side!

I could not be anymore proud of you!!!

Were you inspired by Cindy's story that you want to be the next T-25 transformation? Contact me today to be a part of my next Challenge Group. Accountability, Support, Motivation, Clean Eating and Shakeology! This is all done from the comfort of your own home with a support system that is strictly online!

                                                Email Me!


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Time management


WHERE DOES THE TIME GO??

Lately, I have been getting a lot of questions about how do I manage my time. How do I feel like there are enough hours in the day. Or even how do you juggle every single thing you have going on in your life? 

The answer? Time Management with a to-do list

Ever hear of a to-do list? Of course you have. We all "try" to use one but you have to ask yourself..are you truly using it right and giving 100% perfect effort on each task, just one task at a time? Is there a certain time of the day where you make your list, every single day, at the same time? Probably not.

If you are anything like me, I really struggled with time management. I always felt like I had a million things to do, but there was never enough time to get it all done.  I always felt like this !

Looking for Time

Is this you? Do you feel this way?

I use to have a million things to do. I would find myself starting one task, then it would either get to hard or I'd get distracted. I would go on Facebook or any social media site and just surf. I wasn't doing anything but wasting precious time. I would have half a task complete, take a break, and start another. (Setting a lightbulb off for some people?) I would also, start something get a little tired and lay down to rest/take a nap. Or, I would say well my shows are on so after they are over. These are just some of the excuses I would give myself.

You can't give yourself excuses and expect to have everything done. You can't multi-task and expect it to be perfect. Don't anticipate getting distracted and having all the time in the world.

Truth is everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. But it is how we use those hours that makes us feel accomplished.

So, how do I balance taking care of my health, working full time, aworking a beachbody biz, spending time with family/friends/boyfriend, taking care of my kitty (Dexter), & whatever gets thrown my way. (I know it seems like a lot)

This is where my to do list comes in and lots of sacrificing comes in.

First, I want you to take out a sheet of paper and start fresh on a new day. So if the day is almost over start tomorrow. Write down everything that you do throughout the day w/ how much time you spend on each. From the time you wake up until bed. This is really going to help us learn where your time is going and where you need to cut back.

1. Make a To-do list: you have to start somewhere. Find a time that works for you. I tend to write my list right before bed. That way when I wake up in the morning it is staring at me in the face. If you know you have a dinner date with your significant other write that down too with a time that way you know nothing else can happen.

2. Set specific times to go with list: so when I write out my list I start from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. What hour I will be awake and so forth. Giving yourself a specific time really puts it into perspective that you really don't have time to do something else. I write down from 6:30 am- 5 pm working full time job. This includes the commute to and from plus the eight hour work day. And during that time I give 100% focus.

3. Make sacrifices: since you only have 24 hours in the day you really need to talk to yourself and see where all your time is going. (This goes back to the exercise I asked you to do right before giving my tips) So, take your list and really look at how you are spending your day. Are you truly giving each task 100% effort? Or are you seeing yourself taking breaks to check Facebook  or watch your tv shows? Be honest because this is going to help you. If you are finding you are spending more time on social media sites, watching tv, taking naps, whatever you do on a daily basis- it's time to kick yourself in the butt and give something up. I don't mean you can never do these things again, but you are gonna have to give it up for a bit. Or write it on your to do list,"once I finish my first to-do I give myself 20 minutes to do ----(fill in the blank) but I suggest just getting your list done and out of the way, that way once it's done the day is yours. Get up early, go to bed later, do what you need to do, to get the job done.

4. Have self discipline: I know this one is hard. And I really struggled with this and most people might. But once you figure out how to tackle this all the above will become habit and so much easier. Remind yourself everything you have to do that day. Look at your list, make copies & have it somewhere you'll always see, set alarm reminders to yourself to check you progress, tell someone to hold you accountable. Whatever you have to do just do it because this is going to help you stay on track.

5. Check mark when you complete a task: once you complete a task make sure you cross off, check mark, (anything you want) that task. I can not tell you have much relief and how much better I feel knowing I have one less task to complete.

So for me every night before bed I wrote my to do list. It helps me think clearly and makes me feel a little better knowing I am going to bed but starting my day brand new. Some people may like to wake up first thing in the am with a clear head and say , "okay what do I have to do today?" Whatever is going to work best for you. You know how your life is and the best way to handle it.

But that also means you can spend hours on social media sites like Pinterest just pinning random boards, or Facebook just watching your news feed not really doing anything, or watching endless hours of tv/favorite tv shows. They made DVR & on demand for a reason. Believe me when I say it, I use to be like this and now I barely ever watch my shows when they are scheduled. I always watch then on repeat and it's usually three weeks later so I have a bunch of episodes to watch. And if I do watch a scheduled show its on my list and make sure everything is done before then!

Like I said before, everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. BUT it is how we use those hours that makes the difference.

Try these tips out and let me know what works and doesn't work for you. And if something doesn't work and added something let me know so I can try it out!

Hope this helps!!! xoxo

 


Sunday, August 18, 2013


Clean Eating: No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls


 
 
I found this recipe on Pinterest and insantly fell in love! I am a peanut butter girl at heart. So anything with peanut butter has my heart.
 


Ingredients:
-3/4 cup old fashioned oats
-1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
-1/4 cup organic unsweetened shredded coconut-toasted
-6 medjoor dates- pitted
-2 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
-2 tablespoon cacao nibs
-1 tablespoon chia seeds

I'm simple so just the fashion oats, natural pb, and a touch of honey will be used to make mine!

Directions:
-In food processor, add dates and pulse until dates form a ball.
-Add dates and the rest of the ingredients to a medium bowl.
-With hands, throughly mix.
-With a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon, pack mixture into spoon and level (you want the mixture to be firm in the spoon.)
-Gently turn spoon over onto parchment paper so ball falls on, continue making all balls.
-Place in an airtight container storing in fridge.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size- 1 ball; Cals- 70; Fat- 4; Sat Fat- 1; Unsat Fat- 1;Trans Fat- 0; Carbs- 8; Sugar- 4; Sodium- 17; Fiber- 2; Protein- 2; Chol- 0


Tuesday, August 13, 2013


A friendly "couples" competition

Boy/Girl Challenge
 

Who doesn't love a friendly competition?? I am so excited to announce my next challenge group on August 26th.

It will be a battle between couples. And, I don't just mean boyfriend/girlfriends. This challenge group for any male or female looking to get in shape, tone up, lose weight, or whatever your goals may be. You just have to have a 'partner' along side of you. Choose anyone you want to join. Boyfriend/Girlfriend, Spouse, Best Friend, Family member, Next door neighbor and the list goes on. We all know at least one person right!?!

So here is what you do. Go out and search for your partner TODAY!

Once you do that send me a message via e-mail or facebook.

Next, we decide which program is right for you both. You can both choose one program you can do together or you have the option to each pick a program.

Then, place your order and get ready to go! 

  
                     
         
                                                     Bring it
 
There are just a few requirements when participating in the challenge group:
 
1. You and your partner must both have a Free Membership with me as your coach. If you already have a membership, I will take you through the steps to switch over.
 
2. You must be doing a Beachbody Program and drinking Shakeology once a day. You will get the best deal by purchasing a Challenge Pack. There are a TON of challenge packs on sale for the month of August! (Turbofire, BodyBeast, T25, Hip Hop Abs, Slim in 6, & Body Gospel.) If you already have a beachbody program you will need to purchase Shakeology HD just for the challenge and you can choose to cancel once it is closer to the end of the 30 days. I will always tell you when your autoship is ready to be sent out. This will save for $15 in shipping vs. purchasing a one time order.
 
3. Wait for your package to arrive, read over the program/nutrition guide. Get Excited!!!!
 
4. Be an active member & post daily in the closed facebook group.
 
5. Track your results and progress
 
6. HAVE FUN!!!
 
Oh, and I may have forgot to mention the "couple" who has the BEST transformation/weight loss/inches lost out of the whole group wins a prize!!
 
Let the challenge begin!!!
 
 

Monday, August 12, 2013


       It's the FINAL countdown!!
                Week 9-LMC

Well this is it all you followers of mine. The last week of Les Mills Combat was completed on Thursday. I finished the program!!!!

Dont you ever feel accomplished? Or get the feeling of gratitude that you checked something off your to do list? I know I do- and I am giving myself a BIG FAT check mark. 

Yes this was my second go around, but what I didn't tell you from the beginning was I never completed my first round of Combat. I actually stopped at week 6 be aide it just couldn't hold my interest. I loved what it was doing to my body, but for the life of me I couldn't get up early of I didn't love the program. 

I can't really say what made me to decide to do this program from start to finish again...maybe it was the free t-shirt you receive when submitting your results. (who knows) but whatever it was. I finished! I had some health setbacks but I never missed a day. If I did I started the whole week over. Talk about dedication. 

Week 9 Schedule:
Monday-Combat 60 LIVE
Tuesday-Hiit:Power & Innerwarrior
Wednesday-Combat 45
Thursday-Hiit:Plyo & Core Attack

The one thing I struggled with this time around I will say was my eating. Well not my eating , my snacking. I did so good every single day, even at dinner, but the after hours crept in and got the best of me. So my results are so so and I know I could have had better. But, you learn from your mistakes ...right?

So onward and upward we go.    

My overall experience with LMC, this time around. If you like kick boxing/martial arts this is for you. I like that there are six different types of martial arts in this program and that you simply don't focus on just one each day. Everyday you are doing all of them combined in different tracks. I love the punching and the kicking because its made me feel like a fighter. This program really makes you focus on each time you punch or kick-it focus on form and how to because of you aren't doing it the right way you could end up hurting yourself or you will not see the same results. They tell you to really use your abs to get those insane results. Another positive I have toned up my body everywhere. I have arm muscles, shoulder muscles, and my abs are starting to show (they are a work in progress). 

I was defiantly more engaged in the program this time than last, but the one thing I would have likes to see with this is a little more. It was all kicking and punching with a little cardio thrown in but I would have liked to see more. Maybe I just expected to much. You get a great workout as I was sweating during each program, but for me it was a little too slow. And never in a million years did I think I would say that. I use to hate fast paced high intensity cardio...and now I just can't shake it!

If you are looking for a program you can tone up and lean out and love to kickbox. This program is for you! Have questions or would like to know some more information? Add me on Facebook or e-mail me and I'd be glad to help! xoxo    

Wednesday, August 7, 2013


NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TKO!!!

Do what you love
 
I have officially opened up enrollment for my September 9th Coach Apprenticeship. I have 5 spots open to teach, guide, and help you or any who are interested in learning & creating a business as a Beachbody Coach. Do you want a new opportunity? Will you join today?
 
Are you ready to get rid of your average excuse.
 
Do you want to....
*earn a little extra spending cash
*save for future vacations
*work from home
*pay off debt
*quit your 9-5 job
*set aside money for your future
*stay accountable with your fitness goals
*help others reach their health & fitness goals
*receive a 25% discount on all future purchases
*DREAM BIG
 
If you are saying yes to any of these or have one that fits your needs this is for YOU! I am going to be mentoring 5 individuals who would like to have financial freedom or make an impact in other peoples lives. The spots are open now, but won't be here forever. September 9th starts a whole new journey.
 
Do you have question or want to know a little more about this opportunity? Send me an e-mail and I would be happy to answer anything: alyssayourish@gmail.com
OR
Apply Now!




 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013


Les Mills Combat Update: Week 8

The last full week of combat has flown by and now we are off to starting Week 9, which is til Thursday and it is time for me to choose another program.

Weekly Schedule:
Monday-Combat 45
Tuesday-Hiit Plyo & Core Attack
Wednesday-Combat 60 LIVE
Thursday-Hiit Power & Inner Warrior
Friday-Combat 45
Saturday-Hiit Plyo & Core Attack

 
This week workout wise went well. I worked out everyday I was scheduled. I really focused on my form and pushing myself just a little bit longer, the extra mile. I decided that I was going to go full force from the beginning with every track. If I needed to go lighter or stop for a water break then I would give myself one, but I know if I want the results I have to go strong. I really focused 100% of my mind on my workouts as well. When I was working out nothing else mattered. I cleared my mind and solely focused for thirty to sixty minutes. You know you push yourself hard when you are dripping sweat from head to toe.
                                                 The aftermath of a Combat Workout
 
Not only am I doing Les Mills Combat, but a couple coaches and myself decide to do a free challenge/accountability group for the month of August called:
Squat Challenge
 
For the whole month of August everyday you do squats and each day you up the number by 5. WOAH baby, let me just tell you. These puppies give me a run for my money it is unbelieveable. We started out at 50 and we are now up to 75. My legs are on fire and they feel like jello. I was walking up the steps today going into work and I literally was moving so very slow because my legs were so sore, but I know it is working and if my challengers are sticking with it so am I! Want a little accountability and just want to have some fun why not? Here are the numbers we will be doing each day up until August 31st...
 

Think you can handle a little squat challenge with us?? If you want to join send me a message on Facebook so we can add you into our accountability group we have! 

Now lets talk about the nutrition part...dun dun dun. Truth: I did not eat 100% clean all week. I had a plan but could not stick to it. I packed my lunch for work every single day, whether it was tuna, salads, a shake etc. Snacks were rice cakes, apples w/coco roasted almonds, or veggies & hummus. So I actually did great during the day... 

And thennnnnnn I would get home from work and I would be starving. I was craving chocolate, cookies, chips, anything I shouldn't have I was thinking about. BLAH! What was wrong with me? I had a healthy dinner though - I was just being a picker. And I would take a bite of something and say to myself, now why did you just do that.

I will tell you why. Because I am human. I slipped up and went against my planning but it happened. Sometimes we make mistakes and we mindless snack while in the kitchen. Am I going to beat myself up over it? Well...no i mean I'm a little disappointed that I let myself do that but you learn for next time.  Because even though I have been kicking butt in my workouts, diet is key.
 You come up with a stricter plan to do better next week. And I intend to do so, I have 4 workouts left with Les Mills and ill be a graduate!

Need help staying on track? Sticking to a plan? Lets chat! XOXO

Saturday, August 3, 2013


Guiltless Chicken Parmesan

 It was a special day in my books because my boyfriend had a Friday night off for once and he rarely ever does. So I got the idea of having a date night in. We decided to cook dinner together, relax, and just enjoy the night. 

All day at work I just couldn't decide what we should make and then when in doubt Italian! I love pasta and I would eat it everyday if I could. So I have something for you, if you're an Italian lover like me!

Ingredients:
-olive oil cooking spray
-2 tsp dried orengano, divided(1tsp for sauce)
-1/2 cup whole-wheat panko bread crumbs
-1 tbsp reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, grated
-1/2 tsp dried thyme
-1/4 sea salt
-1/4 ground black pepper
-4 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to 1-inch thickness
-1 tbsp Dijon mustard
-8 oz cooked whole-wheat penne(or your favorite) 

Directions:
-preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
-in shallow dish, combine panko, Parmesan, remaining 1 tsp oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix with fork to combine. Brush both sides of each chicken breat with Dijon. Transfer each breast to panko mixture and turn to coat both sides. Arrange chicken on prepared baking sheet. Coat surface of chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes. 
                                         Bread Crumb Mixture
 
-top each chicken breast with 2 to 3 tbsp sauce and 2 tbsp mozzarella. Return chicken to oven and bake 10 minutes more, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.


       Prepping & Cooking in the kitchen.

- arrange pasta on a serving plate and top with remaining tomato sauce. Serve chicken with pasta on the side. And enjoy! We added a side of green beans for veggies!


                Yummy Goodness


We didn't make our own sauce as they gave us instructions for, we bought an organic Italian herb sauce. But if you'd like to make the sauce...

Ingredients:
-2 tsp olive oil
-1/2 cup onions, diced
-1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
-2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 tsp oregano
-1 28-oz jar crushed organic tomatoes
-1 tsp sun-dried tomato paste or organic tomato paste
-1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions:
-heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add 1 tsp oregano and stir to coat. Cook 30 seconds, until oregano is fragrant. Add tomatoes and tomato paste and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer 20 to 30 minutes.