Skinny Taco Dip

Cause everyone loves a little Mexican in their life. Tomorrow we are having a little celebration for the Pittsburgh Pirates being in the wild card playoff game tomorrow. They haven't been in the playoffs in years. I wanted to make something simple and not complicated.

Taco Dip


Ingredients:
*8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia cream cheese
*8 oz reduced fat sour cream (swap sour cream and use Greek yogurt for less calories).
*16 oz jar mild salsa
*1/2 packet taco seasoning
*2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded fine
*2 large tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
*1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
*2.25 oz sliced black olives

Directions:
*In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning and mix well with an electric mixer. Spread on the bottom of a glass pan (or throw away container). Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and black olives. Served with baked tortilla chips

Nutritional Content:
*Servings: 24 *Serving Size: 1/24th of dip *Calories: 59.2 *Fat: 3.6g *Protein: 2.2g *Carb: 4.7g *Fiber: 0.6g

Compare to an ant

Before you get to judging (even though I know you already know you are) just hear me out. I am outside sitting with Dexter this morning just  listening to the birds singing, the wind blowing, collecting my thoughts, and reflecting on this past week. So much has happened over these last few months, that sometimes you just need to sit down and take a moment for yourself.

As we were sitting on the front steps watching the world on this gorgeous fall day I noticed a tiny ant out of the corner of my eye. And I noticed he was carrying or trying to carry this stick. Which mind you of course is more than half it's size. I am not kidding when I say I was just starring at him carrying this stick, because he is a very tiny ant. As I watch him I notice he is struggling. The stick falls, he stops for a moment, changes his position, and goes again. He gets it half way up and is trying to pull it up and it falls. He moves to a different position and tries again. And so on and so forth til Dexter and I walked in the back yard.

Take it one step at a time

The ONE thing I realized while watching him. Is that he NEVER GIVES UP!!!! This tiny creature has every odd stacked up against him to succeed. 

Why??

Because he is tiny. The stick is more than half his size. And to him that sick is heavy. How could he ever do it. But watching him puts it all into perspective. If he doesn't give up why should we? 


There has been something in every ones life that they have really wanted and then failed so they have just thrown in the towel and given up...correct? But why do we just give up. When things get difficult why do we automatically just put our hands up and say that's enough, no more. Is it because when things get tough we just do not want to go any further. We don't believe in ourselves 100% that we can do. We give ourselves all the reasons WHY we  can not do it. Why don't we stop giving ourselves all the reasons why we can fail and we can't do it. And start telling ourselves we CAN do it. Talking to ourselves with positive thoughts.

When the going gets tough...why quit?

Why not stick with what you started. You obviously wanted it at one point because you tried it. But don't give up. 

When the going gets tough...keep on going.  If at first you don't succeed try and try again until you do. Think of the ant before you decide to quit.  Think of how determined he was. Every time he dropped the stick, he stopped to think about his next plan of attack. How he could figure out how to bring it over the hump. 

 

Remember why you started, when it gets too tough don't quit. That's the first natural instinct for everyone is to get frustrated and quit. But if you always stop what you start you are never going to get anywhere. Consistency is key. Keep trying. If it doesn't work the first time, stop, evaluate where you are, and think about how you can change it, and go for it. Don't give up ever! Try and try again until you get to the finish line. You will get there. It may not work the first time around. And you may not be going down the path you thought, but it's okay to go off path. As long as you get to where you want to be. Don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself the credit you deserve!!!

MyHealth- less stress

I want to first start off with by saying HAPPY THURSDAY! 

Next, this post has NOTHING to do with beachbody, tips, promos, recipes, etc. 

I wanted to share with you a program I am going through right now with my work. This wasn't a mandatory class, it was optional. But I decided to take it to see what it could offer. Let's be honest. Who doesn't feel overwhelmed sometimes? Angered with road rage? Get so flustered you could cry? I will be the first one to tell you, that this is me. So this class is perfect. 

                       

                   

So for the next six week health coaches will be coming to my office building for the first time ever group setting of teaching us how to deal with stress, techniques to try, and exercises. They have taught this stress class before, but it has all be done through one on one phone calls. It will be interesting to see how the in class group goes. We are like the guinea pigs. 

Every Thursday from 12-1 we meet. We were given a workbook and each week we have to complete it for next weeks class. This is a class designed to see what causes you to stress out, how to cope with it, what works & doesn't work for you, and what other people have tried. Because it's nice to hear other peoples opinions. 

Today, was just orientation but I can already tell that this class is going to be great and filled with LOTS of information!!!!

The reason for this blog post you may ask?? Because we did a deep breathing technique before class ended. We had to rate ourselves on a scale of 1-7 (one being not stressed; seven being beyond stressed) and then describe a little how we were feeling or what was bothering you. Next, we uncrossed arms/legs, closed our eyes and did the exercise. After we were told to open our eyes we had to write a "post" technique number down and our feelings. Everyone's number dramatically dropped down ad everyone was feeling super relaxed. 

But anyways, I was thinking to myself after the exercise. If I felt so relaxed that all the thoughts in my mind before this technique were now GONE, this really worked! And it is possible to relieve some stress! If I could feel like this, than I am sure there are many people who would like feel like this. 

I decided to track my journey and keep a journal about it. That way if people want follow along they can. I can't talk about everyone's experiences, but I can talk about mine, give you the beneficial tips, the techniques to try, etc. Some dont get opportunities like this at work,but I'm really glad we do have it. Stress is a big thing out in the world today that really puts a damper on our health. 

Feel free to follow my stress less journey!! And even participate along with me.  I will post every Thursday night on what I felt was useful, not useful, and my own opinion!! If you have any questions feel free to email me

Hope your day was a great!!!! 

 

Weekly Update: Week 3 T-25

Plank Taps

Weekly Schedule :

Monday- Total Body Circuit
Tuesday- Speed 1.0
Wednesday- Lower Focus
Thursday- Cardio
Friday- Total Body Circuit & Ab Intervals

Ahhhhh! Another week has come and gone. Can you believe it? I know I can't. It seems like I just started this program, and it is flying by. The whole month of September is flying by and soon another month will have come and gone. Time flies by way too fast, it is gone in a blink of the eye.

 

 

I really loved working out this week. I know you are probably thinking about is that possible when last week was just an EPIC fail and I was just struggling all over the place. But I went into week 3 with a positive mindset. I have been getting up each day, looking at myself in the mirror and saying just go further than you did before. Do one extra push-up or burpee and you have made progress. So that is exactly what I did.

 

 So, total body circuit is something I just have not been able to like, because it is not just one particular body area you are working. You are working every single part, from top to bottom- in twenty-five minutes (can you imagine how intense)?? Lunges have never been a friend of mine and there are some MAJOR lunges. Short lunges, deeper lunges, pulse lunges, and then you hold your lunge without pulsing. Talk about a BURN!!  Next on the list are oblique push-ups. Where has my muscle strength gone. I feel so weak when it comes to these, but I start on my feet for rep #1 and then drop to my knees when I have too. (Hey, I am a work in progress). A positive from last week, is I did a TON better with spider push-ups. (pat on the back for me).

 

I have not stepped on the scale since starting my journey. I don't want to, because sometimes the scale tends to get in our minds. But I can tell you that since starting, I feel lighter, no bloating, and overall better!!

 

 

Speed 1.0 remember when I said I wasn't an athlete, well I really am not. But I can say I decided to focus on my speed with my feet over mastering the moves perfect with both hands & feet. If I tried to focus on both I would end up thinking too much and trip over my feet. My cross jacks got a little bit better, but then my squat-thrust crossovers I just couldn't keep up with the fast pace as Shaun T was doing. This burnout was particularly longer than any other burnout. Nine minutes TOTAL. When I say there are no breaks there are NO breaks.

 

An important part of a workout routine is your nutrition. It makes it easier each week to succeed if you sit down and plan out your meals. This gives you any excuse to fall off plan. If you follow your meal plan you are giving yourself no reason but to succeed. Sit down and plan all your meals out for the week. Once you do that make your list and head to go food shopping. When you get home prep all your food. Cut up fruits and veggies, cook off your chicken, put your snacks in portioned baggies so it is just a grab and go. Have food with you in your car in case you get stuck at work late one night or even in traffic. Set yourself up for success, don't set yourself up to fail!

 

 

 

Try new recipes. Look for your favorite "unhealthy" recipe and look for a healthier version. Usually it is only one simple ingredient. For example, most people mix tuna fish with mayo. Instead of using mayo next time you make your tuna fish swap it out for plain Greek yogurt. Half the calories, but still tastes just as good.

 

 

Are you  struggling with creating your own meal plans and are looking for a Beachbody Fitness Program to get you back on track - Let's have a conversation. I would love to help you during your own personal journey. We all have been there at some point or another! Sometimes we just need a little help getting back on track! Slowly incorporating clean eating and healthy habits daily have helped me succeed to where I am today. If you are looking to find a program and create your own meal plan message me and I will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss everything with you and your goals you have in mind.

 

Greek Dressing

(Makes 8 servings, about 2 Tbsp. each)

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt

1 tsp. herbal seasoning blend

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

 

Directions:

Place oil, red wine and balsamic vinegars, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, mustard, salt, seasoning blend, and parsley in a blender or food processor, in 2 or more batches, if necessary; cover with lid. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate dressing if not using immediately. If dressing solidifies when cold, hold at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir before serving.

 

Now tell me how that tastes ;)

 





Green Beans with Lemon:

(Makes 1 serving)

 

*8 oz. green beans, ends trimmed

 

*1 cup water

 

*1 1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

 

*1 1/2 fresh lemon juice

 

*1/4 tsp. finely grated lemon peel

 

*Himalayan salt(to taste;optional)

 

Place green beans and water in medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil;cook, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender-crisp. Remove from heat. Drain. Combine green beans, oil, lemon juice, and grated peel in small bowl; mix well. Season with salt and seasoning blend if desired.

 

 

Simple & Easy with a little flavoring.

 

 



Zucchini Cheese Bites:

A fellow coach posted this recipe on their wall and I just had to try it out and share. I love zucchini, you can make so many different recipes with them. 

What you need:

* 2 cups zucchini (grated)

* 1 egg 

* 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 

* (optional) 1/4 chopped cilantro, salt, & pepper 

What to do:

* Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

* Spray a muffin  pan with non stick cooking spray 

* In a bowl mix: zucchini, egg, cheese together

* Evenly divide mixture into the pan filling to the top; packed down in each cup.

* Bake 15-18 minutes til they are golden brown around edges. 

Kitty life

Do you have a best friend? And by best friend I mean a pet. Any kind of pet in the world. Someone who has become part of the family? You just can't wait to play with them, get home to them after work, cuddle with them, and sleep with them.

Well I have one of those and he just melts my heart every single day! 

                   

                              Dexter Sleeping Away

I have had him for almost a year now. And even though I have NEVER and I mean never been a cat person, he stole my heart from day one. When I use to think of cats- I always thought they were mean, they hissed at you, and even hid every time you came into the room. Dexter is the EXACT opposite. 100% HANDS DOWN!!! 

But did you ever wonder what in the heck does your pet do all day while you are gone? It may sound weird but I really do think about it all the time. Sometimes I want to put a camera in the house so I can watch him but I know I'm crazy right? This topic came up as Dex and I were outside he was just sitting on the steps watching the birdies and I was sitting there watching him, trying to come up with my next blog post, and then I thought up this. I mean I probably could have came up with a better one, but I am sure there are a ton of people who think the same thing. 

So what do they do? Truthfully I have never seen a cat sleep so much in my life more than this kitty. But that's what they do!

So our day starts at about 4:30 am for my workout and the little guy loves hanging out with me while I do that. Then we go up and get some treats and he goes off on his own to either play/sleep while I'm showering. Then when it's time to leave around 6:15, it's breakfast time for him and were off. 

Empty space in between. What does he do from then til about 3:20 at the latest when my dad comes home....

I honestly think once we leave he probably jumps for joy because he has the house to himself and no one bothers him. 

 

 

 

Then he goes back to sleep right after his party for a few good hours. 

 

Wakes up, cleans himself, stretches, goes to eat a little food, take a drink of water, and uses the bathroom. 

Maybe plays with his toys for a little. (He is the easiest cat to buy for. All you have to do is go shopping and give him your empty bag or water bottle caps and he come do that for hours!)

 

And does it all over again. 

 

Until about 3ish, he knows my dad will be coming home soon so he tends to wait for him, because he knows he'll get to go outside. He plops down right at my dads feet to get his belly rubbed as he is meowing, and then runs right up to the front door to go out. Not even giving my dad a full minute or two of being home. (and yes I'm sure everyone is thinking well why doesn't he just let him out?) truth is we don't have much of a wooded area, there are dogs out everywhere, and I just don't want him lost) so we have him on a leash. 

Sounds crazy? 

Probably, but that's truly okay because I know he's not lost and he's safe and sound.

My dad takes him outside until Mom & I get home from work after 5. He comes in, I have him his wet food for dinner. And it never fails, as soon as he is done, he runs right over to that door and starts meowing to go back outside. Now, that I have decided to let him go outside he never wants to come in. And he won't unless you pick him up and take him or its raining. 

He chases moths, butterflies, flies. He watches the birds to try and catch them but he's too slow. And recently he has been having a running war with chipmunks. He spots one before anyone else does and just bolts. If you aren't paying attention get ready to run because he will drag you. 

This one time he spotted one and it ran under our pool heater. I swear Dexter was there for at least a half an hour trying to catch him. He would put his paws under one side and the chippy would go closer to the other side and back and forth. The chip even was throwing those little red berries to get him away. But it didn't work. Dex must have touched him because that chippy came and we went flying across the yard. 

 

We come back in. He goes straight to his food/water bowl. Plops down after eating. Cleans himself. And then falls asleep. It is literally no more than five minutes and he is up and moving around. Ready to play, but mostly waiting for that person to take him outside. He probably goes outside now til about almost nine pm and is still wanting to be outside. I'll tell you if we let him choose when he wanted to come in we would be sleeping outside.

 

We go get his bed time treats, and if he can't be outside he will be awake as ever running up and down the halls, trying to chase you, bite your feet, or playing with his water bottle cap. Usually, when I lay down to go to sleep he comes in and gets ready to sleep on his Pitt blanket. Yes, of course he sleeps in my bed with me.

 

Momma's Boy

 

I'm not really sure where this blog topic was going, but I was really in deep thought on what my kitty does on a typical day. I mean think about it, they are home all day by themselves. No interaction, no one to play with. What else can they do.

 

A day in the life of a household pet.....

 

Sleep. Eat. Play. Repeat.

 

Tough life they have huh?

 

 

 Banana Ice Cream

Who doesn't love ice cream every once in awhile as a treat. I know I do, but I have to eat lactose free. So when a fellow friend posted this I knew I had to try! 

All you need is : 

Bananas

Blender/Food Processor 

Other options: 

Any another toppings you may want to mix in for flavor. 

Directions: 

1. Peel & Slice Banana

2. Put in freezer for an hour or so

3. Put frozen slices in food processor 

4. Pulse/blend til it goes from crumbs to creamy/smooth (or however you like it)

5. Mix in your "extra" ingredients. (This is where I'll put in a scoop of shakeology & all natural peanut butter)

6. ENJOY your guilt free treat!

 

Pinto Beans and Rice

Simple but easy. Does not take long to prep and cook. And I have to say this was my comfort food while on the Ultimate Reset.

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup  canned pinto beans, with liquird
-1 cup cooked brown rice
-1 tsp.  extra-virgin olive oil
-1 tsp. ground smoked paprika
-1 dash of ground cumin
-1/4 tsp. ground coriander
-1 tsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos
-Himalayan salt (to taste; optional)


Directions:

Heat beans in medium saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until hot. Drain. Add oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, bragg liquid aminos, and salt if desired; mix well. Gently fold beans into warm cooked rice.

Weekly Update: Week 2 T-25

It is that time again. Time for another weekly update and status on how week #2 went. I can't say it enough this program is AmAzZzZiNg and Shaun T I gotta hand it to you buddy you are a GENIUS! I mean seriously twenty-five minute workouts for five days a week (minus Friday because it is double days) but you can choose to break those up if you need and do one of those at night or Saturday am. Don't think you get the same effect in twenty-five minutes as you can in an hour? Try it, I promise you will. You just FOCUS for twenty-five minutes, and from the time you start you are burning calories & working muscles.

Cat lady Problems

So what did my week two schedule look like? It goes a little something like this.

Monday- Cardio
Tuesday- Total Body Circuit
Wednesday- Speed 1.0
Thursday- Cardio
Friday- Lower Focus & Ab Intervals

There are things I like and don't like (yet) about this program. It is still new and I am still trying to adjust to the fast pace moves. But there is a modifier you still can follow. So here we go....

Monday was a new week, I was ready to go and super excited because I am in love with this program. Cardio was never my thing but I have learned to love it. The one thing I can say I am struggling with right now is spider walk push-ups. My muscle strength is just not all that great so push-ups, I am at a little bit of a disadvantage. Spider walks just seem crazy to me. I mean who cones up with this stuff. Put those two together and you should see me. I have to say it would be a bit commical. I am grunting everytime I start to spider walk and trying to push-up together. I know it is physically possible and I just keep telling myself start with one and then modify. And then next week add one more to the list. Every day try and try again, never give up. It is not about perfection just progress.

Strive for progress

Tuesday I am not sure which is worse for me total body circuit or speed 1.0 but we will get to speed in a second. My intake of TBC right now is I am not quite sure. This burnout phase is my LEAST favorite. It really KILLS me. My muscles really feel knotted and tight when I do this. Almost like I could get a charlie horse at any moment.  You are working every body muscle with this phase and I know I am building my body muscles back up, while working muscles that are so very weak from not using then everyday. I can only hope TBC and I will be friends after this phase.

Oh man Speed 1.0 I just need to video camera myself don't this because you guys will get a HUGE laugh at this. I even laugh at myself because I know I look so goofy. I have always been a go at your own pace kinda gal. Never the fast athletic type, so this workout I would compare it too fast paced athletic training. I am constantly tripping over my feet because you have to move your arms a certain way with each move. So I try really hard to concentrate getting the moves perfect before I speed it up. Then I end up thinking too much, trip over my feet as I am getting all screwed up. Since I struggle with the workout, during the burnout phase I said I was going to push myself to make up for my lack of coordination but it turns out I pushed myself one step too hard. After that workout I was on the ground gasping for air & chugging water.

Thursday rolled around for Cardio day #2. I was just not all there mentally.  For some reason I was not all with it. I literally rolled out of bed with my bed head hair, put on my bright colorful clothes hoping I would get going. Usually after the warm up is complete I am ready to go. My blood is flowing and my excitement is going.

Bed Head, Crazy Color Short/Shoes

Who doesn't love to workout without having to worry about getting up and getting ready. Worrying about if your clothes match and waiting in line for machines. I know I love getting up, just heading to my basement, and the only worry in the world is which workout you are going to do.  

Hard work & dedication

Fridays' are DOUBLE DAYS. Two twenty-five minute workouts back to back. It gives you a jump start to the weekend.  It is nice because then you have Saturday and Sunday as your rest days. It is tough at first because these workouts are built for intensity and insane results. It was a long week so I was extremely exhausted come Friday, so I somewhat debated getting up and doing both workouts or splitting them out. But, I kept saying to myself if you want the results you have to work for them. They are not just going to be handed to you.


Another Week is down and over. I can't believe we are heading into Week #3. Almost half way done with Alpha. Check back for my week 3 updates and progress. Off to go get some great meal plan ideas.

If you have questions about FOCUS T-25 I would be glad to answer them. Or want to be apart of my next online accountability group just message me it starts September 23rd. Have a fantastic week everyone!!!

Hot September Deal

So another month has come and is gone already can you believe it?Summertime is over (insert sad face) , even though it wasn't the best summer weather wise. It's time to pack up the swimsuits, shorts, & tanks- cover up the pool and put away the summer furniture til next year. Which only means it is time to pull out the sweatpants, hoodies, scarves, and boots. Because before we know it the cold weather will be soon approaching. But just because you don't have to sport you bikini bod anymore does that mean you put it on hold?? 

Summer, Sunshine, Waves, Beach

NO! This just means you have some more time to get in tip top shape for next time around! This isn't just a fad diet and your health shouldn't be hung up in storage too. This is a lifestyle change with no diet required. Just a little clean eating, workout program, and an accountability group. NO GYM REQUIRED! I have something even better. What about a home gym class brought to you? Something that is fun, upbeat, keeps you engaged, dance workout to work those stubborn abs, sculpt & tone, while losing weight? What is I told you that you could get this deal TIMES TWO!?!!

Beachbody has been throwing out some pretty sweet monthly deals. And since holidays will be fast approaching and everyone is starting to save that money they wanted to offer an affordable program that meets your needs EXACTLY! 

LOVE when Beachbody not only provides you with programs, but the challenge pack. A challenge pack includes your entire fitness program, 30 day supply of Shakeology (flavor of your choice), free shipping, a discounted price, and support from a coach and others who are working from home as well. 

**you also get an EXCLUSIVE spot in my challenge group- September 23rd. If you want the extra motivation & support you will be added into my online closed Facebook group.**

Alright, alright so what's the deal already? 

Shaun T's Dance Party!! Not only do you get one full workout program but you get two. 

1. Hip Hop Abs-  want to sculpt flat, sexy abs while dancing and having fun. Use Shaun T's targeted training technique "Tilt, Tuck, & Tighten", you engage your upper abs, middle abs, lower abs and obliques, carving six-pack abs while fat melts off the body. BEST PART: No sit-up or crunches!!

2. Rockin' Body-  a dance party in your own house with workouts set to your favorite hits so you can move and groove to shed the pounds. You get a demonstration of all the moves so you know what to expect and can learn before starting. This way you will not get frustrated and lose interest if you don't know the moves.

3. Shakeology- the most delicious, nutrient-dense superfood-packed protein shake on the planet. It contains more than 70 natural ingredients derived from rich, nutrient-dense whole-food sources from around the world. The Healthiest Meal of the Day comes in 5 flavors: Chocolate Vegan, Tropical Strawberry (Vegan), regular Chocolate, Greenberry, or Vanilla.

Are you interested in purchasing the hot end of summer deal or just finding out more information.  Contact Me if you are thinking about this and if you would like to participate in an upcoming challenge group for additional support. When you are engaged into a challenge group, I am here to help you start and finish the workout program. My job is also to help you set realistic health and fitness goals, give you a meal plan, recipes, tips and strategies for you to reach success based on your own individual circumstances.

Don't wait, spots fill up fast and I have to limit the number of individuals so that everyone can get my individualized support!

T-25 Update : Week One

What do you know about getting in a good workout for twenty-five minutes five days a week while working up an extremely good sweat? Have you ever done something like this in the comfort of your own home? Or do you just think I am crazy and there is no way this is possible?

Well believe it or not fellas & ladies it is true and it is from the man himself Shaun T. Ever hear of Insanity? He has now created a program just like Insanity (half the time, insane results). I know I didn't want to believe it either, but if your telling me 25 minutes vs 60 minutes and I can still get the same kind of results. COUNT ME IN! I never actually tried Insanity because truth be told I was deathly afraid of it. I heard it was intense and I just talked myself out of it. So when this program came along I was already so excited about it that I couldn't wait to try it.


                       

        

  So I picked my program and now it's time to pick the start date. I like to start working out on a Monday just because it is a routine and you start fresh on the week. So I decided September 2nd was my start date. I even like to set a reminder for myself not that I forget when I am going to start, but I make sure I put a funny/motivating quote just to get me more pumped up. 

This program came out at the end of June so I was already behind starting like everyone else. I didn't give myself any expectations. I knew what every one's thoughts on it where but they were all different and it will be different me for as well. I went in the program with a clear mind and just expecting to give it my all. Plus for twenty-five minutes I didn't have to set my alarm for 4am to make sure I had enough time to workout, shower, and get ready for work!

So here we go! Week One's Schedule. I have to say it was pretty nice to be following a schedule again, unlike what I was doing for two weeks just throwing in any workout I felt like.

Monday- Cardio

Tuesday- Speed 1.0

Wednesday- Total Body Circuit

Thursday- Ab Intervals

Friday(Double Day)- Lower Focus & Cardio

Saturday- Record Stats

Sunday- Stretch

T25, Focus, Intense, Cardio Time

Since these workouts are only twenty-five minutes long I am really focusing on giving my all 100%. Go strong from the start and ending the same way I started. In the past couple of weeks I have to be honest I was losing myself, not really giving it my all. I found myself thinking when will I be  done so I can go get ready for work. Or I was thinking of everything that needed to get done to be honest. Which really makes you lose focus and concentration and hurts your efforts in working out. So I was ready for a fresh start and to not let anything distract me this time.

                                      Be stronger than you were yesterday

We all have struggles. Believe me it is not easy and no one is perfect. I have to say before starting T25 I was having really bad issues with hitting the snooze and not wanting to get up when my alarm went off. And that is so NOT me. I am always up and at 'em when it goes off. So I told myself I would not hit the snooze. I mean this workout is short, so why not get up and get it done instead of making excuses. It is designed for those who do not have a lot of time and are busy with a million things to do. So be better than you were yesterday. Do not compare yourself to anyone else.

My food a couple weeks ago as well was struggling. I was going through some things. And when it comes stress and feeling overwhelmed food is my biggest comfort zone. Not that I would eat bad in any sort of way I would just over eat or eat just to eat, which is just as bad- seeing as I was going over my calorie intake for the day. So another goal of mine was to start tracking food and really being aware of what I was eating.

                                                        Tosca Reno- Eat Clean







I knew I had to start tracking my food to really get myself back on track. And MFP (my fitness pal) was just not my friend. I tried and tried again, but when my food was not in there it was difficult to make sure you got it in there. I wanted something that was simple and easy. I could go in type what I had and save it. Well, I found just  that. Fooducate is now my best friend. I have an app on my phone where it actually you to just scan the barcode of whatever you want to add to your tracker and it will give you a letter grade and explain why it is that grade. Simple and easy a win-win for me is how I see it. I have also been reading this book Tosca Reno here which has been a lifesaver. It really puts things in perspective on what you are putting into your body.

Week One is complete already which is just insane for me because I didn't think it would go so fast. I really love this program. I just love it all, from the twenty-five minutes- five days a week, to sweating from the time you start-getting insane results with no breaks & a burnout phase. Shaun T really knows how to make you work in those minutes from start to finish working all parts of your body if you just FOCUS.  I am not going to lie I was huffing & puffing after this first week, because I am not use to pushing myself this hard. The burnout phase consists of picking up the pace and going faster, stronger, and harder than before for2-5 minutes. It pushes you harder and really makes you focus on the muscle groups. And to be honest you are never looking at the count down clock to be finished. I can say week one was a complete success and I am so excited that I am getting back into my routine and feeling great. I feel so much energy after finishing a workout with Shaun T.

            

                               

If you are looking for more information on accountability support groups or would like to join with a Beachbody Fitness Program please feel free to message me and I will get back to you as soon as I see your e-mail. Fitness groups start once a month. And I would love for you to join in on the fun!

Finding Your Place:

 

Accepted-  (adj) commonly approved or recognized; customary; established. 

-generally approved; widely regarded as normal, right, etc. 

Honest truth? Do you have to fit in to be accepted? Are you one to change your views and beliefs just to fit in with a "certain" type?  Why are you so badly trying ro change who YOU ARE for who THEY WANT you to be?! 

The other definition... Normal. Really? What is normal anymore? Is there a normal type? And who's the one to say that this is acceptable as normal?

Why can't we just go through life happy they way we are? Why do we try so badly to fit in with every person and/or group that crosses our paths in life? 

                   

                           

Do you have the answer? 

Because I know up until recently I struggled with this answer, and I still have my days where I can get down and struggle. But, then I usually start to read a little personal development and think to myself, "so what if they don't like me" or "they are giving me the cold shoulder because I choose to go after something bigger and not stay at status quo."

It is easier said then done I know. Take it from someone who has been there. Someone who has recently been through it and still goes through with it. NO- I am not changing who I am to fit in, but I am defiantly not accepted now. Some days I can walk in there and have the I don't care attitude. And other days I really struggle and get upset & depressed because I honestly have done nothing wrong and just don't understand. How can people be so, (what's the word I'm looking for) petty?

What I can tell you is, it will not get an easier until you learn to accept the negativity and change your attitude towards it. Be positive and don't let anyone rain on your parade. You are here to do great things, go far in life, and shine bright like you were meant to be. You just have to use the nay-sayers as you motivation, like I do, these are the people that add fuel to your fire and make you push that much harder! (You know who I'm talking about...we all have them)

 So where does one go to "find their place" ? Think about it...you are accepted by the people that are just like YOU! Like minded people, the same views, goals, work ethic, etc. you never have to change you just have to find them. 

Where do you look for these people?  What are you passionate about? Who do you strive to be? Are you a self-motivator who likes to help others? Are you determined & driven by a challenge? These are questions you have to ask yourself. These are questions you have to answer yourself. Only you know the answer, but there are people just like you & I out there who are struggling like we were/are. All I want to do is give guidance and help the next person not feel the way I did. To help someone feel not lost in their life, like they have no direction, or no place to be. Because no one should ever feel alone. No one should ever feel empty.

If you are reading this and this is EXACTLY how you feel... PLEASE PLEASE reach out. There is no judging here, just a listening ear to help, give my advice, and what has worked for me. But know this....you are not alone. Somewhere out there you are accepted just for being the silly old you that YOU are!!