Reset Your Body

I told you I would give you the good, the bad, & the ugly.  And although I am on only day 3 ....yes day 3. It's best I'm upfront talking about my journey when it happens.

These past couple of days have been rough. Mentally rough that is, and I think it's because it is so structured and you do need to follow the plan pretty much to a T. Most beachbody programs you get the program & nutrition guide, but they are just new recipe ideas (you don't have to follow it) From the time I woke up on Sunday I was antsy, I delayed taking my supplements & waited til Eric got up. Then we did and ate breakfast and can you say headache. Not from the supplements or the food, but I really think it's from the no caffeine and I only drink one cup a day, but that's when it hit me...I WAS ADDICTED. 

Tip #1: slowly allow yourself to let go of coffee/pop/etc. 

Sunday I had a headache but did the best I could to tell myself do what you can. Luckily I got all my food prep done Saturday, which meant all I needed to do was grab and eat. 

Tip #2 : prep before hand (it will make your life ten times easier) 

                                    

I took a nap when I needed too and drank a ton of water. Water is KEY in this process, so make sure you are constantly drinking it. And I got myself to bed early to get my mind right for day two at work. 

My headache never left...and I didn't take anything because because you really shouldn't . So I just keep chugging  water. And then I would have to take bathroom breaks. But staring at a computer screen all day doesn't help. I was mentally exhausted, my eyes were so heavy. My game plan was to get home, pack lunches, get the furbabies situated and head to bed early. It was raining so no walk for the dog & no chasing birdies for the kitty. As soon as I sat down Dexy and I were zonked. We took a cat nap & I literally went to bed when it was still light out. Right after the first period of the pens game.... 

Tip #3 : listen to your body. Don't fight it, if you feel you need sleep. 

Update on Day 2

I slept from 8:30ish on and I moved towards the middle because Eric has a habit of falling asleep downstairs, so why not spread out? I woke up here and there. 1. Because Dexter got up a few times in the middle of the night to rub up closer to me, he nudged my face & we fell asleep but he doesn't like to stay in a position for long. And 2. I was getting hot upstairs and no air circulation.

On to day # 3..... Which they say day 3-4 are the hardest and I have to say I woke up with a slight headache, drank water and it was gone. My eyes are starting to hurt but nothing major.
 

**remember everybody is different. Your experience might not be like mine at all. Just because this is happening to me does not mean it will happen to you.**

I am not trying to scare you of this program. I think everyone should experience it once, but I did promise to keep you updated and I will do just that. 

If your reading this and currently on the reset, keep your head up...YOU CAN DO THIS!!! If your curious and have questions about it, email me: alyssayourish@gmail.com I'd love to answer anything and get you started!!!!

Til next time !! 

Just Start Somewhere

Starting a new journey can be tough.

Starting over can be tough.

Getting back on track can be tough.

Planning to succeed but failing can be tough.

 

 

I have to be honest, I have been lazy with my blog posts. I haven't been keeping you in the loop with my progress, my life, recipes, tips, etc. LAZY is all I can say. And I was slacking because I was looking for that perfect topic and I didn't want it to be a dead end. But you know what...my personal development for the month - John C. Maxwell "Failing Forward." has really kicked me in the butt. This book is teaching me to fail, it is teaching me to take bigger risks, and never gives up. So, if one person reads this blog or 150 people read this blog I am happy.

 

Where have I been, well let me just start by saying February was an EPIC month with beachbody. They released the 21 Day Fix and this program did so well that they just couldn't keep the program on the shelves. I decided that this was going to be my first challenge group where I joined the challengers! The results were AHHHHH-MAZZZZING!! I had great results, i lost six lbs and i didn't even think i needed to lose weight. And as much as this program is awesome I needed something else, because I was just going for the ordinary. (which BTW is NOT okay).

 

 

So now what? Where do I go what program do I start. I highly believe you have to love what you are doing or why do it. But then I got to thinking, not everyone loves to workout. BUT if you want to lose weight, tone up, etc. You have to put in the work CORRECT. 

But you also can not look for that "perfect" program. Your journey in life just begins....it starts with decision of you putting one foot in front of the other. Maybe you know where you are going & maybe you don't but all that matters is you just START! 

Don't look at where you need to go, look at it as a new journey. A new start to your new beginning. 

Don't get discouraged when you fail. Failing is part if the journey, embrace it & soak it all in. 

 

Chocolate, Peeps, Jelly Beans...Temptations EVERYWHERE!!!!

The holidays are here! With that I get really nervous, because with the holidays comes the sweet treats, drinks, and food overload. The holidays are fantastic because you are spending quality time with your family, but it also can be stressful because you do not want to throw away your hard work.

Enjoy yourself it is the holiday weekend but don't overload it. Don't feel guilty for eating the proper portion controls or saying "no" to the candy. This is your life and you are in control of everything you are choosing. But do not be miserable.
You set goals for a reason so I ask you to sit down & write them out. Look at them and ask yourself, if I eat these jelly beans is it going to bring me one step closer to my goal or is it going to push me back? Remember this is your life and if you want to be in a certain position you must do the things every day to get you there.

Don't wish for something, work for it!

With that said....are you nervous for the holiday weekend? Don't want to get off track. Follow some of these steps to make sure you are sticking to your plan!!!

1. Wake up early and get your workout in : All you need to do is set your alarm clock to thirty minutes earlier and have you time. Getting up earlier will ensure you are getting it done, because you know if you put it off until later it will not get done, once you get home from your holiday travels or cleaning up after everyone leaves.

2. Get a good breakfast in : sometimes you can't control what you will eat for Easter (if you are not cooking) you can offer to bring something, but sometimes it is out of your hands. If you can control anything, start your day off right with a good breakfast. You can have Shakeology , Oatmeal, Fruit Smoothie, Egg Whites, there is something to make for everyone. Just because it is Easter does not mean you need to go for the sugar to enjoy yourself.

3. Get your water on : This is a hard one for me! I am always in a routine and I know when I need to drink my water, but holidays always throw me off. Sticking to your water intake will help you avoid temptations as well. Drink water & you won't pick at the food, you are NOT hungry, you are just picking because it is sitting in front of you. Have a hard time drinking plain water? You can add fruit and veggies to give it a little flavor.

4. Don't over eat : Portion control is key!

5. Enjoy a treat : Don't go for the candy first. After brunch, dinner, etc is all said and done, then choose a treat you want to enjoy. You will be filled up with veggies & food you won't over indulge in the sweets.

Try these tips for the Easter Holiday and remember your goals.
Don't feel guilty, but enjoy your time.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday!!!!

Benefits of Coconut Oil

               

Ever hear about people using coconut oil for cooking? How about in their hair? Kind of crazy right..... Well with me deciding to do the Ultimate Reset- ROUND 2 . I have decided to start cooking with this bad boy, because you do in fact use it during the twenty-one days. This was the first time last year I ever used it, but yesterday I decided to do a little research on coconut oil and what the benefits were and HOLY BANANAS, there are a ton of benefits (health & beauty). I was so surprised I just had to share.

 

I knew you could use it for your hair to make it smooth & shiny, but look at ALL of these uses for coconut oil. I posted this photo on my Facebook & IG asking people if they used coconut oil and what for, and people were shocked at a ton of these.

 

The responses I got for people using it was a bunch of different ones. People use it for body lotion, hair, the new thing of oil pulling, cooking, someone makes their own deodorant  etc. But someone was shocked about make-up remover so I dug a little further on this.....(pinterest you are a gold mine)

 

1. Use a small amount on finger tips

2. Gentle: rub oil around your face until you feel all make-up is lifted off

3. (optional) But totally check yourself out

4. Wipe off with cotton pads

5. Enjoy your newly make-up free, moisturized face

 

Just for the health benefits, it makes me want to use coconut oil more, but the home projects you can use it for, is just unbelievable.

 

Have you ever used coconut oil? If you do, what do you use it for? If not, what surprised you?

Why You Should Have a Beachbody Coach

 

Let me first just start off by saying although I am a health and fitness coach, I am no where near a fitness expert/nutritionist. I am not perfect and I have my flaws. I may workout every single day & motivate others too. And I am not going to lie, I do enjoy a piece of pizza, or sliver of cheesecake every now and again. While I practice what I preach, I use the 80-20 rule. 80% of the time I am eating clean & the other 20% I am enjoying in a little sweet treat.

Are you one of those people who spends hours at the gym, tries every diet/diet pills, liquid diets, every workout tape known to man kind from the store, and it just DIDN'T WORK?? Yep, that was me, I have tried everything in the books because I was desperate and it just didn't get me anywhere. How is it possible. Look at the girl on the left...this was ME two years ago someone I don't even recognize her. The picture on the right is me, CURRENT...look at the difference. I may not be at my weight loss goal yet, but I started my journey because of one person, MY COACH.

 

Which brings us to this point....why YOU should have a beachbody coach.

 

• Can you say FREE: no way in any shape or form am I telling you I am an expert. But I am free and I give my advice on what has worked for me. I am also here to help as many people as I can get healthy, lose weight, feel confident, and reach their goals they are looking to accomplish. Follow the workout schedule, eat clean, and check into an accountability group daily and you are GOLDEN! You do not have to guess what you are doing. Don't second guess yourself, give yourself a chance because you deserve it. Every commercial & transformation you have seen is real..why? Because there is no secret, there is nothing that someone is keeping from you. All you have to do is start and get going. Here is a little more information about me & my story .

 

 

• Motivation NO matter what: What is the first thing you do when you receive a new workout program or you head into the workout section at target...WHERE DO I BEGIN?? There are so many workout DVDs to choose from & workout/nutrition guides (if using a beachbody program), it can get overwhelming that you just don't even continue. No need to panic, I will help you. There will be one week called "pre-season" where you get prepped, ready, and ask a TON of questions so you are ready to push play & set yourself up for success on day number one!! This is a new lifestyle for you, this is no fad diet, no magic pills. We are here to change your life for good and FOREVER! You need food to fuel your body, but you need the right food. There is a difference & we will learn the difference.

• Everyone needs accountability: So you keep reading "challenge group." What exactly is it?? It is a closed online support group which is all done through Facebook. Don't have a facebook..I can email you or text you each day to make sure you are getting the daily motivation. The only thing is the online group really allows you to connect with other group members and be in group discussions, share your struggles, and much more. We all have different goals, but we are all here to achieve a fitness goal we have in mind...TOGETHER. With the help of me (your coach) I will post each day with small mini assignments (which take no more than 5 minutes), share my tips, what has worked for me, recipes, feedback, and whatever else you would like to touch on.
  

I can not guarantee you the results you want. I want not do the work for you. But I can give you the tools to succeed. I can support you every step of the way. I can pick you up when you are struggling. I can say that you will meet some of your best friends in this group. You will feel better about starting. This is YOUR fitness journey, I am just along for the ride!

 

 

You are still allowed to have an occasional cheat meal from time to time. HEY, we are all human and sometimes we just need to indulge a little. Don't deprive yourself of anything, because then you will make yourself miserable and we don't want that. You want to enjoy this journey, you want to have fun, and you want to be able to fit this into your life.

 

If you have any questions about my next upcoming challenge group please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

 

If you are ready to jump right in and join the next one, please fill out the challenge application below: I look forward to talking with you and helping you start your fitness journey.  

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Bikini Ready.... Are You There?

Well everyone it is officially spring and has been for a week or so. Did you know summer is just three months away. And although it may seem like is far away now, it will sneak up on us before we know it. It is about time to bust out the tank tops, shorts, and bathing suits.....are you ready to put on your swim suit and soak up the sun. I know I certainly am, but I just don't feel like I am at my best and really need to step up my game. So I have holding myself accountable with weekly progress pictures, because I honestly have not stepped in I don't know how long. I am giving myself extra accountability and hosting my next challenge group & YOU are invited. Are you in ??

 

 

You have more than one option, so we want to find the best program for you. I have done each of these programs & love each one.

 

1. The 21 Day Fix : The newest program to the Beachbody Family which is just going to ROCK your socks off. So what is it??

 

 

It is simple nutrition with simple exercise to get the rapid results in just three weeks. There is no guessing games on what to eat and how to eat. You follow the color containers and there literally is a list of food that tells you what color it belongs too. If it fits in that container you eat it, if not you have to adjust it. You are burning a TON of calories in thirty minutes. The workout program is designed for anyone, they are easy moves but if you have never worked out a day in your life this is for you, if you are a fitness expert this is for you, if you have 10-15 pounds to lose this is for you, are you catching my drift....THIS PROGRAM IS FOR EVERYONE! No starvation diet, the containers seem small but it will really open your eyes that you are still eating a lot of food and how much you have over ate. This program is simple...the guess work is OUT. End of story.

 

Simple nutrition + Simple exercise = Rapid Results

 

 

2. Focus T-25 :

 

 

So what's T25? This program came out last year and was a massive hit because it is ten short weeks with the workouts being twenty-five minutes. Everyone has time for that!!! Shaun T the creator of Insanity is behind this bad boy 100%. You are receiving the same type of results (if not better) than an hour workout.  The result is focus T25-and the name implies the intent: if you focus your intensity for 25 minutes, and you do it 5 days a week, you WILL get results. Did I mention it is on SALE the whole month of April??

 

 

3. Brazil Butt Lift: Which is also on sale this month !! Woooohoooo!

 

What is it?

Brazil Butt Lift uses cardio, dance, and a unique training method to work your rear end from every angle. You'll shape your gluteal muscles into that perfectly round Brazilian bum bum (that's Brazilian for booty). You'll lift your butt to look great from every angle, and you'll firm your butt and thighs and melt away those stubborn saddlebags. A native of Brazil and a former ballet dancer, Leandro Carvalho developed his signature training techniques to help sculpt some of the world's most beautiful bodies. Top supermodels count on him to get their bum bum in shape for lingerie photo shoots or a revealing runway show. Now women everywhere can firm and perfect their derrieres, just like Leandro's clients do. Based on his wildly popular New York fitness classes, Brazil Butt Lift will show you why Leandro is known as the Brazilian Butt Master.

 

The name may be fun, but the results are serious. The secret of Brazil Butt Lift is Leandro's proven Triangle Training method. Triangle Training works the three major muscles of the buttocks- the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and the gluteus minimus- to reduce the hips, slim the thighs, and lift, contour, and shape the perfect behind. "It's all about the angles", as Leandro likes to say. Triangle Training works the butt muscles from multiple angles, including your hamstrings and the "heads" of the muscles, the parts that attach to the pelvic bone (which provides support between the upper and lower parts of your body). This is what gives the lift and curve that every woman wants. And unlike other exercise programs that develop the butt muscles, Leandro's won't bulk up your thighs.

 

 

There are so many programs to offer but I wanted to make sure you knew the Beachbody's April promotions. Two of the three programs are on sale this month and even the one which is not on sale is still at a really good price for just three short weeks. If you have any questions about these programs or any other program at all please do not hesitate to contact me. But if you would like to be apart of my upcoming online accountability group, please do me a favor and fill out the challenge application below.....are you ready for the summer slim down??

 

 

 

 

 

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Chicken Quesadilla

Ingredients:
 

• 16oz skinless chicken breast, fat trimmed
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• salt and fresh pepper
• Olive Oil Spray
• 1/2 small onion, cut into strips
• 1 bell pepper (red or green) cut into strips
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1-1/3 cup  Mexican blend shredded cheese
• 8 low carb whole wheat flour tortillas

Directions:

1. Slice chicken breast in half so you have 4 cutlets.
2.  Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano and garlic powder.
3. Lightly spray a skillet on medium heat with oil or if using a grill, grill chicken until cooked on both sides.
4.  Remove from heat and cut chicken into strips, set aside.
5. To the skillet, add 1 tbsp oil and cook onions and peppers, season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook about 2 minutes, add garlic and continue cooking until vegetables are soft being careful not to burn the garlic. Set aside.
7. Heat skillet on medium heat and lightly spray with oil.
8. Add tortilla, top with cheese, chicken, onions, peppers, and pico de gallo or avocado-mango salsa. Top with the other tortilla.
9. Cheese should be melted and the bottom of the tortilla should be golden brown. Put a plate on top of the quesadilla to flip it over onto the plate. Then slide the other side onto the skillet. Cook another minute and remove with a spatula.
10.   Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream if you wish

21 Day Fix Challenger Success Story

I just have to take a moment and give a special shout out to a girl who I originally met through Instagram. We were following each other and started talking back & forth. We found out that we actually did not live too far away...... We began to discuss my upcoming challenge group (mind you this was months ago).  She already have T25 and a small sample back of Shakeology but never joined a challenge group.

Now, to the beginning of March she was really interested in joining my Bikini Ready in March Group. This was strictly a group for the 21 Day Fix. A fellow coach and myself were teaming up to co-run a test group where we also would be doing the fix with our challengers the first time around. This is when Lisa committed to joining and never looked back! She actually started before the group did because she received everything she needed to get started.

So NOW, Lisa is in the spotlight and I asked her if I could feature her on my blog and share her success with others, give her input, and maybe give words of encouragement for the next person : here were her responses.......

1. Describe yourself before this challenge :  Before this challenge, I was miserable with myself. All of my clothes were too tight, I hated getting dressed everyday because I never knew what I was going to wear in order to hide my body. Every day on the way home from work (at 3 p.m.), it was all I could do to keep my eyes open until I could get to my couch. Once I successfully made it home, I would lay down and sleep from 4-6, get up and make dinner (nothing healthy) and go straight to bed. I had no energy and I dreaded even getting up every day.

2. What was it that made you interested for this challenge : I knew I was so miserable with myself and that I needed something to help me with accountability. I started T25 in July and stuck with it through October. However, once summer was gone and I no longer had to look at myself in a bathing suit (and I was losing my tan), I progressively stopped working out and quit paying attention to what I was eating. It took a while for me to be totally uncomfortable with myself (around the middle/end of January). Back in October, I was really good with making up excuses as to why I couldn't work out. It started with hurting my back, then I was on steroids for a rash and that was when I really started eating anything that came my way!  

3. What got you to commit : I am not even sure how I met my beachbody coach to be honest. I already had a coach (in Colorado) from ordering my T25. I think we originally met on Instagram and then I started following her on other media, including her blog. Alyssa helped me get motivated, even though I was following her for a while before I joined a challenge group. I joined because I knew I needed something/someone to help me be accountable.

4. What were you expecting out of this challenge : I was expecting to become HEALTHIER in general from this challenge. I wanted to create a habit of portion control and working out. More importantly, I wanted to be consistent when working out. My ultimate goal was to get to the point where I had more energy and felt better about myself.

5. Describe how you felt on day one : On day one, I was EXCITED to start. I was supposed to start on a Monday (that was my goal) and my challenge pack came the Thursday before. I was so excited that I actually started on a Saturday. I went to the grocery store that morning and began prepping for the week on that day. I also worked out for the first time that day and felt amazing after the workout. I woke up on Sunday sore, but ready to go again. I felt great already on that first weekend.

6. How did you feel after one week : After one week, I was continuing to feel better about myself. I had lost a little over five lbs and was already seeing a difference in my body. I had a small set back in the middle of the first week because I got rear-ended and missed two days of workouts. IN THE PAST, this kind of thing would have caused me to stop workouts completely, but I was able to jump right back in and then the guilt subsided because I knew I wasn’t going to let myself give up. However, at this point, I did give up attempting to be “alcohol free”. This just made me work out harder (knowing that I was altering the program for myself).

7. What are three things you learned about yourself during it all : I learned that I could persevere and keep going if I just put my mind to it. It also helped to see everyone else having results in the challenge group. Once my clothes started to fit better (and now are to the point where they are loose), I knew I could keep motivating myself to keep it up.

8. What did you like about the challenge : I really like the workouts in the challenge. I enjoy that they are 30 minutes and I actually ENJOY the exercises. They make you work hard enough to be shaky and sore, along with help you work up a good sweat. However, I do not DREAD pushing play like I used to with Insanity.

9. Would you join another group : I would like to join another challenge in the near future. I would like to do something different when I am completed with the next round of 21 day fix.

10. What is your next step : At this point, I am continuing with the fix until I go to Jamaica on the 18th of this month. I no longer use my containers, and I am not AS STRICT with myself, I do have cheat meals here and there. However, I really have created a “habit” and I do not eat sweets or salty treats. I drink ONLY shakeology and water, I do not eat white bread or anything similar to that in the “carb” category for the MOST part. My first cheat meal was last Thursday when I went to my favorite Italian restaurant to celebrate my uncle’s birthday. I ALWAYS get the regular sized order of Rigatoni with meatballs. (I end up eating it for FOUR meals, that is how huge it is). Instead, I got a 6oz filet and a SIDE of pasta and green beans. I ate ½ of everything and did NOT stuff myself. I did get an Italian dressing, but I refused to eat the croutons. Therefore, I know I have created a new habit for myself. When I “indulge”, I do not go all out, I still make sacrifices so that I am not TOTALLY cheating!

11. If you could give advice to anyone who is considering joining, what would you say : My advice would be to START! Once you start, it is easy to continue. Stop making excuses, they don’t burn calories!! It doesn't get easier, you just get better!! Also, if you want something you never had, you have to do things you've never done!!!

Girl I am so proud of your hard work and dedication!!! You set a goal for yourself and there was no way you were giving up! You had set backs, but pushed through when you could. You did NOT give up and I was so lucky to have you apart of this group. You were not only determined for yourself but those who were also in the challenge group. You were a huge cheerleader to all, MYSELF included!!! Can't wait to see what is in store for you next!!!

If you have been putting off getting started on your own health & fitness journey and you are ready to stop making excuses feel free to message me to see when my next challenge group will be. If you are ready DON'T wait! I am here to help you. You could be my next featured success story!! Don't sit there feeling angry or upset because you don't know where to start, trust me it is not a good feeling and I HAVE BEEN THERE! Reach out to me because I want you to succeed and feel your best. Remember, summer is just around the bend...are you ready? Are you going to be rocking your swim suit or hiding underneath the cover-up?

If you are ready please complete the challenge application below and once I review it I will e-mail you back with all the details!

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Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3 garlic cloves ; chopped
1 pound ground turkey
3/4 cup old fashioned oats
1 egg
3/4 cup ketchup
2 tsp. Worcester sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsp flax seed
olive oil spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat skillet of medium heat and add 1/2 tsp olive oil, sauté onion, and garlic. Sauté until soft and lightly brown. Combine all ingredients into a bowl and form into your meatloaf. Bake in oven for one hour or until the center is no longer pink. You may also drizzle ketchup over top to keep moist.