I'm A 21 Day Fix Grad.....AGAIN!!!!

It is official as of today, I am officially a 21 day fix (the original) grad AGAIN!!!! What does that mean? It means I have committed to the program in full and just finished it up again. I completed the program when it came out back in February of last year & I was doing some workouts here and there before , but I never went in 110% like I should have. This program is mind boggling, not only does it focus on the fitness piece but it targets the nutrition one as well and lets be honest we all know most of us struggle with that piece much MORE!!!!

BUT....to my surprise i wasn't paying attention and it was scheduled to release when I would finish week one. I didn't want to start another round of max 30 and stop, but i also wasn't keen on doing the 21 day fix for one week. That is when I decided to commit to the 21 days and dial into my nutrition. The first time around I focused on my nutrition for the first week, then I was just doing whatever (not good....) You can see my update on round one HERE

I committed and I was finishing it again!

Nutrition is honestly just one of those things that's a HUGE struggle for me. I feel like its a mental game. I crave something, know I shouldn't have it, but sometimes I still do, and then feel terrible after. But nutrition is honestly one of those things that make or break your results. Don't get me wrong, you can still lose weight by just working out, but eventually you are going to hit a plateau & not see much progression.

80/20 Rule

 

I started to prep myself mentally and get my head in the game. I would write on my white board how many of each color container I was allowed to have and when I put it in my lunchbox for work I would cross it off. I am a create of habit so when I meal prep I do it for the whole week and pretty much have the same thing everyday & just switch the protein. And then for dinner I pretty much keep it simple. I find that this is what works best for me. And meal prepping/planning is one of those things that takes time so don't get frustrated if you don't have it perfect the first time. 

21 Day Fix Approved Lunch

                       

I will tell you..... YOU WILL FAIL, IF YOU PLAN TO FAIL. 

Meaning if you aren't planning for the week you are prepping to fail.

This is only speaking from experience, since I've been planning these three weeks, I have noticed I am less likely to sneak in treats or fall off my meal plan, and it's because it's right in front of me with no guess work.

Clean Eating & Working Out get you the results!

Even if I was the lone wolf completing it by myself, here was my schedule for the next 3 weeks :

MONDAY - Total cardio fix

TUESDAY - Upper fix

WEDNESDAY - Lower fix

THURSDAY - Pilates fix

FRIDAY - Cardio fix

SATURDAY - Dirty 30

SUNDAY - Yoga

I must say I was so SORE after week one, but didn't understand why because I just completed InsanityMax 30 one of the hardest cardio programs ever. But even though this isn't as intense you are working completely different muscles. Muscles you haven't used in a while, so yes you are going to be sore.

Never Say Never

                            

I challenged myself more. I got inside my head just like I did with Shaun T and told myself I could do more. When I wanted a break I pushed myself harder and certain exercises I used heavier weights, because the lighter ones were just to easy. And because of the changes I made, giving 110%, and sticking to my nutrition (80%) clean, I am seeing results!

Day 1 to Day 17

This program is totally worth it. It takes the guess work out of your nutrition. It opens your eyes to what you were eating, how much of it you consumed, and how much better you feel & you are full after following the portion controlled containers. This is a PERFECT program for anyone who wants to focus on nutrition. If you are a beginner , you can do this to! There is a modifier for every workout. It doesn't matter where you start.....all that matters is you START!

I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

 

If you have questions about the fix or fix extreme, want to know a little bit more about a challenge group feel free to send me a message : alyssayourish@gmail.com or add me on FB and I would love to chat with you! 

YOU CAN DO IT!

 

My next challenge group is officially opened and I am now accepting  to join. This group will begin on March 2nd and it will be just for the 21 day fix or the fix extreme so you have options. If this has peaked please take a few minutes to fill out the challenge group application below, to be considered.

 

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How To Take Your Measurements

Before you start any fitness program or new workout routine, I always advise my challengers to take their measurements. No matter how much you are dreading this moment, it is a must.

WHY?

Because you want to have something compare to week after week and when you hit your 30 day mark. It is a good idea to do this because when you get frustrated or you feel like you are not seeing results you can get out your journal and see how far you have come.

Tracker sheet to keep your measurements

Bust: Place the measuring tape across your chest and measure around the largest part of your chest. Be sure to keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Chest: Place the measuring tape just under your breasts/pecs and measure around the torso while keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

Waist: Place the measuring tape about a 1/2 inch above your bellybutton (at the narrowest part of your waist) to measure around your torso. When measuring your waist, exhale and measure before inhaling again.

Hips: Place the measuring tape across the widest part of your hips/buttocks and measure all the way around while keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Thigh: Measure around the largest part of each thigh.

Calves: Measure around the largest part of each calf.

Upper arm: Measure around the largest part of each arm (above the elbow).

Forearm: Measure around the largest part of each arm (below the elbow).


First tip - write down the time & day you take your starting measurements. You will want to make sure you do this the same time & day every week.

Second tip - wear light shorts and a sports bra. but make sure it is the same clothes each week.

Third tip - this may be the part where you just don't want to, but remember these are your "goodbye" measurements. Let it be motivation to kick butt. 


Here are some before and after's of Beachbody challenge winners. They have all done different programs, but you can see that they work. All with a little hard work, exercise, and shakeology, you can get your results!

*results may vary*

 

Beachbody Challenge Winner - 21 day fix

Beachbody Challenge Winner - P90X

Beachbody Challenge Winner - Focus T25

Beachbody Ultimate Reset



Are you are ready to set goals for yourself? Do you want to be the next Beachbody Challenge Winner and are not sure where to start? Maybe you want to discuss your best options and which program would work for you..take a moment to fill out the application below and I will be in touch.



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Week 5 and 6 Progress - Insanity Max 30

It's been a little bit since my last update, two weeks to be exact. My last update was when I completed my 30 days. I lost one pound...YES just one. Why did I only lose that pound, because I was careless with my nutrition. That is the 100% honest truth. You can NOT go through an intense workout program & put yourself through all this to see half a** results. Why would you want to do that? To me that would be just torture and with this program it is far from easy.

This program tests your limits, your true strength, and really makes you get inside your head to go one second longer. This isn't a question of can you or can you not do it. It's about how long can you go for. Could you make it longer than last week. Can you prove yourself wrong. You just don't finish month one and slowly continue into month two. Of course Shaun T throws in new moves and certainly challenges you. What doesn't challenge you, will not change you.

Month Two has begun

Like I have said before time and time again.. cardio is just NOT my thing. I'm not really sure, maybe because I was never good at it, so I never worked to be better. So, when cardio was day one during the start of this program I always dreaded it. Then consistently over time, I was building my endurance and my time was increasing... I was becoming better. When month two came around, I was extremely excited. I had a feeling it was going to be totally different, but challenging in a way & boy was I correct. It's a new month, so it is going to take some time to learn the months, but slow and surely I got them down, and with my endurance built up I surprised myself and made it to double digits.


Month Two Workout Schedule -

Monday : Max Out Cardio
Tuesday : Max Out Sweat
Wednesday : Max Out Power
Thursday : Max Out Strength
Friday : Friday Fight - Round 2
Saturday & Sunday are still for rest days with an optional workout PULSE.

I use Saturday and Sundays to get my head right and reflect. I sit down and see where I really struggled during the week and what I need to work on better. What can I do to be better. Nutrition has been one thing that is truly a struggle. I have always struggled because I have never really been much of a cook and it has never been much of my thing. So I have been trying to get better, little by little. Another thing I need to do is channel my inner me and dig a little deeper in my workouts.

I found this quote the other day and just had to laugh. Because sometimes this is how I feel. You work so hard and you try everything in your power to get your six Pack abs and they just don't seem to becoming in like you want them too. But we all have to stop and remind ourselves this is a lifestyle change. Those abs aren't going to come in overnight. It takes hard work, exercise, nutrition, and dedication over time. Set goals for yourself and keep a plan in mind. Don't get frustrated when you don't see results overnight. Take weekly pictures & measurements so you can see how far you are coming. Focus on your non-scale victories. And be proud of how far you make it each day.

 

There are a few things that get me through Insanity Max. After my workout is post workout fuel. An apple for fuel to boost my metabolism. And the orange drink is P90X results and recovery. It helps repair muscles after an intense workout. Get a glass of cold water, two spoonful's, mix together, and drink. The bottom picture is something I have been adding in first thing in the morning to help aid digestion. You can read the healthy benefits HERE.

 

This week for nutrition I am going to try to eliminate dairy, keep my shakeology with water, and really stick to eating from my meal plan. Sometimes for me it is hard because I get busy with work and lose track of time. My metabolism is low and then I want to eat every carb in site. I will also be sticking to my two carbs a day. Lately, I have been sneaking in an extra one here and there, eating popcorn when I want to, and over doing it with rice. Just because I eat healthy doesn't mean I can go overboard.

 

 

This was one of my favorite recipes of the week. Easy Burrito Bowls from chipotle.

 

 

 

I know that my endurance is increasing. And I am getting stronger because I can do more push-ups standing on my feet vs. going down on my knees. My shoulder muscles are starting to come in. Moves that were difficult or I had to modify are getting easier and I am getting better. I feel stronger and like I can conquer the world. But this program is defiantly working because I am seeing muscles again in my calves, my abs are starting to come back, my arms are leaning out. I can't speak anything but good things about it. And remember I was NEVER a cardio girl, lifting is more my scene.

 

 

It's not always easy to get up and push play but you just have to remember your WHY. Is it strong enough to motivate you and not give up. Can you challenge yourself to be better than yesterday. Don't look at where you started and compare yourself to others. Are you plugged into a support system where individuals can keep you on track & help you reach your goals. If you need help getting on track or want to be apart of my next accountability group, take a moment to fill out the application.

 

 

  

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Easy Burrito Bowls

Mexican is a fan favorite in this house. For this girl.  I could eat it once a week if not more, I would say obsessed. So I went searching for a new recipe. 

Ingredients : 

1 cup uncooked rice

1 cup salsa, use homemade or I try to get the organic

3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce

1 (15-25 oz) can whole kennel corn, drained

1 (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

2 Roma  tomatoes, diced

1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

For the chipotle cream sauce :

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
I would use the southwest seasoning from the 21 day fix book

1 clove garlic, pressed

Juice of 1 lime 

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions :

To make the chipotle cream sauce whisk together all ingredients , set aside.

In a large saucepan of 1 1/2 cups of water, cook rice according to package instructions; let cool and stir in salsa ; set aside.

To assemble the bowls, divide the rice mixture into serving bowls; top with lettuce; corn; black beans; tomatoes; avocado and cilantro.

Serve immediately, drizzled with chipotle cream sauce. Or add hot sauce instead if you'd like.
Feel free to add ground turkey, shrimp, or even chicken to spice it up!!!!

ENJOY!!! 

Holiday Survival Guide : tips to get through the holidays

Ahhhhh! The holidays are here! How do you get through them without gaining weight? Life is all about moderation, but sometimes we just need a little help to push us through.



 

Here are some times to help you through the holidays without letting yourself go, to MUCH...

1. Write down a game plan - come up with a schedule. Plan what workout program you will be doing and what times you will be working out. Plan out your meals. And set goals. 

2. Exercise - this kind of goes along with the first one. When you schedule your workouts your more than likely to do them. Even if you don't feel like working out, start with the first 5 minutes that's all I ask ..5 minutes and then see how you feel. 

3. Hydrate your body - drinking water is one of the most important things ever & yet most of us still don't drink enough. You should drink at least half your body weight in ounces. If you can do that easily than aim for more. If you struggle with it, find ways to make you drink more water. Add fruits, or put hair ties on your water bottle; when you finish drinking take a tie off. 

4. Meal Plan (and plan your cheat meals)- this will help you avoid spending unwanted money and eating foods you do not want to be eating.

5. Moderation is KEY- you can grandma's not so healthy potatoes or the sweet desserts staring you in the face. It is all about moderation. You have decide what you want and not over do it.
 

6. Accountability - make sure to hold yourself accountable. Come up with a plan, post it out on social media for all to see, tell your significant other, or get yourself in an accountability group. What's an accountability group? A closed facebook group where each day you check in and tell the group how you are doing, when you don't feel like working out, etc. You have people all have one goal in common and that is to get fit & healthy.
 

7. Enjoy yourself - Simple yet. The holidays are a time to relax, enjoy your family and friends, and remember to be grateful for everything you have.

If you need help staying on track this holiday season, please take a moment to fill out the challenge application below~

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The 5 Common Excuses Everyone Gives

This may come off the wrong way but this has been on my mind for awhile. I've been thinking about how I want to say it so I don't "hurt" anyone's feelings, but I'm just going to be brutally honest. I have been getting 5 common excuses lately when it comes to working out, eating healthy, joining a challenge group.

Here goes nothing.....

1. I just don't have time: let me stop you right there. We all have the same 24 hours in the day. So how are you using your time. If you are scrolling through Facebook, pinning on Pinterest, or watching hours of tv shows on On Demand, you have time. All you have to do is carve 25-30 minutes out for a quick home workout. You have to make time.

2.  It's too expensive: I had the same thought when I was considering joining a challenge group. For this to not get expensive you have to change your life. If you do nothing and add $130 into the mix, yes it will get expensive.  But if you want this bad enough you have to make some sacrifices. Take a look at your life and see where you are spending your money daily. Are you going every morning for a Mcdonald's breakfast sandwich & coffee which costs $5. A Starbucks coffee depending on size $6. If you stop doing these daily activities think of how much money can be saved in a single month. I use my Shakeology as a meal replacement, so that is less that needs to be spent at the grocery store.  It is all about making the choice to invest in your health, if you want the healthy lifestyle it just comes with sacrifices but with results in the end.

3. I can't stick to anything: If you think you can't; you won't... the power of belief.  Just because you haven't in the past does not mean you aren't now. You can do anything you put your mind too, no matter what it is. If you start this going all in and giving everything you got, finding a program you love and you ARE going to stick too you WILL. Accountability groups are so important in this aspect because I at one point in time did not stick to anything. I would start something and in two weeks because I wasn't seeing fast enough results I just quit, and there was no one to stop me because I was in on this alone. No judging when it comes to this group, this group is your safe haven. A place for you to check in for daily motivation, tell us about your struggles, what is working well for you, a place to just come for positive motivation, and when you feel like giving up or you are in a rut this group everyone will support you and push you to just keep going.

4. Eating healthy...way too expensive for us: It's not that it is expensive, maybe the fruits and veggies are just a little bit. But you are getting whole foods and you are staying full for way longer. You are fueling your body with proper nutrition so in the end you are not eating all the "crap" that makes you feel tired/sluggish/bloated right after you eat it. When you take care of your body, the likelihood of you being sick or given medication is slim to none.

5. I just don't have support:  You are not alone in this journey...and I have found that out the hard way. There are plenty of people out there who are looking for ways to get healthy & find a workout routine that works for them. The problem is people tend to think they are alone and they are just afraid to try and fail. If you want to get fit and healthy and you don't want to do it alone, you don't have too. I will support you 100% of the way and we will get you in an accountability group with other people just like you looking to create a healthier lifestyle. But let me just start by saying, failing is apart of life and it is what makes us who we are. All you have to do is start, you don't have to go out and run a marathon on your first day. This is going to be slow and steady. Remember this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. And believe in yourself, because I believe in YOU every step of the way.

If you haven't been in an accountability group before and you think maybe this is exactly what you need please feel free to take a few moments and fill out the application below and then we can discuss together what options are best for you. And if you have been in an accountability group before and you just fell off the wagon (sometimes we just do) and you want to get back on track feel free to fill this application out as well ! You are worth so much more than you give yourself credit for!!

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