Although we have all been focused on holiday parties, family traditions and festivities, another holiday tradition is looming around the corner - New Year's Resolutions.

Sound familiar?

That post workout glow...

For the month of December, I'm committing to the 21 Day Fix Extreme in our team wide challenge - The Holiday Fix!

Tradition...

The past 5 years, my family and I make the drive to Philly the weekend before Thanksgiving to watch my Father run the half-marathon. This is a before picture from last year when I decided to run the 8K which took place that same weekend as a challenge for myself. This picture is me finishing that race -- 40lbs heavier than I am now. This year, I'M running the half marathon with my uncle while my father and family cheer me on. And, i can't WAIT for that after picture!


As I prepare for our road trip tonight, I've planned some healthy options to take along with me...because, well...goals!

Ever notice how when you travel, you always feel out of sorts? LIke, you have an upset stomach, or you're extra tired and lacking energy.  But, I thought more about why that might be, and realized that while traveling, because our normal daily routine is thrown off, that messes with our bodies equilibrium.

For me, I tend to fall off the band wagon with drinking plenty of water, and eating enough vegetables. I get plenty of fruit, carbs and protein, but always feel cleaner and less bloated when I eat a balanced diet throughout the day, so I planned ahead for our upcoming road trip!

Here are some of the things that I plan to bring with me for the trip, so that I can eat clean and stay on track!

Shakeology (obviously!)
I bought an inexpensive single serving Ninja blender that I can easily pack and bring along with me so that I wouldn't miss a day of this supershake! If there is any time that I would absolutely need Shakeology in my life, it's while I'm traveling and lacking some of the normal nutrients that I would typically get in a day. I plan to start each morning out with Shakeology like I normally do, to ensure that I'm getting all of the vitamins, minerals and energy that I need! It will also help to keep me regular :)

Bananas
Fruit, especially kinds with a natural casing like Bananas or oranges, are perfect to take along with you on road trips! I packed a few for the road, but also peeled and froze some to add to my shakeology in the mornings! Not a necessary step, but I like my shakes that way!

Steamed Broccoli
I was struggling with ideas on what to bring along with me for veggie options. Someone had suggested that I try V8, but since V8 is not something I've introduced to my diet before, I didn't want to risk it this weekend...especially with my first half marathon. So, I chose broccoli as one option! Some can handle raw broccoli, but for some reason I get TERRIBLE runners stomach when I eat it this way, so I steamed a couple bags of frozen broccoli, portioned them out with my green container, and I'll have them as snacks along the way.  Not really an ideal snack, but my goal is to stay fueled properly, without resorting to bad options, so I can deal with the weirdness of snacking on steamed broccoli for the weekend!

Red Pepper Strips
I had some red peppers in the fridge, so I sliced them up, portioned them out, and they make a great snack for on the go!

Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are a GREAT source of protein while on the go. I boil water, add the eggs and boil for about 10 minutes, then drain the hot water, add cold water and ice to the pan to quickly cool them down. Once cooled, I pre-peel them so they are easy to grab while driving.

Nuts
Raw nuts, like Almonds or walnuts, are a great source of fat and nutrient dense calories while on the road! Pair them with a piece of fruit, and they help to balance out the sugar spike that fruit provides, giving you long lasting energy between meals!

Sweet Potatoes
Yes, I know, a little out of the ordinary, but I need to make sure that I'm eating the right kinds of carbs while fueling for the half. I had three sweet potatoes that needed to be cooked, so I peeled them, cubed them, then steamed them.  Once they were done, and cooled, I portioned them out using my Yellow container. I'll most likely pair sweet potatoes with the broccoli and perhaps two hard boiled eggs as a lunch.

Planning ahead for your trips can mean the difference of staying on track all weekend OR making a poor choice at a truck stop. For me, I thought of my goals and how I want to finish this round of the 21 Day Fix with my accountability group strong, so I'm willing to sacrifice some of the taste while on the road for the proper fuel that my body needs.  

My next accountability group starts on November 30th! If you, or someone you know would like to join me after the Thanksgiving holiday to get back on track with your nutrition and fitness, then Contact me today! Together, we can stay on track before the next major Holiday, and WOW our family.

Who's with me?

Strength...

Having the strength physically and MENTALLY to train for a half marathon...Something I NEVER thought I would do.



For the past few years in November, my family would make a six hour drive (sometimes a quick flight) to Philadelphia to watch my father run the half marathon.  It's become quite the tradition, and each year someone in my family is inspired to run along, too.  My sister joined in one year, then my aunt, and now this year...my Uncle and I. 

Each year that I would go, I would feel envy towards the runners and my father (and whoever else joined him that year). I would tell myself..."next year, I'll run"...but it would never happen.  I'm not quite sure what it was that I was afraid of...I mean, I used to run all of the time and loved it! But, since then, I had gained a significant amount of weight, had a child, gained more weight, and the idea of running that far was hard to wrap my head around.

By the time I had signed up as a Beachbody coach, and started the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology, I had also picked up running again.  I would run a few miles here and there, sign up for a few 5Ks, and then eventually became more ambitious and signed up for a couple of 10Ks. 

One day, I received an email - "Sign up for the Philadelphia Half Marathon, and get the Early Bird rate! Nearly 50% off!" 

Without even thinking about it, I signed up, called my dad, recruited my uncle and sister, and before I knew it I was officially registered to run my first half marathon. When I first signed up, I was SO excited. It was euphoric, even. But then, reality hit...I just signed up to run a half marathon...

I felt overwhelmed about what I had just done, but I had to keep my head on straight.  I had remember that excited feeling I had upon signing up, and go with it. I had to remember WHY I signed up in the first place - for that personal challenge.

Here are some tips on how I was able to keep a positive attitude throughout my training, and how I kept my mind in that initial state of excitement throughout the entire process:

1. Baby Steps

Building up to 13 miles doesn't just happen in a day, and if it did, we wouldn't sign up to run a half marathon in the first place...especially if we signed up for that personal challenge! So, take baby steps in your approach to getting to your goal distance...one day, one hour, one step at a time. Focus on TODAY, and not too far down the road.  Why? Say you get out there and have a bad run (which is going to happen)...that bad run will make you feel discouraged, and could hurt your mindset. But, if you brush off that bad run, you can pick up the next run with a better mindset.

2. Break your run up mentally into bite sized pieces

I use this mentality a lot on my long runs, because that high number can feel really scary - I need to run HOW MANY miles today??? I didn't really start doing this until I hit 9 or more miles, but once I hit 10, 11, 12 miles, the thought of running that far became scary for me until I just got out there and did it.

This idea of breaking your run up into parts is an idea I got from a friend.  If a 10 mile run seems overwhelming, think of it as running two 5 mile runs. It will feel more manageable for you.

3. Take the work "quit", and remove it from your vocabulary!

Easier said than done, I know, but if you remove that terrible word from your mind altogether, you're less likely to actually quit!  Training for a race, for me, is so much more than just that physical challenge...it's mental.  Set the expectation from the very beginning that quitting is NOT an option for you. Make sure your family and friends know that, too. They can (and will) hold you to it!

4. If others can do it...so can YOU!

Keep this perspective on your mind as you're training.  Remember that there are thousands of others, just like you, and maybe some with more limitations than you, who have trained for, and completed a half marathon. If they can do it, why not you?

If you have any questions about my training regimen, please contact me. I'd love to share!

Reflection...

Over the past couple of weeks, my emotions have been on overdrive, and I couldn't figure out why.  Then, it hit me! This little guy is turning two in a little over a week! Where has the time gone, and can I please have some of it back?


Life moves so fast, and it seems to have sped up since our son came into our world. Ever feel that way? We all seem to go about our days on autopilot, and sometimes forget to take a second to just reflect - What have we done in the past year or two that we are proud of? What could we have done better? Would we have handled certain situations differently, or are we satisfied?

Looking back at this past year, I am amazed at how much I've accomplished, and how much has happened.  In the beginning, I was stuck in a hard place. I was frustrated at how hard {i though} I was working to lose weight, and reach my ultimate weight loss goal, but NOT seeing any results.

Incorporating the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology into my life was a game changer, a mood changer, and an overall life changer for me. I'm sure without it, I would have still lost the weight that I had, but knowing myself I'd be taking the long way around it all.  21 Day Fix simplified eating right for me, and changed my mindset about food all together. I don't worry, stress, or fear weight gain anymore if I have a piece of pizza, or chocolate (all foods which used to get me into trouble).

At first, I looked at the 21 Day Fix as just another diet plan. It's so far from that. It's a lifestyle change.

If you're anything like me, and need that lifestyle change, and need that healthy relationship with food, then join me in my journey! Together, we can live healthfully, and happily :)

Brings me warmth...

Piyo warm's up my body so I can put back in what running takes out...flexibility!


My love affair with Piyo started after I had my son two year ago. I had a C-Section, and was 100lbs overweight. Needless to say, my core lacked strength, flexibility, and alignment. I had a hard time getting up out of chairs, bed, the floor, in and out of cars...just moving in general! I was extremely eager to start working out as soon as I got the "all clear" from my doctor, but I was also extremely nervous to go back to a gym - I was embarrassed at how much weight I had gained, and how weak I was.

I had purchased T25 prior to my pregnancy, and thought that I could jump right back into that program once I was cleared to start working out again.  The problem was, because of the condition my body was in - more weight, lack of core strength, flexibility, etc - my body was NOT responding well, and I could barely get through five minutes of the workout (even with modifications). I was stuck. Aside from the fact that I really didn't have time to go to the gym with a newborn, I REALLY didn't want to go to the gym and bump into people that I knew. I didn't want them to see how much weight I had gained, and was embarrassed.

I started walking with my son, but I really needed more than that. I needed strength, flexibility, and more mobility in my hips. I needed to correct my posture - carrying all of that extra weight had really pulled my neck and shoulders forward, and it made me feel "frumpy".

Right around this time, I saw a post about a new program launching that month called "Piyo". It was a program that promised increased strength and flexibility through movements which combined both Yoga and Pilates together.  Now, the old me would have moved past that program and onto something a little more intense.  I wasn't really into Yoga, and had never tried Pilates before, but because the program seemed to offer everything that I  needed in that moment in time, I bought it, and hoped for the best.

Turns out, Piyo was the best thing that I could have done for myself. At first, I modified everything. I was extremely inflexible, and weak through my core. My wrists were sore from holding myself up, and the lack of strength that my arms and shoulders had. But, after a couple of weeks, I started to notice a real difference in how my body felt. First, I noticed that my wrist pain went away - a sign that I was getting stronger. Then, I noticed my posture improving, and my core was getting stronger.  I was also losing weight, and overall feeling so much better.

After going through one full round of Piyo, I finally felt strong enough to take on more intense, high impact workouts like, T25, and Insanity. I also started slowly getting back into running again. I put Piyo off to the side to tackle these other programs, but would sprinkle a Piyo workout in here and there.

A year after starting Piyo, and incorporating other Beachbody programs into my routine, I finally added Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix, because my weight had come to a stand still, and I still had about 50 more lbs to lose.  By this time, I was also running regularly, and had signed up for a few 10K races. I started the 21 Day Fix and Shakeology in March, and by July, I had lost 30lbs!

It was then that I decided to sign up for a half marathon in November! The 21 Day Fix, because it incorporates weight training, was a great supplement to my running. However, with the high impact of running, and the importance of maintaining flexibility to stay injury free, I decided to start Piyo again. Piyo has been an essential component to my half marathon training. It has kept me injury free, flexible, and strong.

I love what Piyo has done for me.  From a new mom, with lots of weight lose, but no core strength, to a runner who needs that flexibility and cross training component, Piyo is truly my soulmate program!

If you're a new mom, a runner, someone looking to lose weight, someone looking to improve flexibility, someone looking to improve core strength and posture, a women, a man...a human...Piyo is for you.

If you'd like to give Piyo a try, connect with me and I'll help you get started! It's a life changing experience!

Nourished...

These colorful little containers have changed my life, and helped me to nourish my body the RIGHT way, with the RIGHT portion sizes, and the PERFECT balance of foods!


I think about all the time and money I spent on gym memberships, diet pills, expensive supplements, weight loss books, online coaching programs, pricey ingredients promising better health...it's almost sickening!

This is the #1 program I recommend to my challengers because I've seen the results over and over again!

- It's simple.
- It's smart.
- It's doable (for everyone).
- It's worth it.
- You are worth it.

I'm looking for THREE ladies who are ready to commit to this program with me and join me for just 21 days!

When you start this program with me and commit you are getting:

- The meal plan system
- DVD & direct/immediate online access to your at home workouts that target every single body part and incorporate amazing interval workouts that burn fat
- 1 entire month of a superfood shake that curbs hunger and reduces cravings!

✳As a BONUS...the 3 ladies to COMMIT within the next 24 hours, get the brand new Fixate cookbook (TONS of 21 Day Fix approved recipes) AND a chance to win a pair of LuLaRoe Leggings!

You have nothing but inches to lose and confidence to gain this Holiday season! I guarantee it will happen in 21 days! If it doesn't, money back promise! Who's with me!?

Contact me, and we can chat! The first THREE to commit in 24 hours are in! I'm only working with 3 new ladies for the next 21 days so don't miss out!

Ordinary...

Just an ordinary day - Pushing play early and distracting my child with Disney Jr!


The thought of working out at home, for some us, can be hard to wrap our brain's around. There are so many excuses out there, like: I'm too tired, or I have too many chores to get done, or my personal favorite...my kids won't let me!

I love this excuse the most, because let's be honest here! We are the adults. If anything, we shouldn't let our children dictate whether or not we get to take 30 minutes out of our day for ourselves. Sounds harsh, I know, but it's the honest truth!

When our babies are newbies, they nap a lot, right? That's a window of opportunity, right off the bat, to squeeze in a workout. The dishes and laundry can wait. You may need to be flexible some days, because let's face it, our schedules are not always on point every single day with a newborn, but that's ok! Not to mention, you'd be surprised what a 30 minute workout can do for your energy level when you're sleep deprived, and lacking the motivation! I can't even tell you how many times I'd workout while my son napped, then have the energy to quickly knock some things off of my "To do" list until he wakes up, and takes back my attention.

As our children grow, and naps throughout the day become rarer, we start to feel as if a workout is less likely to happen during the day. But, there are still plenty of opportunities to find that time...we just have to be creative, and set boundaries with our children so that they understand that WE need time for ourselves, too.  If we don't get that time to invest in ourselves, we could risk turning into scary "Mombies", and that's not good for anyone, is it?

So, how do we set boundaries, and distract our children so that we can fit in a quick workout? Here are some things that have worked for me:

1. Wake up early
This is easier said than done, but you CAN train yourself to get up earlier than the rest of the house to get your workout in.  Start small by getting up early 2-3 times during the week. Then, gradually add a day.

You could also try setting your alarm clock about 15-20 minutes early each week until you've trained yourself to get up about an hour earlier. Plenty of time to squeeze in your 30 minute workout, AND get a few things done around the house before everyone wakes up.

2. Get your children involved
Even if your child isn't crawling yet, or they are old enough to walk around and become easily distracted. Start having them join you for your workouts! Make it a game. If your child is not yet walking, lay them on their tummy on a blanket by where you're working out, and have them practice tummy time while you're squeezing your workout in. Do your planks or pushups over them, and give them kisses as you drop down to engage them. Hold them in your arms as weights when you're squatting and lunging.

My son is almost two, so he's constantly distracted by EVERYTHING that comes across his sight.  But, he has his very own yoga mat, and sometimes likes to join in with me during my workouts.  If he's not up to joining in, I have zero guilt about putting on Disney Jr for a half hour while I squeeze in my workout.  Laying out puzzles, books, or setting him up with his favorite toys are also great distractions.

3. Be flexible...
Getting our children involved, or distracting them with other things while you workout will not ALWAYS go as planned. I've had days where a 30 minute workout would turn into a 60 minute workout because I had to press pause a few times to get my son some juice, or find him a new book or puzzle to look at.

I've had workouts where my son would demand my attention, and depending on what the circumstances were, I would either have to give it to him OR remind him that this is "Mommy's Time", and that we'll focus on whatever it is that he needs or wants when I'm done.  Children can be just as flexible, if not more flexible, as we can be, so nine times out of ten, they will hear you when you tell them that it's time for them to play while you do!

What I've found with my son is that at first when I started incorporating workouts at home, it was difficult. He didn't quite get it, and would cry for my attention constantly.  It took some patience to work through that, and now he just gets it. He knows what exercise is, and he recognizes that when the Yoga Mat and weights come out, it's time for him to play with his toys or join in with Mommy.

4. Recruit some help
If you're making a real, honest effort to start working out and eat healthier, it's really important to let your husband or significant other in on your goals. If you have an idea as to what your workout schedule should look like, share it with your husband so that he can help with the kids during that time if need be.  Let him know that you'll be getting up earlier (if that's the time you choose), so that if the kids wake up during, he can coax them back to bed, or get up with them. TEAMWORK!

5. Leave your excuses at the door!
Excuses will not get your to your goal. We need to be bigger than them. Each day will not be perfect, and we'll need to work through barriers along the way, but omitting the "I can'ts", and the "I don't have time" excuses from your vocabulary is half the battle!  Focus on positive affirmations, keep an open mind, be flexible, and do the work...NO EXCUSE!

Work with me in one of my upcoming accountability groups, and start establishing a routine NOW! I can help you fit exercise into your schedule, and make it an ORDINARY part of yours, and your families day.

Are you with me?

I had my son almost 2 years ago. By March of this year, I was finally back to pre-pregnancy weight, but had a lot more work to do. I struggled to get there in the first place, but on top of that, my body had changed (things weren't falling the same way that they used to)...I was starting to worry that I would never get my body back, and almost gave up trying completely.

By March, I had tried so many diets in an attempt to lose more weight (my goal weight is 150lbs), but nothing was budging...and it sucked. I was slowly giving up, which meant I was starting to make poor choices again, and not caring. I was desperate, and felt like I was in it alone...

A friend posted about an accountability group she was running for the 21 day fix. I saw the results she and her husband were getting, and despite how skeptical I was about the whole program, I reached out, and joined in.

At first, I was a quiet observer...I didn't really participate much...still skeptical, but because I felt accountable to my friend, I stuck to the program, drank my nutrient dense shake everyday, and quickly started FEELING better. That feeling turned into noticing changes...like my pants fit better, and my skin was clearing up. Next thing I knew I was buying new pants nearly once a month! My attitude changed...I was happier, and carrying myself differently.

Fast forward to today, and I'm officially down 30 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight (85lbs in total since my son's birth). I took a leap of faith, trusted my friend, invested in myself, and I'm now only 15 lbs away from my ultimate goal weight!


This holiday season, I'm staying committed to the 21 Day fix, and focusing on the last 15. I'm looking for 3 women who want to join me! We will stay accountable to each other, motivate and encourage each other, and cheer each other on as we jump-start some big goals for 2016!

Who's with me? If YOU are, then CONTACT me today!

Looking Up...

Having the strength to put mind over matter, push through mental barriers, and moving forward with my goals even when I'm faced with road blocks along the way.


Weight loss is a byproduct of good nutrition. I've said this before. Good nutrition takes discipline, and requires you to take control of your mind and body. If you can do that, then you'll be able to practice good nutrition, motivate yourself to exercise daily, and in turn weight loss will happen.

Here are some common mental barriers that we face when starting an exercise and nutrition plan:

1. Lack of Motivation
Lacking motivation is one of the most common reasons why some have trouble starting and continuing with a fitness program. We can become unmotivated by a wide variety of things, like: a bad experience, a packed schedule, the feeling that you don't have time (or don't know how to find time), fear, not knowing where to start, or not connecting with the program that you've started.

So, how do we motivate ourselves?  Find a program that meets your own personal needs!

What I love about Beachbody programs are that there is literally something for everyone.  Are you looking to lose weight, but you've never exercised before, and you're not really sure what you should be eating OR where to even start? The 21 Day Fix is PERFECT for the beginner. It's also perfect for someone who has no trouble fitting in exercise, but they have trouble sticking to a healthy meal plan.

Are you looking to lose weight, but you HATE exercise? CIZE, one of Beachbody's newest programs, takes you through short dance routines. In the end, you'll be drenched in sweat, and not once will you feel like you just worked out...because it's SO MUCH FUN!

Looking to lose body fat, and sculpt your body? The 21 Day Fix Extreme, Body Beast, or the Master's Hammer and Chisel (Launching December 1st), are all great programs that can help you to build strength, lean out, and lose body fat.

These are just to name a few.

2. Wanting to Quit...
Similar to lack of motivation, we sometimes start a health and fitness routine with the best intentions, but in order to make it a lifestyle, we need to first make it a habit.  Creating a habit takes some time...but not as much time as you think! Research has shown that it only takes 21 days to create a habit.  But, even so, most of us want to see results right away, and when we realize that it takes some time and effort to start seeing results, we quit while we are ahead.

How can we combat wanting to quit while we are ahead?

Accountability groups were my saving grace! They are strategically 21 days to as much as 90 days long, so plenty of time to create a habit, and stick to it! Not only that, but these groups help with motivation as well!

3. Maintaining a healthy LIFESTYLE!
Ok, so you worked out for 30 minutes this morning. Go you!! But, what about the rest of your day? If you're getting in your workout, but then eating poorly or sitting around for the rest of your day, then what's the point?

This is where I got caught up when starting my health and fitness journey. I had no trouble fitting in the exercise, but slacked off with everything else.

The 21 Day Fix really helped me to reel in my unhealthy habits, and get on track with the RIGHT choices! Our programs, along with online support, make it so easy from the start!

If you or someone you know are looking to take control of your health and fitness, combat your lack of motivation, avoid losing momentum, and want to kickstart an overall healthy lifestyle, then let's chat!

Sign up for my next Challenge Group, and let me help you start "Looking Up" to a healthier version of you!