Cize is now available!

I've never had aspirations of being a professional dancer. I knew that was not in the cards for me.

In college, I was part of the Filipino student organization, that put on a cultural celebration every year. I always longed to be a part of the "modern" routine (code for hip hop), but was never placed on the roster. I get it...that kind of rhythm doesn't run through my veins.

Fast forward several years and here comes Cize...the end of exercize.

It's a dance workout by the creator of Insanity, T25, and Hip Hop Abs. Shaun T has gone back to his roots of dance.

I tried out the sample workout on Beachbody on Demand (actually the very first time I just watched), and it was super fun. The steps are broken down and repeated and put together so that it's approachable and if you can follow along on the TV, you can do this workout!

I'm excited about this program release because people who "don't like to exercise" will now have a program that they can do and not feel like they are working out. The time just passes and suddenly you're doing a dance routine and you're done. It's pretty awesome.

I'm starting a test group in August just for Cize! Would you like to be a part of the group? We'll do the program together (well, from home) and have accountability through an online group. 

Ready to get started? Fill out the form here:

Focus T25: Week 10 Recap // Review

We finished!!

We finished 50 days of Focus: T25!

This is the first time that we've finished a complete program together...let alone one that was longer than 3 weeks. This one was 10 weeks!

I must say that I am not a morning person, but I definitely preferred to workout first thing in the morning with Focus: T25. It was kind of nice just to roll out of bed, get the workout done -- 25 minutes! -- and go about our day. There was one day where my hubby had work to do late at night the day before, so the next morning he was not feeling up to the workout at 6:30am. He was working from home that day so we did the workout around lunchtime. I found that I had much better energy first thing in the morning (even though I hadn't eaten yet).

Okay, so results! Well, for me, I lost a total of 8lbs and about 14 inches over all. I'm not sure what my husband's numerical results are, but he definitely got more definition in his arms and abs. 

I believe that I would have gotten more "dramatic" results (if I wanted them) if I had followed either the Focus: T25 meal plan or a 21 Day Fix meal plan. However, we did not have a strict meal plan. I followed a loose version of the 21 Day Fix, still using containers, but not managing it quite as closely. I still drank my Shakeology every day, and considering that I deal with PCOS which makes it difficult to lose weight anyway, I'm super pleased with 8 pounds.

I'm now within just a couple pounds of my first goal weight. I know that I can make it. It feels so close...and yet also SOOOO far.

I can't lost the momentum though. 

Honestly, I'm at my lowest weight since college. And I don't want to go back up on the scale.

Focus: T25 is a great workout. It's short, at just 25 minutes, so there's really no excuse not to get it in. It's mostly cardio based and if you need to modify, there is a modifier to follow. I would say that it is more intense than the 21 Day Fix, but a little less intense than the 21 Day Fix Extreme.

If you're looking for an awesome & intense workout, but you're short on time, I would highly recommend looking into Focus: T25. You can purchase a copy here.

Fixate is now available!

So excited! Autumn Calabrese's new cookbook that pairs perfectly with the 21 Day Fix is now available!

I'm super excited to get my copy - each recipe has the container breakdown.

I struggle most with what to make for dinner, something that satisfies both me and my husband. I think this cookbook will give me some great ideas!

You can order your copy here:

Fixate Cookbook

or

with containers:

Fixate Cookbook and Containers

No More Double Chins!

Same shirt. 6 months difference.

One of the biggest pieces of proof (to myself) that change was actually happening was my chin...and the loss of the extra ones. 😂

For the longest time I had a double chin whether I liked it or not. It would be the thing that would bother me the most about photos of myself....and as a photographer a pet peeve that no one told me I should adjust my head. Anyway, I'm excited that photos no longer have a default double chin.

And then my sister and husband both remarked that I look like I have bigger eyes. I suppose there's less face to push and make my eyes smaller. 😂

What have I done in the last 6 months? 3 rounds of the 21 Day Fix - (those dang portion control containers are life changing!) - 21 Day Fix Extreme, and coming almost to the end of 10 weeks of Focus T25. Getting better everyday. 😁

After we finish T25 I think I'm going to do another round of 21 Day Fix. Want to join me? Let me know! 😉

Focus T25: Week 9 Recap

We made it!

Made it through another week of Focus: T25 Beta Cycle.

I'm so glad that we decided to do this program together. It's kept up on track, accountable, and focused over the last nine weeks. I don't think that I could have done this alone...at least not with this kind of consistency!

Focus T25: Week 8 Recap

What have I learned since embarking on this journey of working out every morning?

That accountability is key.

Do I want to take sweaty selfies every day? 

No, not particularly.

However, I know that by taking a photo and sharing it, I'm keeping myself accountable. I think about what it would be like if we were just working out on our own but not doing public accountability. I'm sure we'd still get our workouts in (my husband is dependable like that), but I feel like it would be a lot easier to skip out on a workout here and there.

I have to say that this is the first time that I've made it this far into the program. We only have 2 more weeks to go.

So how is T25?

Well, honestly, before we started I was kind of nervous about it. It seemed really intense and harder than anything I've ever done. However, thanks to Tania the modifier, everything was really accessible! I was pleasantly surprised that I'm able to do about 80% of the moves without modifying. I still do pushups on my knees and walk for the pike ups. Otherwise, I'm doing the program.

It doesn't matter if you can do the moves perfectly. It matters that you keep going and stick to it consistently. Change happens in the consistency of habit over time....just like gaining weight can sneak up on you...so can weight loss! 

4th of July Survival Tips

I mean, I totally get it why Americans are fat. At every chance and opportunity, we turn to food. We like to celebrate. Usually it's food that's not great for us. Stuff that should be reserved for cheat meals...every once in a while. 

I love me some hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixin's. Pies, ice cream, and margaritas...am I right?

So as we approach this holiday weekend what can you do to stay on track?

1. Have a plan in place. 

So think about what your week is going to look like. Are you going to be traveling, camping, visiting family and friends? Where will you be? What will you be doing?

Next, make a plan for your fitness. Schedule it on your calendar like you would a really important cannot miss meeting. Make it non-negotiable.

Do you know what you'll be busy with activities all weekend? You can still sneak in a quick 30 minute walk, add in some cardio like jumping jacks, strength training like squats and pushups and you'll be good to go.

2. Eating Clean is an every day plan

As a former "Fat Kid" at heart, I still look forward to cheat days and cheat meals. I love me some French fries and Chocolate cake. However, I also know that eating too much of those things won't get me closer to my goal...it'll do that opposite.

So while it's okay to have a cheat meal once a week, think about what your goal is.

I like to think about eating clean seven days a week, but perhaps two-three of those meals will have some indulgences included. Maybe it's dessert. Maybe it's a nice dinner. Maybe it's a drink. 

My biggest struggle is eating clean. I treat every day like a new day to start again. If I know that I will be eating out, I try my best to check out the menu and pre-plan what I'll be eating. If I know that I'll be happily indulging, I make sure to eat clean the rest of the day. 

3. Don't leave it to chance. 

Let's be honest, it's really hard to stay on track when there's so much delicious food staring at you, tempting you. If your plan is to stay on track over the holiday weekend, don't assume that there will be any veggies included in the spread. (If this was my mom's party, there definitely wouldn't be! Haha!) So if you're trying to stay on track and going to parties, plan ahead. Eat before you go, or bring a snack with you that you can munch on. You're still being social, but also smart about your clean eating. Another great tip is to bring your Shakeology with you so that you can have a snack on the go.

4. Water, water and more water! 

It's summertime and it sure is hot here in Texas. It's super important to stay hydrated properly! Especially if you're at a cookout or BBQ outdoors, you'll want to make sure you're sipping water in between your drinks. And if you are partaking in a fruity adult beverage, enjoy it. However, do keep track of what you're consuming. Those can add up quickly and count as carbs/sugar!

5. Practice the 80-20 rule. 

Don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself permission to not be perfect! Look at your week and decide where you want to splurge at. I totally believe in living by the 80-20 rule. 80% of the time stick to your eating plan, 20% of the time, you can have a little fun. Just make a plan for it as best you can!