Wheat and Grain Free Experiment

I love food. I'm probably a food addict. I love sweets. I love junk. I do my best to eat healthy though because I know that the junk isn't good for me and doesn't help me move forward towards my goals.

My goal is not to be skinny. I know I'll never be "skinny". However, my goal is to be healthy. I want to be able to balance my hormones as naturally as possible and one of the best ways to do that is through managing your nutrition. My ultimate goal is to become a mother and I know that my husband and I would make great parents. To read more about that, check out our story here. Infertility is the pits. I think that for the most part, our infertility is unexplained (that's what the doctor's notes say), although PCOS does play a role.

The annoying thing about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is that there's no cure. You can manage the symptoms through nutrition and exercise, but it's not something that just resolves and goes away. So those carb cravings, that trouble losing weight, the obnoxious unwanted hair? Yep, I just have to manage the symptoms.

Great, right?

I recently listened to Wheat Belly on audiobook, where Dr. William Davis explains the ins and outs of how modern-day wheat is what makes us fat. All of the genetic modification in modern wheat is no longer healthy for us and the claims of "healthy whole grains" is a misnomer.

I know that "diets" like this can be trendy and gimmicky. However, after listening to the science behind his claims, it does make a lot of sense. He talks about how when we eat carbs, specifically simple carbs, our brain receives the message of wanting more, and thus craving for more carbs. On the other hand, when you eat protein and fat, the brain receives the message that it is satiated and you can go about your day.  (I'm making it super simple terms, check out the book Wheat Belly for specific details!)

Since losing weight with PCOS is super slow going (I can't tell you how annoying that is to me!!!) I figured that I could at least give this theory a chance. As a carb lover, I know that it is going to difficult (I flippin' love bread and sweets!) but I know that it will be worth it. If I see the results that I hope to, I think I could transition to this lifestyle full time.

I will be starting a wheat and grain free experiment this month. I'm going to start with the Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox  and then go from there. I figure that if I can do a workout program such as The Master's Hammer and Chisel for 60 days, I can surely do a 10 day challenge and into a 30 day challenge.

I like the concept of a challenge, being able to check off the days that I stick to a program. So we shall see!

Anyone interested in trying the 10 Day Grain Detox with me?

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.

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! 😉

40lb Weight Loss Transformation

Okay it's official, the difference between these two photos is 40lbs! That's a small child 😂

And you know what, it hasn't just been an outside transformation...most importantly, it's been an inner transformation. Since making a change to get healthier, I've lost weight, but I've also gained confidence. And I know that's not tied up in how much you weigh, but as someone who has struggled with weight almost all my life, it's a big deal.

For me, it wasn't until I actually saw a physical change that I started to see and feel the inner change, too.

Four years ago, I would never have been comfortable posting a photo of myself without makeup. I wouldn't have been comfortable leaving the house or having the potential of running into someone I knew without makeup. It's true. As women, I think we often use makeup as a shield...an armor of sorts to enhance all the features we like and minimize those we don't. Am I right?

But once you really learn to love yourself, your whole self, makeup becomes merely a tool to enhance your features rather than trying to hide behind it...

All this to say, I'm 100% happier with myself since I decided to take control of my health rather than just letting it all go. (3 1/2 years ago I basically failed part of a health exam, triglycerides anyone?!) It's not too late. Small changes over time can make a big difference.

If you want to take control of your health, you're invited to my next fitness & nutrition accountability group. It's 21 days, and it just might be the kickstart you're looking for. Shoot me an email and let's chat.

21 Day Summer Fix Group

Let's do this together!

This is about a life change, a fresh start and not some crash diet or magic pill. You need to make a decision to commit to YOU! Daily improvements and good choices towards a better healthier you.


Get in this for the long haul! Yes, you'll see results in as little as a week and get a serious jaw dropping transformation in 21 days. But if you take what you learn during those 21 days, you'll change your life. I know I did!


When I first started this journey, I would check into my challenge group every morning, post my workout, share what I ate the day before and ask for help in the areas I struggled with. That group really was my support within the comfort of my own home! It's the reason why I succeeded and finished the program from start to finish.

I don't know about you, but I realized that I'm not really a gym person. I don't like feeling like a have to share equipment or be judged by people and honestly, I just like my space and be able to go full out at a workout and have the reassurance that no one else is watching.

Let's face it, its easy to skip a workout, to not make healthy food choices and of course to ignore the feeling in your gut to dig deeper if you don't have that accountability! That's the secret about the atmosphere I create! It's not about a shake and a box of workout DVDs. It's about being a part of something more and knowing that you matter to others.

Fourth of July is right around the corner I want to invite you to join me in a 21 Summer Fix Group. We start July 6th, so it's a perfect time to start after you've enjoyed the holiday with BBQ, margaritas, and all kinds of other goodies! I want to help you Meal Prep, Plan and Eat Clean! Learn how to properly fuel your body for energy, weight loss, and how to make this a lifestyle change vs temporary fix.

I am going to share my meal planning tips and tricks, give you recipes, tips and ideas to help you achieve your goals. Whether its 5lbs or 50 lbs I can help! 

I really truly love what I do and I love seeing other people achieve AMAZING results.

If this sounds like something you would like to start, I am inviting you to join me on July 6th!

All you need to do is commit to a fitness program which we can decide on together, you replace 1 meal or snack per day with Shakeology and in return I will add you to my exclusive online accountability and support group where each day you will get group support from me, daily motivation, daily check ins and the ultimate accountability!


SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE HERE!

Focus T25: Week 3 Recap

We survived another week of Focus T25 with ShaunT. 

It's amazing what happens when exercise becomes a habit. You actually look forward to it, even though you're totally not looking forward to it, know what I mean?

Posting our daily sweaty selfies has been an integral part of us keeping to this workout routine. While we could just not post up a selfie, we'll know that we still worked out, but it would be so much easier to skip out on a workout that way.

Some days it feels ridiculous, but apparently now Facebook friends look forward to our daily selfies. What will do when Focus T25 is over?

I'm really enjoying working out with my husband again. We worked out together before when we attempted P90X. That was a little harder to coordinate because we would work out after he got home from work. I love that T25 is just 25 minutes and easy enough to get done first thing in the morning. And it just makes your day that much better!

On to Week 4 Alpha Cycle!

Favorite Shakeology Recipe

I started drinking Shakeology about 3 years ago. Over the years it has improved in its formulation and now it's my favorite part of the day. Since I have a major sweet tooth and love all kinds of sugary baked goods, this is the best way I've found to satisfy that craving without going off the rails crazy.

I could tell you all about what's in Shakeology, but that would be really boring. Instead, I can tell you what it's done for me.

I get my nutrients and superfoods from Shakeology. I've been seeing a naturopath for the last 12 months and she often recommends supplements to keep my body and hormones and functions all in balance. I was reading the ingredients in the supplements and most of them are in Shakeology! Plus, if I'm being honest, I'm not a fan of vegetables generally speaking and this stuff packs in everything I need, even if I don't get any broccoli on my plate.

It cuts my cravings. Ever since I started eating clean (with real intention) and drinking Shakeology, I find it way easier to resist a piece of cake or a pint of ice cream. While I may have a bite every now and then, I don't crave it. I don't find myself in a closet secretly trying to gorge down a bowl of Ben & Jerry's. Because it's sweet and tastes like chocolate, I get my fix in. It feels like I'm cheating!

It gives me energy. I am not a morning person. My husband and I started doing T25 every morning and he nudges me awake every day. I'm a zombie until I get the workout started. Then I'm just a tired zombie. After I have my Shakeology for the day I always feel better and more energized. In fact, I went a couple weeks without it when I ran out, and I could totally tell the difference!

Okay, so I promised my favorite Shakeology recipe. Here it is.

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup unsweetened Almond Milk (I recommend Almond Breeze over Silk brand for consistency)

1/2 banana

1 tsp peanut butter

handfull of ice

Blend in blender or NutriBullet. Serve right away. 

This is my favorite and my go-to recipe. If I'm in a pinch and don't have any bananas or peanut butter, I'll just do almond milk, Shakeology, and ice.

If there's one tip I have: don't mix it with water alone! You will not have a good experience if you do so. At least in my opinion. If you're wanting to limit the almond milk, do 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup almond milk...it makes such a difference in the consistency and flavor. It tastes so much better!

Focus T25: Week 2 Recap

Today we finished Week 2 of Focus T25. 

So I think I might have a love/hate relationship with this workout program. I love it because it is only 25 minutes (except Fridays where it's a Double Day - we decided to take the option). I hate it because I get so sweaty. Like it's crazy how sweaty you can get in just 25 minutes.

But we survived another week!

I definitely think that posting our sweaty selfies on Facebook for all our friends and family to see has been helpful in keeping us accountable. I know that if we weren't posting them, I'd find it so much easier to make an excuse as to why we didn't have to workout.

Another good thing is that I'm working out with my husband. He's really good about following through, especially if it means that he's making me follow through on stuff. So really, it's great that we're holding each other accountable for doing Focus T25. If I were to do this alone, I'd probably stick to it, but not nearly as well as doing the workout together with him.

I also love the selfie stick. I thought it was silly at first, but it's totally come in handy for these photos!

Focus T25: Week 1 Recap

We finished the first week of Focus T25! Hooray!

My husband has done ShaunT programs in the past - Insanity: The Asylum, Volume 1 & 2. I've watched him workout and that never looked inviting, interesting, or like something I would ever want to do. It's intended audience is athletes and people who train like them. Seeing as how I have no aspirations to be an athlete, it was never something I was going to do.

I brought up the idea of doing Focus T25 together for a couple of reasons:

• It was only 25 minutes a day.
• It was only 5 days a week.
• It's mainly cardio and bodyweight exercises.
• It's by ShaunT.

We had a couple things we were busy with such as going to California for a wedding, so we decided to start on May 11, bright and early at 6:15am.

Now, that's normal routine for my husband. He's accustomed to waking up that early and working out. I'm accustomed to waking up around 6:45am and walking the dog...and not working out until probably 9 or 10. So while it's kind of brutal, it's actually a good thing because we get it done and workout is over for the day. 

For extra accountability, I decided to share our journey on Facebook by posting a daily sweaty selfie after we finish a workout. While it's not glamorous (but who am I kidding, I'm not glamorous) and I feel kind of silly doing it, I know that's it's helping me stay accountable to the cause. At the end of the first phase (Alpha) I want to be able to look back at all 25 photos and be able to say, WE DID IT.

Friday has an optional Double Day, meaning two workouts in one day. Well, we decided to go Beast Mode and do both workouts. To say that I was excited about it would be a bold faced lie. But I was extremely excited to have finished both workouts and be done for the weekend! 

I actually got really used to working out on Saturdays because of the 21 Day Fix, so it's pretty nice to be done on Friday. Although, I would consider taking the second workout from Friday and doing it on Saturday instead.

So what do I think? 

Well, it's the first week, and as someone who is not an athlete, the workouts are totally doable and thankfully there is a modifier when you need it. I still do pushups and planks on my knees and I'm totally okay with that. I'm actually getting a little bit better with burpees, but I still pretty much hate them. 

I really like that the workouts are only 25 minutes. By the time that you're ready to give up and call it quits, you're already halfway through. 

ShaunT is a great trainer of course and very motivating. 

So far so good! Day 1-5 of Focus T25 complete!