Green Smoothie Challenge

Happy April! But seriously, how is it April already?!

I was looking at my Facebook "memories" and just a year ago I started to share my health & fitness journey with a transformation comparison from five years prior. 

Anyway, I'll be the first to admit that making a change is not easy. It takes making a decision that you'll change, committing to that decision, and taking steps daily to move in that direction.

For me, the hardest part in all of this is always nutrition. I have a sweet tooth. I have a salty tooth. I love me some Chick-Fil-A and In-N-Out Burger. I wish that French Fries counted as vegetables (amiright?!) and lately, I've been on a course of less than good nutritional choices...and as much as I'd like to believe it, you can't out work your crummy food decisions.

I've found that it's easier to add something than to try and remove things cold turkey - especially in relation to your nutrition. A couples years ago, in an effort to do something better, I found a green smoothie challenge online. It was 30 days of green smoothies - that's it - you didn't have to cut everything else - add a million workouts or run 50 miles a week. Instead, add something good back into your life.

Today, I'm starting the same challenge. A green smoothie a day! Because let's face it, I can totally use more greens in my life (and have been SUCH A SLACKER about it). And because it's more fun (and accountable) to do with others, you're invited! It's free! It'll run through the month of April. I'll be sharing recipes that I love and a shopping list, and through a handy Facebook group, we can cheer this month of green! smile emoticon

You in? Get in on the challenge here -->http://eepurl.com/bWl9Iv

Focus T25: Week 7 Recap

A new week, and another week of T25 Beta Cycle.

So I must say, I like Speed 2.0 better than Speed 1.0. It's fun. I never thought I would say that about a workout, but it's true! I think because you just repeat two rounds, it makes it "feel easier" even though I was still sweating up a storm.

I've also found that by posting our photos every day after we work out...or knowing that I need to post the photo after we worked out is definite motivation to get it done. Knowing that I might let people down (if anyone even sees them, ha!) is good enough for me to get it done.

It's not easy, but it's so worth it!

I'm just three pounds shy of a huge goal...and I plan to crush that goal by the end of T25!

I need to work on flexing. The struggle is real.

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!

Best Almond Milk for Shakeology

After my husband and I decided to switch from traditional cow's milk to almond milk, I've found that not all almond milks are created equal.

My video shares my favorite two almond milk brands and one to avoid.

I love making my Shakeology with almond milk. It has a better taste and consistency compared to water.

If you want a smooth, drinkable consistency, check out the Kroger Brand of Simple Truth Almond Milk or Almond Breeze by Blue Diamond Almonds.

I recommend avoiding the Silk brand because it makes your Shakeology (once blended) unusually thick...almost pudding consistency, it's not very drinkable! Plus it makes me wonder what's in it to cause thickening like that.

Shakeology Pancakes

Last weekend we were really low on groceries and the only thing we really had available for breakfast were eggs and some turkey slices. So I quickly whipped up some scrambled eggs and turkey.

But my husband was still hungry. He has a fast metabolism...like athlete fast.

There wasn't much else to make, but then I remembered I could fashion some pancakes from Shakeology, a banana, and some eggs. So I gave it a whirl.

They turned out about as well as I could expect for three ingredient pancakes! I ate mine with a teaspoon of peanut butter. But they definitely hit the spot! It's worth a shot when you're in a pinch. Plus, I can say that these pancakes were the healthiest meal of the day.

Shakeology Pancake Recipe:

1 scoop Shakeology (I used Chocolate)

2 eggs

1 banana

splash of almond milk

Put all ingredients in blender or NutriBullet.

Cook over hot griddle.

Serve immediately.

Makes about 8-9 small pancakes.

The plate in the photo is a saucer, not a full size dinner plate.

I based this recipe off of other 3 ingredient protein pancakes I saw floating around on Pinterest.

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!