Saturday, December 26, 2015

Thank You!!!


I can't believe that 2015 is coming to an end!  This past year has been amazing in so many different ways.  I wanted to take a few mins and say "Thank You" to all of my followers out there and wish each of you a Happy Holiday and an amazing New Year!  I have received so many heart warming messages since I started my health and fitness journey in July 2015.  That is just one of the many reasons that I am looking forward to continuing this amazing journey in 2016!

I would also like to ask that you all take a moment for yourself and reflect on the good, bad and ugly in 2015.  We are so used to being a mom, wife, friend etc to others and tend to not give the attention that we need to ourselves.  In order to have a happy and fulfilling life, you need to be happy with YOU first!!  

I would never have thought this time last year that I would be where I am today.  I have made so many new friends through this journey.  I have helped so many ladies reach their health and fitness goals, learn how to be comfortable in their own skin and build confidence.  I have found my passion as a Beachbody coach!!  I can not even explain how rewarding it is when someone messages you about goals that they have reached because of you.  I am honored and blessed to have been giving this opportunity to help others.  It is not always easy being so public with my health and fitness journey but I know that someone out there needs me.  To be honest I believe that I need my challengers too.  

I am looking forward to 2016.  I can't wait to continue to reach my own health and fitness goals, help others set and reach their own health and fitness goals, continue to watch my two little boys grow into amazing kids, celebrate being married to my husband for 10 years in June and continue to go after my DREAMS!!

Happy Holidays to all of you!  Looking forward to working with so many of you in the coming months as you set out to accomplish your own New Year's Resolutions.  Please feel free to reach out if you would like to be a part of New Year New You Challenge Group





Thursday, December 17, 2015

Christmas Cookies - White Chocolate Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal Cookies...Yummy!!


Each year I make a lot of Christmas cookies!  I don't mean 3 or 4 different kinds, I am talking about 10-12 different kinds.  I know I am crazy but I love doing it and it has become my tradition.  It is the one time during the whole year that I do this too :)  This year is no different!
I like to try new recipes and make some of our families favorite ones from past years too. I have been trying to bake 2 or 3 kids each evening.  I am sure you are thinking...what does she do with all of these cookies.  Well...of course my family and I eat some of them but I also give away a lot of them.  Family Christmas parties, friends, family members, teachers and we save some for our New Years Eve party too!  
I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite kinds from this year.  The first one is a new one this year and let me tell you it is YUMMY!!!  Probably one of my favorites!  It is chewy melt-in-your-mouth oatmeal cookies bursting with blueberries and layers of white chocolate and coconut. These will amaze you!  They will definitely make the list next year too!!
Let me know what you think if you are lucky enough to get to try one of these from me or if you make them yourself!!
INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded coconut flakes
  • 2.5 ounces good-quality white chocolate bar, coarsely chopped (a little over 1/2 cup)
  • frozen organic blueberries (you'll need 2 blueberries per cookie, so around 40-50 blueberries)

Preheat  oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Beat together melted coconut oil and brown sugar until smooth. Add in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; beat again for 2 minutes or until smooth.

Stir in flour & oat mixture to the wet ingredients; mixing until well combined. Slowly fold in coconut and white chocolate chunks. Use a cookie scoop to gather a large rounded tablespoon of dough. Flatten the dough in the palm of your hand and add two blueberries on top, roll dough back into a ball and place on cookie sheet. Repeat with each dough ball then place cookies on cookie sheet 2 inches apart and bake for 10-13 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes on baking sheet until the cookies firm up a bit. Transfer to a wire rack to allow cookies to cool completely. Makes 2 dozen.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

New Year New YOU!!




Resolutions are most often empty promises for those who have an abundance of dreams, but refuse to wake up and live them!!
What are your 2016 new years resolutions??
My "New Year New You" challenge group is starting on Monday, Jan 4th. I have 5 spots open for NEW challengers and I want YOU!! Fill out an application below if you are interested in grabbing one of these spots before they are all gone.




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Sunday, November 29, 2015

Ultimate Reset Journey


I am so happy that I decided to complete the Beachbody Ultimate Reset 21 Day Detox!  I feel so much better than what I did prior to starting this journey.  I wanted to provide you with an overview of the Ultimate Reset.  

The Beachbody Ultimate Reset® is a comprehensive, no-starvation, inner-body tune-up that offers much more than the typical cleanse and detox programs on the market. The Ultimate Reset not only helps you eliminate toxins and waste gently and naturally, but it also maximizes your cellular energy production, helping your body process food more efficiently and your systems run more smoothly.* You’ll replace the processed foods you’ve been eating with healthy foods. You’ll eat cleanly—possibly for the fi rst time in your life—and take supplements designed to help your body remove from your cells and organs toxins that you’ve been taking in for decades. The Beachbody Ultimate Reset is a complete, three-phase, 21-day mind and body program that provides everything you need to:* • Reclaim your body’s natural balance • Release the harmful materials you may be storing within you • Restore your system to its maximum health

Phase One (Day 1 - 7): RECLAIM your body, accessing its inner chemistry and
preparing for change.
Phase Two (Day 8 - 14): RELEASE the toxic compounds that are stored within your tissues. 
Phase Three (Day 15-21): RESTORE your metabolism to maximum efficiency.

Phase one meals and recipes

Eggs, Spinach and Toast

Breakfast
1 slice whole-grain toast; 2 scrambled eggs, prepared with 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil; and 1-1/2 cups steamed kale or spinach.

Microgreen Salad and Quinoa
Lunch

Ingredients
  • 3 cups baby salad greens
  • ¼ medium carrot, shredded
  • ½ medium cucumber, chopped
  • ½ medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ cup sprouts (like radish, alfalfa, or broccoli)
  • ½ medium tomato, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped jicama
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro (optional)


Directions
  1. Combine greens, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, sprouts, tomato, and jicama, plus cilantro (if desired), in a large bowl; toss gently to blend.
Phase One Snack
Nori Roll with Tempeh and Veggies

Dinner


Ingredients
  • ½ tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 strip smoky tempeh (like Lightlife® brand, or use ¼ serving Baked Tempeh, recipe on pg. 75)
  • 1 sheet nori seaweed
  • ⅓ cup cooked brown rice (see recipe on pg. 75)
  • ¼ medium avocado, sliced
  • ¼ medium carrot, cut into matchstick-sized pieces
  • ¼ medium cucumber, cut into thin strips
  • 1½ tsp. Nori Gomasio (see recipe on pg. 90) (to taste; optional)


Directions
  1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add tempeh; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp.
  2. Place nori on cutting board. Top with rice, covering half the nori lengthwise. Top with tempeh, avocado, carrot, and cucumber.
  3. Sprinkle with Nori Gomasio (if desired). Roll up from bottom, being careful not to tear nori seaweed; wet end of nori to seal.
Tip: 1 cup uncooked brown rice generally yields 3 cups cooked brown rice. As a convenience, you can cook some up in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and use it for up to 4 days.
Phase two meals and recipes
Fruit Salad
Breakfast

Microgreen Salad and Lime Lintal

Lunch

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked green lentils (see recipe on pg. 88)
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1½ tsp. sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • Braggs Liquid Aminos (to taste; optional)
  • Himalayan salt (to taste; optional)
  • ¼ tsp. ground cumin (optional)
  • Herbal seasoning blend (to taste; optional)


Directions
  1. Combine lentils, carrot, cilantro, oil, lime juice, and Braggs Liquid Aminos, plus salt, cumin, and seasoning blend (if desired); toss gently to blend.
  2. Let salad marinate, covered, in refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
Phase Two Snack


1 large apple + ½ cup blueberries (or other berries)


Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque


Dinner

Ingredients
  • 1 sweet potato (aka garnet yam)
  • ¼ red bell pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tsp. finely grated peeled ginger root
  • 1½ tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp. miso paste, diluted in 1 tsp. hot water
  • Tamari or Bragg® Liquid Aminos, Himalayan salt, and herbal seasoning (to taste)


Directions
Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Cook in boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, roast a whole red bell pepper on gas stovetop or grill, turning frequently until evenly charred on the outside OR in your oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes or until skin is charred.
Put pepper in bowl and cover with towel for 10 minutes to steam. Clean off skin and seeds by running under cool water. Remove seeds, cut in quarters, and chop one quarter into ½-inch cubes. (Set remainder of pepper aside for another use.)
Place sweet potato, pepper, broth or water, ginger, oil, and miso in blender. (If you want chunky soup, set aside some chunks of pepper.) Blend thoroughly, adding more liquid to achieve desired soup consistency. Transfer to a pot and gently heat on low until hot. Add tamari or aminos, salt, and seasoning as desired. Serves 1.
Phase three meals and recipes
Fruit Salad
Breakfast

Microgreen Salad

Lunch

Phase Three Snack



1 large apple + ½ cup blueberries (or other berries)



Asian Stir-Fry and Baked Sweet Potatoe
Dinner
Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
  • ½ medium carrot, cut into thin diagonal slices
  • ½ cup broccoli florets
  • ¼ medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small head bok choy, chopped into bite-sized chunks
  • 1½ tsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos


Directions
  1. Heat coconut oil in large skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and carrot; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  2. Add broccoli; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add bell pepper and bok choy. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Turn off heat.
  3. Add sesame oil and Bragg Liquid Aminos. Mix well.

The six supplements and what they do:

Alkalinize - • Helps maintain alkalinity • A super-green mixture of grasses, including wheatgrass, alfalfa, kamut, and barley, that helps neutralize excess acid and maintain alkalinity, bringing your body back into a healthy pH balance and helping to support your immune system • Alkalinize comes in a convenient single daily-dose packet and is taken throughout all 3 phases of the Ultimate Reset program

Soothe - • Helps to enhance digestive health and support the reduction of inflammation • First supplement to combine two incredible botanicals: aloe vera and curcumin • Aloe vera is a succulent plant long used in traditional healing to relieve minor cuts, burns, and insect bites. It’s also a known antioxidant, which when taken internally helps support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, and soothingly cleanses the entire intestinal tract. Curcumin, a household remedy in India that’s long been a staple in ayurvedic medicine, is a natural extract of the spice turmeric. Like aloe vera, curcumin promotes the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. Other benefits include its ability to help eliminate free radicals. • Soothe capsules are taken daily throughout all 3 phases of the Ultimate Reset program

Mineralize - • Adds natural minerals needed by the body • Natural Himalayan salt includes up to 84 minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron. Natural salt can help restore the essential minerals that are vital to your life processes, including building strong bones, enabling nervous system function, aiding in the absorption of nutrients through the digestive tract, and even helping to prevent muscle cramps. • Mineralize is taken throughout each phase of the program and may be used as a seasoning with your meals

Detox - • Helps remove toxins and waste in the colon • This colon-cleansing powder is a blend made from organic sources like camu-camu, chia seed, ginger root, and flaxseed, along with natural spices like turmeric and garlic. Detox helps promote the regularity of bowel movements and gastrointestinal well-being, without forcing your body to react the way most laxatives do. And unlike other cleanses on the market, Detox is a gentle colon cleanse that won’t keep you parked next to the bathroom. • Each single dose of Detox comes premeasured in its own sealed packet. You’ll take this supplement during Week 2 of the program.

Revitalize - • Helps revitalize beneficial flora in the digestive tract • Our pre- and probiotics help restore beneficial flora to your digestive tract. They’re sometimes called “friendly” or “good” bacteria, because they help break down carbohydrates, control the growth of harmful bacteria, and promote a healthy immune system. • Revitalize capsules are taken daily throughout Phase 3 of the Ultimate Reset program

Optimize - • Promotes healthy metabolism and effective body functions • Our proprietary blend of systemic enzymes also contains added camu-camu, which helps promote an optimal immune system and helps manage your body’s natural inflammatory response. Reducing inflammation naturally is the first line of defense against diseases triggered by inflammatory symptoms. • Optimize capsules are taken throughout all 3 phases of the Ultimate Reset program

My Final Results
I only lost 3 pounds but I honestly didn't have that much weight to lose.  I wasn't doing it to lose weight either.  I was doing it to clean out my system from all the toxins and reset my body.  I did have a few cheats and I also worked out during the 21 days.  



Would I do it again?  Probably!!  Let me know if you are interesting in trying the Ultimate Reset by filling out an application below.



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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

The Struggle is Real for "Me" too!!

Let's go back one year ago and take a look at me.  Most of you would look at the picture below and think that I looked fine and didn't need to lose much weight.  You are correct, I didn't have a lot of weight to lose but I was not happy in my own skin.  I didn't feel confidant in a bathing suite and really wanted to shed those extra pounds after my last pregnancy.  The sad thing is that no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't lose it!
 *Picture take in Sept 2015*

Most of you know that I am runner and I LOVE it but no matter how often I ran or how long my runs were it just wasn't cutting it.  One of the main reasons for this was because I ate like shit!!  I would drink soda and eat junk all the time!  I became addicted to those things, needing them every day just like an addict needs alcohol and/or drugs.  I just didn't know how to stop the vicious cycle.  I had tried many times but would fail and the cycle would start again.  The really sad thing was that I would hide this from my family and friends.  No one really knew that I struggled with this every day.

Finally in April, 2015 I knew I had to change something.  I started to really watch what I was eating and I was able to lose a couple pounds for my summer vacation but I was not where I wanted to be.  In June 2015 I decided join a 21 Day Fix Challenge Group.  This was my second attempt.  I failed my first attempt :(  The second time was different.  I was committed 110% and I wanted to change my lifestyle and feel comfortable in my own skin.  After two weeks into the program I decided I wanted to continue with this journey not only as a challenger myself but as a coach.  I wanted to help others like me!   

In Aug 2015 after two rounds of the 21 Day Fix Extreme program, I finally had abs and toned up my whole body.  I have NEVER had abs before in my life.  Not even before kids!!  I finally felt amazing on the inside and out.  I had confidence that I never had before and I was so proud of myself!
*Aug 2015*

*Aug 2015*

*Aug 2015*

In Oct 2015 I got a little too confident with my progress and decided that I could have a cookie here, party snack there and a few too many glasses of wine!  Within about 2 to 3 weeks I had gained a few pounds back and started to notice the my stomach wasn't how it looked in Aug and Sept.  I also started to feel how I felt a year ago about myself.  What was I doing, I just worked so hard and why would I let everything go just for a few to many cheat days!!  I have to admit that I am human and the struggle is also real for me just like it is for everyone else out there.  Yes, I get up and workout every day and try to eat as clean as I can but sometime life does get in our way (parties, dinners out, Birthdays, Holidays and the list goes on).  We have to be aware of this and continue even when we fall off the wagon. 


Right after Halloween another coach and I decided to give the Ultimate Reset a try.  God knows I needed it!  The picture above was taken on Day 1 ( Nov 5th).  

This program has truly been amazing and has tested my limits!  Today is my last day of the Ultimate Reset and I can't wait to share my journey with all of you.

Here is a sneak peak of my progress in just 15 days...
Stay tuned for my Ultimate Reset review!! I will be posting my journey on Sunday, November 29th. I will review the whole program, post pictures and recipes of the food I ate, my achievements and struggles over the last 21 days!


Fill out the application below for more details about the different challenge groups I have coming up in Dec 2015 and Jan 2016!  I would love to help stop the vicious cycle and take a step towards achieving your health and fitness goals!  
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Friday, November 20, 2015

Transformation Tuesday, Nov, 2015

You all see me post about health and fitness everyday and I know most of you think I am crazy but when I hear stories like this one, it just clarifies what I am doing and the passion I have even more!! Michele Brandt is an amazing lady, wife, mommy and friend!! Her story below is so inspiring and I am so grateful that she trusted me (she was one of my first challengers in my first challenge group). My heart is overflowing tonight!! What an amazing day! "Thank you" Michele!!


Dear family and friends,
I want to share something very personal and important to me and my family...
As you all know I live and lead a Very FULL life! (Sometimes, too full...)
- married to a wonderful guy
- mother to 2 fabulous children, ages 6 and 10
- work full time, traveling the Northeast Territory of the U.S.
- involved in my community & with OneSight
- in order to keep the energy going, I would lean on a MINIMUM of 6 large cups of coffee per day
- I could never find time to work out consistently over the last 2 years (how can I work out when I want to spend my free time with my kids, family and friends?)
- Often, I would only eat convenience food vs. healthy food causing me to gain over 60 pounds (Traveling for work by car and air on a weekly bases AND running the kids from activity to activity WERE MY EXCUSES)
Then, July 2015 it all changed....
My body started to shut down physically and mentally...
I could not function anymore: personally and at work...I was not able to give my all. I was overcafinated and just getting by. I was becoming sensitive to many foods and environmental factors causing me to break out with life threatening allergic reactions. My health sucked and I decided that I had HAD ENOUGH!
After working with my doctor I had come to realize that SOMETHING HAD TO CHANGE, or I would not be around for my husband, children, family and friends.
Change was my decision at this point. I had to OWN IT. I had decided to reach out to a friend who was into health and fitness and asked her for help! In the end, I believe that she saved my personal and professional happiness! AND, QUITE POSSIBLY MY LIFE. THANK YOU BreAnn for everything!
Since August 9th, 2015:
- I eat very healthy now following an easy, clean and healthy eating plan
- I work out at least 30 minutes per day
- I have more energy now than I have had in a long time
- I am down to "0" cups of coffee per day... And I live to tell about it! Lol
- to wrap it up, as of today I am down 27 pounds and 33.6 inches ( remember, I started this program August 2015)
So, to pay this goodness forward I have decided to tell my story in order to possibly support others with changing their lifestyle to support their happiness and well being...
So, what about you?
Do your excuses sound similar to mine?
Personally?
Professionally?
What is your motivation?
And, what are your goals?
If you want to learn more about the program that my friend had helped me to join, please IM me! I would be happy to share with you what is working for me in order to get you moving forward!!!
I look forward to paying this amazing information and healthy lifestyle forward....
Talk to you all soon...
MB

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Shakeology! 💥Risk Free💥 for one month


I am looking for 5 people to try Shakeology! 💥Risk Free💥 for one month! If you aren't happy or satisfied for any reason you get your money back! BUT I can guarantee you'll fall in love like I did!
Shakeology is the Cadillac of meal replacements, liquid gold. Wouldn't it be great to put all this in your body each day?!?! 70 super foods, all natural, non GMO, no artificial anything, loaded with vitamins, nutrients, minerals, digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics and MORE! It has everything you need to get a full meal replacement! 
👍
 In addition it will give you more energy, curb your cravings, leave you feeling fuller longer and promotes healthy weight loss. Like I said, it's AMAZING!




Transformation Tuesday (Nov 18th, 2015)



Transformation Tuesday story goes out to a good friend of mine that I met through our children being in the same school. I am sure that you can all relate to how she used to feel! I am so proud of her and her accomplishments over the past two months!! Thanks for trusting me and the program and most of all trusting in YOU!! wink emoticon



Like most moms, I had been putting everyone and everything else as a higher priority. I am married, have two young daughters, and work full-time. I was over-scheduled myself and my family, and never finding the time to exercise or eat right. I was running myself down. Last winter I got shingles, brought on from stress, not sleeping enough, and a poor diet. I knew that was a sign that I needed to make changes. After many months of hearing about the 21 Day Fix, I finally started the program in early September. It has changed my life. I kicked my soda habit, and I am down from 3 cups of coffee a day (with creamer and Splenda) to one cup of black coffee. Before the 21 Day Fix, I lived on carbs and never ate enough vegetables, fruit, or protein. Now everyday I think about what I am eating and eat a well-balanced diet, but I still enjoy a glass of wine or a sweet treat once in awhile. Now I make exercise a priority, and I actually look forward to it! I have lost 15 pounds in two months, and I feel so much better than I have in years. And one of the best benefits of his program is the example I am showing my daughters. Thanks to my inspirational coach BreAnn and the 21 Day Fix program, I am a much healthier me.

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