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Open Letter to….

open-letter

This is a letter I was asked to write to a group of people in another coach’s challenge group who are struggling with self-confidence, body image issues and other feelings of negativity about themselves. They are either starting, re-starting or continuing on a journey of health and fitness. I was happy to share my story with them, and thought that it was worth sharing here, too.

“Dear Challengers,

I was honored when _____ asked me to write to you about my experiences and my personal journey with health and fitness.  I applaud you all for either getting started, or continuing on your own personal journeys. It’s not always an easy path, but it’s so rewarding…you’ll begin to WANT to keep going!

Even though I had always considered myself a fairly ‘healthy’ person, I didn’t realize that I had a lot of work to do! I have been pretty active my entire life, and enjoyed eating healthy foods, but as I approached my 40’s…it just wasn’t enough. I was slowly gaining weight, month by month, pound by pound. I was doing the same workouts, and eating the same kinds of food, but it just wasn’t working anymore! I tried to convince myself that it’s just what was meant to be. I couldn’t do anything more about it than I already was. I was kidding myself.

In the process, I was also becoming more unhappy and depressed by the day. I wasn’t happy with the way that I looked or felt. I wouldn’t allow a single picture of myself to be taken, and if there was…I would delete them! Isn’t that awful? Can you relate?

So I did something weird…I decided to put the cart before the horse, in a sense, and signed up to be a Beachbody coach in order to START my journey, and be accountable along the way. I started with Chalean Extreme and TurboFire, and lost 16 pounds and 20 inches! But I wasn’t done yet. Then I did Les Mills Pump, and then Insanity…and lost a grand total of 24 pounds within about 6-8 months! I’ve done several other programs since, to maintain and continue to get stronger each day.

I’m not done with my journey! I will never be done. This is a new lifestyle for me and my family. Seeing my success, my husband has now lost 25 pounds and looks and feels better than ever! We are both healthier and fitter than we were when we got married 20 years ago. We’ve made so many changes in our daily lives. We eat much healthier foods. We’ve eliminated most processed foods entirely. Working out is a priority, and we often do it together, which is so fantastic! It didn’t happen overnight. This all took time, persistence, failures, re-boots, etc…but I was committed no matter how long it took me.

As a result, my confidence is better than ever. I actually allow pictures of myself to be taken now, so there’s evidence that I am part of my family! I’m a happier, healthier mom for my four kids, and they’re all learning how to eat healthier, and be healthier, too!

My message to you is to keep going! Whether you stumble, or fall – just pick yourself back up and keep going. Make small changes every day, and celebrate your successes! Set small, achievable goals every day. Plan, schedule and prioritize! Once you start to see results, you’ll be addicted to the process!

Surround yourself with positive people, books, etc. Learn as much as you can about making healthy choices you can live with every day! Share your journey – ask a friend or loved one to join you. Keep a journal and document your thoughts, troubles, joys and achievements. Take monthly progress pictures to refer back to – trust me on this one! You’ll be glad you did it! Find exercises, workouts and physical activities that you LOVE! You might have to try a hundred things before you find your ‘soul-mate’ workout, but it’s out there! Try hiking, biking, walking, jogging, a new exercise dvd, etc….You might find SEVERAL! And that’s even better!  But whatever you do, never stop trying. You are worth this journey, your family is worth it, life is worth it! Consider the alternative! I know I want to age with as little pain and illness as possible, and there’s only ONE way to do that! You can’t control everything, but you can control your health. You owe it to yourself to be as healthy and happy as you can be!

When you struggle, remember WHY you started. Write down your goals, today! Write down your WHY, too! WHY are you trying to be healthier? When you have a ‘why’, you have a reason to commit, and recommit if you need to, every single day.

I wish you all the very best, and believe that you can all achieve anything you set your minds to! Go ahead and blow your own mind!

-Angie”

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Why not NOW!?

P90X3-Test-Group-ResultsIf you’ve been following along, you know that I started P90X3 this month, and I’m just winding down my third week with 9 other Test Group participants. Next week is a transition week, so I’m looking forward to trying out some new workouts! The results are rolling in, and the reviews from my group are unanimous: WOW! We are all loving the program for so many reasons:

 

 

VARIETY – Every workout is full of a wide variety of exercises. And every day of the week is a different workout!

TIME – Every workout is 30 minutes! This has totally eliminated the “I just don’t have time” excuse! These are moms and dads, full-time job holders, and parents with busy, active kids…and we’re all finding time!

EFFECTIVENESS – Yes, the workouts are short. You’re in and out in a half hour. BUT, they are just as effective (if not more) as a longer workout. And you’ll feel it the next day.

FOR EVERYONE – I strongly feel like anyone can do this workout! My 64-year-old mom just started it this week! There is a modifier in every workout who shows how to do each exercise with modifications like: bands instead of weights (or pull-ups), no jumping, no weights, etc…

RESULTS! – Let the numbers speak for themselves! These are results after only 2 weeks!

2 WEEK RESULTS

Amanda: 7 pounds, 4 inches
Michele: 4.2 pounds, 6 inches
Stacie: 3 pounds, 4.5 inches
Jeremy: 6 pounds and 5.5 inches
Jody: 3.2 pounds, 4 3/4 inches

AMAZING!!!

Listen to what Amanda had to say after the first week:

“I started the 30 day P90X3 challenge with Shakeology and clean eating and I lost 6 pounds my first week! I am a at home mom who is tired of the leftover baby weight. I had tried to eat “healthier” and lost a few pounds here and there, but it was a real struggle. Shakeology made all the difference. Also knowing that I don’t have to cook or fix one meal a day, is awesome! Try it for a month and see the difference it makes in your weight loss/fitness journey!! What do you have to lose but the weight.”

GOOD NEWS!: I am opening up a few more spots in the test group! Now is the time to jump in and get started on your fitness goals. Get the motivation and support you need to start and finish! In 90 days, just imagine what you can achieve! And just in time for warm weather wear! I am so excited about this program because it fits into anyone’s busy life! If you’d like to join, fill in the information below. Spaces will be limited. First to commit are in!

x3_challenge-pack

SALE: One week left! You can take advantage of the sale on the Challenge Pack (includes Shakeology) through the end of January – $180, a savings of $100 vs. buying each separately! That’s $2/day, over a 90 day program! Think of all the ways we waste $2/day, and turn those 2 dollars into a life-long investment! This program is worth SO much more than that! Order soon, and you’ll be ready to get started on February 3!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

 

Preview Video

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Let’s Review

Busy week last week and I promised some reviews on my newest workout: P90X3….so here goes!

YES! This is exactly what I was hoping for – 30 minute workouts that FEEL like a workout! I was a little worried that 30 minutes couldn’t possibly get it done. WRONG! And…I was also worried that in order to get it done, it would consist of nothing but exhausting plyo moves, lots of jumping, etc. WRONG again! What I love the most so far, and what the members in my test group love too, is the VARIETY in every workout! We rarely repeat a single movement in a workout, and each workout is totally different! I also love that the focus is on functional exercises. These are the movements that will make you stronger in your everyday life! There is a little of everything, too: weights, cardio, bodyweight movements, pilates, yoga…Something for everyone! LOVE that too!

My test-groupers are also loving the 30 minutes..because HEY! What’s not to love about shorter, more efficient workouts? E’RBODYs got time for that!

And RESULTS?! Check out this nonsense…with 6 people reporting (so far), we have lost a combined total of 15.6 pounds and 14 1/4 inches! IN ONE WEEK!!!

Stacie and her husband Jeremy are doing the program together (and drinking Shakeology daily). Stacie lost 2 pounds and 3 inches and Jeremy lost 5 pounds and 4.5 inches – in ONE week!!! *Can you tell that I just can’t get over what we’re accomplishing with 30 minute workouts, in one week?! I’m so proud of our group and can’t wait to see the results in the coming weeks.

So the schedule last week will be the same for the next 2 weeks, and here it is:

Day 1: Total Synergistics (already blogged about this one…scroll up!) 🙂

Day 2: Agility X agilityx

This one is a cardio/plyometric workout that utilizes a couple of pieces of tape on your floor, to help guide your movements a little better (truth be told…I did it without the tape, it can be done!). This is a good workout. It definitely got my heart pumping without TOO much jumping and joint-jarring!

Day 3: Yoga

crow_pose

If you did P90X, you probably have hated the thought of doing yoga ever since! I do know a few people who loved it, but for me…it was 90 minutes that actually made me want to throw up! Too much downward-dogging for me, for TOO long! This one was a much more relaxed pace. You spend time in the poses and I liked it SO much better. You can see…I’m still not very good at it, but it’s a goal of mine to get better.

Day 4: The Challenge

“The Challenge” is all push-ups and pull-ups, but as you can see in my video, I don’t do ‘actual’ pull-ups…YET! But that’s another goal of mine: to be doing actual pull-ups by the time these 90 days are done! Holy moly were my back, lats and chest sore the next day! I couldn’t twist, giggle or put on a coat without feeling it!

Day 5: CVX

kids_tony

LOVED this workout! Cardio, with a light weight! The modifier used a basketball. The key is to use a little resistance if/when you can, and drop it when you have to. And as you can see…my son thought it was a hoot, too! He’s used to watching me do my workout videos, and this is the first time he was entertained by the trainer. I can’t wait to do this one again!

Day 6: The Warrior

super_saturday_1-14 (1)

I did this workout with 400 other Beachbody coaches AFTER doing a glow TurboKick workout! Talk about OUCH! This is a body-weight resistance workout with planks and push-ups and core work, plus lunges and all kinds of good stuff!

Day 7: Dynamix

Dynamix

And finally, Day 7 was an optional rest day, or Dynamix. I chose to do the workout, just cause I wanted to see what a dynamix was! I was pleasantly pleased! 🙂 It was stretching and strengthening without being boring. It really felt good after my week of workouts, and it still felt like a workout, too!

In short…I am SUPER excited about this program! I’ve told my test group, and I’ll tell you too…this may go down as one of my all-time favorites! I am so excited about the results I’m seeing so far, and look forward to seeing how well we all do with it!

I’m planning to put together another test group for anyone who missed out on the first one. The challenge pack is on sale through the end of the month, so now is a great time to get ready to start your own transformation. If you’d like a spot in the next group, starting Monday February 3, leave your name below.

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Baked Chicken Tenders

no_nuggets

NO MORE CHICKEN NUGGETS!

I’m taking a stand!

Yes, the kids LOVE them, and they’re quick and easy to make when you’re short on time, but I’m done. I have begrudgingly purchased them over the years, but I won’t anymore! The cleaner I eat, the more grossed out I become about the foods that I’ve continued to allow the kids to eat.

Do chicken nuggets pass the ‘Grandma Test’? In other words, would my Grandma have served these to her family…NO WAY! Because it’s not real food.

The kids were a little angry with me initially, but then I introduced them to this recipe, and now…they fight over the leftovers and don’t even miss that big red package that used to take up SO much space in my freezer! Yes, they’re a little more work, but they’re worth it (the chicken AND the kids)! Oh, and the grown-ups will LOVE them, too! 🙂

Homemade chicken tenders

6 servings

  • 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breast – cut into strips (or use the pre-cut tenders!) chicken_tenders (1)
  • 2 C. whole wheat panko bread crumbs (you can use whole wheat bread crumbs if you can’t find the panko)
  • 1 C. parmesan cheese
  • 1 t. Italian seasoning
  • ½ t. garlic powder
  • ¼ t. cayenne pepper
  • ¼ t. pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 – 1 C flour (I use wheat/white blend)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Spray a large pan with cooking spray.
  • Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl.
  • Combine bread crumbs, parmesan and seasonings in another bowl.
  • In a third bowl, add flour.
  • Take chicken pieces and roll in flour, shake off excess and add to egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until thoroughly coated on each side.
  • Set on the prepared pan. Continue until all of the chicken is coated. Lightly spray the top sides of the chicken with cooking spray.
  • Cook for 12-15 minutes. Remove pan from oven, flip pieces over and return to oven for another 12-15 minutes.

VOILA!

 

Nutritional Info

1 serving: 290 calories, 30 grams protein, 20 grams carbs

*A good dipping sauce is mustard (regular and/or Dijon) mixed with honey. I just mix the 3 together, using about equal portions of each – just eyeball it. 🙂

WHAT’S ON SALE?

CURRENT GROUPS

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Eddie’s Mommy

edamame_snackersThat’s what my daughter was calling our afternoon snack.

This is such and easy and tasty snack! Do you like edamame? If you said no, than you need to try it like this! You won’t be able to stop popping them into your mouth!

Edamame are immature, green soybeans still in the pod. You can get them fresh or frozen. They can be boiled whole, then shelled and eaten as a snack or added to stir fries, soups or salads. Soy has many health benefits such as: weight loss, cardiovascular, and immune system. They are high in protein and low in fat! Which is a win-win combination if you ask me. BUT! Studies have shown a possible link to reproductive difficulties if eaten in excess, so don’t overdo it! Stick to one serving per day. Control yourself! OK?

Here is the recipe:

Edamame Snackers

edamame (2)

  • 1 – 12 oz. package of frozen, shelled edamame
  • 1 T.olive oil
  • 1/4 C. parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (this is a MUST!).

Toss frozen edamame with oil, cheese, salt and pepper (to taste).

edamame (3)

Pour evenly onto the lined cookie sheet. Bake for a total of 20-25 minutes, tossing every 5-10 minutes to cook evenly.

edamame (4)

Remove from the oven when they are turning a little golden brown, or to desired crispness! Let them cool and enjoy!

Makes 5 servings

Nutritional info (per serving): 141 calories, 8 g. carbs, 10 g. protein

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Bringing It!

Ok…holidays are finally past us, and I might be able to find a spare minute or two to blogging again! Especially now that I started P90X3! With workouts that are only 30 minutes, I should start to have a little more spare time.

Yesterday was my official Day 1! I’m working with a test group with 9 other X-ers hoping to get some killer results in HALF the time it took with the original P90X! So far so good!

So here’s me BEFORE the workout! This is how I look the first thing in the morning, looking a little disheveled! But hey, it’s one of the many reasons I love my home workouts! No need to get pretty to go anywhere (although I guess it defeats the purpose when I record myself and then post the video for everyone to see…Oh well!)

 

So Day 1 was TOTAL SYNERGISTICS: a total body, core-focused workout. I love how efficient this workout is! You will move from one exercise to the next, no jumping or high-intensity moves, but my heart rate was really UP there! I also love the variety! For 30 straight minutes there wasn’t a single REPEAT exercise! Since this happened yesterday, I can tell you that today I am definitely feeling it in my core, as well as my legs, back, shoulders and arms. TOTAL body goodness!

Here is me AFTER:

Today is Day 2 and the workout is Agility X! I’m ready to get to it and then I’ll tell you what I think. 🙂

The P90X3 Challenge Pack is on sale through the month of January. Click HERE!

And if you’d like to join my next challenge group, click HERE!