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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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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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‘Tis the Season to Pay the Bills!

I’m going to show you something, not to brag, but to share with you what I was able to accomplish last year, this same time of year, in 2 months of helping others with health & fitness – something I LOVE to do! AND, I had only been coaching for 3 months at this point!

earnings

 

This year…I’m hoping to double this amount! No, it’s not $20,000 or anything, and maybe it doesn’t seem like a lot, but for a stay at home mom of 4, this extra income has made a BIG difference! I was just hoping to earn a little extra ‘fun’ money for the family, but now I see the potential is MUCH bigger than I even imagined!

When I decided to become a fitness coach, I had a lot of questions, fears and hesitations. However, it has been one of the most positive things I have ever done! I have lost 24 pounds, and lots of inches! I’ve gotten in the best shape of my life – as a 42-year-old mom! :O The best part is that I’ve helped others lose weight and get fit, and made a nice income doing it! I have become a better person by helping and serving others.

I have been able to pay bills, and earn some extra income for my family – we were able to go on a nice family vacation this year because of the money I’ve been able to earn as a coach! AND an extra $1500 after Christmas last year came in VERY handy!!

I can teach you how to do what I do! You do not need to be a nutritionist, or a personal trainer or a fitness professional. You do not need to be at your goal weight. You just need to be interested in helping others, while you help yourself!

I have a 30 day New Coach Training starting Monday January 6. I have a couple of spots open for anyone interested in:
1) helping others
2) health & fitness
3) getting in the best shape of your life
4) being your own boss
5) working when, where and how you want
6) earning extra income – All while having FUN!

*If you want to start 2014 as a more physically and financially fit version of yourself, message me ASAP for details.

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Let the Cleaning Begin!

I’ve got some cleaning to do! Wrapping paper, boxes, and my belly!

If you’re like me, you had a great holiday with your family and loved ones. And maybe that included eating some foods that you don’t normally eat…or more of them than you normally do. Either way, you may have that bloated, full of regret feeling today. I know my husband is regretting the 3 1/2 cinnamon rolls, box of chocolates and the countless cookies and other goodies he enjoyed yesterday, and is moaning about today!

He wasn’t alone, I did my share of tasting this week too! 🙂 I can avoid sweets and treats pretty well, cause I don’t really like them much. But the french bread, pasta and various dips and snacks sure tasted good!

So today is a new day, and I am definitely feeling it!

So, I started the day with a good old-fashioned detox smoothie! Detox_smoothie

Ingredients

  • kale
  • spinach
  • green apple
  • blue berries
  • strawberries
  • pineapple
  • 1 C. water
  • 1/2 C. ice

BLEND! (I have a Blendtec, so I keep the peels on the apples and throw the kale in – stems and all!)

You might find this surprising, but it was actually quite tasty! Plus, it just tastes clean and healthy! It was JUST what I needed this morning. I’m sure I’ll be enjoying this several more times this week, and whenever I’ve had a little TOO much fun.

 

Of course nutrition is KEY! But add daily workouts, support and accountability and you have the perfect recipe for SUCCESS!

Check out my upcoming groups if you have some health & fitness goals, and you’d like some help and support to reach them.

CURRENT GROUPS

What’s on SALE this month?

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P90X3 is HERE!

p90X3_banner

It’s finally here! P90X3 is on-sale, and I’m pretty excited about it! I wasn’t sure initially how I would feel about it, but the more I hear and read, the more excited I am to go for it!

As you may know, I am one of the freaks of nature who opened P90X and finished all 90 days! It was hard! The workouts were long and tough! One of the workouts was 90 minutes long! Ain’t nobody got time for that! I had a baby and a toddler and 2 other kids at the time, but I was determined to get it done! Sometimes I had to split it up into 2 chunks depending on the day and the mood of the children.

But, I can’t argue with the results that I was able to achieve with it…so was it worth it?! Absolutely! Would I do it again? I think not. I do some of my favorite workouts from time to time, just adding them into my routine here and there (one of the perks of being a workout DVD collector!). I just don’t see myself tackling that 90 day schedule again anytime soon! 🙂

before-after-P90X-Collage

So NOW…with P90X3, we’ll be able to get the same results in HALF the time! Sign me up! I am looking to mix up my routine again, and this seems like JUST what I need! This is a 90 day program and the workouts are a mere 30 minutes!!! EVERYBODY has time for THAT! It will even come with access to an app for tracking and planning!

Check out some results from the test groups.

P90X3-Test-Group-Results

Here’s why it works!

Muscle acceleration explained
Many P90X fans were hooked on the science of muscle confusion – which introduced variety to the workouts and prevented plateauing. P90X3 takes a hint from that success and from studies showing the most dramatic body transformations happen within the first 30 minutes of exercise. Enter muscle acceleration, a Tony Horton-approved highly-structured schedule with an incredibly high level of intensity and an unprecedented variety of moves. The gurus behind P90X3 combined exercises and added some twists to maximize your time and keep every muscle challenged for a full 30 minutes.

Here’s what I can tell you about P90X3:

  • It is NOT a graduate program. ANYONE can do it, regardless of whether or not you’ve ever done a P90X workout.
  • There will be modifications so ANYONE can keep up!
  • Variety: 16 different workouts
  • Only 30 minutes
  • Eliminates almost ALL excuses!
  • Still full of that Tony Horton humor that we all love/tolerate! lol!
  • You’ll need just some weights and resistance bands.

Special Offer!

From December 10-31, the Challenge Pack will be on-sale for $180 (after that it will go up to $205).  With the challenge pack, you will get the base program, plus 30 day supply of Shakeology (HD) as well as a 30-Day VIP Team Beachbody Club Membership for personalized meal planning and additional support. *The Challenge Pack price saves you about $100 versus purchasing these items separately!

But wait…there’s MORE! 😉 If you order through me, from December 10-31, you’ll receive a super cool P90X3 hat! Bonus! 🙂

Challenge Group starting Monday, January 6!

For anyone who invests in a challenge pack, I will be offering a support and accountability group for as long as you stick with the program! This group is a FREE service I provide to my customers, and it works! You get a FREE coach who will work with you everyday and help you reach your goals! I will stick with you and provide the daily tips and motivation you’ll need to get it done! Maybe you’ve tried other workout programs in the past, and had trouble sticking with it. This group will give you the support you’ll need to get it done this time! If you want to join the P90X3 group in January, and start your year off strong…fill out the form below!

 

 

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Black Friday DEALS Today!!!

Yes, it’s only Wednesday, but Beachbody is announcing Black Friday Deals TODAY! And here they are! These are INSANE prices and will likely sell out super fast! Last year, some of the deals sold out in 1-2 hours! I’ve got my eye on a few of these. I might have to give myself some early Christmas presents!

Black Friday Deals!

black_friday_pics

  • Turbo Fire for only $29!!!
  • P90X WITH a pull-up bar is just $119
  • Hip Hop Abs – $10!!?? WHAT!?
  • Insanity, the Asylum with a free pull-up bar is $89!
  • Tai Cheng, a low-impact workout program, for only $59!

There will also be some GREAT deals on Derm Exclusive! I use these products every day and REALLY love them!

I’m also looking at some of the great deals on equipment like mats, benches and balls!

And don’t forget supplements like E&E (Energy and Endurance) a pre-workout formula, Fuel Shot and M.A.X. Creatine.

*I can’t STRESS this enough…these sales will go very fast! If you want to take advantage, be early! The deals go live at 3:00 Eastern/12:00 Pacific. So when you’re ready to order, click the button below! BONUS: Any order gets you a FREE coach – ME! -to help you reach your goals! 🙂

click_here

 

 

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Your Pants Might Be On Fire!

I’m sorry…I’m going to have to call “b.s.” on a few things. Let me explain… pants_fire

If you could take a magic pill, right now, that would give you maximum life expectancy and maximum health and happiness…would you take it? I think you would! So, now that we have that cleared up…when someone gives up on their diet, or stops working out, they often walk around with their pants on fire, hoping nobody will notice. You’ll know their pants are on fire when they give one of the following ‘reasons/excuses’ for giving up:

I’m embracing my curves. Really?! But last month you were determined to get fit. You were fed up with not fitting into your clothes and decided it was time to change. But now…you’re embracing it? Nope…it got hard and you gave up. That’s it. And I get that! But let’s not try to fool anyone, and especially ourselves, by doing a complete 180 on the whole “curves” thing!

We’re all going to die anyway…might as well enjoy it while I can. And the only way you can enjoy your life is by eating very unhealthy foods and avoiding physical exercise? I don’t think anyone really believes that is the road to happiness.

I just don’t care anymore. I seriously doubt that. When you look into the faces of the people who love you, you care. You want to be there for them, and you want to be your best self. You care.

I don’t have time. Make time! Wake up a little earlier a few days/week.  30 minutes a day is all you need! Split it up if you have to! Surely you can find two 15 minute chunks in your day.

This is just the body that I have, I can’t do anything about it. Bologna! Genetics contribute…sure, but that’s not the end of the story. We all have the same body parts. When moved, these parts get stronger and leaner and your body WILL change shape. It’s hard…I agree. But can you change? Yes, of course you can.

I’m not fat, I don’t need to exercise. Not true either. Exercise isn’t just about your physical appearance, it’s about your internal health and fitness, too. This is a no-brainer right? Who lives a longer happier life? Mr. and Mrs. Skinny who never work out and eat like crap? Or Mr. and Mrs. Healthy who work out 3-5 days per week, and eat clean? Hmmm….I think the odds are in favor of Mr. and Mrs. Healthy!

I can’t afford a new program or gym membership. Are there any expenses you can cut? Going out to eat? Drinking? Fancy coffees? I bet you can cut out one bad habit in order to make a new workout program or gym membership affordable.

I’m too old. It’s too late for me anyway. Not likely! If you can breathe, you can do yoga, stretch, etc. Almost anyone can walk. And it’s NEVER too late!

So again, back to that ‘magic pill’. Why would you take the pill if it didn’t matter to you?! Of course it matters! If you’re going to quit, because it’s hard…call it like it is. Put on a new pair of pants and do a solid gut-check. It IS hard, because it’s worth it! It’s easy to quit. TOO easy! Your life is valuable and important. Anything that precious SHOULD be hard. Every choice you make, every decision to be healthy and do something positive for yourself is SO critical because it shapes who you are! And it affects everyone around you.

The good news is that it isn’t ALWAYS so hard. Starting is hard. Sticking with it is even harder! But here is the good news. Once you start feeling and seeing the benefits of all of this hard work, it gets easier. A little at a time you’ll start to notice that it’s not so hard anymore. In fact, it’s getting simpler and clearer to see that this is what you want and what you need for the rest of your life! It’s making you happy and focused and re-energized! The people around you will start to notice and then they’ll get inspired and want to make some positive changes for themselves. And do them a favor…if you see their pants catch on fire, at any point, let them know that we’ve all been there. You’ve been there and you know how to help them get past their excuses and get to work.

I know. I had personally used several of those excuses myself. But I have proven them all wrong. I am happier, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and sharing my experience is my passion. I’m loving life in my new pants!

*Join me in a challenge group, and I’ll help you get started. Click JOIN at the top of this page when you’re ready. 🙂

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win, win, WIN!

holidayTis the season, eh! Already?! Seriously I swear it was JUST summer! But last night we had our first snow of the season! And you know what’s coming right? FOOD! Tis the season for sweets, treats and stuffing ourselves for the holidays!

Most people will gain weight over the holidays, and what’s worse is that MOST of those people will never lose the weight they gained over the next 2 months. The pounds will just keep adding up. You can promise yourself that you’ll lose it after the New Year; that’s what resolutions are for, right? But most people don’t follow through with their resolutions, and those extra pounds will be yours to keep. Bummer right?!

Well it doesn’t have to be that way. The best way to ensure that you don’t put extra weight on over the holidays is to get on track NOW and stay there! That doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holidays and the occasional treats that come with them. But you don’t need to go on a 2 month, over-eating BENDER to enjoy yourself! The holidays can quickly turn into the season of regrets if you don’t make up your mind to do it differently this year.

Make this a season of giving, and include yourself! Give yourself the gift of health and happiness; of satisfaction and pride! Invest in yourself, and make this a holiday season you’ll feel GREAT about! My next challenge group starts the Monday after Thanksgiving. We’ll be working out, focusing on good, clean nutrition and keeping each other accountable during this challenging time of year.

And just in time for the holidays, Beachbody is giving back! When you purchase a Challenge Pack – a new fitness program PLUS Shakeology (at a discounted bundled price) – you will receive a $20 coupon! Additionally, Beachbody will make a $20 donation to Feeding America, a hunger-relief charity, on your behalf! Just $1 donated equals 9 meals for families, individuals and children who go hungry this time of year. So there you have it…win, win, WIN! You get $20, families in need get real help, and you get FIT and healthy for holidays!

So, if you’re ready to start now, instead of waiting until you’ve put on even more unwanted pounds, then fill out this APPLICATION so that I can help you get started!