So what are you sacrificing?

As I sit here on a cold Friday night, cozy and warm next my dog, feeling refreshed after an exhilarating PiYo workout, waiting for my hubby to come home, I think to myself..." why do people sacrifice fitness?"

I hear so many stories about people who just do not "make time" for themselves during the day, week or even year! " I have kids..." "I love my career"... "My boyfriend eats junk food so I do too"..."I only eat what my kids eat"... does this sound like you? I do not have kids. I do have a career (two actually) ...and I make time for myself...Before you point fingers and throw your hands up in the air, let me come clean. I am just very interested in why people grasp onto the concept of "sacrifice..."

I am big fan of the tv show Biggest Loser. You can make sure that I stay up past my 1030 pm bedtime to watch this show with my husband every Thursday night. If you do not know about the show (for there may be some people living underneath a rock who read this blog...sorry, no offense) the reality show is a competition for overweight contestants who want to "lose weight." (Again, I put this in quotations because the point is to not lose weight but to lose fat...I just feel that I can not type 'lose fat' without requiring an explanation) 

The most touching part of this show is that every single contestant has this incredibly debilitating story about why they "let themselves go."  It is heart-wrenching to see these people cry and cry about the reasons why they do not love themselves and have gained HUNDREDS of pounds. It could be a lose of a loved one, it could be they have kids, it could be the lost a job... but it is insanely inspiring to see these wonderful people grow through out the show and develop a LOVE for themselves!! They start to understand that THEY ARE WORTH IT!!! 

So call me selfish, but I ALWAYS make time for me. I LOVE making time for ME. I love knowing that my husband thinks I am sexy. I love the my strength journey. It took me a LONG time to know my self worth and to have as much confidence as I have now. And I am far from perfect...I mean I am literally writing this blog about a 60 day (well, life long) journey for a better self... I am evolving but this is a fact... I AM WORTH IT.

So I continue to think .. "why is sacrifice related to fitness?" Like what am I 'sacrificing' to have a toned body? Sacrifice is the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get something else...so what are we really sacrificing by not eating healthy and working out? By this definition, I am a sacrificing a fat ass to have a strong physique? Hmm ok! I am sacrificing 30 minutes sitting on the couch with my husband to have a happier, healthier and hopefully longer (it is in God's hands!) life... hmmm yes!! 

Do not be a martyr for your fitness. Please take some time to care and love YOU!   

Eating clean does not have to be boring! - chocolate mousse with avocado?

Truths about me----

#1 I throw out WAY too much food as it is (this is something my husband and I are really working on. Throwing out food is throwing out $$$ !!!)
#2 I am "eating clean" for 60 straight days
#3 I have a love of chocolate

So this leads to a mouth-watering experience 

I have almost been skeptical of desserts consisting of avocado. It just did not make sense to me!!!

 I do not know about you, but I buy avocados and do not use them in time so they always go bad on me! I decided to try out this recipe tonight...

It tastes just like chocolate mousse!!!! It curbed my sweet tooth! I was also able to get some healthy fat (avocado) and fruit (banana) servings into my belly! Yay for multi-tasking!!! This is a must try for ANYONE WHO IS TRYING TO EAT HEALTHY BUT LOVES CHOCOLATE!!! (YEP, THAT IS EVERYONE.)

I am so interested in finding healthy alternatives to desserts..especially since the holidays are coming up! Who is going to be busy on pinterest for the next week??...THIS GIRL.

What is Piyo?

I have referenced the word "PiYo" a lot in my blog. Some of you may be wondering "What is this PiYo that she speaks of?" or some of you may just think it is typo.

This post is to give more incite into my fitness program for these 60 days. Note: this is not to sell the program, but to educate and inspire!! 
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I used to be cautious of lifting weights in the past, or doing any type of high-intensity workouts. "I just want to be skinny." Boy, was I dumb!? That is probably why I have no muscle definition hahah (until PiYo obviously) Muscle is sexy!! 

PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity body-transformation program by Beachbody. It uses the most effective Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves set to a fast pace to help burn fat while sculpting long, lean muscles. And boy, do I feel it! I tell you what, these workouts feel amazing after a long day of sitting at a desk..or any day actually. It is so rewarding knowing that I worked out HARD and never left my apartment. Since I want to stay really busy, I love being more efficient with my time by working out at home (the workouts are anywhere from 20 minutes- 40 minutes).

Low impact does not mean "low energy required"---these workouts kick my butt!!! My legs have never felt so toned and strong before!! Like pilates and yoga, I use a lot of core muscles through these workouts. I mean , A LOT. I have noticed that my stomach and back have really toned up through these 30 days (half way done! )

I had issues in the past with yoga and pilates. I know these fitness programs are amazing, do not get me wrong. But I have a need to always be moving and I just could not sit still long enough to finish the yoga workout! I enjoy these PiYo workouts because they are so fast paced. There are various times through out the fitness workout which I can do "down dog" and "up dog" (typical yoga poses; allow my body time to rest for about 30 seconds from the intense sweat storm that is happening!)

My fitness program came with 3 dvds of 8 high intensity-low impact workouts (and 1 bonus dvd!) * workouts allow for variety so I do not get bored with the program. Because I do get bored with things!! Variety gives my body something new to adapt to so I will actually see better results.

I have 30 days left. (That is the timeline I set for myself. People can do this for a year, people can do this for a month. But the program is designed for 60 days so that is what I am doing) I can not wait to see how this program has transformed my  body!  Note: that is not me in the photo...but that is my goal-!!!!

Halloween edition: why is eating clean so terrifying?

Halloween is nearing, the candy is lining the aisles of the grocery store, caramel apples are dropping from the trees and pumpkin donuts are lining the stomachs of every human in America (Gosh, I love this time of year!!)  

Inspired by this seasonal time of year, I want to address something that people find scary... it is called...eating clean (cue spooky music now!)

A few people have voiced their concerns regarding my clean-eating and fitness journey. They say things like "brussels sprouts? Is that all you are going to eat?" or "you aren't going to get too skinny, are you? You are already tiny" along with "you probably can't work out like you used to with your new eating plan." They almost have a nervous, cautious, righteous, scared sound in their voice yet also sound supportive at the same time. Most people bring up an after-thought that goes something like this " I have just heard that when people do these types of things, they do not eat and become really unhealthy..."

I am prone to the super-sarcastic and reactive statement "ohh that fatty hamburger? Is that all you are going to eat?!??!?!" but that is not what I am here to do. I am not here to judge people or condescend their lifestyles. I am here to inspire, motivate and educate! 

I use this as an opening to speak about what I am doing. People, I am not starving myself! That can not be farther from the point. I probably eat more often than most! I do not have the "starved" feeling. I am actually putting more nutrients in my body than EVER BEFORE. And it feels incredible!!!! My body is loving this. I am not depriving myself of anything that is not beneficial to my body. Am I depriving myself from chocolate chip cookies. Hmm, yes! But really, think the next time you indulge in a 500 calorie brownie...how do you feel afterwards? Do you feel good? Did that brownie fill that empty hole in your stomach or that anxiety about that test? 

Before this journey, I ate fairly healthy. But every Friday, I allowed myself to eat a Big Mac. Honestly, after stuffing my face with a Big Mac, Diet Coke and fries, I really did not feel that great. I actually felt pretty let down that it did not taste as good as I thought it would. 

It is not my goal to become stick-thin (hello, that is disgusting. And this girl likes to eat and loves her butt!!) My goal is to gain muscle and tone it up! I am working my butt off (literally..it is not so flabby anymore but still has that bubble) to be stronger.

And this journey is not going to last just 60 days. I already plan on doing P90x after this! I may not be as "hardcore" after these 60 days (I am almost up to the half way point... what what!!)  Disclaimer: I will eat what I want on Thanksgiving (but remember PORTIONS people! Eating a whole turkey and half a pie is not on my list) and you KNOW I will be enjoying some wine when these 60 days are up  (I will admit, I miss wine every once in a while). 

If you do not want to change your fitness program, ok! It does not hurt my feelings.
 If you do not want to eat healthier, ok!  I am going to keep sharing my journey and living a healthy and happy life. 

But I believe that we can always improve ourselves. It may be the ADHD in me but I love new challenges!!! 

**I will always be strengthening my relationship with Jesus.
* I will always be growing and renovating my body, my mind and my soul. 
* I will always be a devoted wife and work every single day on my marriage with my amazing and loving husband. 

I encourage you to reach out to me to find out exactly what I am doing! Beachbody gives resources upon resources to me so that I can do this in a healthy and inspiring way!! 

My only regret.... I wish I would have done this sooner.

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My next blog will be a deeper look into my fitness program (Piyo).
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Let me just point out that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! WHEN PEOPLE APPROACH ME TO TALK ABOUT HEALTH AND FITNESS. ( I can not say this enough about how blessed I am to have the opportunity from God to be a Beachbody coach. It is simply amazing, but is very, very hard work that just comes naturally to me! ) But honestly, the reason why I am doing what I do is to educate/inspire/motivate and hold people accountable for the positive changes in their lives. It is insanely  addicting and truly makes my soul smile.  

(Insert "Devil Wears Prada" joke here)

We all have our vices. For some people its alcohol...for some its chocolate...for some its wine...for some its all of the above! I am a coffee lover... there I said it! Are you happy now?! 

A cup of warm coffee in the morning brings such comfort and happiness to me. It is like the world stands still, I am the only person awake (this is clearly and obviously untrue), and I have a feeling that I can take on the world!...





Then I hit traffic going into work.... sigh....

You may be wondering what this blog is about tonight. I will not bore you with my love for coffee...

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I have reached the 2 Week Mark for my clean eating and fitness journey. Boy, did those 2 weeks go fast! Oddly and surprisingly enough, this journey has been pretty easy so far (the eating part... the workouts kick my ass). This eating plan ( 3 meals, 2 snacks; lots of lean protein, veggies and Shakeology...ohhh and I am allowed endless amounts of black coffee) provides enough NUTRITIOUS energy to keep me going all day! Not once have I felt like I was going to faint or pass out ("Well I don't eat anything, and when I am about to faint, I eat a cube of cheese"....Devil Wears Prade joke...NAILED IT!) My body just feels better because there is nothing but clean fuel going into it. It is a pretty addictive feeling. Food just tastes better now. My taste buds go wild over sweet potatoes now. Since I can not have much sugar (2 servings of fruit a day), the sweet potatoes taste even sweeter. I am telling you what, sweet potato is like a dessert to me now..but better!

I exercise 6 days-a-week with the Piyo workout plan (Beachbody). The workouts are approximately 30 minutes each. I workout right when I get home (There is better success rates for those who stick to schedules) These Piyo workouts are specifically designed to push my body's limits and to really, REALLY work my muscles by strengthening and stretching them. And they fit perfectly with the eating plan. My body's flexibility is getting better and better.

I posted Day 1 vs Day 14 results in a photo yesterday. I can already see a difference! But I am no where close to wear I want my body to be.

I am absolutely in love with the process so far. I feel dedicated and empowered. I went out to eat with my husband and did not cheat (so long Max n Erma's Tortilla soup). I am keenly aware of what an appropriate and healthy portion should look like. I am training my mind to see what a correct portion is so that I will not over eat in the future.

I can not express how inspired I am to talk to you guys through face-2-face conversations, Facebook messages, Facebook comments and texts. It makes so me crazy happy to hear your support, or how I am inspiring you to change for a more healthier lifestyle!!!

"Well, have you tried lifting weights?" -anonymous

1 WEEK COMPLETE!!!


I am openly talking about this journey at work.

 As people stuff a 600-calorie-packed fried donut hole down their throat, they ask me why I do not partake in their pre-diabetes treat. I simply decline and state I am on a restricted eating plan. That is the best way for me to put it! I will not tell people I am on a diet (which I have said in another blog) because I feel like diet has NO staying power.

So I was at lunch today, just chatting it up with a couple colleagues. I was talking about how I am not eating as much food in one sitting anymore. One, the eating plan has a restricted daily caloric intake. And it is stressed that those calories are spread out within 3 meals and 2 snacks. This allows me to stay fueled the whole day (and it does!)

I am not stuffing salad down my throat since, to put it bluntly, salad isn't that good. Do not get me wrong, I love salad. Heck, I have eaten it 7 days in a row. But to be honest, if I had a cake and a salad in front of me, I would most likely eat the entire cake and 3/4 of the salad= segway to this article about Leptin levels and Americans becoming leptin resistance (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/05/26/sugar-affects-leptin-signals.aspx) I.e. Sugar causes overexposure to high levels of the hormore leptin. Leptin resistance occurs when your body is unable to properly hear leptin's signals (aka "put down that brownie batter fat ass")

A colleague asked me 'why can you not eat cake right now'.
I stated that 'I am on a restricted eating plan'.
He asked 'why?'
 I stated that 'I really want to take my body to another level so I am eating a lot of lean protein, veggies and following a specific workout plan.'
Then he asked 'well, have you ever tried lifting weights?'

I literally almost punched him in his face....

In the most sarcastic tone ever, I really wanted to yell "Yes. I have tried lifting weights. I have been playing sports my entire life. I have gone to the gym at least 3x every week for the past 3 years. Do you think I am an idiot??!?!?"

(And this is true. I have been trying to get my body to a certain point for YEARS now. I have tried elliptical machines, running half marathons, dumb bells, medicine balls, spinning classes, you name it. And for years I have seen my body look the exact same. Now, some people beg to differ. My husband says I look perfect and he can notice that I have "tightened up." (He is the most loving person in this whole world...love ya baby!) But this is not good enough for me. Finally one day, I just decided to take myself to a different level. )

Sorry about my ramble, ok back to my story...

Instead of yelling at this man in public, I smiled, and said "why yes, I have tried lifting weights. I go to the gym on a regular basis. But I want to get toned and I really want to take my self on a journey and see what happens after these 60 days."
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This is a PERFECT conversation and deep thought for today:

Some people will not understand my story. Hell, most people will not understand my story "But you are so tiny already!"-they say. "You do not need to lose weight"-they say. "Try lifting weights"-they say...Listen bitches, I am doing this no matter what! 

My journey is for me. No one else. I am sticking to this eating plan and Piyo program! It will be tough. And after those 60 days, I will take on another journey. My life is my journey! I am not living unless I am growing..mentally, physically and spiritually with our Lord. 

Try something new, take on a new challenge. It is your life, no one else's!!!!