It's on!!!!!

I am so excited!  I know I know, I've said that before.  But hey, it's the little things that get me excited.

My really good friend, who I ran the Disney Princess Glass Slipper Challenge with last year, and I are going to start the program the Masters Hammer and Chisel.  We start Monday.

This program follows the 21 Day Fix eating plan.  So I am going back to it.  I am excited by this, because for the past 2-ish months, I have been following a program that is NOT sustainable.  I knew this when I started, but it hasn't been easy in the least.  I have lost about 20 lbs, however.  So it has done what I wanted it to do... It just started my weight loss.  I still have another 30-40 that I would like to loose.

I know Autumn put out a video answering some questions that everyone seems to have, and one of them is can we add extra cardio or substitute cardio.  Unfortunately she says no.  But I have signed up for a few races coming up this spring.  My first is a 5k on April 2.  So I will be figuring out how to mash up running with this program.

I also have committed to my friend that I will run another Disney race in 2017.  But I need to decide do I go for Princess Half weekend, which I will want to do the Glass Slipper Challenge again (19.3 miles over 2 days) or the Wine & Dine Half Marathon which is during the Epcot food and wine festival.

Anyway, I will post my results.  I know I have seen a ton when I lift, and this program (The Masters Hammer and Chisel) is a cardio lifting program.

What kind of exercise do you enjoy the most?

Fixate cookbook is here

Autumn has outdone herself again.  She has come out with a cookbook of 101 recipes, which include drinks, desserts, and all sorts of things, including paleo recipes.

Click here to purchase or learn more about this cook book, www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/fixatecookbook?referringrepid=372462

There is an option to purchase it with the containers, if you aren't ready to jump full into the 21Day Fix program with workouts.

I am planing on ordering it, as I am going back to the 21 Day Fix meal plan.  I will continue to use Thrive, because I love how it makes me feel.  And I'll be adding Les Mills Pump, in a month or so.  And will continue to run.  I am back to following the Zen Labs Couch to 10k program.

I am signing up soon for a 10k in Oct.  Today was registration day for the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend.  I am a little sad to it be doing it this year.  I did have a chance, but I just had not planned on it.  I have my sights set on the Epcot Wine & Dine half marathon in 2016.  

I'd also love to run the Tinkerbell half marathon at Disneyland, but I need to see how much that will cost me.  

What is your plan?

Easy as 1-2-3

So, I don't think I have made this a secret, but I am a Beachbody Coach, although I do not promote Beachbody as much as I do my other business.

Anyway, I do love my TBB programs, and even one that is no longer offered by Team Beachbody (TBB).  I think they are fantastic programs that help a lot of people get into shape, define their physique, and much more.

But something was missing, for me.  I was always tired, felt worn down... Just felt bloated. All.the.time!

So a few weeks ago, I read a book, "Why kids Make You Fat and How to Get Your Body Back" (or something like that).  I jumped in with both feet to the detox phase.  WOW!  I was amazed.  I didn't have the same, ahem, bathroom issues as my friend did, but I definitely felt less bloated.  I ended up loosing 4 lbs (I think that's what it was) but 4.5" all over.  Just in one week.  I know a lot of that was water weight.

I haven't been as good with ignite phase, and in my defense, I was traveling for all of last week.  I did pack a cooler, but it didn't have enough food for dinners, or main protein parts of my lunches.

The book makes it easy.  You eat in 3's...  protein, carbs (fruits/veggies) and good fats, and you eat every 3 hours.  In the ignite phase, you add back grains, but continue to eat in 3's.  So, I have added back grains.  But I haven't been great about the good fats.

Anyway, about the same time as when I started the detox phase, a childhood friend of mine sent me a trial pack of this stuff called Thrive.  WOW!  Not only did I feel pretty good on the detox phase, well less bloated at least, but this stuff... AMAZING!

I have energy to last me throughout the day, without needing coffee or caffeine, my brain fog/forgetfulness is getting so much better, I don't get as frustrated as quickly, and I just feel better, overall.  It has helped another childhood friend of mine with her raw fruit & veggie allergy.  She had a raw peach for the first time the other day.

This product fixes you from the outside in.  Click here to learn more about it.

What a week

So I did one Les Mills Pump workout last week and I was sore for days!  No joke... Days!  B it felt so good.  I apparently hadn't used those muscles in a long time.

And the. Life happened... I didn't push play...  Until yesterday.  I am back at it, again.  

I am putting this out there to you all...  I will check in at least once a week and update you on my progress with this amazing program.

Now, I do need to get my eating back under control.  So I am back to the 21 Day Fix eating plan.

Maybe... One day, I will be bold enough to try for the 21 Day Fix Extreme.  I think what scares me about that program is the lack of treats!  

I love my treats, and I know I could go 21 Days without treats, but I don't know if I want to.  I don't plan to ever compete in a bikini/physique competition.  It's just not my cup of tea.  More power to you, if you want to or do compete.  I have respect for the work that those people put in.

Anyway, I have a 5k, the Color Vibe, run coming up. Although I do wonder how much of a run it will be, or more of a party. 

What does your week look like?

Did you push play?

So in Team Beachbody, we talk about pushing play a lot.

Anyway, lately I've not been pushing play, because I've been running... and running a LOT!  But that goes without saying.

Anyway, I decided to get off my buns and do a hybrid of running and weights.  My chosen program, Les Mills Pump.  I had bought it on Black Friday, during the big sale and just never opened it.

Anyway, so Monday, I ran...  I only got in about 2.25 miles, but I got out there.  My pace wasn't great, but I will get better.  I hadn't run, really, since the GSC.  I did do one day, randomly the week after the races.  Tuesday ended up being a rest day, completely, because my day is just super busy.

Funny thing, today I was feeling muscles in my butt that I hadn't felt before.  And this was before I worked out.  So weird.  It's not like I totally changed it up yet.  But I did go out a little faster at the beginning than I wanted to on Monday.  And I am paying for it now.  I may have fired up muscles that I hadn't used in a long time... since my sprinting days in high school and college.

Anyway, my goal with my running is to get my mile split down to 10 min mile.  I have a LONG way to go.  currently my mile split is around 13 mins 30-ish seconds to 14 mins.  It isn't horrible, but I want to be faster.

I have also decided to truly transform my physique, I need to start strength training.  Plus, strength training will help with my speed.

So today, I pushed play.  Day one of Les Mills Pump, complete!  Holy cow!  I am feeling it.  I am ALREADY feeling it!

I did figure out that certain exercises, I will have to up my weight.  I started with just using the bar with no extra weight on in.  I wanted to make sure my form is good, before adding weights.

I have a feeling this program will be a good one for me to get comfortable with weight lifting.  Eventually I will move it into the gym.  And who knows, I may feel confident enough to try out the Les Mills Pump class at the gym.  But for now, I will continue to push play.

New test group

I'm looking for 5 people who are committed to working out for 30 minutes a day, using color coded portion control containers teaching you how to eat, and drinking a daily dose of superfood nutrition.  This group will help you take the guesswork out of loosing weight. My challengers are loosing up to 15 lbs with this program. 💙💙💙💙 I have a group starting soon and an exclusive extreme test group starting February 16!  Don't miss out. 🙋🙌 leave your email below 👇 or find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fitforlifeliz

February Specials

It's time to get serious!  It's time to get extreme!

Http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCP21E160?referringrepid=372462

21 Day Fix is now America's #1 fitness and nutrition program.  21 Day Extreme is going to ramp up the intensity to help you shred up & shed off those final pounds. No other program has you eating this well and working this hard. It's going to take guts, intensity and drive.  But it's only 21 days.

This program give you seven all-new high-intensity 30-minute workouts featuring a variety of moves that keep your body guessing, so you see maximum results!

For your nutrition, you'll not only be practicing portion control, you'll be eating ONLY be eating clean foods.  No treats.  No cheats.  No excuses.  It's 21 Days and it's extreme.  But if you want a lean six-pack, cut arms, ripped shoulders and toned legs, it's time to get serious!

21 Day Fix Extreme:

Http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCP21E160?referringrepid=372462

21 Day Fix Original:

Http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCP21D160?referringrepid=372462

Also, check out my website for the other monthly specials for February, http://www.teambeachbody.com/fitforlifeliz

A new recipe

So I do drink Shakeology, and sometimes it gets boring....  I make the same one, every.single.time.  I always forget about the Team Beachbody website.  If you aren't a member, click here for your FREE (yes, FREE) membership....  click here.  I will become your FREE, yes I said it FREE, coach.  I promise to help you, to motivate you, give you ideas, and check in on you.  Plus, you can join any of my accountability groups, get great ideas for menus, etc.

Anyway, I am always looking for a new way to make my Shakeology.  And I stumbled upon this one today... sounds yummy!  I do have a few 12 Jumpstart Packs still available (email me to purchase or learn more about what is in those packs).  I also have a few Vanilla Shakeology sampler packs (email me to request one).

Tell me what you think of this recipe.

Vanilla Latte Shakeology

Turn a cup of coffee into a frosty whipped smoothie with almond milk and Vanilla Shakeology.

Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
1 tsp. pure maple syrup (or raw honey)
1 cup ice

Preparation:
1. Place coffee, almond milk, Shakeology, maple syrup, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 172

Fat: 4 g

Saturated Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 5 mg

Sodium: 302 mg

Carbohydrate: 21 g

Fiber: 4 g

Sugar: 12 g

Protein: 17 g

  

P90X/P90X2 Portions (per serving)

½ protein

½ carb/legume

Body Beast Portions (per serving)

1 liquid protein

2 balanced liquid

So, I have been sidelined

Just to let you all know, I have been sidelined, but not for too long.  

I had my gallbladder removed yesterday, Dec 2.  But I am not down completely.  Obviously, I am not currently working out.  

But once I am cleared, I am back at it.  I will be continuing my half marathon training, and doing PiYo. 

After the half, I will be switching to LES MIlLS PUMP.  I always wanted to try it, because it was offered at the different gyms I had been a member at.  I was always so intimidated to try it though.

Anyway, now I have no excuse.  I am excited to see what my results will be.

What are your fitness goals?  What do you need help with?

I will also probably be going to the gym, as well.  I am taking a new approach to my workouts.  I am, once I am finished 

Black Friday Specials

Team Beachbody has some AWESOME specials going on right now (while supplies last) at my website, www.teambeachbody.com/fitforlifeliz.

We got word that they were opening up our Black Friday specials yesterday early afternoon.

Some of the programs are already sold out.  But there are still many available.  These will be available, while supplies last, until Dec 1.

Click here to learn more about the programs for sale, https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/holidayspecials?referringrepid=372462

I just purchased Les Mills Pump.  I can't wait to start it, after my half marathon training is complete, and after I am cleared to exercise again.  I am currently on a break because I am having my gallbladder removed out on Tuesday of next week.  Anyway, once I am cleared to exercise again, I will be back to running and doing PiYo.

I also have a 12 Day Shakeology Challenge starting on Dec 1.  Don't wait until after the New Year to start on your fitness goals.  Start now! 

Remember:

This year, well really 2014-2015, I will not be scrambling to get "bikini" ready in March!  I am starting now.  Want to join me?  I have several accountability groups starting soon.  Come get support, motivation, meal plans, recipe ideas and tons of help!  Email me at fitforlifeliz (at) gmail (dot) com

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Don't eat too much!  

November's specials & the rest of 2014

Wow, it is already November.  Can you believe it?  I can't. It blows my mind how fast 2014 has gone already.  

What is the one thing you dread about going into this holiday season?  For me, it's all the yummy foods.  Yes, I watch my portions, but it still doesn't matter because of all the food.  Yes, I still continue to workout during the holidays, but it doesn't seem to matter.  

My mother-in-law always arrives at my parents' house with, no joke, 20 lbs of cookies, cakes, and candy!  She loves to bake.  And she is excellent at it.  But that doesn't make it excellent for my waist line, because I am excellent at trying all of her cookies, cakes & candies.  And then on top of that, my mom makes cookies & coffee cakes & delicious meals.  I usually end up gaining 5-10 lbs around Christmas!  Yikes!

I am bound and determined this year to not allow that to happen.  I'm not saying I won't indulge a bit, but I am going to watch & track what I eat & drink much better!  

For the month of Novmber, our newest set is on special.  I call this our newest set, because this is the first time since both programs have been released that the company is combining them.  

PiYo, the 3 Day Refresh & a month's supply of Shakeology are on special right now.

Click here to learn more, http://www.teambeachbody.com/checkout/-/bbcheckout/challenge pack/PiYo-kickstart?referringrepid=372462.

The Ultimate Reset is also on special, but I haven't tried the program, so I cannot give you mush information about it.  I have done both PiYo & the 3 Day Refresh.  I am about to start mixing PiYo back into my running schedule.  I have found that I really need the stretching.

 

Meal prep & I don't mix

So meal prep...  Yeah, it didn't go at all.  I am the type of person who spends more money when I meal prep.  I know, it makes no sense.  People always say they save money when they meal prep.  Not me, because I want to make these delicious, but not typical meals for me or my family.  Makes life interesting.

I did find that I do better buying chicken, lean meats, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.  And then deciding daily what to make.  I stick to a better diet that way, as well.

Let's chat about this...  Part of the 21 Day Fix, well a huge part of it, is meal prep & meals.  But honestly, I do much better looking at my pantry or the list of foods, and picking out my containers that way.  

I do need to refigure my bracket, because I think I might have moved a bracket.  I also find it very difficult to eat all my containers.  I never thought I'd say that about a "diet". But it really is a lot of food!

And even when I don't have my containers handy, I am still able to eyeball the amounts which is amaizng.  I belong to several Facebook groups dedicated to people doing the 21 Day Fix.  And several of the people in the group's have gotten to the place where they could eyeball their portions.  I was in awe of them.  But amazingly enough, it has happened to me as well.  

Have I been amazing at it lately?  Nope.  And I noticed as I increased my running, I also was craving more carbs.  So I do add a few of those in, even though they aren't in my bracket.  

I also drink a little more wine than I am supposed to, but I'm sure I'll cut back again soon. 

So, do you meal prep?  

I'm BAACCKK!

Okay, so I know I've been MIA lately.  My little cutie started 2nd grade last week.  That's no excuse, but I let it be.

So anyway, I am back... I drank my Shakeology this morning...  I am trying the Vegan Chocolate flavor.  Not bad... different, but not in a bad way.  I also am doing another round of the 3 Day Refresh.  I started this morning.  I forgot to take a pic of my morning meal, but it was vegan chocolate Shakeology with a half a banana.  I am doing things a bit differently this time.  Last time, I had a headache that was HORRIBLE, and started on the night of Day 2 and lasted until I woke up on Day 4.  So, although it isn't recommended, I did make my Shakeology with coffee this morning.  I am hoping to combat that headache this time.  I also, this time, as just doing the same meals for each day.  I know, I know... it sounds boring, but I honestly didn't feel like varying too much.

With that, I am happy to say that I am within 2 lbs of my ending weight of my first round of the 3 Day Refresh, last month!  Why is this amazing news?  Because I really haven't been watching what I eat or drink.  Not that I'm going to fast food restaurants every day, but I have indulged in some wine, some chocolate, and some white pasta.  I know, I know!  The horror!  What what I thinking?  Anyway, the other awesome reason that I am so close to my ending weight on that last 3 Day Refresh is because... warning, TMI here...  Aunt Flo is visiting me right now.  We all know what that means!



Okay, so I will post my results again... maybe this time, I will be brave enough to share my pictures, maybe not.  I am trying to not be mad at myself for letting me get the way I did... and I am in no way really out there, but for me I am big.  I am fixing that... one small step at a time.  Which, in case you didn't know, is the way I am making better choices and a healthier lifestyle for myself.

I did join my local YMCA, which was two fold... one, for the gym with childcare, and two, because they have a lot of classes, not only for me, but for the kiddos.  In fact, Cutie is SO excited to be starting gymnastics next week.  And when Little Man turns 3, I am thinking about getting him into t-ball, or soccer, or even basketball.  The gym facilities at my Y are very nice and I can't wait to try out some of their classes.  I will still be doing my PiYo, and running.  I still have the Glass Slipper Challenge in February.



I will start my running program next week... Tuesday, because Monday is a holiday and Cutie is home from school.  I do not have a double jogging stroller, and wouldn't want to push her PLUS Little Man!  That would be like pushing another small adult!

So, how are you staying active?  How has your August been?

PiYo has begun

Where to start?  The 3 Day Refresh wasn't easy, but I would probably do it again.  I think it will be a special event thing for me.  I have kept off the 5lbs since I did it.  I was worried that I would gain it back, but I haven't.  I don't feel as puffy as I did before hand.

And now I have moved on to PiYo.  I am only 3 days in, but man, it is not what I was thinking.  I am liking it, though.  I have a long ways to go & I am not nearly as strong as I would to be.  But I am going to continue to push play.  I owe it to myself. I owe it to my family.

So let's talk about motivation.  What keeps you pushing play?  Do you need an accountability partner? Do you need workout ideas, or meal plans?  Let's chat. (Email me at fitforlifeliz (at) gmail (dot) com)

I am thinking about focusing my attention to a few people who really need more one on one coaching, accountability, etc.  but I haven't fully developed this program yet.  In the meantime, I'd love to have you join in my conversations at my facebook page (www.facebook.com/fitforlifeliz). There are daily tips there, meal ideas, workout ideas, and much more.

If you want to learn more about PiYo, click here https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/PIYOBASE?referringrepid=372462 (this is the base program, if you want more accountability, to be added to my test panel, email me at fitforlifeliz (at) gmail (dot) com)

*want to learn more about Shakeology?  Click here, https://www.shakeology.com/fitforlifeliz

**i am a Team Beachbody Independent Coach, but all reviews & views in this blog are of my own.  I did not get compensated for my review of these products.

3 Day Refresh Results

QOkay...  I've been trying to write up my review all day.  First, my results...

I lost 5 lbs & 5" overall.  I lost 2.5" from my waist alone.  I have pictures, but I'll be honest, I'm not confident enough, yet, to share them.  Sorry, folks!  But one day, I will be happy to rejoice in the journey & progress I am taking.

Okay, so the program isn't for the faint of heart.  Seriously, it is SUPER low in calories, as in around 900 per day.  It starts out with drinking 8-10 ounces of water first thing in the morning & eating your breakfast, which includes Shakeology, within an hour of waking up.  I will continue with that trend.  I did like it.

The first day, I found myself hungry.  Not gnaw off my arm hungry, but hungry.  I wasn't quite at the point of salivating over the food my family was eating.

My dinner was SUPER yummy, and I will continue to use it, as a side salad, or add chicken to it.  It was a cucumber & tomato salad.  SO yummy.

This was my dinner day 1 & 2 - I am a creature of habit & I wanted to make sure I used up the cucumber I bought.  

With lunch & dinner you drank the Vanilla Refresh, which is a protein drink.  I am a chocoholic true & true.  So I didn't like the flavor, although it was a very light vanilla flavor.  I will probably never buy vanilla Shakeology, no matter how versatile it is.  

Anyway, for most of Day 2 & 3, I had a raging headache.  I already suffer from allergies & get bad sinus headaches from my allergies, so this was something I didn't like.  

I can honestly say I didn't love that part of it & by Day 3, I was salivating like Pavlov's dog when I saw everyone else's food.  But I put my mind to it, drank more water & made it through.  I did take Tylenol for my headache last night, but it didn't even touch it.  So I went to sleep.

I was so excited because I had heard about how these others ere's having awesome results, they were sleeping better, had better mental clarity & were more energetic.  I on the other hand didn't experience the sleeping better, mental clarity or the energy.  I, in fact, was so tired on day 2, I fell asleep while sitting up, in the middle of the afternoon.  

But today, day 4, or the day after, I had more energy.  I actually felt like working out.  And my mental clarity seemed at an all time high.  I felt great.  I still feel great.

I jumped back into eating with the 21 Day fix plan & started PiYo today.  I will start running again tomorrow, because I have the Disney Princess Glass Slipper challenge coming up in February 2015.  (It's a 10k & a half marathon, back-to-back, on Saturday & Sunday.)  And it's not going to run itself!  (Totally joking here). 

(I totally need to find a graphic for the Glass Slipper Challenge)

Anyway, if you want more info on the 3 Day refresh, PiYo, or even the 21 Day Fix, feel free to email me at fitforlifeliz@gmail.com.

Or visit my website, http://www.teambeachbody.com/firforlifeliz