Monday, August 31, 2015

My Values






My Fitness Journey

I don't have a huge compelling transformational story, but after carrying and birthing twins, I didn't know what my body and midsection were suppose to look like.  I just didn't like what I saw in the mirror. I would jiggle my unattractive loose belly around and wanted to do something about it.  My sweet friend who has 4 children shared her transformation story through Facebook.  She invited me to join her Beachbody Coaching team.  I jumped on board and started my fitness journey with 21 Day Fix and I got awesome results!  

6 months pregnant with twins and stretched out! 


What I love about this fitness journey is that it's not a diet, it's not a fad, it's a lifestyle change.  It incorporates working out, eating portion size, clean meals, and offers support and accountability to keep you on track.  

I started in March 2015 and each round was in 21-day increments.


I've tried different Beachbody fitness programs and I really enjoyed all of them. I've done 21 Day Fix, Insanity, Body Beast, and Cize. I love my fitness library! I know, I'm a weirdo, fitness nerd.  Each has offered something different and mixes up my routine a little bit.


Since beginning my fitness journey in March 2015, I lost 13 pounds, my arms and legs have definition, and my stomach isn't hanging over my pants. I'm making healthy food choices to fuel my body. I have more energy to chase my twin toddlers and six year old.


I have participated in two 5K races and have 4 more races in the books in the next few of months. It's a new love affair of mine.  I'm not good at it, but I love doing them, especially with friends!

I have met some inspirational ladies during this venture.  They motive me to be better in every facet of my life.  I am so glad that this opportunity crossed my path and I know that my future has so much more in store for me.  

If you would like to get started on your fitness journey, click on the link to fill out a quick questionnaire and I will contact you to get started.  Start your fitness journey

What kind of Coach am I?


I am the kind of coach who provides informative fitness and nutrition information.  There is a ton of information out there regarding health and wellness; the good, the bad and the ugly. I am funneling through it all and want to share what I've learned along my fitness journey.  I have no formal education in fitness or nutrition; but I am in the business to better my health, and the health of my family and friends. 

I believe in the Beachbody Mission Statement: To help people achieve their goals and enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives.  I believe in their culture to grow personally and professionally, surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people, who inspire you to be your best.

I believe in living a balanced life around core values; family being number one.  I practice making healthy choices on a daily basis, believe in moderation, and celebrating the little step along the way.  As a Coach, I want to help people reach they goals. The speed and intensity in which they get there is up to them.  I will guide and encourage them every step of the way. 

I believe in the Beachbody fitness programs and nutrition plans.  It takes hard work and discipline, but the results are worth it!   

If you're a fitness nerd like me, you'll want to start a collection of fitness programs.  Each one offers a different objectives and styles to mix and match your mood and goals.  They are all good and will get you to your fitness goals!  

If you are "normal" and just need that one program to get you started, I can help you figure out which one will work best to get you to your goal.  It's important to find the right program for you so you stick with it, even enjoy it, and it's less of a 'chore'.   

Here are some of the Beachbody fitness programs in my collection!


21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme with celebrity trainer Autumn Calabrese.



Body Beast with celebrity trainer Sagi Kalev


















































Beachbody On Demand is also available and is offers a FREE 30 days trial.  There are literally hundreds of Beachbody workouts available to stream and do anywhere there's a wireless connection! Click on link to get started on your free 30 days trial BOD.



Beachbody on Demand!

Benefits of Shakeology

I love drinking Shakeology everyday because I know I'm getting healthy from the inside out! I want to fuel my body with the nutrients I need to keep up with my busy stay-at-home mom of three boys schedule! Time is against me! I blend it and I go. I have found that it gives me energy, improves my mood, it's a quick meal in a cup and it's delicious! 

With 6 different flavors and tons of recipes, I get the healthy nutrients that I need.




Listed below are some it's ingredients and benefits:


• PROPRIETARY SUPER-PROTEIN BLEND: Whey, Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Pea. Helps build lean muscles, improve skin and hair, support mental clarity, and reduce cravings.


Are you regular? Do you have a problem with regularity? No, this is not an Activa promo. Shakeology ;)  

• PROPRIETARY PRE- AND PROBIOTIC/DIGESTIVE ENZYME BLEND: Yacon Root, Chicory Root, Lactobacillus Sporogenes, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Glucoamylase, Alpha-Galactosidase, Invertase.
Helps increase nutrient absorption, promotes regularity, and improves digestion.*


Antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases and limit cardiovascular damage!

Does your family have a history of heart disease? Are you afraid that it's in your future? Drinking Shakeology everyday helps your heart! My baby is stealing a sip and enjoying greenberry with mango blended. 
• PROPRIETARY SUPER-FRUIT/ANTIOXIDANT BLEND: Camu-Camu, Açai, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Grape Seed, Green Tea, Luo Han Guo, Pomegranate, Rose Hips. 
Provides antioxidant support and helps promote a healthy heart and optimal blood pressure.*



He stole my heart and my Greenberry Shakeology!


When I drink my Shakeology, my favorite benefit is that it improves my mood! Stress happens! But I know that I'm a Shakeo away from energy and it just tastes so good that I look forward to it! Today, I added frozen mangos (1 cup) and almond milk (1/2 cup) into my strawberry Shakeo and it was delicious! Cheers!  
• PROPRIETARY ADAPTOGEN BLEND: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Ginkgo, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra, Tulsi (Holy Basil).
Helps protect the body from stress, support the immune system, and balance the endocrine system which helps regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and among other things.*


• PROPRIETARY SUPER-GREEN/PHYTONUTRIENT BLEND: Moringa, Chlorella, Spirulina, Spinach, Kale.
Helps alkalinize the body and promote detoxification for health and vitality.*

Check out my Shakeology website for more information:  Shakeology

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Family pictures

What is it like to take family pictures with twin 22 month old toddlers and a 6 year old?  It's like orchestrating a symphony with monkeys.  Crazy!  There is no such thing as perfect timing. It's all click, click, click and hope for the best.  Definitely hire a professional if you want clear pictures.

Photo by Andy Jackson

Photo by Andy Jackson

Welcome

Welcome to my blog! I have big hopes and dreams for this site as I grow and tinker in this new adventure as a blogger.

I am a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) and Beachbody Coach who wants to be the best version of myself: mind, body and soul. I want to inspire my three little boys, my family, and friends to Live a healthy lifestyle, to Laugh often, and above all Love. I am living my life by design as an amateur entrepreneur, blogger, cook, gardener, and creative director. Life is all about balance, and finding that balance is the secret sauce.  Being my own boss is so liberating, and I am living my life by design.

This blog is a documentary of my little journey, and I hope to add value to those who seek it. Let me know how I can help you.


Shakeology

How are you fueling your body?

Shakeology is a dense nutrition protein shake packed with superfoods, vitamins, pre/pro-botics and is the healthiest meal or snack of the day!

There are so many health benefits to this all natural patented formula that helps your body get and restore the daily nutrients you need for energy, stay regular and helps you lose weight.





Races and Fundraisers

I am passionate about being a good example for my children and contributing to my community as much as I can.  As a Beachbody Coach, I wanted to incorporate fundraising by running races and helping causes that I believe in.  I am a new runner and it's not easy for me to practice everyday.  But I am committed to race and raise.

My ultimate goal is to build a team of runners to join me in these races to raise more money for these fundraisers.

Here are 3 upcoming events that I plan on participating in.





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Color Me Chemistry 5k

Saturday, October 10, 2015
ETSU Campus  807 University Pkwy Johnson City, TN  37604
8th Annual Race for IanNovember 7, 2015, 5k in Jonesborough TN 

Bristol, baby!

August 20, 2015
Night Race 5K, Bristol Speedway

Race week in Bristol is a pretty big deal around these parts.  When I heard about the 5k in Bristol for the Speedway Children's Charities during race week, I got really excited!  It was my 2nd 5K ever and as a new runner, I hadn't practiced running since my first race two months ago!


I always get the pre-race jitters!  The race went through the Drag Race Track, up through the parking lot and into the main race track!  

This is the start and finish line for all the race cars in at this venue!  
  
I love the feeling of accomplishment after the fact!  I am not the best runner in the world, I need to train and practice to get better.  But I love doing these runs and I think I'm hooked!  I can't wait for the next event in September!  

Friday, August 14, 2015

My story

I always lived my life in "that moment".  I wasn't a planner or a dreamer, and I didn't know what I wanted to do when I grew up.  I joined the Florida Army National Guard to pay for my college tuition, and started college after high school and basic training.  I didn't have enough passion or drive to finish my higher education and see it through.  I was a nomad, a hippie and lost in a superficial world that I surrounded myself in with my insecurities and need to fit in.  

I did not enjoy living my life serving others.  I bounced from job to job in the hospitality service industry, got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and I made some horrific decisions that haunt me still, and rightfully so.

But then, my "time-out" in life happened.  What I thought was the worst thing that could happen to me, ended up being the break that I needed to re-evaluate my purpose in life.  I received a letter to report to active duty from inactive ready reserves (IRR) status to serve in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.  I was scared, I was depressed, I thought I was going to be a walking target.  But I felt obliged to answer the call because I was the best candidate - I was single, didn't have children, and I was in good health.  I made a commitment to serve my country and I had to honor it.

I learned so much during my time away from the states.  We take SOOOO much for granted!  Here are some examples.  Shoes for instance, we have them, we wear them; there are tons of children in Iraq with no shoes.  Air conditioning in +100 degrees temperatures, they didn't have it in public places like the town hall.  The natives are hospitable; it's an insult in their culture to refuse food or drinks when offered.  It just proved how ignorant I was, and how very fortunate and blessed I am to be a citizen of this country called the United States!  


I was renewed and driven to better myself once back in the states.  I fell in love with my Paul Bunyan and moved to Minnesota.  I finished college and got married and started our family.  I started my career as a medical support assistant at a Veterans Affairs medical center.  That is when I realized that I truly loved helping people.  Especially the Veterans, they sacrificed for our country, and it was an honor to help them get great healthcare.  They were humbled, grateful, and had inspirational stories.  The experience gave me a servant heart. 

My life is filled with my family now.  Three children later, with twin toddlers, I have the privilege of being a stay at home mom and raising my children.  I want my three boys to have a servant heart, compassion, patience and wisdom.  I want them to learn from my mistakes and not to repeat my history.  I want them to be the best version of themselves today and every day.  I don't want them to feel entitled and ignorant to what's going on around them.  I don't want them to be judged by society and told that they are at a disadvantage for any reason.

I am putting myself out there to share my story and document my journey.  I know there are people out there just like me; who are comfortable but not totally fulfilled.  There is something they want to be a part of that's bigger than themselves.  And that is where I am in my journey of life.  I want to continue to help others, to help them find their confidence, their voice, their strength and their passion.  That is my new mission.