The Nutty Mermaid

Since the girls and I have a hard time getting in all of our veggies, I have been sneaking them in my shakes! And when they ask why it is green - I simply tell them it is a mermaid shake with seaweed (aka spinach!) - and they can't tell the difference!

Great way to get a few extra vitamins in with my superfoods before germy school season!

The Health Bet Challenge

So how cool is this - my company is putting up a minium of 1 million dollars (yes, 1 million - like

1,000,000$) to help keep people motivated and accountable! Let's face it - losing weight, staying motivated - it's hard.... but nothing like a little cash to help keep you motivated, right?

For the month of September I want you to reach your goals, feel better, healthier and happier and get paid to do it? Not a joke, not a scheme, no catch, and no you don't have to be 'the biggest loser' to win - you just have to participate! And get a cut of 1-3 million dollars for doing so!

All the great qualities of my other challenge groups - daily motivation, tips, support, weekly meal planning assistance, and recipes - only thing that is different is you will get paid to be accountable... New and old challengers are welcome! Let's make September the month that we get started, break that platuea, or keep reaching our goals!

Here are the rules....

Ready to join?

Just fill out the application below and I will get back to you within 24 hours!

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Country Heat VIP Test Group

With Country Heat, Autumn Calabrese brings fitness and fun together in one exciting country dance-inspired workout that's simple, effective, and such a blast, you'll be dancing off the pounds before you know it. I sampled a workout, and it is a lot of fun (which means a lot coming from a non-dancer, non-country fan like myself). But like me, you might have a lot of questions - and hopefully this can answer a few of your questions and help you see if this new program is right for you.

If you are interested, I do have an upcoming VIP Test Group that will launch August 8th - hope to see you there (application at the end of this post)

What is Country Heat? 

• Super Trainer and professionally trained dancer Autumn Calabrese brings you a high-energy, low-impact, country dance inspired workout that's so simple anyone can do it, and so much fun you'll barely notice you're dropping pounds while getting a great total-body workout.
• An easy-to-follow, 30-day fitness program that combines 5 high-energy, cardio-based dance workouts, 1 dance conditioning workout, and the portion-control Eating Plan to maximize weight loss and achieve a toned, tightened body in just 30 minutes a day.
• All Country Heat songs are set to the hottest country music, with songs that you've probably heard on the radio. Not only did Autumn pick these songs for their popularity, she specifically matched her moves to the faster and slower beats to create the perfect interval training within each routine. The result? A fired-up metabolism that burns maximum calories and fat! 

Who is the target audience?

•  Anyone of any size, age, and fitness level who wants to start a fitness program. 
• Those who have tried and failed at complicated diet/exercise programs. 
• People who want to lose weight and are looking for results in 30 days. 
• People who like Zumba workouts. 
• People who like country music. 
• People who generally don't like to exercise or who want a lifestyle change, but aren't sure where to begin. 
• People who like to dance but are intimidated by complicated choreography they have to memorize. 
• Any 21 Day Fix customer who wants to continue to lose weight with a low-impact cardio program. 
• Fans of Autumn Calabrese and other Beachbody dance workouts like CIZE and Hip Hop Abs. 

What are the unique benefits? 

• It's a fun, easy-to-follow dance workout that ANYONE can do—in just 30 minutes a day! You'll have so much fun dancing to the hottest country hits you'll barely notice you're dropping pounds and getting a great total-body workout. 
• The program includes 5 cardio-based dance workouts and 1 Dance Conditioning workout that will burn major calories and shape, tone, and tighten your entire body—in just 30 days. 
• Diets don't work when you feel deprived! So Autumn is including her foolproof, portion-control containers to help you lose weight while still enjoying your favorite foods. No calorie counting, special foods, or eating at home all the time. 
• Autumn's easy-to-use Eating Plan shows you how to use your portion-control containers to create easy, delicious recipes— with foods you love—in just the right portions to reach your weight-loss goals.

What’s included? 

•  6 workouts on 3 DVDs 
• 5 Dance Workouts, each with a step-by-step breakdown of all the moves 
• 1 Dance Conditioning Workout 
• A set of 7 color-coded, portion-control containers and a Shakeology® shaker cup to help you keep your nutrition on track and your weight-loss goals in check. 
• Country Heat Eating Plan provides a wide range of simple-to-make recipes and shows you how to portion out your meals to help you achieve safe, sustainable weight loss. And we included new Country Heat Healthy Comfort Food recipes. 
• Quickstart Guide gives you an easy 3-step way to get started and get dancing. 
• 30-Day Calendar shows you exactly which workout to do from Day One to Day 30.
• Bonus workout DVD - exclusive from ME 

So what do you think??? Who is ready to dance those inches away, while having fun to great music?

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Ultimate Health Challenge - My Journey to the Final 4

I got the call that I dreamt about 2 years ago... The call that put me one step closer to my big scary goal - the call came when I was making dinner on Thursday evening... A call from Beachbody, "Hi this is Author from the Beachbody Challenge and I have some exciting news for you..."

The rest is kinda a blur... Out of hundreds of thousands of submissions, my transformation - more importantly my story - was chosen to be one of four, yes FOUR as a finalist in the Ultimate Health Challenge.

The Ultimate Health Challenge isn't about the weight lost, it is about the HEALTH, the LIFE restored. They recognized my transformation physically but also saw the bigger picture. This is why I love Beachbody, it isn't about a before and after picture for them - it is about the lives changed.... I went from a mom dealing with anxiety, postpartum depression, and uncontrolled hypothyroidism taking 13 pills a day to a mom that is full of life and happiness and down to 1 pill a day. A mom that was desperate to find happiness and confidence so she could be an example to her young daughters. A mom that found herself under the weight of obesity and depression.

In the heart of my transformation, it quickly became my passion to share my story, my struggle and my mission. And I vividly remember saying to my coach, I want to win the Ultimate Health Challenge - I want to be on stage, I want to use this platform to inspire change ((which was a huge statement for this introvert to say)).



I stayed silent about my goal, but not about my mission. My mission to show moms that self love is not selfish, that healthy habits start at home, that it doesn't have to cost a fortune, and that we have the power to instill lifelong confidence ((but we ourselves have to have it and own it)). My mission to help raise awareness and support for new moms and the real threats of postpartum depression and anxiety.

I want to thank you all for your support, and for your continued support. If you would like to vote and help me reach my goal, voting will open up Monday at 12PT and you can vote once every 24 hours. Screen shot proof that you voted for me and email it to me (or send me a facebook message) to be entered in for daily prizes! Thank you again!

To create an account to vote with, please use this link for a free account!

Splash into Summer - 21 Day Fix Challenge

Let's make a splash this summer - a splash into health, a splash into confidence, a splash into fitness... And yes, I realize summer is right around the corner - which is why I have the perfect idea for you!

How about 21 days to lose up to 15 pounds? Ready to get into that summer wardrobe? Let's do this, together! Whether you are ready to recommit to the 21 Day Fix, interested in taking it up a notch with the 21 Day Fix Extreme, or are just getting started - this group will be perfect for you!

Yes, working out is important but in this group we are really going to focus on helping you dial in your nutrition and create healthy lifelong habits - not a quick fix.

The 21 Day Fix or Fix Extreme are complete systems - workouts, nutrition and support. The workouts
are 30 minutes and range from yoga to weights to cardio. And work every inch of your body - including a bonus 10 minute ab workout! Each system also includes the infamous color coded containers and nutrition guide - which takes the guess work out  of the equation. 

This month, I will also be including a bonus workout and 30 day access to Beachbody on Demand! Myself and so many others have found success in this program. Honestly, it changed the way I looked at food.

My 28 Day Group (I say 28 days because for 7 days I will be teaching you how to use the 21 day fix system) will kick off June 20th. I am accepting 10 new applicants into this group - I am looking for motivated women who are ready to drop excuses and find results. Apply below for 28 days of knowledge, support, recipes, meal planning, fitness and results!

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Little Tick- Big Problem... Living with Lyme

Just another Wednesday evening, I was dancing like a fool in my bathroom while drying my hair - getting ready for another long 12 hour night shift. When something in the mirror cause my eye. It looked like a hanging scab on the lower part of my shoulder blade. Without even thinking, I pulled what I thought to be a scab off, only to realize it was a tick... my heart sunk...

Thinking back I did have a few symptoms, but like most moms (and nurses) I brushed it off - joint pain (well my mattress is 9 years old), fatigue (well I have 2 small kids and work night shift), chills (I must be coming down with a cold) - but in the moment I pulled the tick out, I just kinda knew - it all came together....

I went to my doctor where they promptly removed the remainder of the tick, and noticed by then I was febrile and had swollen lymph nodes. The tick was sent for testing, as was I and antibiotic therapy was initiated - if you know me, I am anti-antibiotics, but with Lyme and the risks associated with long-term or post-treatment Lyme, I was not about to refuse.

The tick, not to my surprise came back positive for Lyme, which prolonged my antibiotic therapy. Between the symptoms associated with Lyme's Disease and the side effect of the antibiotics, I felt miserable - nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, sensitivity to the sun, joint pain and stiffness, fatigue but the scariest of all was the numbness in my finger tips. I did my best to deal with it - I kept hydrated, drank my Shakeology so I knew I was fueling my body correctly at least once a day, and exchanged my high impact, high intensity workouts for yoga. And I started to fall in love with it! Especially yoga in the sun - the vitamin D and warmth from the sun really helped relax my stiff joints.

My little yoga lover!

I have completed my medications and I am ready to start getting back to my 'old' lifestyle. I can feel that I have lost strength and stamina. I know there will be modifications, and cursing lol, but hey - I love being the underdog and beating the odds is kinda my thing... 

Fit Mom Review - S'well Water Bottles

With summer approaching, I kept thinking about how I would keep water cold without spending a million dollars on water bottles at the park. Plus who wants all that waste?

But seriously, every water bottle I ever purchased has been an disappointment in one way or another - leaked, sweat, didn't keep my water cold, made my water taste funny, and on and on.

I recently heard of S'well water bottles, and I wondered if they were really worth their price tag. As far as water bottles go, they are pricey. They claim to keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours, don't sweat or leak. Pretty much sounded perfect to me!

So I had to test it out - I purchased the 1 Liter size, in hopes that it would work well for a day at the park with the girls.

I filled my new water bottle up with cold water and tossed it in my hot car, in the sun for 10 hours. I came back to it - water was still cold, still had ice. No sweat on the outside and water still tasted great.

Then I dropped it down the steps - no leaks.

In my opinion this bottle was worth the price tag - I actually ordered them for the girls. Oh, and I forgot to tell you - there are tons of patterns, colors and even textures! This bottle has this fit mom's seal of approval!

The Dirty Truth about Artifical Sweeteners

I can't tell you how many times I walk down the aisles of the grocery store and cringe when I see all the sugar free, calorie free "foods"... The problem is, for years we have been told to avoid sugar - but eliminating sugar is impossible... Tah-dah artificial sweeteners seem like the perfect solution, right? Not so fast my friends... These zero-calorie chemicals, which are often added to foods and beverages marketed as weight-loss friendly, are a hot topic. They're use is highly controversial, and they're blamed for just about everything from headaches, to weight gain, to cancer.

Over the years, more artificial sweeteners—along with more controversy—have made their way to the market in an effort to satisfy the human need for sweet-tasting foods while minimizing calorie consumption. There are six FDA-approved artificial sweeteners currently on the market: acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K), aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, neotame, and advantame.

I could go on and on about the studies linking artificial sweeteners to cancer and other diseases - these studies, like most are controversial. But for the purpose of what I do, I want to talk to you about its effects on your waistline.


Source: Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine June 8 2010

Our bodies are so used to associating sweet taste with calories - so what happens when we switch it up and sweet taste means zero calories? Animal models certainly indicate that artificial sweeteners can impair the innate ability to regulate caloric intake. Rats who are fed with artificial sweeteners consistently gain more weight than rats who are fed with glucose. Additionally, the rats don’t tend to lose the excess weight, even after their diets are switched back to glucose.

Research over the last 30 years have shown that artificial sweeteners stimulate appetite, increase cravings for carbs, and produce a variety of metabolic dysfunctions that promote fat storage and weight gain.

I am a firm believer that we need to get as close to nature as possible when it comes to the food we consume. I believe artificial sweeteners are chemicals that disrupt the micro-gut, and increases cravings. And I am a believer that artificial sweeteners are just as addictive as sugar. So how do we start breaking this cycle? I have found success in using Shakeology daily. A low calorie, no artificial sweetener that satisfies my cravings while increasing my energy.

I challenge you to read the labels, look past the calorie content and educate yourself about what is fueling your cells. If you need help learning how to eat a better and more wholesome diet for you and your family. If you are ready to make a change, I am here to help you!

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22 Hard Corps Meal Plans

Here are my simple, family and budget friendly meal plans that I am using for the 22 Hard Corps Program! I am in the lowest calorie bracket.

For 1:1 meal planning assistance, access to my accountability groups, or for more information on the program please fill out the application at the bottom of the page and I will get back to you within 24 hours!

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Banana Ice Cream

Wouldn't you love to be able to say, 'yes' when you wanted or your kiddos asked for ice cream? Well now you can :) As an HUGE ice cream lover, I admit I was skeptical - very skeptical actually! But I have to say, it doesn't get much better than this!!! Oh and for my dog momma's, this is  dog friendly as well! Aubrey crushed some dog treats and used them as her sprinkles!

 

We are experimenting with different recipes, so stay tuned!

What you need: 

• 2 Frozen Bananas (when my bananas start to ripen- I cut in half, peel, freeze on a plate and then toss in a freezer bag)
• 2 tsp. natural peanut butter

What you need to do:

1. Toss the bananas and peanut butter in a blender.
2. Blend until soft serve consistency.
3. Enjoy!

Shakeology Peanut Butter Cups

Some days you just want a Reese's cup - no denying it... I love them ((oh especially those Easter eggs!)) but they are full, and I mean jammed packed with calories, sugar and fat - bummer... well I have good news, these are pretty good! And the whole recipe is a serving!!!! Ready?

What you need:

• 1 scoop or packets of chocolate Shakeology
• 3 teaspoons of peanut butter (more or less depending on your preference - I would rather have them be more peanut buttery and eat less in a sitting)
• Water (about 4 tbsp.)

What you need to do:

1. In a small bowl add Shakeology.
2. Add water one tbsp. at a time until shakeology becomes a honey consistency
3. Line a cupcake pan (about 4 large or 8 little)
4. Evenly distribute half the Shakeology mixture
5. In a separate bowl hand whip peanut butter
6. Evenly divide the peanut butter on top the shakeology in the pan.
7. Top each one with remaining shakeology
8. Freeze until solid and enjoy!

I have been putting these in a baggie in the freezer and pulling one or two out when I need a sweet fix - the entire recipe counts as 1 red and 3 tsp.

For more tips, recipes, and meal planning assistance - apply here to join my next health and wellness challenge group! Can't wait to see you there!

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BBQ Crockpot Chicken

Perfect fall time recipe! I loved this recipe when I added the BBQ, but I must admit - I had a few bites before adding it, and it was pretty dang good too!

What you need:

• 4 chicken breast
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp dried minced onion
• 21 day fix southwest spice
• 1/2-3/4 cup low sugar BBQ sauce (I use Guy's Award Winning BBQ)

What you need to do:

1. Place chicken breast (I put them in frozen) with 1/2 water in crock pot.
2. Top with minced onion and spice
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
4. Shred chicken
5. Add BBQ slowly and stir - to see how saucy you want the chicken.
1. Or skip the bbq and enjoy it as is!
6. Serve over brown rice, on a whole wheat bun, or over a potato

Optional toppings:

• Fresh chopped onion
• Cheddar Cheese
• Plain Greek Yogurt

21 Day Fix - Night Shift Style!

As an avid 21 Day Fix Meal Plan Believer and Follower, and as a night shift nurse - I get asked ALL the time --- how do you do the 21 Day Fix on night shift? Great question!! This took a lot of trial and error for me to be honest - I tracked what worked, what made me feel full but still drop weight, what didn't make me bloated and tired, what I could do to stay on track even when my schedule was a hot mess.... This is my version, there is no "Autumn's Formula for how to Eat when you are up for 9 million hours" ((because lets face it night shifters, NO ONE wants to volunteer for that job!))



Black out mask and white noise are my best friends!

Okay first of all, let me commend you -- working nights, especially if you are in a health care setting, where you typically see a ton of food; yeah, that is tough -- your brain doesn't work right on nights, you crave food, you find excuses, and honestly, I have eaten to stay awake ***especially on my one hour commute home*** Night shift is cruel, your body needs sleep to survive, thrive and lose weight - so we are already at a slight disadvantage... So these are my tips and tricks for the 21 Day Fix on Night Shift ((reminder, I am at the lowest calorie range - so you might need to add to what I am doing))

In my mind there are two different types of night shift - the night shift were you get to sleep after your shift and the night shift were you are up all day after night shift.... And I tackle them differently... so lets get started...

When you get to sleep after nightshift (up for 24-28 hours)

When I get to sleep after nightshift, I am thrilled - for two reasons - I don't eat extra calories, and we need sleep to feel good, to be healthy... So if you can sleep after work, please take advantage of it!

To me, this is what it looks like:

• Up at 7am Tuesday
• Up all day with my kids
• Go to work at 6pm Tuesday
• Home at 8-9am Wednesday
• In Bed by 10am Wednesday - sleep 4ish hours

So on a day like this, I will 'borrow' containers from Wednesday to have a meal around 1130/midnight Tuesday night. I then go home, eat - and sleep through a meal/snack Wednesday - therefore, I did not use any extra containers. On occasion, I will add a green and a red around 3/4am Wednesday morning if I am hungry. I do not borrow these from Wednesday during the day - I figure I burn these calories by being awake and active when I would otherwise be sleeping.

When you get little to no sleep after nightshift (up for 36+ hours)

Sadly, this happens to me more than I would like - it isn't healthy and should be avoided - but it is what it is and dealing with it is my only option...

To me, this is what it looks like:

• Up at 7am Thursday
• Up all day with my kids
• Go to work at 6pm Thursday
• Home at 9-9am Friday
• Hopefully a nap between 230pm-4pm
• In bed by 10pm Friday

So on a day like this, I do not borrow any containers - I add containers... because you burn more calories when you are awake then when you are asleep... I figure I am awake about 8 more hours than I normally would be.. which is 1/3 of a 24 hour day - so my thought process is, I should get 33% more containers! I am in the 1200-1400 calorie bracket so I consume 3 greens, 2 purples, 1 blue, 1 orange, 4 reds, 2 yellows and 2 blacks -- So during the course of the night I allow myself:

• 1 green
• 1/2 purple
• 1.5 reds
• 1 yellow
• 1 black

This usually gets me a meal with a nice size snack. So the day before and the day after my night shift are the same, I just simple add in those containers at night.

I hope you found this helpful - and again, I hope you get some sleep! It isn't easy, but it is important to stay on track even when your schedule gets off track! For more tips and tricks, or for a spot in my next challenge - please apply here - and I can't wait to work with you!

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Turn your Resolutions into Results

Although I don't believe you need a Monday, a new month or a new year - it can't help to tap into that 'new' motivation! I know I will be - I am already thinking about my New Year goals - for my family, my marriage, my career, my body, coaching, and financially - yep, I think about all these things! I  want to know how I can be better all the way around! And I want to kick this off with you!

So what is this group all about???

• Everyone including myself is committed to a workout program (not sure where to start? no worries, we will figure it out together!) - I will be continuing my Hammer and Chisel schedule
• Everyone is committed to checking in the group daily!
• I am going to teach you how to meal plan and prep weekly - as well as include budget tips!
• Daily motivation, accountability, 1:1 coach support
• Recipes for your entire family!
• Positive mindset activities

Lets do this! Let's kick off the New Year with a game plan! I know for me personally, I spent year after year making the same resolutions - but I realized, you can't live the same year over and over again and call it a life... thinking about that, really made me dig deep and soul search.. it is so true, and yet sad - I am not going to live another year on rewind and replay.

January 4th is our preseason start date - during this week I will give you daily tips and tricks to being successful during the Challenge!

Ready?

To be considered for the challenge, please fill out the application below!

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Hammer & Chisel - Week 2 Recap

My hard work and dedication on meal prep day was a huge success! I saved a ton of time, money and calories. And I am happy to report, I stuck to it... I am also happy to report that the Traill family is one week butter free - now I get it, butter can be good for you... but between the temptation to me and the cross contamination risk to Kate (who is dairy intolerant) it is a good move for us! We really focused on food this week - and our favorite hit was my panko breaded chicken - the girls thought they were eating chicken nuggets, I thought I was eating chicken parm! Win Win (or winner, winner, chicken dinner in the words of Aubrey!)


 And like the rest of you, we have had our fair share of holiday parties and temptations! By following my holidays tips, I am happy to report - they have been pretty much a non-issue! This upcoming week with Christmas Eve and Christmas - I have a plan! And I think that is key, if you go in knowing you are going to have a cheat meal, you might go crazy, and eat everything in sight. When really you should go in having goals and intentions! For example, on Christmas Eve we always have steaks and a baked potato bar - I will skip the baked potato bar and put my steak on a salad with greek yogurt ranch! Perfect! Still a treat, but without going overboard. On Christmas, my plan will be to have a shake before I leave. And practice portion control  I'm going to skip wine, go with 2 cookies and lots of water! Again, still a treat but without going overboard!

As far as the workouts went, it was a challenge to press play after night shift. I am not going to lie, I did not feel like it. My brain was in a fog during an agility workout in Chisel Agility, but I did my best - sometimes that is all you can do! My favorite new move came during Hammer Conditioning - burpees with weighted rows! Check it out!

 

The key for this busy week will be prep! I moved my rest day to Christmas, because I just know myself! On Christmas Eve, I am also preparing for Christmas by doing a modified Shakeology Cleanse Day (having steak instead of chicken).

 

 

 

Meal prep has become a family affair! I bring the girls kitchen in with our their dishes and it keep them busy for awhile, at least! I used to think I didn't need to food prep because I only work 12 hours a week outside the house, but that doesn't mean I am not busy! And I get caught up in excuses to why I can't cook, or want to grab something not on my plan! I also found that prepping food for the girls was also key! This keeps me 100% out of the kitchen, with the exception of breakfasts!

I am loving sharing my journey with my challenge groups - we are all at different parts of our journey, but we all support each other! We form friendships, cheer each other on, inspire and motivate one another. My groups are forming and filling up quick - reserve a spot today!

 



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Don't Get Tangled Up in Holiday Weight GAIN!

The average American gains 7-10 pounds during the holiday season! I thought the average would be like 3-5... but 10 pounds! Wow... How do you stack up during the holiday season? Do you really ever lose it all?

 

The holiday season can be really difficult - from food pushers, to lack of sleep, to stress, get together, and the emotional difficulties that can also come with the holiday season. For many, this is a time of emotional stress and sadness, causing emotional eating. Let's face it, we are programmed to eat when we are happy, sad, stressed, tired, and on and on...

First and foremost, if you go into an event and plan on 'winging it' you will crash and burn... no way to sugar coat this one! Here are a few more of my personal holiday tips...

One tip I forgot to add was to say 'no' to food pushers... no I don't want to try it, no I don't want a bite, no I don't want any left overs --- but thank you! If you had a food allergy or were avoiding the food for a religious reason, you wouldn't think twice about saying 'no'. So this is your new 'lifestyle' treat it like one!

I constantly remind myself that fit is forever and flavor is temporary.. or as my momma used to always say "moment on the lips, forever on the hips!"

For more tips and support or for help losing the holiday weight - groups are enrolling now... Apply here to be considered! Space will be limited!

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