Turkey Meatballs

 

Who doesn't love spaghetti and meatballs? Simple and fixed approved!

What you need: 

 

• 1 lb ground lean turkey
• yellow chopped onion
• 4-5 chopped garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp. parsley
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. pepper

What you need to do:

1. Pretty simple - mix all of the above up!
2. Form into balls
3. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees

For my fixers - 5 meatballs is one red!

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Coach while on your own journey!

I am about to get deep, out of my comfort zone... rrreeaaall personal ((deep breath))

It was about 11 months ago that I started coaching with Beachbody, as my anniversary date approaches, I can't help but think about my life almost a year ago...

For me, coaching kind of happened by accident - it was never my intention... I wanted to drop a significant amount of weight after the birth of my second daughter - I was on an unpaid maternity leave and struggling financially, but was desperate to drop these pounds and without ever trying it, I believed in the products... When my products came, I posted a photo on Facebook and I got a huge response - everyone wanted to know what I was doing, what Shakeology was, and how they could get involved - and I accidentally became a coach....

My goals as a coach were simple, PAY FOR MY OWN JOURNEY! Period... After an unpaid maternity leave, some medical bills, and just life - we could not afford any extra frills... Once I met my goal of paying for my shakes, I thought to myself "a little extra money a month would really be helpful" because at this point I was living pay check to pay check.... Then I had the opportunity to go part time in my nursing job, and thanks to my income from coaching, I gladly took the position.... Fast forward to today, I am working as a part time nurse (on track to go casual by the end of the year) and I have the extra money to afford an organic lifestyle, I can afford to buy things that before I would have had to pass on, I was able to use cash for our trip to Disney, I was able to pay cash for Christmas (something we have always charged in the past!), I have doubled the amount put in my girls college funds, and I have helped changed many lives along the way!

Perhaps the more rewarding part of coaching has been what it has done for me outside of the financial arena... Coaching constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone - and because of these pushes I become more successful as a coach but I also started discovering myself... If you are a mom, I am sure you can relate - you feel like you lose your body to your babies, but you fall into a role of cook, maid, taxi driver, stain scrubber, booger wiper, diaper changing, washing dishes robot - day in and day out.. and don't get me wrong, this is what I wanted from my life - to be a mom and be all those things for my family - but in all those roles I lost my passion, I lost who I was.. I found a community, woman like me, woman nothing like me, inspiring, passionate, fabulous people - Beachbody quickly became more than just products, more than helping people with transformations, more than ending the trend - it became a second family.... the good, the bad, the ugly - they have been there for me, even when it wasn't related to the business - they helped me through the low times and celebrated the great times - they keep me going through it all....

I have the most amazing opportunity as a coach - I have the ability to help people change their lives physically, financially, and mentally the way my own life has been transformed! I love what I do and I work day in and day out to help my coaches reach and exceed their goals - I am feel so happy and blessed to be able to do so! Our team is in the top 2% of the company, and currently ranked at 592 out of over 230,000 (and you might not be overly impressed that we are ranked 592, but last month we were ranked 1090 - so we beat out almost 500 teams in just one month - proof that we are growing and very successful!) We have training for every step of your business, because I believe you can never stop learning and improving! I just realized, after all this I never even talked about all the cool free perks - like the trips, bonuses, monthly prizes - well I guess you will just have to contact me to find out more!!!!

So here is what I am offering you - no cost, no obligation, nothing - just a 5 day sneak peak into coaching - if you feel like it is for you - we get to work on those goals! The beauty of the business is - you can do whatever you want with it - be a top millionaire earner, replace your current income, supplement your income, pay for your own products or simply just enjoy the discount coaches get on the products - pretty cool, huh?

If you would like to be in the sneak peak group or would like to know more about coaching, please fill out my application - can't wait to chat with you!

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Banana Pancakes

Recipe thanks to one of my challengers - my girls love this and it is a great way to sneak some protein in for my non-egg eating preschooler! Reheats well so I make a large batch! Enjoy!

 

What you need:

 

• 1/2 C Rolled oats (1 yellow)
• 2 whole eggs (1 red)
• 1/2 banana (1 purple)
• Dash of cinnamon (free!)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• optional - 1 tsp honey

What you need to do:

1. Grind oats (I toss them in my magic bullet)
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth (I left my bananas a little chunky)
3. Cook in frying pan, as usual

Makes 4-6 pancakes at 1 yellow, 1 red and 1 purple for my fixers!!!

Why Zig Zag?

So as many of you can tell - I took the week off!!! My first entire week off since I started my journey - I focused on stretching and resting my body... Not only did I stop vigorous cardio workouts, but I also loosened the leash on my nutrition - And why, why would I work so hard and then throw it away the next week? Well I don't see it like that... I have Hashimotos, which causes my metabolism to be a little slower than normal even with medication - I have learned that when I zig-zag my calories and constantly "trick" my metabolism, I am able to lose weight faster long term - plus, it is a little fun to take a break from all the chicken and spinach!

There is a type of art form to losing fat and gaining muscle - because you have to be in a negative caloric state to lose fat but you need to be in a positive caloric state to gain muscle - so HOW?

So I have a few rules:

1. Eating at least 5 meals a day - this helps control blood sugar levels (thus keeping your cravings at a minimum) and you'll get protein in small amounts throughout the day to help support growth and recovery of muscles. When you are constantly feeding your body, your body doesn't feel like it needs to "hold on" to stored fat.
2. Remember portion control!
3. Think before you eat! If you are getting ready to workout, then eat more complex carbs, if you are getting ready to nap or be sitting in the office eat less than the average amount of carbs
4. Plan cheat meals - but a cheat meal, but make sure you are committed to get back into it come Monday! Cheat meals (I'm not talking about eating a Big Mac, either people!) help readjust for basal metabolic rate upward, support lean muscle growth, and give you a little "mental" break
5. Reducing calories can make it impossible to get all the nutrients your body needs to remain healthy and active - so DRINK SHAKEOLOGY DAILY!

When I am doing a program, I am very faithful to the nutrition plan because I want my results to be
genuine.. I usually try to hang out around 1400 calories, then every 3rd day I will drop those calories to 1200 a day and then back up to 1400 calories. It keeps my metabolism guessing, and then at the end of the program and before I start another program, I will take my calories up to 1800-2000 for a weekend... Which then forces my body to get used to that many calories, and then it shocks my metabolism when I drop back down to 1400 and 1200 calories/day. This helps me avoid weight loss plateaus. Please know, that this is specific to me - and your calorie needs might be very different! It is important not to starve your body, it will be counter productive for long term weight loss success, trust me - been there!

For more tips, one on one support, guidance and motivation apply here :)

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3 Day Refresh

 

As I approach my one year anniversary of my weight loss journey, I am very excited to take my photos, talk about how my life has changed and show off a bit! I figured this is the perfect time to take on the 3 Day Refresh!!! Drop a few more pounds and inches before my big photo shoot! Who wouldn't want to drop a few pounds before a big event, or to kickstart weight loss or to kick some bad habits - whatever the case may be this is a great place to start - let tackle this challenge together! But first - what exactly is it???

What is the 3-Day Refresh?

The 3-Day Refresh is 3-day program of specially formulated shakes, healthy snacks, and delicious, easy-to-prepare meals that have been scientifically designed to help you lose weight and break the cycle of bad eating while dramatically improving the way you feel.

How is it different than other cleanses?

Unlike juice fasts or liquid cleanses that are high in sugar and low in protein (which can leave you feeling weak and sluggish), the 3-Day Refresh is scientifically designed to help support your metabolism while nourishing your vital organs. Plus, you actually get to eat delicious, real food during this program.

Why would I want to Refresh?

•  You need a clean break from a period of unhealthy eating.
• You used to eat pretty well but have recently fallen off the wagon and need some help getting back on.
• You want to jump-start healthy eating habits for a new workout program.
• You want to quickly lose a few pounds for an upcoming event.
• You’ve never been a healthy eater, but are ready to kick-start better nutrition for the first time.
• You want your clothes to fit better.
• You want more energy.
• You love food and want to be satisfied while you lose weight and get healthier.
• You’ve tried liquid fasts or other fad diets and they simply don’t work.

What’s included?

• 3 packets of Shakeology®—your choice of 6 flavors (we recommend Chocolate Vegan or Tropical Strawberry   Vegan during the Refresh as plant proteins are often easier for the body to digest)
• 6 packets of Vanilla Fresh (high-protein shake)
• 3 packets of Fiber Sweep (digestive drink)  
• 1 Program Guide

What can I eat and drink during the Refresh?

• FILTERED WATER: In addition to the water you use in your shakes and teas, we recommend you drink   at least half your body weight in ounces of filtered water each day. 
• BREAKFAST: A superfood-packed Shakeology shake, plus one fruit option
•  MORNING TEA: 1 cup of unsweetened herbal or green tea
•  LATE MORNING: Fiber Sweep, a digestive health drink
• LUNCH: Vanilla Fresh shake, plus 1 option from the Fruit List, 1 option from the Vegetable List, and 1 option from the Healthy Fats list
• AFTERNOON SNACK: 1 option from Vegetable List, and 1 option from the Healthy Fats list
• AFTERNOON TEA: 1 cup of unsweetened herbal tea (caffeine-free)
• DINNER: Vanilla Fresh shake, 1 option from the Dinner Recipes, and 1 cup of organic vegetable  broth (optional)
• EVENING TEA: 1 cup of unsweetened herbal tea (caffeine-free)

What to expect when Refreshing?

• The 3-Day Refresh is a low-calorie program (about 900 calories a day) but because the shakes and food   selections are high in protein and fiber they help keep you satiated throughout the day.
•  Because this program is packed with fiber, if you don’t already have a diet that’s high in fruits, veggies, and   whole grains, it’s a good idea to prepare for the 3-Day Refresh by eating a large salad and/or a few servings   of fresh veggies throughout the week leading up to it.
•  If you get a little gas or bloating, this is a sign that you need to up your fiber levels in general. Fiber promotes   satiety, balances blood sugar, promotes cardiovascular health, and keeps your digestive tract functioning.
• If gas is an issue, we’ve highlighted the “low gas-producing” options in the veggie list and dinner recipes in   the menu guide.
• We recommend mild to moderate exercise during the 3-Day Refresh because this program will be more   effective when your body can focus on cleansing.

Join me for the 3 Day Refresh and Clean Eating Challenge!

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Shamrock Shake!

I keep seeing all these posts about Shamrock Shakes - eww! I mean I get it, I used to crave Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs during Easter time - So yeah, I get it.... But I have a great alternative for my Shamrock Shake fans!!! Add spinach for a little more green color!!

 

 

Week 3 & Results!

All the blood, sweat and tears were all worth it! 6.4 pounds in 21 days is pretty incredible, especially for someone who has been clean eating and working out for several months! It wasn't easy, the eggs especially! But with each passing day it got easier and easier! I actually plan on carrying this meal plan into my next program! So where did I lose the inches?

• 1/4 inch off each arm
• 1 inch off my waist
• 1.5 inches off my abdomen
• 1.5 inches off my hips
• 1.2 inch off each thigh

When I look in the mirror, I see the biggest changes in my stomach and my back! I can't believe the definition I can see in my back - I love it!!! Here is a little bit of my last week of this challenge:


Kicking off week 3 - meal planning in Easter colors as Aubrey paints!

Remote is lost - thanks Kate!!! No worries,
BB ON DEMAND to the rescue!



Getting stronger everyday - pumped up those weights
this week!

Kate was sick, congested, only napping in my arms...
So Pilates did not happen, I'm pretty sure I had a pretty good
workout carrying her 20 lb body around all day!



Umm yeah - my booty is on fire for days after this!

Cardio with weights - no joke! Aubrey thinks I look
like a goof with boxers and compression socks! 

She made it through the warm up and round 1 :)



My challenge group and myself traded in our yoga day for
the bonus workout - "The Fix Extreme Challenge"
umm yeah challenge would be an understatement!

Kate begs for eggs, and I gladly give them up!



Dessert Time with the Girls!

Ready for your AFTER photo? Let's start your journey together!

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Mission - #everysweatmatters

This month, I am excited to be Sweating for Something Bigger! And supporting my fellow coach, Katy Ursta - who in her early thirties, with 2 young sons was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma. Working as an oncology nurse years ago, I know first hand what a horrific diagnosis this is. She underwent 12 rounds of some of the harshest chemotherapy, every other week for 24 weeks. As a coach, she wondered - "who would ever want me as a coach?" Little did she know how many people she would inspire along the way. Sick, tired, scared - before chemo and again after chemo she would sweat it out, in her sweat sessions she felt like she could be herself... She could sweat for something bigger, sweat for those who couldn't, sweat because she still could...

She continued to be consistent in her coaching and workouts, and she TURNED HER MESS INTO HER MESSAGE! Her last scans showed that she is CANCER FREE :)
Her story is real, its inspirational, its unique and it has helped to take her on a new journey as she has been NOMINATED AS PITTSBURGH WOMAN OF THE YEAR!!!

Katy's goal is to donate 100,000$ to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help those who fought blood cancers through this horrific and expensive diagnosis. So our teams goal is to help Katy reach her big scary goal - We are hosting a Fit Club with a special guest speaker (Katy!!), a live workout, and a Shakeology bar! 100% of proceeds from this event will go to LLS! I would love to see you there, SWEATING FOR SOMETHING BIGGER!!!

For tickets and donations, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forever-fit-fit-club-for-lls-and-pittsburgh-woman-of-the-year-tickets-15967777051

Your donations are greatly appreciated, I would like to personally thank you for attending - so please let me know and I will look for you on the 28th!

21 Day Fix Extreme - Week 2

After a great week 1 - I am very excited to start week 2!!! Continuing the Countdown to Competition diet!

Day 8 - Back to Plyo - First time, I thought I was going to vomit, this time - I felt strong and I did so much better!!! Having a little bit of an issue with all the "reds" which for me is chicken, chicken and more chicken!

Day 9 - Upper Focus Extreme - Every 2 days, I get a break from the competition meal plan and get to switch back to the extreme - hello cheese and fruit and an extra carb!!! YAY!!!

Day 10 - Pilates on Crack! I did so much better this week as opposed to last week - I accredit it to LISTENING to Autumn, listen to what she is telling you - how much your arm should bend, or about band placement - I still have a lot of work to do in the pilates and resistance band department though!

Day 11: Leg DAY - amazing the difference a week makes - feeling strong! Great burn and sweat!

Day 12 - Extreme Cardio and Flex Friday! Switching it up on my flex Friday - seeing a lot of definition in my back and shoulders! Extreme Cardio was hard for me today, I was up for 35 hours. After caring for my kids, then working a 12 hour night shift as a nurse, then taking care of my kids all day again - it was very hard to push play.... I almost backed out, took a nap and called it a day- but I couldn't, I knew my accountability partner and my challenge group was waiting for my accountability post - so I pushed play, and felt as energized as ever!

 

Day 13 - Dirty 30 and 10 min hardcore abs

I love Dirty 30, because I love moving iron! Added an additional ab workout, which felt amazing - I would say I still have a lot of work to do in that department!

Two new meals from this week:

Chicken wraps!



My side, all measured out and fix approved - his side, not so much!

 

1.2 Pounds lost this week! Which makes 4.8 pounds in 14 days! My goal is 7 pounds by day 21 - ekkk gotta push hard this week!

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Beachbody - ON DEMAND!

I am so excited to be telling you about the launch of Beachbody On Demand, coming this Spring! Ever want to try a new workout program, or have commitment issues to one program, or maybe you are traveling a lot and still want to get a good workout in? Whatever the case may be, this is your solution!

Beachbody On Demand is a new feature of the Team Beachbody Club that provides unlimited access to stream Beachbody's proven fitness programs. Club members will be able to work out anytime, anywhere. It is include many of the most popular fitness programs in the digital library, making Beachbody programs easy to access anywhere an internet connection is available! (Meaning I could totally do an AB workout on my lunch break, or an impromptu workout with friends without bringing my DVDs!)

What workouts will be On-Demand with unlimited access staring in March?

• P90X^® & P90X Deluxe
• P90X2^® & P90X2 Deluxe
• P90X3^® & P90X3 Deluxe
• P90X ONE on ONE^® Volume 1
• 10 Minute Trainer^®
• INSANITY^® & INSANITY Deluxe
• INSANITY: THE ASYLUM^® Volume 1
• TurboFire^®
• Brazil Butt Lift^® & Brazil Butt Lift Deluxe
• ChaLEAN Extreme^®
• Hip Hop Abs^®

You will also get Insider Access to Beachbody's Newest Programs! Insider access provides individual sample wokrouts of some of Beachbody's newest and bestselling programs to give Club membersa taste of the program before they decide to buy! So not sure if you are ready for 21 Day Fix or the 21 Day Fix Extreme? Well, now you get to give one workout from each program a try to see which would be best for you!

Here are the programs you will have exclusive access to starting in March 2015:

• 21 Day Fix – Total Body Cardio Fix
• 21 Day Fix EXTREME – PiYo Fix Extreme
• PiYo^® – Sweat
• FOCUS T25 – Alpha Cardio
• INSANITY MAX:30^™ – Sweat Intervals
• P90^® – Sculpt A
• Body Beast^® – Build: Chest/Tris

What about the nutrition guide for each workout? Will it be included?

Yes, the nutrition guide for each workout will be available for download with the club membership. These will be accessible on the Beachbody On Demand page

Will I be able to download the workout?

No, you will need to have access to the Internet because a download option will not be available. All of the workouts listed above will be able to be streamed.

How will it Work?

When you log in to TeamBeachbody.com as a paid member of the Team Beachbody Club, you simply select the 'Beachbody On Demand' tab from the home page, then choose any fitness program in the Member Library, and press play!

• Convenience: Enjoy 24/7 streaming access from your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. No DVDs required. All you need is an Internet connection.
• Variety: Try different programs that are all proven to deliver incredible results. You can also try out different trainers, workout lengths, or fitness levels before committing to a program.
• Simplicity: All the program guides, workout calendars and nutrition plans will be online—all in one place.

Another HUGE Perk coming later this month:

Later in March, programs that you have purchased will be available to you On-Demand!!! DVD programs that are not in the Member Library, you will exclusively stream those programs as well. Just look for "Purchased Programs" in Beachbody On Demand.

The first set of programs that will be available for streaming later in March as part of the Purchased Program section are FOCUS T25^®, 21 Day Fix^® and 21 Day Fix EXTREME^®. Over time, the selection will expand!!!

Will there be an app?

No, not at this time. You will be able to access the streaming feature across your laptop, smartphones, and TV though!