All - Access Pass

Wow, almost 3 months without a blog entry - sorry... life has been tough - 2016 was tough... And in the mess, I lost track of so much of myself, my goals, me. And part of me felt like it was all a waste, until I took a step back and saw all the lessons. So I'm on a mission - get back to me twenty-seventeen!

I started this year at the peak of my fitness, and over the middle and late part of the year I needed to
take a step back; pursue low impact, embrace yoga. And the great thing about Beachbody, is that I had that option at my finger tips. My goal of 2017 is to regain my strength and progressively work my way in fitness level. And again, Beachbody will be able to change as my needs change. That has been the single blessing of On-Demand - I have access to countless workouts at varying fitness levels.

I am thrilled to announce that Beachbody On Demand is launching an All-Access Pass. This annual pass will come with the Portion Fix, a 30 Day Supply of Shakeology, and 12 months of Beachbody On Demand. But not just Beachbody On Demand, a completely UNLOCKED version! That's right all the programs unlocked and ready for you try out, mix and match, or progressive from one program to the next! All our famous programs - 21 Days Fix, 22 Minute Hard Corps, Cize, Country Heat, Insanity, T25, EVERYTHING! Plus, ANY new workout program launched in 2017!

So this year, as your needs change, as your fitness level progresses, or maybe when you need to take a step back because of surgery, pregnancy or whatever 2017 throws at you - you will have everything you need to maintain your 2017 New Years goals and what I am hoping is a new lifestyle.

No matter where you are starting, what your goals are, I am here to support you all the way through... Start to finish, 2017 we are ready.

To chat about your goals, take advantage of this offer or for anything else - fill out this application and I will get back to you within 24 hours :)

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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... 

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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4 week 22 Minute Hard Corp Results

 


When I started 22 Minute Hard Corp - I admit, I was torn... After 2 years of a fitness journey could I really get good results in just 22 minutes a day? Would it be enough? And at the same time I was excited because let's face it, who wouldn't be excited about a 22 minute workout?

First of all, I fell in love with the meal plan - it is very similar to the 21 Day Fix with the awesome portion control containers, but it allowed me to eat things that I was not allowed to eat on other meal plans - like CEREAL! Yes, finally a program that included cereal ((now to just find one that includes butter lol)) I found the meal plan simple and easy to follow.

I was pleasantly surprised about the workout intensity, I could see how this could be easily modified for a beginner and it was challenging enough for someone like me ((I would say I am at an intermediate fitness level)). And I was shocked at the sweat I had going on in just 22 minutes. My favorite part was the core workout... I have been doing a ton of core workouts, but nothing like this! This worked every part of my core, front and back and my muffin top really toned up!

I am human, I had missed workouts and cheat meals along the way - nobody is perfect! I actually was hesitant to share my results because I was mad that I had put some weight back on... but the truth is, no matter where you are in your journey, it is just that a journey... there will be set backs, there will be challenges and again no one is perfect.... I faced some challenges leading up to starting this program - I had issues with anemia which made me exhausted and made it difficult to get a good workout in and my thyroid started acting up which led to weight gain - and some of it was my own fault, let's not forget the MANY cheat meals (days, okay entire week) surrounding the cruise! But I did not let these things hold me back, instead I made a plan and went for it! And I could not have done it without the support of my accountability partner and group! We motivate and inspire each other every step of the way! Join us for support, motivation and 24/7 coaching by applying below!

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Philly Steak Stuffed Peppers

The yumminess of a cheese steak without the grease and bread! Bonus - 21 Day Fix approved! Awesome addition to my meal plan as I decrease my carb intake!

What you need:

• 1 pound chipped steak
• 1 medium onion, sliced into long strips
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 green peppers

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Heat 1 tsp Extra virgin olive oil into a large pan on medium heat
3. Add onions and peppers.
4. Season with pepper and garlic powder
5. Add Steak, cook until no longer pink
6. Cut peppers length wise and remove ribs and seeds
7. Place on baking dish, add a small layer of mozzarella cheese to the inside bottom of the pepper.
8. Top with steak and onion mixture
9. Top with remaining cheese.
10. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, until cheese melts
11. Enjoy!

For more recipes, meal plans and 1:1 support - apply here - for a spot in my upcoming challenge group!

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Beyond the Sweaty Selfies - A Live & Interactive Sneak Peak

You just think I take selfies all day, don't you? It's okay - be honest! I would probably think the same thing -- but there is so much more to what I do as a coach than that sweaty selfie... And I could sit here and tell you about all the cool things I do as a coach, like how I make money from home, how I get to help people regain their health and wellness and like how I get to travel with some of my best friends.... But, I think it would be more fun to show you! So today, I am inviting you to a live and interactive sneak peak into this pretty cool business.


I know I have said it a million times, but my life has changed in EVERY way during the last 22 months... I look in the mirror and I see the woman I never thought possible - fit, confident, and financially independent - inside and out just a new and improved mom. The most ideal role model for my little girls... I knew when I decided to be a coach that I would be more accountably to my journey, and I would build a business and work towards financial freedom, but what I didn't anticipate was the friends I would make - like best friends.. Woman, moms, business owners who lift each other up, who I could lose hours talking to, who I look forward to being with... This is my business but I am in no way shape or form alone!

I have focused so much of my time on changing lives of moms through fitness, and this year I want to focus on changing the lives of moms through turning their fitness into business. To help them not only become healthy and fit but to become financially independent and confident. So, I am hiring - our team is growing! But I am not just looking for anyone, I love my team and our culture - and I am looking for 3 women to add to that! The women I am looking for must be ready to run with me. I want women who want this business, who want to change their lives.

Sound like you?

Or maybe you are at least curious?

Fill out the application below or email me at etraill7@gmail.com to get a spot into my Sneak Peak Event this Thursday, Feb 25th  from 830pm-1030pm (ET), in the comfort of your own home! I can not wait to see you there!

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Just incase you love somebody like me...

 

And yeah, what do I mean by that exactly? I am talking about something that I am not very proud, or at least I used to not be very proud to admit... This is for you incase you love somebody with anxiety, or maybe you have anxiety and you haven't found the words for it... I would say anxiety consumed a large part of my life - I can vividly remember not playing on the play ground as a child so I could watch to see if my mom dropped my brother off at preschool (which was in the same building), if I missed her or the bell rang early my mind would explode - did she forget, did they get in an accident, are they okay, is someone sick, and even "will I ever see them again?" I was a bright child, but so distracted to the point of awkwardness, I was bullied and misunderstood - but I was so worried about everything that I didn't even notice how isolated I made myself... As I grew up, I managed to control it, most of the time - there were still frantic moments, calls to mom, and sleepless nights...  Today I feel as though my anxiety is in check, but it is still that voice in the back of my head - sometimes quiet, sometimes loud - but always there... I have accepted it will always be there, and controlling it is key, even as an almost 30 year old adult, I feel misunderstood - and there are just a few things I wanted to try to put into words about loving somebody with anxiety....

Probably my #1 symptom - Exhaustion...

Imagine being in a hyper-tense state, with an unsettled mind, racing thoughts. I kinda relate it to a hectic day at work - sick patients, doctors barking orders, million phone calls, tons of tasks and at the end of the shift you are simply exhausted - that is what every day of anxiety feels like... I often joke that I am tired before I even get up - blame it on night shift, or having young kids, but deep down I know it is because my mind NEVER shuts up.

Really - I tried to listen....

Oh man, this has gotten me into so much trouble - forgetfulness... luckily I haven't lost my kids - but just about everything else has been lost at one point or another - keys, phones, pictures, money, bank cards, where I parked my car, I could really go on for hours, but you get the point ;) I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten a date, conversation or something someone told me. It can actually freak me out, because I honestly have no clue. I'm trying to listen and be present, but my overactive mind wanders.

The straw that broke my back...

If you love someone like me, we get easily overwhelmed - our minds are already in overdrive, add too many things to our to do list and even though the tasks are simple; it can spin us out of control... Even just when Dan walks in the door and he is talking loud, then turns the TV on and slams things down on the counter, just that can make my heart start to race - I know it seems silly, even as I type it I realize it sounds silly; but it is our reality. Don't even get me started on going to the mall during Christmas time - the lights, the rude people, the noise - oh man!

 

And we get it...

We know this is silly at times - we get it - its irrational.. and I don't need you to tell me I am being "irrational", I know it... enough said

Change, even good change is too much change...

New job, moving, even a new lipstick shade can be too much change - we love our comfort zone... thinking about vacation might actually be too much change for some people like me - but I can promise you, we are trying!

I'm here in person...

But I'm not always present - this was something that was so important for me to change, because I really wanted to learn how to be present in my girls lives... It's kinda like when you drive somewhere and you get to your location and you can't remember how you got there - sometimes I would go places, talk to people and come home and totally have no idea what we talked about, because I wasn't present... I was too busy overthinking or worrying... Sucks, right?

But thank you, thank you for loving us - we are not the easiest people to love... Overcoming daily
anxiety is one of my proudest accomplishments, I finally could live a little more... I do believe, exercise was my saving grace - the mental clarity I needed, the confidence I lacked, the me time I never had... Without a doubt fitness changed my life - the positive environment, fueling my body correctly and support of my coaches, peers, and now my challengers...

Maybe you are somebody like me, maybe you love somebody like me, or maybe you just think you would benefit from a healthy and fit lifestyle - my support groups are forming now, and I can't wait to see you there xo

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FebYOUary Challenge

It is sad to me that it took until I was almost 30 years old to truly love myself - but that is the hard truth. I have always put my health, my needs, my wants on the back burner.. until I realized that I couldn't serve my family from an empty cup! I had to take care of me, they need me to be healthy, to be happy, to be confident - and I need to show my girls what self love (not selfishness) looks like! So here I am, on a mission (as usual!)

I am on a mission to help you learn to love yourself fit - and it couldn't be any easier than this:

• in home workouts
• custom meal planning
• family friendly recipes
• daily motivation and accountability
• and a superfood meal replacement shake

Simple, on your time, in your house - perfect, right?

I love Valentine's Day - and as a couple, we don't celebrate it, but I love the idea of spreading love - so in honor of this fun holiday, I am going to be sending all my new customers a little Valentine's :) A packet of Energize and Café Latte for you to sample! Just a little something to spread the love!

I have a ton of specials running this month, so I am guessing this group will fill quickly - apply today and I would LOVE to see you there :)

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The Art of a Cheat Meal

 

When it comes to getting fit, diet is public enemy number 1 - hands down the hardest part of fitness, especially in the long run. Don't get me wrong, I know 5 am cardio with ShaunT and 9pm lifting with Sagi is no walk in the park, but controlling what goes into your mouth for 24 hours is challenging. I have a huge sweet tooth and I love carbs (and butter!) but knowing I have a cheat meal coming my way, helps me stay focused. When following these rules a cheat meal can not only be good for the taste buds and mentality, it can be a great tool to help carve your physique. Cheat meals can increase metabolism, replenish glycogen (responsible for energy), reset hormones and insulin regulation. But before you go and order that piece of cheesecake, or everything off the dollar menu - I want you to read my 5 Tips on the Art of having a Cheat Meal.

• Understand the Science behind it...

• Cutting calories comes at a cost - Weeks of calorie deficits and lower carbohydrates
  
  
  causes changes within your body, and by understanding them you can better understand why and what kind of cheat meal is beneficial... so sorry I am about to get nerdy on you ((eekk, my favorite part))
• Leptin, a protein mainly produced by fat tissue, regulates appetite and energy balance in the body. It works and sends signals to the brain to suppress food intake and stimulate the use of energy, or calories. Leptin plays a key role in regulating body weight and fat mass through its stimulating effect on the brain. In fact, studies have shown that within 24 hours of fasting, leptin levels decrease to 30 percent of their normal value. 
• Sorry it doesn't end with leptin - Ghrelin, a peptide hormone mainly produced by the stomach, is an appetite stimulant that signals the release of growth hormone. Low-calorie diets and chronic exercise have been shown to result in increased ghrelin concentrations, which may lead to increasing food intake and body weight.
• In addition to affecting appetite and energy use through leptin and ghrelin, sustained caloric-deficit diets also cause the body to attempt to conserve energy by decreasing levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which help regulate and maintain metabolism. Sustained low-carbohydrate diets deplete the body of glycogen stores and can leave you feeling sluggish and weak, which can negatively affect your training performance, mood and increase your cravings.

• Now, use this Science to your ADVANTAGE!

• Okay so after 72 hours of a calorie-restricted diet we see changes in leptin and ghrelin levels, right? Therefore, weekly cheat meals that are higher in calories and carbs can help raise leptin levels while lowering ghrelin levels. This helps to return your hormone levels to normal and can reverse or prevent any slowing down of your metabolism. This in return improves your thyroid function, thus further boosting your metabolism. Since we don't see a repeat change in leptin and ghrelin for 72 hours, your metabolism increases will last for days past your cheat meal. And Tah-Duh the scheduled cheat meal can actually help optimize our body's hormones to avoid these plateaus and prevent entering that starvation mode.

• But it can't just be any cheat meal ((sorry))....

  

• A tub of cheese fries and a large blizzard aren't the kind of cheat meals I am talking about, sorry! This shouldn't be a moment that you eat the whole pantry, I am recommending that you avoid nutrient poor foods (sugary messes) that can actually derail your whole week of progress and will not be helpful in the science of your cheat meal.
• So when I talk about cheat meal I am talking about a meal higher in calories and carbs than your regular meal. My favorite cheat meal is a bacon cheeseburger actually! High in calories, carbs and protein! Pizza (not the whole pizza, like 2 slices haha) is another one! These meals leave me full and satisfied (when I remember to keep my portions in check, otherwise I am sure you are aware of the pain of overeating!). And every now and then throw in a small sweet treat, small, like share a dessert!

• I will say this time and time again - SCHEDULE IT!

• Put it on your meal plan, and this is a cheat meal - not day - not week... And remember, this is a meal replacement not addition!
• Also, don't make the mistake of eating less on the meals before the cheat, it defeats the purpose of adding calories! Plus, that plan will most likely backfire.. you will get overly hungry and overindulge.
• The best way to cheat is to plan ahead! Remember that, while cheat meals are meal replacements, they need to fit into your current eating regimen. Cheat meals allow you to satisfy cravings and give you a chance to loosen the reigns a bit, but they shouldn't turn into cheat days. They also shouldn't be a reason to eat less than you normally would at other meals.
• You don't want your cheat meal to be a Big Mac that you scarf down while racing home from work, that isn't enjoyable.. make it a fun, social thing! Go out, get dressed up (you tend to watch your portions more in jeans than you do in yoga pants - trust me, I know!)

• Gotta find what WORKS...

 
• Sadly for some a cheat meal can lead them to spiral out of control... So this might take a little trial and error... You need to figure out what cheat foods help kick cravings, boost your metabolism and energy and do not lead to further cravings... Did you ever have a meal and think, "yeah that was great and I'm good for awhile?" or have a meal and think, "okay now I want - this and that and this?"
• For me, I am happy anytime I am getting away from the same chicken and broccoli. A cheat can be steak or pizza or a cheeseburger. But if I have pasta and Italian bread with butter I crave it for days, which stinks! So I basically avoid it.

Discover what works well for you, make conscious decisions, schedule it and let me know how it goes! For more tips, support, recipes and meal planning - please apply here to be in my next fitness and wellness challenge group where we will work more 1:1 together!

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The BIG Dream...

Ever since I was a little girl the only thing I knew I wanted out of my life was to be a mom. I had these big dreams of being a stay at home mom. That was it - I was smart with any opportunity at my footsteps, but I didn't have big dreams... Until I realized that in today's economy, being a stay at home mom is a big dream - life is expensive, and a one income family wasn't in our cards.

So instead, I purposed my passion for helping people and became a nurse. And when we became pregnant with our first - I vowed that I would do whatever I could to be home as much as possible with her. So I worked nights and weekends. Yes, I am one of the crazy ones who is up all day with her kids, up all night at work and then up all day with my kids. It is a hard. I am not going to lie. But I was living my dream, or so I thought.

After years of doing this, I started to notice that it took a toll on my health - sleep pattern issues, weight gain, worsening thyroid condition, depression - and I just wasn't the mom I wanted to be. With little sleep, I found myself impatient and just counting down the hours to bedtime.

To make a long story short, when this business fell into my lap - I didn't really take it seriously, until I realized that this was my 'way out' of these endless days and nights of no sleep. This had the potential to get me closer to my 'big dream'.

But how could I fit this in? Because it isn't like I would get rich overnight... I found the key in schedule and consistency.... And I would be lying if I said it was easy, there have been sacrafices... but today I am my own boss - I still work as a nurse, but on my terms - I work when I want, and how much I want... and I am running my business from my home... So you might be thinking - "How do I run a business from home, with my young girls here?" Well here is my schedule:

 

I am so happy with where our lives our - we have the extra income to travel a bit, pay off some debt, and be at home 92% of the time (yes, I did that math lol)... I feel so blessed that I can live out my passion for helping people, while living out my dream of being home with my girls - My schedule allows me to have one on one time with each one of them each day and build a financial future for my family.. and for me, it doesn't get much better than that!

I am currently growing my team, to help other moms live out their dreams - whether it is to have money for groceries, to have a fun money account or to stay at home like me - I am looking for you... I am looking for 3 woman that I can work one on one with, you must be driven, passionate and ready to run! Are you ready to change your family's life?

I am kicking off 2 groups this February and I hope to see you there! Apply below or email me if you have questions (etraill7@gmail.com)

Fill out my online form.

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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