Body & Budget Boot Camp

I get asked A LOT about how I budget my family without coupons, sales ads, and while maintaining a clean and mostly organic lifestyle. And honestly, I was SHOCKED when women told me how much their average monthly grocery bill was! Like fell over, jaw to the ground shocked! And it hit me, I bet a lot of people could benefit from a grocery and budget makeover while also working on their fitness - and tah-dah the BODY & BUDGET BOOT CAMP was born!

I don't think that it is a secret that I used to be in poor shape. And when I talk about poor shape - I
mean financially, as well as physically. I have had to put groceries on a credit card, I have eaten an entire box of Hamburger Helper alone, and I got stuck thinking that 'this is just the way things are going to be'. Wrong-O! My drive for fitness - is a road to complete fitness, mind, body, soul and bank account... As I get closer to my goals, I feel this huge desire to share what I have learned and what has worked for me - so join me in a 30 day push to get closer to a fitter budget and body!

What can you expect from me?

• Budget Tips
• Daily tips on how to save money not only on your grocery bill - but in life in general. Small tips, nothing crazy - but I truly believe that small changes here and there can make a huge difference when it compounds together by the end of the month!
• Accountability
  
• Daily, I will ask you to check in with me and see how you are doing. This way I know how I can help you!
• Support
• Every morning, I will be posting something motivational - because lets face it, we are doing this together! I will be there to answer questions, lift you up when you aren't feeling it and be a friend through the process!
• Meal Planning
• Together we will work on a weekly meal plan, grocery list, and specific to you nutritional goals
• Recipes
• I will provide budget and family clean eating recipes to help you reach your goals!

What I expect from you?

• A daily check in - honest, raw - I want the good, the bad and the ugly!
• Shakeology combined with a workout program of your choosing (I can help you pick the perfect one!)
• Commitment to the group and to the process! Change isn't easy, but you can do anything for 30 days - Imagine what you can do in 30 days - both for your bank account and for your body!

How do you get in?

• Fill out the application below, send me an email or message me on Facebook and I am filling slots at a first commit first serve basis! Space will be limited!

Fill out my online form.

The easy to use Wufoo form builder helps you make forms easy, fast, and fun.

Shannon - T25

If my wonderful coworker, Shannon B. does not inspire you - I don't know who will! Shannon is a wife, mother of two beautiful kiddos, a nurse, and has the most amazing faith.

Shannon came to me after having brain surgery, which left her with balance issues, dizziness and deafness in her right ear. She saw my T25 transformation, and wanted to get started... I am not going to lie was a little nervous for her and I tried to talk her into another program - but she was ready to do this and she dove right in!

Shannon was diagnosed with a Endolymphatic Sac tumor in January of this year. The surgery was March 31st and balance nerve was severed on the right side, leaving her left side balance nerve to compensate - she basically had to relearn how to balance herself! Post operatively she had headaches and dizziness, and pretty much bound to the couch. She was blessed with friends and family, who brought her family food - but the combination of eating and unable to move much left her gaining weight and she weighed as much as she did 9 months pregnant.

When Shannon was cleared to exercise she got started in one of my challenge groups, I was very nervous that she would lose her balance with the quick movements of T25, but she assured me she would take it slow! Shannon followed Tania, T25's lovely modifier for some of the side to side moves. So even with modification she was able to lose weight steadily!

With Shakeology, Shannon says she felt more energetic, satisfied and the chocolate was like a sweet treat for her that she never misses!

Shannon has inspired me and so many others, most importantly her mom to embrace a healthier lifestyle..  I could not be more proud of Shannon in all she has accomplished so far! I want to leave you with this beautiful quote from Shannon - "We have this one body and after surgery, I have a renewed appreciation for it and a thankfulness to God that it was His plan for me to come through the surgery well. Not all are blessed with that outcome. Want to live well with my husband and model to my kids a healthy life!"

 

Jen - T25

 

AHHHH!! I am so excited to announce Jen's transformation! Jen and I went to high school together and recently reconnected on Facebook.... Jen watched my transformation with T25 and said "I want in!" She became one of my first challengers! Jen came to my house, I helped her with her before photos, measurements and we talked about clean eating... She said "I want to lose 30 pounds in 60 days like you did", I said "I am here for you, lets do it"

 

And the challenge started!!! What is soo amazing about Jen is she is a mom, wife and was starting a new job the same week the challenge started!!! Jen has 2 boys that are less than a year apart and keep her sooo busy - they are 18 months and 8 months!!!

 

Jen and I talked on Facebook and via text almost daily about clean eating, challenges we faced, water intake, our kids and marriages... It has been amazing reconnecting with her! And now I am so proud to have her as a coach on my team!!!!

 

Jen's transformation is just beginning, now she has joined me in a 21 Day Fix Challenge Group and I know she is going to nail it! When Jen told me she was going to drop 30 pounds with T25, I was honestly skeptical, I knew how hard I had to work (in and out of the kitchen) to drop the weight... but she did even better and lost a whole pound more than I did!!! Way to go Jen!

 

Join Jen and I in our next challenge group!!! Click here to earn an exclusive spot!

Peanut Butter Shakeology

Emotional Weight Gain

Are you an emotional eater like me? I used to eat when I was happy, when I was sad, bored, confused, procrastinating, really anything! Ha! Funny thing is, it never made me feel better - it only made me feel worse, made me feel fat and made me feel guilty! Truth is - we don’t always eat simply to satisfy hunger. We also turn to food for comfort, stress relief, or as a reward. Unfortunately, emotional eating doesn’t fix emotional problems. Never has, never will... I think some of these habits start in childhood, and I work really hard to break the cycle with my daughter... If you are a mom, how many times have you used food as a reward? "Eat all your dinner and you can have ice cream." or "you were a good girl today, you can have an extra popsicle." I know I am guilty of this just today!




Using food from time to time as a pick me up, a reward, or to celebrate isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But when eating is your primary emotional coping mechanism—when your first impulse is to open the refrigerator whenever you’re upset, angry, lonely, stressed, exhausted, or bored—you get stuck in an unhealthy cycle where the real feeling or problem is never addressed.

Emotional hunger can’t be filled with food. Eating may feel good in the moment, but the feelings that triggered the eating are still there. And you often feel worse than you did before because of the unnecessary calories you consumed. You beat yourself for messing up and not having more willpower. Compounding the problem, you stop learning healthier ways to deal with your emotions, you have a harder and harder time controlling your weight, and you feel increasingly powerless over both food and your feelings.

So what is the difference between real hunger and emotional hunger??? Glad you asked...

Emotional hunger comes on suddenly. It hits you in an instant and feels overwhelming and urgent. Physical hunger, on the other hand, comes on more gradually. The urge to eat doesn’t feel as dire or demand instant satisfaction (unless you haven’t eaten for a very long time).

Emotional hunger craves specific comfort foods. When you’re physically hungry, almost anything sounds good—including healthy stuff like vegetables. But emotional hunger craves fatty foods or sugary snacks that provide an instant rush. You feel like you need cheesecake or pizza, and nothing else will do.

Emotional hunger often leads to mindless eating. Before you know it, you’ve eaten a whole bag of chips or an entire pint of ice cream without really paying attention or fully enjoying it. When you’re eating in response to physical hunger, you’re typically more aware of what you’re doing.

Emotional hunger isn’t satisfied once you’re full. You keep wanting more and more, often eating until you’re uncomfortably stuffed. Physical hunger, on the other hand, doesn't need to be stuffed. You feel satisfied when your stomach is full.

Emotional hunger isn’t located in the stomach. Rather than a growling belly or a pang in your stomach, you feel your hunger as a craving you can’t get out of your head. You’re focused on specific textures, tastes, and smells.

Emotional hunger often leads to regret, guilt, or shame. When you eat to satisfy physical hunger, you’re unlikely to feel guilty or ashamed because you’re simply giving your body what it needs. If you feel guilty after you eat, it's likely because you know deep down that you’re not eating for nutritional reasons.

 

So what should I do instead of eat???

• If you’re depressed or lonely, call someone who always makes you feel better, play with your dog or cat, or look at a favorite photo or cherished memento. WORKOUT!!!
• If you’re anxious, expend your nervous energy by dancing to your favorite song, squeezing a stress ball, or taking a brisk walk. WORKOUT!!!
• If you’re exhausted, treat yourself with a hot cup of tea, take a bath, light some scented candles, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket. SLEEP OR WORKOUT!!
• If you’re bored, read a good book, watch a comedy show, explore the outdoors, or turn to an activity you enjoy (woodworking, playing the guitar, shooting hoops, scrapbooking, etc.). WORKOUT!!! (get where I am going here)

How to Lose 10 Pounds in 21 Days Challenge Group

 

 

Join us to an exclusive 21 Day Fix Accountability and Support group. These groups are closed Facebook group were myself and a team of coaches help and support you through the 21 Day Fix Program. See our workout tips, recipes and meal plans. Daily motivation, accountability and support. What is the 21 Day Fix?

 Who is ready to lose 10 pounds in 21 days with us? Join here!

Strawberry Cheesecake Shakeology

So refreshing and yummy :) I love Vanilla Shakeology because I can make it any flavor I want... Feels like a cheat meal!!!

Week2

Week 2 was awesome! I thought it would be such a challenge with the 4th of July! But I took my own holiday planning advice and brought my 2 21 day fix approved dishes and asked if I could bring chicken to grill (luckily they were grilling chicken anyways).




Grilled Chicken with Homemade Peach Mango Salsa!

At our second picnic, I again brought the same 21 day fix approved dishes. The second party had a build your own kabob bar so it was perfect! Some fruit, peppers, onions, grilled chicken! How yummy and fun! Great idea if you are hosting a party and want a great clean eating meal!                                  

What a great idea Mom!!!

Since my abs are my weakest and the most challenging workout for me is the 10 min ab fix, I committed to doing it every other day and it has been great and I have noticed this is getting easier and easier!

The workouts continue to challenge me, and fitting them with work and picnics was not easy but I remembered my whys and continued to push play... sticking to my nutrition plan and workouts played off in a huge way - 3.6 pounds and 2.5inches just this week!!!

Excited for week 3, and switching it up with doubles!!! 

Peach Mango Salsa

Peach Mango Salsa

Great clean appetizer and I also love it on top of grilled chicken :) Only 10 calories in 2 tablespoons!

What you need:

 

1 large ripe peach
1 ripe mango

3 medium-size tomatoes
1/2 sweet onion
1/2 green, red, or yellow bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh Jalapeno pepper
1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar

 

 

What you need to do: 

1. Peel and remove the pits of the mango (it was a lot of mango for me so I pureed some of it to make a paste that I added to the final product to get the texture I desired) and peach then chop both into small chunks. Dice the tomato, sweet onion, and bell pepper into small chunks.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the peach, mango, tomato, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Jalapeno pepper, and cilantro. Add the lime juice, salt, and sugar and stir well to coat. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes for flavors to combine, or refrigerate until needed.

This salsa keeps for 2-3 days in the fridge, or can be frozen for later use!



Organic, non-gmo healthiest chip possible for dipping!

Look at that yummy texture!

 

Sticking to your goals during holidays and events!

It is always something! Ugh! If it isn't a holiday, it is a wedding, graduation or birthday party... There are always a million things getting in the way of living a clean and healthy lifestyle... And of course everything in moderation, but when you are actively trying to drop some pounds, avoiding temptations at these events are critical! Here are some tips that can help you avoid the temptations!

- Don't focus on the food
All too often when we go to an occasion, we are thinking and asking "what are they going to have to eat there?" Because lets face it, food is apart of every occasion - the meal, the dessert, the candy table, the appetizers and sugary drinks... You could easily undo several workouts in one event... The funny thing is, the food should not be the focus... The people should be, the reason to celebrate should be!

- Offer to bring a dish
Offering to bring a dish to the event is a great way to stick with your new habits, you can bring something that is fun and different and that fits into your meal plan! So you don't have to stress, you know that at least one thing that will be there is something you like and will work for you to help you reach your overall goals

- A little splurge isn't a game changer
Okay, so your Aunt made your favorite dessert! Take a small piece, that's right... A small splurge won't ruin everything (if you read my blog article about zig zag dieting you know that cheat meals are okay here and there).. BUT there is a catch, just because you had that one cheat, doesn't mean you can have 10 pieces and some to go home with and oh hell, since I ruined today I will just have a burger with extra mayo... NO! Just a small taste, just enough to enjoy it... My advice - chew it very slowly! haha

- Don't show up hungry!
Biggest mistake! On my way to a party, I grab a piece of fruit, a Shakeo or even a full meal.. That way when I show up to the party I am not hungry and as tempted to hit the buffet! Then I can have more of a snack as opposed to a meal!

- Remember WHY you are on this journey...
Not going to lie, I look at my before photos all the time.. right before you head out it wouldn't be a bad idea to peak at them! I often chant, "moment on my lips, forever on my hips!"

- Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of water! Especially during warm months, your body often confuses hunger and thirst!

- BYOB
Feel like you want to have a cocktail at the party?! Bring your own drink, that way you can avoid the sugar and calories of a typical beverage!

Eat slowly, stay active, watch out for portion control and enjoy the reason to celebrate and the wonderful people you have to share it with!

Christmas in July!!!

I want July to be a huge month, I want to help sooo many people and change so many lives!!! If you are waiting for a sign - this is it!!!! I am offering my own personal promotion, that's right - I want to help you so much that the prizes and cash back are coming from my own pocket... So here are the details!

- If you purchase a challenge pack (which is a fitness program and month of Shakeology) or Home Direct Shakeology from me - I will give you cash back

- If you are already a challenger of mine, I have something for you too! You love what Beachbody did for you? Do you think you know someone that could benefit from a Challenge group? Refer them to me, if they purchase a challenge pack or shakeology I will send you a sample of Shakeology. 5 successful referrals will get you a Shakeology cup! And for every referral I get from you, I will put your name in a drawing for a free fitness program!

- Challenge groups which are closed Facebook groups that will provide meal plans, accountability, support, tip ect will start July 7th and July 21st

Ready?!? Click here!

The 21 Day Fix

Week 1 - 21 Day Fix

I was so excited to start the 21 Day Fix, I decided the best time to start was with a Mommy 21 Day Fix Support Group.. After completing 10 weeks of Focus T25, I thought this would be a walk in the park! I wasn't able to start the Fix Workouts with the group because of pneumonia, I started a week later...

 

When I got my package in the mail, I thought "huh, maybe this will be a challenge?!" The containers were smaller than I imagined and the workouts looked intense, especially the last week of doubles... I was excited to start the challenge!

Day 1 - I pushed play, and I see cute little Autumn talk about 60 second workouts with a break in between and honestly I thought "are you kidding me? I just finished T25, 25 minutes of non stop pushing yourself to the limit and now I am going to be taking break!!?" HAHA boy was I wrong... It was such an intense workout! I felt it all day and was so sore getting out of bed the next morning! I totally under estimated the program! And in that moment I realized, that this was going to be awesome!                

 

I enjoyed the workouts, and the food - it was actually more food than I was eating prior to starting the Fix so I was pleasantly surprised! The workouts were challenging, I felt sore and oddly energized at the same time!

 

Week 1 food looked like this :

 

No time to cook - that's okay! Pick up a roasting chicken!

Made yummy and filling Stuffed Peppers!

My favorite! Chicken Stir Fry.. Simple and easy.. have everything ready to go on prep day and just toss it together in olive oil!

Quick and easy lunch... Pretty much a daily meal! Aubrey and I had a great time making them and would add chicken and veggies to change it up!

 

 

 

 

Think you can't go out to eat? WRONG!!! I love Chipotle, and thought I would have to give it up... NOPE! I just had to modify it - no sour cream and I asked for everything next to each other so I could measure it out!

 

Well how did I do on week 1 - I lost 3.2 pounds and 1.5 inches! YAY! So excited for week 2! This has been so much fun to do with my Mommy Support Group! Who wants to join me for Round 2?

CLICK HERE!

Looking back at the last 90 days....

Im not sure if I thought these last 90 days went quickly or not... haha... When I think back to the day I

took my before photos, and I look at the girl in those photos, it seems like forever ago... So much has changed... I've lost almost 40 pounds, over 40 inches, Aubrey turned 4, Kate is sleeping through the night, laughing, cooing, jumping in her bouncer, rolling over, and I've been becoming more and more successful in coaching.. That is a lot of changes in 90 days...

As much as my body has changed over this time, I think I personally have grown more... I have learned so much about myself, I have become so much stronger mentally.. I feel like I am starting to get a "I am woman, hear my roar" kinda attitude which is fun... As much as I never wanted my weight to hold me back, it still did... I thought people would just look at me and say "wow, she gained a lot of weight" but I couldn't blame them for that because I did gain a lot of weight.

Looking back on these last 90 days, I see how much as changed inside and out and it makes me really excited for the next 90 days... The possibilities seem endless... My goals for the next 90 days physically are to expand my coaching and team, reach my goal weight, be able to do a real push up (I am soo close) and to start building a wardrobe! I feel like I haven't had one in years! I feel so proud of all I have accomplished these last 90 days, I thought the personal transformation would never have one and I thought the physical one would take 2 years (seriously, I calculated how much weight I wanted to shred and divided into average weight loss in a week and it was going to look like 18 months - 2 years). I don't think I would have been able to do this without the support of my coach, challenge groups and my team... We push each other to be better in every way and I am so thankful for them!

I am grateful for the leap of faith I took, it was something I never would've done but I was desperate for help and it ended up to be one of the best decisions of my life... I am grateful for the fabulous programs that helped me surpass my 15,30,60, and 90 day goals... I have lost most of my weight and inches with T25, then went on to complete 2 weeks of Les Mills Pump, I had to take some time off due to pneumonia and I am now doing the 21 day fix with my Hot Mom Group. When I complete the fix, I am excited to really go outside of my comfort zone and do PiYo (this will be such an amazing challenge for a girl who still can't touch her toes!)

Thank you all who have been on this journey with me thus far.... See how I can help you!


 

Peanut Butter Fudge

Making Vanilla Shakeo taste like Chocolate when you feel like switching it up!

21 Day Fix Oatmeal Chicken

What you need:                

- 1 yellow of oatmeal
- 1 blue of Parmesan cheese                                     

- garlic powder
- 2 chicken breasts
- extra virgin olive oil

 

How to make it:                             

- foil baking sheet
- spray with olive oil
- bread chicken with oatmeal
- place on baking sheet
- sprinkle each breast with 1/2 container of cheese
- sprinkle garlic powder
- spray top with olive oil

Bake at 350 for 30 min and then broil on low for 5-10 min.

What does it cost you on the FIX:

- 1/2 yellow
- 1 red
- 1/2 blue
- One teaspoon

The Power of a Challenge Group

I can make this a real quick post... ready?! A Beachbody Challenge Group is a super awesome support group... haha seems simple, right?! I seem to get asked a lot of questions about the challenge groups, so let's talk Challenge Group! When I started with Beachbody, I started as a challenger in a challenge group... I needed the support and motivation because I had no idea what I was doing... I needed help refining my diet, I never did an in-home workout program, and I needed the support to help keep me motivated... I thought I would enjoy the challenge group, but I had no idea what an asset it would become to my transformation...

What is a Challenge Group? A Challenge Group is a closed Facebook group that is 30/60/90 days long. No 'outsiders' can see in :) Coaches, like me post daily motivation, tips, answer questions, post recipes and do whatever we can to help the challengers stay motivated, healthy and cheer on their progress... Challengers in the group can be at all levels of fitness, some might start how I did with no knowledge of Beachbody, overweight and hadn't worked out in years and some might be on their 5th challenge group and have a six pack... and that is the beauty, not only do you have the knowledge and experience of the coaches, but you also have your peers... Maybe you keep having knee pain, maybe you need a workout shoe recommendation, we are there for you every step :)

In order to participate in a challenge group, you will need a few things...

- A Beachbody fitness program - don't know which one would be best for you? Just ask, I can help you sort through all the options!

- Shakeology - Ahhh... my favorite... Nothing better than Beachbody's meal replacement shake, Shakeology after a hard work out! Shakeology is a dense super food protein shake that is gluten free, GMO free, with over 70 natural ingredients and is certified low on the glycemic index. This dense nutrition is power packed full with anti-oxidants, digestive enzymes (digestive regularity here you come!), pre- and pro-biotics, amino acids, and 23 vitamins and minerals. I promise you, coming from a cereal and ice cream addict this will reduce your cravings. Coming from a mom with an infant, it will increase your energy level. And it is so quick and easy... I look forward to my shake daily, it is my after workout reward!

And I need you to be committed... Ask yourself is what I am doing right now working for me? For me, I don't have the time and money to go to a gym everyday... I have the freedom to workout whenever I can, and the workouts are mine forever afterward... If you are committed and follow the workouts, clean eating, and drink Shakeology there is no way you won't be successful!

Let me help you make this next step in your health, I want nothing more than to help you reach your goals :)

Apply here to join my next challenge group!!!