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!"

 

Whole Wheat Pizza Flat Bread

So simple, great easy meal! Family friendly and fun (kiddos can put on their own toppings!) So yummy and so many ways to switch this one up!

What you need:

- Whole Wheat Flat Bread
- Organic Pizza Sauce
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Garden Veggies (my fave are thinly sliced Roma Tomatoes, banana peppers, red pepper, mushrooms)
- Fresh Basil
- Grilled Chicken - sliced

 

What you need to do:

- Preheat oven to 400
- Place Flat Bread on Pizza Stone
- Put a thin layer of sauce on flat bread, covering it evenly
- Thin layer of cheese, also covering flat bread evenly
- Add veggies and basil
- Top with Chicken
- Bake until cheese is melted and toppings are warm (about 15 min)

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!

Pumpkin Pie Shakeology

I know it is July, but it is so chilly and rainy in the 'burgh that I just had to try this... YUM!!!!

Turkey Meatloaf Cupcakes

 

These are so easy and yummy! They are 80 calories a piece (without the topping). Recipe makes 12 so make once and pull out when ready!!!

 

What you need:

1 lb Lean Ground Turkey

1 egg (lightly beaten)

1/2 cup Whole Wheat Panko

3 tbsp chives

3 tbsp parsley

1/4 c freshly grated parm (trust me, use fresh parm!)

1/2 onion finely chopped

2 minced garlic cloves

 

What you need to do:

1.) Preheat oven to 350

2.) Mix up all the ingredients above!

3.) Spray a muffin pan with olive oil

4.) Divide equally to make 12 "cupcakes"

5.) Bake for 30-35 minutes

6.) Top with clean mashed potatoes and Enjoy!!

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)

Vanilla Lemon Blueberry

Cake Batter Shakeology

Butterfinger Shakeology

21 Day Fix Results - Round 1

Week 3 was some what of a challenge... my girls will let me workout for 30 min no problem (most days lol) but doubles were hard to get in for sure!!! But I remained committed (and sore!) and I feel like it paid off! Total inches lost 9.0 and 7.5 inches lost!

I learned a lot these last 21 days - you can overeat on healthy food, I was not eating enough and I was eating more carbs than I thought! Great program for all fitness levels! I will be repeating this program in the future!!

300 calorie Berry Cobbler

Great and easy cobbler recipe!

 

What you need:

- 1 refridgerated pie crust
- 4 cups mixed berries
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1.5 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- frozen vanilla yogurt

 

What you need to do:

- Unroll pie crust.. trim into 8inch square and create strips
- Place berries in 8 inch square baking sheet
- Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. sugar
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, cinnamon and salt with 1/4 cup boiling water until cornstarch dissolves.. drizzle over berries
- Arrange dough strips in a lattice pattern on top of berriesx
- Brush dough with water and sprinkle with 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Bake at 375 until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, about 1 hour
- Let stand 15 minutes and serve with frozen yogurt.

Serves about 6 - Enjoy!!!

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!!!

Angel Hair Chicken Pasta

Angel Hair Chicken Pasta

I love this dish because it is simple, easy, healthy, a crowd pleaser and you don't need any fresh ingredients so it is a great recipe right before a grocery trip! It is kind of like a summer time chicken noodle soup! Enjoy!

 

What you need:

2 TBSP olive oil

2 cups of chicken breasts cut into slices

1 bag of Steam Fresh frozen Broccoli, Caulifower and Carrots

Whole Wheat Pasta

2/3 cup Chicken Broth (I used 2/3 c water with 1 cube chicken bouillon)

1/4 c freshly grated parmesan cheese

Dried Basil

1 clove minced garlic

 

What you need to do:

-Cook pasta according to directions

-Add olive oil and garlic to a skillet

-Heat pan over medium heat

-Add chicken, season with basil and cook chicken

-Remove from skillet

-In the same skillet add frozen veggies, cover and heat until warm in the middle (I found they get too mushy for this recipe if you microwave them first)

-When warm, add chicken broth, chicken, and cheese and cook over low for 4 min.

- Serve over whole wheat noodles - be sure to measure the noodles for portion control!!!

Enjoy!

 

 

21 Day Fix Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken

21 Day Fix Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This is such a simple and fantastic recipe.. I made this one night when I barely had any food in my fridge and needed to make dinner... It will not be the last time!

 

What you need:

Chicken Breast
Frozen Broccoli (1 green)
Shredded Cheddar (2blues)
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Paprika

What you need to do:

- Preheat oven 350
- Defrost broccoli - chop
- If chicken breast is thick, cut in half to decrease the width
- Foil a baking sheet
- Place chicken on foil sheet
- Put 1/2 of the cheese in each chicken breast
- Put 1/2 of the broccoli in each chicken breast
- Fold chicken, top each with 1 tsp of olive oil and spice as desired
- Bake for 30 min
- Top each chicken breast with the remaining cheese (1/2 blue each) and put back in the oven until cheese is melted
- Enjoy!!!

Each chicken breast is 1 red, 1/2 green, 1 blue, 1 tsp

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!

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!