Beat the Odds Challenge

Beat the Odds - what does that mean to you? What Odds am I talking about? I am talking about this:

• Currently, 72 percent of men and 63 percent of women are overweight or obese.
• Less than five percent of Americans currently are considered to have ideal cardiovascular health
• The odds stacked against you when you have a thyroid disorder or insulin resistance
• 60% of new mom's never return to their pre-pregnancy weight
• New research shows sugar is as addictive as drugs.
• In 2015, a research showed that only 1% of women with a BMI over 30 will ever have a normal BMI

Do any of these relate to you?

Pretty scary statistics... and just when you think the odds are stacked against you, and you feel like there is no way 'out' - I am here to tell you that these are just numbers, and you my friend can beat these... How do I know?

Well - I had a BMI over 30 and now it is 21 (which is normal), I am a new mom that is under my pre-pregnancy weight, I am a recovering sugar addict, and I have Hashimoto (a thyroid disorder that makes losing weight more difficult) SO I know how it feels to have the odds stacked against you, I know what it is like to be the underdog, and I actually had a doctor laugh at me when I talked about wanting to lose weight. But I did it - over 75 pounds lost - and I know what it will take to get you there... The right way, the healthy way, the way that will be lasting weight loss....

We will work together, daily - and you won't have to go anywhere - I will help you meal plan, find recipes that fit you and your family, I will teach you how to make this lifestyle affordable - and I want to it to be fun! So I am adding in weekly prizes to help keep you motivated and accountable!

This group is 5 weeks long - with week one being a "preseason" week, in this week you are the student, you sit back and learn all about clean eating, meal planning, water intake and all the tips and tricks I have learned for proven success... then for the next 4 weeks we dig into the program!

So if you are ready to beat the odds, if you are ready to get real results just in time for summer, and if you are ready to start leading a healthier lifestyle - then I am ready to help you... I am taking 5 new applicants into this group, apply here to reserve your spot! I can't wait to chat with you!

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Mini Buffalo Chicken Dip Bowls

 

You know I love my Buffalo Chicken Dip - and I was experimenting a way to make it a fun snack. Not only is this great and portable for a party - it is a great clean eating snack to grab in go!

What you need:

• Batch of my Clean Buffalo Chicken Dip
  
• Whole Wheat Tortilla Soft Shells (or corn if you want to go gluten free)
• Mild Cheddar if interested

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Cut shells into circles (I used a can, pushed firmly and twisted)
3. Place cut shells and place them into ungreased mini muffin pan
4. Spoon in buffalo chicken dip (warm or cold, makes no difference)
5. Sprinkle on cheddar (optional)
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes
7. Allow to cool
8. And Serve!

I love topping mine with green onion or chives! I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

For more Clean Eating Recipes, Tips and Meal Plans - apply for one of my upcoming groups!

 

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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)

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Free PiYo!!!

I am very excited to be doing adding PiYo to my fitness routine. With the weather improving, I've been wanting to start running. I need something a little lower impact in my routine, especially with my "nursing knees" which have been bothering me lately. PiYo is going to be a great program to help me reach my goals, a long and lean body! So before you starting asking HOW?! I want to tell you about PiYo - well let's hear from the founder!


 

Okay -- Interested??? I know you are ;) So How??

Pretty easy - This is my gift to you with the purchase of Shakeology! So for simply the cost of a month supply of Shakeology, you will be getting PiYo, access to my exclusive challenge group and 30 days of Beachbody on Demand! WWWWhhhoooaaa!

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Insanity Max:30 - Results!

I just have to say, I had so much fun with this program!!! My favorite program that I have ever done to date! I loved that I could judge my progress every single workout - I judged my progress by my MaxOut time and on the strength workouts I could see progress by how much I had to modify and how many push ups I could do... Day 1 - I thought what the heck am I doing? But 8 weeks later - I feel so strong and empowered! I proved to myself I could win the battle of mind over body - when my body wanted to give up, I wouldn't let it and I kept going.

My focus coming into this challenge was to shred, tone and strengthen - MISSION COMPLETE! I am mad at myself for one thing though - my nutrition - I did not follow the meal plan and just practiced clean eating with portion control, but admitly I had one too many cheats, one too many carbs....

I am very pleased with my results - I achieved my goals and was very happy that the areas I saw the most change in are what I consider my biggest problem areas - love handles and inner thighs!

Total losses: 9 inches and 7 pounds

I am excited to take on my next challenge - my biggest challenge, hands down the nutrition.... I am looking forward to the weights though, I love moving iron :) Not sure how I will feel about weights and cardio together though haha!

Ready for your after photo? Join my upcoming challenge group!

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Week 2 - Take 2!

So after a great first week, I was so excited to start another week - wwwweeeelllllll, this stomach bug had different plans - and it hit all of us...

Poor Kate - we call her "patient zero" as she was the first, then me, my dad, my brother and sister in law.. Luckily she had the mildest case!

After 3 days of not tolerating any food or water, I had to go work... Packed a lunch just incase I felt like eating.... I did tolerate water and got sent home sick 4 hours into my shift



I was pretty disappointed to not be keeping up with the schedule and the challenge group - I tried to make fun of myself

Finally! Tolerating real food!!!! Dan Traill's famous chicken noodle soup to the rescue!

WEEK 2 - TAKE 2!!!

I decided to take the entire week off - I finally started feeling better Christmas morning, but was very weak and decided I need to rest up... A week behind the group, but so excited to be back in the game! I still didn't feel myself, but hey we all start somewhere!

Back in business with my new shoes from Santa!!! I didn't do too bad all things considering! I modified a lot and did not eat enough calories.... slowly getting back in the game!

Tabata Power - using your body to train your body... love this workout! But man on man, after I am done I wonder how I will wash my hair.. The most difficult part for me is the plyo pushups... I finally mastered regular pushups, now ShaunT throws this at me! So excited about the difference I know I will see in my arms when this program completes! Tank top arms - here I COME!

I love sleep - who doesn't... and I picked my career as a nurse because I wanted to be home with my kids as much as I could be and have a really flexible schedule - which I do! But, as with everything in life there is a trade off and that is my sleep! I am up all day with my girls, then I work all night and then I am up all day with them again! I nap when Kate naps, but an hour after 34 hours of awake time is barely refreshing - it is really just a tease... Surprisingly, working out makes me feel so much more alert than anything else - it took a big pep talk, but I pushed play!!!

Tabata Power Thursday!!! I started with a workout partner, she does her own moves and names them... my favorite is her "spin and sweat" lol... I def burn a lot more calories cause I am laughing at her silliness - she didn't last long though... apparently her shows are more entertaining than ShaunT....

Ugh - another post night shift workout... Friday Fight - I have a love hate relationship with this workout... Limited breaks - hate but I love the beeping count down at the end of an exercise - Sometimes I feel like I can't go on, but then I hear that timer starting and I know I only have seconds left and it gives me the push "I know I can do this for a few more seconds" and I push through!


I was bummed I got off track of the group - but feeling great after week 2 - Week 3, here I come!!!

Join me for my next challenge group!

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These are a Few of My Favorite Things....

One of my favorite Oprah shows was when she did her annual "Oprah's Favorite Things" Annual Christmas Special... Although I have never purchased or owned a single one of her favorite things it was a fun episode and I loved watching the crowd go wild... Although this will be slightly less exciting (and much less expensive lol) I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things... And in true holiday spirit, I wanted to do a little give away!!!

 

My Favorite Fit Mom Things:

• Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor
• There are a ton of heart rate monitors and fitness bracelets out there... I love this one because it is affordable and easy to use... I don't need anything fancy or for it to link to my phone... I just like beating my calorie burns and it is a way to help me push myself.
• Victoria Secret's Yoga Pants
• Need I say more? I basically live in these! They are comfy, hold up great, and come in 3 lengths which is great for other tall momma's like me!
• ASICS Women's GEL-Craze TR Cross-Training Shoe
• When I first started on my fitness journey, I had an old pair of running shoes that I used to train in. My knees were killing me and I felt like I would get an injury in my ankles, so I started working out in my bare feet - but as the new year approaches I am planning live workouts, the first of which at a first class resort in Pittsburgh and I am pretty sure a bare foot workout would be frowned upon. I love these shoes! They give me the perfect amount of support and cushion. My knees feel so much better and my ankles don't feel like they are slipping - plus they are super cute!
• Knockout by Victoria’s Secret Front-Close Sport Bra
• A front zip reveals structured cups that clip together for a maximum-support sport bra that’s easy to put on and take off. Perfect for running, boxing and high-impact workouts, all in Body-Wick fabric that keeps you cool and dry. And again - super cute!
• Beachbody's E&E
• Being a busy mom and night shift nurse, sometimes I don't have the energy to do an intense workout - and then tah-dah Energy and Endurance! It is formulated to help improve energy, endurance, strength and focus to help you maximize your workout! It has helped me burn more calories during the same workout! And no artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or high risk/untested ingredients.
• High Impact Jumping Mat
• My knees never get a break - between working as a nurse, sitting on the floor playing with the girls and high impact workouts - my poor knees can get pretty sore! I love, love, love this jumping mat! I feel like it saves my knees and my carpet (since I workout in the living room on my shag carpet)

So how do I win one?

• Each qualifying purchase in January 2015 will put your name into a simple drawling.
• If you refer a friend that makes a qualifying purchase your name will go in twice (or more!).
• For every 5 purchases, I will pull a name!
• For example, if 5 purchases are made - one winner
• 10 purchases - 2 winners
• And so on and so on - giving you a 20% chance of winning! (refer one friend and that chance of winning doubles!)

Plus you get the amazing support of my challenge groups! I help you pick your program, I help you meal plan and succeed! To join my next challenge group and for your chance to win, apply here!

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Resolutions to Results

Is it because you can get a cheaper rate on a gym membership? Or maybe because you've gained an extra ten holiday pounds on top of the ten pounds you wanted to drop anyways? But a study conducted by the University of Scranton found that in 2014, the number one New Year's resolution amon Americans was to lose weight. It beat out "getting more organized", "spending less money" and "enjoying life to the fullest" - yes, that is right, losing weight came before living life to the fullest...

Yet, the same survey revealed that only 8 percent of people are ever successful in achieving their resolutions, and only 46 percent of people maintain efforts towards their goal past six months after making a vow... How discouraging is it to know that even before you make that resolution, your chances of being successful is less than 10 percent???? And on top of that, your chances of maintaining you goals is less than half??? OUCH!

A recent Consumer Health and Fitness Index poll conducted by interactive fitness company Blue Goji found that while 52 percent of the 2,652 participants polled said that losing weight and exercising was a top concern for 2015, more than two-thirds said that they didn't maintain the health goals they had set in 2014.

So what the heck is holding so many people back from reaching these goals that they set for themselves year after year?

• Honestly I think it is a lack of thought and planning than most of us would probably like to admit. Put simply, whether you're aiming to lose weight, increase your fitness or even if you have a goal that's completely unrelated, you can't just make the decision that you're going to change and expect it to happen overnight.

You need a plan of action.

.
I too, have vowed for many New Year's to drop those unwanted baby and holiday pounds, but like so many others my efforts failed and I belonged to the 8 percent... In 2014, I vowed that after the birth of my second daughter I would once and for all drop these unwanted, unhealthy pounds.. But how??? How was I going to make this year different? How was I going to beat the odds? My plans in the past included salad after salad and trips to the gym - but now with two kids I had to turn to in home fitness programs... I started my journey with T25 in a challenge group with my fabulous coach - 25 minutes a day, accountability, support, motivation, clean eating recipes, meal planning help... The challenge group took out all of guess work - if I followed the steps and knew my results would be fabulous - and as you know, they were!

 

 

Do something different this year!!! Join my next challenge group starting Jan 5th! Let me and my team of amazing coaches help you get your the results you've been wanting for all these years! Let's face it, if you do the same thing you did last year - chances are, you will get the same results you got in 2014... Let's do this together!

I am looking for 10 people who are ready to get serious about their weight loss! Who is ready???

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Pumpkin Chai Shakeology

I know it is winter time, and I should be thinking all things Christmas - but I can not get over pumpkin season just quite yet!!! Not going to lie, I may or may not have topped it with cool whip! Enjoy!

Chunky Monkey Shakeology

This $h*t is bananas...

B - A - N - A - N - A - S!!!

 

Butter-Free Baked Potato

Potatoes are a great, super cheap side and if made properly can be a yummy clean side to your meal. I love this recipe because not only am I eating a potato without butter but it is also a salt-free recipe!

What you need:

• Potatoes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Mrs. Dash Salt Free grilled chicken spice
• Grated parmesan cheese

What you need to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Wash potatoes and cut them in half
3. Deeply score potatoes without breaking the skin
4. Drizzle with olive oil
5. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash seasoning
6. Bake for 30 minutes
7. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
8. Bake for 10 more minutes
9. Enjoy!

Clean Sweet & Sour Chicken

 

I've been craving Chinese - and this was just what I needed!!! Loved it!

 

What you need:

• 1/3 c low sodium soy
• 2 TBSP raw honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 lb bonesless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts, cubed into 1 inch cubes)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 12 sprigs of fresh cilantro, chopped about 1/4 cup
• Rice (brown for clean eating, I used basmati rice (which is a long grain rice)

What you need to do:

1. In a small bowl, which together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and pepper flakes. Place chicken in a large shallow dish. Pour soy sauce mixture over chicken, toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and marinade and sauté for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add bell peppers and onion and cook for 5 minutes or until veggies are slightly tender. Add pineapple and cook for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately over rice.

Nutrition (without rice): Calories 161 - Total Fat 1.5g - Carbs 17g - Sugar 13g - Protein 21g - Sodium 404mg - Cholesterol 48mg

 

 

 

Turbo Fire

•  Burn up to 9x more fat and calories than traditional cardio with high-energy, intense cardio conditioning, kickboxing drills, and choreographed moves set to heart-pumping beats.
•  Have fun in the lively class setting with hot music mixes— it feels like a party in your living room.

Watch This!!

How TurboFire works

•  Shed fat faster with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) known as Fire Drills, short 1-minute bursts of maximum effort.
• Burn calories at a higher rate for up to 24 hours after the workout with the Afterburn Effect.

Is TurboFire for me?? It is if...

•  You want to shape a lean body, sexy legs, toned arms, and tight abs, FAST.
•  You are beginner or advanced– although TurboFire is considered an advanced program, there are special new features to help beginners stick with the program.
• Enjoy working out to music and is a fan of kickboxing and intense cardio.

Features to help beginners...

•  In the Fire Starter Class, Chalene teaches the moves and combinations so newcomers can start off on the right foot and Turbo fanatics can perfect their form.

What do I get...

1. FIRE STARTER CLASS: Master the TurboFire moves as Chalene breaks them down for you at a slower pace, so you can be ready for the HIIT classes.
2. LOW HIITs: LOW HIIT 20, LOW HIIT 25 CLASSES:  Don't let the "low" (as in "low-impact") fool you—these high-intensity workouts ignite the AfterBurn Effect to help you keep burning calories.
3. FIRE HIITs: FIRE 30, FIRE 40, FIRE 45, FIRE 55 CLASSES: Actively recover from the HIIT classes while melting away the fat with these longer cardio classes, which still include the HIITs you love, created by Chalene.
4. EXTREME HIITs: HIIT 15, HIIT 20, HIIT 25 CLASSES: Give your max for up to 1-minute intervals during these classes, and you'll burn calories for up to 24 hours AFTER your workout's over!
5. STRETCH 10 CLASS: Increase your flexibility, reduce soreness, and lengthen your hardworking muscles by warming down after your HIIT and Fire classes.
6. ABS 10: If you can handle Training Camps, the Frog, and other tough exercises in just 10 minutes, your abs will look incredible.

About the Creator of TurboFire - Chalene Johnson

• Creator of TurboFire, Turbo Jam®, and ChaLEAN Extreme®. • NY Times best-selling author, dedicated mom of two, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and expert trainer with a background in martial arts and dance.

Bonus workouts!!!

•  Keep on Burnin' DVD with 2 bonus workouts!
• Greatest HIITs: A 20-minute compilation of all the best TurboFire HIIT drills that challenge you to scorch maximum calories.
• Ab Igniter: This seriously intense 10-minute workout is filled with advanced options that isolate your core muscles to help build a strong six-pack.

 

Build a Better Salad

Soooo - you think that salad is pretty healthy?? No fried foods, low carbs - okay, I see where you were tying to go with this! But what you may not realize, is the simple additions to your salad can add up to hundreds and hundreds of calories and over a day's worth of sodium! Sometimes you might be better off having that cheeseburger! I have some easy swaps that can help make your salad yummy and fun while keeping it clean and fit...

Dressing

Don't put your dressing on your salad, dip your fork and you will save a lot calories!

Salads are usually topped with salad dressing, hence the name, but sadly, most of them are high in calories and fat.

Plus, a serving of salad dressing is only 2 tablespoons. For those 2 tablespoons, you're going to get anywhere from 100 to 200 calories.

Forgo the salad dressing and squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice on your salad. Or get creative with some salsa as a topping and balsamic vinegar is also nice. I also love adding grilled apples, or fresh berries - they add a lot of flavor and you don't even need dressing!

When you order a salad at a restaurant, ask for your dressing to be served on the side. You'll be amazed at how many calories you can save when you control the topping.

Love these yogurt dressings by Bolthouse - So yum!! Here was the true test for the Ranch...
My husband's buddies were over and cooking out, they asked for Ranch and this was all I had...
I knew if they saw "yogurt" they would not try it, so I put it in a little bowl and they ate it all
and asked for more!

 

Croutons

These extra toppings don't add any nutritional value, but they can add a lot of calories and the cheap ones are loaded with ingredients with names you can't pronounce. One-half cup of croutons has about 100 calories and those bacon bits  aren't even real bacon. Turkey bacon is another great alternative!!

So you like a few crunchy toppings, do this instead -- add a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts or flax seeds. They've got omega-3 fatty acids, plus they're good sources of fiber, which your body needs for a healthy digestive system.

But if you are like me, and can't help but want to add some carbs to your salad - add some Annie's Cheddar Bunnies! (Yes, I know - I have the palate of a 3 year old - but don't knock it til you try it!)

 

Cheese

Cheese is a catch 22 - while it is a great source of calcium and protein; it is also loaded with sodium, saturated fat and calories.

So how can we fix this one? Simple - pay attention to the portion size... Don't just pour the bag of cheese over your salad! Did you know a serving of cheese is about what would fit into a shot glass (about 2 TBSP)??? YEP! Go with a low fat, dry cheese like a Parmesan!

 

Iceburg

Well yes, Iceburg lettuce does have a nice crunch - but it has virtually no nutritional value... That's right very few vitamins and not much fiber either. It is a good source of water, and that is about it! And since it's not too flavorful, a pile of iceberg lettuce practically screams for globs of high-fat dressings.
So, to keep your salad on the healthy side, use a variety of darker greens like spinach, leaf lettuce, arugula, dandelion greens, kale, watercress and basil leaves. The darker the leaves the better -- they're richer in folate, minerals and phytochemicals.

 

Processed Meats

Adding a protein source can transform a salad into a full-fledged (and really good for you) meal.
But adding deep-fried chicken strips or hunks of processed lunch meats will turn your healthy salad into a health-disaster. And a typical taco salad with seasoned ground meat and globs of sour cream is just a no-go.

Keep your salad lean and mean by adding cooked chicken or turkey breast, a couple of grilled shrimp or legumes.

Hope this helps you build a better salad!!!