I love Chipotle - but my waistline and new budget don't... I know you can order Chipotle to be fairly
healthy, but it is still salty and I can never seem no to chips and cheese! So to solve this problem, this recipe was born!
What you need:
4 Chicken Breasts
3 Colored Peppers, sliced
1 Large Red Onion, sliced
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Jar Salsa
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bag of frozen corn
1 cup of shredded mozerrella cheese (optional)
Fresh Cilantro
Garlic Powder
2 cups of Brown Rice, cooked per package instructions
What you need to do:
Preheat over to 400.
Line a large baking sheet with foil
Place the chicken, peppers, and onions on the baking sheet and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of oil.
Sprinkle garlic powder to both sides of chicken.
Lightly salt and pepper the peppers and onions, tossing to coat.
Top each of the chicken breasts with salsa
Bake for 25 min.
Rest chicken for 10 minutes.
Slice chicken into strips
Add a base of brown rice to 4 storage containers.
Top each with a scoop of black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, cooked onions and peppers, and sliced chicken.
Rainy day, and ready for some fall comfort food - but not ready for the 'comfort food' pounds... so I decided I would start experimenting with my family favorite comfort foods and making them healthy or at least healthier! First on our list, clean Beef Stroganoff - simple modifications made this just as tasty and a lot fewer calories!
What you need:
1.5 pounds of beef tips (I cut off any additional fat)
1/4-1/3 cup whole wheat flour
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Large yellow onion, cubed
8oz sliced mushrooms
2/3 cups of water
1 cup plain greek yogurt
salt/pepper
egg noodles (ccoked as per package instructions)
What you need to do:
In a large skillet, heat up EVOO (just enough to coat the pan)
Toss beef tips in whole wheat flour until evenly coated. (discard extra flour)
Add beef tips to skillet.
Evenly brown.
Place browned beef tips in a large pot.
In the same skillet, re-oil and heat.
Cook and lightly brown onion and mushroom.
Add onions and mushrooms to large pot with the beef.
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?
I love picnics! I love the people, I love being outside, I love the food... But I also love the way my body feels when I eat healthy - and I want a dish that is yummy to share - tah-dah! You're welcome!
What you need:
Puffed Quinoa (I order mine from nuts.com)
1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
3-4 tbsp agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract
vegan dark chocolate (optional)
What you need to do:
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, agave and vanilla. If the mixture is hard to work with, heat it up a little.
Add the puffed quinoa
Place mixture in a pie pan
Evenly distribute and flatten
Refrigerate to let it harden.
Optional - melt a few chocolate chips in a baggie, cut a small hole in the corner of the baggie and gently squeeze onto pie
I love trying to find a way to mix veggies into my dishes - because honestly, I get tired of the taste of chicken sometimes! I love basil - fresh basil and fresh tomatoes just make me think of my garden and summertime.... This dish is full of rich flavors but was not a huge expense on my checkbook or my time. And yes, this is 21 Day Fix Approved!!!
What you need:
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (can be pricey in the store, but is so cheap to grow)
5 small chicken breasts
3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, slices in quarters
2 cloves of minced garlic
8oz package of fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
dash of dry basil
dash of garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozerella
What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 375
In a large frying pan, add olive oil, garlic and mushrooms.
Cook mushrooms to desired (I like mine with crispy edges)
Add in tomatoes, saute on medium for 5 minutes
Add in chopped basil and saute for 3 minutes
In a 9x13 baking dish, spray with olive oil spray
Place uncooked chicken in the dish, evenly spaced without overlapping.
Sprinkle dry basil and garlic powder on the chicken.
Place mushroom mixture evenly on top of the chicken.
Place in oven, uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
Spread mozeralla on top and place back in the oven until melted. (I put my oven on low broil to brown the cheese a little)
I love boneless wings - crunchy outside, yummy sauce! But holy calories, fat and sugar (yes, from the sauces)! After some experimenting, I think this is the cleanest and most yummy solution! Bonus - the girls loved the chicken before the sauce, so I saved them plain for them and they thought it was Chick-fi-la! I am thinking this will be bomb in a wrap or on top of a salad - All around win in our house!
What you need:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 egg
1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of Frank's hot sauce (I didn't use as much because the girls ate them plain)
1 tbsp. butter, melted (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
What you need to do:
Preheat over to 400.
In a bowl, crack and scramble egg.
In a second bowl, add flour, garlic powder and seasoning salt - mix thoroughly
Spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray (I love the Target Simply Balanced Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
Dip the chicken in the egg to coat.
Next, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and cover evenly
Place coated chicken on baking pan.
Once complete, spray the tops with the olive oil spray (helps them to brown)
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for 10 more minutes
Optional step: Stir melted butter and franks together in a bowl and dip the baked chicken in the mixture until evenly coated - I just dipped mine in franks and left the girls plain!
Perfect to dip into Bolthouse Yogurt Ranch! Enjoy!
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!
Now say that 5 times fast lol! This is absolutely fabulous and filling - I love oatmeal cookies and I have a big sweet tooth! Added some mini dark chocolate chips and PB2 to the top - and it is to die for! Enjoy!
It is no secret... I love butter - my hardest craving to kick! Every time I try to make a regular baked potato, I tell myself I won't put butter on it "this time" and guess what??? I always to... So I gotta switch it up! Delicious and simple as can be! You can use red potatoes and cut them as well!
What you need:
Baby potatoes (red or multicolored)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (amount depends on how many potatoes you are making, you need just enough for a light coating)
Dried Minced Onion
Onion Powder
Dried Parsley
Dash of Garlic Powder
What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 400
Spray glass baking dish
Place washed potatoes in the dish, single layer
Drizzle lightly with EVOO
Sprinkle on onion powder and minced onion
Bake for 40 minutes
Enjoy!
21 Day Fix and Hammer & Chisel Approved - for more recipes, tips, support and meal plans, apply for a spot in my next challenge group... Groups are enrolling NOW!
I have really been enjoying this recipe - perfect appetizer for football games, awesome on salads or in wraps, and best part ------- you toss in the crockpot, no prep, no clean up!
What you need:
1 pound of boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup of Franks Red Hot
3/4 cup of Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup of shredded cheddar
Garlic Powder
Minced Onion
Onion Powder
What you need to do:
Spray Crockpot with olive oil spray
Add in chicken (whole and raw)
Top with Franks and yogurt
Sprinkle top with garlic powder, minced onion and onion powder
Top with cheese
Cook on low for 3 hours (make sure chicken is always well coated)
Chicken will shred easily
Optional toppings - green onions, feta, chopped celery
Enjoy!
For more healthy recipes, support and tips - Apply to be in my next challenge group!
This is the story, I told myself that I would never tell. Until I realized, it wasn’t just my story - this is the story of millions of women and moms; and this is just my version.
My daughter Kate was born in late January of 2014. She was my miracle baby, the baby we hoped for for over a year. So when I had her, I expected to feel this deep connection, because I had longed for her all that time. But I didn’t have it. My friends would come and visit and say “I told you that you could love another baby like your first” and I would fake smile and nod, immediately sensing that something was wrong. Kate’s birth turned our world upside down. My 3.5 year old, Aubrey regressed - potty accidents, up all night, anger issues at school and behavior issues at home. Kate was difficult to nurse, resulting me having to take several rounds of antibiotics which she did not tolerate well. She stopped gaining weight, and ultimately I had to make the decision to stop nursing her. I felt like a failure. I would look in the mirror and say “what did I do?” and “I can’t do this.” Postpartum depression is a lonely, guilty place to be, I felt like I should be happy and I wanted to be - but I wasn’t.
I was never one to ask for help, so I just continued to go through the motions. But I started to feel myself spiraling out of control - isolating, having anxiety attacks, not sleeping… I felt like my skin was crawling. After many weeks of sleepless nights due to anxiety, I went into my medicine basket, looking for benadryl to help me sleep when I stumbled upon the prescription narcotic pain reliever I was given after birth but never took. Being a nurse, I knew they would help me sleep. So I popped a few, and slept amazingly. The next day, I felt a little better - so I popped a few more at night. And I did this night after night…. I was talking to my friend, and I told her about my situation and that i was so relieved to be finally sleeping thanks to my little secret. My friend, Deb said “you know this isn’t normal. promise me you will get help.” Her words really spoke to me, and I decided I needed to see my PCP.
I went to my doctor and we discussed the anxiety, depression and he never brought up my weight. But I could see on my chart that my BMI was 33. I was disguisted. I told him I felt like I needed to lose weight and that it would really help. He turned to me and said, “well good luck - you are not a spring chicken anymore and you have hypothroidism.” I was devistated - not even my dr believed in me! I left there feeling helpless and alone. I was the girl who seemed unbreakable but I was broken. Everyone thought I was super mom with this perfect life, but every ounce of me was hurting.
The moment that changed everything… Aubrey was at preschool and I needed a dress for an upcoming event. In the dressing room, there was an angled full length mirror and while I was undressing I caught a glimpse of myself. All I could think is, “this can’t be” - I broke down and with tears streaming down my face, I studied my body… the stretch marks, the dark circles, the cellulite, double chin… and I said “you are disgusting, ugly and fat. I hate you” and I continued to sob. I ended up waking Kate up, who was in her car seat. In the refelction of the mirror I could see her playing with her car seat toys and cooing. My flood of emotion quickly changed to anxiety - I realized I was killing myself in front of them. They were watching me self hate, self destruct and destroy myself every day. How could I teach them to be confident, vibrant, independent, happy girls when I couldn’t be? Finally, my Ah-Ha moment - I needed a hero, and I was going to be that hero.
I collected myself, the whole way home I thought about how I would do this. Couldn’t go to a gym, too much time, no babysitter. Couldn’t run, lets face it Pittsburgh weather combined with two young kids - it would never last.
My husband, got me in contact with my coach, Deidra. With knowing very little about the program, I went with T25 - because I could do anything for 25 minutes! But honestly when I got the price of the challenge pack - I quickly backed out… but i thought about it constantly, until one day I thought “screw it, im not going to let 200$ get in the way of changing my life.” So I stole my husbands credit card and joined my first challenge.
And so it began, I cried every workout because I knew how hard it was going to be. But I did it with the mindset that each day I would eat cleaner, modify less and push harder. I embraced my challenge group and shakeology. And as I invested in my wellness the weight, anxiety, and depression all started melting away. And as I shared my journey, I accidently fell into coaching. When I realized how many women probably felt like me, I continued my journey but now with a new motivation of helping others along the way and being accountable to them.
It wasn’t always easy, but it was a way of life. As I looked in the mirror, I no longer felt ugly and disguisted - I started to feel proud and honored. After losing 30 pounds in 60 days with T25, I went on to do the 21 Day Fix, insanity max 30, a little more T25 and the 21 Day Fix extreme with a sprinkle of turbo fire, piyo and pump.
Today, I am 8 pounds lighter than the day I got married and went from having a BMI of 33 to a BMI of 21! Which is pretty cool. But what is the best part of this whole journey is that my girls got their mom back and the role model they deserve. I went from taking 13 pills a day to just one. And my thyroid medication has not needed adjusted since I started this journey. I have been anti-anxiety and depression med free for 10 months. So yes, I lost 75 pounds and that is great but regaining my life is priceless and unbelievable. Without a doubt this journey changed the future of these girls and because of that, I am forever thankful.
So now I feel this is my mission to turn my mess into my message - all of the pain has brought me to this pivotal moment and a new passion to share my story - to inspire women that there is no situation that is too hopeless... my dream is to have a larger platform to inspire change and with the Beachbody Challenge, I have it! But I need your help to get me to LA to tell my story, I need your votes! From Monday October 26th to Monday November 2nd at 11:59 PT you can vote once in 24 hours! All you need to do is create a free account (HERE!) and then vote (HERE! for Erin T.) - please email me and let me know that you voted so I can personally thank you and offer you a spot in my 5 Day Free Clean Eating group to thank you for your support!
The second compent in Shakeology's protein blend is Pea Protein! Not only is it a great hypoallogenic, vegan, and vegetarian source of protein but it is also soy, gluten, and dairy free!
Benefits of Pea Protein:
Excellent Amino Acid Profile
Yellow peas supply a unique array of amino acids, the building blocks of body tissue (including skin, hair and nails), muscles, DNA/RNA, hormones, enzymes that help your body function normally, and even your immune system! Being rich in lysine and arginine, pea protein is especially beneficial for active lifestyles
Pea protein is high Lysine
Lysine cannot be made in the body and must therefore be consumed through the diet. Lysine is the precursor of carnitine, the molecule responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol.
Lysine also appears to help absorb calcium and plays an important role in the formation of collagen—the building block of connective tissue such as bones, cartilage, skin, tendons. It supports the normal growth and development of children and plays a role in the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
Lysine deficiency is rare in typical American diets but can be a risk for strict vegetarians, vegans or elite athletes.
Insufficient lysine can lead to fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders.
Branched Chain Amino Acids refers to the amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Together they make up 40% of the daily requirement for essential amino acids in humans.
30% Iron Content
Iron is an integral part of human physiology and is required for the transportation of oxygen throughout the body as well as regulation of cell growth and differentiation.
Pea protein provides 30% of the iron required per day in a single serving.
Allergen-Friendly
Some individuals simply cannot tolerate egg, milk and soy-derived protein due to allergies. For example, the milk sugar called lactose can cause severe allergic reactions that result in unwanted gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, bloating, diarrhea or vomiting.
Yellow pea protein powder is suitable for almost any user. It also contains no gluten. Most yellow proteins are organic and contain little or no artificial colors, sweeteners or fillers.
Muscle Recovery
Muscles are structures made mostly from protein. Intense physical training or simply every day activities can cause muscle to breakdown on a daily basis.
Thermic Effect of Protein
Proteins have a “thermic” effect, meaning that they create heat in the body through the process of digestion. Since proteins take a lot of energy to digest, you burn more calories after eating a meal high in protein.
In fact, up to 30 percent of protein’s calories get burned through its digestion according to “The Abs Diet” by David Zinczenko. Building a weight loss strategy around lean sources of protein like yellow pea powder makes nutritional sense.
Blood Sugar
Dietary protein has another important affect on your weight loss efforts. Blood sugar will spike in response to carbohydrate based foods meals thereby causing the pancreas to secrete the hormone insulin to facilitate the storage of circulating nutrients. Large insulin spikes that result from high or simple carbohydrate-containing meals (e.g. white rice, white bread or sweets) may trigger fat storage and may lead to insulin resistance according to “The Fat Burning Bible” by Mackie Shilstone. This can also lead to subsequent drastic drops in blood sugar which result in fatigue. Consuming or combining protein with a meal helps to regulate this blood sugar and insulin effect to potentially prevent body fat storage.tein has another important effect on your weight loss efforts.
I honestly didn't know what to expect going into Summit - I signed up for what I needed to pretty blindly, and my anxiety about leaving my girls and traveling shadowed me from doing much research.... But it was fun having each day as a big surprise!
Summit is the biggest Beachbody celebration and training event of the year - celebrating the success
of coaches, Beachbody Challenge Winners and the company as a whole! At Summit, I got a ton of motivation from motivational speakers, and trainings from the top coaches in the company... We also get to be the first to get our hands on new swag, programs and supplements.... And hear about all the new product launches! SO needless to say with all the emotions, trainings, information it was overwhelming!
We were so blessed to all stay together in a giant 'Real World' like house within walking distance from the events in Nashville! It was so amazing, we had trainings all day, then could come back and chat and mastermind and then go out on the town! I loved these girls before this event, but I truly felt a deep connection and bond with them after this!
Sooooo.... I won't keep you in suspense - I will start the recap with PRODUCT LAUNCHES!
The Master's Hammer and Chisel
I am the MOST excited about this program - for the first time ever Beachbody is combining two trainers to get you the ultimate results!
Created by Sagi Kalev (creator of BODY BEAST) and Autumn Calabrese (creator the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme).
Expert workout system that delivers breathtaking, body-changing results in as little as 60 days.
Trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are sought-after experts at sculpting spectacular physiques—and they have shelves full of competition prizes to prove it! In The Master’s Hammer and Chisel, they share their winning strategies in this breakthrough system of resistance training to help you shape powerful muscle and shed body fat to build a ripped, statue-perfect physique.
Expected launch date is December 2015
Shakeology Boosts!
Thanks to Shakeology Boosts - you can now customize your needs with Shakeology Boosts.
Boosts include:
Focused Energy
Power Greens
Digestive Health
Beachbody's Performance Line
No matter how good your workout is, at some point you want even more—more energy, better endurance, incredible strength, and peak recovery.
This line includes:
Pre-workout energy
During-workout super hydration
Post-workout muscle recovery
And a first-of-its-kind overnight muscle repair—to turbocharge your workouts and recovery for game-changing results at every fitness level.
All with no artificial flavors or colors
After opening night and all the product launches, we started with trainings the next day.... I am so grateful for the trainings, they helped motivate me, give me some great ideas, and change my point of view! Being the dork that I am, I took a ton of notes and I can't wait to incorporate what I have learned so I can be a better coach and mentor! Also during these trainings, I got a new spark and excitement about my own personal fitness journey!
We made sure that we had fun together as a team, between hitting the town of Nashville and
the parties that Beachbody actually puts on for successful coaches that meet certain criteria! One party that I qualified for was the Success Club Party - yes, I get paid to change lives and then we celebrated that success at a Stars and Stripes Party with live music, drinks and a bbq!
The highlight of my trip was when my coach surprised me with a photo op with ShaunT! Seriously, she gave up her ticket to me - not only that but she printed out my transformation pic for me to ask him to sign... Who does that? Well let's just say this was one of the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, hands down! I was so nervous though, this was a bucket list item for me! So when the day arrived, I was so anxious - luckily a fellow coach, Maegan was coming along! She talked to me and helped calm me! I practiced what I would say - but needless to say I became almost speechless... When it was almost our turn the Crew member said I was not able to take the photo up to ShaunT... I was crushed - when I went up to Shaun, and I told him about my transformation and thanked him and I asked him if I could show him my transformation - he agreed! I went on to see Chalene and Sagi! After the other photos, I went up to the Crew member and told her I had permission.... We waited in line again and as they were finishing the photo op I was blessed enough that ShaunT agreed to a few more photos and a signature - he was so gueinue and I could tell he was impressed and proud! Best feeling ever!
Chalene!
Top Coach, Melanie Mitro - complimenting
me on my transformation!
On Saturday, our last day of Summit - we started the day with a 6am workout with all the trainers and 25,000 coaches! We shut down 7 blocks of a major street in downtown Nashville! The workout was grueling in the heat! After a day of trainings, we went to LP Field to celebrate Top Coaches, the #1 Coach and the Beachbody Challenge Winner! It was so inspiring to see all the weight loss and success stories, as a successful Beachbody transformation the winners touched my heart! The event ended with celebrating the #1 coach, Melanie Mitro - who just so happens to be my coaches, coach! I have done numerous calls and meetings with Melanie and she is truly such a beautiful person and amazing coach!
^^ Can you find me??? ^^ Dream Team Group Photo!
And to think, I started this business as a "hobby", just some fun money, and maybe to meet some new
friends...
Little did I know that just over a year later, I would have a business - a real business! Oh, and real genuine friends, like best friends...
We are all different, very different - but we all have characteristics that compliment each other... we have a common ground, and a common blessing - we are working on being the best versions of ourselves while transforming lives... we train and master mind together, raise each other up, travel, strive towards financial freedom, and work on our personal health and wellness goals while paying it forward --- and we get to call this or JOB!!!
I never imagined my life would look like this! I feel truly blessed...
If you are ready for a change in your life, have a passion for helping others, and want real success fill out an application to join my team!
When I was in my teens and early twenties, I did what most people did - waited until the New Year's deals on gym memberships, joined the gym - went faithfully for a month, then as time went on I went less and less... Gym memberships, especially this time of year are surely tempting, or so you think! Let's break it all down, because ya'll know, I am all about saving a buck!
Gym Membership Costs:
LA Fitness: $9.95 per Week, $517.40 per YEAR!!
Fitness Works: $29 per month, $348 per YEAR!!
Gold’s Gym: $29.99 per month (2 yr contract), $359.88 per YEAR!!
24 Hour Fitness: $36.99 per month, $443.88 per YEAR!! OR one year contact for full price of $299.99
Bally Total Fitness: 2 yr contract- $479 upfront, OR $14.99 bi-weekly, $389.74 per YEAR!!
Take that price and add - gas to and from, cost of a fitness class, gym bag, personal trainer, pricey drinks sold at the gym, child care at the gym and for me the biggest price of going to the gym is MY TIME! In the past when I used the gym, I really only took a spinning class and maybe used the occasional weights. I was unsure about how to properly train my body, I didn't learn anything about clean eating and I really didn't get results.
Beachbody:
Beachbody programs (you are only spending a ONE TIME fee):
21 Day Fix: Retail - $60.00, Beachbody Club member - $54.00 (Two sets of weights needed)
Focus T25: Retail - $119.85, Beachbody Club member - $107.87 (Equipment included!) Brazil Butt Lift: Retail - $59.85, Beachbody Club member - $53.87 (Equipment included!) ChaLean Extreme: Retail - $89.85, Beachbody Club member - $80.87 (Equipment included!)
You can also get a bigger discount when you pair these programs with a challenge pack (which combines a program with a month supply of Shakeology). Plus I can help you get an ADDITIONAL discount off Beachbody products by becoming a preferred customer (25% off)! I can share with you how to do that!!
Pros of Beachbody v. Gym:
One time cost for program that is yours forever rather than a monthly fee (Which can add up over time)
Free personal coaches to help you stay motivated, accountable and a great resource
No time restrictions on when you can workout
You can workout in whatever clothes you want, you know me - I workout in my boxers
No drive time (Especially great in less than desirable weather)
No getting kids in and out of the car
More likely to stick to your workout (even while on vacation, traveling, during times of stress).
Can be done in the privacy of your own home.
No excuses for not working out
An online community that you can ask questions to
When I think about when I started my weight loss journey, I did consider joining a gym. But then I thought about the logistics of the gym with two little girls. Putting them in the car, driving there, getting them out, dropping them off at a gym daycare (assuming it wasn't over full and that they would take a newborn), working out - 20 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of weights - pick the girls up, they would probably be hungry, stop and pick up lunch, spend money, in the car, drive home, out of the car... and pray I was home before Kate's nap time.. phew that was exhausting, and what about days Aubrey had school, and what about if the girls were sick, what if the weather was bad??? Plus I hate to drive... it clearly wasn't going to work... All of that would've taken an hour and a half on a good day..
So I took a leap of faith and decided to try something at home... I learned about clean eating (something a gym couldn't teach me about), I learned about portion control (gym couldn't teach me that either) and I got an amazing workout in 25 minutes from start to finish.. I can't imagine that I would've gotten those same results at the gym and I can't imagine that I would've stuck to that routine of going to the gym.
If you like the social aspect of the gym, you can tailor your workout for you. You may choose to workout with a Beachbody program, but get a gym membership for the ability to use their pools or play basketball. For those who have time constraints, a home workout program seems to be the better choice because it can worked into one’s own schedule. Individuals need to find what works best for them and their needs. If saving time and money are a primary concern, starting Beachbody programs may be a better option.
I am not a huge coffee fan and honestly, I've never had a cup of coffee... but I get a lot of requests for Starbuck's like Shakes... I made this bad boy the other day and it was AAAAMMAAZZZING! Plus my Shakeology recipe is less calories, less money, healthier, more protein and packed with dense super foods! You are welcome :)
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When I talk to people about "meal replacement" shakes it seems like everyone is drinking them for different reasons - some to get more protein, some to cut calories, curb cravings, or because they want a quick and easy meal. When I was researching shakes before I started my own journey, I did my own homework and considered Body by Vi so here it is.. the costs, the ingredients, pros/cons and why I personally drink one of these two shakes!
Let's start with nutrition - because this is the most important part... face it, you are what you eat!
Tropical Shakeology -Vegan
Chocolate Shakeology
The differences seem pretty obvious to me, but let me break it down!
1. Calories
At first you might think the winner would be Visalus because it has 90 calories for 2 scoops and with Shakeology having 160calories for one scoop WRONG!!! 90 calories is far too low to be considered a meal replacement. One might ask, “how many visalus shakes do I need to drink for weight loss results?” Visalus distributors suggest you replace 2 meals a day with shakes and eat 1 REAL meal. WHAT??? Your body needs calories for fuel. Calories are not the enemy. If you are not providing your body with the proper calorie intake it will send your body into starvation mode. This causes you to store fat you consume instead of burning it off. This will cause your body to burn muscle which will in turn slow your metabolism instead of speeding it up most people hope. As a result, your body will store MORE fat long term. Also, 90 cals of anything is not going to “keep you full for 3-4 hrs” In reality, the fiber in the shake is what makes you feel full.
2. Sugar
Shakeology has 6g of sugar which is all natural coming from different plant sources. Body By Vi has less than 1g of sugar which is great, BUT to make the “shake that tastes like cake” they replace the sugar with artificial sweeteners, and if you are like me - you avoid artificial sweeteners like the plague!
Vi shakes contain SUCRALOSE: a very harmful chemical sweetener. Side Effects from Sucralose:
Gastrointestinal problems
Seizures, dizziness and migraines
Blurred vision
Allergic reactions
Blood sugar increases and weight gain
Shakeology uses non-GMO Stevia which is a zero calorie plant based sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in foods. It gives fruits their sweet taste. Your body treats this type of sugar differently than traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners.
3. Protein
Shakeology’s original whey formula has 17g of protein in 1 scoop. It is made from whey protein isolate and it is a grade 7. It comes from untouched (by chemicals) farms. It also contains sprouted brown rice protein, AND pea protein.
Shakeology’s VEGAN formula has 15g protein in 1 scoop (with an additional 3g from the brown rice and sacha inchi) and is made from sprouted fermented brown rice protein and pea protein.
Visalus has only 12g of protein in 2 scoops! That’s super low, AND it contains SOY protein which may seem “healthy” but there is extensive research that states otherwise.
Body By Vi shakes contains Soy Protein Isolate. Many people don’t see anything wrong with this but here are some facts about soy that you may want to look at.
What’s the PROBLEM with SOY????(Not just GM soy ALL SOY)
91-95% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified (GM).
Soy has been linked to increased allergies
Disturbingly, the only published human feeding study on GM foods ever conducted verified that the gene inserted into GM soy transfers into the DNA of our gut bacteria and continues to function. This means that years after you stop eating GM soy, you may still have a potentially allergenic protein continuously being produced in your intestines. Even more frightening is the potential for GM soy to cause infertility in future generations, which has been evidenced by recent Russian research.
Soy contains hemagglutinin. Hemagglutinin is a clot-promoting substance that causes your red blood cells to clump together. These clumped cells are unable to properly absorb and distribute oxygen to your tissues.
Soy contains goitrogens.Goitrogens are substances that block the synthesis of thyroid hormones and interfere with iodine metabolism, thereby interfering with your thyroid function.
Soy has toxic levels of aluminum and manganese-Soybeans are processed (by acid washing) in aluminum tanks, which can leach high levels of aluminum into the final soy product.
Those 2 ingredients (Sucralose and Soy) are RED FLAGS to anyone considering the Vi shake.
Shakeology contains ALL NATURAL ingredients including super-foods, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, phytonutrients, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals that come from the earth and there is evidence to prove it. They also work synergistically to make sure you are getting the proper amounts and absorbing the nutrients.
Body By Vi contains chemical sweeteners, synthetic(means they are not from real food they are man made in a lab) ingredients such as dicalcium phosphate and fillers such as Maltodextrin, which is most likely made from corn and 85% of corn in the US is genetically modified. It also contains ZINC OXIDE…REALLY?? That is a diaper rash/sun burn cream and is not meant to be ingested...
4. COST
Visalus kits range from $49 for the maintenance kit(if you are looking to maintain weight) up to $299 for the Fit Kit, which states that you can “build muscle”. REALLY??? Last time I checked you don’t just build muscle by drinking a shake and eating some snacks, nor do you build muscle by drastically cutting your calories. You actually have to workout to build muscle.
If you want to want to lose weight, Visalus recommends the Shape Kit. The shape kit is $99 for 2 bags of the shake mix and 10 shape up mix-ins(to change the flavor if you get tired of “cake”). The shape up mix-ins contain artificial ingredients as well. Visalus recommends that you drink 2 shakes a day to lose weight. 2 Problems with that: 1) That means you will run out of one bag of mix in 15 days, so the 2 bags will only last you 1 month instead of two, resulting in you having to buy MORE product sooner than expected. 2) 90 cals + 90 cals=180. That, is very low in calories for 2 meals, and you will have to make up at least 1020 calories between your 1 meal and 2-3 snacks. If you don’t get the additional calories in daily, your calorie intake will be much lower than the minimum calorie intake recommended for the day(for women) of 1200 CALORIES which leads to many health problems.
How Much is Shakeology?
Shakeology is $129.95 customer price for a 30 day supply (suggested 1 serving/day) and $97.46 for a coach. That being said, with the coaching fees paid, you are paying $113/month for Shakeology Home Direct(HD). Around 3.77$/day, which is a great deal for a quick, nutritious superfood meal!
5. TASTE
What are the Visalus flavors?
Visalus claims it tastes like “cake”. That is the only flavor. I do not have personal experience with the taste because I refuse to put all those harmful ingredients into my body.You can buy Shape up flavor packs at $12.50(if you’re not on auto-ship) a pop and load the shake with more artificial ingredients.
What flavors of Shakeology are there?
I have tried ALL flavors of Shakeology and do have favorites, but my favorite thing is the variety! Strawberry smoothie one day to a thick chocolate salted caramel milkshake the next.
Honestly, my biggest issues besides the artificial ingredients with the Body by Vi shakes is that the
they advertise "The Body by Vi Challenge is the leading platform for weight loss and fitness results" and I have done research and I see nothing that leads me to believe these shakes will help you reach fitness goals... All I see is calorie deprivation and artificial ingredients, and what happens when you stop drinking them? You will gain weight!
Beachbody as a company truly has the customers’ best interest (their health) in mind. They do their research and make sure you are consuming only the highest quality product with NO EXCEPTIONS!! They promote healthy lifestyles, not just a “magic” shake. We have the support, the fitness programs, the Shakes and the lifestyle change so we give you all the tools to completely change your life permanently.
