Is Core De Force really worth it? My 60+ day review of the program

I've been getting lots of messages asking about what program I've been doing. 

Is it worth it?

How many days is the program?

What can you eat?

Do you actually get results doing this at home?

Do you like it?

I can answer this short and sweet for you in the video below:

My official day 68 results pictures are on the video about. I can tell you though that in such a short amount of time:

- I have more endurance

- I don't have that "I need coffee to survive" feeling I used to have in the mornings

- I'm in a better mode.

- I have a healthier association with food. As a stress eater this has been a huge milestone for me.

- I look forward to pushing play each day.

- I've gone down 2 jean sizes

- I'm down 10 lbs and 13.5 inches.

This is the first time ever during the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) that I've LOST weight instead of gained weight.

I'm not the only one on my team that feels this way. There are how some of our challengers felt just three weeks into the program! 

If you are ready to commit to a program, get that fight back and take the stress out of learning to meal prep, cleaning out your pantry and sticking to clean eating all week long, I have the group for you. 

Our first ever Virtual Gym group is getting AMAZING results just one week in. Combined they have lost over 35 lbs and 27 inches! Amazing! 

Week 0 Begins: January 30th 

(Daily Workshops teaching you how to meal prep, clean out your pantry, get organized and more)

Week 1 Begins: February 6th

30 Days, that will not only get you results but it will create healthy habits you can take with you all year long. We also have a graduate program that is the next level in your health and fitness journey once you complete this challenge. So your journey won't end at 30 days, it will continue all year long and beyond!

Are you ready?

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Have a blessed day!

Core De Force Week 3 Review and Progress Pics

I'm already half way through week 4 and I'm just now getting to share with you how week 3 went! Better late than never right?

So to start off with week 3 I was up against a few challenges. THREE (yes 3) Thanksgiving Dinners spread out throughout the week.

Challenge accepted!

Guess what? I enjoyed a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Had my all time favorite stuffing my Mother-in Law makes, and a few other things that I look forward to this time of year. Oh and a glass of wine! 

I pushed play EVERY SINGLE DAY and for the first time in my life I worked out on Thanksgiving morning. Got my workout in first thing, showered, snuggled up with my kids and watched the parade and then cooked before we headed to our dinner. It wasn't something I dreaded, I actually wanted to workout that morning.

What were a few things I did to stay on track with all these tempting yummers around me? I didn't skip a workout, drank my Shakeology daily, and saved my yellow and blue containers on the days I knew we had a Thanksgiving meal. 

Come Monday on day 22 I stepped on the scale to see I was up 1.6 lbs from what I had lost and had lost zero inches in week 3. Honestly, I knew those 1.6 lbs were mostly water weight from the 3rd and final Thanksgiving I had the night before and moved on. I wasn't going to beat myself up over it, we are learning life long balance skills in our challenge group. It's ok to enjoy those special meals in moderation.

I'll give you a little sneak peak into week 4 since I'm already half way through... Those 1.6 lbs? They are gone now putting me at a total of 8 pounds lost and down 1 dress size in 24 days.

With less than we week to go before I can call myself a Core De Force Graduate I gotta tell you... I'm excited! This program came at the exact right time for me. I was in a place mentally where I needed this fight. I needed something to take me out of my comfort zone, to challenge me daily to make the choice to better my health. 

Want to hear the rest of my week 3 testimony? You can check it out here!

Now I want to ask you something. Are you ready to see what you can accomplish BEFORE the end of the year? Are you ready for something new, inspiring and challenge that will get you out of your comfort  zone?

It's always been a battle of YOU vs YOU.

Who will win? Your mind or your body?

It's my mission this Holiday season to help YOU get some rocking results before the end of the year and set the tone for 2017. 

If you have a goal of losing five, ten or more pounds by the end of the year, then I want YOU. I'm looking for someone who is focused and ready to do the work (and still enjoy the holidays)!

My challengers (and myself) are getting amazing results in our launch group of this awesome total transformation program.

So ask yourself, do you have what it takes? Are you ready to dig deep and make that change?

Save your spot here because we begin 12/7 and are ready to fight for our health together! http://bit.ly/YouvsYou

Have a blessed day!

Recipe: Salsa Chicken - Instant Pot Edition

What if I told you that you could make flavor full, Mexican restaurant style taco filling in 1 pot with 2 ingredients?

Would you try it?

How about if I told you it takes less than 20 mins to prepare?

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 organic chicken breasts (thawed)

1 16oz jar of your favorite salsa (I used my favorite organic Salsa Verde)

I told you it was only 2 ingredients!

Directions:

Place both thawed chicken breasts at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour the jar of salsa over it. Place lid on and seal. Set to Manual for 7 minutes and make sure the pressure release valve is turned to "sealed". Once finished let it sit in warm mode (aka Natural release) for 10 minutes. Release pressure and take a whiff.... Mmmmmm

You can use a spatula or tongs and shred the chicken. That's it! It's ready to serve. I typically will be prepping my toppings at the same time as it's cooking so it's ready to go when the timer is done. 

Here are a few things I prep:

- corn tortillas on my small cast iron skillet

- sliced avocado or guacamole

- shredded lettuce

I don't use a lot of toppings because really, there is SO much flavor with the chicken cooking in the salsa like that. I've cooked this with regular red salsa and salsa verde and I will tell you personally, the salsa verde version is my favorite. 

(container servings above: Note add 1 purple as well for the salsa)

 Want more recipes like this, meal prep tips and/or to get started with a fitness routine? I would LOVE to be your coach! You can reach out to me by going to my Facebook page by clicking the picture below....

Have a blessed day,

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The "Stop, Drop, and Snap your Eats" Project

 Have you ever started a new week, a new month saying “I am going to eat super healthy, get my workout in everyday AND sick with it!”

I know I have.

Have you then days later said “well what the heck happened?”

I know I have.

Then you decide to just throw all those healthy ideas out the window and tell yourself “next month I’ll do this for real.”

I know I have.

Do you want to know how to stop this cycle? How to not only get back on track with your eating, but to create consistent healthy habits that will stick long term?

I’ve got the first step right here for you.

The “Stop, Drop, and Snap your Eats” Project:

Step #1: Either in the challenge group you are currently in, the Dream Big Project or even on your personal FB, IG or snapchat. That for 1 day, 24 hours, before you eat anything, you’re going to post a picture of it first.

Step #2: Take the picture above and post it wherever you are going to be sharing your eats for the day and use the hashtag #DreamBigTribe and say that you are taking the challenge.

Step #3: Whatever platform you choose, all day take a picture before you take a bite of your breakfast, snacks, lunch, maybe more snacks and dinner. Then before you eat, you post it.

You’re probably wondering what will this do? It’s going to give you a giant boost of accountability. You’ll look at that pic, look at your plate and think, “Should I really be eating this?”

At the end of the day, not only do you have a diary of what you ate that given day. But you have a new found sense of awareness of what you are truly fueling your body with.

Does this work? YES! Not only have I done this “Stop, Drop, and Snap your Eats” challenge myself many times, but I have many challengers who have done the same and it’s helped them get back on track with their eating!

Nutrition is 80% and Exercise is the other 20% when it comes to reaching health and fitness goals.  A big eye opener I had when completing the 21 Day Ultimate Reset, was how mindlessly I was eating... one of my kids left over chicken nuggets... a hand full of gold fish or a half-eaten string cheese. (Hey real life here).

So today I am encouraging you to complete this challenge. Will you Stop, Drop and Snap your Eats today?

 Comment below if you are taking the challenge. Once you’ve completed your mini challenge and ready for step #2 of creating a consistent healthy lifestyle change you can message me here: 

Have a blessed day!

Recipe: BBQ Chicken Baked Sweet Potatoes (21 Day Fix Approved)

I have been really excited to try this recipe post Ultimate Reset. It seemed like the perfect healthy summer BBQ recipe to me! I made it over the 4th of July weekend and I can honestly say, it did not disappoint! Best part is it was very easy to make and great for left overs too!

Serves: 2 servings, 1 sweet potato and about ¾ cup chicken each (Note: I doubled the recipe to make as many in the picture above)

Ingredients

• 2 small sweet potatoes, washed, pierced several times with a fork
• 1½ cups shredded cooked chicken breast, boneless, skinless, warm
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce, reduced-sugar, warm
• ¼ cup Quick Pickled Red Onions (or 2 Tbsp. chopped red onions) (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro) (for garnish; optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Pierce each sweet potato 3 to 4 times with a fork. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. While sweet potato is baking, combine chicken and barbecue sauce in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
4. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise.
5. Top sweet potatoes evenly Quick Pickled Red Onions and chicken mixture. Sprinkle evenly with parsley; serve immediately.

Tips:

1. Look for barbecue sauce that has an ingredient list that does not contain artificial sweeteners, additives, or preservatives. There are many brands on the market that are sweetened with small amounts of honey, maple syrup, or molasses. I used "Stubbs Original Sauce"
2. Use Healthy Barbecue Sauce as a homemade alternative to store-bought barbecue sauce.

And that's it! 1 serving is 21 Day Fix container equivalent of: 1 1/2 yellow and 1 red

Enjoy! 

 

Recipe: Clean Eats Ranch Dip - 21 Day Fix Approved!

When we begin to adapt habits for a healthy lifestyle change one of the first things we are told is "eat more veggies!" Well it helps to have a delicious dip to eat said veggies with!

I have a 21 Day Fix approved Clean Eats Ranch Dip for that!

This recipe made a huge batch that I made during meal prep that I will be using throughout the week.

Here it is:

Ingredients:

1 cup 2% Greek Fage Yogurt - plain

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/2 tsp Dill

1/2 tsp Parsley

Mix together and BOOM delicious ranch goodness.

This recipe makes 8 servings (2 tbsp each serving).

This recipe would be a great dip to have out for BBQ's over the summer!

Speaking of BBQ's we have a fun new FREE 7 Day Challenge Group that begins a week from today!

Did you know that you are supposed to drink a minimum of 8 

(8oz) glasses of water a day?! It's easy to forget to stay hydrated and get caught up in the business of day to day.

Join us for our FREE 7 Day Water and Healthy BBQ Recipe Challenge! Daily accountability to reach your daily water intake goals and healthy BBQ recipes to use this coming Memorial Day weekend and Summer!

We begin together on Monday 5/23 leading up to Memorial Day! Want to join? Fill out the quick application below to get signed up :)

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Recipe: "Half and Half Bomb.com Spaghetti" - 21 day Fix approved!

When I first started 21 Day Fix I was hesitant because I LOVE me some carbs. I was under the impression that that "tiny" yellow container wouldn't be enough for a serving of pasta. 

Guess what? I was wrong! Today I'm going to share with you my recipe for my new way of eating a delicious hearty bowl of spaghetti!

 Mmm I'm getting hungry just typing this!

Step #1: Take 1 whole zucchini and make zoodles with your spiral maker. I use the "veggetti" and it works great! Next drizzle 1 orange container of the oil of your choice on it. I used Grapeseed Garlic oil I also added 4 fresh basil leaves chopped and tossed lightly in the bowl. Set aside.

Step #2: Start cooking that pasta and ground beef! After my ground beef has finished cooking I push it to the side and turn the burner on low. Then I add my zoodles and toss them frequently for just a few moments. You don't want them to get mushy! 

The smell of ground beef, garlic, basil and zucchini together is AMAZING. My house always smells delicious after I cook this :)

Step #3 (not pictured) take whatever marinara sauce you are using (I used the homemade marinara recipe from the Fixate Cookbook) and heat in a pot. Then it's time to mix your hearty bowl of pasta together! 

1 Yellow of Organic Whole Wheat Pasta

1 Green of the Zoodles 

1 purple of the Marinara Sauce (container not shown here)

1 Red of the ground beef

1 blue of shredded cheese

Step #4: Mix together (I use a larger bowl for this then pour into the bowl I'm eating with) and BAM, a big hearty delicious bowl of Spaghetti!

Step#5: Devour this delicious bowl of spaghetti with knowing you are eating a healthy, portioned, balanced dinner and it tastes like a treat meal!

This recipe is family approved! My kids LOVE it and I love that they are getting a big serving of veggies mixed in to their pasta without any fuss :) As you can see here Lily is a happy camper! 

Want more recipes like this? You can find them by clicking on the image below!

Have a blessed day!

Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl

We have a new staple recipe in our house... and it's SO good!

Ingredients:

- 1 Lb of ground beef, chicken or pork

- 1 package of coleslaw mix

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, chopped

- 3-4 TBSP Braggs liquid aminos or low sodium soy sauce

- 1-2 Tsp of Rice Vinegar

Directions:

Cook ground meat tell done. Add onions and garlic and sauté until nearly cooked. Add slaw package and cook for another 10-15 mins. Add liquid ingredients and simmer for 5-10 mins. Then serve.

1 serving equals 1 red, 1 green and 1 orange for those following 21 Day Fix.

This is also a great Paleo recipe!

Enjoy :)

Want more recipes like this? You can sign up for my free monthly newsletter here or join one of my challenge groups:

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Hammer & Chisel: Week 3

Week 3 of Hammer and Chisel has come and gone. I can't believe how much my strength and endurance has improved in such a short time. This is the first program since beginning this health and fitness journey where I'm not focused on a "goal weight". Instead I am focusing on strength, my energy level and building lean muscle.   

This week I switched up my eating plan a little bit. Aimed for more protein and water and upped my weights in all but 1 of the workouts. I'm so torn between who's work outs I like better in this program, Sagi or Autumn. Honestly I like them both for different reasons. 

I like the method behind Sagi's workouts, they are calculated, push you and pump you up. I like Autumn's workouts because that girl knows how to kick your butt! (In a good way). I also like your passion, and the way she can get you to step up your game and push just a little harder, or go just a little longer.

This weeks favorite workout was Total Body Chisel. Hello Pistol Squats!

Mid week I got a little surprise in the mail. The new Cafe Latte Shakeology! I may or may not have done a happy dance when I saw the box delivered. ;) In fact I was so excited about it, I had it for dinner that night! Yum.

ISO chisel strength was the last workout of the week. And it almost did me in with those weighted Lunges. Felt great to push through and get it done. One thing I wish I would have done at the beginning of starting this program was start filling out the tracker with what weights I'm using for each workout. I remember for the most part, but the data tracker in me wishes I had it on paper. 

So apparently I move really fast in this workout ;)

Towards the end of week #3 I really started to notice a difference in my legs and the way my pants were fitting. I've lost 2 inches in my hips and am fitting in size 4 jeans that I haven't been able to wear since I was married 7 years ago! Looking forward to what the end results will be on day 60.

Here is Week #3's menu!

Want more info or want to join my Challenge Group? Fill out this quick form below and I'll get back to you within 24 hours and get you in!

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Have a Blessed Day!

Let them be your reason, not your excuse. - 10 Things that have helped me find my groove.

I know from personal experience that it is easy to fall into the trap of not having time to take care of our own health as a mom. Adjusting to being a new mom, savoring each moment with my sweet baby boy, in all honesty eating clean and working out was the last thing on my mind. 

I had gained 75 lbs while I was pregnant and after Carson was born the pounds weren't coming off. I remember reading in books and talking to other mamas how breasting boost weight loss. Not for me! In fact, it was the opposite, I gained weight breastfeeding. But that was ok... I was very thankful to be a Mom and was zeroed in on my sweet baby boy. 

When Carson was 3 months old we were in a wedding, and when I saw the pictures of myself I was shocked. Not only was I frustrated with my weight, but I was tired all the time (not just new mommy tired). I knew I needed to make a change but really struggled at finding balance of working out and carving that time out to take care of my health each day.

It took about two years for me to finally decide enough was enough. Not only did  I want to fit into my old clothes that were shoved in the back of my closet, but I wanted to feel better too!

With 60 days of Insanity, Shakeology and Clean eating I was able to lose the rest of the 75lbs I had gained. I felt great! I fit into old clothes again and my energy had sky rocketed!

In 2014 we welcomed our sweet rainbow baby Lillian into the world. Adjusting to being a new Mommy, juggling work and life in general I was struggling to lose the 35 lbs I had gained. 

On my 29th Birthday, being 6 months postpartum I had a huge wake up call. I realized I was still in size 14 maternity jeans, tired ALL the time, emotional and feeling discouraged. I wanted to be present for my kids, to have the energy to run around with them. I knew if I wanted to be present for my family and to serve others I needed to take charge of my health so I had the energy to do so! It was that day that I made a promise to myself that by the time I turned 30, I'd be healthier than I ever was in my 20's.

5 pant sizes, 35 lbs and one year later I reached that goal.

I have more energy, I'm more present for my family, I'm healthier and I'm happier. 

What helped me make this big change? That's where 21 Day Fix came in. Over the course of a year I completed several rounds of 21 Day fix. Even a few 1/2 completed rounds in there too wink emoticon The containers, the awesome workouts that were only 30 minutes a day, and the easy nutrition plan.. it just clicked for me. After years of counting calories, macro nutrients, weight watchers, etc. The portion control containers just made sense to me. Drinking my Shakeology everyday, following the eating plan and doing the workouts. The #1 thing I've taken out of this is that it  isn't a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change. You gotta show up each day and make those healthy choices. If you slip up or back slide, don't dwell on it. Instead get right back up and keep going towards those goals!

It wasn't tell about 5 months ago that I felt like God had put it on my heart to share my journey with others. To be able to encourage and be a light to others that we can find a balance. We can be healthy and be present for our families. When I decided to become a coach and started thinking about my team name "Life Light Up" instantly came to my mind. 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

We have this one body here on earth, this one opportunity to be a light to others, to be the change you want to see in the world. And through this health and fitness journey I've had a spiritual fitness transformation as well. That feeling of frustration, self doubt, feeling not good enough is gone. For I know that Jesus is more than enough. By taking care of my health, I am not only able to serve my family better, but others as well. 

So you might be asking, what changes have I made to find this balance? First off please know, I am a work in progress. There is no perfect Mom. But, each day I show up, pray, give thanks, love my family and others, and make the choice to be healthy. 

Changes I have made:

1. Time in my Bible. Each morning I start off my day reading God's word. When I don't make this my #1 priority, everything else falls out of place. Reading my Bible and time with God is vital.

2. 30 minutes of Exercise each day (21 Day Fix has been my workout program of choice this past year. Right now I am currently doing Cize)

3. Meal Prep: Every weekend I schedule out our dinners and all my meals for the week ahead and put them on an excel sheet. Print out our grocery list, shop, and cook batch items so use for meals throughout the week. Not only does it save us money but it keeps me on track with clean eating!

4. Water: I drink a minimum of 64 oz of water a day and keep my water bottle with me always.

5.  I don't eat after 7pm. Kitchen is CLOSED. I brush my teeth the same time as the kids so I'm not tempted to grab a snack. If I have craving something I will make myself a hot cup of tea instead.

6. Shakeology. You've seen breakfast selfies, lol. I start out my day with Shakeology every single day! It's my daily vitamin, energy boost and my daily dose of dense super food nutrition. And it tastes like a chocolate milkshake (bonus).

7.  Be Kind to Yourself: That's right, I give myself GRACE. Maybe I cave and have a burrito from my favorite Mexican food place.. or maybe I have a cookie.. That's ok. It's about balance and next meal it's 100% back to my eating plan. 

8. Family Time: It's so important. To have that time to disconnect from social media, tv, news, etc and just be with your family. 

9. Write down your goals: I like to put my goals on post-it notes and put them where I see them daily. (My mirror, by the coffee machine, by my computer). It keeps my goal fresh in my mind.

10. Accountability groups: This was a big game changer for me. To have that accountability group to go to daily and check in with others who were on their own health and fitness journey. It's priceless! We encourage each other, inspire, make each other smile and friendships are formed. I know that even if I slip up, if I go to them they will tell me to move forward and tomorrow is a new day. When I reach a new accomplishments they are there to cheer me on and say good job! We are a team:)

Are you ready to make a change? You don't have to wait tell the new year to set those resolutions. There is PLENTY of time left in 2015 to reach those goals. Let's end 2015 stronger than we started it!

Who's with me? If you are ready to make a change, want to get started fill out the info here and I'll get back to you right away!

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Have a blessed day!