I was finally tired enough of being tired.

::::Dusts off Blog::::

Hey guys! Man I've been a bad blogger! Can I start off by saying how busy we'v been?! 

School, sickness, baseball season began, crazy wind/rain storms, birthdays and all kinds of events in between. I am thankful to say we are all healthy now and adjusting to our newly busier schedule.

Before I get into what I wanted to write about today, I wanted to answer a question I've gotten in a few messages... Did I finish 90 Days of Core De Force?

The answer?

YES! YES I DID! 

How was it? How did I do? What results did I get?

All answered here:

Now to what I came here to write about. Being Tired.

I wrote a short post on this a few weeks ago and after speaking to so many friends and challengers afterwards about this, I realized that SO many people have been at that point or are currently in it.

The me on the left was so so tired.

Tired of having no energy.

Tired of being out of breath going up and down the one flight of stairs of my home.

Tired of still only fitting into my maternity jeans 9 months postpartum.

Tired of having no confidence.

Tired of not feeling like "me" anymore.

Tired of my PCOS symptoms getting worse and worse.

Tired of being TIRED of everything.

I was a yo yo dieter for all of my 20's. I looked for and tried any "magic pill' that popped up in store shelves. Thinking "THIS" would be it for me. (I cringe ad admitting this. But it's important to share.)

I was so wrong.

That was when 21 Day Fix came into my life.

Gone were the days of calorie counting, taking diet pills and eating "fat free" frankenfoods.

I learned how to cook healthy, measure out proper portions and not only did it NOT take too much time out of my day, but I started to enjoy it. My family started sitting at the dinner table again to eat together instead of sitting on the couch.

(My Carskey boy eating Fix Approved Fried Rice)

My kids started to roll around and "pretend" to work out with me. We were getting outside more and being more active together.

My daily Shakeology help curbed my sweet tooth and break my years of being a breakfast skipper.

For once in my adult life my metabolism and PCOS symptoms were healing.

30 mins of working out to the dvd's at home a day, eating healthy delicious portion fix approved meals and getting my daily Shakeology in.

There is NO such thing as a magic pill that works for the long term.

My family and I are the healthiest we've ever been. I'm a better wife and Mom for it. I'm a better ME for doing this.

21 Day Fix, Beachbody programs and the Portion Fix container system with Shakeology has helped change my life.

Wherever you are in your journey....

If you are just beginning, in the middle, at a plateau or debating on beginning..

Making that choice to take action, trust the process and put in the hard work will pay off. It can change your life.

From 21 Day Fix... 21 Day Fix Extreme... Hammer and Chisel and now Core De Force I can't image my life now without these programs, my #DreamBigTribe! So incredibly thankful for these ladies.

(Shout out to these amazing ladies that lost a combined over 100 pounds in the month January in our Virtual Gym Challenge!)

There is no perfect time to begin, just the time when you are tired enough of being tired. Each small step you make to live a healthier life will make a difference. Making the decision to commit, daily consistency, keeping your "why" fresh in your mind to fuel your determination will help you get there. 

If you would like to join me in my next group that starts on Monday 2/27 I would love to have you. You can click on the link here to get more info: http://bit.ly/DreamBigTribe

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?

Fill out my online form.

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

Have a blessed day!

Core De Force Round 1 Results and Review

Just like that 30 days gone in a blink! My Team and I decided we were going to accept the challenge of 30 Days of the brand new program Core De Force during the month of November. Right smack in the middle of the challenge? Thanksgiving!

We weren't going to let that stop us from tackling these goals we had set for ourselves!

Today I was reflecting back on my day 0 blog post where I shared my goals, plan, etc. to make this round of Core De Force my best round of a program ever. I didn't stick to the eating plan 110%, but I came pretty close! I even had 3 Thanksgiving dinners in 1 week that I had to balance out, and watch my portions.

Do I regret it? Now way! 

This program has not only given me the quickest results I've ever gotten from a program, but it's helped me get my fight back. The girl on the right was in a pretty bad spot mentally and physically and was ready to make a big change. Core De Fore really helped me do just that!

I took these screen shots above from the MyChallengeTracker app from the Test Launch Group I was in for this round. Do you these show? 30 days of consistent workouts and getting my daily dose of dense nutrition. These 2 things are big factors in my results! 

I will share my 30 day results here in a minute. But first I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things about completing this round:

- I have more energy

-I feel stronger

- I got to eat SO much good food! Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza? yes please!

- My PCOS symptoms have drastically improved!

- My anxiety/PTSD has really calmed down A LOT.

- Team Work. I loved doing this with my team! Those ladies are amazing and really helped keep me going!

- Inches wise, this is the smallest I've been since before I had my kids. But I'm actually like 6 lbs heavier than I was at my smallest. Hello muscle!

My Round 1 Results? I'm down 8.4 lbs and 6.5 inches and 1 dress size!(2 of those inches were in my waist and 1 1/2 of those inches were in my hips.) 

I love this program so much that I am not stopping it anytime soon! Round 2 began yesterday with the deluxe workouts and I'm ready to keep punching air and kicking high to reach my goals.

What did I eat this challenge?

SO much good food!

My team the Dream Big Tribe has been having such a big results and love of this program that we are keeping our challenge group OPEN! That means you can jump in with us right now if you want!

And guess what? You can start with us the VERY next day after you order! How is that possible you wonder? Well when you get your $70 off challenge pack you get 30 days of BeachbodyOnDemand access for FREE. Within 24 hrs you will have access to your Core De Force workouts and stream them and access your program guide tell your actual kit arrives. Pretty cool huh?

Are you ready to get your fight back? Fill out this application below and I'll get in touch with you asap with the details!

Fill out my online form.

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Core De Force Week 2 Progress and Review

 How am I feeling with two weeks of this program under my belt?

Amazing. Sore. Stronger.

I needed a comeback more than ever. It's not something I'm ready to talk about here on my blog. Maybe sometime in the near future. For now just know that I was in a pretty low point. I was struggling mentally and physically and when I was accepted into a Test Launch group for this program. I knew this was gonna be a turning point for me.

  This program has given me a new spring in my step. I'm tellin ya, there is just something about punch and kicking hair in the morning and boosts your mood. haha

 I'm not just physically stronger, but mentally too.

So what have I been eating this week? A TON of food! We were given an extra purple container daily this week. But honestly, I haven't used them. I don't like fruit so I'm lucky to get 1 purple a day in with my frozen banana in my Shakeology or when I have marinara sauce or salsa... Yep that's the extent of my purple containers. 

I resisted some really yummy looking desserts this week, pizza AND a burrito. I know right? I' amazed myself! Honestly they only sounded good for a split second. then I would think about how challenging that workout was that morning and that fueled my fire to resist it.

I have not felt deprived AT all! See that top right pic? Yep that's steak, eggs hot sauce with a little mozzarella cheese. Yep that's on my plan, and it was GOOD.

Speaking of Nutrition! Here is a quick vlog I did on my youtube channel this week answering some questions on the nutrition side of this program.

Week 2 Review:

I got a cold virus mid week. Sore throat, runny nose, fever.  Both my kids had to too and to say the least, we felt like crud. It really took me digging deep to push play daily and the help of being in the test launch group and my challenge group. Those 2 groups made a HUGE impact on me this week. 

I was more tired this week. I'm not sure if it was being sick, or the week 2 "energy tank" that I've heard other test group participant talk about. It passed on Friday/Saturday and I fell like I ended the week with more energy than I started it.

The workouts? Phew they were challenging! But GOOD! MMA Power is intense but man it was fun! There isn't a workout I don't like on this program so far. 

Week 2 Progress:

I stepped on the scale on day 15 this morning was was surprised! Despite all this FOOD I get to eat, I have now lost 6 pounds 5.5 inches in 14 days!

More importantly though my anxiety level has gone down SO much. I'm sleeping better, my chronic rib and neck pain has decreased and I'm having fun!

Looking for Tips on how to create a healthy balance over Thanksgiving? 

Check out my Vlog on Week 3's Meal Prep and Thanksgiving Survival Tips!

When Thanksgiving is over what's next? Ready to punch some air and get some awesome results before the end of the year?

 Join my Core De Force Challenge Group that begins 12/7

Zero Equipment. MMA Style Workouts that will ignited that fire inside you to fight for your health. Don't wait tell Jan 1st. to start on those goals. We'll be ENDING our 30 days just after the New Year. How's that for starting off 2017? Already shedding weight and inches and knocking out goals?

To RSVP and save your spot for our group you can do so here:

Fill out my online form.

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

@FaithFarmFit www.Facebook.com/LifeLightUp

Have a blessed day!

                            

Core De Force Week 2 Progress and Review

 How am I feeling with two weeks of this program under my belt?

Amazing. Sore. Stronger.

I needed a comeback more than ever. It's not something I'm ready to talk about here on my blog. Maybe sometime in the near future. For now just know that I was in a pretty low point. I was struggling mentally and physically and when I was accepted into a Test Launch group for this program. I knew this was gonna be a turning point for me.

  This program has given me a new spring in my step. I'm tellin ya, there is just something about punch and kicking hair in the morning and boosts your mood. haha

 I'm not just physically stronger, but mentally too.

So what have I been eating this week? A TON of food! We were given an extra purple container daily this week. But honestly, I haven't used them. I don't like fruit so I'm lucky to get 1 purple a day in with my frozen banana in my Shakeology or when I have marinara sauce or salsa... Yep that's the extent of my purple containers. 

I resisted some really yummy looking desserts this week, pizza AND a burrito. I know right? I' amazed myself! Honestly they only sounded good for a split second. then I would think about how challenging that workout was that morning and that fueled my fire to resist it.

I have not felt deprived AT all! See that top right pic? Yep that's steak, eggs hot sauce with a little mozzarella cheese. Yep that's on my plan, and it was GOOD.

Speaking of Nutrition! Here is a quick vlog I did on my youtube channel this week answering some questions on the nutrition side of this program.

Week 2 Review:

I got a cold virus mid week. Sore throat, runny nose, fever.  Both my kids had to too and to say the least, we felt like crud. It really took me digging deep to push play daily and the help of being in the test launch group and my challenge group. Those 2 groups made a HUGE impact on me this week. 

I was more tired this week. I'm not sure if it was being sick, or the week 2 "energy tank" that I've heard other test group participant talk about. It passed on Friday/Saturday and I fell like I ended the week with more energy than I started it.

The workouts? Phew they were challenging! But GOOD! MMA Power is intense but man it was fun! There isn't a workout I don't like on this program so far. 

Week 2 Progress:

I stepped on the scale on day 15 this morning was was surprised! Despite all this FOOD I get to eat, I have now lost 6 pounds 5.5 inches in 14 days!

More importantly though my anxiety level has gone down SO much. I'm sleeping better, my chronic rib and neck pain has decreased and I'm having fun!

Looking for Tips on how to create a healthy balance over Thanksgiving? 

Check out my Vlog on Week 3's Meal Prep and Thanksgiving Survival Tips!

When Thanksgiving is over what's next? Ready to punch some air and get some awesome results before the end of the year?

 Join my Core De Force Challenge Group that begins 12/7

Zero Equipment. MMA Style Workouts that will ignited that fire inside you to fight for your health. Don't wait tell Jan 1st. to start on those goals. We'll be ENDING our 30 days just after the New Year. How's that for starting off 2017? Already shedding weight and inches and knocking out goals?

To RSVP and save your spot for our group you can do so here:

Fill out my online form.

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

@FaithFarmFit www.Facebook.com/LifeLightUp

Have a blessed day!

                            

Faith and Sweat: The Awakening

I began my coaching journey after losing 40lbs with 21 Day Fix and Shakeology and feeling like a brand new me. I wanted to shout from the roof tops what I had learned and had a passion ignited in me to help as many people as I could. That's where our team was born! Dream Big Tribe grew and grew and together we were building a community of women who had a judgement free zone, a safe place they could check in daily to share their achievements and struggles, and anything else on their heart.

(Before I started making healthy changes/Me as a new Coach)

Then I hit a personal road block that felt like continued hurdles one after the next. Only a few months into my coaching journey I was hit on the freeway in an accident that literally rocked my world. Months of Physical Theraphy/Dr. Apts and a diagnosis of PTSD left me feeling a wave of emotions of  feeling defeated and determined to come out of this stronger than ever. A shorter version? I was in a glass case of emotions (yep I just made an Anchorman reference).

Anxiety, forgetfulness, feeling like Luna Lovegood with my mind jumping all over the place. I really struggled with focusing on one task and getting it done 100%. My workouts, my nutrition struggled as I attempted to put myself back to the person I was, the results I worked so hard for before the accident.

I'd get close, then something else would come up. Another hurdle, another obstacle. I'd find myself thinking "Why? What this now?" And feeling like a failure, a fraud of a coach because I couldn't get my self together.

Fast forward to present day, I want to tell you something that I realized. All this time I've spent trying to get BACK to the person I was pre-accident wasn't what I needed at all. Why do I say that?

Because I'm not that person anymore. And that's 100% ok.

God gives us events, seasons in our life to help mold us and shape us into the person He has planned for us to be. All these's hurdles, obstacles happening that have left me wondering "why?!" are examples of this. I needed to stop going backwards, to stop trying to be a person I wasn't any longer.

Taking a breath here for a second.. this is really hard to put out there.

While I've been going through these struggles being the scenes, on the outside I was trying to act like I was comfortable with who I was. I would share sprinkles of my anxiety, struggles, and did my best at the time to try to show the "whole" journey. But I was still afraid of what others would think, that I was coming across as a walking billboard for products and felt like I wasn't truly worthy enough to be a coach for other people when I couldn't get my own stuff together. In all honesty? The workout programs I've been doing these past almost 2 years, drinking my daily Shakeology has blessed my life in so many ways. I have more energy, my health is better for it and it's been a natural stress reliever for me. It's why I became a coach, because I truly believe Beachbody's products/programs are one of a kind and offer the ability to make this a lifestyle change and not a "quick fix, magic pill" that won't last. I also know that I'm not good to myself or others, if I'm not being authentically my self, the person God has designed me to be.

I've been pretty open with sharing that part of my journey with others. The part I haven't been sharing as much.. Me as a person. The Jesus loving, absent minded, anxiety filled, coffee drinking, arts and crafts addict, pumpkin fanatic, country living, mommy, wife, friend, daughter, sister, person.. that I am. I'm ready to embrace that and be that kinda coach, and stop trying to be the coach I used to be. Now more than ever I have a passion ignited in me to help others find peace, love, and confidence in their own skin. To be authentically you.

(Me now: No make up, post workout, Faith, Sweat and all. Ready embracing this new season)

That's where this new season has begun. 3 words that have been ringing in my ears for weeks now.

Faith and Sweat.

Typically when I come up with a new challenge group... new blog series... new coach training, etc.. I spend weeks and sometimes months behind the scenes building it up before I launch it.

I'm doing things differently this time. I'm going to be sharing with you from the very beginning.

What is Faith and Sweat?

Faith is crucial. Faith in God's timing, in His plan. Also, having faith in the process of making healthy lifestyle habits. Knowing that things take time, that this is a journey and not something that will happen over night. A daily choice to have faith in that journey and knowing that God is good all the time. Even when the season seems foggy or dreary.

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will be moved. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:21

Sweat. I believe with all my heart that God gives us opportunities and gifts/life experiences to put to work, as tools to make things happen. You have big dreams? You have goals planted so deep in your heart that you want to make a reality? You gotta put in the sweat, the hard work to make it happen. It can be scary, sometimes it may feel like your feet are glued to the floor because you are afraid of failing. The truth? You will never truly fail with the Lord God on your side.

Have faith in the process, sweat your hearts hopes and dreams... Together, Faith and Sweat. Mountains will be moved.

Whether you have health and fitness goals you have started and stopped more times than you can count, have financial goals you want to reach, or whatever it is that's been planted in your heart to make a reality... I would love for you to join me from the beginning of this new project. This new season.

What will be a part of this project?

Honestly? I'm not 100% sure yet (see I told you this is starting from square one). There will Mon- Fri daily FB lives here: https://www.facebook.com/lifelightup/

There will be daily tips, and sharing my own personal journey as I dig into my own faith and sweat.

There will be blog posts.

There will be me here to encourage you, fellowship with you either in our Dream Big Tribe community and/or privately as your coach.

I'm done trying to be the coach I think I should be, and ready to be the coach/person that God has planned for me to be in this season of time.

Will you join me?

FB Live Access: www.FB.com/LifeLightUp

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Recipe: Paleo Chicken Salad

I'm always on the hunt for new meal prep friendly recipes. Something tasty, easy to make and something I can grab on the go! Recently I have been cutting dairy and gluten out of my diet to help with my PCOS symptoms so I've been switching up my normal meal prep staples. 

I loved this one and I just had to share it with you!

Meet my dairy free, gluten free, super tasty Chicken Salad!

Ingredients:

- 2 Boneless/skinless Chicken Breasts (cooked and shredded)

- 1/2 cup dairy free mayo (I used Primal Chicken's Mayo w/ Avocado Oil)

- 2 slices of cooked bacon (chopped)

- 2 celery stalks (chopped)

- 2 green onions (chopped)

-Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix shredded chicken, mayo, bacon, and the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and mix. THAT'S IT! Simple right?

*Note: I cooked my chicken in my instant pot. 2  thawed chicken breasts, 1 cup of boneless chicken broth cooked on manual for 13 minutes, shredded and then chilled in the fridge before adding.

I served it over a cup of shredded cabbage/salad mix for lunches this week and it was a nice change of pace! Next time I may add a dash of hot sauce too it for a kick ;)

Want more recipes like this? 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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Taking the first step: Where I was and where I am now

The day you make the decision to change the way you view food and your health can either be very a blurry memory or crystal clear.

Mine was crystal clear.

I was on the beach with my little family on my 29th birthday. Lily was almost 7 months old and it was her first trip to the beach. I was too self conscious to wear even shorts so here I was on the beach in the hottest part of the summer wearing maternity jeans and a baggy shirt. We had to walk a few blocks away and I remember feeling so out of breath, so tired. I couldn't even run around with my 3 year old for long. I had to sit there on the beach and encourage him to play in the sand instead.

My Husband took a picture of me on the beach with the kids and when I looked that the picture that night I realized how poorly I had been taking care of my body. Yes I was a new mom and there are body changes that come with that (all which are beautiful).

The poor eating choices, zero exercise, tired all the time and the realization I had lost my drive/passion to do the things I love outside of being a mommy hit me looking at that picture.

My health in my 20's consisted of a lot of yo-yo dieting, searching for one quick fix to the next and my metabolism was tanked from it.

I made a promise to myself then that my 30's were going to be my healthiest years yet. I was going to do it the right way. Clean eating, exercise, and resetting my mindset from this being a chore to a blessing was the way I was going to do it.

10 days ago I turned 31. I thanked God that I was celebrating another year, and was still on track with the goal I set out to reach 2 years prior.

21 Day Fix's exercise and simple portion control eating plan, my daily shakeology and a challenge group started this ripple effect for me. It's why I became a coach. I want to help others create that ripple effect in their lives too.

If you are ready, or if this very long but very true message touched you in any way. Will you fill this out below? I want to help.

Fill out my online form.

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Have a blessed day,