Wednesday, December 16, 2015

21 Day Fix Extreme December Update

It has been busy, busy, busy around my house.  I wish I had the time to sit down and write a proper blog update right now, but I am really strapped for time today.  I also didn't want to leave you hanging for another few weeks, while we all manage to get through the holidays.

OK.  Quick update on my 21 Day Fix Extreme.  I am really embracing the workouts this time around. When I first tried 21 Day Fix Extreme back in February, I REALLY struggled with the workouts.  They were almost too challenging for me.  This time around, I know what to expect.  although the workouts are still quite a challenge, I am finding that I am able to go longer, and I am a lot stronger (Thank you Insanity Max:30).  I still can't complete some of the exercise sets in full, but I am definitely getting better.  My shoulders and arms are really showing progress - lots of slimming muscular definition.  I have NOT been following the meal plan...didn't even attempt, since it is the holiday season.  I HAVE been very diligent about my food choices though.  I am sticking with lots of healthy options, and steering clear of my allergen food triggers.  I have also been drinking staying away from the sweets.  I don't know if it is the daily Shakeology that is helping with that , or the Beachbody Performance line...specifically the post workout Recover drink...which is chocolate...and delicious....tastes like a Wendy's frosty.  I also really enjoy the vanilla Recharge drink, right before bed.  PLUS, with both of these products, when consumed with proper timing post workout, or before bed, the calories cancel themselves out because of the muscle repair that results from it (it is all fancy scientific stuff, you can learn more about it HERE).




That is my quick update.  I will leave you with a fun, and not really healthy Eggnog Bread recipe that I enjoy this time of year.


CLICK HERE for the recipe.  
Happy Holidays!  

Friday, December 4, 2015

Back from vacation and Refreshed


I had a wonderful vacation, and really enjoyed myself.  I definitely took the time to indulge and have some treats.  We arrived home on Monday, after a long 15 hour drive.  I don't know about you, but when I travel, I am more prone to digestive upset - cramping, bloating, and constipation.  It is a common occurrence for many.  When you travel, you are taking yourself out of a normal routine.  That causes stress on your body, which makes digestion more sluggish. 

Before I left on vacation, I had already planned to come home and jump right into a 3 Day Refresh.  So, Tuesday morning (even without having been to the store yet), I jumped right in.  If you have not read my posts about the Refresh before, let me give you the scoop.  The 3 Day Refresh is a 3 day quick detox, that is designed to cut your craving for sugar, cleanse the digestive system, and help you drop the bloat.  It takes a cold turkey sort of approach...after all, it is ONLY 3 days.  The eating plan is Vegan, so you will be focusing on the fruits and veggies.  You get to enjoy REAL food, along with Shakeology and a high protein Vanilla Fresh shake (dairy free and soy free), lots of water, herbal tea, and relaxing exercise (optional).  Every time I do the 3 Day Refresh, I lose 3-8 pounds (mostly water), I drop the bloat, and I just FEEL better.  I am also much more inclined to make healthier eating choices because I get a reminder or how great my body feels when I eat right. 

A typical day on the refresh starts with Shakeology and a serving of fruit, in the morning.  Mid way through the morning you will have a Fiber Sweep drink.  Don't worry, it is a gentle fiber drink, and won't send you running to the bathroom.  Lunch consists of a serving of fruit, a serving of veggies, a healthy fat, and a Vanilla Fresh Shake.  You also get an afternoon snack of veggies and a healthy fat.  The 3 Day Refresh comes with a bunch of dinner recipes that you can choose from.   Asparagus with almonds, and Cucumber Tomato Salad are 2 of my favorites.  You also get to enjoy a Vanilla Fresh Shake with dinner.  FYI - the Vanilla Fresh Shake contains 20g of protein, and runs about 200 calories.  It really does help to keep you full.  there is also an option to have some vegetable broth along with your meal.  In addition, you will aim to drink plenty of water, to help flush out your system.  Herbal tea between meals and in the evening is allowed.  All in all, while on the refresh, you will consume about 1100 calories a day varies based on your food choices).  It is encouraged that you stick to very light exercise (yoga, PiYo, or walking), or just take the time to rest your body.


Get the Recipe HERE

I have done this 3 Day Refresh MANY times over the past few years, and I have to say it is great for getting back on track with your eating.  This round helped me drop 3 pounds.  I definitely dropped the bloat!!  I feel better, and I am ready to stay focused on my eating choices for December...you, I have the WILL POWER to skip the holiday cookies. 


I am jumping back into my regular exercise routine today!  I have decided that I am going to do 21 Day Fix Extreme for the 3 weeks leading up to Christmas. Why start on a Friday?  Because I do not want to wait until Monday.  Besides, starting today will have me finish my round of the Fix on December 24...Christmas Eve.  That means no pressure to get my workout in on Christmas ;).  I selected to do Extreme over the regular 21 Day Fix because I just finished up Insanity Max:30, and I wanted to stick with the more challenging workout through the end of the year.  I will be jumping into the brand new Master's of Hammer and Chisel program (including the meal plan), right after Christmas.  I am ready to commit to this program, and REALLY get some results in 2016.  Want to join me with ANY of these programs?  Message me and let me help you get started, support you through the process, and help you reach YOUR goals.