Unconventional

It's a snow day - I love snow days.  Colorado - specifically Denver area - has the best winter season ever. I love the fact that the sun literally is up the next day - bright with blue skies. Who could ask for a better winter season? I believe that whatever seasonal depression I may have - is not as bad because of the beautiful weather here. This post is not about the weather - it's about keeping my life moving forward and having goals to help me feel like I am accomplishing something. What is that something? Well, really I should be concentrating my time on getting my house organized and clean - and it is - but not the way I really would like it to be. I do have friends that spend afternoons purging the waste and cleaning out closets and re-decorating and re-arranging. Or maybe you work - and just being able to put dinner on the table is the goal for the day. I get that - exhaustion takes over - and all you really want is a bath. 

For me - I wanted new fitness goals for 2015. And some would say - why? Aren't you already in pretty decent shape - and feel healthy and strong? Yes, I feel that way. A lot of the time - I need to stop the chitter chatter in my head. Which tends to bend more on the negative side. So, I thought I would enlist help from a trainer from the gym I go to. And this is for me- a way to get new ideas on what I can do differently. I want to be able to do things that I have never done - but I can also do them at home. That's okay to feel like you need a little help - unless of course, you are the expert. And I am no expert - I am pretty ordinary - I like being the student. 

Getting ready for a session with trainer - in some new red leggings. February is "red" month. 

What I have learned so far has been great - and has helped me learn that unconventional exercises are just as effective as the conventional ones. That paper towels can really get my heart rate up, and pushing a sled with weight is very difficult. Throwing a 14 lb. ball against the wall is a great core workout if you do it over and over again. All you need is a little space. Being happy and positive will spur you to do things you never thought you could. 

What I hope to learn from this - is that there are many things we can do inside our homes - and at the gym that don't need to be intimidating. Doing things a bit differently and changing up conventional thinking. Running is not the only way to really get a great cardio workout and that lifting dumb bells is not the only way my biceps will get some definition. Although, I do believe in those methods - I just want different ideas. We like our options - right? 

Mother/Son

Looking back at pictures - thousands of pictures stored on the computer (heaven help us if the computer crashes!). I went way back - probably about 11 years ago - and I almost always love what I see. All my kids were just babes running around - life couldn't have been more simple. I found a picture of myself with my oldest son, Christian. He was around 13 years old when this picture was taken, and I was about 36 years old. I am clearly in my last month of pregnancy with my last child, Lily. For those mothers out there - who could really put on the pregnancy weight - like I could - I say BRAVO!! Let me just say, that I was clearly annoyed at any woman who kept her tiny frame and had a little round belly.  Yes, I was green with envy - this is very true. But the woman's body when creating - is going to do what it needs to do. Yes, there are cravings like there is no tomorrow. For about 75% of the time - I ate very healthy - and the rest of the time - I would give in to cravings. I am not saying that I would mow chow on ice cream, cookies, and cakes - but I would indulge. The 50 or 60 pounds I gained when pregnant - not once or twice - but six times - was definitely hard. And the incredible challenge to loose that weight is even harder. It does not fall off of you - you work little by little. 

With my oldest son - Christian. Me pregnant with my last baby - Lily.

My oldest son is built strong - and he would also say that he too has had to work at keeping fit and trim. In middle school - that is when the weight  hit him. However, in High School he worked to keep fit. So proud, as he would hit goals and be able to feel good about himself. Now in college - he is my running, busy, weight-lifting, happy, service-oriented, and loving son. He is motivated by goals that push him to do hard things - and he always comes out a champ. It also helps that he has a great "can do" attitude. I am very proud of him and what he has accomplished so far in his very young life. I look at his example and want to be more like him every day. 

Being motivated and inspired by those around you - and having the attitude that you can do hard things - helps every bit every single day. I love that I have raised some pretty amazing kids - who teach me to have that "can do" attitude and to live their lives to the fullest. Transformations can happen - even if it takes a long time to get there. 

Fit - Bug

It seems that every where you look, read, view, and see - we are struck by a bug. This is the season for the flu-bug, and it is the season for being a ski-bum, but it's also the season to really think about getting the fit-bug. It's not a Fit-bit device that you put on your body, or on your iphone to calculate calories burned and consumed. It's something that you digest as you are wanting, needing health and fitness changes or desires. Every where you turn - especially on my favorite social media site - Pinterest - you will find every type of work out combination to slim, trim, tone, and strengthen your body. And then it's placed in a category. Do you want yoga, cross-fit, weight-lifting, cardio or dancing fitness information? Maybe you feel you need to target just one area of your body.  Maybe its abs that you want to chisel or maybe it's your bootie. So much information on how to build a bootie - not a skinny one but a round robust one. Wow! 

Working on those beach muscles - my biceps - slowly inching towards my goal. 

Then it's on to our eating habits and finding menu's - to help us stay on course - because after all - abs are made in the kitchen, right? You can find every type of clean eating, vegan, vegetarian or paleo diet to help you get back on track and to stay on that track. This can be consuming and overwhelming. Especially for one who is bitten by the fit-bug. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram - so many different accounts to view with professionals or just your average person - who all have the fit -bug and are all sharing their ideas. I must admit this all can be overwhelming. I feel that to a certain degree, there are millions of people who are the experts on the fit- bug. 

For someone like me or maybe you - we have our own ideas. We want to try them out and hopefully find success and some type of enjoyment out of our activity. For me, I like the buzz and energy of a class room filled with people seeking satisfaction out of a spin class or Insanity class. Or there are times - where there is no time. And I use my own basement as my gym to get my fitness in for the day. I know I have been bitten by this bug - because my day isn't over til I have had a great workout doing something to work up a sweat. Maybe this isn't a big deal to you - but I certainly feel that this bug has taken over.

Getting ready to lift my weights for the day

When I see pictures of my three eldest kids meeting up at the gym at college for their nightly workout - I feel that I have at least taught them to take care of the one body they have been given. I also know that fitness - whatever that looks like to you - helps those happy endorphins that we are all needing or seeking every day. This is just my opinion and how I feel about fitness. Time well spent - even if its only thirty minutes or an hour. 

Being bitten by this bug - can only make me happy if my intentions are to help me mentally and physically feel better. It starts to turn ugly if I start the comparing . That is the downside to the fit-bug. I have had many doses of that sprinkled throughout my life - and it takes something away from you. It makes you feel bad and ugly and irritated - and that is the worst part of this bug. I know its all intertwined - so, I try to keep myself around positive minded people who want the same thing. To feel good, strive for better health, work on fitness levels, and to accomplish goals, goals and more goals. Having a goal to work on and to slowly or maybe inch towards can be very rewarding.  

Doing one of my favorite lifting workouts from home - Les Mills Body Pump

My fit-bug - as long as I get just a dose of it every day (except Sundays, of course) - keeps me motivated and moving towards goals I have set for myself.  

If You Change Nothing, Nothing Will Change

 If you are happy and complacent with the way life is going - then you are in a good place - so stay there. I am happy with a lot of things right now. My older kids are a little closer to finishing their Junior year in college and one is loving her freshman year of college. My younger kids are well adjusted in their schooling - and now get the hang of their schedules. Don't change a thing - keep moving forward and towards the goal - to finish up the school year (hopefully with grades to put a smile on their face). 

I on the other hand am always in a state of "the need to change" - always. Whether it be to work towards a goal to change up my fitness routine, or to read more, eat super healthy, to love more and especially to laugh more. I keep thinking - if you change nothing, nothing will change. Is that a state of restlessness or the need to change it up? I am all for trying new things. It's a new year - so something needs to change. I decided fitness wise that I wanted to use my time wisely with quick workouts - 30 minutes. So, I started with Les Mills Grit Plyo  - hardest 30 minutes of my time. However, I was able to keep up with the teacher - which made me feel good inside. When you are my age - it's the little things. 

This was our class size- so small - yet so intense. 5:30 am in the morning for this class. 

Next physical challenge - Insanity Max 30 which will get you to a state of maxing out within so many minutes. Sometimes I do this and max out at 20 minutes and other times its more like 10 minutes. Either way, I am getting to a point where I have to slow down and catch my breath. 

Max out Cardio - was very hard - and had to bring it down after 10 minutes. 

My motto can also be applied to my personal and spiritual development - not just physical. I always have a couple of really good personal development books by my bedside - as well as my scriptures that I try, try, try to read daily - as it brings wellness to my life. Next up, I really need to laugh and chill just a little bit more. This truly is a hard one for me - I have a tendency to get very worked up over little things. Not good for my relationships with my close family members. How to change this - when its so ingrained in you?  I am pretty sure there is no class to take or dvd to watch to help me with this. I think what it is - is a constant review or check in - with yourself, spouse, family members, and friends. And most importantly - a good attitude! And could I add in - the need to NOT get defensive about your feedback. Because if you change nothing (because of your pride), nothing will change. 

Dig Deep

When I first heard the term "dig deep" - I wasn't 100% sure I knew what that meant. Did it mean to dig deep into the recesses of my mind - and to hyper focus? So much so - that I had to really get inside my head? When you attach that phrase with a workout - how do you feel about that? At first I thought - alright, I got this - I can "dig-deep." So, yes the term dig deep came from my Insanity workout dvd's that trainer Shaun T. says - in order to keep the viewer moving toward the finish - meaning the end of the workout. 

Now, years later - many years later - the newest Insanity workout is here. It's termed:                 Insanity Max: 30 (meaning 30 minutes of work). So, in looking at the preview for these workouts I actually got excited. Yes, people are sweaty  - but they also look like they are spending 30 minutes of time really working on their fitness level. Sometimes, we let our fears or doubts stand in the way of the hard work and the dig deep moments. Unless their are injuries - dig deep - whatever that looks like to you - should be there. 

When I first started these dig deep workouts - I had just turned 40 and needed to shake up the routine I had in place. Years of doing the same thing was not as challenging any more - I was not seeing the results that I had hoped for. I needed a big switch up - but not certain what that was. And honestly, I was excited but a little fearful to start a brand new routine - called Insanity. 

Around my 40th birthday - I decided to shake up my workout routine - and see results again.Here is my sweet boy - giving me what I need the most - a hug!!

Shaun T. the creator of Insanity and Insanity Max 30 - One of the best ways to get in to shape. 

Dig Deep is to focus on your fitness - whatever that may look like to you. My next challenge will be these workouts - and I must admit I am a little bit excited to get started down another path. I would love for you to join me - the more the merrier! 

Insanity Transformation

When you decide to really change up things in your world - it can be very motivating. When I first met Kenady - she was to run her first half marathon with my daughter Ella. I got to meet her and knew what a fun, loving, and very loyal friend she would always be to my daughter. I also know that even though they were planning on running the San Francisco half marathon - they also were in college - and living the college way. For example, late nights, parties, eating, parties, school, late nights and parties again. This - as you well know - takes a toll. Especially on your health. Here are her words: "Like most college freshman, I packed on the freshman 15 and fast. When winter semester ended it hit me that bathing suit season was fast approaching. I decided then that I was going to take control and get back in shape. I needed a workout plan that was structured, consistent and had a schedule I could easily follow." 

Partnering up with her dad she began to follow Insanity - and started the 3 month plan. "At the beginning, the workout kicked my butt!! You know a workout is hard when those demonstrating can't get through the workout without taking a break. I constantly had to stop to catch my breath, but I did as much as I could. As time went on, the work didn't get easier, but I got stronger. By the end of the program I lost all of the weight and had put on muscle." 

Insanity Transformation - following the 3 month plan - Kenady lost the weight - and got stronger for it. 

Today she looks and feels amazing and still mixes in Insanity in to her weekly work outs. "Every time I do an Insanity work out I feel challenged and good about myself. I am happy with my healthier, fitter body!" 

Be Strong

Be strong can mean many different things - to different people.  To one woman it was her motto and eventually became her last name. She just had her first baby and was wanting to get the last bit of pregnancy weight off. I want to note that all her family pictures of her and her little family are just  adorable - and she is just the type of person you want to move next door and be your neighbor. She has a great "I can do anything" attitude. To her - she had to have the will, determination, desire and will power - to be strong - and get healthy.

Getting back on the road to "healthy" takes discipline and hard work - and that's what my friend did. 

Needing an extra push - she joined my Challenge group and started consistently doing Focus T25 and drinking Shakeology. T25 is a home-based workout - that packs a punch of a workout in 25 minutes. Really is a great workout. My friend did just that and - the baby weight is gone. However, it has been with determination, hard work, consistent workouts, nutritious eating that she is hitting her goals. 

Down 25 pounds from doing T25 and drinking Shakeology - feeling strong and healthy again. 

Be strong in mind - can help you achieve and do hard things. 

PIYO (Pilates/Yoga)

One of my newest fitness ventures has been yoga. I never really have taken the time to put any thought or effort in to this type of activity. Generally, I am focused on cardio or lifting type fitness - as opposed to going down that yoga path. Last winter/spring I signed up for Hot Yoga at a local yoga studio. Really had no idea what I was in for. The door was closed (literally blocked with yoga blocks - to prevent you from leaving the room) and the heat was turned up - way up! We were in for 1 1/2 hours of poses, holding poses, deep breathing, and lots and lots of sweating. Seriously, hardest 1 1/2 hours of my life. There was to be absolutely NO TALKING - and no drinking water at the inappropriate time - this was so hard. I actually got caught a couple of times - and got a quick lashing from the yoga instructor. I finally decided that right now in my life - is not the time for hot yoga. However,  yoga is so amazing and the feeling of being able to hold yourself in almost impossible poses was pretty awesome. 

Then came PIYO (Pilates/Yoga) inspired workouts - so its strength meets yoga. The two combined are so well-matched and work in rythm with each other, that now I can't imagine one without the other. Beachbody has come out with this amazing program to be able to promote and introduce core building workouts. 

PIYO with Chalene Johnson  - such a great combination of yoga and pilates. 

The month of November - PIYO is on sale - really is a great time to add it to your workout routine. I am so happy that I can still get my yoga- fix but with a lot of strength moves thrown in. And I don't have be quiet, I can drink my water, and talk - if I want to! 

Love PIYO - and love getting your core strong. 

Sprint to the Finish

As we are nearing the end of October - we are fast approaching our next big holiday - Thanksgiving. November will always be the month with many fond and happy memories attached. Not only is it my mother's birthday month - but it is also my oldest son and daughter's birthday as well. We celebrate both birthdays - as they are so close to Thanksgiving- then we turn around and gather with family members for the feast. And it is a feast. Not just a feast - for the actual Thanksgiving dinner - it is a feast of things to do, to be done, and to get done. There will be mere days left - before Christmas - and who has time for - anything? So, it is about right now - that I will set quick goals to do on an every day basis - until the end of the year or until Christmas. I like to call this: SPRINT TO THE FINISH. 

Literally sprinting to the finish line - complete excitement to finish the race! 

My daughter Ella who ran in the San Francisco Half Marathon - as she was nearing the finish line -  sprinted to cross the finish line. Completely elated from the experience - she worked hard and knew as she was coming to the end - she needed to sprint.

SPRINT TO THE FINISH - small attainable goals set for every day  - to accomplish larger future goals - with a deadline

So, it works like this: every day Monday through Friday - along with my usual "things that need to get done to maintain home and family" - I tack on small goals to keep me moving forward - and to keep life not so completely out of control. Clean something, Read something uplifting (one chapter), write in journal (could be 3 things I'm grateful for), drink my water, exercise at least 30 minutes, eat my fruits/veggies - and sometimes I will throw in a wild card - no sugar for a couple of days. This of course, is not easy - its a Sprint. Why do this and why care? Because this is what helps me focus on my home and husband/kid needs but I am also focused on trying to keep me "in check" as well. Every one has different needs and wants - and to be able to move forward with your needs/wants - small goals or baby steps need to happen. 

So, I am getting new carpet and really need to over- haul my home - I need to clean it. People who know me - know that I am a pack - rat. This is (in my head) the most unattainable goal to accomplish. However, I know - that every day - until I get that carpet - I can clean something for 15, 20, 30 minutes - and get a little closer to my goal. I don't need to look at my entire house and think I will clean it in a day - that's not going to happen. Some things are a marathon and take months of small goals - to get to be able to cross off the bigger goal. I like this idea - to me it helps me not feel so overwhelmed with life. Small attainable goals set for every day - to be able to accomplish larger future goals - with a deadline. If you are not already doing this - try it! You might just surprise yourself. 

Healthy Cookies

When we think of cookies - we think of milk chocolate, white flour, little salt, brown sugar, and of course white sugar. These ingredients make my mouth water too! Don't get me wrong - I am the one who has three or four cookies - not just one. For me - portion control goes out the window - when it comes to cookies. My mother was a very healthy eater and also encouraged her children to eat healthy as well. When my mother made cookies - because she was so healthy - we had all natural peanut butter, whole wheat flour, carob "chocolate" chips, walnuts, little sugar, and honey. I look back and think - she was a genius! Those cookies were not overly sweet, but very dense and to me - satisfying. Here is another take on cookies:

HEALTHY COOKIES

1/2 cup all natural smooth almond butter

2 TBS unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup quick - cooking rolled oats

1/3 cup unsweetened dried cranberries

1 1/2 scoops Chocolate Vegan Shakeology

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Make little tiny balls the size of a golf ball.

Store in refrigerator.

Enjoy!! 

Ingredients for the HEALTHY COOKIES 

You can always substitute out dried cranberries for your favorite mix in - and swap out almond butter for peanut or cashew butter. Vegan Shakeology has no whey in it - only pea protein - and has a very delicious chocolatey flavor. You can also swap out the chopped almonds to walnuts or peanuts. That is the beauty with cookies - swap this for that. So, when you think cookies - think HEALTHY COOKIES and enjoy!

Energy Balls

Weekends are hard in terms of healthy eating. Right now, football is on and I know that random snacking and consuming extremely caloric foods is almost like a ritual. Its getting darker outside - which means we are inside and for some reason that makes it seem ok to eat just a little more than usual. When this happens - as it will - I try to arm myself with other ideas on how I can get a sweet fix without going all out and indulging. This is really one of my favorite recipes because a) its easy to make in almost no time b) most of the ingredients are pretty basic and c) its sweet without all of the sugar. 

Energy Balls are one of my favorite treats and so very easy to make.

I came across this recipe and really you can substitute the peanut butter for almond butter and the Agave Syrup for Honey. Your favorite vanilla protein powder - I use - Vanilla Shakeology. I also like to use a little dark chocolate - mini dark chocolate chips work really well. And for added bulk - chia seeds, flax seeds, or oatmeal. My husband prefers unsweetened coconut - I will almost always put that in. This recipe (if doubled) - is a great treat to share. But beware - once you make it - everyone will want one or two, so its best to double or triple the recipe. Enjoy!

Motivation

My giveaway includes the Ultimate Reset Program. It really is quite amazing and really delicious. The 21 Day Program includes whole foods - in recipes that you will love. I learned about many nutritious foods - in different combinations that are now my very favorite. 

Whole foods and great recipes are part of the Ultimate Reset - which will have you feeling recharged!

Probably one of my favorite recipes  - a yummy Carrot Seaweed Medley. Now, I am not one to eat seaweed - but I put this recipe together - and it really was my favorite. There were many recipes that quickly became my favorite -and I made it for my husband - and he loved it too! 

Carrot Seaweed Medley quickly became one of my favorite recipes. 

Eating fresh vegetables and fruits - were my favorite. It is a time to really appreciate all nutritious foods around us. The Ultimate Reset does just that - it resets, recharges, and renews - your healthy body. If you would like to know more about the Ultimate Reset - 

My giveaway includes the Ultimate Reset, Shakeology, and motivational Bangles - designed by Darleen Meier Jewelry. Comment, Like or Share for an entry. Deadline is this Sunday. 

Add - In's

My Motivate Yourself Giveaway - includes my awesome Shakeology  - so you have the chance to win this. When I think of breakfast - I think of a meal that I need to get the most nutrients in to my body. I'm always starving and generally I am pressed for time. Shakeology is that type of breakfast where it is nutrient dense full of proteins and amino acids, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, herbs and prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes - to name just a few. To drink this alone - is very delicious and is feeding my body in ways I can't get from a bowl of cereal. 

Chocolate and Stawberry Shakeology are two of my favorite flavors - Vanilla is another favorite. 

Here is where I want to get the most bang out of breakfast. I love add - in's - all the yummy delicious fruits and veggies I have in my fridge - and put even more into my morning breakfast. Literally, I am talking about super foods in their whole form. I have many favorite combinations - and really it runs the gamut - because every individual likes their own combination - there could be many different types. Some of my favorite combinations will almost always include additional fruit - and some super food. Examples of combinations:  

ADD - IN's 

Blueberry, Kale (2 Kale leaves -ribs removed), Almond Butter (1 TBSP) 1 Scoop of ShakeO, Unsweetened Almond Milk or Water

Banana, Spinach (2 handfuls), Peanut Butter (1 TBSP), 1 Scoop of Chocolate ShakeO, water or Unsweetened Almond Milk

1/4 cup uncooked oatmeal, Flax seeds, Almond Butter (1 TBSP), 1 Scoop of Vanilla ShakeO, water or Unsweetened Almond Milk

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, 1/4 avocado, spinach (1 handful), 1 scoop of ShakeO, water or Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 cup of Strawberries, 1 handful of spinach, 1 scoop of ShakeO (chocolate), water or Unsweetened Almond Milk

1/2 cup of unsweetened Pumpkin, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, 1 scoop of Chocolate or Vanilla ShakeO, Unsweetened Almond milk

Different combinations with whole foods and Shakeology

I Love drinking my morning Shakeology this way - because it packs all the vitamins and nutrients I need. I do feel like I can go for hours and feel completely satisfied. Even without all the add- in's - I get everything my body needs. To find out more information: 

Come up with your favorite add - in combination - you might be surprised! 

#Motivate Yourself Giveaway

I've got an awesome giveaway that will keep you motivated throughout the holiday season. Or get you back on your feet eating healthy and losing weight after the holiday season - if you choose to indulge in all the holiday yummies. I've teamed up with my sister Darleen Meier who owns her own jewelery company - and together we are teaming up for a Motivate Yourself Giveaway (#motivateyourselfgiveaway).  We combined Beachbody's Ultimate Reset with Shakeology and Darleen's motviational bangles - which read - "Don't Give Up," "Get It Girl," and "Make It Happen." Each wrist bangle is hand forged and hand pounded, 14 ct. gold filled. Each bracelet is stamped with a phrase - to help inspire us and move us towards our goal of health and well - being. 

The Ultimate Reset  - bundled with Shakeology will most definitely improve and help shed unwanted pounds that may have crept up during the year. It is effective and using whole foods to shed the weight - will get you to your goal in 21 days. The whole program is spelled out for you - day by day. And for 21 days you concentrate on nourishing and replenishing your body with all the vitamins and nutrients that it needs. You will without a doubt - love the affects of this program. 

Here is our give away - Ultimate Reset, Shakeology, and hand -forged and hand stamped , 14 ct. gold filled bangle bracelets - with motivational phrases.

From now until this Sunday night you have the chance to win this package which is valued at $400.00. In order to get an entry please comment on this blog and share with friends. If you share the giveaway on your blog - please let me know!  On Facebook - My account is Christine Bezzant  - Please "share" this post on your Facebook page and comment on it and use #motivateyourselfgiveaway. On Instagram - I will post this on my @fitmamaof6 account - and if you tag 5 friends per day you gain an entry.  You can tag 5 new friends every day until Sunday night - using the #motivateyourselfgiveaway to be able to gain another entry. Also, follow my @fitmamaof6 Instagram account - leave a comment. The more you share - the more entries submitted for yourself. You can gain more entries by doing the same for Darleen's Instagram account  - @darleenmeierjewelry and Darleen Meier's Blog. Here is her website:

Ultimate Reset

October is such a fun time of year - not quite the holidays - summer sizzle is over. The mornings are cold now (at least here in Colorado they are) and I have finally pulled out sweaters to wear. I also have my thicker robe that I like to put on at night. Leaves have turned and trees are about to be bare. It's dark by 7:15 pm which means we are slowly getting to that it's dark at 5 pm. This also means that we are inside more often and TV becomes more of an activity at night - and not outside play or walks. Football is on the television now - and we all gather to see who will be the next Super Bowl team. All in all - it is a great time of year. That being said, it's also the time that I hyper focus on my nutrition. I know what is around the corner - it's Halloween goodies and Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas time sweets. This month - The Ultimate Reset is on sale. This is a program which gets you back to basics - eating whole nutritious foods and resetting your body. 

So excited when the Ultimate Reset showed up - getting ready to really work on my clean eating. 

What I noticed when I did the Ultimate Reset - is my energy level was up and my body was able to get back to a fresh start - and I felt phenomenal. It's 21 days of clean eating, water -- drinking lots of it and completely able to make this work in my very busy life as a mother.  I loved being able to feel completely rested after I slept and a nice side effect - I lost weight. After doing this program - I was more aware of what I put in to my mouth.  

The Beachbody Ultimate Reset gets your body back to where it needs to be. This is a very gentle, eat whole foods and take your body back to its optimal place. The side effects - more energy, lower cholesterol, lower body fat - are just the perks of doing this amazing program. For the month of October it is on sale - don't miss out. 

You can find this on my Beachbody site: www.beachbody.com/cwbezzant or here on my website under "Beachbody Store." Great opportunity - and get it now while on sale. 

3 Day Refresh

October is moments away and the feelings of excitement for the holiday's - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my favorite - Christmas are just around the corner. I do love to get out my decorations for each new holiday that we celebrate. Really I have the best Halloween decorations - very scary and not cute at all. Really young children are scared to trick or treat at my house. But also what I've noticed is - the candy at the stores are now out first thing in September. This is to remind us that at all opportunities - stock up on the candy - because it is abundant! I know most of us use our common knowledge and will power not to indulge in the sweets but that is not always the case. To reset or refresh my mindset - especially my healthy nutritional goals and habits - I have done the 3 Day Refresh with Shakeology. 

Each 3 Day Refresh Kit comes with 3 days of Shakeology, 3 days of fiber sweep (yes, very gentle), and 3 days of Vanilla Sweep Shake, and a program guide for snacks and a healthy dinner. And of course drinking lots of water for renewed health and revitalized energy. Or 3 Day Refresh Challenge Pack - the kit bundled with 30 day supply of Shakeology. Which will give you a month's worth of your dense dose of daily nutrition - Shakeology.  

Interested? Visit me at www.beachbodycoach.com/cwbezzant - check out the 3 Day Refresh - reset, renew, refresh. 

Shakeology Banana Bites

It is time for a yummy recipe - not just any old kind - but a healthy, yummy fill your tummy with really good food recipe. This recipe comes from my good friend - who used to own her own catering business. She is a whiz in the kitchen - so she knows how to experiment with ingredients - and comes up with something so spectacular.  This recipe is when you are in need of "that something" that will not drop kick you off your diet. She calls this "Shakeology Banana Bites" - you could probably find something like this on Pinterest - no lie - it's so delicious! 

A cookie pan full of healthy Shakeology Banana Bites - they will not last long.

Shakeology Banana Bites

Cookie sheet and cover it with parchment paper

Sliced Ripe Bananas - as many as you think you will eat - probably a bunch

Lay the little banana discs on the parchment - covered cookie sheet

Dab of Natural Peanut Butter (no sugar added) on banana discs

Melt Coconut Oil with Chocolate Shakeology til desired consistency. (If it is runny - that is good because then you can drizzle it all over everything)

If you need more, just melt more coconut oil with the added Chocolate Shakeology , then drizzle over remaining banana discs. 

Freeze - enjoy them slightly thawed. 

Remember this is one of those recipes that you are the food scientist - use your intuition when making these. This recipe is a healthy alternative to when you need something sweet  - so go ahead and enjoy - because these won't last too long. 

FIT (Focus Interval Training)

FIT or Focus Interval Training is new to me -  I first heard this term from the creator of Insanity and T25 (which is 25 minutes of cardio/weights/sports drills). The Focus is to train your brain to be present - as you bust out intervals - but for short bursts of time. I know I can focus for 25 minutes during a hard workout - its not ever easy - it takes every bit of brain and body power to stay with your intense burst of energy. When I do sports drills or jump rope or do a spin class - my focus has to be right there - and not on the laundry that needs to get done or the errands that need to be run. The same can be said with any endurance sport - where focus and determination go hand in hand. 

Insanity Asylum - Sport drills - this workout has jumping rope combinations. My brain really doesn't like jumping rope because coordination is involved. I am really slow at rope jumping - and its hard for me - so my heart rate is high when I do it. I do like that there are different ways to jump - like squat jumps or keeping your legs together jumps - or just jumping. The FIT or Focus Interval Training has to be spot on - this goes for any high intensity activity you engage in. As I work at this - I think I am getting a little better - but still need more practice. 

Sometimes I do T25 by itself - if I'm tight on time - or add it to 30 minutes of lifting weights. Such a good combination of FIT.

FIT or Focus Interval Training just like HIIT (High Interval Intense Training) are great ways to train your heart and train your mind to work together to get the very best "you." I don't feel like your training has to be over an hour because really you can get the very best "you" in 25 minutes. Mixing up your routine - is also very important to keep that body of yours guessing - "what is coming next?" I guess maybe that is why I really enjoy the many different workouts that Beachbody provides. T25, Insanity, Asylum or P90X - be the very best - as you work hard to focus and get to the very best you. 

The Healthiest Meal of the Day

What is your favorite food - of all time? My husband would probably say licorice candy. He finds great pleasure in those little candies - actually they remind me of your grandpa's candy. However for him - its a little bit of sweetness - its almost like a dessert for him. I cannot for the life of me find any pleasure in something that is pure sugar - and eat it on a daily basis. Yes, I would love to have something that is healthy - but also satisfies those cravings. For me - I want something that is going to put the cravings at rest - and work for me - not against me. 

Chocolate is my favorite - truly love all things chocolate.  My husband would agree - that on date night - I will go for a chocolate dessert anytime. It really is my guilty pleasure. However, I cannot have a chocolate dessert everyday - not going to happen. "The Healthiest Meal of the Day" - or rather Shakeology - is just that. To name just a few things it does: Reduce cravings, Increase energy, promotes healthy digestion, lose weight, and best of all it is delicious! What is in Shakeology - you ask? Protein and essential acids, prebiotics and digestive enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. - just to name a few. 

Ingredients derived from whole-food sources deliver the daily vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to curb cravings, allowing it to shed stored fat. And more than 20 different antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. 

I have  been drinking Shakeology for almost two years and love how I feel internally and externally. I think - just like those licorice candies my husband loves - I need my Shakeology every day. 

Chocolate ShakeO and Vanilla ShakeO - sometimes I do put Kale and Blueberries in it or p-nut butter 

Come visit me on my Beachbody site - and find out about "the healthiest meal of the day." 

P90

I got P90X for my husband when it first came out about 7 years ago - and he gained muscle and toned up pretty significantly. I had heard how hard it was from him everyday when he would go down to our basement and workout. By the time P90X2 came around - this time I was ready for the challenge. That was probably one of the hardest workouts I have done - because balance plays in and a lot of plyometrics (HIIT - method) and let's not forget the weights. P90X3 came into play just when we all needed a quick 30 minute work out because that's all we have time for. And of course, here is the newest Beachbody workout with Tony Horton.

P90X2 - push ups on the balls - yes this was so hard! 

Introducing P90 - the on - switch to fitness coming September 23rd. The workouts are only 30 minutes long and it gets people feeling good. This program is efficient and fun - if you've done any of the P90X work outs - there is quite a bit of humor along with the sweating. It makes the time go by fast. 

Introducing P90 - The On - Switch to Fitness - very do-able and efficient.  On my site - you will be able to purchase these workouts or any other Beachbody work outs. Please check out  my Beachbody Shop. Otherwise, www.beachbodycoach.com/cwbezzant is another avenue to check on P90 or any of the other P90X workouts.