Why Is Drinking Shakeology® Daily Important?

Why Is Drinking Shakeology^® Daily Important?

Drinking Shakeology is a lot like brushing your teeth and exercising—you've got to participate in these healthy habits every day to see their benefits. The more you do it, the more you can experience these advantages.
Here are 5 reasons you should drink Shakeology daily:

1. Your cravings for unhealthy foods can eventually disappear—and be replaced by cravings for healthy choices. It's true!
2. You can save time! Replace one meal a day with Shakeology and that's one less meal to plan. Whip up your shake and go. It's fast food that's great for you.
3. You can save money! If you drink Shakeology instead of eating lunch or dinner, you'll spend just $4 on your meal.
4. You can save money, the sequel! As Shakeology improves your digestion, boosts your energy, and keeps you lean, you're bound to have fewer medical bills.
5. You can keep the weight off! Studies show that people who eat breakfast every day are less likely to regain the weight. Furthermore, a protein-rich breakfast helps you feel full and reduces the tendency to snack throughout the day.

So start every day the right way by whipping up Shakeology! Here are 3 unique and delicious recipes to keep things exciting.

Chocolate "Mocha-CrËme Madness" Recipe:
	1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology ½ cup almond milk ½ cup coffee ¼ tsp. cinnamon 2 drops vanilla extract

Greenberry "Piña Banana" Recipe:
	1 scoop Greenberry Shakeology ½ banana ½ cup pineapple juice ½ cup coconut water

Tropical Strawberry "Berry Blast" Recipe:
	1 scoop Tropical Strawberry Shakeology ½ banana 1 cup berry medley 1 cup rice milk

50 reasons why being fit is Amazing!

1. because it gives you back your childhood freedom of being able to run, jump, and PLAY
2. because it gives you confidence
3. because confidence is sexy
4. because exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy
5. because being fit tells the world that you care about yourself
6. because it feels awesome to know you look good in clothes
7. because it feels even more awesome to know you look good naked
8. because it feels damn good to put your mind to something and achieve it
9. because knowing that your body can handle just about anything you throw at it is powerful
10. because you will inspire others
11. to do what others think you can’t
12. to do what YOU think you can’t
13. to feel comfortable in your own skin
14. because exercise helps control stress
15. because healthy is the new skinny
16. because good nutrition will stack the odds in your favor
17. because doing something for your health right now feels better than “someday I will”
18. because you’re worth it just as much as anyone else is
19. because putting the right foods into your body makes you feel amazing
20. because you will have more energy than you ever thought you could
21. to sleep soundly at night
22. to wake up every day ready to face the world head on
23. because becoming fit will give you what it takes to tackle any challenge
24. because your children look up to you and will model what they see
25. because fitness and good nutrition is the ultimate anti-aging treatment
26. because you will be able to keep up with your kids and grandkids
27. because it feels amazing to climb a flight of stairs and barely be out of breath
28. because exercising teaches you to live in the moment
29. because healthy food fights cancer cells from ever forming
30. because your chances for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer will plummet
31. because it feels so good not to have “get in shape” on your New Year’s resolution list every. single. year.
32. to feel proud at a doctor’s check-up instead of fearful
33. because healthy food makes you feel energize and satisfied instead of run-down and stuffed
34. because sex is more fun when you’re fit
35. because busting through your own walls and limits feels so good
36. because it makes you feel like a badass.
37. to live a long and fulfilled life
38. to open up a whole new world of experiences
39. because it feels powerful to know that you are in control of your body
40. because you are not sentenced to poor health just because of your genetics
41. to know what the best version of you looks and feels like
42. because having muscles makes you feel strong
43. because you might find a physical activity that brings you great joy
44. because it will teach you to make time for yourself
45. because excuses are just fear
46. because real courage is being afraid of something and doing it anyways
47. to know what it feels like to set your mind to something and achieve it
48. because good nutrition and exercise are natural anti-depressants
49. because it makes you stronger on the inside, too
50. because good health is FREEDOM

How Can Shakeology Improve Your Digestion?

How Can Shakeology Improve Your Digestion?

Many people suffer from digestive symptoms and problems. Some of the main complaints that people have when it comes to digestive problems are bloating, gas, stomach pains, constipation, etc. For each of these symptoms and conditions there is usually an underlying cause as to why they are happening.
Changing your diet to one that's filled with healthy ingredients rich in prebiotics and probiotics, as well as staying active, can often times be the solution to digestive imbalance. Many of my customers have told me that once they started drinking Shakeology and started getting active, their digestion problems have gotten better or disappeared all together.

"Ever since I started drinking Shakeology, I no longer binge on the bad stuff. Now my skins glows and my digestion is where it should be."– Lizabeth B.

"Shakeology keeps the "flow" going. I now go more often and it is a lot easier. I don't have the issues with constipation that I use to have." - Edward G.

"Shakeology has improved my social life. I now can go out with my friends and I don't have to worry about my issues with irritable bowel syndrome. I am so thankful for Shakeology! Brooklynn W.

Shakeology contains many ingredients that are beneficial to the digestive system such as prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. Probiotics are strains of live, "friendly" bacteria that help the digestive process. Prebiotics are natural components of certain plants. They help support the "friendly" bacteria in your digestive tract and they may also help with the absorption of minerals such as calcium. Digestive enzymes, from plant sources such as pineapples and papayas, help your body break down food into its individual components, making the nutrients easier to absorb. Cooking can destroy food's natural digestive enzymes, so there's a good chance that you don't get enough of them in your diet.

Drinking a glass of Shakeology daily can help move things along, so to speak, because of the prebiotics, probiotics, whole food ingredients, fiber, and digestive enzymes. If you are seeking good health, the place to start is in your digestive tract. Healthy digestion is key to detoxify your body each day and helps prevent unhealthy diseases.

What Does a Beachbody Coach do?

So, you've probably heard the catch phrase, "Get fit, Get paid" or something along those lines, and you're interested in becoming a Beachbody Coach, but you're not sure what that means exactly. Let me explain how I see my role as a Beachbody Coach as simply as I possibly can:

1) Be a Product of the Product:  This means I live the life that I am encouraging others to live.  It means that I stand behind my actions - I use the fitness programs, I drink shakeology, I eat healthy, I rely on my team for support and motivation and do the same for others during their journey, I do daily personal development, and I run my business like a business.  Not only does this give me first-hand knowledge about the Beachbody products and opportunity, but I have developed such a strong passion in regards to the results I have seen in myself and in my teammates that I love talking about Beachbody and the opportunity it presents to others - when you commit, you will see your life transform for the better! 

2) Lend Support to Others:  When you become a Coach for more than just receiving the awesome 25% discount, part of your responsibility is to support others by helping others reach their fitness goals through the use of Beachbody products.  How is this done?  Well, I have a number of ways that I teach my coaches on my team to really stir up motivation in their team's customer and coach's lives to enable them to, first, open the package and push play for the first time, and second, to finish the program so they see the results that they want.  They are actions that do not take a lot of time out of your day, but can make a huge difference in the lives of others!  This is especially important when you hit the Emerald Coaching level because then Beachbody starts entrusting you with the customers that buy products through the infomercials and online.  We do not want people to come in as customers and feel alone - our job is to welcome them into our family and show them that we are here for them if they need us.

 3) Share the Beachbody Opportunity with Friends, Family, and Everyone Else:  The key word there is SHARE, not sell.  I am not a salesperson.  I have never considered myself a salesperson, nor do I think selling at all costs is something I would be good at.  What makes this different?  The Beachbody products and the Business of Coaching works; it not only works, but it transforms lives!  It took me some time to see that myself and to build my own story with the products and the company, but once I saw how great an effect it had on my life and the lives of my teammates, I got so excited that I feel as though I have to share this opportunity with those around me.  When people work the business like they are supposed to (and I provide my coaches with all the tools they need to know to be successful), they find a passion in the lifestyle we promote and sharing this opportunity is extremely easy.  I'm not pushing someone to buy something they are not ready for because it does take the desire to change to see success with this.

I WORKOUT: Because the monkey bars are not just for kids

I love working out! I love it even more when my kids workout too :) How do you inspire your family to be healthy? The easiest way is to workout with them and disguise it as play. The easiest way is to go to the park and play with them! Before you know it you both have had a great workout and the kids didn't even know it.

 10 reasons kids should Exercise:

1. Kids who exercise are more likely to keep exercising as an adult.
2. Exercise helps kids achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Regular physical activity helps build and maintain strong, healthy muscles, bones and joints.
4. Exercise aids in the development of important interpersonal skills—this is especially true for participation in team sports.
5. Exercise improves the quantity and quality of sleep.
6. Research shows that exercise promotes improved school attendance and enhances academic performance.
7. Kids who exercise have greater self-esteem and better self-images.
8. Participating in regular physical activity prevents or delays the development of many chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension) and promotes health.
9. Children who are active report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and a better overall mood.
10. Exercise helps improve motor coordination and enhances the development of various motor performance skills.

Happy Anniversary Karla!!!

There are times in your life that come along and alter your life forever.

• When I was 10 and started my ADD medication and became a whole new child
• When I was 14 and started public high school after being “the weird kid” at the private school.
• When I was 16 and a teacher pushed me to be more than I was.
• When I was 21 and had my heart thoroughly broken by a boyfriend I thought I was going to marry.
• When I was 24 and married my husband Dave and my son was born.
• When I was 26 and my daughter was born and we started attending the Bridge Church.
• And then last year on November 28^th Karla sent me a friend request on facebook.

Immediately she took me under her wing when I was feeling lonely, lost and broken.  She helped me rebuild my confidence that had been shattered by yo-yo dieting, being unhappy with myself, and not knowing where I fit in life. Shortly after we met I joined one of her challenge groups. I was able to get on track with my health and fitness. By February 14^th I was signed up to be a Team Beachbody Coach just like her.

Our Team at Summit

 Since then I have lost 35 pounds, traveled to Las Vegas for one of the best weekends of my life, started a fit club, hosted trainings for local coaches, spoke on stage in front of a very large crowd, spoke on a national team call, and the best part is I have met so many other people whose hearts are just as big. Now I get to help others on their journey to health just like Karla has helped me.

Karla and her Daughter Katheranne

Karla is the type of woman who would drop everything to help you. She is incredibly funny and smart. She has nurtured an amazing relationship with her daughter that I hope I can do the same with my children. She is really cool! How many people do you know who like to dress up as zombies, play like pirates, and workout like a body builder? Not many :) She has an amazing relationship with her husband. Something I bet many around them envy.  As a family they have persevered through some very tough times and become stronger because of it.The world is a much better place because Wonderful Woman is in it!!!

Karla,

I want to thank you so much for your love, wisdom, guidance, and most of all for you just believing in me. Your friendship is one of those life altering moments for me! I wouldn't have been able to do the things I have in the last year without you. Sometimes all someone needs is to have someone believe in them. I will forever be thankful for you. For the way you love others unconditionally and the passion you have for helping others. You brought me out of a place that I desperately needed saving from. Your Friend for life,

Beckey

Summit 2012

How to Use Shakeology in Your Daily Life

How to Use Shakeology in Your Daily Life

1. As a supplement meal: One of the best and most popular ways to use Shakeology is to prepare it as a healthy shake for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Shakeology formulas vary from 140-170 calories depending on the formula. Adding extra calorie dense ingredients like fruit, nut-butters, or milk gets you to a healthy caloric content that is both highly satisfying and nutritious.
2. Snack: Shakeology is an incredibly nutrient-rich snack, perfect for someone that's doing an intense workout program like P90X. Since Shakeology doesn't have much fat, its nutrients are put to use very quickly by your body. This makes it an ideal pick-me-up snack when you're on the go. You can either make yourself a ½ scoop serving of Shakeology or a full scoop if you're really famished. The key to losing weight is to eat small meals throughout the day, so if you feel like you're getting hungry Shakeology is a good, convenient option; a Shakeology snack will keep your metabolism revved and your body burning fat.
3. Pre-Workout Supplement: If you're doing an intense workout program, a good way to use Shakeology is as a pre-workout snack, taken about 1 hour prior to your warm-up. Your workout will help you get the most out of Shakeology, and Shakeology will help you during the latter part of your workout, especially if your glycogen stores have been slightly depleted. 
5. Post-Workout Supplement: When it comes to a serious workout, one of the many reasons trainers like P90X's Tony Horton and RevAbs' Brett Hoebel recommend drinking Shakeology post-workout is because your body is in a state of depletion. Here are several reasons why Shakeology is a good post-workout supplement:
   • Calories: Many people make the mistake of eating too many calories afterward. The general range is 100 to 250 calories, post-workout. At 140 to 170 calories, Shakeology fills this requirement perfectly.
   • Protein: Protein is critical after a tough workout because it works to repair your muscles. With 15 to 18 grams of quality protein in each serving, Shakeology works great as a muscle building tool.
   • Replenish Electrolytes: The magnesium, sodium, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in Shakeology will boost your electrolytes.
6. Natural Energy Boost: Next time the 3 PM slump rolls around, make Shakeology; it's better for an energy boost than a lot of energy drinks! While something like Red Bull^® might give you more up-front punch, Shakeology will give you sustained energy because it's providing nutrients your body needs to get things done, and it has a low glycemic impact, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
7. Late Night Sweet Cravings: Sometimes at the end of the day you crave something sweet; this happens to the best of us. Instead of grabbing something high in sugar and low in nutrition, whip yourself up some Shakeology with your favorite recipe. This Double Chocolate Recipe is sure to knock your chocolate craving out of the park: 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology, 1 cup chocolate almond milk, 1 ½ cup ice. True, this isn't the most opportune time to eat for weight loss - try to keep your larger meals earlier, so you have time to burn off the calories before bed; but drinking Shakeology is better than binging on cake or brownies!
8. Healthy Dessert: Finally, even the most dedicated dieter needs to let loose every now and then. There are plenty of creative dessert recipes you can make with Shakeology such as pies, peanut butter cups and easy chocolate mousse. The best part is all of the desserts have 70+ healthy ingredients in them. See, you can have your cake and eat it too!

** RED BULL GMBH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AUSTRIA

A New Addition to Our Family

We had an eventful week within our family. My husband and Son were both sick the first of the week. My Sister flew in from Arizona for the Thanksgiving holiday and will be here for a week and most importantly my nephew was born!!!! My Sister in law had an amazing pregnancy. She took very good care of herself and it shows. She ate well and exercised regularly. Because of those decisions she is alert, happy and moving around right away. Brayden is just perfect!! A healthy newborn with no complications. My brother is like a kid in the candy store loving and admiring his new little boy. My nephew Riley, Braydens big brother, fell immediately in love. We couldn't be happier! A new baby is such a blessing!

Proud Aunt

How can Shakeology work for you?

I drink Shakeology everyday for many reasons. One of them is the quality of the ingredients and the nutrition it provides. The following is a list of nutrient groups and ingredients. Each nutrient group helps your body on a variety of levels. Here's the breakdown!

Protein and Amino Acids:Whey, Pea, Brown Rice, Chia, Quinoa, Amaranth, Flax, Sacha Inchi. What these do in your body: Help build lean muscles, improve skin and hair, support optimal brain function, improve mood, and reduce cravings.

Antioxidants and Super-Fruits:Cacao, Coconut Flower Nectar, Acerola Cherry, Pomegranate, Camu-Camu, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Blueberry, Acai, Green Tea, Rose Hips, Cinnamon, Luo Han Guo. What these do in your body: Help reduce oxidative damage from free radicals, promote heart health and ideal blood pressure, support joint health, and keep your brain healthy. 

Phytonutrients and Super-Greens:Moringa, Spirulina, Chlorella, Spinach, Barley Grass, Kamut Grass, Oat Grass, Wheat Grass. What these do in your body: Help alkalize the body and promote detoxification of the liver, kidneys, and blood to restore health and vitality. 

Adaptogen Herbs:Maca, Astragulus, Ashwagandha, Maitake Mushroom, Cordyceps, Reishi Mushroom, Schisandra, Ginkgo, Tulsi (Holy Basil). What these do in your body: Help protect the body from stress, support the immune system, and balance the endocrine system. 

Prebiotics and Probiotics:Yacon Root, Lactobacillus Sporogenes (Bacillus Coagulans). What these do in your body: Help promote regularity, support a balanced microflora environment in the intestinal tract, and improve digestion.

Digestive Enzymes:Amylase, Papain, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, Bromelain.What these do in your body: Help the body break down foods and increase absorption of nutrients. 

For more information about shakeology feel free to email me at BeckeyG@beachbodycoach.com 

I think I found my workout soul mate

 

  I don't know what it is but I feel renewed. I am at a point in my journey to health that feels like a light bulb has gone off. I am putting myself first. I am saying no to commitments that will interfere with my scheduled workout time. I am consistently doing my First Place 4 Health Bible study.

 "Now what I am commanding you today is NOT too difficult for you or beyond your reach." Deuteronomy 30:11

There have been so many times in my life that I have been paralyzed with the fear that something was going to be too hard and I was going to fail. So instead of even trying, I would avoid whatever task it was. I have been really focused on this verse. I even hung it up in my office area. A friend asked me to speak on a team call and my first reaction was "no, I don't know what I am doing!! I am not a leader yet!" I saw this verse and my self doubt went away. I do have something to offerand I am now looking forward to the call. Even the little things like maintaining my house. I look around and think "WOW there is just to much to be done." So I don't start. Well that's changing too. 

  

So, on to my workout soul mate. Everyone I know has at least one physical activity that they enjoy.  One that will get them off the couch and moving. For my sister in-law it is Jazzersize. For my friend it is Zumba, For my best friend it is the Just Dance games for the x-box. For a few friends it is running. Others, love going to the gym. Lately I have tried a few different Team Beachbody workouts. Although I liked them I wasn't excited to complete them every day even though I did.

 Then Turbo Fire arrived. I LOVE Chalene Johnson!!! I am on my 5th day of workouts and I am not looking back!! I love them so much that I am going to get certified to teach Turbo Kick classes. I have done other programs from Chalene Johnson so this isn't a decision I am making lightly. I have wanted to teach group fitness classes for about 10 years now. This brings me back to the Bible verse. I have always thought that I would love to teach classes but was afraid to fail so I never even tried. Well things have changed! I feel called to this profession and I can't wait to get started. So stay tuned, I will be teaching by next summer!

Check out the video below. Some of my thoughts about Turbo Fire.

 

A Week of Joy and Sorrow to Put Life in Perspective.

Holidays are so much more fun with children. We get to see the joy of things being new and the excitement that the holidays can only bring to children. We started Halloween off with our annul picture in front of Tigger. Had pizza and daddy took  all the cousins out with the aunties and Grandma. My very pregnant sister in law (due any day now) and I stayed and handed out candy. It was so much fun seeing their joy.

My daughter of course was a princess, she is all girl! My son loves Mario Bros. So he was a one eyed vampire Luigi. Awe the imagination of children. My nephews were Iron man and Darth Vader. too cute. I think next year we will plan a family costume. So far we are Debating between Mario Bros. and  Zombie wedding party. Tough decision!

The best part is my children are going to trade in the rest of their candy for a toy, and we are going to send the rest to a friend who is serving in the military in Afghanistan. It will get it out of our house and make a friend happy. I am very proud of my kids!

 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

 I love my Great Uncle J.C. He is the only one who calls me "Pecky Beckey" One of only two nicknames I have ever had. He is a talker! You can sit with him for hours and talk about anything. He has some of the best stories and a wonderful laugh. He has an uncanny way with numbers. He remembers everyone's birthdays! We have a large family so that is pretty impressive. He has been hospitalized this week. I won't go into the details but as a family we are heart broken.

It has put in perspective that life can change in an instant. He was fine a week ago. It helps hammer in that I HAVE to take care of my health so I can be 81 years old and be in great shape just like J.C. I want to be around long enough to know my Great Great nieces and nephews. I HAVE to teach my children to take care of their own health as they get older. To be able to give them the building blocks to a long healthy life. It is not an option. It is not something to be taken lightly. I want to live every day to the fullest and I don't ever want to look back and say "I wish I could have climbed that mountain, but my health wasn't good enough"

My husband and I had also talked about the possibility of moving to another state if his job offered him a promotion. My parents and In-laws are in good health but I know if things changed in an instant, like it did this week, and we couldn't be there in person for them in would devastate us. My children need a relationship with their grandparents, cousins, aunt, uncles,and any others we have around. Family is amazingly important! So no moving for us.

I Love You J.C.!!!!

Uncle J.C. clowning around

I WORKOUT: So I Can Sell Tickets To The Gun Show

I Workout so I can sell tickets to the gun show

Who doesn't want a strong physique? 

My top fitness goal is to have strong arms. That look where you can see well defined 

muscle without flexing. It will take time and a lot of work! But I can do it!!

What is your fitness goal?

I WORKOUT: 'cause I have had enough rest days to last a life time.

I Workout because I have had enough rest days to last a lifetime

I am 30 years old. I have not been active most of my life. Although I have lost 25 pounds,
I still have a ways to go, another 40 pounds. So if I am going to get rid of this weight, and lead the healthy
 life I want, there will be no more rest days for me. Just active, healthy, happy, days!

So it is time to:

Walk

Run

Bike

Swim

Skate

Dance

Lift Weights

Get my Turbo on,

Spend some time with my favorite trainers: Tony, Donna, ShaunT, and Chalene

Spend time with my WHY: My family <3 <3 <3

and most important smile everyday

I WORKOUT: because endorphins are the best antidepressant

I WORKOUT: because endorphins are the best antidepressant

I know the times I need to workout the most are the ones I probably avoid the most. No one likes being a
 big pile of depressed goo, taking up space on the couch, mindlessly watching another episode of the latest
sitcom.  So then the question is how do you get out of your funk and get back to life? I know it helps me if I
have a friend stop by and take me for a walk. Or better yet have a standing exercise date. It is amazingly
more refreshing than going for coffee, or reading a good book. So pay attention to your loved ones,
sometimes all they need is someone to get them going again. Everything is more fun with friends :)

My favorite Movie quote:

Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.
 Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't. 

                                                                    -Elle Woods 

                                                                     Legally Blonde

I WORKOUT: To feel comfortable in my own skin

I WORKOUT.... To Feel Comfortable In My Own Skin

One of the worst feeling in the world is not being happy with the person you are. The voice in our head that
says we are not good enough, we are not pretty enough, we are not smart enough, needs to be silenced. If
we could all see ourselves through the eyes of the people who love us; we would be amazed! I look at the
young women I know and can't believe how wonderful they are. They each have something about them that
is unique. Something that they can offer the world. But I hate to see them worry about their looks or their
size. Our bodies put us in the world, but it is our souls that make us who we are. 

 I Workout to feel comfortable in my own skin. By taking care of the gift I have been given, I feel
 stronger inside and out. Its not about my size. It is about they feeling of being able to carry my daughter
around for as long as she wants me too. It about having the energy to run after my son at the park. It is about
 the self confidence I gain by living a happy; healthy life <3

What a Summer it has been...

 It has been quite a summer! There have been lots of good things. Time with friends and family. Trips to Lake Tahoe, afternoons at the park with my children, and lots of time at the pool. There has been some stress too. We moved from a fairly good size house to a 2 bedroom apartment. It took us a month to get out of the old house. We cleaned and painted. We tried to leave it in the best shape we could.
The best part was conquering some goals. Although I didn't lose any more weight or inches over the summer, I did maintain my weight (with a 5 pound gain, I usually put it all back on by now) for the first time in a very long time! This is a huge accomplishment on its own.

This picture is my 30 pound weight loss from last Christmas to June of this year. I am working toward having the same results by New Years day! 185 is my goal. It will put me at the weight I was before my son was born. Something I haven't reached yet! I changed my diet to include lean meats, lots of veggies and of course Shakeology every day. I committed to my workouts at least 5 days a week. The how to lose weight isn't hard, it's the applying it to your life!

I was so excited to have conquered these steps. I originally posted a photo of these steps in February. I took me a little over 4 months to actually get the nerve to climb all 820 steps :) I am really proud of this and didn't pause anywhere near as much as I thought I would. In February I would have gone slow, held the rail, and taken lots of breaks. Now that I have lost weight and have slowly but surely improved my health I was actually jogging up and down the stairs. I shocked myself! Sometimes you have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. You never know what you are capable of until you try!!
Check out my video of conquering the stairs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KJGXRa_bug 

I was hoping to be a little farther along is my fitness. 

But I also know that I am only human and results don't happen overnight. 

So here is to a new season of conquering goals and trying new things.

 My new list of things to conquer:

20 pounds off by New Years Day.

I want to go snow shoeing for the first time.

I will do the Turkey Trot this year. 

Next March I will complete a 13.1 walk with my best friend.

I will start classes in the spring to work toward a certification in personal training.

I will get certified to teach Turbo Kick. 

What are you ready to Conquer?

Who do you hang out with?

Get out more often. If you have a regular 9-5 job, chances are you spend most of your times holed up in the office and not a lot of time going out and having fun. During weekends, you’re probably busy with work or running errands. Make it a point to go out with friends at least once a week. Get some sunlight. Go out and have a change in environment. It’ll be great for your body and your soul.


Exercise good dental hygiene. Not only does good hygiene make you a lot more desirable, it is linked with better health (Read AHA Study). Brush your teeth twice a day, rinse your mouth after each meal and floss your teeth at night.

Join classes. Dance classes, aerobics classes, tennis classes, ballroom dancing, scuba diving, wake boarding courses, are all places to start off with. Going there also lets you socialize with a whole new group of people.



Join a Challenge group Surround yourself with other trying to get healthy; from the comfort of your computer. I know I can't always make it out of the house so being able to check in with people who have the same goals as I do is critical. Check out what a challenge group is here:What is a Beachbody Challenge group?

Hang out with healthy people. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so the more time you spend around healthy people, the better it is. Eat with people who are health conscious and get workout buddies. It makes healthy living even more fun.

                  Have a Happy Healthy Day! 

Just some advice for healthy living

Dine at salad bars more often. Lately I’m falling in love with salad bars. Salad bars work like this: You pick your greens, you select X number of toppings (usually 6 or limited, depending on the outlet) and you finish off with a dressing. The variety is huge, it’s filling and it’s extremely healthy.

Stop smoking. It has been extensively proven that smoking is detrimental to health,  severely increasing the risk of lung cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer (of our gullet), heart attack, and more. Smoking “light” cigarettes does not decrease health risks. Bottom line – if you’re a smoker, quit for better health of not just yourself, but also your family and friends. If you don’t smoke, stay that way and don’t start.

Avoid passive smoking. Second hand smoking (breathing in air from smokers) causes many of the same long-term diseases as direct smoking (Wiki). Get away from smokers and avoid cigarette smoke where you can.

Have healthy snacks. If you’re hungry during work, eat healthy snacks, like fruits, salads, and fruit juices. These are nutritional and don’t give you that sugar rush. Have them readily available so you can dive in for a munch and stop when you’d had your fill. Get away from cookies and candy bars. 

                 Have a Happy Healthy Day! 

Words to live By

Cut out soda and caffeine. Drinks with caffeine are diuretics – meaning they speed up the rate of urine production. Hence, these drinks do not contribute to your 8 glasses of water/day requirement – they actually take away from it! Furthermore, soda is unhealthy, causes weight gain, is an artificial stimulant, among other reasons. Ditch your soda and go for plain water or fresh fruit juices instead!

Don’t drink alcohol. Like caffeine, alcohol is a diuretic. Not only that, alcohol is repeatedly proven to have negative effects on our body and health – impacting the proper functioning of our brain, liver, lungs, and other major organs. If you drink alcohol regularly, it’s time to cut it out.

Prepare your meals. Lately I’m beginning to appreciate the value of preparing my own meals. When you prepare your meals, you control what goes into them. No more being in a dilemma between eating healthy  and choosing between the sub-optimal food choices. Get some quality kitchen equipment – these will be your best investments ever.

Learn to say no. Don’t feel like you’ve to eat just because you’re out with your friends, or because other people offer you food. Simply say no and say you’re not hungry if you don’t feel like eating.

Bring a water bottle when you go out. That way, you can replenish your fluids whenever you want to. It saves you money as well and you don’t need to subject yourself to poor alternatives like soda, which increases your fluid outtake instead.

               Have A Happy Healthy Day! 

My Sister

 

My Sister just graduated from UNR with her bachelors. She will be moving on to complete her masters in occupational therapy this fall. I am unbelievably proud of her. Watching her over the years work with disabled children, I know this is the correct path for her. She is incredibly kind and compassionate towards them. She has already touched so many lives and I am very excited to see where life will take her.

 As sisters do; we have a close relationship. Despite the fact that there has been times where we didn't talk for months. (usually do to my stubbornness) We get along and understand each other like no one else does. She can be moody, I can be self-centered. She can be bossy, I can be unforgiving. But we also can be loving, generous, thoughtful, and kind. I will miss seeing her in person for the next two years. She will be going to school in another state. She will be close to our grandparents and our older brother so that make us worry less. She will still have people close by her who love her.

 My sister loves her nieces and nephews like crazy! They adore her too :) My sister is just a big kid at heart. Children are drawn to her and trust her. That is part of what will make her so great in the occupational therapy community.

So little sister :D Go out and conquer the world! You have quite and adventure ahead of you. Keep fighting for your dreams! You can do anything and I am SO PROUD of you!