Dream Big…Believe Bigger!

Are you a dreamer?  I've always been something of a dreamer and goal setter.  But I've known this about myself especially in the last few years.  I've heard speakers, read books and articles about your goals and dreams and writing them down if you want to achieve your dreams and goals.  I've done that in the past….but then I've put my written down dreams and goals in a drawer or in the closet (literally).  They haven't been in front of me, visible, staring me down everyday to remember what I'm dreaming about, what I'm working for, WHY I'm doing what I'm doing…

Did I achieve those dreams and goals in the past?  Some, yes…but not to the level in which I would have liked.  So, what's different now?  How do I get past the unreached goals and dreams and keep moving FORWARD to reaching my goals and dreams?

I really think it's two-fold.  First, you've got to DREAM BIG…but second, you've got to BELIEVE BIGGER!

That's the key ingredient that I noticed was missing in my past goals and dreams.  Not belief in my dream, but belief in ME…belief that I could be "good enough" to be deserving of my dreams.  Thankfully, I've realized that my belief in myself had been a roadblock to my dreams, and I'm not letting my fear hold me back anymore!  

So I finally decided to write my dreams and goals down and post them where I can see them every day and not put them in a closed or in a drawer!  So here they are!!

2014 Dream Board

How did my WHY start?

Over the year or so, I had been really searching for something that I was passionate about.  Something that got me really excited…I knew that there was more to my life than what I was doing on a daily basis.  Now, I first have to say that I have an amazing family, my husband is supportive and loving and my best friend, we have 3 beautiful children and we most importantly, we have our faith that binds us together.  I know God created me to do something great and He's given me talents to use in a way to make a difference to others, I just didn't know in what way.  I knew I was looking for something big that I could be a part of and a way to make an impact on other people's lives.  

In August 2013, I decided to be involved in something I've got a great passion for…health and fitness.  I've always been interested in health in some way or another since college but never pursued that interest. Until recently!  I decided to become a Beachbody Coach so that I can help others in reaching their health and fitness goals while at the same time be held accountable for my health and fitness goals.  But what I didn't realize getting into this, was the true joy and excitement I
have in seeing my challengers lose weight, get healthy, or be able have self-confidence!  It's so inspiring.

…and right there…I found my WHY for 2014!  I want to be a part of changing lives!  I know and believe that what I'm doing is literally vital to saving the lives of so many people…and that gets me so excited!!

Coaching and Believing…

The exciting part about Beachbody, is that not only do I get the opportunity to help others become healthy…There's the other side of it too.  I am building a team of coaches who have the same desires and passions of wanting to better the lives of others and help them live healthier lives.  So, it's not only one person trying to make a difference in this world…it is a whole team of coaches out to change people's lives thru: health, fitness, finances, family, confidence…the list can go on and on.  It's infectious and exhilarating to have a group of like minded people working together for the same goal! Working with the same belief that WE can make a difference!!

Believe

Are you someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others you may know or have never even met?  Do you desire to be a part of something bigger than you've ever dreamed could?  I want to invite you to take a look at Beachbody coaching.  Think of the impact YOU could have on even just ONE person's live…now think about if THEY wanted to pay that forward to someone else.  Think about the ripple effect YOUR decision could have.  

BELIEVE that YOU can make a difference!!

If you'd like more information about being a part of the Dream Team, the #2 team in Beachbody, please join us on an informational call on Wednesday, January 15th at 9pm EST.  Message me for more details and the call number.  It's strictly information!  What do you have to lose?

Dream Team Business Opportunity Call

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Marinated Pork Chops

This is a family favorite.  It is so simple and just makes for such a delicious meal!  I got this recipe from Allrecipes.com and probably use this about 2 times a month.  Whenever we have pork chops…this is our marinade!  I usually get a big pack of pork chops at Costco and make enough marinade to freeze the other half of the chops.

Marinated Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Grapeseed Oil  
• 1/3 cup braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 6 pork chops

Directions:

Combine the ingredients together add pork and turn to coat.  Seal in large zip-lock bag and freeze or use after 30 minutes of soaking.  Drain and discard marinade.  Grill, covered, over medium heat turning occasionally.  

We serve this with a salad or steamed veggies and brown rice or quinoa…this is perfect with a glass of wine too!  Yummm!

Week 1 and Week 2- P90X3 Women's Progress Update and Meal Plan

P90X3

Wahoooo!  This update is a little late coming, nonetheless I wanted to do a weekly update on my journey through P90X3-- a 90 Day fitness program.  I was SO excited to get this program started.  To be honest with you I had some mixed feelings about this new program in the P90X family.  I tried out P90X about 4 years ago, and at that time in my life I just couldn't stick with it and commit to the long workouts... I did it for about 4-5 weeks but only about 4 days a week.  I saw results, but wasn't changing my eating habits at that time so the results weren't as I had hoped for…

Fast forward 4 years later…

P90X3 was announced.  Now this got my attention.  P90X style, but only THIRTY MINUTES LONG!!!  I was so intrigued and couldn't wait until it was released!  I must say, I was a bit nervous and not sure what to expect, but went for it anyways starting on December 30th, 2013!!

4 Schedule Options 
The great thing about X3, is that there are many options for every type of fitness level.  You've got 4 different schedule options to choose from, Classic, Lean, Mass and Doubles!  For me, I decided to start off with Classic Schedule!

Classic is for total body fitness, Classic is the program of choice, with balance of cardio and resistance.  Muscle confusion is still a part of this schedule and will help you gain muscle, lose fat and move better!

Lean is for those who are looking for a more toned look.  This is not necessarily best for weight loss but for leaning out.  Both classic and lean can work equally well.  But instead of muscular hypertrophy, the target here is mobility, functionality, and cardio fitness.  You'll gain muscle and lose fat and stay strong but just lean out!

Mass are for those looking to get ripped or bulk up.

Doubles just another niche rotation.  This is not the program for everyone, but for some you may be interested.  You'll want to make sure you go through one round of 90 days before adding doubles to your routine.

Here's what my Classic Schedule looks like.

P90X3 Classic Schedule

Monday:  Total Synergistic - This was a really great intro to easing into push-ups and pull-ups.  It had a great total body flow to it.  I felt like I worked everything from top to bottom.  Plie squats, boat plow, side raises, balance moves and more!  Total body and only 30 minutes!!

Tuesday:  Agility X - I loved this workout.  Another full body workout.  It was fast moving and fun!  With this workout you need some tape on the floor so you have targets to hit as you're moving throughout the workout.  With these moves you'll use both aerobic and anaerobic energy, focusing on precision, power flexibility, balance and strength.  These targeted movements force explosion, deceleration, and proprioceptive adaptations which increase ability to move effortlessly through extended periods of time!

Wednesday:  X3 Yoga - So, I've never been a fan of yoga…until NOW!  I really like this workout!  When I tried out the first P90X, I hated the yoga session because it was 90 minutes long.  This is 30 minutes long and it's placed perfectly in the middle of the week after being sore from the first 2 workouts.  This increased flexibility, balance, stamina, and core.

X3 Yoga

Thursday:  The Challenge - Well, yes, it's named "The Challenge" for a good reason.  It about killed me!  Push-Ups…Pull-Ups...Push-Ups…Pull-Ups...Push-Ups…Pull-Ups…and more…  I didn't know it was possible for me to do that many in one session!  It's all about effectiveness.  You'll use the moves in various ways and strengthen every muscle in the upper body!  I used a combination of bands in place of the pull-ups and also the pull-up assist with the pull-up bar.  I can't wait until I can do 1 pull up all by myself!

Friday:  CVX - This is not your normal cardio workout!  Great combination of cardio and resistance with intervals.  This is a full-body burn and will also strengthen your core.

Flex Friday

Saturday: The Warrior - A total body workout…no equipment needed and you'll get a good sweat going on!  It's a lot of fun, so come ready to bring it!

Sunday:  I rested this day!  My body definitely needed it!

Week 2 was the same order of workouts…

So after the first week of P90X3…I was definitely sore.  I've had a blast with all the new workouts, but notice that this is very different from Focus T25 that I had completed prior to P90X3.  Neither is better than the other, just different.  I enjoyed the mix that X3 gave with more of the muscle training with weights and bands.  I am looking to build a little more muscle along with leaning out too.  I feel like this is going to be a great combo for doing that.  Week 1 took me a little while to get used to some of the moves, but like anything new, you've gotta learn it first!

Week 2  came along and and I felt so much more confident in my workouts, I knew the moves better and was able to keep up a bit more with them.  I already, just in the first week felt like I got stronger and felt more comfortable pushing myself even one rep or push/pull-up more than the first week.  I  know it's the small changes like that that will ultimately push my body to getting the results I'm looking for.  I've gotta say that "The Challenge" workout I really pushed harder this week than last and I am totally feeling that workout.  My entire upper body is sore, but a really good sore!  I know consistency is key…it's easy to want to skip some workouts or sleep in, but that's not going to get me the results I want at the end of 90 days...

Here are some of the pics that keep me going!

Fitness Motivation Goals

Now…working out is not the only factor in reaching your health and fitness goals.  Part 2 is your nutrition!!!  Yes…whether you like it or not, 80% of your results come from what you eat!  You can workout all you want, but if your nutrition isn't in line to feed your body the nutrients it needs to grow strong muscles and burn fat, then you won't be reaching your ultimate health and fitness goals.  

Clean Eating Principles

I'll show you my meal plan for my first week of P90X3 and also some principles of clean eating.  I hope this can help you in your nutrition decision.  (Please keep in mind, these are the principles I follow and how I choose to eat, I am not a nutritionist).

Don't forget to drink your water…this is sometimes the hardest thing for people.  It seems so easy, but I know for me, I really have to make a point to get 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water down a day! 

I will continue to update my progress throughout my journey of P90X3.  This is 90 days, so each week make sure to check back in for an update of my progress, my struggles, my results and everything!

Don't miss out…P90X3 Challenge Pack is currently on SALE for $180 for the month of January…take advantage of this amazing price.  You get the fitness program plus one month of Shakeology, and a free 30-day trial membership in Team Beachbody Club…but don't miss out, it goes back up to the original price in February.

P90X3 Challenge Pack on Sale NOW!

If you would like to be a part of one of my Fitness Challenge Groups and participate using P90X3 please fill out the application below to reserve a spot in my next group.  Here you will have accountability, support, daily motivation, meal planning support, tips on eating out and sticking to your plan, and more!

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Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Verde

I love quick, easy and healthy meals.  Ones that I can throw into the crockpot in the morning and have it cook all day!  This is yummy, quick and easy…I serve it over rice with a side of broccoli and it's golden!


Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breast
2 cups of crushed pineapple, or I have used frozen pineapple thawed and shredded or crush it myself.
1 jar of salsa verde ( I like the Trader Joe's kind)

Directions:
Place all ingredients into crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.  
(I usually place them all frozen together and cook it for 6-8 hours.  The chicken will fall apart when poked with a fork.  

Serve over brown rice or quinoa with a side salad or veggies! 

Picture from The Gracious Pantry

Recipe from the The Gracious Pantry.