Weekly Workouts

So, I definitely work better if I prepare ahead of time (duh)

Write everything out.

Maybe write it a few times.

Share my plan.

My sister gave me this plan at the end of Summer, and between getting sick, back to school, getting sick again, Joe turning 40...life has gotten away from me!

This is my goal.  I hope to have 2 'rest days' --this doesn't mean I won't or can't workout but it just means no pressure. (I work better this way)

So hopefully I have knocked this workout out of the park by the time you read this.

Legs:

Smith Machine 15 reps 3x

Curls 15 reps 3x

Extentions 15 reps 3x

Press 15 reps 3x

Calf Raises 15 reps 3x

#boom

Hopefully I inspire others too!  

It's never too late to start again.  

Even a 10 minute walk is better than nothing.

Advocare Cleanse Day 1, Fitness & Faith

Hey Monday!

Today I am finishing up my 10th day of antibiotics and starting my 10 day cleanse.  I haaaaate antibiotics and am so grateful for them healing me, but now get that bad bacteria out of my gut. Puhlease!  I should probably wait until tomorrow to start, but timing wise, this is what needs to happen, mmm k?

It's been a hot minute (90 days) since my last cleanse and I found myself picking off the kids plates just a wee too much.  You know what I'm talking about mama, I know you do.  "Just one bite," turns into "just one cookie" or "'I'll eat clean tomorrow" or "Well, I ate like crap all weekend so what's the point of it starting to eat clean now?"

Well the point is that you will feel a million times better and will thank yourself if you stick to and get back into a healthy regime.  If I use the word "diet" I refer to what I am eating.  I am never ON a diet, I will never be on a diet. I like to think of the 80/20 rule because back when my girl Nikki told me about that, my world was changed forever.

I always struggled with eating healthy or staying fit.  I usually carried an extra 10-15 pounds and would not have considered myself fat, but I was never really comfortable.  Unless I starved myself from carbs and worked out like a maniac, it was a challenge.

Enter in Advocare

Finding my groove back in 2013 was crucial.  After having Brooke and having A LOT of extra weight to lose, I was seriously ready for something.

I had no idea how much Advocare would teach me, the friends I'd gain along with the confidence that it brought me.

I am still a MUCH better person today thanks to Nikki for reaching out a hand, and Danielle showing her the way.

While I may not be building a business with it, I certainly fuel my body a lot better because of it.  (And still enjoy my 40% discount FOR LIFE)

At 36 I want to be in fantastic shape to run and keep up with my kiddos.

I want to feel the best in my own skin and treat my body well.

I want to be as hot and sexy as I can for my main man!!

It's true.

So you just gotta find what works for you.


Today I did legs and it felt oh so good.

I started with the probiotics, followed by the peach fiber (YUM) and then I was kind of mad at myself for, A.) Not eating enough breakfast and B.) Not taking a photo!

I had 2 eggs w/ spinach and one pc of dry wheat toast.  I needed more...

Meal 2 was one small chicken breast, a veggie & some brown rice at 10:45 haha.

Then I had to go stage one of our homes & knew I needed some energy to do it...

After my leg workout I hit up the vegan chocolate shake.

I'm not sure if I'll do chicken or fish tonight, but I made sure hubby grilled up chicken and venison yesterday so I will NOT be short in the protein department.

I'm starting to look into the whole Macros thing..still super confusing and do I really need a food scale?!

I also have a new girl crush...I don't watch TV really, but I tend to get sucked into You Tube and following people that I admire.  When I was pregnant, my feed was flooded with other prego mamas. Now I feel like I need to be surrounded by healthy, fit and inspiring ladies! She is hysterical and real.  I love her easy recipes and her dog is adorable too!

I must say that although getting sick kind of made me down in the dumps, now that I'm doing much better, I feel so much more focused and energized than before.

I attribute it to really starting to walk further along in my faith.  With some very knowledgable and intelligent ladies in my life, I feel as though I am starting to reach a place of such peace and serenity.

True alignment with oneself happens when you can pull apart all of the layers of and see the very core, meaning of life.  I will continue to work super hard at this level because I have never felt so good mind, body and soul.  Am I perfect? No.  Am I exactly where I want to be? Yes and No.  But I know I am on my way to getting there.  Slow and steady.

Enjoy your day friends!

Fab Fit Fun Unboxing

I got my Winter edition in the mail the other day and decided to open it and take a closer look with you!  I don't do any other subscription boxes, and this month's was pretty good.  {Last months was one of my favorites ever, so that was tough to beat!}

Spoiler alert --I open the box in the video, so don't watch it if you don't want to know!

Want your own box? Sign up here~[fabfitfun]

Fitness Friday & 10 Day Cleanse Eats

I am super pumped this time around for my cleanse.  The first time I wasn't as strict as I should've been, and those initial pounds were hard to budge.  I think a lot of it had to do with my lack of sleep, and now that baby boy is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT -- (can I get a whoop whoop?!) I feel so much better getting sleep.   I literally feel like garbage when I don't get enough sleep, so if you're lacking in the sleep department, make sure you do your best to get some shut eye!!



I was originally going to start while hubby was working his crazy sale, but since I got sick, I could barely eat anything, I decided to wait.  I almost was going to wait until after we get back from vacation, but I really wanted to clean my system out since I had taken SO much tylenol and advil because of my fever and I really wanted to get this super probiotics in my belly!

I made my start date 6/22 (so that I could finish before the Fourth of July!) and one of my good friends is cleansing with me, so that's always fun!!

I decided to really try to take pictures of my meals this time around. Not only does it hold me accountable, but it also helps other see what one eats on our cleanse.  Now, keeping in mind I am not training for a body building competition or really looking to slash my weight drastically.  I just want to continue to nourish my body properly, feel better, and yes, get back to feeling good about myself.  My clothes are fitting from pre-pregnancy, but I still have some extra cushion around my belly and want to define my muscles more.

Workouts:
M-walk w/ the kids
T-family walk
W- upper body
Thurs- rest
F- Lower body

Monday:
Breakfast- 2 scrambled eggs w/ leafy greens, ezekial toast & I share the bowl of berries with Brooke & Joe.
Snack- orange & cashews
Lunch- I pounded chicken breasts, a little evoo & italian seasoning in the oven, salad (dressing is a little evoo & balsamic vinegar) and sautéed some summer squash.
Snack- More chicken, hummus, tomatoes
Snack- Protein Shake blended w/ ice YUMM
Dinner- Mahi Mahi [recipe here] with quinoa & broccoli

I cannot express how much more water I have been drinking! I have filled up an extra pitcher and my brita.  You'll also find my water bottles all over the place. I LOVE this one I just bought!

Tuesday:
Breakfast- Oatmeal, splash of unsweetened cashew milk, fruit & a dash of cinnamon
Snack--Ok, disclaimer, you really should wait til day 11, but I just had to know how these bad boys tasted!!  Plus, I was running out the door to grocery shop and it was meant to be.
Lunch- Leftover mahi mahi, quinoa and broccoli
Snack- Chicken, hummus, squash
Dinner-Grilled chicken wings (oh, I missed the hot sauce & blue cheese) but I had mine with sea salt.  Tomatoes on my leafy greens, evoo & balsamic vinegar
Snack/post walk- protein shake (my hubby and Brooke had ice cream! LOL)

Wednesday:
Breakfast- Two eggs over easy, 1/4 avo & ezekial toast
Snack-watermelon & cashews
Lunch- last of the chicken, squash and broccoli
Snack/post workout- Protein shake
Snack-banana & organic PB [I find it easier to monitor the pb this way!]
Dinner- Sushi! I get it without the rice, squeeze fresh lemon & watch the soy sauce.

Thursday:

Breakfast- two scrambled eggs with leafy greens, 1/4 avo and ezekial toast
snack-watermelon & cashews
Lunch-  I was not prepared, but hungry, so oatmeal & a scoop of vanilla protein
Snack-carrot & avo
Dinner- I had thrown a whole chicken in the slow cooker, so I had that & asparagus
Snack- banana & pb

What's keeping me sane? My second cup of Spark in PINK LEMONADE OMG.  Seriously, I look forward to it every day. I try to do it before a workout with 3 catalyst, and I think that makes a huge difference.

Overall, I am doing much better this time around.  I am in a great groove with the kids, I am in a great mood because I am grateful to be healthy! Getting sick really shook me a few weeks ago.  I truly believe it was the universe giving me a big old bitch slap.  Ya heard.  I was in a weird funk/spot and getting sick just stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook on everything.  

I have to say that a whole chicken is the way to go!! I also took time to meal plan in the beginning of the week. It's tricky because Joe can't eat a lot of veggies and nothing brown rice or quinoa, so sometimes I am making 4 different meals (Brookie is picky at breakfast lately) but the key for me is to make a big batch and just eat it for a few days. I store it in containers in the fridge and can grab/go.  Once you make it a habit, you don't think twice.  I have noticed that I feel better, I'm sleeping better and have energy to get through the day, if I've planned out my meals.

I also have noticed how many damn times I would have put "this or that" in my mouth, just because.  Brooke didn't finish a cracker.  I'm scooping out leftover pasta to put in the fridge.  Here and there all add up and I am so happy I have stopped that habit.  It also makes me excited to indulge in the future and really enjoy (a glass of wine or a cheeseburger) but again to not eat those things all of the time.  

So that's the scoop, 5 days in and 5 more to go and then onto the max phase! 

Fitness Friday

I did a few of these awhile back and I felt like starting back up again, just to see how much I moved in a week!  I also just kind of "wing" my workouts and just choose something I feel like doing that day.  I know I should be lifting more weights and I am hoping to push myself and start doing cardio and weights in one day.

I currently feel strongest in my legs and booty, but my core and upper body definitely need some more attention.



Saturday- Elliptical
Sunday- Rest
Monday- PiYo Drench
Tuesday- Stroller walk w/ the kids
Wednesday- Elliptical
Thursday- 3 mile walk with Holly
Friday-  {{looks like I better do something with weights!! haha}}


It's nice to see what I did and where I can change things up next week. I used to go to the gym every single day in college my Jr/Sr year.  I had a strict weights/cardio regime and really ate mostly clean, except the weekend binge of PWT---that would be Pizza Wings and Things and my drink of choice: Labatt Blue Light.  Holy cow seems like forever ago.  Anyway, at 21 my metabolism was amazing and I really had nothing to take care of other than myself and my hamster, Gus Gus.  Legit I had a hamster in college and I named him Gus Gus after Cinderella's mouse.  I would share a photo, but "back in those days" we did not have cell phones with cameras and any photo I would be able to find is probably tucked into a thing called a photo album.  Crazy I know.

Thanks Ryan.




So, overall I am in a great mindset, even though I am not loving my 'bikini body' just yet.  I tried on my new suit and I really am loving my legs--I think it's because I danced so many years and great genes, but my trouble spot has always been my tummy.  So, my goal is to strengthen this core, especially having 2 kids it will be no easy task.  I am trying to love my whole body.  I know how much it's gone through in just the last 3 years.  I read things like, "how to get bikini ready" and some people say, "put on the bikini. There ya go."  But I want to feel confident and that is just not where I am at just yet. I may have to get a one piece or tankini for Lake George anyway.  I am not sure I wanna be falling out of a bikini chasing after Brooke and struggling with B man anyway.  So, any suggestions on a "mom suit"?! Ha

Just being me, accepting where I am at and knowing that I can and will be better…



My diet has been 65% clean I would say.  I am going to cleanse again starting next week~~while hubby is doing his thang at his Tent Sale, I figured it would be perfect for no excuses as I just have to take care of me and the kiddos.  Brooke eats whatever I eat so it will be good!

I WILL crush this cleanse this time. Last time I was all still missing cheeses and wine from being prego, but this time I am ready!

Anyone wanna join me? I am going to try out our new and improved fiber drink! You can check it out here.  I am excited to really see some bomb results this time through.

Happy Friday!!

This Week in Workouts Link Up

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It's Sunday, which means it's time for our Week in Workouts link up!!  I am not going to lie.  I am still hurting [in a good way] from these workouts.  My goal is to start small, 3x a week.  I accomplished that!!  I am no professional, but i do know that you need to start some place.  You cannot expect to run a marathon without proper training.  With that, I may have only done 3 little workouts, my body feels it and my appetite has increased!  Bring on the protein!

1.12-Sunday: Rest 

1.13-Monday: Jillian Micahels Ripped in 30 

1.14-Tuesday: Rest 

1.15-Wednesday: My new CU24 bundle came in!! [scoop it up here]

I only did the first cardio workout.

I literally had a ball, pun intended.  I need to work on my core, it's my weakest area by far.  I was rolling all over this damn ball and couldn't stop laughing at myself! If ya can't laugh at yourself, you've got nothing.  I cannot wait to do it again!

I will remember to put on my Polar watch next time...

1.16-Thursday: Rest

1.17-Friday:  Zen in Your Den Yoga.  I neeeeeeeded it.  20 minutes of stretching and planking oy! I just pull up good old You Tube and go.

I didn't even get dressed; I just did it in my VS pjs.

1.18-Saturday: Rest  [aka I still really feel it in my bum bum]

I will definitely be attempting to add more as I feel stronger.  You just can't get discouraged and know that it's not a race; you are not in competition with anyone.  This whole workout linkup should empower you to want to do your best and feel better.  Be sure to eat every 2-3 hours, drink as much water as you possibly can, and eat clean.  If you have any questions at all, I would love to help you!

Be sure to link up and share your workouts; I LOVE the inspiration and seeing what other people are doing as workouts too.  Happy Sunday!

Workout Link-Up Coming!

How is your new year going?  Have you started working on any of those goals you set for yourself?

I still have a lot of organization to do around here and I desperately need to meal plan [more].  I will say that I am motivating myself for workouts though!  To workout here and there is one thing, but to hold myself even more accountable, I am co-hosting a link up each Sunday to share what I did for the week in workouts!  Yes, I said it!! I am so pumped to be co-hosting a linkup. I've never done that before and this should be fun!

Where can you link up? Nikki, Ashley and myself!  Fabulous Nikki who is expecting her first baby in 20 more weeks, decided to re-instate her "Week in Workouts" and offered others to co-host!   You can read more about her here.

We are also linking up with Ashley.  She blogs over here.

Each Sunday we will post our workouts from the week.  It doesn't have to be anything crazy, please.  Just get up and move, sweat, burn some calories and get that heart pumping!  I know it's hard, I am straight up honest I don't love working out. I love how I feel after I'm done, but the whole get up and go?  I really need to push myself.  I just know how good it is to sweat; even if it's for 20 minutes 3 x a week.  That's my goal.  If I can get more, awesome!  I hope to share lots of success, but if I have an off week, you'll see that too.  

Plus, it will keep me blogging too! I know Sundays are family days, but maybe you can just track your workouts on a post and just have it publish on Sunday.  I LOVE hearing about new fun workouts and seeing others working hard motivates me to push myself.  {I may have even told my hubs, Friday from here on out will be Family Fitness Fridays! haha} Seriously, I believe that good health is so important to a happy life.

So you still have a few days left this week and we are starting THIS Sunday {19th}.  What workouts can you do before then?  Come back and share with us on Sunday!

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