Thursday, July 31, 2014

3 Day Refresh Review

So,  you may have heard about the 3 Day Refresh! It is this awesome new program put out by Beachbody that can kick start weight loss, kick some really bad eating habits, and make you feel 100% healthier and light - in just 3 Days!! I am here to give you the inside scoop! I just finished it and I want to tell you all about it!

Let's look at what is included. Included in each kit are 3 packets of Shakeology (unless you choose to purchase the challenge pack and then you receive a month's worth or Shakeology), 3 packets of Fiber Sweep, and 6 packets of Vanilla Fresh. Now, let's define what each of the are and what they do for your body!

Shakeology is a shake the is high dense in nutrition, containing vitamins/minerals, protein, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, etc.. It is used for breakfast all 3 days with a serving of fruit and was more than enough to satisfy my needs!
Fiber Sweep is a formulated blend that naturally and gently eliminates waste from your digestive system (without making you feel like you have to be near the restroom all day!).
Vanilla Fresh is a shake that is high in protein and satisfies hunger while delivering essential nutrition to your body. Basically, it is like Shakeology, but contains more fiber.

So how did I do and what were my results!?

First, let me just say that I made it though! I did it and if I did it, you can do it too! I didn't do well with Fiber Sweep or Vanilla Fresh. They both have odd textures and I am NOT a texture person. To add, I also hate the taste of Vanilla. I know, I know, how can that be? Your answer is as good as mine, but that is just how I am. Chocolate girl that hates Vanilla.

Bechbody is awesome in that they tell you exactly what you need to do, when to do it, and you get results! The program came with a very detailed plan of action, as well as an entire list of fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and dinner options to choose from. What?!? Yes, I did get to eat while doing this cleanse! How exciting is that! I had more than enough food to keep me full. Not once did I feel overwhelmingly hungry and I feel extremely healthy having finished!

To wrap things up, after having lost ALL of my baby weight, I still lost 3lbs and about 3 inches - all in just 3 Days. It was tough, but I made it!

If you need to kick some bad habits, need a quick start to eating healthy, or need to lose about 3-5lbs for a wedding coming up you should try the 3 Day Refresh. It is well worth it. If you would like to get a kit, you can go to the "Shop" tab here on my blog. Once on my website, you will click "shop" again to see all programs. Feel free to comment below for any questions!! Below is an example of one of my meals!





Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Pork Chops with Balsamic-Strawberry Sauce

Last night's supper was excellent. I made something new, courtesy of The Gracious Pantry. I absolutely love the recipes on their site! Last night I tried out the Pork Chops with Balsamic-Strawberry Sauce as a main dish. We had mashed sweet potatoes and broccoli/corn casserole as sides, which were pretty good too if I may say so myself. I did not get to make the strawberry sauce for the chops because my husband ate all the strawberries! However, the pork chops were FANTASTIC despite the fact I didn't get to make the sauce AND they were so easy to make! If you love pork chops and love some fresh strawberries you need to try this recipe! Check out the recipe below.

Ingredients:
  • 6 boneless pork loin chops
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp. dried)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper; rub with garlic and rosemary
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add half of pork chops
  3. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until done; remove from skillet and keep warm
  4. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining pork chops
  5. Add strawberries, vinegar and honey to pan; cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened
  6. Serve sauce over pork chops
For more great recipes like this one, check out The Gracious Pantry @ thegraciouspantry.com

Monday, July 21, 2014

What Are ANTIOXIDANTS & Why Are They Important?


Antioxidants are agents in your body that help fight oxidation (bad chemical reactions). Oxidation can be quickened by stress, smoking, and alcohol, and can produce highly unstable and highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are triggered by oxygen.
What is a free radical? Free radicals are atoms that contain an uneven number of electrons that actively seek an extra electron to make an even number.  With an uneven number of electrons, free radicals can cause extremely damaging chemical reactions that have the potential to react with DNA or the cell membrane, which would cause cells to die or not function properly.  Free radicals are not just found in our bodies, they are also found in the foods we eat. That is why having a healthy diet and paying close attention to what you eat is so important. It is very possible to intake food that could cause a disease process to start.

What diseases can free radicals initiate? I am so glad you asked! It is suspected that free radicals can initiate early stages of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease. So, how do we combat these floating free radicals searching so desperately to cause a harmful chemical reaction in our body? Eat plenty of antioxidants! Our bodies already produce many different types of antioxidants to keep free radicals being attacked by oxygen, but it is important to fuel your body as well. Antioxidants can interact with free radicals and prevent a damaging chain of chemicals reaction – preventing damage to cells.

Where can you get antioxidants? There are plenty of foods to choose from! And believe it or not, there are several different types of antioxidants, and each group has different effects. Some examples include: sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, blueberries, strawberries, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red wine, peanuts, cranberries, pomegranates, and green tea! Now, there is no way to eat every single one of these beneficial fruits and vegetables. There may be some days that you don’t eat any antioxidants. How do you ensure that you get a daily dose? Do what I do! I drink Shakeology daily! Shakeology contains 11 different antioxidants! That is absolutely amazing! If you would like to try Shakeology for yourself and ensure you get the same daily dose of antioxidants that I am getting, contact me about how you can get a sample!

Friday, July 18, 2014

It's that time again!

Get all the support, encouragement, accountability and motivation  you need to get moving by joining one of my August workout challenges! I am more than happy to help you choose a program that will allow you to reach your health and fitness goals. This month's groups will feature a Freestyle group, PiYo, and 3 Day Refresh CP! Message, like or comment to participate in one of these awesome groups. 

"Don't go on a diet. Instead, have a diet you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life." - Chalene Johnson

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Welcome to my blog! I hope you find the information helpful and unique. I started my journey as a Beachbody Coach in March of 2014. I have loved every minute of it. It is so motivating and inspiring to watch others transform their lifestyles and to be able to be a part of it. I am so glad I made the decision to become a coach. If you have health and fitness goals and would like company on your journey or need support, feel free to contact me!