Getting Started on your Fitness Journey!

3 Years ago, my second son was born, I was unhappy, depressed, and disgusted with how I looked and felt.  I needed a change and the same old routine of jumping from diet to diet wasn't cutting it.  It was causing me to stress more, and it became more of a yo-yo diet which was NOT healthy for me! 

As I was looking for a change, I heard about Beachbody programs, which were home fitness programs that came with a schedule to follow AND a nutrition plan... and then Shakeology.  I was slightly skeptical because I wasn't sure this is another FAD diet that I was falling into.  As I did my research and saw the amazing results my cousin had and many other friends and family I knew were doing the same thing.  

I decided to trust in the process and take a leap of faith.  It was scary, yes... but what would be scarier, taking a leap and getting results, or not taking the leap and staying in the same unhappy place your in looking for a way out?! I have to be completely real and up front because I was in that same situation! Its easy to take the easy way out... to skip out on your goals because maybe your busy and use to putting everyone else first... but think about this.. those people you love and put first.. how will you take care of them the best way if you cannot take care of yourself? People follow the lead.  They follow what you do! So if you take care of yourself, then you as a role model will show others how its done and will join you and follow the lead! 

As I was reaching my goals little by little, I was so excited to share my success with others and show that it IS possible to reach your goals no matter how busy you are, what obstacles are in your way, and no matter how much you want to lose or gain! 

The biggest part that contributed to my success with my health and fitness goals was being in a challenge group/support group.  I've had personal trainers.. I was a personal trainer. I know the time spent with trainers helps a lot... but having them every single day is not realistic.  Being in the challenge groups gave me the ability to have a coach and mentor help me DAILY throughout the day with support, motivation, accountability, but also gave me tips on healthy eating and exercise, meal planning and meal prepping for the week, and I also was not only working with my coach, but the group of people doing the same thing I was doing! I found extra support, friendships, and having surround myself with others with similar goals pushed me harder, further when I wanted to give up, and gave me exactly what I needed to reach my goals!

Since being in challenge groups myself, I decided as I was getting the results I wanted, to give this opportunity to others as well! Having experience as a trainer, education on nutrition, experience now as a figure competitor, I can give advice, support, knowledge and motivation to others so they experience the success as well!

I am now accepting new challengers to take a leap of faith with me and allow me to help 1:1 with daily support, motivation, and accountability and reaching some BIG GOALS together as a team!

Please fill out the application below and we will talk more about starting your new journey! 

10 Ways to Stay FIT & Healthy

Do you ever think... "It's just too much work..."

"I don't have time to workout and cook healthy meals."

"I can't afford to eat healthy and workout at a gym."

As a fitness coach, those are the typical every day objections I hear from people who are not willing to putting their health first.  It's unfortunate that people are quick to spend money on items that are not NEEDED, but WANTED... Fast food because they "don't have time", but then say they can't "afford" healthy food...

I want everyone to realize, fast food is just as expensive as healthy food.  It's all on what you make it! That is why I focus with my customers and challengers on saving while eating on a budget! There are so many ways to eat healthy while budgeting.

The most important thing to do to start your fitness journey is to START!  If you don't start, you will be stuck in the same unhappy place forever.  Do not do that to yourself! You are worth more than that!  Think of those (including yourself) you are impacting with your day-to-day choices: Family, friends, KIDS, and others who may look up to you for help, motivation, and support! Whether you believe it or not, SOMEONE is watching you and learning from you!  So start being the best you can be for YOU, but also those watching and learning from you!

Now, I want to give you my TOP 10 Ways to Stay FIT.... I know it's not always easy, but I promise it's always worth it!!

1. Get into an exercise program and complete it- When you incorporate a program with a time frame, it seems more realistic and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel! If you do not have ability to go to a gym, there are TONS of home fitness programs to follow that have a set schedule to follow with a nutrition plan such as 21 DAY FIX (variety of different exercises in 30 min workouts), CIZE (dancing cardio), BODY BEAST (weight training), PiYo (yoga/pilates), and more!
2. Drink more WATER- Did you know water increases your metabolism, removes toxins from your body, hydrates  you, and helps you know the difference between hunger and boredom? Drink at least half your body weight in ounces EVERY day!
3. Get your SLEEP- Yes, not enough sleep can totally set you back from your goals! Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a day will help your metabolism, concentration, and improve your brain function!
4. When in doubt, take the healthier route- I know its easy to park closer to the store or take the escalator.. But if you have the opportunity, burn a few extra calories and work those muscles! Improve your cardiovascular system by taking the steps, parking far away and walk more!
5. Eat more HEALTHY food- Eating foods high in lean protein, healthy fats, high fibrous carbohydrates such as veggies, and good complex carbs such as whole grain bread, and pastas, sweet potatoes, and fresh fruits!
6. Eat every 3 hours- As you fuel your body every 3 hours, your metabolism will increase, therefore, you will burn more calories throughout the day.  Make sure these meals are smaller, more nutritious meals rather than large meals every 3 hours where extra calories turn into fat.
7. MODERATION- If all these rules seem so difficult, the simplest rule to follow is use moderation! Portion control will save you! If you MUST have that cheat meal or dessert, don't starve yourself of it... that will cause binging. Use the 3 bite rule... Take 3 bites and move on!  Then you don't have to feel like you are in food jail!
8. POSTIVE mindset- I find if I wake up every morning and give myself positive talk, you will have a positive outcome! This may sound silly, but look in the mirror and tell yourself, "I am STRONG." "I am SUCCESSFUL." "I will WIN the day."  A positive Patty will get you so much further than a negative Nelly!
9. Personal GROWTH- Personal development or personal growth is one of the best things I can do for my mental health and confidence as a person! Reading 15- 30 minutes of a good book or listening to an audio will help you gain satisfaction in your life you never thought was possible!
10. Set GOALS- Yes, I said it! If you do not set goals for yourself, what direction are you going in life?! If you want to achieve something... whether it be career goals, personal goals, relationship goals, financial goals.. write them down and hang them up somewhere where you can see them EVERY day! The more you physically see them, the more they are stuck in your head and the more likely you will take steps to achieve them!

For more tips on fitness and clean eating and getting daily support and accountability to help you reach your health and fitness goals, please fill out the application below for an exclusive spot in my next 30 day fitness challenge! 

Beachbody Fitness Journey Progress Update!

Ok so as my journey and goals have been changing... well not changing, but taking a different route to get to my destination, I have been definitely progressing along!! As I injured my back a few weeks back, I went to a chiropractor and took some time off weight training, but now getting back in the game slowly but surely!!

I have went to the gym just a couple times, lifted and worked on each muscle group, and have been doing some cardio, but really focusing on my Beachbody programs at home!

I have totally been mixing it up and incorporating 21 DAY FIX EXTREME where I am doing my Plyos, some morning cardio with T25, weight training with BODY BEAST, and loving to CIZE it up with Shaun T (dancing cardio workout)!

Yes, its a sweat fest on every workout! :P 

I have not had any back issues but also not going too intense, but I am definitely stepping up my game next week and going all in!! So back to training for my next show!!  Of course its getting moved back a little, but really excited to do a show for my 30 th Birthday!! WOOHOO!! What a perfect gift for myself!!

NUTRITION~

Oh we know nutrition is 80% of your results.. so especially for me, when I am not able to workout to my fullest ability, I must stay on track with my nutrition!  

I've been eating lots of Salmon and salad, Crock Pot Southwest Chicken wraps, Protein pancakes, and of course my good ol SHAKEOLOGY which is where I get all my superfoods, and dense nutrients!! 

Healthy alternative to Ranch dressing: Greek Yogurt Ranch!!! You cannot even tell the difference!!

Southwest crock pot chicken---> SO SIMPLE!! Literally, I throw the chicken raw in the crock pot for 4 hours oh high and at 3 hours, I put a packet of low sodium taco seasoning and let it fall right apart!! 

Add some southwest salsa, little cheese, and Greek yogurt if you want sour cream (healthy alternative), and go to town on that bad boy!! Of course, make sure you use whole wheat wraps :)

 Who said you can't be healthy and eat out?!? Seriously, this Salmon Salad was BOMB.COM!!  This is a beauty!!

So I would say I've been doing pretty darn good despite a little bitty set back!! But like I said.. just because you have a set back does not mean change your goals... CHANGE THE DIRECTION TO GET TO YOUR GOALS!! 

If you goals are important enough, NOTHING will get in the way!!

Ready to kick it up a notch!! 

**If you are looking to start or continue your fitness journey and would like 1:1 support, motivation, help with nutrition and meal planning, please fill out my application below to get your spot in my next Beachbody Challenge! 

*This will require using ANY Beachbody program of your choice (I will help you figure out what program will fit you based on your fitness level, limitations, goals, and preference of exercise), along with incorporating SHAKEOLOGY as 1 meal a day to give you the  best nutrition including 70 + natural ingredients and superfoods (and more :) )!

Time to get everything you need to reach your goals: 

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = RESULTS & TRANSFORMATION!