Avocado and Veggie Salad

Avocado and Veggie Salad

Ingredients:

- 1 small container of grape tomatoes diced into small cubes

- 1 Cucumber chopped

-  1 medium Green, Yellow and Red  Peppers chopped

-  1 Avocado (diced or mashed)- I do smashed 

For the dressing : 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar,  Himalayan Salt, Pepper, 1 tsp raw honey,  1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Directions:

• Chop up all the vegetables finely and toss them together.        
• Mix together the Vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Agave nectar for  the dressing. Because of the Balsamic Vinegar and Lemon Juice, the salad has a very fresh, tangy flavor. 
• Add dressing mixture to the vegetable mix and serve cold!

Nutrition Facts per serving (4 servings)

Calories: 100

Fat: 5

Carbs: 5

Dietary Fiber: 2

Sugar:3

Protein: 1

Since one of the popular home fitness programs many of my challengers use is the 21 DAY FIX, this recipe is allowed on your meal plan! 

For this salad, you would use 1 green (veggie) and 1 blue (avocado). The Raw Honey is considered an extra Tsp (keep in mind this is only 1/4 serving)

Here is just a little example of how the 21 day fix meal plan works... 21 days of focused portion control and constantly fueling our bodies with the proper nutrients to help with lose weight the right way, and long term! No more FAD diets or binging! Its all about living a healthy lifestyle!

If you would like more information on portion control, working out in the comfort of your own home, and having 1:1 coaching support by me daily for 60 days, fill out this application below for a spot in my next Fitness Challenge group!

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

NPC Figure Competition 5 weeks out

Well, it has definitely been a CRAZY week and a half!!! As I get closer to show day, I know I needed to expect a lot of struggles, cravings, feeling tired, or more like exhausted, but getting sick on top of that is NOT cool!!! 
So I went away to my leadership retreat in Scottsdale, AZ last week for Beachbody and had a fabulous time!! I stayed a lot stronger than I thought I ever could! I pre cooked all my meals and put them in my carry on and called it a day!! I worked out EVERY day while away, 2 times a day, and sometimes 3 times a day! 

On a bad note, ever since I was either on the airplane or got a million misquito bites, I started going down hill... Last Sunday, I came back home and developed severe migraine, low grade fever, lightheadedness, double vision, nausea, a rash, and muscle aches EVERYWHERE! It was terrible and probably one of the worst things I ever felt before... Of course I was stubborn (I swear all nurses are lol) and wanted to hold off because I knew it would take away time training for my show. 


After a night of not sleeping and feeling like my head was going to pop off, I gave in and let my husband take me to the ER to get checked out..


I had blood work done, 5 total bags of IV fluids, tons of medications that helped, but made me feel like hell, and had a CT scan and ended up getting a Lumbar puncture done to test for viral meningitis and West Nile.  

I was so afraid of having this darn Lumbar Puncture, but it actually wasn't that bad.. I had it done under radiology and the doctor was great!! 

I had to lay flat for 6 hours after and that was a little tough... I was starving, so of course I continued staying on track and had my man cakes (Oatmeal, egg whites, cinnamon, and vanilla), chicken, and of course my Shakeology.  

Then I even had some surprise visitors and my husband brought my two boys to see me!  I totally needed that to brighten up my day!!

I ended up being discharged the next evening and felt ok.  Most of my symptoms subsided and my only issue was my headache and some nausea, and a little tingling in my legs.  But I went on about my day and training and I was told I can work out the next day as long as I get rest that night... So 12 hours later, I went back to training, but definitely less intense than what I am use to so I can work my way back into it and not hurt myself.  

I did my sneak peak at INSANITY MAX 30 by Shaun T, which is our brand new workout that will be released December 2nd!  I am so excited about it and its a lot of cardio and calisthenics which is exactly what I needed, so I did that workout in the morning and felt pretty good... I modified all the exercises, but about an hour later, my legs became a lot more numb and tingly... My headache got severe again, so I took it easy the rest of the day and took my anti inflammatory medication that was given to me.   

I only did 1 workout that day and went back to 2 workouts the next, doing a little P90 with Tony Horton, which is our newest release!! I loved this program because again, I was able to modify, but also incorporated some weights into my routine, which I really needed since I went 3 days without any weight training! 

Although it looks like I felt great, afterwards, my legs were still bothering me and my headache again.... not any better.  I think you can tell what goes on... I continue being stubborn and trying to workout and I ended up going to the gym on Thursday for a little chest and tris, and a little legs too...

So with all the not so good news, I did have exciting news too!! I got my suit in and boy did that make me NERVOUS!! This thing is like not covering ANYTHING!!! HAHA... Literally, I am use to wearing skimpy clothes, but this is to the next level!! I knew it was going to be very showy, but I guess putting it on was a reminder of what I was getting myself into!! I think knowing that it will show ANY tiny little bit of fat I have makes me more nervous!  So the fat needs to go, but its hard to go when Im struggling to even workout! Hopefully it 100% true when I always tell people nutrition is 80% because right now I need it to be 100% lol!! 

So anyways, I am continuing about my figure journey and had a little fun for flex Friday!! Usually on Fridays, I do my fun moves and flips, but unfortunately I was not up for that, so I gave my best Flex Friday Face haha!! My legs are definitely what needs the most the work, but I know they are also last to come in for show day, so I am trying to be patient!! 

I did a quick meal prep for the weekend and went home for my Beachbody Super Saturday event I had in Pittsburgh and make the 2.5 drive to stay at my moms.  The drive was ok, but my head felt it was getting worse and worse as time went on.  Friday night was a killer, but Saturday I knew I was going to have to get checked out again.. I think I held off so many times just praying the migraine would go away, but Saturday morning I went to the gym at 5 am, and when I realized my head would instantly feel better when I would lay down to do hamstring curls and the second I get up, my head is pounding within 5 seconds of sitting back up, NO exaggeration... it was pretty pathetic actually and made me mad.  I had a feeling what was needed and it would probably be more IV fluids and medication, but possible a blood patch to cover the open area from having the spinal tap done Monday that was causing the headache.  When they say worst headache you ever had, they are NOT kidding!!

The Pittsburgh leadership council and the part of the Pittsburgh Beachbody crew!!

Caleb and I--- the King of making hilarious Youtube Videos, but so inspirational at the same time!!!

2 of my favorite people in the world-- #1 coach in Beachbody Melanie (and my cuz), and Katy Ursta (my success partner)!!

Forever Fit girls at Super Saturday!

Love our team Forever FIT!!! So blessed to have this team!

So what did I do?? Of course, tried to suck it up and took my 3 coaches with me to Super Saturday in Pittsburgh... As 3 hours went by, I knew I shouldn't be there and they were such good sports that they left with me and took me to the ER for some IV fluids and medications... Thank goodness, the medication that made me feel like I was crawling out of my own body, also took away my headache so I did not need the blood patch! YAY!!!  

I realized its officially time to SLOW down! I was so mad at myself because if I would've went 2 days after my spinal tap and got the blood patch and just rested, I would not be having these set backs at this time in the game... So now with officially 4 weeks to go as of yesterday, I am not allowed to workout until at least tomorrow.. And as I am typing this, my head is starting to hurt again, so if it hurts tomorrow too, I WILL be getting the blood patch done and sucking it up!!! Its not half as severe as it was, so lets cross our fingers and toes that it continues going away!! :) 

Today, I took away a few more things from my diet... ok I thought I was removing them last week, but it starts now haha!! Only down to 1 SHAKEOLOGY a day, which is giving me all my super foods and dense nutrition, I cut out the PB2 FOR GOOD!! HAHA No more whipped cream (not even 1 bite), no more braggs aminos sauce, and cutting back the hot sauce a little.  The only time I need it is with my hard boiled eggs, so its not that bad.  I am hardly eating any chicken and I am eating all fresh salmon, cod, and talapia.  
Oh, and my favorite seasoning is now salt free cajun seasoning by Mrs. Dash!!! YUMMO!!!
My weight has changed as its lowest in the morning at 128, and now this evening it is 127!! YAY!! Progress is progress!! Im thinking my weight should be around 120 for show day.. Still not sure how that is going to turn out because I have never been that weight EVER.. like not even in high school! 
So I guess time will tell, but first lets get this migraine under control so in 4 weeks, I can kick some butt up on that stage!!!! 
I need my cramping to stop and need to keep practicing that posing because I cramp and haven't even cut my water yet!! YIKES!!!!! Time for some extra potassium, magnesium and more water!!!! 
HERE's TO WEEK 4!!!! :)

Team Beachbody Leadership Retreat

Fairmont in Scottsdale, AZ

Last week, I had an amazing opportunity to attend my very first Leadership Retreat with Team Beachbody which was held in Scottsdale, AZ! I left on Wednesday and was able to go a day early to relax and enjoy an extra day thanks to Beachbody for providing their Elite coaches with this present! I seriously have never felt so loved as I do with Team Beachbody as a company! Its one thing to treat your employees well, but I was literally showered with gifts every day, and they treated me like royalty!

What is so great about leadership?
Not everyone that works for Beachbody gets the opportunity to go to these events.  Leadership is for coaches who reach the rank of 2 star and above which means the diamond coach has 2 personally sponsored diamonds on their team.

Cant get more motivating than this!

Yea, totally did Leg day when I got to the resort... Im 5  1/2 weeks out here when I arrived, so I gotta keep up with my training!! I will say it was pretty fun walking into the empty gym with Kailiegh and I and Autumn Calabrese working out too! :) I had my extra motivation everywhere I went!

Thank you Mel for my massage!!!! XOXO Great post workout gift!!

Wednesday, the Elite coaches first night at the resort, we had the opportunity to have a workout with Shaun T, then a huge Elite reception and dinner that was themed A night in Paris!

Mel and I

 Thursday morning was an awesome workout with Autumn Calabrese, the creator of the #1 seller 21 day fix! She definitely kicked our butts!! There is nothing better than a live workout with the celebrity trainers themselves!!

Talked to my peanut before my workout!

Now I have to share some amazing gifts that were giving to us top coaches!! Every day, getting showered with gifts was pretty amazing!! Not that gifts are everything because they are not, but it definitely is a bonus!!

This robe is absolutely amazing and has my initials in it!! EEEK!! I feel special!

Gotta love the clothes!! 

Having a little fun out at the pool, I will say it was tough seeing everyone eating all the food and guacamole, I stayed strong and had my grilled chicken and broccoli!!

As we had some relaxing time, we also had our general sessions which were great!! We had an opportunity to get some great information from our CEO's Carl Daikeler and Jon Congdon! They are such amazing leaders and here for the right reasons! Nowadays you see founders of businesses focus on the money aspect, but they truly want to see transformations and lives changing and its amazing feeling to be a part of this!! 

Carl and Jon the CEO and founders of Beachbody!

Surprise surprise!!!! Guess what we get to announce??!?! SHAUN T will be releasing an amazing new workout called INSANITY MAX 30!!!!! And yes, the Elite coaches got our own copy already before everyone else gets it!! WOOHOOO!!!!

HAHA oh I love us! We do have so much fun together!!!

Thursday night was a night dinner with the crew for opening night!! I must say this dress was by far my favorite ever!! Rent the Runway is a must if you have the opportunity and want to dress up!! 

 And yes, a little more fun at the pool!! Yes, I did have a drink for myself even prepping for my show! TIP*** Vokda and water with a lemon will do the trick and not a lot of calories!!

 Another general session with Beachbody!! It was so great to see my coach and cousin up on stage working her magic!! Melanie, you are such a great leader and mentor!!! LOVE YOU!!!!

Oh so much I can say about this girl!! Katy, one of my success partners in crime has been such an inspiration to me! She has gone through more than anyone I know but stays stronger than anyone!!  She had such an amazing speech on stage about her journey and struggle through having stage 4 lymphoma but is now a survivor and fought through like no other!!! So blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people!!!

Val and I!! Love this momma!!

Friday was a night out with the Dream Team!! We had a dinner and spent some QT together, which was definitely needed!!!

Saturday morning, our workout was a little different, but tons of fun!! We did some exercises at the spa and a little surfing!!! 

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Had a great time with this group!!!

Our last night at leadership was our Sheriff and Outlaw party--- Nothing like a little dress up and dancing before our retreat ends!! We definitely ended it with a bang!! hehe!! 

Yup, I picked out my own outfit haha!!

My partner in crime!!! :) Love this BFF!!

The "GUN SHOW" :)

Val and I!

Ok so I love to dance.... may be the funniest pic... I was caught in action!! I am not sure what kind of move that is, but I swear I know how to dance hahah!!!!

As you see, this entire trip was something amazing!!! Something not everyone gets to do often, but Beachbody gives these trips as a Thank You for working hard and dedicating ourselves to help end the trend of obesity and change lives! So far this year, Beachbody has given me a trip on a Caribbean Cruise, Vegas, and now Arizona! I must say Im pretty thankful for everything they have done for me, along with giving me the opportunity to have financial freedom for my family! 

I am so excited to take in all the information I learned and share it with my team and continue making a difference in people's lives!! 

If you have a passion for helping others and want to help me end the trend of obesity while continuing your own health and fitness journey, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next coach apprenticeship starting Oct 6th!

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.