Round 2 of 21 Day Fix Extreme: Week 1

Hey guys!  I just finished my first week of Round 2 of 21 Day Fix Extreme.  During the couple weeks between my first round and this round of the 21 DFX, my healthy eating habits slacked a little, but I continued working out 5 days a week, alternating between T25 and P90X3.  Thankfully, I didn't gain weight back, but I could definitely tell I wasn't eating as healthy as I had been by the way I felt!

The Workouts
The workouts are still tough, but getting a little easier.  I'm able to do the moves a little bit longer before taking a break!  My favorite videos are still Upper Fix and Dirty 30 (whole body workout.)  Sunday is always Yoga, and I always add in the 10 min Hard Core which is an ab workout that is included.  Plyo continues to be the toughest for me, but I am getting better!  I'm also continuing to get up at 5 am (during the work week) to workout.  These morning workouts are really growing on me. :-)  It's not always easy getting out of bed, but I feel great after the workout is finished and I don't have to try and fit it in later in the day.


The Food
Using the colored containers continues to be so much easier than counting calories!  If I happen to not have my containers, I'm getting pretty good at eye-balling the amounts.  I'm sure to use the containers when I am at home though!  Here are some of my favorite go to meals:

Tostadas

 

• Breakfast: Shakeology- with 1 tsp peanut butter or a tbsp of PP2, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup water, pinch of slivered almonds, 1 scoop vanilla Shakeology, and ice.
• Lunch: turkey chili leftovers, salad with chicken, veggies, and balsamic vinaigrette, taco salad, 21 Day Fix approved tostadas
• Dinner: turkey chili, lettuce wrapped tacos, chicken fajitas, scrambled eggs with veggies, turkey bacon, and a piece of whole wheat toast.
• Snacks: fruit, veggies w/ hummus, hard boiled eggs,  Kind bars 

Challenge Group
It has been so fun completing this round of 21 Day Fix with a challenge group.  I'm leading the group, but the women who are in the group are holding me accountable too.  It has been so nice to share our struggles and successes!  Don't forget, another challenge group is starting next Monday.  There is still time to order the 21 Day Fix program.  If you have been struggling with weight, body image, or healthy eating, this is such a great way to get back on track.  It will end 3 days before Thanksgiving.  Perfect timing, right?!?!  If you choose to, you can start back up with it after Thanksgiving!  Even though "Fix" is in the title, it really isn't just a quick fix, it is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE!  Please don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions.  I am here to help you, regardless if you are purchasing something or not!

 Follow me on:
Instagram @fitnesslovinmama
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnesslovinmama?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Email----- kstrodemier@yahoo.com

Have a great week and thanks again for reading!
~Kristin

Crock-pot Turkey Chili

While on the 21 day Fix Extreme,  Crock-pot Turkey Chili has become a staple and one of my favorites go to meals! Wednesdays are really busy for my family, because my daughter has both dance and soccer after school.  It is so nice coming home and having dinner ready. If I don't have a meal like that cooking at home, then I'm much more likely to pick some food up on the way home (which would probably be fast food).  Another bonus, is I get to have it for leftovers for lunch the next few days or leftovers for dinner if we're busy. 

Here is what I put in my crock-pot chili:

• 1lb browned ground turkey
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
• 15.25 oz Kidney beans
• 15 oz Black beans
• 15.5 oz Chili beans
• 10 oz Diced green tomatoes with chiles
• 1/2 onion diced
• 1 large Anaheim pepper diced
• 1/2 jalapeño diced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Ground pepper
• You can top it with Greek yogurt, cheese, and/or avocado.

Chili is something that you can easily make your own. Change up what types of beans you use, add green, yellow, or red peppers, use different seasonings, add corn or even shredded carrots to sneak in some more veggies!

What is a Team Beachbody Coach and why did I sign up to be one?

In August of this year, I decided to sign up to be a Team Beachbody Coach and start a Fitness Blog.  Let me tell you a little more about my why and what exactly it means to be a Team Beachbody Coach.

(If you didn't read my very first post on this blog, you can go back and read more about my fitness journey here.)

A few years ago, I was in a place where I was not taking care of my body and health.  I was busy being a mom and teacher.  My job took a lot of my energy and my focus at home was my daughter.  I was hardly working out and not making very good food choices. That all changed in November of 2011 when I'd had enough and I started making my health a priority by eating healthier and getting in a 30 minute workout at least 4 days a week.  During my 2nd pregnancy in 2013, my weight loss got put on hold, but I got right back into working out and eating healthy shortly after she was born.  The weight came off much more quickly than my first pregnancy.  My workouts consisted of Jillian Michael's DVD's and then I continued with Team Beachbody's workout programs Focus T25, PiYo, P90X3, and most recently 21 Day Fix Extreme.

What made these programs so valuable to me is...

1. I could do them at home in a short amount of time! 

2. They were fun! 

3. They worked!

I had contemplated signing up to be a Team Beachbody Coach for over a year and finally took the plunge in August. :-)

 Here are some reasons why I signed up to be a coach (NOT in order of importance!): 

1. 25% Discount-  When you sign up to be a Team Beachbody coach you get a 25% discount on everything you order!  I plan on buying other programs in the future and am drinking the Shakeology, so even with the $15.95 monthly fee to be a coach- it saves me money! (((If you are wanting to try Shakeology, but don't want to pay full price, this is a great option!---Some people sign up to be a "coach" just to get that discount.)))

2. 25% Commission- Now that isn't a huge amount- but can provide me with a little extra income to put toward family vacations, Christmas, or necessities.

3. Motivation & Accountability for MYSELF!   By sharing my fitness journey and helping others, I feel like it is my duty to be a good example by living a healthy lifestyle! With sharing on social media (Instagram & Facebook Like Page) I am more motivated to get my workouts in and eat healthy!  Fitness and nutrition is something I have always enjoyed reading and learning about.  I even contemplated majoring in exercise science when I was in college, so this is a way to pursue that passion!

4.Helping Others: (THIS IS A HUGE FACTOR and my most important reason for becoming a coach!!!) I once struggled with my weight.  I know what it is like to feel miserable in your clothes and bad about your body.  I know what it is like to feel unhealthy and unmotivated.   I now have a strong desire to help others (especially other moms) who are in that same spot.  I want to provide the support and accountability that we need to make healthy changes!  I know that would have helped me early on in my fitness journey! 

5. Resources that Work! Team Beachbody provides me with resources to help other people! I really believe in the products (workout programs, Shakeology, etc.)  I can find out what people's goals are and recommend programs that I feel might help them to achieve those goals.  I am a product of the product (meaning I have tried many of the workout programs and Shakeology) and can share how they have helped me.)  This doesn't mean I am out to sell people a bunch of stuff, it might also just be me helping people by sharing words of advice, based on personal experience in my own fitness journey or helpful information on my blog, Instagram or Facebook.

As a Team Beachbody Coach my mission is to help others achieve their health and fitness goals, by sharing what has worked for me based on my own weight loss journey and by providing motivation and accountability.  I also partake in professional development daily, to increase my knowledge in health and fitness, so I can better help people. :-)

I started my blog "Fitness Lovin Mama"  as a way to document my fitness journey and will use it to share more about fitness and nutrition, as I learn and grow.

One of my goals is to hold a Challenge Group monthly or every couple of months.  A Challenge Group is a private group on Facebook, where I lead a group of people through  an exercise program of their choice.  It's place to share success, struggles, recipes and more.  It provides accountability and support for 21-30 days.  I start my first official Challenge Group on Monday (Oct. 19th)  with 13 wonderful women who have committed to doing the 21 Day Fix.  We are going to rock the next 21 Days!  I am so excited for the group to start!  

I am planning on starting my next Challenge Group on November 30.  It will last until Dec. 20.  It will be a great time to get back on track after Thanksgiving and will be over 5 days before the busyness of Christmas begins!   If you have any questions about what a Challenge Group is or may be interested in being a part of the next one, please private message me on Facebook or send me an email at kstrodemier@yahoo.com.  I will post more info next month.

If you are interested in becoming a coach (even just for the discount) or want to know more about it, please send me an email.

Thank you so much to all those who have been following my blog and posts as I share!  I know I've shared this before, but again you can follow me on Instagram @fitnesslovinmama and I recently started a Facebook Like Page.  You can get to my page here: Fitness Lovin Mama and Click LIKE.

Have a GREAT week!

21 Day Fix Extreme Final Results!

Those 21 days flew by!  (For those of you who are new readers, I have been completing the 21 Day Fix Extreme workout/meal plan program by Autumn Calabrese)  This last week I allowed myself a few more treats than I should have (like a couple lattes-oops!), but got all my workouts in!  I'm sure I would have had even better results if I would have stuck to the diet more strictly this last week.

Here are my final results:

Total Pounds Lost: 7.3
Total Inches Lost: 10

For 21 days, I feel like those are pretty good results!  I really enjoyed the program and am so happy I did it.  I had already been working out consistently with T25 and P90X3, but I feel like these workouts really pushed me a step farther!  The eating plan was so helpful with getting me to eat healthier and control my portion sizes.  When I started the program, I was worried I would be hungry all the time- but I wasn't!  I felt satisfied after every meal and even in between meals.  

During the 21 days, I also drank a Shakeology (nutrient packed protein shake) everyday for breakfast.  This was nice because it only counted for 1 red, unless I added stuff to it.  I was able to save my containers for other meals and have a quick and easy breakfast.  

My favorite recipe with the Vanilla Shakeology was: 

• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2/3 cup water, ice
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tsp of natural peanut butter
• 5 almonds.  

It was delicious!  Again, I was really skeptical of the Shakeology, but it helped me with my appetite control and satisfied my sweet tooth.  I also didn't drink coffee most days, and felt it gave me an energy boost.

My twin sister, Stephanie, also had great results with the 21 Day Fix!  She lost 10 lbs and 14.4 inches!  Way to go, Steph!  She said she is feeling so much healthier!

I feel like I am just getting started and can't wait to start a new round on October 19th!  There are 4 of us so far who are in the Fit for Fall Challenge Group on Facebook.  Please leave me a message or email me at kstrodemier@yahoo.com if you are interested in being a part of the Challenge Group or if you have any questions about 21 Day Fix or Shakeology!

**Challenge Group will include:

• Daily motivation, guidance & accountability from me
• Sharing of recipes
• Sharing of what's going well and things we are struggling with 

This month the 21 Day Challenge Pack is $20 off too!  It comes with the workouts, containers, 30 day supply of Shakeology, an insulated bag, and more extras!  I wish it would have been on sale when I bought it!!!   
You can read more about the Challenge Pack by going to:
 -www.teambeachbody.com/fitnesslovinmama
-Go to the Beachbody Challenge Tab
-Click on Challenge Packs and chose 21 Day Fix
 
Thank you for being a part of my journey!!!

 

 

21 DFX Week 2 Review

I'm still loving the 21 Day Fix Extreme workout program and eating plan!  The workouts continue to be tough- but are getting a little easier!  My favorite workouts are Upper Extreme Fix and Dirty 30 Extreme.  I have had a couple of cheats, but for the most part I have stuck with the plan!  Pinterest has been a lifesaver when it comes to trying new things to eat.  So many great 21 Day Fix Recipes.  You can't get bored!  I'm still drinking Shakeology everyday and loving it!  I really feel like it is helping me with my appetite control.  I'm not craving the unhealthy, fatty or really sweet foods.  (Okay, only every once in a while- but not often!)

I'm waiting to share my final results until the end, but I am down a couple more pounds.  More importantly, I  am feeling great!  Feeling like I am getting stronger, no bloat and no digestion issues.  I eat until I'm satisfied and do not over eat, which I tended to do, when it was something I really liked!

My twin sister, Stephanie is doing the 21 Day Fix Program.  I wanted to share her most recent post about how it is going for her: (with her permission, of course!)
     "2 weeks done on the 21 day fix! Down 8 pounds and about 11 inches total! (Including waist, hips, bust, chest, stomach, arm, calf and thigh )Honestly the workouts are still hard because I'm pushing myself a little bit more each time and I am still craving carbs! But I'm so excited to see some results! It's so motivating! My clothes are fitting better and I don't feel as uncomfortable! And I am actually starting to get excited to do my workouts!"
Steph is doing awesome and working so hard!  Proud of you sis!

**I will be doing a post in a few days about an upcoming challenge group I'm starting.  Steph and I are wanting to do another round of 21 Day Fix and would love to have more people do it with us.  The group will start in a couple of weeks- just in time to get us fit and healthy for Halloween (or at least a great start into the upcoming holiday season.)  Think about if you may be interested or have any family or friends who would want to try the 21 Day Fix too!

If you are curious about anything I have shared, please don't hesitate to email me at kstrodemier@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook.

If you want to explore the 21 Day Fix or Shakeology on your own- you can find more information, by going to www.teambeachbody.com/fitnesslovinmama.

Looking forward to hearing about Steph's results and seeing my own results at the end of the week! 

Have a great week! 

21 Day Fix Extreme Week 1 Review

Yesterday was the end of Week 1 for 21 Day Fix Extreme!  Here is my review of the program so far...

Workouts:  The workouts are all 30 minutes!  I have been getting up at 5 am...okay maybe 5:10, to get the workouts done.  I have always hated morning workouts because 1. I'd rather lay in bed a little bit longer and 2. I never feel like I can workout out very hard because of lack of energy.  I have to say I'm starting to enjoy the morning workouts!  It is still tough to get out of bed, but once I'm up and started, I feel pretty good.  It is so nice to be done with my workouts first thing in the morning, because if I wait until late afternoon or evening, it seems like things always come up or I'm busy with the girls, or I feel tired!  Plus, I think these morning workouts are giving me a boost of energy in the morning.  I no longer feel like I am going to fall asleep on my way to work! :-)

Here is a small recap of my week's workouts!

Monday-Plyo Extreme: Ugh....lots of jumps with weights!  Not my favorite- but I know it is going to help tone my legs!

Tuesday-Upper Fix Extreme:  This workout uses weights and a resistance bands.  Every move was 1 minute.  You use heavy weights for the first 30 seconds and lighter weights for the last 30 seconds.  My arms felt like jello after!

Wednesday-Pilates Extreme:  I've done Pilates with PiYo and P90X3, but man is it a lot tougher with a resistance band! 

Thursday-Lower Fix Extreme: Lunges, Squats and More!!!   Again you use weights for most moves and each move was 30 seconds.  Again, my legs were on fire!!!!

Friday- Cardio Extreme-This one involves 4 sets of 3 moves that you do twice.  They are 1 min long and you use light weights.  Again, tough workout! 

Saturday- Dirty 30 Extreme- This is a whole body workout using a set of heavy and light weights.  There are 3 rounds with 2 exercises that you repeat twice.  Each move lasts a minute.  The 10 second break in between goes way too fast! ;-)

Sunday- Yoga Extreme- This was very relaxing and I loved stretching after the weeks workouts.  There were some tough moves, but it was pretty similar to P90X3 Yoga so I was familiar with all the moves.

On Sunday, I also did 10 Min Hardcore, which was a workout for the core using weights!

Meal Plan~Container System

The number of portions I am allotted per container are as follows:

3 Green (veggies)

2 Purple (fruit)

4 Red (protein)

2 Yellow (carbs)

1 Blue (healthy fats)

1 Orange (Seeds & Dressings)

2 tsp. of oil and nut butters.

Before I started this program, I thought I would ALWAYS be hungry!  After a week on, I have found that I'm not!  There have been a couple days where I added an extra green if I was eating lettuce (lettuce and spinach have such few calories, I figured it wouldn't matter).  The containers have definitely helped me with portion sizes too!  It is definitely hard to only eat 1 blue container of food.  This is for things like cheese, almonds, avocado- and it's not a very big container!  If you follow my Instagram @fitnesslovinmama you can see many different meals that I have had following this program. :-)

Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles- recipe found at http://www.justataste.com/skinny-shrimp-scampi-zucchini-noodles-recipe/   I did make a couple of modifications (less olive oil and chicken broth instead of white wine)

Chicken Fajitas on corn tortillas

With the challenge pack I ordered, I also got Shakeology.  Shakeology is a protein shake that has all sorts of vitamins and nutrients!  I make a shake each morning for breakfast.  There are many different recipes you can make.  My favorite with the vanilla Shakeology is Snickerdoodle or Cake Batter!  Shakeology is said to help you lose weight, curb cravings, increase energy, and provide you with protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, prebiotics, enzymes and many rare superfoods.  I have found that it definitely helps curb my cravings, especially my sweet tooth!  I also feel it has helped with energy somewhat, because I am no longer drinking my iced lattes and I feel great even without the caffeine.  I stay pretty full until my mid morning snack which is almonds and a cup of fruit.  I also have had no stomach issues or stomach aches and no bloat!!!  I'm sure eating healthy helps those things too!

I do have to go on the record and admit I cheated a little at the wedding we went to this weekend!

So far I have lost 3 lbs and feel great!  I'm excited to see what the next two weeks hold!  I will be starting a specific 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Group in October or November if I have a few people interested in the program.  :-)  It is a private group where we will motivate each other through the 21 days and share recipes.  It definitely makes it easier to stick to a program when you have accountability!  Please email me if you may be interested or know someone who might be or if you have some questions about the program! kstrodemeir@yahoo.com  I strongly believe that this is a great program to kickstart healthy eating and exercise habits!!!  I love it!

You can also find out more about the program here:
21 Day Fix Essential Package:
http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/21dayfix?821744
21 Day Fix with Shakeology:
http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCP21D160?821744
 

My Why

Photo Credit: Barn Owl Photography

 

S and P- These two are my driving force!  After having my first daughter, I didn't make working out a priority.  I was a new mom and found myself overwhelmed with taking care of a baby and working full time when she was 5 months old.  I quit working out and made poor food choices.  I lacked self-esteem and energy, and did not feel healthy. 

The decision to make my health a priority changed my life.  I have gained more confidence, more energy, and I just feel good.  I also feel comfortable in my clothes- which was a huge deal to me.  I love that I am showing my sweet girls how to take care of their own health.  Even though they sometimes get in my way or try to lay on me while I am doing planks or push-ups, I LOVE that my girls join me when I am exercising or as P calls it "Mousekersizing!"

30 Minute Workouts are Enough!

When I realized that I didn't need to spend hours at a gym or lots of time on the treadmill, it seemed doable.  I started with 30 min Jillian Michael's workouts (which I loved) and then moved on to Beachbody workouts like T25, Piyo, and P90X3.  These are all about 30 minutes and I can easily (well not always easily) but usually, fit one into my day!  (FYI: PiYo does have a few workouts that are longer than 30 minutes) To be honest, there are still days where I don't feel like working out, but I can usually talk myself into doing the workout, knowing that it is only 30 minutes.

Next up...21 Day Fix Extreme and a Motivational/Challenge Group

Next, I will be starting 21 Day Fix Extreme.  I am anxious to get my eating back on track after the summer and am excited to start a new workout program!  My twin sister and mom will also be joining me with the 21 Day Fix.  I am going to start a private group on Facebook called Fall Into Fitness Challenge Group, where we can motivate each other, share struggles and triumphs, share recipes and support each other. Let me know if you would like to be a part of the group!  You can send me a message via
Email: kstrodemier@yahoo.com
Facebook or
Instagram @fitnesslovinmama
or leave a comment below!
   
You do not have to do the 21 Day Fix to join!  But if you are interested in the 21 Day Fix program or any of the others that I have mentioned (Focus T25, PiYo, P90X3) send me a message and I will send you some more information so you can learn more about it and see if it's right for you.  I can add you to the group if you already have the program too!  I never want to come across sales-y or pushy-  I just love these programs and want to share because they have really helped me!  You can be a part of this group-even if you have no interest in these programs, but just want to be a part of a fitness group.

Happy first week of school to many of my friends who are teachers and those of you with kiddos!