Favorite Recipes From Last Week!

I thought I would do recap of a few of the recipes that I tried last week!  I'm always looking for new healthy meal ideas and Pinterest never fails me with new meals to try!  Here are some recipes that I tried last week:

Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad

This was so good!  This light, healthy salad made a perfect lunch.  I would eat it for dinner too.  It was quick and easy to make!

Link to recipe: Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta 
I love pasta and this hit the spot!  This was another quick and easy meal.  It is also 21 Day Fix approved and the author tells us that one serving (1 cup) equals  1 Yellow, 1/2 Red, 1/4 Green, 2 tsp.  My husband and daughters loved it too!  Next time, he wants me to try cilantro instead of parsley though.  He loves cilantro!

Link to recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Pesto Chicken Caprese and Brussel Sprouts
I had been seeing many different recipes for Chicken Caprese and this one stood out to me! Chad and I loved this...it was sooooo tasty!  I loved the blend of pesto, basil, tomato, and fresh mozzerella!  Again- simple to make!  We just baked it in the oven.  Brussel Spouts- I love them!  Brussel sprouts baked in the oven with a little olive oil is one of my favorite cooked veggies.  This recipe was a little different.  It called for the brussel sprouts to be mixed with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and then topped with a little Parmesan cheese.  These again turned out excellent!  Next time I might just use a little less lemon. (The Pesto Chicken Caprese looks much prettier before you cook it!;-)

Links to the recipes:
Pesto Chicken Caprese
Garlic Lemon Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Delicious Snack!
I'm always looking for new ideas for healthy snacks.  My usual go-tos, are veggies with hummus, almonds, fruit, hard boiled eggs, and Kind Bars (I try not to eat those too often.)  Here is what I ate for a snack multiple days last week.  It also makes a great dessert!

• pomegranate 
• plain nonfat Greek yogurt (Chobani is my favorite)
• Kind Granola- I used a little less than a 1/3 of a cup
• a little drizzle of honey on top
• If you are trying to cut back on calories- don't use too much granola or honey! ;-)
• Sometimes I add a little Wheat Germ- gives it a little nutty taste, plus it is good for you!
  

I'm looking forward to trying some more new recipes this week!  What's on your calendar for meals this week?

21 Day Fix Extreme RESULTS - Round 2!

I just completed another round of 21 Day Fix Extreme!  21 Days of portion control and 30 minutes of exercising each day.

Results:
Down 5 more pounds and 7 inches!  I'm down a total of 14 pounds and 17 inches from rounds 1 and 2!  I have always struggled with my midsection and I was able to lose another 1.5 inches around my waist!  Just goes to show how important clean eating is-in addition to getting in workouts!  I am feeling leaner and fitter than ever.  I do have to admit, that I was not 100% perfect with the eating, not even 90%, more like 85% of the time, but I followed it close enough to see some more results!  I feel so much better when I am eating healthy foods and I love how I don't feel bloated!  A lot of people ask...."are you hungry all the time?"  My response is always "surprisingly NO!"  I have never felt like I wasn't getting enough to eat.  One challenger even commented that they are eating more than they had in the past!  I also personally believe, that Shakeology has helped some, by helping to curb my appetite for unhealthy foods and satisfying my sweet tooth!  I continued drinking Shakeology everyday for breakfast, and will continue to.  I really look forward to it each morning!  I also never got bored with meal ideas, because there are so many 21 Day Fix approved meal ideas on Pinterest!   Here are my pictures- not a huge noticeable difference in pictures- but I definitely feel leaner and the measurements showed that!  I also continue to feel healthier!  The only struggle is my darn shoulder! 

Down 5lbs and 7 inches.  (Don't mind the bruise on my shoulder-result of the cortisone shot!)

While completing this round of 21 Day Fix Extreme, I hosted and was part of a supportive, challenge group online.  We had over 10 women who were doing the 21 Day Fix.  It was such a fun group to be a part of and it has been exciting to hear everyone's results.  Many have decided to do another round, which brings me to......My FIT for CHRISTMAS Challenge Group!

I plan to do one more round of 21 DFX before January.  (January, I plan to do the new HAMMER and CHISEL program that is coming out next month-looking to tone and build more muscle!)  I will be hosting another private Facebook Challenge Group starting Nov. 30 and it will end on Dec. 20.  This is great timing because it starts AFTER Thanksgiving and ends 5 days BEFORE Christmas! :-)

November and December are, in my opinion the hardest two months to make my own health a priority with everything that goes on.... family/friend parties, holiday goodies, cold, dreary weather, dark early, etc.  I am determined to not get behind on my fitness and gain the typical few pounds that I do.  I will not give in to holiday temptations ALL the time.  (Believe me- I won't avoid them all together- I will just be smart about it...and maybe make up for it with an extra workout! ;-)

So if you are interested in participating in the challenge group, keep reading!

FIT for CHRISTMAS Challenge Group Details:

For this challenge we will be doing the 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix EXTREME program, or CIZE, which are all on sale this month! (The challenge pack)-

We will work for 21 days in a private Facebook Group and support each other while we learn about health, fitness and nutrition. 

1. You workout each day.

This is a 7 day/week program and there is something to get you moving each day. It's ONLY 30 minutes a day which is my favorite part. Everyone has 30 minutes!

We are all working and starting at the same time, so we will have the support from one another as we start the process together.  Don’t be scared off by the workouts. Both programs have a wonderful modifier to assist you in intensity (which I definitely had to do the first round).

If you are newer to working out and this is your first or second challenge, then the original 21 Day Fix is your best bet. If you have already tried the 21 Day Fix then you are welcome to go for the Extreme or try CIZE (which is all dancing-I've done one of the workouts a few times and it is so FUN!)

2. You make healthy choices.

This is problem #1 for most busy challengers...even harder than finding the time to work out. The program comes with an amazing recipe book of ideas.  I have also created a Pinboard on Pinterest devoted to 21 Day Fix recipes to share and a Clean Eating board.  The idea is to get you a back in a healthy routine.

Usually everyone is super busy so the key to success is planning. This not only includes planning when you will get your 30 minutes in each day, but what you will eat for each meal.

The challenge pack comes with food containers to support clean eating and proper portion sizes. (CIZE program does too!)  We will share recipes and struggles and help find out what is working for each other. 

3. You are active in our accountability Facebook group.

This is where the magic happens. We share, hold each other accountable, check in every day, and learn from each other. In our last group we shared recipes, support, failures, successes, and so much more.

We are here to lift each other up for the duration of the challenge. We also take before and after pictures, and measurements. We want you to physically see the results that you have gained during the challenge.

This challenge requires you to buy the workout program challenge pack that we use or if you already have one of those programs, you are still welcome to join!

I promise you, it's the best thing I have done for myself in the last year!  You can even ask my husband!  He will be joining me for this round too!

I look forward to helping you reach your goals!!

*For information on how to order and get plugged into the Fit Challenge,  leave a comment on the blog, Facebook post, private message me, or send me an email at kstrodemier@yahoo.com.  You can just comment "I'm in!"  and I will send you the info!

*Feel free to share this with family members or friends who may be interested in joining this Challenge!

Thanks for reading!

~Kristin

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!