Moved, Moved In, and Moving Forward

Reality Check. This was me last night, not feeling well and not in a happy place. This past week has been tough - mentally, emotional, physically - and a great reminder of WHY I started to begin with. It's been 2.5 months since our family uprooted and began our move from Florida to Virginia, and quite a process it was finding a home that fit our needs and in a good area and good schools. There were times that it was difficult to eat perfectly well and healthy and times that getting a workout in just could not and did not happen. But for the most part, I did well and put in a great effort and was happy, healthy, and maintaining all that I had worked so hard for with my health and fitness in the last 2 years. My body and mind was quite forgiving and resilient to the days where I didn't do so well.

We found a great home that we love and in a great area, the stresses of moving were lessening, and everything was coming together. Then there was move in day. Suddenly, there was so much stuff that needed to get done and unpacked and put away and organized and cleaned. There STILL is. Suddenly, so many things seemed more important and there were so many projects I wanted to tackle and get done and spent every waking minute trying to make progress around the house, that I put the most important project on the back burner - me.

In the last 2 weeks, I greatly began to lose momentum, had trouble finding motivation, lost touch with many of the people that once helped me to stay accountable. Even as I slowly "fell off the wagon", I still felt resilient, like I could jump back on any time and that my little "break" wouldn't effect me much.

But it did. My moods started to change. The irritability, the fatigue, the anxiety, and depression that I fought so hard to treat and overcome with good nutrition and fitness all started to creep back. I have not been sleeping well and do not wake up feeling rested even after 8 hours of sleep. My body is sluggish and my joints ache again. My face has been breaking out again. Little by little I began to notice these changes this week, all before I even realized a lot of my clothes are too snug. My hubby and kids were noticing these changes as well.

So you see, being healthy and fit is not just about how your butt and gut looks! Although, I certainly do like when mine is slimmer and when I feel comfortable and confident in my clothes. But there is so much more to it than that, especially for me. It's about being healthy and well on the inside and FEELING well and feeling happy.

THAT is why I became passionate about nutrition and fitness to begin with and why I share my journey, to heal myself and to help others find happiness and wellness with themselves.

I've had mixed emotions this past weekend. Angry with myself for not taking care of myself as I should. Sad that my family noticed and wasn't getting the best from me. Ashamed and embarrassed, thinking of how people will judge me. Like a hypocrite to those that have counted on me as their coach to help them. But today, I choose not to feel that way and have decided to do something about it. These things happen, and I know I am not alone. So if any of this rings a bell for anyone, if my sharing inspires and motivates even just one person to make the changes they need, then my time writing this is not wasted and I am happy to have shared and to give you someone to relate to.

As of today, I am determined and moving forward and am fully committed to following another round of 21 Day Fix. My fix portion containers are out on the kitchen counter, along with a notepad to track my eating and water intake to keep myself honest and accountable. Then I will follow the next 3 weeks by doing 21 Day Fix Extreme. I will be pushing play daily, drinking my Shakeology and sharing my progress. I did finally find and unpack the scale today. The damage in the last 2+ months? Up about 6 or 7 pounds. Not too terrible as I expected it to be worse. But again, it's not all just about the scale and certainly not the only tool to measure progress. I'll take new body measurements and progress photos today too to document my "before" and "afters" with the program. Feel free to follow along. I always appreciate the encouragement. For anyone willing and ready to join me, I'd love to help and support and encourage you too. It is much more motivating with someone on your side!

To good health and happiness,

Sandy

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Spring into Fitness with 21 Day Fix

MARCH FITNESS CHALLENGE
Next Challenge Group is Starting on MARCH 9th!

I am super excited for this upcoming group and to have 2 of my new coaches on my team, Mindy and Chelsea, co-hosting it with me! What does that mean for you all? Even MORE support and motivation to help you be accountable and successful in reaching your goals. Awesome, right!! Our FIT & FAB in FEB girls are kicking some butt with the 21 Day Fix and I cannot wait to see how everyone does in March! Will you be joining us??

So what is this Challenge Group thing all about??

Watch this video!

Challenge yourself and gain control of your health and nutrition and fitness. Learn what it takes to lose weight in a healthy and natural way and KEEP IT OFF!

Here's what you get in this group:
• 1 on 1 support with a FREE personal coach
• Meal plans and portion control
• Nutrition tips
• Shakeology -Your daily dose of dense nutrition
• A top of the line fitness program
• NO Pills!
• No counting calories
• Group support & accountability from fellow challengers
• Focus on healthy lifestyle changes for real results, long term results, not temporary quick fixes.

It's time to take control of your life and end the vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting and stop the rise of obesity... Fuel your body properly with real food, in proper portions, get active & live a healthy life. I am not a fitness expert, or nutritionist, or a doctor -- just a normal person that struggled with my weight and nutrition and finally got results in a healthy and natural way. I'm here as your Coach to show you and teach how to do the same and provide you the support and accountability you NEED to succeed.

Looking forward to hearing from you, learning what your goals are, and showing you the road map to your success this March!

To good health and happiness! -Sandy

More details and to RSVP to the March Group:
www.facebook.com/events/842212669173410

Submit your Challenge Group application:
http://bit.ly/FitandStickyChallenge

More information about the Beachbody Challenge:
http://bit.ly/theTBBchallenge

• • • Just 1 week left to take advantage of February's Fix Promos!! • • •

The 21 Day Fix Package: http://bit.ly/Promo21DayFix
The 21 Day Fix Extreme Package: http://bit.ly/Promo21DFExtreme

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A new me in 2014, new YOU in 2015

With New Years approaching and the busy holiday season and festivities coming to an end, I KNOW this time of year has many people thinking about their health and fitness and weight loss goals. I KNOW, because I've been there... every year, for so many years since having children and carrying around some extra pounds.

That was me just last New Years, OVER a year since having our third child, still overweight and still sporting a belly bump. It was quite humiliating and depressing when someone had asked if I was pregnant again (and I was not!). In Spring of 2013, I had started tackling my post-baby weight by doing Insanity (in my bedroom with the door shut because I was embarrassed to be watched in the living room at the time). I was also battling many symptoms associated with a thyroid disease, which only made weight loss harder for me. It was then that I discovered Shakeology, a nutrition shake, and started drinking it to help with immune support for my thyroid and to help with the weight loss. I was determined to get the weight off so I could fit back in to some of my clothes and look and feel better for a big family vacation we had planned for the summer. I managed to lose 13 pounds in just over 2 months and did squeeze back in to some of my old jeans finally.

After that, old eating habits returned and I stopped drinking Shakeology and stopped working out. You can imagine what happened. By the end of the year, there I was, right back where I started before Insanity and still trying to overcome thyroid issues. I was unhappy, out of shape, overweight, constantly run down and fatigued, fighting anxiety and irritibility and feeling hopeless about it all. I hated feeling that way!

So once again, I started the new year with a weight loss goal. My weapon of choice - Focus T25 and I started drinking Shakeology again. Shortly after getting started, I came across a post on Facebook for an online support group for people doing the Beachbody Challenge. I was already skipping workouts and still having a hard time with my eating. So I thought, why not, maybe that is what I need. Maybe if I have other people to share my struggles with and check in with, then maybe I will stick to it. Maybe I would quit giving up in the middle of the week and waiting for the next Monday to start over again. How many of you have done that?!

So that was me in the picture on the left, before realizing how LIFE CHANGING in-home workouts, eating properly, implementing a SUPER FOOD nutrional shake, and having ACCOUNTABILITY would all be for me. That was me before realizing what I am capable of, before finding my STRENGTH and BELIEVING in myself. That first accountability group I joined this year was a LIFESAVER to me and I am so thankful that I was a part of it. By the time I finished in that group and completed T25, I had lost 19 pounds and gained so much energy, vitality, confidence and self respect. I have since lost another 20 pounds this year with more Beachbody programs - Brazil Butt Lift, PiYo, and a few rounds of 21 Day Fix.

Focus T25 Results: Lost 19 Pounds (mid January - first week of April)

Health and fitness needs have to come from making lifestyle changes, not temporary fixes! You want to lose weight? You HAVE to get your nutrition in check. You want to be healthy? Then you need to eat clean and not put chemicals in your body. You've heard it before... There are no magic pills! You want to be fit? You HAVE to workout. It's as SIMPLE as that! Getting started and staying motivated is not always simple, but that's where my help comes in. I can help you choose a fitness programs that is in par with YOUR fitness level and that suits YOU and provide you a simple healthy meal plan to follow. Just like my coach did for me, I can provide all the tools and ENCOURAGE you and MOTIVATE you along the way, but you have to be willing to use the tools and do the WORK.

My results are not ridiculously remarkable greatest loser style results and I have certainly not been perfect. But they are true and honest HEALTHY results and I am proud of the lifestyle changes that I have made to be a healthier and stronger ME.

I am passionate about helping others that have been stuck in a rut like I once was, others that feel worn out and run down and don't think they have time for themselves. You DO have time. You just have to choose to MAKE time for yourself. You may be skeptical and worried about making the investment in yet another health and fitness program. Believe me, I get it... I was too! But I can GUARANTEE you, if you take the leap of faith and believe in yourself and truly commit; if you INVEST in yourself, you will NOT FAIL! Seriously, it really is guaranteeed... because Beachbody is cool like that.

If ANY of this is hitting home for you, sparking an interest in how I can help you, and/or lighting a fire under your you-know-what to finally COMMIT to the changes you want, PLEASE reach out to me! My next online support group will be starting soon and if you are still reading this, you NEED to be a part of it! Isn't it about time you stop putting yourself off?

To a Healthy and Happy New Year!!

-Sandy

Contact me:

• Here on my Blog
• My Facebook Fan Page, Fit and Sticky
• My Facebook Profile, Sandy Shelby

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21 Days of Fitmas - December Challenge Group

I LOVE the holidays and the warmth and comfort of home and family time and holiday lights and, of course, all the yummy food!

What I DON'T like: tight pants, a bloated belly, and feeling discouraged when New Years rolls around. {EEKS!}

I still intend to enjoy some turkey and pie and eggnog during Thanksgiving and Christmas, but a wee little more in moderation this year and not every single day in between those holidays. For the weeks in between, I am committing to eating clean and following a workout schedule so I can feel great this holiday season and have no regrets by New Years.

SO WHO'S WITH ME?! Don't wait until New Years to make that dreaded resolution of losing weight and getting in shape. Why not start NOW? Come join my next Challenge Group and get a jump start on your fitness goals and start living a healthier lifestyle. I will help you get started and be right there with you all through December so we can ring in the New Year feeling awesome and confident!

My next 21 Day Group will be starting MONDAY, DECEMBER 1st.

You may participate with any Beachbody Fitness Program, whether it's one that you already own or a new one you'd like to order through me. I do highly recommend the 21 Day Fix though. It's the perfect program to start with for any fitness level and perfect to get started with and finish before Christmas. It includes 7 30-minute workouts, plus a 10-minute abs workout, AND a bonus 30-minute Fat-Blasting Cardio workout that is included if you order through me. It also includes the awesome meal plan and portion containers that I have been using and raving about since March. SO, it's the total package for getting fit and laying the foundation to clean and balanced eating.

What you'll need to do:

1. Fill out this little form so I can get to know you and your goals and be able to help and support you: http://bit.ly/FitandStickyChallenge

2. Sign up for a free Team Beachbody Membership with me as your assigned free coach: http://bit.ly/JoinTBB4FREE

3. Invest in a Beachbody Fitness program if you haven't already (I can assist with this) and Shakeology (shake not required, but HIGHLY recommended for best results, even if you only try it for 1 month). While I wish this part was free, it unfortunately isn't. You are WORTH investing in yourself though!!

4. Be ready and willing to follow your fitness and nutrition plan, have a positive attitude, and have fun in the challenge group! <---This part is ALL FREE! :)

5. If we're not already friends on Facebook, you'll also need to send me a friend request to: www.fb.com/sandyjshelby

To a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!! 2015, here we come!

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The Final Quarter Challenge Group

Did you make a New Year's Resolution to lose weight and get in shape this year? I did! That was my resolution many times in the last 10 years since having my first child. So often, I started and then gave up and quit, thinking I would try again later. Timing was never right. I was too busy because our family made a PCS move (Permanent Change of Station - military move). I was too busy because my husband was deployed a lot. I couldn't get my butt back in shape because I was too busy with work, or I was too busy being a mom. There was ALWAYS some good reason and explanation why I just couldn't do it. 

Finally, when my daughter was 7 and my son was 5, I managed to MAKE time get back to my pre-preggo days weight and size. A year later, I was pregnant once again with our third little munchkin. After he was born in September, I of course made that typical New Year's resolution to get the weight back off again. I was tipping the scale at 191 pounds just before he was born, so I had a lot of work to do this time! And I finally came through, stuck to my resolution, and I did it!

If you are one of the many that made a resolution this year focused on fitness, and you have not started yet or met your goal, then guess what? The year is not over yet! It is the final quarter of 2014 and there is still time left in the game! 3 months! Do you know what you are capable of and what you can do in 3 months? I started this year off by losing 19 pounds in 3 months. So why not you? 

I came across this gem of a photo this morning (on the left). It's one of the few that I actually have that I didn't delete or crop my body out of.

Looking at these pics, other than the difference in weight, posture, and physique, do you see what else I see? A smile! Yea, that right there speaks a thousand words! It saddens me to look back at this before photo and remember how I felt then. At that time, losing the weight and feeling confident in my skin again seemed like such a distant concept. I was tired and sluggish and a busy mom of three, and I thought that was just the way mommy-hood was supposed to be.

One of the biggest excuses that people often have, and it was certainly mine too, is that they don't have enough time. With 30 minute workout programs like T25 and 21 Day Fix (2 of my personal faves that I have completed), there's NO REASON to not have that small amount of time to devote to yourself. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Time is going to pass regardless and it's up to you to choose how to spend it.

One thing that was KEY for my SUCCESS when I finally threw my excuses out the door, was having a coach and a support group for motivation and accountability. Over the months, my focus has turned from improving my own health and fitness, to helping others with theirs through private challenge groups. If you have been considering starting a workout program and are done making excuses, I'm here to help you and I'd love to hear from you.

For those that are wondering what exactly these Fitness Challenge Groups are that I speak of, there is a short video on {this page} for a visual idea.

After helping you choose a fitness program that will be a good fit for you, I don't just leave you to do the workouts alone. I am by your side (virtually) working out and eating clean WITH you! The groups I host are private, hidden pages on Facebook with a small number of people all working on their fitness goals. You will hear from me EVERY DAY, so you have constant motivation and support right in front of you and a group of people to relate to, to cheer each other on, and hold each other accountable.

I am finishing up a 60-day challenge this week with a small group of ladies, 4 of us were doing PiYo and 2 were doing 21 Day Fix. So what's next for me now that I am finishing PiYo? I have the 3-Day Refresh sitting on the kitchen counter (2 actually - 1 for me, and 1 for hubby), so I will finally test that out next week and log and blog my review and results of it. Then, for the next upcoming challenge group, I am hopping back into the 21 Day Fix workouts. My FAVE program so far!

The 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack (comes with the fitness program, meal plan, and month supply of Shakeology) happens to be the Beachbody Promo for September with a $70 savings. While I do highly recommend the 21 Day Fix as a great fit for most people, and a perfect plan for getting your nutrition in check, I do not require that everyone in the group do the same program I choose to do.

SO, if this looks like something you are interested in being a part of, let me hear from you! My next challenge group will be kicking off on October 6th. Last day to commit so that you are set up and ready to go is September 30th. If you're finally ready to turn your fitness dreams into reality, let's talk. Don't you think it's about time you have someone on your side to support you and motivate you and cheer you on, someone that has been there and understands? I do! If you can relate to this, you need to join me. Really, you do!

To be considered for a spot in the group: APPLY HERE

Together, we will accomplish our fitness goals with a

Beachbody Home Workout Program & Shakeology.

Be in touch with you soon!

- Sandy

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Higher Butt - Lower Price

Small sales pitch here about some darn AMAZING DEALS! Eeks, gross! I know! I don't intend to sound like a slimy car salesman. I'm not advertising so I can take your money, smile and say thank you, and then continue on with my day. That's what I make and sell vinyl decals for!! :)

In all seriousness, I enjoy helping others improve their health and fitness and feel better about themselves. It is truly humbling to bring others on this journey WITH ME, watch them transform themselves and enjoy their life more, and hear a "thank you" for helping and being there for them. It's not just about having the tools to get the job done, it's about having some support and motivation and having accountability along the way.

SO... here's what I have for you today, because who doesn't want to save some money when they decide to get their butt in shape?!

See this BOOTY here?! It may not be the booty of a super model or some college hottie at the beach, but it's a FAR improvement from what this booty used to be! LOOK at those Before and After stats... pretty darn awesome results in 2 months, if I must say so myself! These results were from doing Brazil Butt Lift and drinking Shakeology daily (and yes, cutting the JUNK out of my diet). This program is now marked down with incredible SAVINGS, along with a few other programs for a short time. So if you're interested in a HIGHER Butt at a great LOWER price, get in touch with me.



It is now $39.90 for the program by itself, or $140 when ordered as a Challenge Pack with a month supply of Shakeology (which means you get Brazil Butt Lift for ONLY $10 with your shake order!!). Trust me, if you REALLY want to improve your nutrition, you NEED Shakeology. I say this because I drink it daily and I know! So there you have it! Higher butt! Lower price! And a 30-day money back guarantee. All you have to lose is weight!!

There are also promotions on a few other programs, some of them ending TOMORROW! PiYo, the 3-Day Refresh Cleanse, 21 Day Fix in espanol, and Body Beast. Message me if interested in any of these. I'd love to help you get started! Don't be shy... I promise I don't bite! I am here to HELP you and will be by your side as your coach while you FINISH your program.

To learn more about these programs, and for those of you that like to just jump right in and punch in your credit card number without chatting with me first, here is a list of the programs with current promotions:

Forget bulky thighs. Leandro's proven TriAngle Training method works the three major muscles of the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus from countless angles. It's Leandro's unique angles that enable the focus on the "heads" of the muscles (where they attach to the pelvic bone and hamstrings) for the sexiest results. This is why Brazil Butt Lift can shape, lift, and firm the booty like no other workout!

Brazil Butt Lift Challenge Pack - $140 starting today!
Base Kit (program only, no Shakeology) - $39.90

•••

Carve an intensely defined physique—without jumps, without weights, and without straining your joints. Using your body weight, you'll perform low-impact, high-intensity movements inspired by Pilates and yoga. The result? Long, lean muscles, a high, firm booty, and tight, flat, sexy abs. With PiYo, you'll work every single muscle to stabilize, stretch, and strengthen every inch of your body. And since Chalene Johnson cranked up the speed and the fun, you'll burn crazy calories while you're at it.

PiYo Challenge Pack - $140 (promo ends JULY 31!)

•••

The 3-DAY REFRESH is an exciting new addition to the Beachbody supplements family. It's an easy-to-follow low-calorie, 3-day clean eating program consisting of Shakeology for breakfast, 2 additional high-protein shakes at lunch and dinner supplemented with a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and a digestive/fiber drink. It's the perfeft solution to lose a few pounds quickly, get a clean break from bad nutrition habits and feel immediately cleaner, lighter and more healthy... without starving.

3-Day Refresh Challenge Pack - $140 (promo ends July 31!)

•••

21 Day Fix elimina todas las dudas a la hora de perder peso. No tienes que contar, suponer ni preguntarte nada. Solo debes seguir un plan fácil de control de las porciones y hacer una rutina de ejercicios de 30 minutos al día. 21 Day Fix hace que perder peso sea muy simple, y los resultados se noten rápido: puedes perder hasta 15 libras en solo 21 días

21 Day Fix (Spanish) Challenge Pack - $140 (promo ends July 31!)

•••

Body Beast is one of the first all-encompassing resistance, nutrition, and supplement systems on the market. Created by world-renowned trainer Sagi Kalev, this cutting-edge program fuses advanced muscle-defining and fat-shedding routines with a highly targeted eating plan to help burn fat, carve lean muscle, and completely transform the body in 12 weeks.

Body Beast Challenge Pack - $160 (was $180)
Body Beast Extreme Supplements Challenge Pack - $170 (was $220)
Base Kit (program only, no Shakeology) - $39.90 (was $89.95)

•••

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21 Day Fix - Meal Log and Tally Sheet

Now that I have finished Focus T25, my next Beachbody weapon of choice is the 21 Day Fix. I got a head start on it while I was still doing the T25 workouts and incorporated the 21 Day Fix meal plan in during the last three weeks. I have got to say, I really love it! It is very simple to follow and stick to and completely takes the guesswork out of portion control. I just started my second round on the 21 Day Fix this week, with the Fix workouts this time. The workouts are only 30 minutes long, a huge plus for this busy momma, but they are certainly no weak sauce! You will feel the burn and get a great workout in! There is a modifier to follow for those that need to take it easy and start out a little slower.

Here is a brief 21 Day Fix video for you to check out!

For some, it may be helpful to do some meal planning and make yourself up a weekly menu. As for myself, I am terrible at meal planning and tend to just whip things up as I want them and need them. There is a Tally Sheet included in the 21 Day Fix Eating Plan book so that you can track your containers and make sure you are eating everything that you are supposed to eat for your calorie target. However, I also like to log my meals, in addition to just tallying up the portion containers I've used. So here is the Meal Log and Tally Sheet that I have come up with.

{ Download this meal plan. }

The Meal Log and Tally Sheet has interactive form fields that can be filled in directly on Adobe Acrobat Reader or can be printed and filled out by hand. Be sure to make copies, as these sheets only cover one week. 

Want to join me in the 21 Day Fix?

Get the 21 Day Fix program {HERE} or the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack with a month supply of Shakeology included {HERE}.

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