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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Feeling like a Super Hero

This was an eye opener for me yesterday as I went to put on my batman utility belt, getting ready the Super Heroes and Villians 5K Run. Last year when I wore it, I punched grommets at the ends of the belt and tied it on me with ribbon. It actually has velcro on the belt but it didn't fit me that way then.

Yesterday, I was completely shocked at the difference when I went to wrap it around my waist and realized just how much I have lost since then. Sadly, just a year ago, I didn't even realize that I even could lose that much and that I had it in me to make that kind of progress. But now, seeing how far I have actually come, truly makes me feel like my own super hero. I did that! I made the changes in my life to get those results.

The size difference. The grommets are where I had my batman belt tied on my waist last year.

It's been a slow gradual progress, in a healthy consistent way, and I don't spend a ridiculous amount of time working out. In fact, I've missed many scheduled workouts, hit some road blocks here and there, and I actually don't eat perfectly clean and perfectly stick to my meal plan ALL the time. But I continue to work hard to reach my fitness goals, consistently not sporadically, and I have never given up!

This little journey of dropping some weight and getting my booty fit and back in shape has definitely had some ups and downs. Throughout the weight loss, there has also been some weight gain. Weight loss is certainly not a constant downhill drop. There have been moments where I felt I was making great progress, and then moments where I felt completely bloated and frustrated with the scale. Of course I know that the scale does not tell all, but it can still be discouraging at times when you are not seeing or feeling changes and progress seems to be stalled or going in the wrong direction.

The important thing to remember is that road bumps are completely normal and going to happen. Some days are going to be harder than others when it's time to get your workout done. And some days it will be hard to resist the urge to binge on foods that you might later regret. But you can't let those days stop you from going on and trying harder. You have to be proud of your progress along the way and how far you have come in the long run.

Slow progress is still progress! Just keep going and don't worry about how long it will take you to see the changes you want to see.

If you're interested in doing what has worked for me and having someone help you stay accountable, shoot me a message and talk to me. I don't share my progress to brag, I share it to inspire and motivate others and to gain trust that what I do works and that I can help.

You can Contact Me here on my blog. If you are serious and dedicated to making some improvements in your nutrition and fitness, I'd love to have you in my next Fitness Challenge Group for one-on-one support and accountability. To help me learn more about you and what your fitness and nutrition goals are, I have a brief questionnaire here.

-To good health and happiness,

Sandy

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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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My Brazil Butt Lift Results

I'm just a LITTLE bit behind in posting this. Behind... Ha! No pun intended. So here are my results from the Brazil Butt Lift program that I completed last month. Making some progress in my journey!! Slow and steady wins the race, right?! I've been pretty consistent in losing about 5 months a month since starting New Year's of this year.

With Brazil Butt Lift and Shakeology, I am down another 10 pounds! Started at 145 pounds on Day 1 and finished at 135 pounds on Day 60. Lost 3.5" in my waistline, 2" in my hips, 2" in my booty, 1" in each thigh, 1/2" in each arm, and down 5% in body fat.

While I am pleased with and happy of my accomplishments so far, please know that I am not sharing this to boast or brag. This is not all about me and "Hey, look what I did!". I struggled to get to the point where I am now and to find what works for me and to find the motivation and support to do it and stick with it. Shakeology and Beachbody workout programs have been my success tools and have really improved and changed my life for the better. But I didn't do it alone. I had help along the way; LOTS of motivation and support! I too, am just a customer using the products and have a coach that has inspired me to reach my goals. My group of challengers continue to push me and encourage me and help me stay accountable.

I share my journey and my stories and my success because I know I am not alone. I know there are others that also struggle and need help, need that extra push and need someone to hold their hand... and maybe even drag them along and kick them in the rear from time to time. So all of this that I share, is to HELP others, and to also help keep myself accountable and to keep going. Thank you to all of you that have helped me and encouraged me along the way, and to those of you that have joined me and given me the privilege to be on YOUR journey with you.

To fitness and better health! :)
~Sandy

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My Focus T25 Results

So a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was just about done with Focus T25 and just a few pounds away from my (first) goal weight. That weekend, I was on my way out with the hubby for a little week long getaway to Vegas for our 15 year anniversary. I've been a bit busy since being back. So finally, here are my results. I did reach my goal, just one day before the deadline!

19 pounds gone in 93 days!!

On New Year's of this year, I was not happy with my 5'3" self standing on the scale looking at it say 164 lbs. More importantly, I was just not happy. I was tired, fatigued, cranky, irritable, hormonal, constantly had migraines, had little energy or desire to do anything, my joints were always achy, I didn't like how I felt inside, and I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. 2013 had been an exhausting year for me after being a third time mom and battling all these issues and symptoms (that I just mentioned) that I learned are apparently due to an autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto's, causing my thyroid and other hormones to go haywire. Last year, I was having blood drawn every month and visiting the doc to monitor the changes in my thyroid levels. Lucky for me, I have not had to go on thyroid meds for it and I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible. Never the less, I was tired of feeling crappy and needed to do something about it.

It was time for a change!!

So, I set out to lose the extra weight that I packed on from motherhood and decided that I really need to take control of my eating habits and learn to steer clear of foods that can cause thyroid complications. I started drinking Shakeology shakes again daily, usually at lunch or for an afternoon snack to boost my energy level when I most needed it. I first tried Shakeology about a year ago when I started having thyroid issues. I wanted a good quality protein shake that would provide great nutrients to help support my immune system and help with some of the symptoms I was having (fatigue, irritability, lack of energy, bloated feeling). At the time, I had a couple of leading shakes I was interested in, but after checking the ingredients and specs on them all, Shakeology was the winner for me. The biggest winning factor is that Shakeology is gluten free, which is a plus for anyone with thyroid and autoimmune disorders. 

The DVDs for Focus T25 had been sitting by the TV for months just collecting dust. I was on a mission to lose 19 pounds and get back down to my pre-preggo weight of 145 by April 5th, which was when the hubby and I would be leaving for vacation. It was a slow start at first, kept missing workouts, wasn't sticking to any particular meal plan, but still managed to lose a few pounds. A couple weeks into January, I found the Power HALF Hour Challenge Group on Facebook that was just about to get started for a 60-day challenge. How perfect for my 25 minute workouts with Shaun T! So I signed up to join hoping that having some peers to report my workouts and eating habits to would help keep me accountable and on track. That it did!! 

When the group formed, I started over with the T25 workout schedule since I had already missed so many days in between already. I wasn't perfect, but for the most part, I made time to squeeze the workouts in for 5-6 days a week. I was eating healthier, drinking my shakes and making a better habit of drinking more water. About half way through, I ordered the 21 Day Fix from Beachbody and was excited to try it out. So for the last 3 weeks of my T25 challenge, I incorporated the 21 Day Fix meal plan into my daily routine. LOVE the 21DF meal plan! By the end, I had reached my goal. No magic pill, no medical intervention...

just a healthy meal plan,
     a daily Shakeology shake,
          and 25 minute workouts!!

So what's next? This week I just started the 21 Day Fix with the Fix workouts. Results to come...

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