FIT & FAB in FEB Challenge Group

This time last year, I was 40 pounds heavier than I am today and feeling miserable with myself, my weight, my health, the way my clothes fit (and didn't fit!), my constant fatigue and lack of energy, and my dreary moods. I felt lifeless and hopeless and depressed and was battling a thyroid disorder that I thought I would never gain control over. Just 7 months before, I had lost about 13 pounds doing Insanity to drop the post-preggo weight and prepare for a big family vacay we had planned to Alaska in the summer. By the end of the year, I had gained ALL but a few of those pounds back and was right back to the same size and shape as before. I was tired of it! Tired of being tired, overweight, and an unhappy and grumpy mom and wife to my family. I HAD to do something about it and I HAD to CHANGE!

I hated running, I had no time for gyms, nor did I feel like leaving the house. So once again, I popped in some DVD's. This time it was T25, again with Shaun T, the same fitness trainer and creator of Insanity. I must have started over with Day 1 on the program schedule about 7 times because I was having such a hard time getting motivated and doing it every day. About half way through the month, I came across an online challenge group to join in on. I wasn't sure what to expect and wasn't sure what being in a private group on Facebook would do for me, but let me tell you, BEST choice I made and the missing link that I needed to finally get my butt in gear! I didn't realize how important accountability and support would be for me to finally succeed at working towards and reaching my goals. Needless to say, I finally made it through T25 without starting over. The past year for me and my health and my body and well being has been completely life changing. And that's what it's been all about... making lifestyle changes. It's about getting active regularly and consistently and learning how to fuel your body properly.

So now it's YOUR turn! I am here for YOU, to help you and guide you and support and motivate you to make some changes in your life. I am sure you might have a ton of excuses, ifs, ands, and buts... but one thing I have learned is that there will NEVER be a perfect and right time. That's just life. We're all busy and scheduling more stuff into our day can be difficult, but if it's important enough to you, you can make it happen. Life is all about choices. So no more excuses! If you are someone that needs to get your health, nutrition, and fitness in order and are READY to do the work, I am ready to HELP YOU!

So what does THIS involve?
• ME, as your personal online coach.
• A small private group on Facebook.
• The group will be 4 weeks long.
• A Beachbody Program of your choice.
• Shakeology, your daily dose of dense-nutrition.
• Daily check-ins for support and accountability.
• Your participation & support for others.
• Fitness & Nutrition tips and resources.
...and fun!

This will be a small quaint group of about 10 women and I currently have FIVE spots available. Why limited you ask? To allow me to dedicate enough time to the group and my challengers and provide 1-on-1 help to everyone individually, and see that EACH one of you reaches your goal. Commitment to the group must be made by Tuesday, January 27th and will start on February 1st. SO hurry and claim your spot!

To help me get to know YOU and YOUR GOALS, and register for the group, APPLY BELOW.

If you have questions and would like to chat first, I'd love to hear from you!
Message me here on my blog: Contact Me
or on Facebook at fb.com/fitandsticky

heart emoticon  - Sandy

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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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Huge Holiday Savings from Team Beachbody

What gifts will you be giving this holiday season?
An ugly sweater? A useless knick-knack? Fruitcake?

You know what's awesome? Giving the gift of fitness!
You know what's more awesome?
Team Beachbody's Holiday Sale that starts TOMORROW evening!

It's that time of year for big holiday savings for treats for ourselves and gifts for others. With New Year's around the corner, a time that many people typically make fitness and health related resolutions, why not consider spreading the gift of health this holiday season?

This winter, Team Beachbody® is offering deep discounts on a variety of select Beachbody products! Offer is valid for a LIMITED TIME ONLY starting Tuesday, November 25th (will be running by 5pm PST) until Tuesday, December 2nd (by 5pm PST). Offer quantities are limited and items will sell out quickly!

If money has held you back from starting a new fitness program, or maybe a loved one or a friend that is hesitant to spend and invest in themselves, now is the time to save big on something that could change your life or the life of someone else.

Whether it be for yourself or gift giving, this is your chance to score some awesome fitness programs - like P90X3, LES MILLS COMBAT, LES MILLS PUMP, TurboFire, and INSANITY: THE ASYLUM - and fitness gear at amazing prices. I saw the sales list already and it's pretty darn good! I will post the official list and prices tomorrow morning, so be on the lookout here and on my facebook page.

In the meantime, be sure to set up your Free Team Beachbody account to make check out quicker and easier when the sale starts: JoinTBB4FREE

Visit Team Beachbody Holiday Sale tomorrow at 5PM PST (that's 8PM for us East Coast folks!) to start saving!

Stay tuned...

- Sandy

Update: Holiday Sale Prices Posted

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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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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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The Original Power 90 Being Retired

Oh my WOW!! I was catching up on the latest news from Team Beachbody and see that the original Power 90 by Tony Horton (you know, the P90X guy) is being retired. It is due to be removed from the Team Beachbody store online sometime on Thursday, July 10th.

A short time ago, Power 90 was discounted 33% off the retail price, making it only $39.95. I just went to order a copy before it is pulled from the shelves on Thursday and guess what....

Power 90 is now only $12.99!! 

At that price, it is too good for me not to share! So if you like amazing deals and want a great workout, but aren't quite ready for the more extreme workouts of P90X, you are in luck! Grab a copy for yourself. Grab a copy for a friend or relative. Maybe you know someone that could benefit from a great workout by the amazing Tony Horton. It would make a great gift. It's never too early to stock up on stocking stuffers either.

Click image below to grab your copy before it's gone for good.

Here's what you get...

Total Body Transformation in 90 Days!

This in-home boot camp for dramatic body transformation uses Tony's Sectional Progression^™ technique, which gives you an effective workout in as little as 30 minutes!

With Tony's Fat Burning Express plan, you can lose up to 10 lbs. and 10 inches in your first 6 days!

6 workouts

• Sculpt Circuit 1-2
  Easy moves to tone and firm your body. (29 minutes)
• Sweat Cardio 1-2
  Burn fat and shed inches. (36 minutes)
• Sculpt Circuit 3-4
  Next level for sculpting lean muscle tone. (38 minutes)
• Sweat Cardio 3-4
  Accelerated fat and calorie blasting. (42 minutes)
• Ab Ripper 100
  4-minute ab routine for sexy abs in a flash. (4 minutes)
• Ab Ripper 200
  A second, 6-minute ab routine to help you get the flat, sexy six-pack abs you've always wanted. (6 minutes)

Revolutionary tools

• Program Guide
  No guesswork! Follow the program day by day.
• 90-day calendar
  Track your progress and stay motivated.

Plus 5 FREE gifts!

• New Fat Burning Express DVD
  Jump-start your metabolism in just 35 minutes.
• Fat Burner Meal Plan
  Lose weight and still enjoy your favorite foods!
• 6-Day Fat Burning Express Plan
  Lose weight fast!
• Success measurement card and tape measure
  Stay motivated and absolutely achieve your goals!
• And a Power Sculpting Band FREE!*

Guaranteed to work—or your money back!

We're so sure you'll succeed with Power 90, we extended the money-back guarantee to a FULL 90 days! If you're not 100% satisfied with your progress, return the program within 90 days for a refund of the purchase price, less s&h, but keep the Fat Burning Express plan valued at $90 as our gift.

Did you catch that last part about the guarantee?! Instead of the usual 30 days, you get... 

A FULL 90 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

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PiYo Workout - NOW available

Guess what?! PiYo has finally been released! 

Would you love a program that uses your own body as your weight? It is currently only available through your Team Beachbody Coach (yours truly here), not yet available through the main public Beachbody site, or Amazon, or Tv ads. It also includes a free bonus workout DVD "Hardcore on the Floor" (valued $19.95) when ordered through your Beachbody Coach.

There is currently FREE Shipping for a limited time on the PiYo DVD Package. (you can click that)

But even better!! There is a promo on the PiYo Challenge Pack (yep, you can click that link too) right now which includes Shakeology for $140!! HUGE SAVINGS! That's $70 off the regular price. You're basically getting the whole PiYo DVD set for FREE with your order of Shakeology!

So what exactly is PiYo?
It a new workout program from celebrity trainer Chalene Johnson. PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity 60-day body transformation program. It uses the most effective pilates and yoga inspired moves set to a fast pace to help burn fat and sculpt long, lean muscles. Carve every inch of the body without jumps, weights, or strained joints.

Is the Program Ideal for You?
PiYo is for: Men and women who want to get the results of an extreme program without the jumps, weights, or joint strain. This program is perfect for people of all fitness levels; people who want to build lean muscle without the bulk those who love the benefits of pilates and yoga, but feel these programs lack the cardio they need to burn fat and calories; and people who want a workout that doesn't require a lot of equipment.

How long is each workout?
There are 9 workouts for the program, plus a bonus workout in the series. There is also a bonus DVD "Hardcore on the Floor" included when ordered through your coach. Workouts range from 25-45 minutes.

What is the workout schedule?
6 days a week, for 60 days.

What size workout space is needed?
Enough space to step side to side in each direction.

What shoes are recommended for the program?
Bare feet or cross trainers are best.

This is going to be an amazing program that I am excited to try out with my next Challenge Group that will be starting July 28st!! Check out the group event page HERE for some more details, to reserve your spot, and get in touch with me. The group will be a private accountability group hosted on Facebook with just a handful of like-minded people working toward similar fitness goals. You'll receive daily support, guidance, and fitness and nutrition tips. A fantastic program + proper nutrition + support = your winning combination to achieve amazing results. Contact me if you are interested in giving PiYo a try!!

The Workout Series

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New PiYo Workout by Chalene Johnson

PIYO!!! I, personally, am so excited about this workout and anxious to try it out! If you are anything like me and like to do strong but graceful moves while working up a sweat, not high jumps or crazy high-impact moves, this might just be what you are looking for as well. PiYo is a high-intensity but low-impact workout that aims to give cardio, strength, and flexibility training all in one workout. The moves are Pilates and yoga inspired, without the long pauses and holding -- You keep moving! So you'll burn plenty of calories while toning and building lean muscles. That's a WIN, WIN in my book!!! Watch this video and see for yourself.

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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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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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