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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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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When the WHY gets stronger, the HOW gets easier.

▶▶▶ Your Monday Motivation ◀◀◀

What's your WHY?! Dig deep and really think about it for a minute. Write down what one of your most important goals is, and be specific. Now write down WHY. WHY is it that you want to change whatever it is that you want to change?

"When the WHY gets stronger, the HOW gets easier. PURPOSE is stronger than OBJECT." 

In other words, you can't just have a goal or a dream in mind. You need to have a reason, a purpose, that will drive you to make it happen. The stronger your reason is for wanting to achieve that goal, the easier it will be for you to do what is necessary to get there. Your REASON is what is more powerful than the goal itself and THAT is what you need to keep in the forefront of your mind. Your WHY!

{Audio by Darren Hardy at DarrenDaily.com, voice of Jim Rohn}

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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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Big Hairy Scary Goals can be reached

Wow!! Just wow!! I was just scrolling through some old conversations on Facebook looking for some information I need. I happened to come across this message that I had sent to my Beachbody Coach (and now one of my business partners) dated on January 16th of this year.

"So you have an idea of where I am at, and what my goals are... I did a round of Insanity last spring and lost 13 pounds (at 6 months postpartum). I since gained a little, and then lost a little. So now to finish what I started and get about 20 more off. I was diagnosed with Hashi's last year (an autoimmunue / thyroid disorder), which is common to complicate weight loss.  I refuse to let that be an excuse though."

I was determined and eager to get some weight off and get in shape and start feeling better, despite a thyroid illness. I was hopeful that joining her challenge group would help give me the support and motivation that I needed to reach my goals. Boy did it!! I was looking to lose "about 20 pounds" to get back to the weight I was at before my third pregnancy. Over the course of this year, I completely squashed that goal... losing 19 pounds in the first challenge group I participated in at the beginning of the year, plus another 20 pounds after that when I began coaching and helping others with their fitness goals.

Looking back, I completely underestimated just what I was capable of! Amazing things happen if you try hard enough and push past your limits.

I'm going to call Dawn out for a minute too. She is a long time friend of mine that I met 16 years ago. She is also one of my fitness buddies (and now also a coach on my team) that has been along beside me in my challenge groups since June. She came to me wanting to get started with her health and fitness goals and have support and accountability along the way. She found my progress and results from doing T25 to be motivating and inspiring to her, but let me tell you, SHE is someone that has been so motivating and inspiring to me.

She is often humble about her progress, but she has been busting her butt since the middle of this year to reach a goal that she shared with me when she started. It was her 40th birthday and she wanted to feel better, inside and out, and knew she needed to get active and make some changes. She gave a number that she would like to lose before her next birthday, which easily could have been a big hairy scary goal! But ya know what... she started strong, gave it her all, did what she needed to do, and by Halloween this year she was down 48.4 lbs and 28.5 inches since June 13th. Frickin' AMAZING!! Not sure what the numbers are currently since she likes to keep me in suspense. ;)

My dear friend Dawn, I have NO DOUBT that you are capable of reaching that goal, and that you WILL reach that goal, that you set out for yourself in June. ALL OF YOU are capable of reaching your goals and doing anything that you believe in, that you work hard at, and put your heart into. BELIEVE in yourself and never give up!! ♥

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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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Turn Your Want to Haves into Have to Haves

One thing I have come realize in life and especially in the last year while tackling my fitness goals, is that sometimes we need to make our wants a necessity. We need to turn our desires into something we need if it truly is important to us.

There's a great difference in being committed to doing something and not just being interested. If you really want to be successful in reaching your fitness goals, you have to make your health, nutrition, and fitness part of who you are, something you do regularly. It's just like showering and showing up for your job. It's just something you do and you show up and make it part of your routine. It can't be a hobby that you just do sometimes when you feel like it or have spare time. That's the difference in making lifestyle changes that are long-lasting and fad dieting. And we all know where fad dieting gets us, right?!

But here's the thing, in order to GET motivated and committed, you've got to have your mind channeled in the right direction. You can't just "WANT TO" lose some weight, have a more flattering body, and feel better and healthier. You need to have a strong reason that you "HAVE TO" do it.

Think about this: What happens to our wants, our interests, and our hobbies when life gets busy or hectic and other things get in the way? Ours interests and things that we don't put a lot of value in get pushed aside and put on the back burner. We prioritize and make time for the things that are more important to us and the things that we have to do. Many people fail at reaching their health and fitness goals because they simply did not make it a priority.

Here's a perfect insert from the great Darren Hardy, motivational speaker and publisher of SUCCESS magazine.

You only achieve your HAVE TO HAVE.
You WANT to make more money? Forget it.
You WANT to lose weight? Won’t happen.
You WANT to have a better marriage? Nah, you're kidding yourself.

Now…
You HAVE to earn $2,000 more a month to keep your house?
You’ll figure it out.
You HAVE to lose 20 pounds to get out of heart attack danger?
You’ll (finally) do what it takes.
You HAVE to make your marriage better, or else?
Hey, now you might do the work to make it happen.

See the difference?
So does your brain.
You’ll be surprised at how powerful, disciplined, focused and unrelenting you will become when you turn your want to haves into have to haves.

So ask yourself — What is your WHY? Just wanting something isn't always enough to motivate you and drive you to do what it takes to achieve it. You need to have a great concrete reason for WHY you want it, why you HAVE to HAVE it. Do you WANT to lose 20 pounds, or do you HAVE to lose 20 pounds? Having a reason for why you are working so hard, why you HAVE TO work so hard, can make all the difference on those days that you just don’t want to get out of bed and/or you just want to plop down on the couch after work, and those days that you find yourself having no control with bad eating habits. So dig deep and find your reason! Also, make sure your goals are realistic and achievable so you can really enjoy the fruit of your labor.

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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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Success in Helping Others

I am feeling a little sappy, and emotional, and completely in awe with some comments I've received recently from my fitness group challengers. I'd say clients, since technically they are, but they're actually all my friends - Old friends I've known for years, friends I've known for a little while, and friends I only met through Beachbody.
{seriously, makes me a teary-eye sap}

I've been pretty open with sharing my own fitness journey and my progress pics along the way with all of the Beachbody programs I have been using. But also, as some of you might have noticed by now, I signed on as an Independent Coach with Beachbody some months ago.

I know, I know... I can imagine how many of you out there are rolling your eyes right now thinking, "Ick, another MLM rep." Trust me, I totally get it! Nobody likes to feel like they are backed into a corner to buy something.

Nobody likes to feel like if they speak to someone that is a distributor of some MLM business that they will be given a sales pitch and conned into forking out money on stuff they don't need or want. Nobody likes seeing ads all over the place to "buy my stuff!" or "join my company".

Believe me, I have felt the same way, and still do sometimes. I used to say that I would NEVER join any kind of network marketing business again. (Yes, I said again.) So why did I sign up and join then, even though I feared the opinions that people would have of me?

Simple. Because I absolutely love Shakeology and have become obsessed with Beachbody's at home workout programs. Because I found something that is beneficial to my life. Originally, I just wanted the discount finally since I had been buying my Shakeology at full price for over a year. (Duh, Sandy! Should have done it sooner!) But, I am a true believer of all that Beachbody stands for and is all about.

The programs worked for me. Learning what exactly proper nutrition is has worked for me. Having support and accountability from others was SO helpful to me (still is!!). So much has changed for me and improved with me, along with a smaller waistline and a smaller number on the scale, and I decided I wanted to share what is proven to work with others.

Like I said before, I feared the opinions that people would have of me and how people would judge me for taking on this new "job". I also feared that I wouldn't be good at it, that people wouldn't find me and the challenge groups that I host to be helpful, and that I wouldn't succeed at it.

In the 4ish months that I have actively been coaching, I have had a few small successes along the way: hosting my first challenge group on my own, my first fitness program and shakeology sold, adding a few coaches to my team, rank advancement to Emerald Coach, the first time I reached Success Club, earning enough to pay for a grocery bill for a family of 5. Some of those things may not make sense to you, but that's okay. They're all great things! But the greatest success for me so far, is knowing that the work that I put in and effort that I put forth is actually paying off and helping people.

Seeing posts and comments from my friends, my challengers, with their gratitude is MY success. I get to witness other people's fitness and weight loss journey first hand. I am seeing huge weight loss results, healthy changes being made in nutrition, excitement and motivation for fitness from people that used to never work out and thought they hated it. I get to do something that I enjoy, share it with others, help change lives, motivate others, and stay motivated by them... and earn a little money while doing it. How freakin' cool is that?!

Success doesn't always come in the form of money (although, the extra income is nice and helpful too). Doing something that I am proud of, something that I enjoy, something that makes me happy, and knowing that I have helped others to make a difference in their lives... that's SUCCESS. 

Beachbody has brought so much positivity into my life and it's time I stop worrying what others may think. Now that I have managed to ramble on and turn this into a novel... I'll just be blunt for a moment:

I, Sandy Shelby, am a BEACHBODY COACH... and proud of it! :D

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7 Simple Tips to Losing Weight

1. Portion Control - This is such an important concept when trying to lose weight. Stop supersizing your plate! Eat proper serving sizes and eat the correct portion of each food group throughout the day for a healthy balanced diet.


2. Clean out the pantry - Get rid of all the junk, the ready made meals, processed foods, and stuff that is NOT healthy. If it's not there, you can't eat it.


3. Drink plenty of water - It's plain and simple. Drink water. Your body NEEDS water. Drink water with your meals. Drink up before, during, and after your workout. Carry a refillable water bottle with you to drink throughout the day.


4. No nighttime snacking - Make it a habit of eating your last meal at least 2 hours before bedtime. It is so easy to turn into a couch potato at the end of the day and starting snacking, and it's usually not something healthy OR portion controlled. If you're really hungry and really need a late night snack, keep it healthy and portion it out. Eat veggies!


5. Veggies first - Just like when you were kid, and just like I tell my kids today, eat your veggies first. They're healthy! Get them out of the way and done. Then you won't be too full on other stuff before you get to your veggies and hopefully you'll be less likely to overfill on the other food on your plate.


6. Skip salt - It's just not that great for you. It's not good for blood pressure, makes you retain water, will make you feel bloated. There are other tasty spices and herbs to flavor up your foods. Prepackaged foods containing lots of salt are not things you want to be eating anyway.


7. Cut out sugar - Cut out all the sweets, the desserts, all the processed sugars. You don't need it! 

If you want to see results, you've got to start in the kitchen! Don't let your hard work and sweat be ruined by a bad diet.

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Greenberry Shakeology Review

If you asked me a year ago what I thought of the Greenberry Shakeology, my honest answer would have been "Blech!". I did not particularly care for it. I could have sent it back since it does come with a money-back guarantee (for 30 days), but I kept it anyway. I did eventually drink the whole 30-serving bag, but it took some work to make it taste good, as it didn't taste so great by itself or even with just 1/2 a banana (my usually addition to my shakes). It had a chalky texture and a very strange after-taste. Doctored up and blended with 1/2 a banana, some pineapple, other fruits, sometimes juice, it was better and just okay, but not something I would rave about. I didn't like putting my whole daily fruit allowance into my shake either; I like to save a portion for another meal in the day.

The Greenberry got a "makeover" quite some time ago, but I have been hesitant to try it out again. I have heard that it is much smoother, not at all chalky, and tastes like Fruity Pebbles. SO, I finally gave in and decided to try it again after a year now. Before throwing in a bunch of stuff like I used to have to do, I started with just water, ice, and half a banana. I took a little taste, slowly, still remembering what it used to taste like. Believe it not, it really does taste like Fruity Pebbles!

I like to add spinach to my shakes as a quick and easy way to get in one of my veggie portions for the day, so I tossed that in too... after the initial taste test. The spinach blends in great and you don't even taste it. Still tastes good and fruity.  Honestly, no joke, the new greenberry stuff is SO MUCH better!! It is now in the running with Chocolate for my top faves. I let my extremely picky 8 year old try it, with spinach mixed in even, and he LOVED it! That's saying a lot coming from him. So can something green and healthy actually be yummy? Heck yea it can!!

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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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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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Face Your Insecurities

I am working on putting together my before and after photos from completing Brazil Butt Lift and came across a photo from couple years ago. I remember being MORTIFIED when I saw this photo on the camera (that hubby snapped) mixed in with a bunch of other pics from that day at the lake with the kids. I could not believe how huge my ass and legs looked in the photo, not to mention the rest of me covered up. I wanted so bad to delete it, because who wants photos of themselves that they don't like.

But I didn't. That was me. That was my body.

Even though I didn't like it, those photos are our family's memories and I didn't want to remove myself from that. But I realized, I didn't want to be that lady anymore. I didn't want to be that lady that didn't fully enjoy herself at the lake, or the beach, or the pool, and not fully enjoy the time with her children because she was so insecure and unhappy with herself, sitting secluded covered with a towel, not wanting to get in the water because her swimsuit would cling to her chubby belly.

Took me a little while, especially after having another baby since then, but I am no longer THAT lady. I have faced my insecurities and made positive changes and am continuing to do that.

Do I have the perfect body now? No, of course not.
Do I have stretch marks and cellulite? I sure do!
Does my butt and belly still jiggle? Sure does!

But you know what? That doesn't bother me so much any more. I am still a work in progress but I am definitely much more comfortable and confident in my own skin than I used to be. And it's not just about fixing what's on the outside, it's about being HEALTHY and HAPPY and ENJOYING life. Don't be afraid to make positive changes for yourself and be the person you want to be.

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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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Before and After in a bikini

Sharing THIS photo is INCREDIBLY bold of me, and very SCARY! Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, has seen these before photos in a bikini. As you can see by the selfies in the mirror, I couldn't even get my hubby to take the photos for me. But ya know what, I don't care any more! I could continue to be embarrassed and ashamed and hide these photos, but honestly, they motivate me to change and maybe they will motivate you.

I don't want to be the one covered up and hiding at the beach or the pool and I am fixing that. I want to be comfortable in my skin and proud and confident, and I am working towards that. The difference in these photos didn't happen overnight, but it did happen in just a few months time. In another few months, I hope to see even greater changes. One day at a time, one pound at a time, one squat, leg left, and crunch at a time, I WILL get there. I share all this, not just to inspire and motivate others to better themselves, but also because sharing my journey helps keep me accountable and motivated to NOT give up and keep moving forward.

If you are wanting to make changes and struggling to get started, or struggling to stay on track, join me!! Let's do it together! I did not get where I am on my own, and you don't have to either. Are YOU ready to take the challenge and change your life? You can dream about it, or you can do it!

Get started by reviewing this info about the Beachbody Challenge -
http://www.fitandsticky.com/p/beachbody-challenge.html

Then sign up for a FREE Beachbody Membership here: bit.ly/JoinTBB4FREE

Get in touch with me and we'll chat about what your goals are and what program will be best for you. I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you and being a part of yours!

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