Back to Blogging, Zucchini and Cashew Soup recipe!

I've been gone from the blogging world, truthfully, it's because I felt I had nothing to blog about :-(  I started to feel like my blogging page sounded more like an advertisement, and that's the LAST thing I wanted to be!  So from here on out, this blog will of course feature my monthly Beachbody promotions, but it will also feature recipes, beauty ideas, and of course my life in general.

First things first!  I'm going to post my favorite and easy homemade soup recipe!

It follows the 21 Day Fix portion controlled meals being 1 Green container and 1 Blue, but I doubled it to feed me and my husband :-)

Soak cashews (blue) for about an hour, drain
Cut zucchini (green) in chunks
Steam for about 15-20 minutes until more than fork tender, I put salt and pepper on them before steaming
Throw in blender (I do half portions, so my blender doesn't clog)
Add water if needed, but not too much! I put 1/4 cup per portion
Heat up in sauce pan, but do not simmer or boil
Salt and pepper to taste
You can also add fresh basil or any other fresh herb into the blender

Now on to me :-)  It's been an amazing few months, and I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging to share my success and how I've been reaching my goals, BUT I will be blogging more!  I've bit the bullet and decided to go to Beachbody's Summit coming up in 2 weeks!!  GASP!!!  I'm so excited to be taking my PiYo certification, and also attending business building meetings, getting my picture taken with the trainers and also being able to hang out with my Beachbody family.  I'm seriously so excited I pushed myself into going!  YOU KNOW I'll be blogging about Summit!

Keep your eye out for more info on PiYo, which is Chalene Johnsons new workout coming in July........BUT I get it mid June!! 

I decided to tackle Focus T25 and I'll be done this week, progress pictures will be posted soon :-)

On to fitness news and the June Challenge pack specials

Have you been thinking about upping the ante this summer with your workout routine, or even starting for the first time? One of these two challenge packs are for you.

Seriously? Insanity plus Shakeology for $160 (normally $205)??? Rockin Body AND Hip Hop Abs plus Shakeology for $140??? Check out the links below to find out more!! PM me on my From Skinnyfat to Fit page on Facebook if you have questions, or would like more info on other Challenge Packs 

INSANITY Challenge Pack

Shaun T Dance Challenge Pack

21 Days is OVER

I swear it seems like yesterday that I started the 21 Day Fix, and now I'm all done :-(  Well, for now, just the workouts I'm done with.  The portion system is so neat, and so easy to make a lifestyle, that I'm going to continue while I do Focus T25 with a small group of friends.  I lost inches in all the right spots, and seeing abs that I swear, pictures do NOT do justice!

Why am I not doing the 21 Day Fix workouts?  I've been dyeing to do T25 for a while now, but I always seem to drift to something else!  I figure, since I'm going to Summit in about 3 months (the big Beachbody business trip in Vegas) I need to be in outstanding cardio shape to keep up with the likes of Chalene, Shaun T and Tony Horton when we do our workouts with them....also, a lot of my customers are asking about it, and although I feel comfortable with what I do know about it from watching my friends and husbands transformation, and watching my hubby workout to them......I need to do it myself.  Also, it'll give me enough time to fit in 21 Day Fix workouts after I'm done with T25!!

What I have learned from the 21 Day Fix:

-It's easy once you get the hang of it
-Weekly menus are important, and save you a TON of money (saved enough to cover the cost of my purchase)
-Eating right doesn't mean you have to eat like a bird, actually, that does more harm to eat like a bird!
-It helped my husbands acid reflux...no reflux in 3 weeks!!
-Abs are really made in the kitchen
-Side bends are no joke
-Anyone can do these workouts, no matter if you've never worked out a day in your life
-Those "little" containers aren't as little as you think
-This is a lifestyle change if you let it become one
-No food groups are left out, and for good reason
-Learn to fuel your body correctly

Now on to stats:
Devin unfortunately didn't want his picture taken :-( SO I had to accept his wishes. BUT he does regret it now ;-)  He wasn't able to do the workouts due to bronchitis, he did workout three times...once on day one, and then he thought he was okay to go for a run toward the middle and end, but his lungs are still pretty icky right now.

He lost 10 pounds, and 3 inches in his belly.  Once again, he only let me measure around his belly.

I myself did all my workouts, and also took generic pictures, and I promise for T25 I will take better ones.  Not sure why I just did it myself with my phone.  For some reason, I never get good pictures, the never turn out how I see myself, and I swear to you I had a four pack for real at the end of my 21DF.

Here's a picture of how I measure myself.  I only do one side of my leg.

After the 21 days where over, I lost 3 pounds :-)  I'm pretty much at my goal weight, so it isn't gong to melt off of me.  .25 around my lower chest (under my breasts), 1.5 in my waist, 1.5 in my belly, .5 in my hips (mostly from my bum :-(  I need to up my squats again!!), .5 in my upper right thigh, and .5 in my lower right thigh. So 4.75 all together and it would be more if I measured my left thigh :-)  Pretty happy with that, especially in just 21 days!!

If you'd like more information on the menus check out my picture section on Facebook at From Skinnyfat to Fit and feel free to message me with any questions!  If you don't have FB, email me at Hunnieshadow@yahoo.com.  Also, the 21 Day Fix Base Kit is still on pre-order, and will be shipping out at the very end of March, early April.  The 21 Day Fix Challenge pack is also on pre-order, but will be shipping out sooner...so that's your best bet to get moving on your health and fitness goals :-)  Plus the challenge pack is such a great deal, and it comes with the healthiest meal of the day, Shakeology!

I'm also doing a GIVEAWAY!!  Anyone who purchases a Challenge Pack from me during the month of March, will be put into a drawing and the winner will receive a gift from me worth $80!!  Drawing will be help on April 1st (and NOOOOO it's not an April fools joke!!)

March Madness!! 3 Challenge Packs!

I have mini abs!!  This picture was actually taken on day 10, I'm now on day 16 :-)  I didn't post it because I really thought there was no change.  Silly me, I found the picture a few days ago, and decided to put it side by side with my last picture from Body Beast.  I was kind of taken aback, I did lose .5 pounds at the time, and 3 inches, but I really didn't think I would notice.  Honestly I took the picture because I thought that I looked pretty toned, but then when I saw the picture, it didn't really look like what I saw.  So I was going to toss it.   

I'm really loving this program!  The workouts are motivating, and only 30 minutes long!!  The portion part is easy to get the hang of once you get going. 

Although it's no longer on sale, the 21 Day Fix challenge pack is still an amazing deal and ready to ship(** UPDATE as of 3/4, they are now on 2-4 week backorder again, I would suggest to pre-order them, so this doesn't happen to you again.......).  If you're interested in just the Base Kit (without the Shakeology), they are (also) still on back order until the end of this month.....but you can always pre-order it (either one), your card won't be charged until the product ships.

I've got to say, I'm pretty jealous of you all!! 3 Challenge packs on sale this month, and one of them is actually lower than what I can get it for!!! Anyone want to bargain with me??? If you want Shakeology but don't want Les Mills Pump, hit me up ;-P 

Seriously, Les Mills Pump has been something I've wanted since I started coaching.  It looks like a blast, cardio and weight lifting all in one????  But shipping is $20 for me, because the kit does come with the bar and weights.....but not for you due to the Les Mills Pump challenge pack offer!! You pay $2 for shipping!! Seriously, you get the program, and Shakeology for a price that I just cannnnnot believe, and it's quite a bit lower than what I would pay as a coach.......almost $70 lower!!  Like I said, I'm pretty darn jealous. 

Les Mills Combat is the second challenge pack offer, think cardio kickboxing, totally bad ass!  If you like Shakeology, or have been wanting to try it, you can get the Les Mills Combat program for $10.....that's a steal!!  

Last but not least, is the Ultimate Reset Challenge Pack. I did the Ultimate Reset back in November '12 and it was a real eye opener, and was an amazing all natural detox for not only my body, but my mind as well. I've been really thinking about doing it again, very soon....probably after Vegas. I do have my before and afters on here, and a lot of my journey.  Just type in Ultimate Reset in the search box.

So there you have it, the March specials......Somebody needs to scoop up Les Mills Pump....let me live through you ;-P.

Message me at my Facebook page From Skinnyfat to Fit if you have any questions or would like more details, to find out if one of these programs would be right for you.  If you don't do the FB thing, E-mail me at Hunnieshadow@yahoo.com!

Day 10 of the 21 Day Fix

Today was day 10 of the 21 Day Fix, and it's going wonderful!  I'm not hungry between meals at all, and I'm also surprised that Devin isn't either.

I've lost .5 pounds, but honestly, I'm not looking to lose weight, just inches and gain muscle now (lean up).  When you start getting close or at your goal weight, pounds don't usually drop off as fast.  And I'm okay with that.  I've measured my chest (below my breasts), waist, belly, hips, upper thigh, and lower thigh (not each) and have lost 3 inches all together.  Everywhere but my chest :-)

Devin on the other hand has lost 8 pounds, and lost 2 inches in his belly.  He only let me measure his belly area, because that's the only place he was concerned with.  His progress is from doing the portion control part only.  If you follow me on my LIKE page, you'll know that he's been fighting off bronchitis this week.  He's finally better and we went for a run yesterday.

I'm going to post below our meals, and I also post them daily on my like page, and on Sunday I post our weekly menu as well.  This is what our menus look like for the last two weeks

Week 1










                                                                                     

                                                                   Week 2

This is how many of the colors we can have per day...doesn't look like a lot, but like I said, we are not hungry during the day :-)  Also, the containers look tiny, but they will totally fool you!  Not all people will eat at this level, there's a formula behind it!

Here are days 2-10! (Day 1 was on the last blog I posted)

This week (until the 28th) is the last week of the sale price for the 21 Day Fix Challenge pack, and the good news?  It's no longer on pre-order!  So far I've seen amazing results from eating what we normally eat, but less of it (and don't even miss feeling STUFFED) and making sure we don't over do bad carbs, and fats.  I think that's key, a balanced "diet"

The base kit is still on pre-order status, and won't ship until late March, so if you want it fast, and don't mind trying Shakeology (who wouldn't? It's amazing) the I would suggest getting the Challenge Pack!!

The workouts are amazing as well.  My abs have been sore all week!

Started the 21 Day Fix!!

Started 21 Day Fix on Sunday instead of Monday, so my husband is able to get a full 21 days in before a business trip he has coming up.

Making the meal schedule wasn't really that hard.  We are creatures of habit when it comes to breakfast and lunch, so I just worked out the number of containers into our day.  Dinner was a little different, so I had to do some shifting around.  All in all, it worked out really well.

We are "allowed" 3 green containers, those are the veggie containers.  2 purple are the fruit.  4 red those are protein.  2 yellow grains, bread, wine, or beer.  1 blue those are the fats like avocado, almonds and cheeses.  1 orange is our oils or chocolate.  Last is 2 teaspoons of nut butters or coconut oil...I arranged them on the top of my list so I can remember what portions fall in my level.  And those foods I listed are just examples of what can go in each container.

The second thing I did with my list was actually put the first initial of the containers so I could tally them up while I was doing my menu.  It was a little more time consuming, but not by more than 10 minutes out of the 10 minutes I take to do this weekly anyways.  I'm sure next week will be easier.

Today we had Geek yogurt, oatmeal, and a mixture of raspberries and blueberries.  I mixed mine all together, and only got half way through before I was completely stuffed.  Wish I could have eaten the whole thing, I really needed the energy for the workout and run :-/

Our workout today was Total Body Cardio, and Autumn is NO JOKE!!  Even my husband said that it was just as challenging as Focus T25 and he actually enjoyed the workout!!  I was a little nervous that he was going to hate it.  I honestly think he liked it more due to Autumn being so gorgeous......he did say she was better looking than Shaun T.  We went for a 2 miler and my legs where whooped, I've been pacing a 10:00 since picking up running again after a month or two off, and today, I almost averaged an 11:00.  Yeah, my legs will be feeling it tomorrow.  By the way....We are also training for the Ragnar SO CAL!!

I slurped down my Results and Recovery, and that should help with some of the muscle soreness.  We are not counting the R&R (it would be a yellow) because we are doing an "extra" workout.  We will only be drinking that when we do a double like today.

For lunch we had once slice of Ezekiel bread, 6 slices of turkey, 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and basil (those two items are "free" foods).  I did put a fruit salad in the mix on our menu, but we actually put the fruit in our Shakeology for a snack.  I know it doesn't look like much food, but trust me, it was!!

Dinner consisted of chicken with a spice rub and kale with a teaspoon of coconut oil.  I was going to use 2 green here, but decided (because I forgot how far down kale cooks) to use 1 and save the other green container (celery) and 1 teaspoon (of peanut butter) for a snack.  My husband is horrified by my chicken picture.......he said it didn't do it justice....I would agree.

Day 1 was VERY successful!!  I wasn't hungry once, my main concern was Devin, but he surprised me and said he was very satisfied as well!!  SCORE!!!

Another score???  Is that we actually saved $60 on food this week!  Not sure if this was a coincidence.  If we save just $30 next week, that would be my program cost!!  So basically doing this program paid for itself.  I'll let you all know for sure next weekend when we go grocery shopping again.  One of the we are making is flank steak, we can never find a flank steak that's small enough for us, so we bought one and split it in three.  We will have one for next week, and the week after, same with the chicken!!  I was so impressed with this, I asked another person doing the program and she said the same thing.  Interesting right??  A program that might pay for itself??

Right now the 21 Day Fix Basic Kit is on back order until the end of March.  YOU CAN pre-order it though, and you won't be charged until the program ships.

IF you don't want to wait until the end of March, my suggestion is order the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack.  The challenge pack is the best deal in my eyes.  You'll get to try Shakeology, PLUS get the program with FREE SHIPPING (until February 28th)..........Did you know that Shakeology is $129 by itself?  So basically you are only paying less than $10 for the actual fitness program with containers!!  Seriously that a great deal.  AND yes, the CP is on back order as well, but only by 10 days. 

For more info on the program, or if you have any questions at all, hit me up on Facebook or by E-mail 

21 Day Fix Details!!

It's February 3rd, and that means TODAY is the day that the 21 Day Fix is on SALE!!  Who struggles with portion control or getting a workout in??  I can't wait to start the Challenge Group on the 17th, and guess what???? I even talked my hubby into doing it with me. That's right, THIS program isn't just for girls. It's for EVERYONE, any age, or size....for those looking to lose 100+ to those looking to just trim up. For those that have never laced a shoe up to exercise to those that do it daily.  I promise, this will be a game changer

Here are the details!....and of course you don't have to join the challenge groups if you don't want, but I think they push you harder....at least in my experience. :-)  Below is what the Challenge Pack comes with.

Start Here Guide with Workout Calendar 

3-Day Quick Fix** Free Gift

Eating Plan

24/7 Online Support for 30 days**30 days free

Dirty 30 workout** Free Gift

Total Body Cardio Fix 

Upper Fix

Lower Fix

Pilates Fix 

Cardio Fix

7 color-coded portion-control containers 

Shakeology shaker cup **Free Gift

30 Day supply of Shakeology

The first group will be the Beta test group, so if you'd like to be in that particular group, order NOW (group starts on the 17th) you'll be one of the first people to complete it in 25 days.  If you'd like to be in the Beta test group.....CLICK THIS and fill it out!

The 25 days (the last three days will be the 3 day Quick Fix) and will consist of The new 21 Day Fix and Shakeology WILL be a requirement. NOW there are a few reasons I'm making Shakeology a requirement, because 1. when you get a Challenge pack you are saving a ton of money, especially on Shakeology, and that would be a perfect time to try it if you've been thinking about it. 2. you will be getting free gifts one from me, and a few from Beachbody.

Here's a little snippet from Autumn Calabrese (the creator) on the eating part of the program:

The nutrition plan was one of the easiest things I have ever done. No food was off limits because everything was in moderation. The food was easy to shop for, prep, and eat. I never ate anything I didn’t like while on the 21 Day Fix, and I am a picky eater. You are allowed Shakeology. When you order the 21 Day Fix, you receive portioned food storage containers that are measured out for the perfect portion. You don’t have to count calories, macros, or anything. It’s planned out all by containers. The containers are easy to carry with you, and they are microwave and dishwasher safe! Honestly — anyone, and I don’t say that about any other workout so I’m serious and genuine when I say anyone can benefit from the 21 Day Fix. The meal plan is flexible enough and there are enough modifications a beginner, even a beginner that is obese, could do this workout with their doctor’s consent. Someone at an intermediate level will love this program because it offers a challenge without wanting to quit, and even an advanced exerciser can benefit from the 21 Day Fix. It is also great for men or women. So it isn’t a girls-only program by any means.

And did I mention, I'm throwing in a gift certificate for $25 to either Victoria Secret or Amazon (your choice), it'll be my Valentine gift to you, because you've invested in your health!

If a Challenge pack or group isn't your thing, but you'd still like the program CLICK THIS, but just so you know.....the gift card is only good on Challenge packs :-)

I Offer a Service to Help You

As my Beachbody business grows, I'm starting to get a lot of questions asking me EXACTLY what I do......I have been asked this a TON lately.  Some are from people determined to start leading healthy lifestyles, some are people who are just curious.  The one thing I've discovered in talking with many of you is that there is some confusion as to what I actually do and how I get paid as a Beachbody Coach.  People think I work for "Shakeology" or am a personal trainer. Or, they think they MUST live in my town for me to help them, all of the above is not necessarily true.

Think of my Coaching role as the online conductor of an orchestra. Many people don't realize that there are many "parts" to weight loss. Nutrition, fitness, personal motivation, time management, mental strength, commitment and support. EACH of these play a vital role in the over all success of your journey. I don't do just "one" thing. I don't even "do them" for you, but I lay out a map to help you. I orchestrate all your goals and support you on your entire journey. I AM that person that cares if you don't "show up". When you are struggling, I am that person that will believe in you and show you the way again.

As Beachbody coaches yes, we have products we can offer you. These are our TOOLS. From building a house to baking a cake, having the right TOOLS can make ANY process, easier. Sure, there ARE other successful ways to lose weight, our way just comes packaged in one simple, easy to follow program in your own home with online support. You don't have to understand nutrition implicitly, Shakeology provides that for you. Why do we promote these specific TOOLS, like P90X, Brazil Butt Lift, Insanity and over 30 others programs? Why do we endorse Shakeology? Because we KNOW that these tools WORK. They have worked for us, and thousands of others. We are living proof that if you just follow the plan as it's laid out each and every day, and drink your nutrient dense shake, YOU WILL GET RESULTS. But, like everything else in life, they only work- IF YOU DO. Our tools are not quick fixes or gimmicks. They are a LIFESTYLE.

What happens socially when someone loses weight? They get PRAISE and then loads of QUESTIONS. Questions like, "How did you DO that?! How much time did that take? What the heck are you eating?" You get the idea.... When people start SHARING their personal results and journey with others that want help, that is what we call, PAYING IT FORWARD. This organic process of paying it forward creates a growing "team" of coaches who want to help other people…that help other people ....that help other people.

How that ripple effect of that ONE person can positively better the lives of hundreds of others, would truly blow your mind. Do we get REALLY FREAKING EXCITED over this process? You betcha we do!

So, do we get paid for helping others??

Here's the thing: there is hardly any service out there that is free.  I host free challenge groups from time to time because my passion is to help people, this is what I love to do!!  BUT being a Beachbody Coach is also my livelihood; my job.

Keep in mind, that the people that bag your groceries, they get paid.  The people that serve your food, they get paid.  The person cashing you out at the store, they get paid, the person cutting and styling your hair, yup, see where I'm going with this, they get paid!  The person at the gym training you, they DEFINITELY get paid.  Those are all services, and I offer a service as well.  If people truly want to live a healthier lifestyle, and workout, most likely no matter where you go, if you sign up for a program that offers support, you're going to pay.  Why not pay someone who CARES about your goals, and wants to find the perfect workout for you.  Someone that will be there for you at all times for less than what you would pay for a trainer at the gym, with hardly the same type of support?  And when I get 'paid' by you, it's not going to be a monthly charge for working out, because you OWN your workout program!!

A Beachbody Coach offers something so beautiful and the system is very unique.  I am here to support, encourage and to hold and keep you accountable.  This is my job, and I take it seriously!

I get objections all the time about the price of our programs, and Shakeology- and I get it, believe me!  BUT if you truly want to get healthy and serious about your health and fitness, you will work with your budget to allow room for this......I did, and if I did anyone can!  Think about this: When you get things for free, do you value it?  When you buy something expensive, do you use it more because you paid for it?

When you invest in something for your health & well-being. You will truly appreciate it, more readily commit, and work harder for it.

So there you have it!

For those that have been on the fence about paying it forward and becoming a Beachbody Coach.....the below part is for you!

What does it take to be successful?

1) Having a big heart and wanting to help people. 
2) Being focused on changing people's lives rather than being focused on money. The money will come if you add value to people's lives. This is not just in Beachbody, but ANY business. Your success equates to the amount of LIVES YOU CHANGE.

I know its hard to wrap your brain the SIMPLICITY of this. I used to think Beachbody coaching was some abstract, complex and time consuming thing. Then I realized how SIMPLE it really is. I also realized I was doing a lot of the sharing and helping, before I was a coach.

As Beachbody coaches, we have complete AUTONOMY. We GET a quality of life, for GIVING a quality of life, to others….

We LIVE every day with the desire to PAY it FORWARD by orchestrating weight loss journeys and encouraging you to DREAM BIG. Many coaches do this on the side, enabling them to have extra money to pay bills, pay debt, or afford family vacations. Some coaches, like me, have chosen coaching, at home, FULL TIME and some coaches do it solely for the discount.

As coaches our mission is to end the growing trend of obesity, diabetes and food related diseases, and also help build confidence, one small step at a time.