Strong is the new sexy!

Look at the two beautiful women, Rebecca & Tamara. They were perfect already; both amazing, busy moms with too much on their plate to add one-more-thing! It's ok to want more though and put yourself first! They both knew they wanted a change and believed in themselves enough to take the plunge! 21 days is long enough to break any habits / lifestyle you've become accustomed to and discover a new you!! 

I'd rather my kids get 95% of "me" and be focused, energized, happy, than them get 100% of the warn down, exhausted, unhealthy and depressed version of "me". 

Think about it...what makes you the best version of yourself?? Is it when your clothes fit and you're more confident? Is it eating clean so your body doesn't crash at 2pm and snack or need a nap? Having enough energy to chase your kids / grandkids or play tag? You can so all those things and IT'S OK TO WANT TO BE BETTER!! Don't feel guilty!

I'm most proud of myself on days that I exercise 30 min (2% of the day y'all), eat clean and spend quality family time. That's a good day for me!! We have one more round of 21-Day Fix before SHIFT SHOP IS RELEASED with all new meal plans. Start now. Don't wait. And don't do it for the bikini; do it for YOU!! We start June 26!!! Order now so you get everything in time and can ask any questions you have!

 Tamara & Rebecca I couldn't be more proud of your transformations. And I know you're still going because results and feeling amazing is addicting. You both inspire me and I'm cheering you on 100%, as you do the same for me. Strong is the new sexy!!

Sugar Detox - free group starting soon!

It takes 21 days to kick a habit (or start a new healthier one 😉), but let's start here because you can do anything for 5 days! Seriously! You can! PM me to secure a spot! Did you just see my post about CHOCOLATE?? Yeah - I need this intervention myself!!!

Here's how it will work...
🍓you'll get a week of clean recipes
💪fitness challenges
🎁prizes for being awesome
👏accountability 

Do you know what happened to me when I gave up sugar? 
😴better sleep
😷didn't get sick as much (germs breed on sugar!)
🏃🏻‍♀️more energy to chase my boys
👙no bloating
🍫I stopped craving and it actually didn't taste that good anymore. Now it's for special occasions and I think more before I eat it...is it worth it? 

🙋🏼🙋🏼‍♂️who wants to feel even just one of those things? Don't wait, there will always be an excuse not to, but I can guarantee you'll feel better!  Who is in? We start this Monday! 

Vudu Cafe & Larder

This has to be the cutest cafe in Queenstown, New Zealand. Vudu Cafe & Larder serves amazing desserts, breakfast / brunch and coffee.  I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but they're working hard to convert me!  ha! I don't know what it is about their honey, eggs and salmon, but I love them much more than in the states.

Top Left: King Salmon over toasted Rye, with spinach, pea puree, cream cheese and beets. 

Lower Left: "Avocado Smash" and supposedly the best in Queenstown!  It's 2 poached eggs over sourdough, spinach, sundried tomatoes, pea puree and Halloumi cheese (turkish deliciousness).  

Such a cute place!

Such a cute place!

Olympic Luge Training Center

We had the opportunity to go to the Olympic Curling Training Center and play a few rounds (1.5 hours) which was amazing. And cold (common theme in New Zealand 😂)

Little blessings like these opportunities can get overlooked. My word today over and over was THANKFUL. For amazing sunrises and sunsets. For new friends we've made through an Air B&B rental. For jobs that allow us vacations like this and where I can still work in the mom cracks and not need "PTO". 

Who would have EVER thought this CPA would be a Beachbody Coach, yet I couldn't imagine my life any other way. I get to be home, or travel the world, with my boys and contribute significantly to college savings, retirement, vacation funds, etc. I'm so thankful my coach, Chelsea Lipstreu, saw something in me to ask and then encourage and me to jump in, even when I said no 🤗 some of the greatest things in life are scary, but that's when you grow. 

If you don't like where you are, change. You're not a tree. I love that. This trip has been full of adventures and memories that I'll be forever greatful for. And it's brought us tighter as a family. 7 weeks in a small apartment can do that 😂 

Join me June 20th to find out why coaching is my jam, why paying it forward, while focusing on yourself, is so important, and how I get compensated. See you then!! 

Next up...SPA DAY FOR MOMMY!! After Insanity Max 30 on my patio in New Zealand, of course 👍🏻👏🏻🙌🏻 

Cadbury Chocolate factory

Ok. This post is NOT. ABOUT. CLEAN. EATING. It's all about CHOCOLATE!! Such a fun experience touring the Cadbury chocolate factory in NZ (which is closing in Jan 2018 - so go while you can). 

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1) Cadbury has 8 factories in the world and they all use local milk so no chocolate bars will taste the same. New Zealand & Australia don't export their chocolates. 
2) you can smell amazing chocolate for a full hour. I wonder if Heaven will be like that?? I bet 🙌🏻
3) no pictures or holding your child during the tour because an American dropped their child into the factory and ruined it for everyone.
4) you each got a shot glass to fill up with chocolate from a spout. White, milk, dark. Might have been the most amazing dangerous thing ever. Then, they had a topping bar. I grabbed bananas for mine to, you know, be healthy. LOL. No pics to prove it since no cameras allowed. 🙋🏼🤗

This was the bag of chocolates they passed our AFTER we all had sampled about 8 bars and gave away 5 bars to friends.  It is crazy!  The rest of these will be given away or all my money will go to the dentist for fillings!  

Kid & Adult - friendly!

This seriously might be one of my favorite snacks or meals of all time. Plain Greek yogurt, raspberries, and honey. If plain greek yogurt makes you gag (it did for me for a week when I switched) you'd be amazed what 1 tsp of honey, maple syrup, vanilla or cinnamon can do for it. And it keeps it clean. Check the yogurt in your fridge and I bet you'll find a lot of additives in it which you can't even pronounce. That's never a good sign!  To make this work for 80 Day Obsession, add cinnamon or vanilla to the yogurt, both are freebies.

21 day fix count: 1 red, 1/2 purple, 1 tsp

21 day fix approved - Lamb & Feta Salad!

On vacation and still found a relatively clean meal (got jam, dressing & aioli on the side and never ate them). Dressings can quickly take what should be the healthiest thing on the menu, to the highest calorie item, very quickly. This lamb & feta salad was delicious and plenty of flavor so I never even missed it!! Another dressing modification if they don't have plain oil and vinegar would be lemon.  Squeeze it all over and you'll add flavor with very little calories. 

This would be on par with Shift Shop menu, which releases July 12, or 1 of the 2 menus we are using in Shaun Week group this week. You can still be added if you want fun, results and sweat (no tears).  

You are the example - good or bad!

Proud momma moment. Travis caught me working out with Matthew this morning for the first day of Shaun Week. 

I wish I thought of exercise differently years ago. I've spent too much time worrying about how I looked in a bathing suit and hiding behind the coverup, rather than worrying about being IN THE POOL and making memories. I promise your kids won't look back and think about how good you looked in your bikini, they'll remember the cannonball that got everyone wet, or thecool backdive off the board. Put on your suit!! Rock it. You are your own stumbling block. 

Do your stuff, whatever it is, to feel your best, be confident, be strong, crush the excuses and take care of the body God gave you. Your kids will leave home and the lessons you taught them about diet, exercise and hard choices will follow them forever!! 

Shaun week starts tomorrow - LAST CHANCE!!

You can stream from anywhere! Tablet, phone, computer, TV...tomorrow starts Shaun T's new Hybrid program. I have THREE spots, yes 3!!!, left to join me for free. 7 days, show up, eat from 1 of the 2 menus I provided and throw all the excuses at the door. 

You can do it. Really. I want to empower you to believe in yourself and the 2 feet and 2 hands God gave you. Put them to the test and see what they can do for your body, mind and soul. It's Sunday, I'm putting mine together in prayer and thanksgiving! Cheers and see you in the morning so a 7 day sweat fest. 

As Shaun says, "SWEAT has WET in it for a reason" grab a friend and BE HERE!

New spin on Shakeology!

Logged into my challenger app just now and here's what I saw. Do you feel sorry for these ladies feasting on chocolate brownie batter goodness, drinking Snickerdoodle milkshakes, blueberry goddess milkshakes, or making Shakeology available bowls?? Looks miserable right? 😂😂😂 And to feed your child 70 Superfoods?! 

I say...good job ladies!!! 🙌🏻👏🏻🙋🏼👍🏻🤗 you just spent $4.15 on a meal, focused on your nutrition, didn't skip breakfast today because you're too busy, didn't mess with your metabolism and you felt like you indulged. Way to rock a Thursday!! Go after those goals and rock those shorts and swimsuit this summer!! 

Next week you can try Shakeology and get 7 packets of any of our 9 flavors for only $35 (I'll cover shipping) and you can STREAM SHAUN WEEK FOR FREE!!! I'll provide a clean menu with portion control added too! Let me know if you want a spot!! 

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Carb Depletion - it's trendy, but why?

One carb, two carb, red carb, blue carb. Wait – that’s the wrong story. Although, I imagine that if Dr. Seuss had written a book about carbs, this would have been a likely title.

Carbs, short for carbohydrates, provide essential nutrients that are vital to producing energy and keeping your body functioning at a high level. Unfortunately, they have become labeled as a necessary evil that can contribute to weight gain, cause illness, and are often blamed for a variety of health ailments.

Talk to anyone who pays particular attention to their diet and you’re sure to find someone who practices or has practiced some form of carb cycling, carb restriction or alternately, high carbohydrate consumption which is often referred to as carb loading. The latest trend on our radar is carb depletion.

In fact, I am currently in a test group for a brand-new program that Beachbody will release later this summer, and carb depletion is the focus of the eating plan.  So, what is carb depletion you ask? Read on for details!

Carb depletion diets fall into the carb restriction category and are intended to encourage weight loss by limiting the intake of carbohydrates. These types of diets promote eating high protein and high-fat foods while reducing the consumption of food sources that are easily turned into glucose, the body’s main source of energy. Once carbohydrates are eliminated, the body cannot rely on glucose, so it turns to fat stores for fuel. Some carb depletion diets encourage removing all carbohydrates while others only certain types.  

During carb cycling / carb depletion, your diet starts with a limited amount of carbohydrates each day and then you slowly remove them until you are completely carb-free for a short time.

Carb depletion can be a very effective way to quickly drop weight and is a common practice for fitness competitors, bodybuilders, and other physique-centric athletes to prepare for shows or competitions. However, it should be done carefully and only after thorough research and planning. It is not intended to be sustained for long periods of time and of course, the best practice is to always speak with your physician before embarking on any new weight-loss program. 

During the Shift Shop, we are cycling through two rounds of carb depletion.  After we finish these two rounds, it will be important for us to return to our regular diets that do include a limited amount of carbohydrates.  As stated earlier, carb depletion diets are only meant to be practiced for a short amount of time.  But they can do a great job of "confusing" your body, thereby busting through a weight-loss plateau!

And for the record, green eggs and ham would make a great low-carb meal choice.

Where are all my Shaun T lovers at?

⚡️ Have you heard me mention it?? 😂 SHAUN WEEK IS COMING!!! ⚡️

Where are all my Shaun T lovers at? He is one of my favorite trainers and puts up a mean game against Tony Horton and Chris Downing. Really y'all - you need to meet him and try his workouts. You just do. 

He's BACK with a week-long EVENT and he's releasing a new workout every single day for 7 days. It starts next Monday, June 12th!!! He even has a chair modifier for every single move, so you DON'T have to be in Insanity-level shape to do this.

✨ This is already included in your All Access streaming, so if you have it, YOU ARE SET! ✨ If you want to get in on the action - and trust me, it is going to be FULL of action - comment below and I'll PM you the details. 

Get ready for some seriously amazing workouts and fun in our group! You can actually have fun losing weight and crushing goals. And the victory dance is amazing!! 

It's only 7 days... you CAN do this! 💪🏻🙌🏻

Australian home cooked dinner

So this dinner (that Travis cooked 🙋🏼) symbolizes a lot...
😰 5 months of us living apart
😘 1 week of being together again
🍷 amazing Australian wine 😂😂

Takeaways...
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 we don't want to be apart again so either he comes home, or we come here. But as a family we will remain. 
🍾 Australian wine may not have sulfites, but you can still get hungover
😴 trying to press play on Insanity Max 30, but need some encouragement today. Like maybe Shaun T yelling at me in my living room 🤣😝 I can hear him saying "did you die? Not on my watch, not today, everyone is welcome in my gym". LOL. He's going to triumph. No excuses. Get your 🍑 up Stephanie!!