Running a Marathon and the Ultimate Reset? Are they the same?

How can a marathon and the Ultimate Reset be close to the same thing?

In my mind...yes, they are.  Runners train and train to get prepared for the marathon.  Then the day of the marathon...the physical skill will get them through the race...but more importantly...the mental game is where they really have to push through to succeed. When their legs are tired, feet are blistered, and their clothes give them a rash...they must push through.

But all those aches and pains just go out the window when they see that Finish Line, receive that finisher medal and begin sharing with others that they completed something that they've been training for all this time.

A sense of accomplishment comes over them.  A feeling of being proud of themselves overpowers them.  And what's funny...they typically want to run another race and start training soon after.

So it's Sunday night...Phase 2 is officially over and I've completed the first day of Phase 3.
Basically, I've ran a little more than a half marathon.  I've made it past that 13 mile mark.
Has it all been easy? No.  But has it all been hard? No way.

I've enjoyed all of the food, flavors...and the best part...the portion sizes I have been allowed to consume. The food is so colorful...does that make it taste better? I'm beginning to believe that it does.  That has been the easy part.  I actually want to eat the food.

And feeling and seeing results from all my hard work...that for sure makes me want to keep going. Inches and pounds have literally fallen off of me.  It's just been 2 weeks.  Easy right?

Nope..not all easy...last week was the Release Week. The Detox drink...was supposed to be taken 3 times a day...for all 7 days.  That took some mental toughness to do.  I'm not going to lie.  My feet may not have been blistered, and my legs may not have been hurting...but I needed to push through to consume each and every one of them. They were helping my results happen.  They were an integral part of the plan.  I was not going to be halfway through this marathon and just quit.  I signed up for the race...I'm going to complete it.

As much as I didn't like the Detox drink...I actually got pretty used to it and it wasn't that bad. (I'm probably making it sound worse than it was.) But the Power Greens...I'm still struggling with those. I deserve a Gold Medal for drinking those every day.  Haha!

So...now it's Week 3.  The Restore Week.  The final stretch. I can see the finish line.  No way, will I cheat now or give up on this journey.  This is the time to pick up my speed and head in strong to the finish.  New foods at the grocery store once again.  New recipes to try.  New flavor experiences for my taste buds to encounter.  I WILL complete this.

And it will be the first time EVER that I've completed anything from start to finish with NO CHEATS, NO MISSES, NO SPLURGES.

Will I want to celebrate? Yes.
Will I want to share my results? Yes.
Will I want to share with others? You're darn right!

I feel too amazing and have such great results that I would not be doing my humanly duty to tell you about this.
It's been life changing.

Eat Great...Feel Great!

I feel GREAT!  That's the truth!

You'd think I'd be hating life due to not being able to have my Sour Patch Kids and Margaritas.
Well...I will say that I do want to partake in an adult beverage when I'm done to celebrate my commitment and dedication to making a change...but I'm truly not craving it at all.

WHY? Because I love how I FEEL currently.  I don't crave the sugar and sweets like I was. I'm not tired and I feel good throughout the day.  Eating like this has definitely shown me that the "other stuff" that we feed our bodies with...while it does taste good...doesn't really help us FEEL good.

I was struggling with bloating and feeling full.  I was struggling with not wanting to workout.  I was struggling with being moody.  And in the 9 days that I've been on this reset...besides Day 2...I had a pretty bad headache...I've been in a great mood and feeling more calm, patient, and even more excited for just life in general.

Have I lost weight?...sure!  Have I lost inches?...heck yes.  Do my clothes fit better? Um...yes!
And look at this food!!!!

I've had to learn how to do a little cooking.  But for someone who has never really been in the kitchen...these meals have been pretty easy to make.

I've also learned how to slice a honeydew.  I never knew what Farina or Tempeh was...and now I do.  So that is definitely something I've been enjoying...finding new foods and flavors that I never knew were out there.  I will most definitely continue making some of these meals after the Reset.  Especially the Southwestern Taco and the Seasoned Salmon.

And what..I made my own sushi...even rolled it in seaweed! I LOVE sushi!  Know I know how to make it.  Boom...BONUS!



So it's just fabulous and all unicorns and rainbows right????
haha...I can't say that about some of the supplements.  Especially the Power Greens.  Oh goodness...I do hate that time of day.  2:30 to be exact.  But it's just mix and down the hatch they go.  Blek!

Yep...they look pretty appetizing don't they?  Oh well...I feel better and that's worth my few seconds of agony.

This is the start of Week 2 - The Release Phase

So we've added a Detox supplement..which isn't great...but way better than those Power Greens.  Haha!  It's taken 3 times a day.  Actually need to get ready and take my last one for the day today.  It has a lemon taste and it's not as bad as I thought.

The food this week is slowly transitioning me out of all grains so that next week I will be strictly on vegetables and fruits.  I've not been hungry and I was even able to make it through my TurboKick certification on Saturday without feeling dead.  I was worried about that.  So like the title of this post was...Eat Great...Feel Great! It's so so so very true!

So here's to a new week of enjoying my time in the kitchen.  To enjoying my time eating my food that looks so pretty I feel the need to take a picture of almost every meal.

What's tonight's dinner? Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque.

Who ever would've thought I would be cooking that?  Those who know me...are probably laughing currently.

But I'm doing it. I'm determined and I feel great!

This section of the grocery store...it's powerful...just saying!

Why do the Ultimate Reset?

So, a few people have asked me..."Why are you doing the Ultimate Reset, you don't need to lose weight??? "

Well for many reasons actually. I'll list them below:

1. I've been struggling to lose some weight I gained from taking birth control.
2. I've been struggling to not feel bloated each day.
3. I've been struggling in the bathroom...sorry TMI!!
4. I've been struggling to feel "happy" in my own skin due to recent weight gain.
5. I've been struggling to workout. (WHAT???  Karen not workout???)

I know...who would have thought.  Well...I've been working out intensely for so long and getting no results that my mental capacity to think it was worth it...has literally run down.  I enjoy teaching my Insanity and PiYo classes, but truthfully...it is because I get to see my friends there.

I have added fiber into my diet two times daily.  I have added some metabolism boosters throughout the day. I have changed up my workouts to do more cardio. NOTHING is working.

Which has led to a VERY FRUSTRATED Karen on the inside.  I have tried to keep it inside and not let any of my challengers know that their "coach" has struggled to want to workout. I went to our Beachbody Coach Summit in Nashville and they explained the Ultimate Reset in a more in depth way than I had heard about it before.  I was hooked.  I cam home and immediately ordered it.  I think it's going to be my answer.

WHY? Why will it be just what I need? Why am I so excited for this?

Because the one thing that has held me back from doing it before..."not being able to workout while doing the Reset" has always turned me away from completing it. So NOW...right now...that is EXACTLY what I need.  I need a break.  My body needs a break.  I may not be physically working out for the next 21 days...but my body is going to be working out...internally.

It's going to help with my mood, my digestion, my emotions, my physical well being, my confidence...and I'll be darned if I'm not going to lose that last 5 lbs. that has been hanging on for dear life. I'm so ready for this...I literally need a RESET in all aspects of my life.

After 21 days...I can only imagine the drive I'm going to have to get in a good sweat session.  And from reading the booklet that comes with the Ultimate Reset...my workouts will be more productive when my body is functioning like it's supposed to internally.

So...now that you know my WHY...what exactly did my day look like today? What will my week look like?

Phase One - Reclaim

During these first days I will be altering my diet and slowly taking away food like red meat and refined food that put stress on my digestive system.  I'll be adding in 4 of the 6 supplements from the Ultimate Reset.

I know for a fact I am one of the people they reference in the guide book that live their daily lives...dehydrated.  One of my biggest challenges will be drinking all the water that is required.  But...challenge accepted.  I'm ready for this!

I've read the articles about drinking water and how it helps with weight loss.  Duh...now it's just time I actually do it.

Am I starving? Nope. Not even close.  These meals have been amazing and for the "non-cook" that I am...pretty easy to make.

I can say that I've never eaten a turnip in a salad before.  I've never steamed kale. And homemade miso soup???  Yep...I did that too.  Tasted great! I felt full all day and enjoyed the process of making my meals.

If the rest of the meals are this good...I'll be looking forward to eating every day.  Plus...remember...I don't have to fit in my workout.  So...I can put sole focus on what I'm putting in my body and not worrying about what energy I'm exerting.

This will truly reset my thinking and I can't explain enough how much I think I need this right now.

Is there anything that I don't like as of right now?

Sure thing...the Power Greens...brutal truth...they are HORRIBLE!  But what do you do...you stir it in 4 oz. of water...and you just take it down.  I started this plan...and I will follow it as directed.  It will be worth it.  I know the pay off will be bigger than the few seconds of nastiness I taste each day.

So there ya have it...I'm done eating at 6:30 pm.  Yes...6:30 pm.  No late night snacking.  No small handfuls of candy. Nothing until the morning!  This has to work...it's like fool proof.  Just follow the plan.  Easy right?

Stay tuned for more! :) Want to join me?
I'd love to chat with you.

Follow my journey here or on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/karenhendershotinspire/
Email me here: kmhendershot32@gmail.com

Back on the Wagon!

Tomorrow is the day!!! My team starts our next online Challenge Group.  Many of us are going to start Insanity Max 30 again.  Some of us will be doing it for the first time.  And others will be doing Shaun T's other new program called CIZE.  But, what is cool...is that we are all going to be starting on Day 1 of our programs...and be there for each other along this journey to getting healthy.

I just had to throw in this picture...I mean...because why not!  #lovemesomeShaunT

Are alot of coaches? Yes...because we like the discount we get on these fabulous products and that #superfoodcrack I call Shakeology.  BUT the main reason we are in this group and continue to join these groups...is for the support, the motivation, the love, the accountability, the place to feel like it's ok to vent about how hard it is to do this each and every day.  We are all regular people...wanting to lead a regular life...but also need the support and accountability from each other just as much as the people we are trying to help.

Are alot of the people in the group new to fitness?  New to taking ownership of their nutrition? YES.

We all know that working out and eating right is the key to success.  There aren't any magic pills that will make you wake up one day and be 10 lbs. lighter.  You have to put in the work.  I've never had a problem working out...when I get off track...it's in the kitchen.  So I'm back...

Those little color coded containers were out and in use today and will continue to be throughout this group.  I did not buy my ice cream at the store today.  I threw out the left over icing and graham crackers that I used for a Mother's Day dessert last weekend.  I HAVE to get that mindset that YOU CAN'T OUT WORK A BAD DIET!

I've got a salad with tomatoes and salad shrimp to each for lunch each day.  I used the green (veggie) and red (protien) container to portion out the proper amount per serving or each.  I also have portions of carrots and tomatoes that I will eat with hummus (blue container) for a snack.  I've got strawberries and cottage cheese for another snack later in the afternoon.  We can't forget my Shakeology in the morning for breakfast.  And I've got hard boiled eggs (not pictured) to snack on as well. I don't care about eating the same thing each day for breakfast and lunch.  I like the food.  I like how it makes me feel.  And this plan works for me.  WHEN I STICK TO IT! 

Dinner will be some protein...probably chicken or salmon.  Carbs...rice or tortilla probably.  And some steamed veggies.  Of course I will be supplementing with my Beachbody Performance Line as well. I enjoy drinking the Recover right after my workout and the Recharge right before bed.  

No longer am I going to say that it's because of birth control that I've gained some weight.  While that may be true...the sour patch kids, the ice cream, cookies, and donuts that I continued to say "oh heck...why not"...are the real reason for how I feel right now.  Back on the wagon? Yep!  

Stay tuned throughout the next 2 months for how my journey unfolds!  And of course...if you want to join us. Reach out to me.  Email, Facebook, Text...they all work and I would be happy to help you get started.  

Find me by clicking a link below!

kmhendershot32@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/karen.hendershot.73

IN I MUST GO - My Story - Part 2 - My Body

My Story continues...

Last week I talked about how the crazy D-word has taken a pretty good toll on my emotions.  They have been up and down and up and down...for what seems like forever.

And as you can imagine...my body was on that roller coaster as well.  When things were good...my body felt good. When things were literally in the toilet...my body felt like it was in the toilet as well.

I had lost about 45 lbs over the course of 3-4 years and held steady around 140-143 lbs for roughly 2 years.

Well, DIVORCE...it's an ugly thing.  Tears families apart, tears hearts apart, takes willpower that you had acquired and maintained for years...and tosses it out the window.

Throughout the process, I lost my willpower and ate just about anything I wanted.  And consumed way more adult beverages than what I should have.  But I was having fun with friends right? I was keeping myself busy right? That's what everyone kept telling me to do.  Have fun, you deserve it! Well...yes.  Initially, it was fun! But at the age of 34...extra calories, late night snacking, and not as much exercise...that packs on some pounds faster than you can imagine.

So I got mad...and said "That's enough".  This thing wasn't going to get the best of me.  So I committed to completing the Hammer and Chisel program. My Beachbody coaching team and I led an amazing group of challengers and I acted like a challenger instead of a coach.  Because honestly, coaches are challengers...and we just want to help others along the journey.  So anyway...I was mad. I got up early.  I busted my tail.  I didn't lose much weight because I was gaining muscle, but my body changed and I was feeling better.

You'd think that was the end right...my body was feeling good again and all is well???  Haha!
Nope. Dating, second guessing your divorce, stress at work, and freaking BIRTH CONTROL...they all get you back off track. I hate being a female and just because I take a pill everyday...I am now 5-7 lbs heavier with nothing changing in my lifestyle. BLAH BLAH BLAH!

Maintaining a healthy weight is just as hard as losing the weight.  So currently...I'm back to needing to make some changes. You may think...why are you so hard on yourself? You look great! You're already skinny...why are you stressing?  Well...for me...my clothes don't fit like they used to. I don't "feel" like I used to. I don't eat as healthy as I used to...and I can totally tell in my daily mood.

Monday...Monday the 16th...I'm getting back on track.  My team is hosting the group for Insanity Max 30 or CIZE and I love both programs.  Enough of the downhill side of the roller coaster.  It's time to climb again. (If you want to join me...it's not too late. Find me on Facebook or email me at kmhendershot32@gmail.com)

I'm stronger than this.  I've been up and I've been down.  But what I'm most proud of is that I've stayed on the ride.  And by staying on the ride...I'm ready for the next climb.  I refuse to stay down. It's time to feel the wind...scream a little...and enjoy the thrill of seeing what the rest of this ride has in store for me.

My body will love me for it!

“IN I MUST GO” – My Story – My Emotions

The story I’m making up:

So over the past year and half…my story that I’ve been making up in my head is WHY…WHY did I get divorced.  HOW did it happen? WHAT whet wrong? And when I talk with others who ask…the story that I share with them…well…is it really the truth? Is it really what happened? Or is it just my version? Is it what I have been telling myself to believe is true…so I can better cope with the situation?

We are human. It’s a natural reaction that we all do.  We want to feel like it’s not our fault.  We want to naturally place blame or think that it’s the other person’s fault.  Well…as much as I think that there are some things that my ex-husband could’ve done differently…way differently…I know that there are things I could have done as well. 

And to truly move on with life, to truly take a step forward…I can’t keep thinking the way I have been thinking.  I have to RECKON with the truth…”In I Must Go”…and RUMBLE around with the truth…to truly share “My Story”.  That way it won’t be made up…it won’t be my version…it will be my ACTUAL story. THEN…yes…THEN…I know I’ve made it to the other side and ready for another ride.

Our stories are made up of our emotions, our bodies, our thinking, our beliefs, and our actions.

Today…I will dig deep into my emotions!

My emotions:

Wow…emotions…boy do they ever take a toll on everything that comes down below in my story.  They have impacted my body, my thinking, my beliefs, and my actions.  Must be why they need to come first in My Story.

I started out feeling happy, confident, relieved, and completely content with life…when I left my teaching job and took on the role of Director of Public Education at our local fire department.  I also became a Beachbody Coach at the same time…and man on man…did I feel like I was on CLOUD 9.  I can truly think back to those 6 months of my life…and say they were the happiest I have ever been.

STOP! HALT! SHUT THE DOOR!  That is NOT how my ex-husband was feeling.  He had kept it in.  He had let it fester.  And well…one day…he let me know how he was feeling.  Initially…I felt like he was being selfish.  How could he not have been happy for me? How could he not see that I was the happiest I’ve ever been in life?  I couldn’t understand why it was impacting him so much. ----Fast forward through a year of hell (literal hell) and almost another year of being separated/divorced----and I have a different outlook on the whole thing.

Yes, he may have been being selfish.  BUT…so was I.  I was finally getting to do something that I wanted to do.  Something that I felt called to do.  And I was happy…so WHO CARES about everyone else right? They should be happy for me no matter what.  I mean…we were family right??? 

WRONG! ---BUT the story I’ve been telling myself…to make me feel better…to make me feel like it wasn’t my fault…is…---my family disowned me.  They didn’t care about me or my dreams.  They never asked how I was feeling.  NEVER. They completely dropped me.  How could they do that to me? I’ve given 10 years of my life to them…WHY couldn’t I do something for ME…just this once…I mean…it was going to help the ENTIRE family if I could just have some time to do what I wanted to do.  I knew I loved them with my whole heart.  So why were things happening the way they were?

Well…in the process of telling that story to myself…I completely lost my entire family, my world, my EVERYTHING. I had been selfish myself.  And let me tell you about emotions…remember…I was confident, happy, relieved, and excited…and in a matter of a few short months…it turned a big 180 degrees.  I became depressed, bitter, unmotivated, sad, and 2^nd guessing everything that I thought I was put on this Earth to do.  I’m sure I wasn’t the best wife during all of those emotions either.  

Anyway…back to my emotions…they stayed that way for quite a long time.  And I will spare all of us the nitty gritty details of a divorce…but unfortunately…we divorced.  I’ve been learning to live life again in a whole new way.  No kids, no husband, no after school events, no late night game nights, no pool parties with neighbors, etc.  Life completely flip flopped on me and I’ve had a very hard time with it.  You know…those things called EMOTIONS…they seriously impact life.

BUT…with help of my family, friends, fit family, my ladies in the divorce group, reading personal development books…and the most important thing…finding my way back to having a relationship with the Lord…I have realized that I could’ve done a heck of a lot of things differently…and maybe it would’ve worked.  Maybe I’d still have my family that I loved so dearly.  But…that’s not the case anymore.  I can’t continue to live looking back in the past.  The future is in God’s hands…and HE has a plan for me.  One that I don’t even know yet…but what I do know…is that I have learned from this roller coaster of emotions.  I’ve learned from the past and I’m ready to go into this new plan HE has for me with confidence.

God has helped me turn back around.  I feel confident in who I am.  I know where my heart is and how much I have to offer.  I know that HE will lead me down a new path that will not only get me back to how I felt in those 6 months of life where I was my happiest…but HE will help me surpass those feelings.  As long as I continue to keep HIM close to me…I have no doubt it will come for me. 

Next week…my body…and yes…all of these emotions that I’ve just discussed…they had an effect that’s for sure…

God Is Good!

So...I had this whole idea today to make a post about how I eat healthy about 85% of the time and the other 15% I eat cookies and like to have some adult beverages.  I was going to talk about the balance that I think works in life.  I was going to mention how Shakeology changed my life from the inside out.

I was going to share how I sleep better, how I don't drink coffee, energy drinks, or take any sort of supplement to have energy all day...why?  Because I get that from my Shakeology, my recovery drinks, and the real food I eat all day.  I was going to share that most of what you "see" on my social media are my workouts and my fitness classes...but truly..that's only a snippet of my "journey to being healthy". So this post was going to be all about my relationship with food and I was going to try my best to keep it real with all of you.

BUT...I went to church today...AGAIN!  I know, I know...I've been posting about that a lot lately.  I think I would be lying to myself if I didn't give HIM credit for giving me the energy and strength to continue this thing called "life" and do it in a motivating, inspiring, and positive way.

God is Good #1: HE has put new people into my life, HE has strengthened my relationship with my best friend Amanda...and that alone is POWERFUL...HIS plan to bring us into the Beachbody world and put us on the same team...is just not even explainable.  #godthing #wow

God is Good #2: I met with my pastor who married my ex husband and I this past week...and wow...it's pretty special how the heart can feel....when someone else prays out loud for you. Prayer is a powerful thing.

God is Good #3: Sunny weather is food for my soul.  HE gave us a BEAUTIFUL today.  I hope you were able to enjoy some time outside with your friends, family...or even by yourself.

God is Good #4: You all know I've reading Rising Strong by Brene' Brown.  Today, I was speaking with a friend of mine about divorce and how it is truly one of the worst things that anyone can ever go through. It makes you 2nd guess yourself, your emotions, your self-worth, your strength, your success in life, etc. I was trying to give advice about only worrying about things that are in our control. Staying positive, surrounding yourself with people that love you, and doing your best to worry about the things YOU can control. And how crazy is it that...during my personal development today...this quote shows up...

COINCIDENCE???  I think not! And you better believe I sent this picture to my friend.  #weallneedhelpsometimes

So maybe you need help with health and fitness, maybe you need help in life in general, maybe you would like a friend to talk to.  I can't promise I have answers...but I do know I have a listening ear.

You know where to find me...God is good! :)

It's Not All Unicorns and Rainbows

So it's been more than a minute since my last blog post.  Why is that?  Because life is life and it's not all unicorns and rainbows.

My blogs before have been more about my journey with a fitness program.  Or I might have shared a favorite recipe of mine every once in awhile.  But, I've been thinking lately.  Actually alot of thinking has been done lately. And although I might still post about my fitness and health journey...I've decided that I'm going to KEEP IT REAL.  And share my struggles, my successes, my ups and my downs...my life.  WHY?

Because if I'm going to coach you down a path to a healthy and active lifestyle...I'm going to show you the ins and the outs of what it's really like.  And no...I don't live on salad and shakes.  I do eat donuts and I do have adult beverages.  And I do struggle some days with wanting to workout.  And...hold up...shut the door...there are days that I don't workout.

I share some of those struggles on my Facebook page because that's where most of my friends follow my journey.  But there's only so many times I can post in a day.  And there's only so many times my friends want to see my posts in their news feed.

So here it goes...

What is my current fitness program?

22 Minute Hard Corps - do I love it...yes!  Is it quick? Yes. It it intense? Yes.  Can it be modified and done by anyone? Yes.

Do you follow a meal plan?

I use the 21 Day Fix containers as a guide to plan healthy and portion controlled meals.  I try my best to eat healthy 80% of the time.  Do I splurge and eat things that could derail my plan? Yes, but in moderation.  It's called life and I want to enjoy it.  Did I splurge when I was trying to lose my 40 lbs? NO, I didn't.  So why now? Well, I'm not truly trying to lose weight.  I'm pretty happy with how I look and feel.  So why do you workout so much?  I don't really.  I workout about 30 minutes a day.

I know so many people that spend hours working out...not me!  I'm at home using DVDs. Quick and done on my time. I check in with my online accountability groups on Facebook.  And I teach group fitness classes 2 times a week.  And I would be lying to you if I didn't say that working out alone is the same as being in a group.  For me, NOTHING compares! Hence, why I got certified to teach classes.  But that is their workout...not mine.  Which is why I still complete programs at home.

How do you stay motivated and inspired all the time? Don't you ever have bad days?

Heck yes I do.  And goodness me...I've had a bad year if you want to get technical.  But the way I look at it...I can't stay stuck there.  I can't let people that walked out of my life dictate my future.  And as hard as that is to realize, and it took awhile for me to get to this point...it's the truth.

I had to let go of things that I was holding on to.  I had to forgive things that I was resentful for.  I had to keep focused on the positive people and things that were still in my life.  How did I and do I stay focused on that??

Well that has been the hardest thing for me...but what I've done is dove deep into personal development.  I've been reading Rising Strong by Brene Brown.  It's been one of the best books I've read in awhile.  I have been listening to podcasts while I'm in the shower...WHY? Because that's the time I have to fuel my brain with positive information.  It's the first thing I do each day.  Why not start the day off with a bang right???

AND most importantly...I've reignited my relationship with the Lord and going to church.  Although, I've always been a believer.  I've always gone to church..but just not consistently.  Until this past Easter Sunday.  He was and had been speaking to me for some time.

He helped allow my former stepdaughter to reconnect with me and fill my heart with some happiness that it hadn't felt in quite some time.  I've had the best couple of months in my coaching business that I've had in awhile.  He had our pastor at church plan a series called "What is Love?".  He spoke to my heart and made me feel the need to get back to church.  And did I go? YES.  Did I need it? Yes.  Is it doing some work in my heart? Yes.

I need HIM in my life and when I let that happen...and let HIM guide me...it's been easier to let go of people that need to be let go of...and allow space for those that are supposed to be in my life.  To say that recent events in my life are are just a coincidence is almost mind boggling.  HE is working in my life...and working hard.

I may not know HIS full plan for me yet, but I'm liking it so far.

And I can't finish this blog without saying that my TEAM of coaches is something that I can not imagine in my life.  I know, I know...you see me post about my team all the time.  But we are so much more than a group of people that workout and drink shakes.  We truly want to better people's lives from the inside out.  Including our own lives.  When I look back on my past year and know how dark it was, how sad I was, how depressed I was...THESE people...THESE coaches...THESE friends of mine...THEY showed up every week and planned and discussed how to help others be the best person they can be.  And when you do that each week...it's EXACTLY what I needed to keep going, keep pushing, and know that HAPPINESS will come for me again.

Yes, us crazy fitness freaks...we are more than workouts and shakes...we are humans.  We have struggles and successes.  I can't imagine not being a part of this team.  We are changing the world one life at a time.  And honestly...it started with my own life.  It truly has changed my life for the better.

 So there ya have it...behind the scenes, behind the highlight reel...a look into Karen's world.  If you actually made it down this far...thank you for reading.  I hope that there is something in that long brain dump of mine that speaks to you.  That's the whole point.  Inspire you to be the best person you can be.  Want help?  Relate to anything I said?  Reach out to me...it's what I LOVE to do.  I'm here to share my life with you in hopes to help yours change for the better! :)

Happy Sunday!  Get out there and enjoy this beautiful day!

Week 4 is complete...Hammer and Chisel Results

So I had wondered what my results were going to be this week because the holidays fell right at the end of last week and in the middle of this week.

I planned for them.  I knew it might impede my progress forward.  I knew in my mind that I wanted to enjoy the time with family and friends.  New Year's Eve only happens once a year and I was invited to go out and celebrate.  So therefore, I felt in order for this to be a lifestyle and not just a 60 day change for me...BALANCE is what was needed.

One night wasn't going to kill my results and I was able to have a great time and enjoy ringing in the new year.  The cool thing is...is that I got on the scale today and I saw 148 lbs.  I lost another 2 lbs!!!!  Even with my splurge on New Year's Eve...AND 3 pieces of pizza on New Year's Day.

My thinking here is that I've built muscle.  I've increased my metabolism.  I've made it a priority in my life to workout and stick to the plan.  I've eaten well on all the other days of the plan.  THAT is how you make this work.  You create a balance, a new lifestyle, and those changes will add up to BIG changes over time.

One thing I was thinking about today as I was pondering what to write about for this week..

Is that it's been 28 days since I've had a piece of candy.  No Sour Patch Kids, Starburst, Jellybeans, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, etc.  Candy is my ultimate weakness.  And before this challenge started...I would make stops into CVS on an almost daily basis to splurge.  WHY???  I have no idea.  Truly...no idea.  And I'm not talking a small little splurge.  I mean, an ENTIRE bag of Sour Patch Kids...down the hatch.  That's over 1000 calories in just my candy.

So not only have I stuck to the meal plan (minus my holiday treats on 3 days), but I've said no to candy. And honestly, I don't really miss it.  Not like I'll never eat candy again, but this has been easier than I thought.  I guess when you hit a place in your life that you just don't want to FEEL like you had been feeling anymore...it's easier to make some changes.

So do you want to join in?  Maybe it's not Hammer and Chisel.  Maybe you want to try the 21 Day Fix, or Cize, or PiYo.  There are so many options that I would love to chat with you about that could get you started on your path to success in 2016.  My online accountability groups provide support and accountability for those days that are tough.

Don't get me wrong...many times I just want to stop by McDonalds and get me a yummy order of french fries.  I mean I drive by it every day on my way home from work.  It's not all bells and whistles, but that's why having me as your coach and my team there to support you is something that could be LIFE CHANGING!  Our next group is starting January 18th,

Requirements:  

1.  I must be your assigned Team Beachbody Coach.  If you already have a coach or you ARE A COACH then please contact your coach for their next group.  If you do not have a coach make me your coach here!  

2.  You must commit to both a Fitness program and replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology for 30 Days.

3.  You must actively participate in the daily group check ins.

4.  You must have a strong desire to change your bad habits and a willingness to try new things.

I was skeptical at first if an at home fitness program would work.  I saw those infomercials and I definitely thought that they were photoshopped.  I decided to give them a try, to follow the nutrition plan, the workout schedule and do it to the T.  Guess what, much to my surprise it worked and I never had to leave the house to go to the gym to get results.  

That doesn't mean you have to give up your membership, or stop going to your favorite class...because working out is also something I enjoy for the social aspect of meeting others that are like me. 

Are you in??? Ready to make 2016 your year??

Or maybe you think you'd love to help others get movtivated and inspired to live a healthy and active lifestyle...

Maybe you like social media...

Maybe you would like to learn about earning an extra income just for helping others...

Ask me how...Join Team Inspire the Fire by clicking HERE!