Pages

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Challenge Groups

I'm sure you see posts all the time from Beachbody coaches talking about 'Challenge Groups' but wonder what all the hype is about. The truth is: what AREN'T they about?? I got my beachbody start through a challenge group and ultimately became a coach because of my experience. Let me explain.
In the fitness world there are a lot of options for diet and exercise. Finding the option that is just right for you is another importance of having a coach. We can help you decide on a fitness program and encourage you along the way. Beachbody offers many different program options such as P90X, Insanity, T25, PIYO, and the 21 Day Fix. Each program comes with workout DVDs and an eating guide. A challenge pack also comes with a month supply of Shakeology which is so important to curb cravings and give you energy!

When you buy through a Beachbody coach, we will add you to a challenge group. This is a small group of people just like you who are on a journey of their own to get healthy and stay in shape. Often the groups consist of challengers all doing the same program and motivate each other to stay on track. Similar to bringing a friend to the gym, a challenge group can help hold you accountable for completing workouts and not falling off track with your eating plan.
Encouragement, Support, Information, Fun, and the Knowledge that you are not doing this alone are some of the reasons that people who join challenge groups have such great results!
Hear about it from people who have been where you are and decided to make the change:
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/mariacharles?bctid=1560922949001

21 Day Fix Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate Craving?? Don't let it Ruin Your Day!

21 Day Fix Approved Peanut Butter Cups

So I'm a huge fan of sticking to something once I start. That being said, I'm also a fan of cheating on diets! The problem is that when you cheat enough it can throw you way off track and make it even harder to stick to your goals! What you eat can have as much if not more of an impact on your health and weight loss than working out. As Autumn says "you can work your butt off, hours a day, and you can undo it in one meal if you're over eating".
 
Here is my newest solution to staying on track. I count 2 pieces as a serving and a serving as 2 tsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp for the peanut butter for everyone doing the Fix.
 
 
 
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup all natural peanut butter / almond butter (save some extra to fill cups with)
1/4 cup organic raw honey (I used regular honey which is all I had)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
 
 
 
Directions:
Whisk together all ingredients
Pour half of mix into cupcake tins with liners
Place in freezer for 10-15 minutes
Top each cup with a small amount of nut butter and cover with remaining chocolate mixture 
Place in freezer for 40-50 minutes
Unpeel cups and place in a freezer bag
Enjoy!
 


**TIP: Make sure you use paper liners in your cupcake tray! I only used them on 1/2 of mine and it is impossible to get the peanut butter cups out of the tray without liners**
 
Want more information on the 21 Day Fix? Contact Me or Visit My Website
 

Sunday, August 17, 2014

What's Your Excuse??

 We all have excuses, I'm no exception. One of my biggest challenges to getting healthy was working through my excuses and realizing that my goals were more important to me than anything else. Here are some of the biggest challenges we all face and why they shouldn't stand in your way!!
 
 
I don't have time.
This is still my biggest excuse.. 12 hour work days, getting up early, full schedules, getting home late.. we all suffer from this!! To make it worse there is always someone else to take care of: kids, dogs, husbands (I might regret that one) but you are a priority also! Once you realize that taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do to help everything else in your life get better, it becomes important. How many minutes/hours were you on facebook today? Watching tv? Staring at yourself in the mirror and wishing your body looked different? The key is to do quick, efficient exercise that you can fit into your routine, and make it a priority!! I don't have time to drive to the gym everyday, run 5 miles, do an hour long yoga class, take a spin class, lift weights, and then drive back home. But that doesn't mean I don't have time to get fit and healthy <3 I walk downstairs and PUSH PLAY. Thirty minutes later I'm done and in the shower. This works for me, but you need to figure out what works best for you.
"Someone busier than you are is working out right now"
 
I hate working out alone.
This one is tough, and I am so lucky that my loving husband (made up for earlier) is willing to workout with me, but not everyone is so lucky. I have made so many good friends through Beachbody who are always there to support me and know what I'm going through. They hold me accountable for working out, eating healthy, and staying positive. They have become like family! So find that someone who keeps you moving, and know that there are people out there who are willing to help!
"We are not perfect, but we are perfect together"
 
Exercise is so boring.
This was always one of my favorites, mostly because every article you read about is about getting out there and finding something that interests you. Do you like biking, hiking, swimming, playing baseball? Than that's the best way to work exorcise into your routine without being bored!! HUH! Which brings us back to my number one excuse, I don't have time for that! Yes, every now and again I like to mix it up, but finding some buddies for a pickup game at 7am on a Tuesday isn't always the most convenient form of exercise. That being said, it doesn't have to be boring either. There are so many different programs you can do at home in a short period of time that something has to spark an interest. Besides, it's 30 minutes! There are a lot of things that I have to do in life that I HATE (like weeding!!) but I pull up my big girl pants and do it because it has to be done.
"Don't wish for it, Work for it"
 
I have lower back pain / arthritis.
 
While I have never had to deal with this, I am a healthcare professional and can provide some insight. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have a true medical condition, however strengthening, stretching, and aerobic exercises can build up muscles and remove strain from the joints. Exercise also helps keep off the excess weight that can cause pain. So moving HELPS!! Push through!!
 
I'm too fat/ I need to lose some weight first.
 
There may be no bigger myth in fitness than that which says you have to be in shape to start working out. WHAT?? Please go to teambeachbody.com and look at the before pictures! These people could barely get off the couch and walk to the tv when they started. You don't have to be and amazing athlete when you first begin, the important thing is that you begin. You get stronger everyday, and eventually will be able to do workouts and exercises you never thought you could do. It feels amazing!! And if your too embarrassed to go to the gym, then don't! Working out at home can be just as effective and getting a calorie burn how to lose the weight.
"Just be better than you were yesterday"
 
I'm thin already.
 
Skinny doesn't equal healthy. Exercise isn't all about getting skinny and looking good (although those are awesome side effects!) It's about a healthy body and a positive attitude about yourself.
 
I'm too tired to work out.
 
Exercise can be exhausting! Trust me, I know. But getting the blood pumping and muscles moving helps wake you up and increases your energy levels. Just give it a try, I feel more tired and stressed on days when I don't get my workouts in. I also drink my Shakeology everyday!! It gives me the energy that I need for my day and helps me lose weight at the same time: double win.
"Wake up with determination, go to bed with satisfaction"
 
The best way to battle excuses is to make exercise a habit. Choose a workout that fits your schedule and make it a priority!! I love the 21 day fix because it takes 21 days to form a habit!! It's workouts and an eating plan to start your healthy lifestyle, so don't wait another day! Set realistic goals, and don't give up on yourself! You are worth it. Get out there and kick butt.. and if you need some help/motivation/a kick in the pants, let me know <3



Monday, August 11, 2014

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
-Maya Angelou
 
I've never done a blog before, it seems like something I will be good as being that I always have a lot to say! I wanted to start writing about my experiences and sharing with everyone why I became a coach and why I love my Beachbody family so much!! I have done Beachbody programs in the past, a couple years ago I ordered Insanity after seeing the infomercial on TV. I was so excited when it came in the mail and Dustin and I immediately started the program. FAIL. Not only were we in horrible shape at the time, but I couldn't even walk the next day! We were 'dieting' at the time and eating way to little calories for the amount of energy we were expending!! What I did not know is that when I bought the program I could have signed up for a FREE Beachbody coach.. someone who would be there to help me from the start. I did not know about the other programs Beachbody offered, or about how important following the meal plan was. We quit Insanity after almost two weeks.
 
When a close friend of mine started doing Beachbody and asked me to join her, I was hesitant. I had done this before and wasn't sure that I would be able to stick with anything long enough to get my money's worth. She recommended the 21 Day Fix program and I decided to give it a try. My favorite part: Shakeology! Instant love. Love. LOVE. I would look forward to having my shake every morning, as a snack, after a workout, or before bed. Whenever I could fit it in. Shakeology made me feel amazing and is a huge part of why I became a coach.
 
I love helping people, that's why I became a pharmacist and why I became a coach. It changes how you look at fitness and working out. To get results you need the support and motivation of having someone cheering you on. You need the accountability of a group to keep you on track. It's an added perk to see everyone's results after!
 
I'm a Beachbody coach because I believe it works. I have lived it firsthand and know that there are no shortcuts, no gimmicks, and no quick fixes. Just hard work and some help from your friends!