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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

COMMIT TO FIT 10 Day Challenge Deadline Is Today @ 9PM CST!


LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR THE 10 DAY COMMIT TO FIT CHALLENGE! 

 
**Sign up with a friend and you both get an extra 2 Shakeology packets for FREE (value of $10)!!
 
  I can help you get a head start on being committed to your health and exercise routine. 
Let me know if you have any questions! The deadline will be this evening at 9PM CST!
 
 
Here is one of the shake recipes I made that will be included in your program - Chocolate Chai Vegan Shake (1 cup unsweetened chai tea, cooled; tsp. of honey; 1 scoop of Shakeology Vegan Chocolate)
 
Sign up at our Facebook Event Page
Or Contact Me momfithormones@gmail.com.
 

BE COMMIT TO FIT TODAY!!

 

 

 

Simple, Hearty Lentil Stew


If you would have asked me 1 year ago that I would be eating lentils about 3-4 times a week, I would have laughed in your face!  Since having the worst IBS of my life this past year, I have been leaning more towards a vegan type diet (I say lean because I can't give up my chicken and fish).  Lentils can basically be substituted for ground beef in many recipes.  It is also way healthier than ground beef, since it has no saturated fats (or traces of antibiotics).  It is also contains high fiber and protein!
This recipe I got from Epicure Selections.  It was simple and fast, made from scratch as part of an eat clean diet!

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2-3 minced garlic
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup (250 ml) diced celery
  • 1 — 19 oz (540 ml) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups (1 L) prepared Vegetable Bouillon
  • 1 — 19 oz (540 ml) can lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) 3 Onion Seasoning (Epicure Selections)

Preparation

1. Combined all ingredients in a Multi-Purpose Pot.
2. Simmer for 25 minutes. Season to taste with Sea Salt and Pepper.

Per Serving : Calories 160, Fat 5 g (Saturated 0.5 g, Trans 5 g), Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 150 mg, Carbohydrate 21 g (Fibre 8 g, Sugars 6 g), Protein 6 g.


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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

How To Stay Committed To A Fitness Program


One of the biggest obstacles individuals have with their fitness program is actually staying committed to it. There can be many reasons for this since we all live very busy lives and finding the time can be unrealistic at times.  However, what if we planned our whole day around getting our exercise in every day.  When you change you thinking and make it one of your top priorities of the day then, perhaps, fitting it in won't be an issue.

Here are some of my tips for staying committed to a fitness program:

  1. Make a plan for the week:  If you make a plan for the week, then you have prepared yourself for a particular fitness activity for each day.  This will also help you be better prepared on those days when you just don't have enough time to fit in anything extra like a workout.  On those busy days, doing a quick 30 minute high intensity fitness session would be more suitable.  I usually take it day by day and make adjustments to my fitness routine when issues come up unexpectedly.  Being a mother, plans can change on a hourly basis!
  2.  Pack clothing and equipment the night before:  To make things easier in the morning, pack your gym bag the night before your next day's exercise session.  Even if you plan to exercise at home, setting out your cloths and equipment may make it easier for you to actually do the exercise.  If youR life is frantic in the morning, you may forget to pack your fitness stuff then won't be able to fit in your workout for the day.
  3. Make realistic and attainable goals:  I think one of the biggest obstacles to staying committed to a fitness program is when people make unrealistic goals for themselves and end up quitting because they feel like a failure.  If your goal is to achieve fast results, then you will probably end up quitting because improvements in fitness and health takes time.
  4. Have it be not all about the weight loss: For most of us women who exercise, the ultimate goal is to lose weight.  But when we focus on only weight loss, it makes it difficult to measure the actual progress.  For example, typically when women start to exercise they will gain more strength from increases in muscle mass.  This is a good thing because a higher muscle mass will increase metabolism.  However, women get discouraged because they did not lose any weight.  In fact, they probably decreased in other factors such as arm or hip circumferences.  When I train a client, we try to focus on other components such as improving time on their fitness run or achieving a one minute plank instead of thirty seconds.  As the weeks progress,we keep focusing on achieving better overall fitness, and the weight loss becomes secondary.
  5. Have an accountability partner:  Whether it is a close friend or a family member, having the support to stick with your fitness program can make all the difference.  They don't necessarily have to participate in the program with you.  They may just check in with your daily or weekly to help encourage you.  It may also be beneficial for you to hire a fitness coach to get you started and committed to your fitness program.  Finding a professional with a degree in exercise science, can ensure you have a program properly customized for your fitness level.

Need A Fitness Coach To Start Your Fitness and Wellness Journey?

Join Me At Team BeachBody!

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Hot Yoga...My New Thing!



I have recently participated in three hot yoga classes this past week.  And I have to say...I am now absolutely hooked on this class!!  Even though the first couple classes were a bit painful and awkward, I felt so great afterwards  I will back up a bit and explain as to why I am now pursuing more yoga into my fitness routine.  My naturopath, whom I have been seeing for over a year, recommended that I add more yoga exercises to be more compatible with my Dosha, which isPitta.  For those of who whom aren't familiar with Doshas, it is a 5,000 year old Ayurvediv philosophy that provides the "Science For Life".  It states that once you know your Dosha, you are able to come more compatible with your inner being in the way your eat and live.  Since I am a Pitta type, I need to be more compatible with calming, cool things.  This is why I drink tea instead of coffee, as well as more lentils instead of beef. 
So for exercise, my naturopath who is always on my case about incorporating less strenuous exercise and more calming, stretching type exercise like yoga.  I told him that I would compromise because there is no way I am giving up my running.  We basically agreed that I would run one day less a week and add 3 yoga sessions per week. The yoga classes a lot of more challenging then a gave them credit for.  I do feel like an absolute novice trying to do things such as inversions and other fancy poses.  Though I am very competitive with myself, so one day, I will get there!! 
With the long weekend coming up, I didn't discuss with my naturopath the amount of alcohol that is acceptable, since it is not compatible with Pitta.  I guess what he doesn't know won't hurt me!!



HAVE A SAFE & FABULOUS LONG WEEKEND!

 

 

 



Thursday, May 16, 2013

10 Day COMMIT TO FIT FAQs - Deadline To Register is Saturday May 18th!!

The Deadline to sign up for the 10 Day Commit To Fit Challenge is Saturday, May 18th. This is to ensure that your materials arrive on time before the June 3rd start date.
Below are some FAQs of the program:

COMMIT TO FIT Program FAQs

1. What can I expect while being on the 10 day COMMIT TO FIT Plan? The program is to get you started on a fitness and nutrition plan for 10 days. You will not reach your ultimate fitness goal within the 10 days because it does take a longer time and commitment. I will help you "get the ball rolling" to move toward whatever your goals may be. I will provide you with all the support and resources you will need to get started on the journey.

2. Will I lose weight on the program? If you ultimate goal is to lose those extra pounds, it is unrealistic to have this occur within the 10 days of the program. Healthy weight loss is a gradual process that takes time and commitment. My 10 day plan is to help you get on that path towards making a positive change in your health.

3. Why do I need to pay $50? Do I even need to consume a shake? For the $50 you receive a 10 day fitness plan, meal plan, shake packets, shake recipes, daily coaching and group support. The shakes can be used as a workout recover or meal replacement. The mixture is from Shakeology and it is loaded with digestive enzymes, healthy proteins and carbohydrates. It is also gluten free and vegan! You can not expect to make a change without combining both exercise and a healthy diet. All of the shake recipes include the shake packets as well as a variety of fruit. You will get plenty fibre, vitamins, antioxidants from these shake recipe blends...what is more healthy than that!

4. What if I don't feel I received all that I paid for? If you feel that the 10 Day Commit To Fit program under-delivered on all that was promised, then I will return your money for a full refund.

Contact me soon to reserve your spot!


The deadline to register is Saturday May18th. 
Our next session starts June 3rd!
 
To reserve your spot, please register by clicking on our logo below.
 
 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

My Journey To Becoming Commit To Fit!

It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Many of you of have probably seen my before and after photos comparing my weight loss.  It is indeed a great accomplishment but I think it doesn't give a true picture of why my weight loss was so beneficial for my health.  For those who have followed my blog for the past few years, you know that I have suffered a few health issues since becoming a mom.  I experienced pre and post partum depression with my second child which was a very dark and lonely time for me.  It was also heartbreaking to have these feelings of despair and hopelessness when I should be feeling elated with having a new baby.  This was only the beginning of my health going on a downward spiral.
 
A year later I couldn't get rid of my baby weight and started to gain more weight!  I was feeling very tired and sluggish as well as my muscles were constantly sore and achy.  Every time I would have the energy to go and workout, I couldn't last more than a few minutes before I was in pain.  It was very discouraging since I have previously always kept myself in great physical shape.
 
After the birth of my third child, my health started to get even worse!  I had severe IBS, enlarged thyroid and lymph nodes, hair loss and other unpleasant symptoms.  It felt like a storm of symptoms coming together all at once.  It was then, after some tests from the doctors that I was identified as being borderline gluten and lactose intolerant.  I was a bit relieved that we had found something to explain all the symptoms I have had for those years but my body felt so toxic after what I had been through.  It wasn't until I received help from a local naturopath that my health finally started to turn around.  He taught me what foods worked with my body to allow it to heal.  I started using a variety of spices on my foods as well as herbal remedies.  I never had the courage to cook with lentils or chickpeas, but they are now  main staples in my diet.  I also eat a very clean diet with little or no processed foods. 
 
 
At this time, I noticed that the weight I had gained started to come off quite rapidly.  I was able to start exercising again because my body wasn't it constant pain and I had the energy to do it.  This really goes to show that a healthy, eat clean diet in combination with exercise is important to achieve your fitness and wellness goals .  Even though I don't always believe that your the ultimate goal for your fitness goals is weight loss, but for many of us the weight we have gained are indications of other things such as emotional distraught, poor eating habits, stress, etc.  I think that the first goal should always be to get into a routine of eating clean and exercising on a regular basis and then weight loss will be the positive effects from it.  If you don't enjoy your fitness activity or nutrition plan, then you will not be successful in your weight loss.
 
This is why I have started the 10 Day Commit To Fit challenge to help others get a jump start towards their health and wellness goals.  Sometimes we just need something to light the fire under us to get up and do it.  For some of us like me, it wasn't until my health went sour and  I didn't have a choice but to make the change.  What is your motivation to get started? 
 
Join me with 9 others on June 3rd and get the support to just get up and get movin' towards your goal!
 
 
 
 



Monday, May 13, 2013

Let Me Help You Commit To Fit For 10 Days




Let me help you Commit To Fit For 10 Days to get a jump start towards your health and wellness goals!



Let me do all of the work for you! 
For only $50.00 (plus shipping and handling),
I will provide you with:

  • 10 Day Supply of Vegan Shake Blend (Shakeology) and Shake Recipes
  • 10 Day Meal Plan and Snacks
  • 10 Day Fitness Plan
  • Add you to our private Facebook support group
  • Guidance by an awesome fitness professional (that would be me)
  • Enter to win some great prizes!
One snack example on the 10 Day Challenge: Cucumbers, Mary's Organics Crackers and Hummus

All you have to do is to stick with the program for 10 days!! I will support, motivate, and encourage you throughout!  At the end of the 10 days I will also help guide and recommend how you should further move toward your health and fitness goals.  I did it and so can you! 


Join me on the 10 day journey!
Our next group starts Monday, June 3rd!




Shakeology Flavour Options


Once I receive payment I will send you an email confirmation that the payment was accepted.  Once payment is confirmed then I will connect with you before shipping in case you would like to change or adjust your order.  If you do not here back from me after placing your order, please contact me at momfithormones@gmail.com so I don't forget about you!!

Friday, May 10, 2013

Inside A Mother's Gym Bag

Don't be discouraged.  It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.
  ~Author Unknown


This post is dedicated to my lime green gym bag, who has had it pretty rough these last couple of years.  I feel very sorry for what it endures or the contents it has to carry around.  When your a mother, basically your gym bag becomes not only your gym bag, but so much more!  Here are some of the contents I found today while giving it a bit of clean:



  1. My Old, Worn Saucony Runners:  These runners are probably 2 years old, but I think they are still in incredible shape.  Plus we are a family on a budget and I can't justify spending anymore money on shoes this season.  Besides the summer is almost here and I am more inclined to buy a pretty pair of sandles then new runners. 
  2. Change of Underwear:  I know this sounds a bit silly, but sometimes I pack a few different types of underwear.  Depending on my exercise outfit I will wear a thong since I find it the most comfortable to workout in.  But when I'm done, I always like to wear granny-like underwear for the trip home (I'm dead serious).
  3. Mismatching Socks: Since I am not always on top of our laundry load, I likely have mismatching socks in my bag. At least they have the same pattern. 
  4. A Squished, Flat Energy Bar: Depending on the busy day I have, I most times have an energy bar packed just in case.  However with my crazy, busy life I usually forget about the energy bar and it ends up being smushed and flattened.  When I eventually need to eat the bar, it still tastes great!
  5. Extra Diaper and Wipes:  I keep these in every one of bags, purses, etc, because I am constantly switching my bags so it important to have them on hand just in case.  For you moms out there, you know that accidents happen at the most inconvenient times!
  6. Worn Out Yoga Mat: So I am not a person who likes change and when I really like something, I won't let it go until it is absolutely have to.  My yoga mat is one of those things I don't want to give up.  It looks really gross and worn at the top and the bottom but I don't care!  It was my first yoga mat when I trained for a yoga and pilates combination class called Group Centergy and it shall remain mine until I can't stand it any longer!
  7. The Important Essentials:  In all seriousness, I do carry the all important fitness gear such as hair ties, sports bra, heart rate monitor, deodorant, and yada, yada, yada.

Need A Healthy Breakfast Idea For Your Family?  Try these gluten-free, low glycemic Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins



1 egg
1/2 cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
3/4 cup (150 grams) coconut sugar (low glycemic)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Epicure)
1 cup (about 180 grams) grated zucchini, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Epicure)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (Epicure)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (120 grams) Chickpea Flour/Rice Flour
3/4 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour (or Chickpea Flour/Rice Flour)
2/3 cup (113 grams) semisweet chocolate chips


  1. Mix together egg, oil, coconut sugar, zucchini, and vanilla.
  2. Mix together the rest of the ingredients except for chocolate chips.
  3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients.  Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Pour into muffin tin and bake in oven at 350 F degrees for 20 minutes. 
  5. Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

How In The Heck Do I Fit In A Workout As A Mom?

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.  
~Mildred B. Vermont

My video blog about all the obstacles mommies face when trying to fit in a workout into their day.




ReCap Of What I Think:
  • It will always be tough, but the rewards are worth it.
  • Be a role model for my child to be physically active
  • I will probably never have the body of a lean fitness model, but it doesn't mean I am not fit and healthy.

Need A Healthy & Simple Lunch Idea??  Today I ate a leftover chicken burger topped with mashed avocado and onions.  On the side I had herb and garlic mashed cauliflower and carrots. 






Monday, May 6, 2013

Eat Clean Family Breakfast - Oat Pancakes With Banana and Almond Butter






Try this for a healthy, delicious family breakfast.  Good source of protein and fiber!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1é2 cups Wheat-free or Gluten-free Oat Pancake Mix
  • 1 1é2 cups Organic Coconut Milk
  • 1 Free Range Eggs
  • 1 tsp. Cinnamon Spice
  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • Organic Almond Butter
  • Banana

Prep:
  1. Combine coconut milk and eggs together.   Add in oat pancake mix and cinnamon.
  2. Spread olive oil skillet and heat to medium to high.  Pour in oat pancake mixture to make small circles on the skillet.  Flip and cook on each side.
  3. Once finished, spread with a thin layer of almond butter and sliced banana.
  4. Enjoy!
Family Meal Tip: Make double the mixture and use the other half of the pancake mix for another quick breakfast during the week.

My 5 Aspirations Training For A Marathon

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.  
~T.S. Eliot


Workout: 
  • 9km Long Slow Distance Run
  •  30 minute Pilates & Yoga Stretching

This whole pursuit of training for a marathon has me pretty freaked out!!  It is just that feeling of the unknown makes me so nervous (because I am a control freak).  So I have been reading a ton of books, websites, blogs, etc. to figure out this marathon training thing.  It all sounds pretty straight forward, but when I sit back and actually think about running all those miles every week, I get so overwhelmed!!  So I have narrowed it down to 5 things that I will focus on for the upcoming season.

Going for a run in my new, spiffy compression sleeves.


  1. Keep A Training Journal: This a great way for me to track my workouts/mileages each week as well as meal plans, so I can I know what worked and didn`t work.  I am particularly worried about staying on the top of the energy requirements for running long distances.  From what I have read, it all seems to be trial and error.
  2. Get Some Professional Help: I think signing up with a local beginner marathon training group is a great idea.  Unfortunately, as I working mom with three kiddies, I don't have the time to join one.  However, there are a ton of resources on-line.  I recently purchases a beginner marathon program from the Runner's World website to get myself started. It only cost me $29.99 which I think it is a great price for a beginner like me!
  3. Get The Right Gear: With the hours of running I will be doing in the upcoming weeks, I should not cheap out on my running gear.  Back in the day I worked at a local running store where I learned so much about the importance of well-fitted running shoes.  So my birthday treat from my hubby will be buying a good pair new runners.  In addition, having other things such as a heart rate monitor is also beneficial for setting my pace and ensure I am engaging the right energy systems.  There are other things such as GPS watches but these can be very expensive.  I have opted to buy MapMyRun on my phone instead of paying for a separate GPS.  It has been awesome for tracking my routes!
  4. Have a Training Buddy For Support:  It may be difficult for me to find a running buddy among my friends since most of them think I am crazy for running a marathon.  Thank goodness for technology because I connect with many other runners on twitter chats such as RunChat and FitFluential.  A great way for me to get advise from other experienced from others as well as support for my progress.
  5. Realistic Goals: Well since this is the only marathon I have ever done, my goal is to actually complete, even it takes me 5 hours!

YOU CAN FIND ME TRAINING AT

Saturday, May 4, 2013

The Best Gift To A Mom - Kiddies Sleepover at Grandparents!

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. 
~Franklin P. Jones



All parents need a little chillaxing time here and then.  My children sleeping over at grandma's house can be the perfect remedy for a stressed out mommy, even if it is for only one day.  How many times do I get to relax outside on the deck in the morning to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with no interruptions or screaming?  That would be almost never!!
So I am taking full advantage of this me time with my husband to soak in the sun on our new bistro patio set (my birthday gift)!
 A relaxing morning on the deck!

Speaking of birthday gifts, my 34th birthday is coming up on Monday.  It is sort of sad that at this point my life, I could really care less whether I celebrate my birthday with parties and presents, or not.  Don`t get me wrong, I am highly appreciative when someone gives me a gift and tells me a ``Happy Birthday``.  But I wouldn`t be upset if I didn`t get a big bash.  It is such funny how your priorities change when you become a parent that I am more excited for my children`s birthdays then my own.  I guess because the greatest gift anyway is having a family to share with it.  So instead of receiving birthday gifts, I just want to make birthdays wish (or wishes):
  • To learn to relax and not stress over the little things
  • To wish for myself and my family health and happiness
  • In pursuit of my passions (fitness, nutrition, etc.) I will take in all in as a process and not beat myself up when all doesn`t go according to plan

Happy Weekend Everyone!



Friday, May 3, 2013

My May Squat & Green Shake 30-Day Challenge!

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.  
~Winston Churchill






 So I have decided to do this May Squat Challenge.  Why you may ask??  I am actually not exactly sure, to be honest.  I guess it would be cool to tell people that I did 250 squats the other day :) But seriously, I think it would be fun as a way to complement my marathon training (and the fact that bikini season is just right around the corner).  I also feel that if I am having a busy day with family, work, etc, and can't fit in my workout routines, then this is something easy I can do from right from my home and will take me no more than a few minutes.  A perfect thing for a busy mom!  Hopefully, if all goes to plan, the end result will be sexy, strong legs!


 
I also decided to try this new vegan shake blend from Shakeology called GreenBerry.  I ordered this from the Team BeachBody site, that was highly recommended by my coach.  It has been hard for me to find the exact things I  want in a shake which includes a  blened of greens, digestive enzymes, as well as non-soy and non-dairy.  So I gave this a try this morning as my fast, healthy breakfast and it was suprisingly delicious.  I mixed this with frozen banana, strawberry and cold water.  I actually felt like I can do this whole green shake thing after all!  This is only the first day so we'll see how it all goes.

If you would like to join me on the squat challenge, join Team BeachBody for FREE and be my Buddy!  We can support and track each other's progress!











Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A Mother's Struggle to Eating a Clean Diet!

When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have!  We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty.  
~Woody Allen

This is my video blog about the challenges I face eating clean while working as a full-time mommy.  I also have some great tips to share for all you mommies who struggle with this as well.



Review Tips To Becoming An Eat Clean Family:
  1. Pack and organize meals the night before.
  2. Prepare large meal sizes and freeze them for the week.
  3. Make healthy quick meals; nothing too complicated.