Get it Done

I shared this on my Facebook page... but I wanted to share it here too...

Sometimes you just have to what you can to get that workout in.

While it may not be ideal (I prefer to workout while Sadie is at school and Ryder naps)... sometimes this is how the cards fall. I could have used it as an excuse, but I didn't.

You only regret the workout you didn't do.

...Progress Pending...

If you've followed my journey, you know that I found Beachbody almost two years ago.

The first program I did was PiYo. I achieved (what I thought was) AMAZING results. But even more... it changed my life. It taught me better habits. It taught me to love my body. It taught me to fuel my body correctly. It taught me to OWN my body.

Since then, I've done multiple programs, included 21 Day Fix, 22 Minutes Hard Corps, and a few random workouts in between. Each one I come out stronger, faster, smarter.

Well it's no secret that the Holiday bloat took over. It happens to the best of us. But I wasn't concerned. Because I know exactly what it takes to hop back on track.

So I'm committing TODAY with my monthly challenge group. I'll be doing 21 Day Fix Extreme and I can't wait to see how strong and toned it will make me!

The best part is that I'm not depriving myself for this challenge. I'm just making smarter choices, working out 30 minutes a day, and drinking a delicious vegetable superfood smoothie.

Results... here I come!!

Psst.... If you want to join me, apply below!

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

Who loves Gilmore Girls?!

Okay ya'll...

I'm about to get ALL mathematical on you...

The revival of Gilmore Girls comes out in 30 DAYS! 

There are 7 seasons… 22 episodes each(except season 1 has 21) at approximately 44 minutes each.

Bear with me… I’m going somewhere with this math…

That’s 6,732 minutes. 

6,732 minutes that you can spend binging watching ALL 7 seasons before November 25. 

Okay…. There’s only 1,440 minutes in ONE day. So it will take you MORE Than 4.5 days STRAIGHT to finish them all. 

OOORRRR

You can workout for 630 minutes total… over the course of 21 Days. Paired with clean eating and a milkshake[ish]. Feel GREAT. Look Great. ANNND look fabulous just in time to shove your face on Thanksgiving (Balance, right?!) 

HECK… you can even do a workout WHILE watching an episode of Gilmore Girls.

 

BUUUT Next time you say you don’t have TIME to work out… just think about this simple math :-) 

Send me an email when you're ready! CoachKaciedeleon [at] gmail [dot] com. 

Country Heat

The NEW Country Heat workout program just launched!!

It is 30 minutes of simple dance moves set to country music. Created by Autumn Calabrese who is also the creator of 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, and Masters Hammer and Chisel.

The workouts are paired with the awesome portion controlled containers from 21 Day Fix. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Seriously, I've tried it, and it is SO much fun! I'm unlocking mine on Beachbody on Demand TONIGHT and I can't wait to start the full program in my challenge group on Monday!

If you're interested in checking it out - send me an e-mail at CoachKaciedeLeon  <at> gmail dot com.

Here's just a couple examples of my fellow Beachbody Coaches results!

I'm making Progress!

Okay, I have to be honest. The scale hasn't moved much. I've stayed around the same weight for the past two months. It's not an awful number, but I'm 2 lbs away from the "goal number" I originally set for myself. And I just can't seem to break this number plateau.

I start to get discouraged. 

And then I take my 30 day Progress pictures for 22 Minutes Hard Corps.

Whoa Baby!! I see a difference, don't you?! And not just in my stomach, but in my arms, shoulders, legs, butt, and even neck! 

I constantly have to remind myself that it's not always about a number on the scale. 

It's the fact that I can do TWICE as many pushups.

It's the fact that I can fit into a SIZE 4 short comfortably. 

It's the fact that I can see definition in my arms.

It's the fact that I can do MORE sit ups. 

It's the fact that I FEEL better.

There's so many other factors that go into it besides just a silly number. 

Don't get me wrong... the day I hit that number, I'll be jumping with joy. But today, I'll celebrate these victories too.

I love what 22 Minutes Hard Corps has done for my body. I love that it's challenged me. I love that I can sweat it out in 22 minutes and be done for the day. I love the shake that I can fix while running out the door with two kids. I love knowing I'm getting the best nutrients while nursing my son. And most of all I love the support and community that this new life has brought me. 

When you're ready to give up being sick and tired and trade it in for a life you LOVE... I hope you'll join me! My next challenge group starts on July 5th! 

I have two spots left, but you must claim your spot by June 21! Leave your e-mail below or message me on Facebook! 

5K

So I traded in my Saturday 22 Minutes Hard Corps Cardio workout for a 5K.

I haven't done a 5K since before I was pregnant. This would actually be my third full 5K ever.

I actually hate running. I'm not good at it. I can't breath well while running. I have no desire to run.

But I do it because it's healthy.

I mean... what if I ever had to run from Zombies? A girl needs to know how to run.

So I make it my goal to be able to run a 5K. Without stopping.

And I did it. I ran the entire thing. In 30 min 05 sec. (25 Sec better than my previous time).

It's not amazing, but I'm proud of myself.

Because it's not about the time.

It's not about the competition. Or the recognition.

It's about getting out there it doing.

It's about seeing your 3-year-old daughter cheer you on as you cross the finish line.


And I won't lie. My calves hurt. My left knee started to ache. I wanted to stop.

But the entire run I kept telling myself:

I CAN do this.
I AM strong.
I WILL finish.
I CAN keeping running.

And sure enough I DID. Because I believed in myself. Positive affirmations work people. I didn't let myself think one negative thought the entire run. I kept telling myself positive things, and it made it a heck of a whole lot easier.

If I can do it... you can too. Are you ready to try?!

June Challenge Giveaway!

I am getting SOOO excited for my
June challenge group!! It starts June 6th and I want you to join me!!

I am working on some new fun ways to keep everyone motivated this month and I can't wait to share!!

What is a challenge group??

It's an opportunity for you to lose 5-15 pounds, tone up & lean out so you can feel great in a bathing suit this summer! We will do it alongside several other ladies with a private Facebook group!

☀️We use (easy to follow) home fitness programs.
☀️We follow simple, clean eating meal plans.
☀️We drink shakes to replace supplements.
☀️We track our daily actions.
☀️We commit to do our best - even when we don't feel like it.

And we don't just do these things hoping for results... We work hard, so results are inevitable! 👊🏼

You don't have to give up your running session, cross fitting, or barre sessions. You also don't have to be a fitness guru to join us.

But if you want to amp things up, start fresh, or try something new - this June challenge is waiting for you.

21 days of dedication to basic activities will change your life forever.

So skip that Starbucks this summer, save money and take a delicious shake to the pool to stay looking great and feeling great.

I have 3 spots left in this challenge - and if you snag your challenge pack and enroll by June 1 - I'll send you a free 21 Day Fix cookbook!

Drop your email below to apply!!

When in doubt...

Confession: I doubt myself.

I doubt that I'm strong enough.
I doubt that I'm fast enough.
I doubt that I can stick to a program.
I doubt that I can resist the sweets.
Trust me... I've doubted it all.

 But what I've learned is the only person hurting from these doubts is me. I'm not in competition with anyone other than myself.

And if I do one more push-up today than yesterday... Then I'm succeeding.
If I push play today... I'm succeeding.
If I say no to that chocolate chip cookie... Then I'm succeeding. I
f I get my daily superfoods and vitamins in... Then I'm succeeding.

All it takes is one small belief that you CAN do better. And you work up from there. One day at at time, one meal at a time, one workout at a time.

But here's the secret... There's been two things I've done to help me overcome my doubt...

1. I joined a challenge group. The support, positivity, and motivation I receive is unmatchable anywhere else. It makes you wonder why you ever doubted yourself in the first place!

2. I read personal development. This is continuous and has helped me overcome doubt in all aspects of my life. Seriously, pick up a book now.

Seriously, thats the only way I've been able to accomplish what shows in those orange pants below. But it's not just about the pants fitting (with wiggle room!)...

It's the healthier life I leading.
It's the energy I have.
It's the strength I have.
It's the confidence I have.

So if you're a doubter like me...

You doubt that you have the time...
You doubt that you have the money...
You doubt that you have the energy...
You doubt that you can complete a workout...
You doubt that you'll stick with it...

Know this... YOU CAN... And with my help and support... YOU WILL.

You just have to take that first step and believe in yourself!

My next Facebook challenge group starts June 6th! I have only 5 spots for women that want to see how much they can grow and overcome their doubt in just 21 days!! 

Claim your spot by May 27. :-) Leave your e-mail below, send me an e-mail at CoachKaciedeLeon@gmail.com, or find me on Facebook to claim your spot!

Fuel my Passion

It's no secret that I've found a new passion. To find that passion within you to live a healthy and fit life is a wonderful thing to find. I believe everyone has it, you just have to find what fuels that passion.

Sadie is definitely a top reason I have chosen to lead a healthier life. I grew up a picky eater. I don't want that for her. She already has started on the picky eating path, and one of the best things I can do for her is to be the best example I can be.

I have started a new daily devotional called Devotions for a Healthier You by Katie Farrell. It is daily devotions that help clear your mind to lead a healthier life.

This morning's devotional, couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Sadie being a big fuel of my passion, another is God. He placed me on this earth with one body. I want to live a long and healthy life, and I want to take care of the one body he gave me. So I wanted to share with you today's devotional bible quote.

We are exactly what we think we are. If we believe in our heart that we can lead this healthy life that God wants us so badly to have, then we can. We can do all things who Christ who strengthens us. I read in my personal development book last night that there are no impossible dreams, we just have to break them down in small steps to make them happen. We must believe it in our heart and our mind will follow along, and then so will your body! It's wonderful cycle. I believe with my whole heart that God wants me to live a healthy life for myself and to help others find health and happiness.

What is fueling your passion today?

Oh, Hey Friday Five!

Hey Ya'll! It's Friday already. And April. The time is just tumbling by before my eyes. So let's hop to this Friday Five. It is Easter weekend after all!!

[one] Happy Easter Weekend!

This little one has already been egg hunting. She has another one tomorrow. Now I just need to get ALL that candy OUT of my house! Easter isn't a big celebration in Korea. While you would be surprised to know there are a lot of Christians here, I don't think they take up the Americanized version of Easter. They truly celebrate the reason Jesus died on a Cross for us. That is something amazing.

[two] I made a little announcement on my blog post the other day that we are going to Guam in under 3 weeks!! I am SO excited. We have never taken a trip like this with just the three of us. I can't wait to see the joy and excitement through Sadie's eyes. And for the FIRST time in my life, I can say I'll be confident putting a Bikini on!

[three] Confident you say? WHAT?! Yes. I'm not perfect, but I have made PROGRESS and I am SO proud of that! Here is my most recent before/after, but if you want to see my 60 PiYo Challenge Before/After check out this post.

[four] The timing to Guam lines up perfectly with the 21 Day Fix I am doing. My husband and I started on Monday with a small group of people. Portion control meals and daily 30 minute workouts are currently my Jam and I'm LOVING it. I can't wait to see where it takes me! If you're interested in joining, message me!

[five] Rounding it back up with an Easter Post. Here's a little sneak peak at something in Sadie's Easter basket this weekend. She's obsessed with dress up clothes and with an upcoming beach trip and summer around the corner, I thought this would be perfect.

Have a wonderful Good Friday! 

Hello April!

I cannot believe it is April already. Seriously. We are a quarter of the way through with 2015. Time is flying by. I have plenty to be counting down to this year, but I also don't want to see the days of Sadie growing WAY too fast.

A lot has happened in the de Leon household in the past couple of days. Monday, Steve and I both started the 21 Day Fix. Steve is continuing with his PT workouts, but doing the meal plan, while I am doing the FIX workouts and the meal plan. Let me just say. The meal plan is not hard. It's pretty basic. Spread your food out and you'll be fine, but I am already struggling with variety within meals. I think I'll be scouring Pinterest for new recipes this afternoon. To me, it's not about being perfect though, it's just about progress. I try not to get caught up in the small details and just choose healthy foods that fuel my body. The workouts, I LOVE. Seriously, who wouldn't love a workout that provides results in only 30 minutes!

Another big thing, is that Steve got a new car. Well new to us. When we first arrived to Korea, we bought Steve a Dawoo Matiz. We named him Sheldon. The car was cute, functional, and GREAT on gas. We shipped my van over here, so this was the car that Steve drove back and forth to work. Some days, he would get stuck in traffic and being in such a small car (Think Smart Car with 4 doors) was starting to suffocate him. We both decided it was time for an upgrade. Fast forward to last night, and Steve is the proud new owner of a 2013 Mustang. Red is his favorite color and I am just so happy for him to have a car that he loves. Cars are his thing. He's happy, I'm happy. Plus it's super cute that Sadie refers to it as "Mustay-in."

Finally, the most exciting news is that we finally booked a family trip! We are going to Guam in 19 days!! It is about a 4 hour flight from here and we will be spending 5 days at a beautiful family friendly hotel called The Pacific Islands Club(PIC). This will actually be the first big vacation that we take only has a family of three without other family with us. I am so excited to spend a few days lounging by the pool and beach and to really focus on our little family. I just know Sadie is going to have a blast.

Once this trip is over, we will be packing up to move a few hours north, but we'll save that blog for another day.

Well that's our life in a nutshell lately. A lot going on to keep us all sane. I hope to share with you a 21 Day Fix Meal Plan printable soon, so check back!

PiYo Results

My 60 Day PiYo Challenge Results are in…. and I am REALLY excited. I started to get a little nervous at the end… I am down 9 lbs and was hoping the scale would move a little more, but then I saw these pictures side by side, and I am SO proud of myself for sticking with it!

In all honesty, I wasn't sure if I wanted to post them online or not, but I want people to know that they are not alone! We all start somewhere and it is NOTHING to be ashamed of... I am proud that I took the initiative to live a healthier and happier life. I am living proof that these programs work! I have truly found a new passion and love for life. These pictures make me want to keep driving forward improving myself AND helping others!

If PiYo can do this to my body, I can’t wait to see what other programs can do when I stick with them! I am starting the 21 Day Fix program on Monday, March 30 with a small group of people. Just 30 minute workouts paired with a portion control meal plan using the best little colorful containers! I can’t forget the Shakeology! Seriously, this delicious dessert of a drink has change my life(and cravings) for good! If you want to join us, please do it! For just 21 Days, we can all motivate and support one another. It only takes 21 Days to make or break a habit…. maybe you’ll find your passion for life too?

Organize Your Health Challenge

I love organizing. It's in my blood. I pretty much have anxiety if something in my house isn't organized. Who's with me on this? Okay, maybe not everyone, but I'm pretty sure we can all agree that having things organized makes life a lot easier.

If you've been following along, then you know that another passion of mine I recently found is health and fitness. Why wouldn't I want this part of my life organized? It just makes sense.

I think a lot of people have trouble with this part when it comes to fitness. If you can stay organized with your fitness, you are much more likely to stick with it in the long run!

So I decided to create a Facebook challenge group that combines these two! The challenge will start on Monday, March 16 and go for 15 Days. Join me in getting your fitness and health organized! It will be a perfect start to Spring and set you up for success for the month of April. If you are interested, send me a message on Facebook. It's an absolutely free group and there's even a little prize at the end for the person with the most participation!

I hope you'll join me!

I Want it Now!

And now you can have it!

We live in a "want it now" world. It's just our mentality. And while I whole heartedly believe that the wait makes it better, this is one instance when I disagree.

When you decide to make a decision to change your health and work on your fitness, the last thing you want to do is wait for those workouts to come in the mail. You are usually ready to go then! Well now you can.

Beachbody just released its all new Beachbody on Demand (BOD). All you need is a Club Membership and wifi to have access to 16 different workout programs.

Not only are there already 16 FULL workout programs loaded to the On Demand site, but there are 7 more insider access workouts for you to sample before you buy.

Okay, here's what I think is the best part. What if you already bought a fitness program on DVD? Later this month, it will be available in your On Demand Library. You won't have to take those DVDs everywhere you travel anymore.

Did I also mention that with this Club Membership, you also get personalized meal plans and a 10% discount on anything in the store (including Shakeology!).

This is such an amazing feature and I am so excited about it! It is such a great value and is taking Beachbody ahead in strides!

If you're not a Shakeology drinker yet, there's a Challenge Pack available for this that is an AWESOME deal!





If you want anymore information about it, please feel free to comment below, message me on Facebook, or shoot me an e-mail at Kaciewdeleon@gmail.com

Shakeology: My First Review

It's no secret now. I am a Beachbody Coach. I am loving my PiYo workout and can't wait to try 21 Day Fix next!

I didn't order Shakeology right away. I wasn't convinced. I am a picky eater and I am very sensitive to the texture of food. I was worried that it would be chalk-like and I would hate it. I let that fear get the best of me instead of trying something that was good for my health.

Until I became a coach. Beachbody is huge on Coaches being the Product of the Product. Which they should be. That is why I value the company so much. If I'm going to tell other people they should try it, then I need to try it too!

So I put my fears aside and ordered it. There's a 30 day money back guarantee, even with an empty bag, so I don't know what I was so afraid of? It didn't have anything to do with the money. It was that I knew how good it would be for me and I was afraid that I wouldn't like it.

So a LONG 10 days later, it finally arrived. That's what happens when you live in Korea:-) That next day, I was ready for my first drink.

And let me tell you... it wasn't that great. My heart fell a little. It was AWFUL, I could still drink it, but I didn't love it. I mixed it with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of frozen Strawberries, and blended it.

But I didn't want to give up yet. I remembered a pin I posted for a chocolate Shakeology recipe. So the next day, I got my blender out. Poured in 1 Cup of Almond Milk, 1 Scoop of Chocolate Shakeology, 1 tsp of Vanilla, and Ice. It was DELICIOUS. It tasted like a Chocolate milkshake. I drank that thing so fast, it was gone within minutes.

No joke people. It's all in how you make it. A few days later, and now I still make it with Almond Milk, but I do about 2/3 Almond Milk, 1/3 Water, 1 tsp Vanilla, and Ice. I like the vanilla because it helps tone down the extreme chocolate taste. Even Sadie likes it:-)

There are so many ways to make it and so many recipes to be found. If the taste is what is holding you back, don't let it! As a certified particular eater, I LOVE my daily shakeology now. Why wouldn't you love drinking a chocolate milkshake as the healthiest meal of the day?

Friday Five

Hello Again! It's Friday! We've had a great week here that has FLOWN by! So here I am with my Friday Five! Link up to these girls and enjoy!


[one] 

Steve and I had the honor to attend a Military Ball last night. We were able to get a babysitter and enjoy ourselves. We had a great time with friends, enjoyed a few glasses of wine, and even got in some dancing. It was an exciting night of celebrating.

[two] 

On that note... The de Leon's are on the move again! My husband was selected for a new command slot. I am so proud of him and the hard work he has done. I know he will continue to do great things in the Army, especially this next year and a half. We will still be staying in Korea, just switching to a different base. That means my sweet girl will have lived in 5 different houses by the time she is 3 years old! I guess that's army life?!

[three] 

Since my husband will be taking command that means there will be a nice little command ceremony. There will be a lot of people there and this girl needs a new dress. That's the first thing I think about right? Who wouldn't? I think something like this would be perfect.

[four] 

Switching gears...I totally ordered this jacket and shirt for Sadie from Old Navy. The jeans are also from Old Navy and the shoes might soon follow from Payless. I have an army green jacket and I can't wait to break it out for Spring. Finding a matching one for Sadie was hitting the jackpot. Don't judge!


[five]

I'm excited to say I am down 5 lbs and feeling great. If you saw my post last week I am starting a challenge group on Facebook to get in shape and stay active for Spring. The challenge starts on Sunday, February 15th! Leave a comment if you're interested in joining! There just might be a sweet little prize at the end of it:-)

How I'm doing with Eating Clean

Eating clean isn't easy, but it's also not hard when you have the right motivation.

We've all heard the saying that abs are made in the Kitchen. You can work out all you want, but you're not going to see those real results until you kick the junk food!

I decided when I first started my PiYo program that I wanted to do it right this time. I don't want this to be just another diet. I want this to be my life. I decided that I would follow the "clean eating" schedule MY way. There are times I won't be perfect and I know that. The more I am okay with that, the more likely I will be okay with eating a splurge, enjoying it, and then moving on. So far it has really worked for me, considering I'm down 5 lbs in 2 weeks. If I know I am going to splurge for a certain event, I try my best to eat as clean as possible before and after the event. I still enjoy a glass of wine on the weekends, but I might eat a veggie for a snack instead of a fruit to account for the sugar in the wine. We might go out with a few friends and get a beer, but I'll order a salad instead of eating unhealthy too. It's all about balancing a lifestyle that works for you.

I would also like to add that now that my body is use to healthy and wholesome foods, I can really feel it when I eat the processed stuff. My body responds differently now, making me not want it as much. However, I don't think I'll ever give up wine completely ;-)

So as an example, here is what a normal day of clean eating looks like for me.

Breakfast: Omelet made with 1 egg, 2 egg whites, spinach sautéed in Coconut Oil and Garlic.
                 1 Piece of Rudi's Organic Whole Wheat Bread with Flax Seed
                 2 Cups of coffee with 1 Stevia each and a small amount of Almond Milk

Morning Snack: Smoothie made with Greek Yogurt, Almond Milk, and Fruit. I can't wait to replace this with my Shakeology soon!

Lunch: Sautéed 1/2 Chicken Breast on a Salad with a small amount of pecans, bleu cheese, apple chips, and this Organic Raspberry White Wine Vinaigrette dressing I've found that I'm obsessed with.

OR I will Sauté some Chicken with a side of Broccoli or Bell Peppers. Starry is easy and works too!

Afternoon Snack: 1 Cup of Green Tea with either 1/2 Stevia or Honey
10 baby carrots, 1 cup of Strawberries, and a string cheese. Weight Watchers String Cheese is my favorite.

Dinner: This changes nightly, but I usually cook a lean meat, a veggie side, and 1 starch side. My favorite is Chicken cooked in Mrs. Dash Italian Seasoning, Sautéed Green Beans, and Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes. I also love Tilapia cooked in Coconut oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Below is the tilapia, sautéed carrots and bell peppers, and roasted potatoes.

Evening: I've been trying really hard not to snack in the evenings, but I do usually have either 1 cup of Chamomile tea or 1 cup of decaf coffee. This helps keep the sweet tooth at bay.


It may seem a little boring, but I've found meals that I love and I've made them in my own healthy way. I'm more likely to love my salad if I add a few small toppings proportioned correctly. I encourage you to find some easy healthy meals that you love and add them to your weekly routine. I'd love some new ideas too! Feel free to leave a comment!

Friday Five

Hey Ya'll! It's been a while since I've done a Friday Five, but I am excited to include it back in my weekly blogging routine. If you haven't witnessed it before then click the buttons below for some fun blog post from some wonderful bloggers.





So let's get to it! Here are my top five for this week.

[one] BeachBody & Facebook Challenge

The most exciting thing I want to share with you is that I have taken on this amazing opportunity as a BeachBody Coach. You can read all about my current weight loss story in my most recent post. I most recently started PiYo and just a few weeks in, I love it! I am one of those people who needs a game plan in order to succeed and that’s exactly what it is. It’s not easy, but it’s also not impossible. I am starting a Step into Spring Challenge group on Facebook. It will start on February 15 and go until March 20, the First Day of Spring. That's only 34 Days! The object is for all of us to keep each other accountable. We want to be active and get our workout in each day. At least 30 minutes. Don't forget about the food! Eating clean isn't always easy, but I feel great when I do it, and I want to look great too! If you are interested in joining my Step into Spring Challenge group, feel free to send me a PM on Facebook or shoot me an e-mail. Anyone can join. It's all about helping each other succeed:-) 

2. Bikini. 

One thing that's keeping me motivated is putting that swimsuit on this summer! We are hoping to take a trip to Guam and I know this Bikini would be perfect. I just need the body to match! 

3. Victoria Secret Workout Pants

I made a goal for myself in my PiYo program. If I hit my 1 Month Goals, I get a new workout outfit. Month 2, I get that Bikini up there ^. I have my eyes on these pants from Victoria Secret. They have great reviews, and I've heard <ahem> they can make your butt look good. We can all use that! 

4. Did I mention we might be going to Guam? 

It's been in the 30s here people. The wind is blowing and it is COLD. Take this southern girl back to the south Georgia winters, PUH-LEASE. In the meantime, I'll use escapes like this to tame the sadness. Isn't it beautiful?

5. Finally, I just had to share a picture of my little princess. 

The girl is obsessed with playing dress up lately which includes wearing Tiaras to bed. 


Don't forget hop on over to Facebook or feel free to shoot my a message if you have any questions about my challenge group! I'd love for you to join me! 

My Weight Lost Story: The Beginning

I did it. I ordered PiYo.

Rewind. Let me start from the beginning. At least a few years back.  About 4 years ago. After graduating from college, I worked as an event planner. I wouldn't consider myself fit, but I was happy with life. I had the job I wanted, I was newly married, and we owned our first house. In February 2011, the private club I worked for closed down. I was a newlywed, and although I loved working events, I hated that I never saw my husband. So I went to work at a periodontal office where I had set hours. I put on at least 10-15 lbs switching to a desk job. I later found out that I also developed Hypothyroid, but that's for another post. Then I got pregnant. I didn't exercise during my pregnancy besides random walks in the neighborhood, and I pretty much ate whatever I craved. It was wonderful, but not so good for the body. I gained 35 lbs while pregnant. Which I know isn't horrible, but if you add the previous 10-15 lbs on my 5'2 frame, it added up.

After Sadie was born I had trouble loosing the baby weight. Steve was deployed three weeks after she made her debut so Sadie and I moved in with my parents. It was a ton of help having them, but being a "single" mom was still hard at times. Diet was the last thing I had on my mind. Until January 2013. Together, my parents and I joined Weight Watchers. I lost all my baby weight and some, but I still didn't love my body. It was different.

In August 2013, the day after Sadie turned one, I went to a local park in downtown Savannah to check out a moms workout class called Stroller Strong Moms. And here begins my love for fitness. I started out walking the class while moms ran past me with their strollers. But slowly I was able to run part of the class. I made it my goal to run the entire class route. It probably wasn't much more than one mile, but it was a lot for me. I never ran before. I hated to run. But I wanted to run. I got better and stronger each class. I made friends and Sadie had fun. I went from running a 8:32 mile to 8:06 in just a couple months. I ran my very first 5K that December, and I actually ran the entire thing. I was so proud of myself, but I would not have been able to do it without the support of Stroller Strong Moms. Then Steve received orders for his Captains Career Course.

We moved right after New Years to Fort Lee, VA. There was a Stroller Strides class in Richmond, but it was at least a 45 minute drive. Not easy to do with a 1.5 year old. So I joined a local gym. The gym had a day care, and while Sadie had a rough time a first, she grew to love it. We went at least 4 times a week. I would either run on the treadmill and do strength training on my own or attend a class. Body pump was my favorite. Steve even bought me 4 sessions with a personal trainer. I loved the time I spent there and I put a lot of sweat into it. I didn't eat completely clean, but I started eating at home more which turned into healthier eating. By summer time, I was feeling pretty good about myself. We took Sadie to a waterpark one day and I remember thinking it was the first time I didn't feel completely self conscious to wear a bikini in front of other moms.

Then the army called again. And here we are now in South Korea. There is no Stroller Strong group. And no gym that has a daycare. It has left me with barely any workouts in the past 5 months. I've done a few Pinterest workouts at home and walked the track on post when I can, but the weather has been way too cold lately to do anything. I missed my workouts and could feel myself becoming more stressed out because I had lost that "me time."

So I did what I had been wanting to do for a while and ordered PiYo. Yes, that program you see on infomercials from BeachBody. I finally received it in the mail last Monday night and started first thing Tuesday. The eating plan isn't easy, but it's also not impossible. I know I have a long way to go.

It only took me a few days into the program to know I needed to try Shakeology. I am anxiously waiting for it in the mail. In the meantime, I decided to do something I never dreamed of doing. I signed up as a Coach. The more I researched the program and the BeachBody Company, the more I realized that this company truly does care about the health of their consumer. They want people to live long, happy, and healthy lives. And that's something I want to be a part of. I want to live a long and healthy life not only for my daughter, but for me. And if I can help someone else find that along the way, then even better.

I will be starting a Facebook Group Challenge program soon to help keep me accountable. At the same time, I would love to help keep you accountable too. I really would love for you to join me on this journey. Feel free to contact me on Facebook or e-mail if you want to chat about my experience with BeachBody so far or even fitness as a Mom in general.

Also, come back next week to see how my progress is with PiYo and I'll be posting in between as well. Now I have to stay with it... I blogged about it, right?

Pinterest Told Me to Workout

After a weekend Bachelorette party, a girl needs a good run on the treadmill. Or a good workout period.

 I love running intervals and this one kicked my butt!

The intervals are nice and short. Which means the high speeds don't last long, but you also don't have long cool downs in-between runs. I definitely worked up quite the sweat with this one. I will be checking out He and She Eat Clean for more workouts and you should too!