Horrible Eating... Christmas Cheer

The holidays are really tough time for me.  I feel like I've been in a funk since Thanksgiving.  I find it so easy to just give up on my clean eating and head out to lunch.  Since I don't do it that often, I find myself ordering the worst thing for me.  It would be just as easy to order a salad.  Today for example, I ordered a cheesesteak with french fries.  WHY!? Because it's like oh it's the holidays, why not, you already worked out today!  I am really hoping that I get out of this funk.  I am good at dinner time.  I cook dinner at home and eat things there.  I think I just want to get out of the office at lunch.  Last week I was good and I ate my lunch in my car. 

I also feel like i'm in a funk for lunch ideas.  I'm tired of eating a salad or veggies with turkey and hummus.  I want something that is fun!  If you have any suggestions on lunch ideas that aren't just veggies and meat please comment!! 

In other news! One girl that I coach has now lost 20 lbs! I'm so excited for her and glad that I could be apart of her journey!! I love being a Beachbody Coach and being able to help othes achieve there goals! <3

Thank goodness it's almost Christmas.  I am super excited to exchange gifts and spend time with my family.  I am especially happy to have some time off from work.  I have been so tired for the past couple weeks.  I really want to be able to spend some time relaxing and vegging out in bed watching awful tv and movies!  Vacations shouldn't just be for the summer 8-)

The Insanity Max 30 is getting easier.  Friday Fight was tough!! You don't get as many breaks as the other workouts.  I improved my time today on the Cardio by 27 seconds.  Any improvement is great in my books! I liked the Pulse workout.  You would stretch and then work the muscles as well.  I sometimes feel in the workouts that I just lose my motivation, but I keep pushing because I want to beat my time.  I think I'm in a winter funk! Today was a lot better than last week.  During the workout I didn't find myself complaining and moaning and groaning! Maybe I just needed to get accustomed to the new workout!

MY BEACHBODY SITE

Insanity Max :30... WHAT IS IT!

ARE YOU READY TO MAX OUT WITH ME? 
MY COACH SITE
ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com

This week I started Insanity Max 30.  I'm not going to lie it's literally kicking my butt!! Let's just say yesterday I used shampoo twice and Monday I forgot conditioner.  That's real life.  So, what is this program that has me so discombobulated you ask?

Insanity Max 30 has 12 workouts in 10 DVD's. The workouts are a mixture of Cardio (duh it's Shaun T) and Tabata style strength routines.  These routines will lose weight and tone up!  OH! The great thing with these DVD's, unlike many of the other programs you can use the modifier track.  This means you can have the modifier on the screen the whole time.  Yes, the non modified version is up too!! But, it's awesome because when you feel like you need a break or you need to modify it's available for you.  I have been using this feature and love it!

What is Tabata?!?! I didn't know until I started this program, so don't feel silly if you don't know either.  I'll tell you what it is... it's a killer.  Ok, really it's you workout hard for 20 seconds and then you rest for 10 seconds.  In Insanity Max 30 you do three rounds... yes you heard me three.  I think Shaun T wanted my arms to fall off or something with the push ups.  Although, you have to love him because his arm workouts in this program are hitting all my "trouble areas" or what I like to call my BAT WINGS.  

What is the idea behind this program and why do I keep seeing #IMAXEDOUT?  I have the answer to this for you.  The idea is to push as hard and as long as you can before you lose your form, need a break, need to modify.  When you do the program again you see if you can beet your max out time and improve!  So, if you are competitive this is the program for you!

Day 1: Was Cardio and I Maxed Out at  8:09.  When I graduated from High School I never thought I would have to do suicides again.  WRONG.  This program has you do suicide BURPEES. Thank goodness my high school field hockey coach did not know anything about this.  They are mini suicides.  You take 4 steps, set up, burpee, get up 4 steps, set up, burpee! Talk about intense.  When I was doing this Shuan T said you're going to want to quit and boy was he right.  But he really inspires you to keep on pushing.  You do about 5 minutes of exercises. You repeat the rounds 3 times.  Then you get a 30 second water break. Which is needed, but don't worry Shaun T is sure to let you know this isn't a coffee break and you have to get right back into it!

Day 2: Tabata Power I maxed out at 6:17.  This workout really works on building your muscles.  It's all a blur (because you work so hard), but the things I do remember are the pushups and the triceps dips!  I know I maxed out before that and I think it was lunge punches --- yes it is exactly how it sounds but jump from lunge to lunge.  Modifying is perfect too! 

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Day 3: AKA TODAY! Sweat.  The name doesn't lie. Yes, I was sweating up a storm. This is a mix between cardio and toning/strength. I maxed out at 9:27 doing squat lunges. My legs were BURNING! I was so exhausted after this 30 minutes.  I seriously wanted to stop while doing it, but then when you are like "ok I seriously can't do anymore" Shaun T is like I know you want to stop but you need to dig deeper and then you feel bad.  Or he says he is tired and he is going to write his name on the board (aka max out) and take breather for a second so you think ok just take breather and get back in! 

NUTRITION! NUTRITION! NUTRITION! NUTRITION! 

Nutrition is KEY! It's not all about working out. Which, I'm great at and the nutrition part is the killer.  This program is awesome.  Much like the 21 Day Fix (for those Autumn Fans out there) this program is based on portion control!  The containers are sold separately from the program. However, Shaun T tells you the correct size (ie. 1/2 cup, 1 cup, 3/4 cup....).  You base your meal planning for the week based of the portions you can have of each type of food: protein, veggies, fruit, carbs, fat, seeds/nuts.  This is a simplified way to make sure you are eating properly! 

The nutrition guide comes with a long list for each category of food.  This makes meal planning that much easier.  NUTRITION SIMPLIFIED. This is so much different from other programs that tell you some recipes and you should limit this food or eat more of that food.  When you read those programs you think... Wait, what am I doing??? This makes it easy.  I promise you it is easy to do.  Do you want to know the secret to success?? MEAL PLAN. It's a pain in the butt. I know. Believe me.  But if you do meal plan you stay on track and don't buy excess food!! 

ARE YOU NEW TO BEACHBODY???

Portion control containers is where it is at! It makes eating right EASY! Your diet is based on NORMAL food -listed in a book (21 Day Fix and Insanity Max 30), but mostly unprocessed foods.  However, both of these programs let you have chocolate and wine! Yes, you're eyes are working properly.  You can have wine and chocolate, BUT in moderation.  It's awesome knowing I don't have to count calories and that I know I need to have more fruit or carbs or veggies in a day. These programs seriously change your relationship with food - that coming from a food lover!

MY COACH SITE

ZOOODLES - Buff Chicken and Turkey Bacon

SPIRALIZED FUN!!!! 

Last week I used my Spiralizer for the first time.  The outcome was not so tasty.  It was actually really bland.  I also made a Jambalaya that was super tasty and used sweet potato rice opposed to real rice.  I decided to try something more flavorful last night!!

Ingredients 
1 Sweet Potato 
2 Zucchinis
2 Carrots 
Plum / Cherry Tomoto
Chopped Onion
Chopped Red Pepper
Minced Garlic
Chicken breasts or tenders (I used 5 tenders)
Turkey Bacon
Buffalo Sauce or Hot Sauce
Cream Cheese   
Chicken Broth
Onion Powder 
Garlic Powder
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prep: 
Preheat the oven to 350.  Coat your chicken in hot sauce then sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder on top of your chicken.  Cover your baking dish with tin foil.  This helps keep the chicken moist.  Cook at 350 for 25 minutes.

Wash and cut all your veggies that you are going to Spiralize.  I cut the veggies in half and cut the ends off.  Set aside.  I used frozen chopped onion.  Chop your red pepper and put in pan with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped onions.  While this is heating up cut the tomatoes in half and place them in the pan. Let this cook for a little while stir as needed.  Spiralize your veggies while this is cooking in the pan.  If it starts to really cook turn the heat down and add some chicken broth.  Don't I used enough to coat the bottom of the pan and then a little more.  I then added the buffalo sauce - this is to taste.  If you want super spicy add more.  I added one spoonful (regular table spoon) of cream cheese and let melt.  

In a pan cook your turkey bacon.  Once it is finished cooking place it on a plate with a paper towel and let cool.  

Add your spiralized veggies to the pan and you may want to add additional chicken broth to help cook the veggies.  I covered my pan with a lid to help keep the moisture in and cook the veggies.  Once the bacon is cooled pull it apart into pieces and add it to the pan.  Additionally, when your chicken is finished cut it into small pieces and add it to the pan.  You can add more buffalo sauce or chicken broth as needed.  Let this all cook together for a few minutes.  Then enjoy! 

Sweat so good!

So I was thinking about my blog name and I realized I think I might be a crazy person.  I seriously have the mind set and have had this mind set for about 10 years that if I'm not super sweaty at the end of a workout then it wasn't a good workout - The Sweatiest Thing (and probably the smelliest).

Growing up I always played sports, so working out wasn't going to the gym, or going for a run, it was going to practice.  I was constantly active and I loved it.........except I hated going to practice why couldn't it all just be games? I digress.  So, when High School was over and my sports ended I had to find a way to stay active!

WHATS A GIRL TO DO?

I knew I could run, I had to run A LOT in Field Hockey and I knew this would help me get in shape. But ehh who REALLY wants to do that at age 18 when you don't have to... so I didn't.  I went away to college and started to put on some lbs.  I would go to the gym every so often and run with a girl who lived on my hall.  I managed to keep the weight off pretty well.  It wasn't until my second year at college that I found the gym.  I joined an off campus gym that had special pricing for students!

I love this gym and I would still go to the gym if this gym was where I live. THEY HAD TV'S IN THE TREADMILLS! It was a huge place with tons of equipment, cardio machines, weights, and free classes! What is not to love.  I would go and watch 2 tv shows and run / walk on the treadmill.  I seriously got in amazing shape! Well minus lifting weights and toning everything.  I was thin and feeling good about myself.  This is when my obsession with being sweaty started.  I didn't feel like my workout was good enough unless my sweat line on my shirt went down from my neck to my bra! OMG who wants that!! THIS GIRL!   This idea has followed me throughout the years.

I worked out throughout college until my senior year when drinking became my number one hobby. I know drinking and going to the bar, what a great hobby! Hey you're only 21 once.  You live... you learn. I wouldn't trade those days for anything now.  However my belly, legs, face, arms, neck, and basically my whole body paid the price.  By that I mean they all gained weight.  Since I wasn't working out and feeling those positive endorphins release on a regular basis I didn't really want to go to the gym, so I didn't!

I tried to lose weight from age 21-26, but I didn't have the right tools.  That's when I started running a lot and saw some progress! It was great, but I needed something more.  That's when I found the 21 day fix! I needed something to help me TONE! Oh and has it ever. Running makes me lose my but and this program helped me gain that booooty back! Once I had been doing this program for a few months I decided I needed another one to have some variety and keep my body guessing! I got the T25 - EVERY WORKOUT I'M A SWEATY MESS (even when my house is 60 degrees).

Doing the Beachbody workouts I'm proud to say that my 25-30 min workout has me sweatier than when I would run 3 miles and walk 2 at the gym!  I LOVE IT!!!

www.beachbodycoach.com/chuckles3515

E&E Energy for your workout

Need that extra drive in your workout?

Shockingly, I've been getting up to work out in the mornings.  If you know me, you will know that I am not one to wake up early.  I usually sleep until the last possible minute, roll out of bed, get dressed, brush my teeth and go to work.

I now get up at 4:45 am.... yes, you heard me correctly AM to workout.  The best thing that I have ever purchased is E&E! It seriously wakes me up and gives me that push I need to complete the morning workouts.  I would highly suggest this product.

I had never taken anything like this before workouts and I must admit it does make a big difference.  I really noticed the difference on the T25 workouts that are fast paced! For those of you who don't know about T25 is it's 25 minute workouts at a high intensity. You are moving and groving... jumping in and out, burpees, high knees, punching... you get the idea.  It took me a long time to get used to workouts like this.  It also helps me when I'm doing the 21 Day Fix Workouts, because sometimes I can be a whiny. "UGHHH I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS" or "I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE" or "IS IT OVER YET!".  

If you are finding yourself having trouble pushing through a workout I would definitely recommend this product! Not only does it help me get through one workout, it gives me the energy to do a double work out :) 

What are the ingredients in E&E Energy and Endurance?

It features a proprietary blend of:

• Advanced nitric oxide boosters to help speed more nutrients and oxygen to your muscles for better performance.
• Natural energizers to help increase energy and focus to maximize your workout. 
• Amino acids to help promote muscular energy and overall workout performance.
• Electrolytes to help fight dehydration and support optimal muscle function. 
• Essential B vitamins to promote a strong metabolism to provide energy so you can burn fat. 
• Stevia for natural, zero-calorie sweetness.

Two more reasons E&E Energy and Endurance is unlike other pre-workout drinks It contains:

1. No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
2. No high-risk or untested ingredients.

You can order this product through my website www.beachbodycoach.com/chuckles3515 or you can email me at ashleyfrancisfitness@gmail.com  I'd be happy to talk with you about this product, any other product, or your health and fitness goals!

First Spiralized Meal

SPIRALIZER MY NEW TOY.....


So I made my first spiralized meal with my NEW SPIRALIZER!!! Super exciting.  It's really so neat how it works and you can have the noodles so quickly.  I decided to make a zucchini noodle, with spinach and chicken.  I followed a recipe found on inspiralized.com (great site I highly recommend it).  It was fairly simple, however I decided to grill the chicken outside with some seasoning.  This made a HUGE difference.  


The recipe is to heat some olive oil and garlic in a pan with the chicken (which is cut into chunks). Then you add spinach and zucchini into the pan until they get soft. Add salt and pepper to taste and the juice from half a lemon. Then you add feta cheese.  

I didn't have feta cheese.  The meal was definitely missing something and I was still hungry after. So Mark and I both had chocolate Shakeology with PB2 and a Banana.  Next up is Carrot Rice and Sweet Potato Jambalaya

!

Clean Eating Week 2...

Week 2: Clean Eating

Ok, so I've been slacking on my posts!  I did sooo well last week.  I seriously stuck to the clean eating.  Well, ok, so I did well Tues, Wed, and Thurs.  So, I can definitely do better!  Monday really caught me off guard.  I was all set for a successful week and then my boss took me out for a lunch as I discussed in my last post.  Then I went to my parents for dinner, which wasn't bad for me but the Halloween candy they had sitting out was just calling my name.  Ugh!!

Tues - Thurs I woke up early everyday and did my workout!! I also took my Shakeology, snacks, and lunch to work and stayed on track!  I was feeling SUPER awesome Thursday night :) I was also SUPER excited because Mark decided to start doing the 21 Day Fix workouts!  It's nice knowing he is doing something too.  When he does the workouts it helps motivate me to do better!! 

Friday, I decided to sleep in and skip the workout since I had an event Friday night for work.  It was going to be a long day and an extra hour of sleep would help.  The event was a wine event.  Needless to say I ate and drank more than I needed to.  I seriously paid the price on Saturday.  I had a bagel sandwich for breakfast, then I couldn't really eat until dinner time when I really wanted Chipotle.  I was also "dying" so I couldn't workout.  I think drinking seriously throws you off your game.  ALSO, the older you get the worse your hangover becomes.  How is it possible that when I was in college before my Jr. year I barely got a hangover?! 

Sunday - I woke up and did my workouts first thing in the AM.  I did a double workout T25 Lower Focus because it seriously helps my hip!!  Then I did the 21 day fix Dirty 30!  I felt great, I showered, did laundry, made breakfast, planned my week, made a grocery list!! Then I got sucked into a movie on TV! I had 1.5 hrs to go grocery shopping then we were heading to my parents for my brothers birthday.  Even though I posted in the clean eating group about healthy eating I still got a baked potato at dinner and ate a piece of bread. I seriously just can't stop myself.  I really really need to try harder. I really want to see more changes and I think I will if I practice SOME self control! 

It's like every single week I'm like this is the week.  Then I do something that involves eating our or drinking and it just throws me all off! 

I bought a spiralizer last week, so I'm super excited to give it a try this week.  I already found 3 recipes I want to try! I'm hoping this will help make my dinners less boring!

MUST DO BETTER THIS WEEK!