GUEST BLOGGER • NPC BIKINI COMPETITOR - CHEYENNE JANCARIC {09.11.2015}

I was lucky enough to not only have cheered with this lovely lady, but I also got to run track with her in middle school. After I moved away we lost touch, but as I've said in many of my previous blog posts, fitness allows people to come together. I'm so glad that Cheyenne and I have reconnected and I've been following her amazing journey to the competition stage. She is a wonderful role model for anyone who is looking to compete. Here is Cheyenne's amazing story.

 

{CHEYENNE'S STORY}

 

I have always been an athlete and competitor at heart. I did just about every sport you can imagine. After I graduated high school and no longer had a coach keeping me in shape, life kind of just happened. I got a full time job and over time began to care less and less about my health. It wasn't until about 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, called Gastroparesis, that I finally started to take my health more seriously. There are few treatments, and no known cures so far, but I was determined to not let my disease dictate how I would live my life.

I began to overload myself with cardio, running 5-7 miles a day but was still not seeing the results I wanted. Finally, a guy I was interested in introduced me to bodybuilding and weightlifting. I instantly fell in love with the sport. The goal image I had for myself went from girls like Victoria Secret models to Olympia IFBB Bikini Pros. I was fascinated with muscles and couldn't wait for mine to grow so that one day I could compete against the best. So I started training in January and did my very first show in March and placed 3rd in my class! And now I'm currently in prep for my second show with hopes of bringing a better package.

I stick to lean meats like chicken, sirloin, and turkey (I hate seafood), clean carbs like sweet or red potatoes and rice, green veggies, and if I'm not in prep I allow myself to have fruits or dairy like Greek yogurt. I always take a fat burner with a good amount of caffeine in morning. My job requires me to work 12 hours shifts and these help keep me away from energy drinks. Before I do cardio, I also take a thermogenic because I love to sweat. I drink Aminos following a workout, and I occasionally take a prewrokout. The week of a competition or photoshoot, I may take a diuretic if I am holding too much water.

The gym is my escape, so I spend basically all of my free time there. Before and after work I workout. I probably spend 3-4 hours a day at the gym. I train every day, alternating body parts and incorporating cardio. I plan to compete for as long as I am able to. I love this lifestyle and my goal is to be an IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor. I am currently working on my personal training certification so that I can share my passion and help others get healthy.

Follow Cheyenne on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

I am extremely thankful that Cheyenne shared her story with us. She is an inspiration to me in so many ways and I hope she has inspired you to see just how many doors open up for you when you start getting healthy and fit.

Congratulations to Cheyenne for placing third in her first NPC Bikini Competition and best wishes for her future competitions. I'm looking forward to the possibility of competing alongside of her at the NPC Phil Heath in March 2016.

*To learn more about NPC Bikini Competitions, click here!*

*read Cheyenne's original interview here!*

Thinking about doing a Bikini Competition?

Get your suit from Angel Competition Bikinis or visit Stakked Couture

(Angel Competition Bikinis)

*Megan is not affiliated with or a member the National Physique Committee at this time. Megan does not work for Angel Competition Bikinis or Stakked Couture. Megan was not paid by the National Physique Committee, Angel Competition Bikinis, or Stakked Couture for this post. Guest Bloggers are not paid and are offering their stories at their own will. Guest Blogger information should not be copied or sold. Please do not steal images from this post.*

GUEST BLOGGER • NPC BIKINI COMPETITOR - ASHLEY HOFFMAN {09.04.2015}

To say that I was thrilled when Ashley agreed to be a Guest Blogger is a grand understatement. I was literally jumping for joy. I originally found Ashley's story when searching for my competition bikinis. I was amazed by her because I was literally following the road she had already walked. I was so inspired and felt like I could really accomplish my goal because I saw what she had accomplished. Here is Ashley's amazing and inspiring bikini competitor transformation story.

 

{ASHLEY'S STORY}

 

Six months ago I remember feeling empty. I felt like I had nothing to live for, rather I was just going through the motions of what I thought being an adult meant. My day-to-day routine was wake up, go to work, go to the gym and head home. I did all of these things because I thought I was suppose to, but felt like I wasn’t reaching or working toward any of the goals I had said I wanted to accomplish in my life. Literally in one night, I decided to change that.

After trying to workout on my own for a year, I decided to reach out to a local bikini competitor, just to seek some advice on what might be my biggest hindrances in achieving the body I needed for a competition. We exchanged a few emails and it was then that I realized this would be a much larger undertaking than I anticipated, and the only way I could do it, would be with help from a trainer who had been in my physical condition once before and transformed herself to look the way SHE wanted. I will never forget the email she sent asking if I wanted to start training with her. I think I stared at it for a solid hour before I responded. In all honesty, I knew I wanted to compete in my dreams, but I was terrified to actually take the first step and commit to training. The quote we have all seen and heard flashed through my head - “If your dreams don’t scare you a little, then they probably aren’t big enough.” I knew I had to commit, even though I was terrified. This was one of the most pivotal points in my life this year.

Fast-forward six months and I am 40lbs. lighter, training for my second NPC bikini competition, confident, happy and learning something new about myself every day. When I try to think back on the process, I honestly can’t remember it all. I think it got so difficult that my brain actually blocked out some of it. But at the same time, that process showed me just how hard I can truly push myself and how big of a goal I could achieve. I never in 1,000,000 years thought I could weigh 125lbs. (In fact, I was confident that I couldn’t lose weight. My goal weight was only 150lbs. with me starting at 165lbs.).) But now that I have been able to push through obstacles and difficult times, I am much more confident in my abilities in all areas of my life. This process made me realize that if something genuinely scares me because I feel like I may fail, then it’s probably also an opportunity for something great to happen. Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace it. If you’re like me, when something is uncomfortable, you want to shy away from it. I am telling you now… DON’T!  You may never get the opportunity that has presented itself to you again. Don’t waste it on things that may or may not happen. Rather, ensure that they do by simply giving your all to your dreams.

Instagram @ahoffman514

 I am so thankful to Ashley for sharing her story. She has truly inspired me in so many ways and I hope she has inspired you to reach your fitness goals. It's so amazing to meet people who have the same goals and desires. Fitness, health, and working out bring so many people together, we are like family. Just as Ashley said, never give up on your dreams, work hard and you will succeed!

 

Congratulations to Ashley for competing in her first NPC Bikini Competition and best wishes for her future competitions. I'm looking forward to the possibility of competing alongside of her one day.

*To learn more about NPC Bikini Competitions, click here!*

*read Ashley's original post here!*

 

Thinking about doing a Bikini Competition?

Get your suit from Angel Competition Bikinis!

Tell them you learned about their amazing suits from Ashley Hoffman and Megan Richards.

 

*Megan is not affiliated with or a member the National Physique Committee at this time. Megan does not work for Angel Competition Bikinis however, she is a customer. Megan was not paid by the National Physique Committee or Angel Competition Bikinis for this post. Guest Bloggers are not paid and are offering their stories at their own will. Guest Blogger information should not be copied or sold. Please do not steal images from this post.*

 

 

 



GUEST BLOGGER • AMBER CHAMBERS {08.28.2015}

Our very first Guest Blogger is someone I have been close to throughout high school. I was lucky enough to cheer for a year with this little lady. She has always been such a sweet, kind-hearted person and I'm so lucky that she offered to write a post about her journey through weight loss. Please give her a warm welcome and enjoy her post!  

 

{AMBER'S STORY} 

In April of 2014, I attended my aunt's wedding, the day after was Easter. So naturally we took lots of pictures with family that weekend. That was my breaking point.

Until that day, I knew I had been gaining weight but I haven't seen myself from a distance like that.  I didn't realize how out of control I had become. In high school I was very active as a cheerleader  and other after-school activities. After graduation in 2012, I continued eating the way I had always ate (which was not healthy). But not realizing, with out being active, I would quickly gain that infamous "freshman 15",  and some.  My weight gain on top of other realities of adulthood, put me into a deep depression. Misery loves company, and I became worse and worse. I ate my feelings, I gained weight, and it made me even more upset. A vicious cycle.

I met with a doctor who suggested I be put on an anti depressant. On top of the fact it was only making me a numb zombie, my weight gain snowballed. I woke up one morning and I had enough of it all. I made a life changing decision, I would not let this depression rule my life. 

At that time last year I weighed in at 149lbs. To some this may not be much, but being that I am short, I did not carry my weight well. Unsatisfied with this number, I joined a gym, and was totally lost with their equipment. I never had to use any of it before. So I stayed on the tread mill because it was all I knew. Month after month I went to the gym but my weight stayed the same.

In June 2014 I started T25, this is a program put out by BeachBody.  I started to see some results! I lost about 10lbs. between summer 2014 and April 2015. But I continued my eating habits because hey, I was loosing weight.

 I saw a post about a clean eating challenge on a "buy sell trade" site several months ago and decided to give it a try. Since I started eating clean, doing the 21 Day Fix videos, and drinking Shakeology, I have so much more energy. I sleep great at night, my back doesn't ache anymore because my core is getting so strong, I don't have headaches anymore, I have lost fat but gained muscle, and dropped an additional 20lbs. so far!

The 21 Day Fix is a fitness program designed by BeachBody.  It is my favorite fitness and eating program ever!  It teaches portion control, "clean" eating, and has daily exercise videos that are super effective but only 30 minutes long - my favorite part because I never have enough time!  I love the workouts.  It's so easy to fit in a 30 minute workout, especially when you don't have to leave the house to do it!

The program also does a great job of teaching clean eating and portion control.  You receive a series of color-coded containers, and each color corresponds to a certain food group (veggies, fruit, protein, etc.).  You get to eat a certain number of each container every day. It is the best eating plan I've ever seen for truly teaching the right way to eat and making it a lifestyle, not a diet.  It is so simple. It comes with the food containers, all the exercise videos, and a 30-day supply of Shakeology, which is awesome... I can't say enough about it, for me personally!  So delicious, and 100% natural. They have over 18g of protein and over 70 different vitamins, nutrients, and herbs. They aren't anything magical. They just give your body what it needs to function at its best.

This program is great for ALL ages and fitness abilities/levels.  I have coached the whole spectrum through this program.  I've run lots of groups on Facebook to help people who are doing this program and coach them through, motivating and helping them overcome obstacles. I have so many repeat customers who really love this program, because it works! The #1 feedback I get on this program is that it's a sustainable lifestyle.

I now weigh in at 119lbs., I'm back to my high school weight. But I feel so much stronger than I did back then. Becoming a coach changed my life!  I am not a fitness model, and I still have a ways to go to reach my physical goals. (Sting is the new skinny!) But I am getting there, it's more about being on the journey, than having reached the destination. People can relate to you better when you are working at it with them, becoming a coach I received training from other coaches who are extremely successful and  have replaced a fulltime job with this business. My attitude about life has changed and I am genuinely happy again.

I love to share this feeling, and that's why I do what I do. I want to help others overcome their personal challenges and become a better version of themselves. If you want to see what T25, the 21 Day Fix, or any other BeachBody program can do for you, visit http://www.beachbodycoach.com/COACHAMBERRENEE

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! I would love to chat with you and find out your goals to become a healthier, happier, & more confident person!

Twitter @amberrenee33 Instagram @amber_chambers

 Huge shout out to Amber for her determination, hard work, and for sharing her amazing story with us. The best part, she is only just beginning! I can't wait to see where this lifestyle will take her. The world is in the palm of her hands and with fitness as her main focus, she will go far. Be sure to check her out on her social media platforms so you can get tips, tricks, and more information about the amazing BeachBody programs.

*Learn more about joining the BeachBody family here!*

 

*Megan is not affiliated with BeachBody in any way. Guest Bloggers are not paid and are offering their stories at their own will. Guest Blogger information should not be copied or sold. Please do not steal images from this post.*

 

BIKINI COMPETITION MOTIVATION {08.19.2015}

Currently, I am 18 days away from starting my NPC Bikini Competition training. As I get closer, I have started researching workout and eating plans. I have also tried to find motivation in stories from other women who were in my shoes, women who have made the path available for me to follow and succeed as well. During my searches, I have found some really amazing and inspiring stories! This one in particular really struck a cord with me. I was browsing through the web when I came across this story and I just had to stop and read it. Mainly because this woman literally was where I am and is where I want to be. It's so inspiring when you find someone who shows you that anything is possible. Here is a short part of her story...

Sami Imbriano went from 165lbs to 112lbs for her competition. In an article by www.trimmedandtone.com Sami dished out all the details of her journey.

 

"One day I was looking through some Facebook photos, cringing at how I looked and felt, and I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to feel any differently about myself. A few years later and I am absolutely hooked on gym life, love getting active both indoors and outdoors, and genuinely enjoy eating healthy, so much so that I now work for a large Australian active-wear brand, take group fitness classes and boot-camps part time, as well as mentoring a range of online clients as a Personal Trainer, where I offer customized training programs and nutritional guidelines."

 

A big thing that everyone wants to know is how long it takes to see results. I am always shocked by this question. For me it's less about seeing results and more about feeling better all around, which is why I decided to start working out. Here is Sami's response to the question, "it only took about four weeks for me to notice a signification difference in my appearance, as well as just generally feeling better from improving the quality of food I was eating."

 

A major part of training for a bikini competition is staying motivated and on track, no meal skipping or missing workouts, you have to be very disciplined.  During her interview, Sami was asked how she stays motivated? To which she replied, "honestly, it was a challenge at times. Having a looming deadline definitely added a level of drive for me, but there were days that I really wanted a break from training, or just wanted to eat some bacon and eggs on toast instead of my comp-prep meals and sometimes I did just that! I found that if I stuck to my diet the majority of the item, I could manage to be slightly more relaxed on occasion - it kept me from going crazy living off chicken and greens 24/7!"

Her typical day of eating:

Breakfast - Oats, berries, almonds, or poached eggs on rye toast

Snack - Chobani yogurt with protein powder, or a protein shake

Lunch - Chicken, green vegetables, small serving of brown rice or sweet potato, avocado

Pre-Gym Snack - Rice cakes or fruit, with peanut butter and a little honey

Post Gym Snack - Protein Shake

Dinner - Meat and vegetables, herbal tea, and berries

 

Sami's workout plan includes:

2 x Upper Body weight training (back, arms, chest and shoulders)

2 x Lower Body weight training (glutes and hamstrings, quads)

2-3 x HIIT training (usually one short HIIT circuit, 1-2 body attack classes each week)

Just absolutely inspiring! I love reading these stories, such motivation and determination. I look forward to seeing my own changes. I am amazed at how much I have changed since we started working out in January. I now have 6 months to get ready for my very first competition and thanks to Sami's story, along with many others, I have more confidence than ever to reach my goal.

*Read Sami Imbriano's full story here!"

 

Follow Sami on Instagram @sami_rose_

CARDIO • CONSEQUENTIAL {08.18.2015}

I find that a lot of people, at the gym, tend to skip cardio. Sure, lifting is great. Abs, Shoulders, Legs, Back, those are all really great, but you cannot forget cardio, yet people do. I'm always amazed when people, who lift exclusively, say they can't understand why they aren't losing weight. Sure, you are toning muscle and tightening skin, but without cardio, you won't get very far. That's why, you'll notice, many workout plans include up to three, sometimes four, days of cardio.

 

Now, that doesn't mean that you should just do cardio exclusively. It's good to have a balance of cardio and strength training. But, for those of you who want to know just how important cardio is, here are five reasons you should be adding cardio to your workout schedule.

 

 

 

1. Improved Heart Health

Prevent Heart Illness

2. Improved Brain Function

Pumps oxygen to the brain

3. Increased Bone Density

12% Increase

4. Alleviate Depression

Smile More, Depressed Less = No Medication

5. Improved Sleep

Fall asleep 54% faster and sleep 37% longer

 

 

 

Now, I fully understand that not everyone likes to run. But running is not the only form of cardio. Here are five ways you can get your cardio workout in!

 

1. Speed Walking

2. Swimming

3. Skipping

4. Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Karate

5. Jump Rope

 

Keep in mind that you can do all the cardio and strength training workouts you want, but the real work is done in the kitchen. It is so important that you eat the right food for your body. There are so many healthy eating plans on the internet, so finding one that fits your lifestyle shouldn't be hard. Focus on eating five to six meals a day at least two to three hours apart from each other. Make sure you are cautious not to pile up on the carbs. Another thing that I have found to be super helpful, protein and supplements. The more I take, the fuller I feel. Not all proteins and supplements make me feel like this, but I've noticed that taking these gives me energy and makes me feel fuller, longer.

 

If you are looking for a specific workout plan, maybe you are like me and want to become a Bikini Competitor, or maybe you just need a simple workout and eating plan, then visit www.BodyBuilding.com and spend some time researching options for your lifestyle. Remember, you are not going to see the exact same results as someone else, but you will see the results that your body needs.

 

 

*For some amazing, "transforming" workout plans, click the links below*

{MEN}

{WOMEN}

(note: these plans are for intermediate levels, please do not do these workout plans if you are not at the intermediate levels)

Find more amazing workout plans and more health/workout information at www.BodyBuilding.com.

 

BECOMING A BIKINI COMPETITOR {08.13.2015}

Over the last few months, I have really been thinking hard about my goals. Sure, I want to lose weight. Yes, I want to get down to a healthy weight. But, I still want more! I've been talking a lot about my real goals. After all, a goal without a plan is really just a wish. I don't want to just wish things, I want to make things really happen. Make huge changes and be a better me than ever before.

 

This lead me to Bikini Competitions. I have so many beautiful friends who are Bikini Competitors, and when I see their bodies, I am in awe. I am inspired. I think to myself, "that's what I want." So, why not go get it? Well, that's exactly what I'm going to do!

 

I researched for days on all the details of a Bikini Competitors Life and I'm ready for the challenge. I'm ready to succeed and make my goal more than just a wish. Will it be easy? Not at all! But I just know that I will feel so proud of myself at the end of the day. Ironically, my own father was, at one point in life, a Body Builder. He did the competitions, the strenuous workouts and eating plans, and even did the ridiculously dark tanning. I still remember seeing those videos and photos and thinking, "that will never be me." And while I will never try to become a woman Body Builder, I will work hard to become a Bikini Competitor. Though it does surprise me that I naturally, and just like my father, have made Bikini Competitions my dream, my goal.

 

Unfortunately, I am not prepared at this time to being the dieting and intensified workouts for the competition yet. Partly because I am in the middle of finishing up my strength training workouts, but also, I will be going on vacation in about 17 days. Even though I will be focusing completely on healthy eating options as well as continuing to exercise, I know that I would not be able to keep up with a Bikini Competitor workout and diet plan while on vacation. But that's not to say that my current workout isn't going to help me in the long run. Lord knows, between my current workout and meal plan, I am still losing weight in a healthy amount of time.

Check out this girl! In just six months, she was able to pull together and compete. I imagine this is what my body will look like. I also have about six months until the competition, so it definitely helps that I have already started eating healthy and working out regularly.

 

Currently, I have 33 weeks until the competition {March 2016}. Technically, I won't be starting the rigorous workout and dieting plan until I return from vacation. That means, when I return, I will only have 28 weeks to get it together. I know its possible. I've seen how hard work and eating right can change my body in so many ways. For example, E and I didn't start really working out and eating better until January 2015. By March, we had lost 25pounds each. After being stuck in my plateau for about two months, I can finally say that as of right now {August 13, 2015} I have lost a grand total of 40 pounds in just seven months.

 

Here's to my journey to becoming a Bikini Competitor.

May the odds be ever in my fat body's favor!

 

 

 

*stay tuned for my new workout and dieting plan*

 

 

THE PLATEAU {08.06.2015}

 

{PLATEAU}

to reach a state of little or no change after a time of activity or progress

 

When E and I started on this fitness journey, we had no idea where we would go but we knew that we would be better than we were. I remember back in 2013, I had just started fertility treatment, we were eating horrible fast foods every night (just about), and sodas were the number one in our house. I don't think we even thought about water.

I remember stepping on the scale and seeing that digital scale read "198."

 

At the time, I didn't think I was that bad. I kept telling myself things like, "you're taking fertility supplements you're going to gain a few pounds," "you don't look that bad," "who cares? I'm married, I'm not trying to look good for anyone but E." And while it really didn't matter if I looked good for others because E would love me no matter what, it wasn't about fitting into size six Miss Me Jeans, it was about health. I remember when E stepped on the scale in 2013 and his mouth dropped when it said "299." For about a year, we pretended it wasn't important. Always using the excuse that "we didn't need to look good," and I think a lot of people think that gaining weight is okay because we're married. The bottom line is, it's not about looking sexy for others, its about health for each other. Towards the end of 2013, I decided to stop drinking sodas. I figured it was a start and was bound to take me somewhere, I just never expected to be where I am today.

After six months of completely cutting out sodas, I managed to encourage E to stop as well. It was at this time that we started talking about the possibility of losing weight. By November 2014, after our trip to Florida, we looked at photos of ourselves and decided right then and there that we would work together to get back to our fit bodies. After all, I had always been fit from Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track, and Swimming and E was always fit from Football. December 2014 we hit the gym hard. But we didn't really make huge changes to our eating. We thought as long as we were putting the work in at the gym, that would be good enough. Granted, we did lose 10 pounds by the end of 2014 just from working out and cutting out sodas, but it wasn't good enough.

 

January 2015 we decided we were going to get in the gym and make huge changes to our diet. We both formulated a healthy eating plan for ourselves and went on about our business in the gym. By March 2015, we had managed to drop 25 pounds each! Still we knew we needed to push harder. We hadn't completely cut out fast food and would eat it on several occasions. So, we set out to find another way to get ourselves to cut out fast food entirely. We found several eating plans that required you to eat certain amounts of food for weeks at a time. This made a big difference in the way we started looking at food. By July 2015, we both lost a grand total of 30 pounds each. We were just pounds away from our goal but needed something to get us there. We were stuck in a plateau. E was stuck at 260-265 and I was stuck at 165-170.

 

At this point, we thought about looking outside for meal planning assistance. That's when we walked into My Fit Foods.  That, by far, has been the best decision we ever made. In addition to eating My Fit Foods, we also started doing more than just cardio and the occasional lifting. We set out to find a new and improved/strict workout plan. We found this amazing plan on BodyBuilding.com. Was it hard? YES! But, it was rewarding.

 

Currently, we have been on a My Fit Foods diet for about a month and have also been using the BodyBuilding.com plan in conjunction with the diet. We do allow ourselves two "cheat" days on Saturday and Sunday but this doesn't mean go out and eat hamburgers and french fries, this means making smart decisions because we know that those hamburgers and french fries will eventually come back and haunt us.

  

Today, I can officially say that I have left my plateau behind me. I am now at 163! Which is a major accomplishment. Keep in mind that I was stuck at 165 for about 2 months! This morning I weighed in at 163.0. What a wonderful and overwhelming feeling to finally be less than 20 pounds away from my final goal. E and I always say we aren't done yet, we aren't where we want to be but we are so much further away from where we used to be and we are never going back.

 

I hope that you can find the motivation inside of you to not get fit to look good for others, but to be healthy for your loved ones. It's so important to stay healthy for each other. I couldn't imagine life without E and a lot of times I blame myself for just sitting back and allowing us to get the way we did. There are so many things that could have happened just from being overweight; heart attacks, diabetes, the list is long. No matter what you decide, just remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. Will it be easy? NO. Will working out be fun? NO. Will it be rewarding? ABSOLUTELY!

 

 *see our workout plan here*

 

 

WEIGHTLOSS UPDATE {07.22.2015}

Last week, E and I started eating My Fit Foods. Although I have had it before, I was worried that E wouldn't like it. To my surprise, he loved it! We got back into the gym and so far things have been going great. In addition to the healthy eating, workouts, and vitamins, I have also been waist training (read tips here). So far, I have seen a great improvement. We have been following the workouts posted on Body Builder. You can see our workout plan here. I've been feeling the burn and can tell that I am pushing myself, which is good, for a while I was stuck in a plateau. No matter how many times I went to the gym in a week, I couldn't get past that weight plateau. Finally I realized, it's not about the weight scale but how my body image is changing. I've been impressed with the changes so far, even after one week.  

I've been mostly eating (2) boiled eggs in the mornings, My Fit Foods in the afternoons and for dinners. For snacks, if needed, I always had some type of fruit or veggie on the side waiting. Waist training really helps with not over eating so I usually do not need a snack. In addition to the eating healthy, I also drink (1) gallon of water a day.

I am currently taking (3) vitamins: Pre-natal, Fish Oil, and B12. The pre-natal is to help balance my hormones, fish oil is great for the heart and body systems, and B12 is used for a natural energy since I did not want to have to take pre-workouts or fat burners. I also decided to purchase some CoQ10 in addition to the other vitamins. CoQ10 has so many wonderful benefits. (read the benefits here)

Results after one week look great! I'm actually not mad about not dropping five pounds because I've noticed a huge difference in my appearance. Eating right and drinking water all day has definitely made great changes for my body.

Also, for my ladies, and gentlemen, with stretch marks the absolute best home-remedy for this is coconut oil. I have been using it day and night and have seen amazing results. I am not a huge fan of using chemicals and try my hardest to self-heal or home-remedy things, so when I started using the coconut oil, I was thankful that it was a natural ingredient. I typically use it with an essential oil mixture so it smells nice, and it's great to use closer to bed time, it's so relaxing and calming.

Looking forward to week two as I bump up my weights. Have you tried My Fit Foods? What did you think? What is your favorite meal, if you currently eat My Fit Foods? Thanks for catching up with me and please let me know if you have any weightloss tips, tricks, ideas, and more.

God Bless and Thank you for reading!

 

WEEK 1 = HELL WEEK {07.12.2015}

Tomorrow it starts! Hell Week!!! Here is the eating and workout plan. Keep in mind, this plan is to help you eat similar to Paleo. Let's start with the "what you CAN eat." Keep in mind that we are only talking about week 1. So you will only follow this for one week and then you will be done. Seven days, you can do it!!!



(source)

 What you CAN'T eat: No Sugar (including fruit), No Dairy, Legumes, Alcohol, Artifical Sweeteners (stevia, honey, agave, ect.), No FRUIT!!!

 

In addition to the eating, be sure that you are drinking (1) gallon of water a day.

 

Here's a sample on my menu for the week:

Breakfast: Eggs & Spinach

Snack 1: Celery or Carrots (alternate) & Sunflower Seeds

Lunch: Chicken w/ Broccoli & Almonds

Snack 2: Celery Carrots (alternate from snack 1) & Pumpkin Seeds

Dinner: Beef, Chicken, or Tilapia w/ Spinach & Broccoli & (2) tbsp. of Almonds

Snack 3: Almonds

 

 

I know, sounds so basic right? But that's the point of Paleo and I love it. Very simple.

Now, let's talk workout plan. Did I mention High Intensity? Well, that's what the goal of this plan is. Work hard, earn your body. Push yourself even further than you thought possible.

 

Monday: Back and Abs

-Cable Row - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (5 sets total)

-Barbell Row - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Wide Grip Lat Pull Down - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Back Extensions - 15, 12, 10, 8 reps (4 sets total)

-Stability Ball Crunch - 15-20 reps (3 sets total)

-One Legged V Sit - 30 reps (3 sets total)

-Lying Leg Raises - 15 reps (3 sets total)

 

Tuesday: Legs and Calves

-Alternating Reverse Lunges - 15, 12, 10, 10 reps (4 sets total)

-Smith Wide Squat - 20, 15, 10, 10 reps (4 sets total)

-Step Ups - 15, 12, 10 reps (3 sets total)

-Lying Leg Curl - 20, 15, 10 reps (3 sets total)

- Standing Calf Raise - 20, 15, 10, 8, 15 reps (5 sets total)

 

Wednesday: Rest

-45 minute cardio in the morning

 

Thursday: Chest, Biceps, and Abs

-Incline Smith Bench Press - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (5 sets total)

-Pushup With Feet on Stability Ball - 10-15 reps (3 sets total)

-Incline Flye - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Incline DB Alternating Curl - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-EZ Bar Curl - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Reverse Crunch - 20 reps (3 sets total)

-Hanging Straight Leg Raise - 15 reps (3 sets total)

-Scissor Kicks - 35-40 reps (3 sets total)

 

Friday: Rest

-45 minute cardio in the morning

 

Saturday: Should and Triceps

-Arnold Press - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (5 sets total)

-Standing Bent Over DB Lateral Raise - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-One Arm Cable Lateral Raise - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Rope Press Downs - 15, 12, 10, 8 reps (4 sets total)

-Dips - 10-15 reps (3 sets total)

-Bicycle - 30 reps (3 sets total)

-Straight Leg Crunch - 25 reps (3 sets total)

-Lying Leg Raise - 15 reps (3 sets total)

 

Sunday: Total Rest

-tune back in to prepare for week 2 and get the information for your week 2 eating/workout plan

 

So there is week one for you. Just think, it's only seven days. I will be doing daily weigh-ins as well as daily measurements. Good luck and remember in seven days, you'll feel better, look better, and you'll be ready to push for another week. One week and one pound at a time to get to the goal!!!

 

 

WEIGHT, REALLY?! {07.10.2015}

Over the past few months E and I have been working very hard to loose weight. We successfully managed to lose 35 pounds each! It took hard, hard, HARD, work! We busted our bums and managed to get down to a manageable weight. I was so shocked when I started looking back at old photos from 2013. I was shocked that I let myself get to that point, but more shocking and horribly, I let the man that I love get that way. I know there are a lot of people who say "just be happy in the skin your in, fat or skinny," but when E and I were naturally toned people and you let your loved one get fat, it's a sad scenario. We are supposed to encourage each other. I was mad at myself for letting him get that unhealthy because it could have been very dangerous. He has diabetes in his family so to think that us gaining weight was just "ok," really breaks my heart. I could never imagine life without E and to think that I didn't encourage him to be the best he could be for himself, well let's just say it hit me.

 

Now, we are just 7 weeks away from our vacation and I want us to be in the best shape possible. Not to look good for photos. Not to wear bikinis and show off. But to be able to truly enjoy ourselves. When we went on our cruise, back in 2014, E was about 300 pounds and I was almost at 200 pounds. It was hard to do some things because we kept getting out of breath, we were lazy, and exhausted. Sure, we would probably be just fine now that we are at a much better body-state, but we aren't physically where we want to be. 

 

We haven't been able to get back to the gym due to the craziness that has been our life, but I am ready to start and Monday will be the day. No more nice guy/gal, we are hitting that gym hard and work our bums off again. The crazy thing is, we are both only 10 to 15 pounds away from our goal/ideal weight range. These next 7 weeks will probably be hell but it's about time. Taking a few weeks off from the gym is so hard and it's actually not fun. I miss the gym like crazy. I miss the workouts and the sweat. Time to get back!!!

 

I am really excited to share with you our new eating and workout plan. I will be posting all about it on Sunday to prep for the start on Monday.

 

Join us and together, we will get these bodies toned and tightened!