Gamma round is hard as hell! So What?!

When I set out to write this, I was intent on the fact that I was going to do 2 things. One thing was that I was going to give you some tips if you decide to move on to Gamma round of T25. The second was that I was going to back off, do some more Alpha/Beta and work in a few Gamma workouts to build myself up. I am now only going to tell you about one of those things and the rest of this post will be about why I AM going to do Gamma round in it's entirety. Here's why:

Sometimes you have to fight for what you want in your life.

I could totally modify the workout and I'm pretty certain none of you would think any differently of me for doing it. Here's the deal though: I have goals that I refuse to give up on. I want to push myself physically and hanging out doing what seems easier isn't going to get me there. Sometimes in life it seems easier on the surface to walk away, change it up, make it easier. Usually when you walk away to avoid something though, it always pops up in your life somewhere, maybe in a different way, in order for you to face it. Bottom line: you can run away from your problems or a challenge, but they won't be far behind. So, even though I may fall on my face, stand there for 25% of the workout about to die or face some aches and pains, I'm doing it. Start to finish. 4 weeks of straight Gamma, and I'm starting over today to make sure I do it right, the best way I know how. Mostly, because this is bigger than just health and fitness. It's a MINDSET thing. I am not going to waste any more of my life avoiding things that I need to go through to make myself the person I need to be to reach my full potential....and also, because when things get tough and it looks bleak or impossible it usually means a breakthrough is about to take place. I don't plan on missing the breakthroughs in my life.

Now, on to the one planned thing I'm still going to talk about. Tips to get through Gamma:

1.) There are NO modifications in speed 3.0. That's right, Tania is keeping up with everyone else. It's the first workout of the schedule, so don't let it make you quit.

2.) If you haven't bought new cross trainers in awhile, now would be the time to do it. Your feet need the support.

3.) Wear some clothes that hold you tight ladies (think: good sports bra).

4.) If you are still in Beta, do the workouts unmodified as much as possible to get you ready.

There you have it. Now, go out there and challenge yourself and fight for your goals and dreams.

xoxoxoxo,

Jennifer

My FIRST Youtube video

Well, in the span of 1 week I have

1.) Fully completed a fitness program
2.) Started a crazy intense fitness program
3.) Led a fit club
4.) started a Youtube channel (huh?)

Needless to say, I feel WAY out on a limb here. I am doing things I never dreamed I would do, honestly. It's funny how you start out to just be a coach, but your life ends up changing in so many areas. I have horrible stage fright. I love to sing karaoke, but my whole body shakes when I'm up there and when I speak to groups of people, I literally have to transport myself somewhere else because I'm so afraid I'll mess up. Creating a video of myself talking was a big deal for me. In order to get over my fears, I thought I would share my newest accomplishment with you and feel free to follow my channel along with my blog. I hope to eventually do some cooking videos in the future as well as educational videos about growing a business.

Taco Seasoning- Easy and Delicious!

Have you ever read the back of a taco seasoning packet? Most are full of chemicals, MSG and other things you can't pronounce, not to mention expensive for what you actually get. We have been making this instead for a long time. It's simple, with ingredients you most likely have on hand. The ratios below are enough for a couple pounds of meat, but you can make up a whole batch by multiplying the amounts and then just use as you need it. We use this all the time in tacos, enchiladas and other recipes that need some southwest flair. Once you try it you'll never go back!

2 T Chili Powder

1 T Cumin

1 T Parsley

1 t Garlic Powder

1 t Onion Powder

1/2 t Black Peoper

1/2 t Real Salt

Mix it all up and use as seasoning!

T25 round one results!

The verdict is in: T25 along with Shakeology and healthier eating has made a dramatic difference in my body in just a few short months. If you read my previous post from last week, you know the last week of Beta was a big challenge for me. I caught a stomach virus and missed both Monday and Tuesday's workout. I publicly put it out there though and said I would do three days of doubles to get caught up by Friday. I think some people thought I couldn't do it. Heck, even I had my doubts and after I put it out there I kind of wished I could take it back. There was no turning back though. Three days of doubles happened and by Friday as I finished my last workout and starting driving to meet my girlfriends for lunch and a little celebration shopping I felt so accomplished. Invincible even. It really felt like I could do anything I wanted in that moment after I got through all of that. I'm so glad I made it happen!

Now, it's on to my next challenge. T25 Gamma is in my Xbox now just waiting for me to push play. Mondays are horrible around here these days, so it's a late workout, but a late workout is better than no workout at all. I'll be keeping everyone up to date with my Gamma progress as it happens.

Beta Week 10!

Soooo, this is week 10, the LAST week of the regular T25 program and.........I have a gross stomach virus that has taken over my life for the last 24 hours. That means I didn't workout yesterday and today is not looking very realistic either. I am going to finish this week though. I may have to double down the next three days or workout over the weekend or some combination of both, but however it happens it WILL HAPPEN. I have worked too hard and have come too far to not feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing this. Not only that, but Gamma round (separate from the basic program) will be here this week and it's scheduled to begin Monday.

Life just gets in the way sometimes, but all that means is you learn to adjust. You don't give up and throw in the towel, you modify.  Sure, this is a program, but overall it's really a lifestyle change. Once I finish this it will be on to another, or a repeat cycle or a hybrid program I can put together. There is no way over the course of a lifetime that things are not going to come up, I'm not going to get sick etc. I have been learning that lesson all over again the last couple of weeks as we have been adjusting to Andrew's 50 + hour work weeks. Things can still get done, but not necessarily in the same way. It means sacrificing some things that aren't as important as our priorities, but that is really just life in general.

So, for the rest of the night I will be huddled up on the couch getting the rest I need to get up and hit it hard tomorrow. I will be sure to get progress pictures up after I get this week down in the books!

Chocolate Granola Bites

I mean, really. All I had to say was chocolate to get your attention, right? These were so stinkin easy and they are "Aiden approved". THAT is a big deal, because he turns down cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies (weirdo). Anywho, this is a great way to get all the benefits of Shakeology, along with some other whole foods without drinking it in shake form. It's also no bake! It took me all of 10 mins to put this together and stick it in the fridge to harden up a little bit. Keep in mind you can also play with these ingredients. I used cashew butter, but you could use a natural peanut butter or almond butter. Instead of coconut milk, you could use an unsweetened almond milk etc. They don't ever get totally hard and we ended up cutting them into little bites, putting them in a ziploc bag and sticking them in the refrigerator. We made this batch Saturday and there aren't many left!

Ingredients:

4 scoops chocolate Shakeology

2 Cups old fashioned oats

1/3 Cup chopped nuts (optional, and your choice of nut)

1/2 Cup raisins

1 Cup coconut milk

1/2 Cup cashew butter

Instructions:

Grease an 8X8 pan with coconut oil  and set aside. In a mixer, combine cashew butter, coconut milk and Shakeology and mix well. Add in oats until combined. Stir in raisins at the very end until just combined (not too long!). Spread mixture into greased pan evenly. Top with chopped nuts if desired. Stick in the refrigerator to slightly harden and then cut into small bars (makes around 24) or into small bites (makes a lot). Don't eat all at once ;)

It's Not Easy Always Being a Positive Pony

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you can let life get you down. It happens to all of us from time to time, but I think the difference lies in HOW you respond to negetivity whether it comes from inside your head or an outside source. I have been seeing great sucess with my fitness journey. The difference in how I look over the past two months simply amazes me. I know I am eating better the majority of the time and I know I'm being consistent, so why would I be down? It was something that my son said to me last week. I'm not going to go into what he said, but it was in regards to my size. Whoever said "words will never hurt me", quite frankly was full of shit. Words DO hurt. I know my son didn't mean to cause the flood of pain I felt, after all he's 7 and doesn't really comprehend the ramifications of what he says and does sometimes. I'm certain there was no malicious intent behind it either. It still hurt though. What hurt even more is that now I wonder if my little boy has to deal with comments from other people about my size too. Is that what brought on the comment? Kids have enough problems to deal with these days without having to deal with the reprecussions of things beyond their control. A few words was all it took to set off a wave of self doubt. I began to doubt if the results I'm getting are good enough, am I certain I'm eating the right things? Is there really a difference in my body or am I just imagining things ? After a few days of that, I found the peace I was looking for. Scrolling through my Facebook feed I saw some words and I believe they were from Joyce Meyer's Facebook page: "The fight is not against flesh and blood" Without sounding too preachy, it was exactly what I needed to hear. My pain and hurt had nothing to do with my son but with the enemy himself. I know he comes to steal, kill and destroy and he is ruthless in how he attains it, even using the words of a 7 year old to cause anger and pain inside of me so I'll be tempted to quit what I've been doing. I've got news for him though, and any other doubters that may be out there. This girl isn't stopping. I've given up way too many times to give up now. I will see change and I WILL make a difference; not only in my own life, but the lives of others as well. So, if you've been discouraged, I hope you will take this to heart. DON"T EVER GIVE UP. Don't let your head get in the way of your results. Keep it simple, stay positive as much as you can and reach out to your support system when you need the extra help or a push. Remember you CHOOSE to be happy or to be negative. Happy Monday everyone!