Monday 29 September 2014

Where did I start? Why of course, at the beginning.

You know, I always am amazed when I see pictures posted of others before & after pics. They inspire me beyond belief every single day. I tend to forget where I started...it goes on the back burner most days. But now and then...like today, I go back and take a look to refresh my brain.





The pic on the left was just after I had started ChaLean Extreme. The pic on the right was about 2 weeks ago. In my journey I have done predominately Beachbody programs, getting better with each one and pushing myself as I got stronger. It did not happen over night, but over time as most journeys go. I to this day, could not love what I do more as a coach, but I was not a coach when I started here in the first pic. I knew there was something amazing in being a coach, so I kept on til I could be one!

My story has had a plot twist or 2 along the way. I have had setbacks, injuries and times where I fell off the turnip wagon, but I always managed to haul ass off the ground and run after that wagon.

I now have a new journey to the figure stage ahead of me and before you ask, YES I still do Beachbody programs and I always will. I just completed the PiYo program and my body needed that in so many ways.

I may not have lost 100 pounds in my story but I did lose about 35 lbs from where I started. More importantly I gained a sense of who I am & because of ChaLean and Miss Chalene Johnson, I learned to change my mentality. I learned to do things I never imagined, I gained a whole new extended family, I have created a brand new life for myself and MY family and I now can pay that forward to others every single day. All because I one day decided to JUST. PUSH. PLAY.
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"WTH Does She Eat" Sunday Sept 28

OK so food is kinda of a big deal in my house.  Errry damn day, you are going to hear me talking about how much I just simply enjoy food.  And being around OTHERS that feel the same way.

I am eating for competition, however and that puts a cap on some of my food fun, but you can bet your ass I am enjoying every bit of what I am eating.

Here is a bit of the good stuff from this past week.

Breakfast:  Hello...Shakeology Pancakes?  Yes, I think I will.  And then most of the rest of the week I ate my weird pancake bowl concoction.  I was off eggs this week in a big way.  I think next week I will bring back the guac love.  :-)



Moving on to lunches and dinners....mmm, deliciousness abounding.  Bacon and brussel sprouts and wait for it...MORE bacon. I seriously enjoyed this week of food well, things are changing up again for me next week, so my coach says, so I enjoyed every bite!






I even got to factor in a wonderful meal of Thai food.  I most definitely died and went to heaven with my amazing bowl of Peanut Curry, but with that being said, I was plenty hungry the rest of the day after sucking up so many calories.  GAh...macros are macros and I have to follow them and it was worth every bite!





This week was all about the Greenberry Shakeology.  Because well, I am out of chocolate and my shipment is floating somewhere in the city of Red Deer.  BUT I do love this flavor and am enjoying Shamrock Shakes, my lassies & lads!!


And you always know there is going to be plenty of coffee.  Ahhh, Nectar of the Gods!!  :-)




Stay tuned til next week! 
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Friday 26 September 2014

Brussel Sprouts 'n Bacon

Food should be easy.  I mean, KISS easy!! (That's Keep It Simple Stupid, in case you were wondering).

This was lunch yesterday.  Few ingredients, just a few minutes to whip up and BAM, with the flavor!



Sautee 4 oz bacon til done, remove from pan, drain on paper towel, set aside.

I then wiped pan clean & sauteed the sprouts with red onion in a tsp of coconut oil (you can use the bacon fat instead if you like), tossed in the cooked bacon and finished off with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Seasoned only with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.   

THAT'S IT, my peeps.  This is my happy place food.  Enjoy!
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Thursday 25 September 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Fudge




It couldn't be much easier! 4 ingredients & a nice treat with added protein! It is SUPER creamy and sooo good!

1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/4 cup Chocolate Protein Powder (I used Cookies & Cream)
1/4 cup Natural Peanut Butter (creamy or crunchy)
1/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips

In a microwave safe bowl mix together the almond milk and chocolate protein powder. Add in the peanut butter and chocolate chips, stir, and microwave for about 20 seconds or until the chocolate chips begin to melt slightly. Stir the mixture together and pour into a small glass dish. Since this recipe only makes about 6 pieces of fudge, I just poured the mixture into 1/4 of the 9×13 glass dish sprayed with a bit of baking spray. Refrigerate several hours. Enjoy!!

Makes 6 servings

Per serving:
148 calories
9.5 grams fat
4.4 carbs
5.7 grams protein
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Wednesday 24 September 2014

Dance. Don't Hold the wall.

I never thought of myself as being one to stand on the sidelines.  The person that hovered and watched others do crazy shit while I just marvel at their chutzpah.  Oh no, I am usually the one in the throes of the insanity. And I like it.

Til now.



There is this little thing looming over me as I head towards my first figure competition.  This thing...dun dun dunnnn....called posing.  **EXHALE**

Wow, this girl looks perfect!
Hmmm, this girl needs to learn a LOT!!


Let me make something perfectly clear: I have ZERO clue about posing for figure. ZE. RO. Am I breathing right? Is my butt in when it should be out? Is my leg bent enough?  Is my leg supposed to be straight? When the hell will my arms and abs start showing? How am I going to remember to smile and stay flexed at the same time? These are just a few of the questions that goes through my head at any given moment throughout my day. 

I have so much to learn but I have to start somewhere. I will be working with someone to teach me the ways of the stage. I am extremely nervous about this because it is so much out of my comfort zone. But I never half ass anything so I plan on nailing it and practicing like crazy. Pray for me...haha!! This is all new to me. I hope we all make it.



Once I have proper shoes (sorry this is all I have with me at the house while camping), that will help tremendously as well.

So starting NOW I have decided to not just hold the wall, but to actually dance.  No more sidelines.  

Fear, I shall slay thee with my blinged out bikini & my hooker heels!


My theme song this week!  :-)  Mmmm, JT.  



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What the heck is a Pancake Bowl?

Well, I will tell you.  I found a recipe for pancakes on IG that I thought sounded great, but I knew it would be a fail, and it was.  So to save the day, I threw it in a bowl, microwaved it and I present to you, the Pancake Bowl!  I have since tweaked it so this is my version.

Hello, Lover.






It might be weird to some (not me, but hey I am not professing to be normal here!) texture wise, but I am now officially addicted to these, especially on my low carb days.  (I am carb cycling, btw).  This just darn well makes me happy!

Topped with nut butter or coconut manna and maple syrup, if you choose, and it is dee-vine!

Recipe:

1/3 cup pumpkin puree
3 TBSP coconut flour
2 TBSP oat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
extra water (I add about 1/4 cup)
dash salt
sprinkle cinnamon
splash of vanilla

Mix all dry ingredients together, add liquids and stir til lumps disappear.  Microwave for 2.5 - 3 minutes.  Top with nut butter or coconut manna & real maple syrup or Walden's Farms syrup (I use this as I am in competition prep).

Get a spoon....DIVE IN!  

Calories: 185
Fat: 5 g
Protein: 6 g
Carbs: 21 g




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Sunday 21 September 2014

"WTH Does She Eat" Sundays

I love food.  Like seriously I am captivated and enthralled and enamored.  Everyone that knows me, knows when you are around me conversations are ALWAYS going to include food.  And shoes.  And coffee.  In no particular order.  It's like my personal Trifecta of bliss.

Now you know my dirty secret.

I thought since I always get asked by my followers, "What do you eat", I would do a weekly post that includes some of that amazingness that I consume.  I try to eat mostly Paleo, but I am in contest prep right now so I actually have snuck in a few non-paleo things to meet my macros.  But that  is a whole 'nother blog post which I may address in the future.

Here's the down low of this past week's food. Enjoy!

My breakfasts most always include eggs & guac or some kind of pancake/nutbutter creation.  And LOTS of coffee & coconut oil, blended.



MY RECIPE, if you can read my henscratchy writing. 

My Epic pancake creation that turned into a freakishly deelish pancake bowl instead.  MyGyverin' it! 





LUNCH is usually a Hugh Jass salad of some sort.  Lots of veggies, protein, healthy fats and most always topped with guac or homemade balsamic dressing.  Of late I have been a spiralizing maniac, so zucchini noodles I eat a ton, too. 





 DINNER is once again veggies with protein and healthy fats.  DAMN I am addicted to guacamole.  Funny, I despised both avocados and zucchini before I did the Whole 30, now they are eaten every day, 



NOMMMMS, sweet taters....I love you!!

Dates....mmm, carbs, get in muh belly!




PWO EVERY day is always Shakeology.  Like clockwork.



Shoes AND coffee...2 outta 3 ain't bad.  :-)











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October New Coach Training






I live in a small town of 2,025 (or so Wikipedia tells me). I started out as Beachbody coach here almost 2 years ago and did most of my leg work here. I moved away for 1 year, but now I am back and will continue to grow, expand and thrive in my business. In. A. Small. Town. To add fuel to my fire, my top coach lives in this same small town. Whoa, what? 2 success stories from the same small town MUST be unheard of! Just wait. We have more Rock Stars up & coming here. Bow Island is rocking the Beachbody ship.

I am now among the list of Canada's top coaches and yes that came with a price. That price for me was choosing temporarily, to sweat, work insane hours, work 2 jobs, sacrifice things, do the thing that not everyone thought was the norm, dream crazy dreams and help to inspire others. Guess what? It is working.

I now am a full time Beachbody Coach, I work for myself and I am Queen Bee & #girlboss of my own company. My world has changed. I wanted a better life for my family, I wanted to help others see they are never alone in their journey to health & fitness. I also now have the opportunity to lead and teach others & pay it forward. I am working my way to financial freedom and bringing others with me.

This is SO crazy to call this my life, and I feel like someone should pinch me every day my eyes open.

Does this sound just crazy enough to make you want to change your world? I can teach you all I know. ONE ON ONE. I will not profess to know everything because to be honest there are a whole lot of things I am still learning which excites the heck out of me.

I have goals. I have plans. They are coming true, inch by inch, row by row. (Who sings that song, anyway?)

Are you coming with me? Message, email, or shout out to me here in comments.  We can do this!

Be a Beachbody coach.

**Start date of Oct. 6th**
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Saturday 20 September 2014

She's got thighs...



I am pretty sure I am not meant to be a size 4. Or a 2. Hmmm, I think I was skinny once...when I was 3. LOL. I have decided I really don't care about those numbers. I have other numbers in mind. 


How about putting a focus on the number of times we move our bodies. How many days we sweat and feel like we conquered the world because we ran 10 miles. Or PR'd our deadlift. Or how many times during the week we made healthy choices for our bodies instead of choosing crap...when there is so much of it in our face 24/7 to sway us. How many times were YOU strong when you went out to eat, passed by that bagel shop or drove on by the Golden Arches?

Those are the numbers that matter. Sizes, schmizes. They mean nothing. There are beautiful, wonderful, amazing, healthy fit people in EVERY size imaginable and I am one of them. I have friends that are power houses and they are wrapped up in these tiny packages but size is deceiving. They are strong. They can kick ass!! I also have some friends that society might consider overweight that could throw me under the train in any race and fitness competition. They would mow. Me. Down. 


Healthy is not a cookie cutter thing. One size does NOT fit all. I am surrounded by fit friends of all shapes and sizes and honestly they inspire me. We don't need to be labeled by a number on our jeans. That is SO 1980's!

I believe if we wake up and track the numbers that count...like how many times we make better choices, how many days we wake up with a wonderful attitude, how often we show those we love that they matter, the times we give to those who need it more, the moments of random acts of kindness....that our notches we have marked off would be way more significant at the end of the day than a tag sewn to denim.

Wait...I am woman. With strong-ass thighs. Hear me roar.  


Are you proud of your strong legs too?  I would love to hear your answers below in comments!  

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Thursday 18 September 2014

Coconut Curry Chili

**I made this recipe and adapted it from Clean Eating's Classic Comfort Food magazine.




This was truly an awesome dish as well as healthy! The house smelled so wonderful as this simmered!! I changed a few things from the original recipe.

Ingredients:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 1/2 teaspoons red curry paste (I used Derleas's chili ginger paste because I was out of RCP)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons curry powder
4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup cooked bulgur (I used couscous)
2 cups of cubed sweet potatoes
2 cups of chopped green pepper
3 cups of cooked kidney beans
1/2 cup of light coconut milk
19 oz can of crushed tomatoes
green onions, chopped for garnish

In large pot add curry paste, cumin, curry powder & a bit of broth. Mix until paste is smooth. Add remaining broth, bulgur, potato & green pepper. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to med-low and simmer for 10 min.

Add beans, coconut milk and crushed tomatoes. Cook, uncovered for about 7 minutes, til bulgur is soft, veggies are cooked through and chili is thick. Top with green onions and serve.

Makes 4- 2.5 cup servings.

Calories: 340
Fat: 4 g
Carbs: 65 g
Protein: 17 g
Sodium: 412 mg
Sugars: 10 g
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Wednesday 17 September 2014

Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup


Ingredients:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons curry powder
4 cups vegetable broth

Directions

Add olive oil to a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Place the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion in the pot. Stir and cook the apples and vegetables until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.

Stir the lentils, ginger, ground black pepper, salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika, curry powder and vegetable broth into the pot with the apple and vegetable mixture. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils and vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.

Working in batches, pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup right in the cooking pot. **(I used my immersion blender).

Return the pureed soup to the cooking pot. Bring back to a simmer over medium-high heat, about 10 minutes. Add water as needed to thin the soup to your preferred consistency. **(I left mine thick...I liked it better that way).

Makes 6 servings.
Per serving:
Calories: 136.7
Fat: 1.4 g
Carbs: 28.6 g
Protein: 3.1 g
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Sunday 14 September 2014

Don't Speak

There are some things that I almost never speak about on social media.



One of them is my weight.  Or even more so, the fact that I need to lose it.  TO COMPETE in a figure competition.  Not because I am overweight but because stage weight is a whole lotta different than every day normal living weight.  

There have been several times in the past that people who were never a follower before (or a brand new one & didn't know my story) on either of my Facebook pages, randomly saw either a pic or a post of mine referring to the fact that I "had work to do" and I was basically attacked.  I realize from their standpoint and a person looking in for the first time, that what I said may have come across as a slap in the face to them.  For that I apologize.  It still was not pleasant or pretty and they accused me of having a myriad of issues instead of taking time to get my story.  Geeez, man....I mean "never assume" is how that old saying goes. You know the rest.  Oui??

I work with people every single day that have weight issues.  I understand where they are coming from if they look at me and my body right now.  Yes, I am fit.  No I am not overweight.  What the actual FACK could I possibly be talking about, right??  But it could have been solved with ONE simple question to me.

Yes, as I progress in my journey to the stage I have been pretty tight lipped.  I share my successes with my hubby, my family and my closest friends, period.  I just feel less drama is what I need in my life, not MORE!

I digress because I wanted to chat a bit about where I sit right now.  This week has been pretty insightful in many aspects of my life, to start.  Today I got on the scales as I do now every Sunday because I need to know my weight to tell my trainer.  I am down now 10 lbs since starting with John (he rocks, FYI).  I have been working with such a great coach and he is not only doing things to help me get to my goals but he is teaching me the WHY involved in getting there, that I just never had before.  If you have ever graced my presence you will know I am a questions kind of girl.  I need to know shit.

I also, instead of rushing to make the freakin MAGIC happen am trusting the process and am LOVING the process.  No magic or wands waved...just hard work, dedication and sweat.



When I started training earlier on this year I had concocted some kind of fairy tale image in my mind that in several months I should darn well be looking like Andreia Brazier, don't you think?  I mean much to my chagrin when I looked in the mirror and HOLY SHIT, there were no abs, a lotta cellulite, and no visible pumpage of muscles or veins popping. Again....what the actual FACK? 



Oh did I mention I may occasionally curse like a trucker?  Sorry...I am from the East Coast...I was born with it.

Let's carry on shall, we? 

I had a reality check.  I know it takes now not months but YEARS of training to get muscularity of that level.  I was SO impatient, trying to rush my way to competing that I didn't have time to stop and simply take in what was happening to my body (and also what wasn't).  My life was also on NOS at that point and I had too much on my plate in every facet of my life.  Wow, for being a smart girl, I sure was making some not so smart choices.  Apparently I was Wonder Woman...but only in my head.

Today I have never felt more amazing and assured that every step I take is in the right direction.  Will I be ready for November 1st?  I am not sure.  Will I wait if I am NOT ready?  Yep...I am not stepping on stage til my body is there.  If that means a spring show, then so be it.  But I WILL be on that stage.  I want it and I am prepared to wait til my body is where is should be.

It only took me 45 years to come to this conclusion.
 
Shhhhh, don't tell anybody.  :-)




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Friday 12 September 2014

My Team is GROWING!

Did you ever wonder why in the heck did you NOT know about this before?   Did you know you can start your own health & fitness biz where the only investment is YOU?

 FYI:  I am totally jealous they didn't they have this deal when I signed up as a coach. 

I consider what I do as a coach a TOTAL investment.  It is an investment in my health, my fitness and the Big Kahuna:  my future!  I did something not everyone is prepared to do.  I worked a full time job while I was working my butt off as a Beachbody coach, but wow, has it been worth it!  To live in this moment, TODAY knowing I can live the life I create, on my own terms and finally get to be with my family while I have a career in health and fitness that does NOT take me away from them!  

If you KNOW you are ready for something more and want my complete guidance and attention, I have some really cool (or in this case, totally HOT) extras for the month of September!  

ALL new coaches who join with me for the rest of September gets what is pictured below. 
You'll receive the following:
-the complete 21 Day Fix program
-a customizable, simple portion-controlled meal plan to fit you
-a 30 day supply of Shakeology (vegan options available as well)
-the support of a growing & thriving team #goteamsubjecttofire
-plus a shaker cup
-AND a team tank top!!
-all for $140
USD!! (The tank alone is an extra $30.00 as it was custom designed)



MESSAGE me at subjecttofire69@gmail.com or come find me on Facebook: fb.com/SubjectToFire if you want to talk about creating your future!
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