Focus T25

I've been meaning to blog about this... (is how most of my blogs seem to start lately)

Five weeks ago I started an at home workout program by BeachBody called Focus T25. Since becoming a beachbody coach a few months ago I really wanted to start AND complete a workout program. T25 was created by mastermind ShaunT, creator of "Hip hop Abs", "insanity", "aslyum" etc! 

So I was a bit nervous....until I actually pressed play...

T25 is set up into two 5 week programs, Alpha and Beta. Each workout is ONLY 25mins! (This is my favorite part!) You are given a calendar that tells you exactly what workout to do on what day (5 days a week, 25 minutes) and you are given recipes and meal plans to follow! The Beachbody company makes easy to exercise and be healthy. 

Alpha Day 1

The workouts: I looooove them! Since having kids it has been very hard for me to make time to workout! I'll plan on a walk or run and end up having to stop 250 times bc kids are crazy! So far Alpha T25 workouts are a mix of cardio, strength, stretching, abs, jumping,  agility and speed. It's sorta a mini boot camp but in the comfort of your own home, and no one is yelling at you. and There is a modifier in every workout! (Tania is my best friend :)   

I've made a hard effort to try to go to bed earlier and wake up around 5:30am to workout before anyone wakes up. My only reason for an early workout is bc then it's over and I'm done! 

Some times Violet wakes up early and gets a workout too! 

The workouts push you and make you stronger. BUT you can always modify if you need/want to! I can't believe I have competed 4 weeks already and am actually excited about the next 6 weeks to complete the T25 program. It has been fun to post about it on social media and read encouragement and receive messages about the program and my progress! It definitely has helped keep me going!   

Along with T25 I've been drinking shakeology every day! This shake is literally pumping the best nutrients, all my daily vitamins, superfoods into my body! It has certainly helped my body recover and have energy! 

T25 + shakeology = does a body good! 

Results: To keep motivated and accountable to completeing T25, I have joined an amazing 90 day challenge group on facebook led by a fellow Beachbody coach ("Hi Roxanne!" If you are reading...) It is a group with about 6 other people doing beachbody programs. So we encourage each other to exercise, eat healthy and check in every day.

 On day 1: Roxanne made us take measurements and pictures of ourselves and send them. This was really hard to do!!  but since I decided to commit to this program I did it and email them to her. 

Day 30: We took pics and measurements again...And to my huge surprise and shock I have lost a total of 5.75 inches in 4 weeks!! Y'all this is amazing! I mean I'm trying to eat healthier but still have had indulgences, I've have been working out 5 days a week! I just have never had results like this!! I'm super happy and excited to keep going! Stay tuned for the next update! 

The best workout and fastest results I've ever had!

Shakeology: Day 30

I did it!! 30 days completed! I'm honestly proud and shocked. I asked Bryson if he was surprised I actually stuck with it for thirty days, and he said no, I knew you could do it. Sweet Hubs!

This past week I wanted to cheat and not have a shake and just stuff my face with food...just to be a rebel! But remembering I committed to 30 days, wanted to be healthy and knowing I would have to update my blog, I made my shake and enjoyed every drop!

I had doctor appt when I first started shakeology and then I had one yesterday. And between them have lost 7lbs! I was shocked, but very happy! I really haven't been able to work out/exercise like I have wanted the past couple of weeks due to I pulled my back, sleep deprivation and seriously lack of time with trying to manage my family. But I do attribute shakeology with helping, along with breastfeeding, two kids and being better at choosing and cooking healthy meals. 

My favorite shake: Maple Buttercup
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp maple syurp
1 cup milk, ice
mix
Enjoy!

I have really liked how easy it is to make a shake for breakfast or lunch! Sometimes it is just crazy and over whelming with two kids and the simplicity it is make a shake is great. Looking back at my first post about my goals, I think I did a pretty good job at meeting them. I will try to exercise more this next month, hoping my back is better.  I have ordered another 30 day bag of shakeology that should be coming soon! I'm excited for another 30 days. 

Thanks for reading along with my journey!

Shakeology: Day 22

Woke up this morning and I'm down 2lbs from my last post. That's a grand total of 4lbs since starting shakeology! Which means I'm 14 away from Pre-pregnancy, which is my goal.

Last week I hurt my back and wasn't able to work out which I was so bummed about. But it feels better, so I'm trying to incorporate walking and low aerobic exercise back in.

I've really noticed how much my sweet tooth has lessened. I had a delicious piece of a chocolate brownie cookie dessert bar last night and realized I really haven't craved dessert in a while.

I've discovered two recipes that are my favorite so far: cherry monkey and maple buttercup!

Shakeology: Day 10

Mmmm shakeology! It's so good! Today for breakfast I had the Dark Blue Moon shakeology for breakfast.  I've really been enjoying drinking the shakes for breakfast or lunch! They are fast and really easy! I thought I would get tired of the same drink everyday, but really there are so many concoctions to make! I actually crave/look forward to my shake everyday! I did mess up one shake...lets just say I put WAY too much peppermint! I ended up just throwing it out and grabbing a granola bar on the way to church. I'm somewhat of a "rule-follower" so I was really disappointed I didn't have my shake of that day.
 

Day 10: Dark Blue Moon
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
1 cup milk
1 cup blueberries
ice and blend!

If you remember from my "Day 1" post I had four goals in mind while choosing to drink one shake a day for 30 days.

1. Conscious eating- Last week I mostly had a shake during lunch. It was fast and easy to make! It really has helped me plan ahead of what I was going to eat that day.  The Eating Plan with shakeology is really simple to follow and is what my eating schedule was like before I started shakeology.  I have a big sweet tooth and the past ten days I've noticed I have craved sweets less.
2. Claims- I have felt more energized, especially if I drink a shake for lunch. With 2 kids I need all the extra energy I can get!! My digestion seems to be normal....I've never really had a problem with that ;)
3. Lose Weight- I have lost 2 lbs and shorts that I bought a month ago are not as tight! So this is great!
4. Exercise- I was hit and miss with workouts the past week. I hurt my back lifting my #1 Chunk (aka Parker) and then with 4th of July and family in town. I only have a few open windows to work out during the day: naptime (if they nap at the same time that day) or after the babies go to bed. Its hard choosing when to get my workout in.  But when I did exercise I felt more energy throughout my workouts and overall felt better.   

Anyways I've really enjoyed the many recipes and choosing to drink a healthy meal instead of junk.  Here's to 20 more days! Cheers!

Shakeology: Day 1

Today I'm starting Shakeology for 30 days. A lot of you have heard me talk about it and I'm really excited to start the program!

What is Shakeology?
"A daily nutritional shake that helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need."
"Its a nutritional protein shake that provides a wide spectrum of healthy nutrients in a low-calorie formula. Whether you use it as a meal replacement for weight loss or simply to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs for optimal health, Shakeology takes the guesswork out of nutrition." 

 

A friend of mine is a BeachBody coach (the company that aslo created P90X, Insanity and my personal favorite Turbo Jam!) and was advertising about shakeology on facebook. After asking her a lot of questions, checking out the website, she mailed me a sample to try.  Oh My Goodness! It was delicious! And after talking it over with Bryson, we decided I would order one bag (30 day supply) and see if it was worth it.

Today I had a Mint Chocolate Chip Shakeology for lunch. It was so chocolately and filling! I loved the refreshing taste of mint in the summer! I'm actually really excited to try different recipes using shakeology (a 30 day recipe card is sent with each purchase and more recipes online too)

Day One: Mint Chocolate Chip
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
1 cup milk
 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
 ice

 Goals:

1. Conscious Eating- It is really hard for me most days to figure out what to eat for breakfast and sometimes lunch with two children running around, trying to feed one, nurse the other and then get them ready for naps! Whew! I get so hangry in between all of this!  I will be drinking Shakeology for breakfast or lunch.  This also allows me to think ahead of what else I will be eating for the day.

2. Claim- Part of me wants to see if shakeology is all it's claiming to be: lose weight, feel engergized and improve digestion. 

3. Lose weight- I gained 50lbs during both my pregnancies. After Violet I did get back to pre-pregnancy weight in about a year and was back in the most of my clothes.  Currently I have 18 lbs to lose to get back to pre-pregnacy weight. (I'm not trying to lose it all in 30 days, but seeing if it helps)

4. Exercise- I have a couple really great workout videos that I'm trying to do 2-4x a week. Since this Texas heat has me hibernating mostly indoors, its hard to get outside with two kids during the summer. So most evenings after babies are asleep Bryson and I are workin' on our fitness.


Be on the lookout, I'll be updating throughout the next 30 days how I'm doing with my goals and how shakeology is treating me.