Cauliflower Obsession

While growing up I always asked my mom "What's for dinner?".  Usually I was happy with the answer, but on the days I heard "Cauliflower & Cheese" I can still remember the sunken feeling of "Yuk!" like it was yesterday.  Obviously, that was my dreaded meal as a child.  Although today I don't eat dairy, I have fallen in love with cauliflower!  Now, don't get me wrong, I can't eat it raw or any other way but roasted.  I have become addicted.  I eat it off the cookie sheet before it even hits the plate.  Last night flying solo with the kids it was quick, easy and I ate an entire cauliflower off the cookie sheet while running around my kitchen taking care of them.  I was full!  Sometimes I will even make it and put it in the fridge to heat up as a healthy snack.  Crazy enough, it doesn't always make it to the fridge!  It's super easy to add with chicken or fish and is one of my staples.  My most frequent "go to meal" is salmon with roasted cauliflower because it is quick, easy and healthy.  I usually make the roasted cauliflower one of two ways!  Try it out! 

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

INGREDIENTS:

1 Large Head of Cauliflower
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
1 Tbsp of Garlic Powder
1 Tsp of Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Cut up Cauliflower into florets.  If you like it crispy like I do, the smaller the better!  Put in a bowl and toss with all of the above ingredients.  Spray a cookie sheet with non stick spray.  I use my "Misto" sprayer with olive oil or wipe it down with coconut oil to avoid the junk in the canned sprays.  Spread the cauliflower out on the tray and cook for 20-30 minutes until browned.

Curried Cauliflower

INGREDIENTS:

1 Large Head of Cauliflower
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
2 Tbsp of Curry Powder
1 Tsp of Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Same as above!

New Shaun T's Focus T25 Challenge Group Starting Soon!

 

T25 has far surpassed my already high expectations of what Shaun T brings to the table!  After completing P90X and ready to switch it up this has completely matched my needs.  I mean, 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, who can't find time for that?!?  In my mind, he is a sheer "GENIUS".  I tell myself this every time I am doing the workout as I watch the descending clock tick!

This workout is ideal for anyone that is crunched on time!  This would have been my "dream workout" when I was working in Corporate America to do only 25 minutes a day before work.  No brainer!  Also, since I have traveled many days on the road in my pre mommy career, I can say that this workout is the perfect workout to pack and take on the road with you.  It can easily be done in a hotel room or hotel gym.  All you need is a laptop!

Currently as a stay at home mom of 2 very busy boys and business owner time is limited in my world and this has been a huge blessing!  I can fit it in before my little ones wake up or if they wake up my 3 year old likes to join in!  Outside of my facebook accountability group he is my at home accountability.  He likes to tell me how it's done.  "No, mommy, he is still doing it, don't stop"  HA! 

That brings me to my favorite part about T25 right now.  My team of Coaches and I have such an incredible accountability support group on Facebook with 60 + T25 Challengers that have been doing an incredible job for the last 3 weeks.  Although the "official" check on progress isn't until they complete the Alpha Phase (25 days) they have been so excited to share with me and the group the many number of LB's lost and how different they feel and look, even as early as Week 1!  I can't wait to see Week 5 Results which is just a few short weeks away. 

The greatest thing as a Coach is to be able to see the joy in other peoples changed lives.  One of our challengers who is a mom is currently doing T25 with her main goal to be in the best health and shape of her life because she is doing it for her son's life.  Her 18 year old son needs a kidney transplant and currently she is a match, but to ensure there is no reason she can be rejected by the numerous amounts of testing she needs to go through she chose to take her health into her own hands. T25 is helping her do that.  She is an inspiration to me and to the rest of the group that there are no excuses in life and that if you want to make a change and achieve something only you can do it. She and her son are a reminder in life that it is a gift and a blessing that should never be taken for granted.  I am honored to be a part of her journey and so thankful for my sister and fellow Coach, Joanne Hurley that made it possible for her to be a part of this group.

So, what happens in this accountability group?  Everyone is a huge support to each other and the Coaches are there to support also.  The Coaches are watching and looking to make sure you posted that you did your workout.  Yes, we stalk you if you didn't!  We are there to answer questions and ensure that you have everything you need to be successful in completing this program and helping you achieve your desired fitness and nutrition goals.

So, check out the Shaun T Focus T25 Video and let me know when you are ready to focus and commit!  Now is the time because it's on sale until July 31st, 2013!  Don't miss out on the change you have been waiting for.  The only thing standing between you and your change is your mind!  Kick it into gear and let's go! 

Please also check out "Prayers for Justin" on Facebook. Our team is praying for them and we would appreciate any additional support and prayers for them!  Click here for Prayers for Justin

Shaun T Focus T25 Challenge Trailer

CLICK HERE AND MESSAGE ME TO GET STARTED!

Losing My Baby Weight & Then Some!

I can honestly say that body image and weight loss have been a life long journey for me.  I remember working out in the basement when I was 15 years old doing Step Aerobics.  I've always been into fitness, but I've never truly been able to get an overall handle on my weight.  Finding consistency in my overall image about myself that I was happy with on the inside was something I struggled with.  I would always exercise, but I would also eat ice cream and chocolate which could be considered a main course in my meal plans!  Chocolate and ice cream are my weaknesses!  Combine them with stress and emotions and it's all over!

I was a fitness instructor for 10 years teaching strength training and large fitness classes.  I was in good shape, but I would say I still wasn't in the best shape of my life and I would typically compare myself to other instructors that I aspired to be like.  While I had the training and knowledge to do so, there was still something that was holding me back and stopping me from working through plateau's and getting past my emotional eating habits (my biggest obstacle!).  I have basically been a yo yo for YEAR'S.  Up and down and all around on the scale and my closet would show that.  I have had clothes in my closet (some of them for easily 10 years) that range in sizes from a size 4 up to a size 12.  I have kept these clothes through the years, despite my current size, "in case" I needed them, which some of them I did and some of them I didn't.  I have recently asked myself why would I hold onto all of these clothes for so many years that I don't wear!!  It's only now I can answer that question.

Going off track a bit here, but when I had my son 3 years ago I had decided to go for a natural childbirth (yes, no drugs) for many reasons.  While I was unable to achieve that the first time due to medical reasons, I was able to do so with my second son born 10 months ago.  I was determined and driven to achieve this.  As crazy as it sounds after I did it I felt like I could accomplish anything in my life.  No matter what I put my mind to I could do it. I don't say this to boast and I know that this goal is not for everyone, but my point is that we all have goals and WE are the one's that set values on them.  For me I set this as my value that if I could accomplish this, I could accomplish anything.  What is that for you?  Running a 5K? Eating better? Marathon? Triathlon? Losing weight? Becoming something you never thought you could be?  Ask yourself what that is.

So, when I took on the challenge to lose my baby weight for the second time I decided this was going to be IT - forever - no more clothes in my closet ranging in size.  I wanted ONE SIZE in my closet and that is it.  The new me forever!  Enough was enough!  I started on my journey of clean eating and P90X/Shakeology with Beachbody and have lost over 40 LBS and as of today I am down below my pre pregnancy weight and on my way to being in the best shape of my life.  Specifically with the P90X program alone I lost 12 LBS, 16 INCHES & 13% Body Fat in 90 Days in a healthy way while successfully nursing my baby!

This past weekend I cleaned out my closet and I literally have almost nothing left in it!  I have never felt so FREE!!!!!!  FREE from years of hoping for what I wanted in life for my health and fitness to going after it, owning it and now living and enjoying it!!!!  So, I can say now that the answer to my question about why I would hold onto these clothes for so long is that I didn't believe enough in myself that I could actually do what needed to be done to get rid of them all and to have what I wanted.  I changed my mindset after having my second son and achieved what I finally "chose to believe".  Choose to believe in yourself that you can achieve what you desire to set out for yourself in life because if you don't nobody else will.

4 LARGE TRASH BAGS OF MY CLOTHES THAT DON'T FIT!!!

I contribute my overall success in my weight loss journey to an amazing fitness program (P90X), a great tasting, nutritious whole food dense nutrition of Shakeology (easy for this mama), combined with accountability.  After becoming a Coach and being a part of something bigger than myself it is what got me out of bed at 4:30 AM everyday despite waking up multiple times at night to nurse my beautiful baby boy.  The amazing support from other P90X friends and customers within my Facebook group encouraged and supported me as much as I have done with them.  For that I am grateful and honored that they have allowed me to be a part of their journey.  There is nothing more rewarding than celebrating someone else's achievements and watching them attain a level of fit and healthy they never would have attained without the accountability and support.  I'm now moving on to T25 to reach my next goal!

What is it you need to change in your thinking to achieve your goals?

If you want a Coach to help you on your journey to be fit and healthy and inspire you along the way, I would be honored to be your Beachbody Coach.  I have a passion for helping others believe in themselves and seeing them achieve what they set out to do.  Feel free to message me anytime and we can figure out what program is best for you!

What health and fitness goals do you dare to achieve?