What the heck is a Challenge Group?!

I often forget that when I ask someone if they have considered joining a challenge group, they have no idea what I am even talking about.  So I have decided to dedicate a blog post to telling you just that.. What is this thing you call a Challenge group?

The actual challenge group is a private group on Facebook set up with other challengers like yourself that are ready to tackle those goals they have set.  Setting action plans to secure the success! 

Its not a challenge against others but the challenge within yourself.  Honoring the fact that you do need accountability to get to our goals.  Don't we all?  It gets too easy to just give up when we feel like we have no one to report to.  In our group (its voluntary but highly recommended) you can post your food log for the day.  What you ate, how much water you drank, and what exercise you did.  What does this do?  It gives you accountability.  As your coach Im looking for that post.  Im looking to see how you did that day and if I see a trend in a bad habit - give you pointers to help you get back on track and to reaching those goals.  

I want to know your goals.  I want to know your struggles.  I want to know as much about you as I can so I can ensure Im giving you the best advice that fits you.  I absolutely love my challengers and most have become great friends.  Your success means so much to me.  So as your coach and within the challenge group you are surrounded by supportive and only uplifting people.  Yes, we voice our struggles, but then there are people to chime in and pick you back up.. any time of the day - you have a support system.  

Most might over look the "Challenge group" and opt to just do the fitness and nutrition on their own.  Some will succeed, but most won't.  Whats missing?  Support, motivation, and accountability.  Its hard to sustain those components when you're on your own.  This is where my team and I come in.  We offer an amazing setting that combines all 3 of those factors and nail it! 

These are some before and afters of my challengers and fellow team members.  I asked them what was different this time compared to other attempts of living a healthy lifestyle.  All of them answered "challenge group".  Surrounding themselves with a positive environment.  Knowing they were accountable to someone besides themselves, and having a place to come when they felt like giving up.  This atmosphere comes free with a challenge pack.  With that, you have the whole package.  Nutrition, workouts, accountability, support, motivation, and accountability.  

I am there holding your hand the whole way!  

If this is something that you're looking for and feel like is missing in your current routine, I would love to work with you.   Sign up today and lets get you started on reaching those goals!  You are worth it! 

Sign up here: http://goo.gl/forms/LvoGUUXYiE

Never Say Never!

BUT I WANT MY BODY BACK NOW!

In all seriousness, this is how I felt after I had my son.. "Why is it taking so long??"
Can you relate?

I wanted to write a post on advice I would give to postpartum women on their journey to getting their body back....

First things first..

 GIVE YOURSELF A PAT ON THE BACK!

You created a miracle!  A baby grew in your womb for 9 months.  For 9 months your body was stretching and growing to accommodate this miracle.. embrace this!  Enjoy your little bundle and don't even think about what you look like in the mirror.. you're a mom.. one of the greatest titles there is! :)

The views in the world today have you thinking you need to be in a size 2 within 2 months of birth.  Umm... NO!  Your body is still adapting to changes even after you have the baby.  Take it slow!  Start out with nutrition, eating right.. and enjoy your bundle of joy!  There does not need to be the stress of fitting into your pre pregnancy jeans 2 months after birth.

I myself took about a whole year to truly get back to my pre pregnancy size.  It was not an over night process and it took hard work, but gradually over time, and while working out at home and during nap time.... I got it done!

You don't need fancy equipment and you don't need hours in the gym.  A good 30 minute workout and a support group cheering you on will get the job done!   I am proof!  I feel the difference from my 1st child to my 2nd is that I have learned that the body takes time to mold back.. but don't give up on it.  If you're willing to put in the work, put yourself in a positive environment, and celebrate the small successes.. the small successes add up to the BIG ONE!  You can get that pre pregnancy body back!  You will get it back!! One day at a time!

My Journey in a nutshell.
39 weeks preggo, Day I had my son vs 8 days pp, 3.5 months pp, 8 months pp

14 months Postpartum with second child

Chimichurri Mashed Plantains

I like to try new foods and plantains are one of those that I'm always trying to find new ways to use.  Do you like plantains?  They seem so universal and diverse depending on if you make them when ripe or unripe.  

I saw this recipe in a cookbook called Primal Cravings, and it seemed too easy not to try!  The end result.. it was a hit and especially with my 1 year old son!  Hubby ate it for days too!  I paired it with a cuban pork roast and steamed green beans! 

Chimichurri Mashed Plantains

For plantains: 

3 unripe plantains (peeled and chopped) 

1 cup chicken stock
3 cloves garlic 

Boil the plantains and garlic cloves for 10 minutes. Drain and then add in 1 cup stock. Smash with potato masher or use an immersion blender and get it as smooth as you want

For Chimichurri: 

A handful of cilantro
1 TB or lime juice
1 TB olive oil
1 Green onion
1 TB honey

Place everything in a food processor and blend. Swirl into plantains

For the pork, I just put a pork roast, 3 TB McCormicks Cuban Seasoning, salt, and about 1/2 c. of chicken stock in a crockpot and cooked on low for 8 hrs!