How do I get my family on board?

Having the talk...

Let me just start off by saying that I am super excited to write blog posts that not just pertain to individuals getting healthy but really making it easier for the family.  I hope that these posts help and inspire you to pursue a healthy lifestyle, not just for you but the whole family.  

With this first post I thought it was necessary to start at the very beginning.  How to get the family on board.  I know this isn't always easy.  Here are some tips that I hope make it an easier transition for you.  

My Crew :)

Mindset.  

This is serious business.  Switching to a healthy lifestyle might sound easy but depending on what your diet looks like right now it can be a rough transition for the whole family. My aim is that this post will ease the process but your mindset has to be fully committed.  There are going to be times when its just easy to pick up fast food or give the kids chips as a snack but in your mind you have to weigh the long term effects.  What are we setting our children up for?  Do we want them to have the same issues we had with body image growing up?  Do we want them running from fad diet to fad diet trying to find a quick fix?  No.  We want to give them the knowledge they need to make the right choices.  As parents we have that power now.  We can start grooming that into them.  Its going to take a committed mindset.  A mindset that knows WHY this is so important. 

A great way to keep in the forefront of WHY this is important to you is to write it or find a quote that summarizes it then post it somewhere you will see it everyday.  So when you are not motivated or feeling frustrated you will remember WHY you're doing this.... because its bigger than YOU!  

 

Communicate.  

It sounds simple enough right?  Talk it out.  

Really though, bring the family together to have a sit down talk.  A talk coming from the heart about why you want this so badly. Let them know why you think its important.  This is what I have always done with my children.  My daughter is now 5 years old and knows how her body feels different after junk food.  We talk about it and because we communicate about food choices, I have seen her turn down chocolate because she really didn't want her belly to hurt.  I have also been told that she makes healthy choices at class parties.  I was a little shocked by that second statement but then as I thought about it I realized our kids truly listen to us.  The more we talk about the importance choosing the right foods, the more they will make the right decisions when we are not there to make it for them.  We have already set the example.  

Set a goal for the family.  I love how Lisa Leake of 100 Days of Real Food did this.  As a family they made a goal of 100 days but you could start with 30 days.  Then decide on a reward as a family for when you complete it.  I really feel that if you sit down with the family, share from the heart,  explain the importance and why its important to you, you won't be perceived wrongly.  

Also know that this does not have to be an all or nothing.  Maybe try changing just 1 thing every week.  As a family decide on the things you want to change.  The more involvement with the family the more likely they will support this new journey.

Make it Fun.  

Get the kids involved.  Have them grocery shopping with you and let them pick out some produce that they like.  Have them looking up recipes to try.  Have them cooking in the kitchen with you.  The more involved with the process, the more apt they are to trying new things.  Take meals you're already making now and just clean them up a bit so its not completely new.  Also, check out your local farmers markets.  Give the kids a reusable bag and some money.  Let them pick out the produce they want to try using the money.  Gets them seeing what is locally produced, trying new things, and learning to budget!  Get 

creative! 

Anna helping me in the kitchen 

There will be bumps in the road...

Something I have learned on my journey, is to stay positive.  Encourage your kids to try new foods.  If they try it and don't like it, don't get discouraged or be upset with them.  Thank them for trying it - be really enthusiastic about the fact that they did that.  Explain to them how you will try cooking it a different way and see if they like it like that.  I find that being honest and upfront with my kids and their experiences really adds an added trust with them and makes them feel apart of the journey.  Always stay positive.  

My kids don't always like all the veggies I cook so I try to get creative in my attempts to get them to eat it.  Last night I told my daughter that the asparagus would give her stinky pee.  Of course she had to test this theory out - mom win! :)  I know my son (1 year old) looks up to my daughter and she is a great eater.  So there are times that when I want him to eat something I show him how Anna likes it, and she will tell him how its so good.  It usually makes him at least try it and 9 times out of 10 if I can just get him to taste it, he will continue to eat it.  

I also wanted to point out, don't feel discouraged if your kids are older.  You can still be successful with a switch to a healthy lifestyle even if you didn't start your kids off with it when they were young.  It's never too late!  You can still plant the seeds giving them knowledge for the future.  It's never to late to start.  The time is NOW!  If you need help, please contact me, but I feel as you go through this blog post you will have a great start to your journey.  

Be Consistent.  

We as parents are role models.  Our kids are looking to us for guidance and that includes our diet.  We only have 1 body in this lifetime, we need to take care of it.  Our society has gotten carried away with convenience.  I know we live busy lives but we should make our family's health a priority. 

 

But what if that doesn't work.. 

Say your hubby or kids don't want any part of it.  Be the leader and they will follow.  I have had countless challengers that had families that wouldn't join in, but as they saw their wife's success, that she was feeling great.. the hubby would join in too.  The more the kids saw the mom eating carrots.. they eventually wanted to try it.  It takes willpower and it takes consistency but they are watching, and they will come around :) 

They come around eventually :)

 

Simple Coconut Chicken Curry (Paleo)

I love chicken curry!!! 

I need to explore Hawaii some more for some good curry.  Currently missing my favorite spot in NC to get my curry, but this will do!  You won't believe how easy this is!  Can be done in about 30-40 minutes and thats with no prep work.  

Ingredients: 
1 can full fat Coconut Milk 
2-3 TB Green Curry Paste 
1 TB Garlic Powder
1-2 TSP grated ginger 
1 LB Chicken Breast (cut into cubes) 
1 Bag Frozen Broccoli


Directions:
Put the Coconut milk through the grated ginger in a dutch oven or large sauce pan and heat through for about 5 minutes on medium heat.  Add Chicken and cook for about 15 minutes.  Add Broccoli and cook until broccoli is warmed through (another 5-10 minutes).

Done!! 

Remember:  You can mix up the veggies in there.  Add some peppers and onions or spinach.. whatever you like!  Serve with rice or quinoa 

I served mine with quinoa and  pan fried plantains. 

 For Plantains:  Peel green plantains slice in half.  Put enough coconut oil in a skillet (medium heat) to lightly cover the bottom.  Slice plantains in half and fry a couple minutes each side.  Take out and place between 2 sheets of wax paper and flatten the plantains (I use a can to do this).  Put back in the skillet and fry a couple minutes on each side again until golden brown.  I sprinkle with salt and a little garlic powder

It's Been 2 Years?!

2 years ago around this time, I made a decision that changed my life.....

 Although this choice I made has so many other aspects that has helped me in my life, Im only going to dive into one.

2 years ago I became a Beachbody Coach.  I know, you're probably thinking - oh geez here we go, but let me tell you.. I was a skeptic.  I joined as a coach because I was passionate about helping people to reach their weight loss goals.  Beachbody had the total package with a workout program, a dense dose of nutrition with Shakeology, a private challenge group for support and motivation, a chance for me to make meal plans for my challengers, and I could help them 1 on 1 through it all!  The only downfall, I had not tried the programs yet.  I was a gym rat and I decided to only supplement with the Beachbody programs.  Although I did see results, inside I wasn't a complete believer - I needed to just do Beachbody programs to prove to myself anyone can do this!

I found out I was pregnant with my son in this picture and thought I was at my top shape! 

Enters God - Which who am I kidding, HE was always there!
My hubby and I got unexpected orders to Hawaii and set to arrive when my son was 7 weeks old.  I was scared.  I was going to have to live in a hotel for months and the local gym wouldn't take my son till he was 6 months.  This is the moment when I had to trust the Beachbody way.  Let me tell you - I was never disappointed.

For years I had spent hours in the gym and while seeing results I have now realized I was wasting a bunch of time too.  During this past year I have at most worked out 45 minutes but for the most part its just been 30 minutes.  I really don't have time,  nor do I desire to do more!  I have kids, a job, and a house to take care of.. I need fast and effective.  While I have dabbled in multiple programs (P90X3, Chalean Extreme, Body Beast, Piyo).. the true game changer has came with 21 Day Fix.  A portion control container system that teaches you how to build a balanced plate and 30 minute effective workouts incorporating weights.  The regular Fix and the Fix Extreme have really changed my life.  Let's face it, we all have nutrition struggles!  I remember coming off of Whole30 and thinking I was at my peak of healthy - then I followed with 21 Day Fix (paleo Style) and I lost 5 lbs in the first week.  Why?!  No, I was not starving myself.  I was eating too many healthy fats and meat, which adds tons of calories.  Just by learning how to portion those better, I got closer to my goal.

My personal goal this year was to get in the best shape of my life and have a family fitness photo shoot.  I just reached my goal at 15 months postpartum and thanks to 21 Day Fix Extreme!  It really gave me that push I needed! So remember...

You can get in your best shape after kids, after 30, only working out 30 minutes a day, and without a gym membership.

Sign up below to help you get the result that I got!
Click here!

15 months postpartum with my second child.  Only working out 30 minutes a day! 

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!

Sweet Potato Tot Taco Bake

Ever go to make dinner and you have no clue what to make?

Yes, this is me often.  Mainly happens when I fail to menu plan, but good thing is I stumble onto recipes like this!  I Pinterest "sweet potato tater tot casserole" and came upon a yummy recipe from Pint Sized Treasures.  Tater Tot Nachos!  What?!  So I took this recipe and improvised with what I had on hand.  This is now a family favorite clean meal!  Yup, still keeping it clean although it feels like I'm indulging in serious comfort food! 

Ingredients: 

1lb. ground turkey
3 TB of Fiesta Lime Mrs. Dash Seasoning
1 TB Garlic powder
1/2 bag of frozen peppers and onions
1/2 c. tomato sauce
1 Bag Sweet Potato Tator Tots 
2 thin slices of cheddar cheese (or sprinkle shredded cheese)
Salt to taste

Directions: 

Preheat oven according to the directions on the bag of tator tots.  Cook the tots! 

While the tots are cooking;
Place ground turkey in skillet and brown.  Add the seasonings in and mix together.  Add the frozen peppers and tomato sauce and cook till the peppers are heated through.  Salt to taste.

Put the turkey mixture in a baking pan and place cooked tots on top.  Break up slices of cheese on top and place back in oven until the cheese is melted.  

TaDa!  Dinner is done! 

Let me know what you think!