My transformation story...

There is not much more personal to talk about for a woman than how she looks - more specifically her body. This may be the case for a man, but I'm not male so I really don't know! :) It's easy for me to talk about nutrition, how to feed my body, and the workouts that I love. It's not so easy for me to talk about how incredibly unhealthy I've been, and to point out my flaws and where I struggle. But, I think it's time for me to open up about my transformation story.

I've never been knows as the "skinny girl." As a young child, I was never overweight. I have always had a rounder face, and was always a little bit chubby. I thinned out as a cheerleader, but never lost my chubby cheeks. High school came, and so did the extra pounds. I went to an all-girl high school. I, along with the other girls, would get to school and grab breakfast. Breakfast would ussually consister of a Dr. Pepper and some powdered donuts. I remember a friend of mine driving me to school and we would each get 2 packs of Burger King's Cini-minis. (My stomach hurts just thinking about this!) Once lunch time came, if it wasn't pizza, baked potato, or chicken nugget day then I hit up the vending machine for chips, a candy bar, and another soda. Of course, I gained weight pretty rapidly. I had absolutely no clue how to feed myself properly. At home, my mom always cooked very healthy foods and refused to get any junk food. In my mind, all food was created equal. At this point I had done a few 5k's, but I was more of a walker than a runner.

Let's fast forward to 2011. At this point, I was going through a divorce. I needed something to embrace to keep myself busy. I wanted a healthy habit. I was fond of exercising at this point, but I still didn't know a lot about nutrition and I was definitely not a runner. I got the idea in my head that I wanted to be able to run a 5k. I started a training plan and much to my surprise I quickly was able to run the full 3.1 miles. I then decided I wanted to be able to run a half-marathon. Through out my training and dealing with injuries during training, I was able to learn so much about nutrition and how it affects my body. Along this journey I learned about my intolerance with gluten and about the power of protein.

Life got busy with being a single mom, graduate student, having a full time job, and having a parent that was sick with cancer. It was getting harder and harder for me to get to the gym and get a decent workout in. The kiddo had homework, and by the time that was finished it was just too late to get to the gym. A friend of mine was a Beach Body coach and introduced me to my first program - Slim in 6. I completed it pretty quickly, because I had been doing fitness boot camps. Next I did p90x, and finally I found (and fell in love with) Turbo Fire. If you've been reading PLPB for a while, then you know I just LOVE Turbo Fire! In a matter of about 5-6 months, I went from a solid size 12, to a very small size 6. Yes, it was due to Turbo Fire, but it was also due to MINDFUL nutrition. The following pictures show the transformation. The first one was in November of 2011. I was well in to my running at this point, but my diet hadn't changed. The second picture was once I started focusing on my nutrition, drinking Shakeology, increasing my protein intake, and using Turbo Fire. This is such a good remind to me that it doesn't matter where you are in your own fitness journey, as long as you are ON the journey then that's what counts. Respect the process, and love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle.

Turbo Fire: Day 2

Today is day 2 with my Turbo Fire program. Before my work out, I had my morning weigh-in. Down 1.8 lb ALREADY! What? Yes, I'm sure. I weighed myself several times to make sure it wasn't a fluke and it wasn't my eyes playing tricks on me early in the morning. That was just the encouragement I needed for my workout today AND to follow through with clean eating.

Today's workout was HIIT 15, followed up with Stretch 10. HIIT 15 is a fast up and down workout. For 15 minutes, you give your all. It has your body burning fat at a higher rate than traditional aerobic workouts. The difference is when you push yourself in a HIIT workout, you're working at a higher intensity. When you give your all and push yourself, then your body is working at a anaerobic rate (as opposed to aerobic). After that, I was out of breath. WHOA! The 10 minutes of stretching was AMAZING for my body. It was such a treat.

My workout was followed up with my own speciality - a Peanut Butter Mocha Protein Frappucino. I have an insane love for Starbucks drinks. There is no Starbucks where I live, and it doesn't quite fit in to my healthy eating (aside from the occasional treat).

Peanut Butter Mocha Protein Frappucino

1 scoop vanilla protein shake mix
1 scoop chocolate protein shake mix
1 tb peanut butter
1 cup chilled coffee
1/2-1 cup unsweetened, vanilla almond milk
1/2-1 cup ice

Combine all of the ingredients in to your mixer. Blend. Pour. Enjoy.


Today's Workout
Turbo Fire: HIIT 15
Turbo Fire: Stretch 10

Today's Meals
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Mocha Protein Frappucino
Snack: hardboiled eggs
Lunch: baked garlicky chicken and veggies
Dinner: Turkey Chili and a salad



Clearly, I am eating a lot of leftovers. :)

Turbofire: Day 1

I know I've raved about Turbo Fire for a couple of years now, because I've got incredible results in the past. Well, I'm back at it! I have decided to go through the full Turbo Fire program, again. Today was the first day, and I've got to say I feel AWESOME!

Over the past year, I made the decision to nix the scale. I've read a lot of blogs where women swore off the scale and have never felt better. They felt so attached to the number on the scale and the regular weigh-ins. Last year, I thought that just might be a great fit for me. So, over the year I've been slightly conscious of my foods and blissfully unaware of my weight. My clothes felt a bit tighter, but I wasn't quite sure if it was all in my head. After all, I had no frame of reference since I literally tossed my scale out the door. (Okay, I didn't literally toss it. I did, however, give it away.)

All of the questions about my weight and if this method "worked" well for me came to a head last night. Before beginning a Beach Body program (or a program of any type), it's best to take before photos, measurements, and your beginning weight. I had taken my "before" pictures and then stepped on the scale. Low and behold, over the past year I've gained about 15 lbs. That's so not cool and so not healthy. While some may see the scale is a ball and chain, I see it as accountability. Not only did my regular weigh-ins keep my in check with my progress, but it also probably (definitely) made me more conscious of the the kinds and amounts of foods I was eating.

That being said, I also think the past year of me just focusing on how I felt and not stressing as much was a good thing for me. I gained a healthier mindset about my body. Seeing a weight gain at any other point in life would have probably sent me to tears and in to mini-meltdown mode. Last night, there was not a tear in sight! I decided to just take the bull by the horns.

All of that brings me to today... at 5:15 my alarm went off. I dragged myself out of bed and grabbed my coffee. Yes, I drink (black) coffee before my workouts. :) I have to tell you, I hammered out the schedule workout today. It was awesome! I had to stop a few times, because I've been sick lately. I haven't worked out in a week and I had a chest cold that hit me pretty hard. Aside from starting Turbo Fire today, I also started a low carb/high protein meal plan. Weight loss is 80% diet, and 20% exercise (I've also heard 70/30, but you get the picture). "Abs are made in the kitchen." I am a girl that LOVES her some carbs. Granola, oatmeal, fruit, trail mix, muffins, more granola, etc etc. I don't believe in banishing the food group, but I do believe it's role in my diet needs to be downplayed.

So far today, everything has gone well. And I'm not tired from having far less carbs. I'm pretty pumped, actually.



Today's Workout

Turbo Fire: Fire 30
Turbo Fire: Stretch 10

Today's Meals

Pre-workout: Coffee
Breakfast: Coffee Protein Shake
Snack: Hardboiled eggs
Lunch: Baked chicken and veggies
Snack: Green monster protein shake
Dinner: Turkey chili and eggs
Snack: Sausage (took some off my son's plate... it hit the spot!)

A few of my favorite things: Fitness Programs

I often get asked about my favorite programs and Shakeology flavors from Beachbody. I've compiled my list below of my favorites. All of the programs are wonderful, but these are simply my personal favorites.

Fitness Programs

The list of my favorite programs is growing. They are great, because they work! Beachbody offers programs for people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. I encourage everyone to check out the Challenge Packs offered when you purchase a program. Challenge packs offer the program and a 30-day supply of Shakeology for a lesser price than if you bought them individually. You can also enter the Beachbody Challenge for your chance to win a cash prize. Lose weight, get in shape, AND  an have an opportunity to win money? I'll take it!

• All Beachbody Challenge Packs

• Turbo Fire

• Focus T25

• P90X3

• Slim in 6

• P90X

My story

I joined Beachbody as a customer several years ago when a friend of mine asked me to join his Slim in 6 Challenge Group. I got my membership and ordered my Slim in 6 Challenge Pack. While I had already been on my fitness track, I gained so much emotional and mental strength from the challenge group. From my coach to my fellow challengers, I was primed and ready to tackle my nutrition and fitness!

Over the past couple of years, I've continued to use Beachbody programs like P90X and Turbo Fire. Our body compositions are based 10% on exercise, 10% on genetics, and 80% on nutrition. WOW! Along with my clean eating, I incorporate Shakeology in to my diet. It packs an amazing nutritional punch, and it's the healthiest meal of my day. I'm so busy, it's great to know I'm still fueling my body properly.

After boasting about Beachbody  products, I finally decided to become a Beachbody Independent Coach. This not only increased my own accountability, but it also helped fuel my passion to help others on their journey and get paid for it. What I love about coaching is that my assistance is completely free. I don't charge people to guide them along their journey, just like I provide my own tips and recipes on Piece Love and Peanut Butter for free. I have a passion for helping others and a passion for fitness.

I've lost about 25 pounds with the help of Beachbody programs like Turbo Fire and P90X. Being a single mom, it's hard to get to the gym. Thankfully, I can get a powerful workout at home and not have to worry about my little one. As a Beach Body Coach, I don't have to worry about childcare to teach others about taking control of their own health and reach their goals. I can do it from my home!

If you are interested in joining my Beachbody Team as a Coach or to get free fitness and nutrition advice from me, visit my Team Beach Body Coach page. Join with the free membership - there's nothing to lose!

2014 Resolution: Increased Health and Fitness

I love the new year, as it often is a time for people to focus on their health.This is wonderful, but sometimes I wish people had the right mindset about it. I wish people would focus on their health as a WHOLE and their fitness as a WHOLE instead of looking at the numbers on the scale.  Of course weight can be affected by a person's fitness level, but it is not a telltale measurement of health. For me, it's easier to focus when I don't worry about the clothing sizes and numbers. When I remind myself that food is fuel and I think about my cells, muscles, lungs, bones and other aspects of me that are all affected by my health. When your journey to fitness is put into perspective; where you are looking at your physical, mental, and emotional health, then you are building the groundwork for long-term changes. 

As you start out, remember each body is made differently. Do not compare your physical attributes and capabilities to that of another person. Aside from the fact that this isn't healthy, it also isn't realistic. It is difficult at times not to compare yourself, especially if you are a competitive person. If you find yourself in the comparison junkyard, then turn your mindset around! Turn that comparison into an inspiration. Instead of beating yourself up because you can't do the same amount of push-ups as your friend, set a goal for yourself to be able to do X number of push-ups. Instead of looking at fitness models and feeling awful about yourself, use that as inspiration and a reminder as to why you are focusing on your own fitness goals. We all have to start somewhere, so don't be upset if you are first beginning this journey. Each person has a different level of fitness and your goal is to increase yours. Focus on you. You are who YOU are and that's what makes you special. Simply strive to be YOUR best.

If you are interested in starting your own journey and don't know were to start. Or maybe you simply want to change up your current routine - then I would love to be your personal fitness coach with Beach Body. I have several challenge groups beginning in 2014 - Turbo Fire, P90X3, and T25. Contact me or go ahead and pick your program and I'll be in contact with you!

Today is the last day for the P90X3 special - perfect timing for my challenge groups starting Jan 6th!

Turbo Girl

I have been missing my Turbo Fire program, lately. As you know, I have been doing a P90X and Turbo Fire Hybrid. I've decided I might just be a Turbo Girl at heart, because I've missed my dancey workouts every day! So, I decided to start Turbo Fire ALL over again from Day 1. I've got my BEST results from Turbo Fire. It's a lot of cardio, HIIT workouts, and it definitely builds and tones your muscles. Yesterday was Day 1 with Fire 30 and Stretch 10. I also tacked on Ab Ignitor, which was a bonus DVD that came with my program. I woke up this morning and I couldn't wait to roll out of bed for my HIIT workout. That's what I love so much about these programs - you aren't doing the same workout over and over. So, forget muscle memory! Programs like Turbo Fire will keep your muscles guessing and your metabolism on fire! Also, like many people, workouts can be largely a mental battle. That's why I went back to the full Turbo Fire program, because it's so fun to me!

Aside from effectiveness, people often ask me about cost associated with programs. These programs are something you can do over and over again - just like I am! Aside from the convenience and results, you don't have to worry about monthly fees or memberships expiring at your local club. 

 Chalene Johnson, who is the creator of Turbo Fire, has a line of workout attire called "Turbo Wear." I must have this shirt!

2014 is right around the corner...

so here is to a new year and a NEW YOU! At the end of each year, I find myself looking back at the events over the year and wondering what the upcoming one has in store for me. I'm sure many people do this, but it is still awe inspiring to look at our struggles and triumphs and how He has seen us through it all. Last year, I was in Dubai and reflecting over my mom's sickness through the years and the loss of her in 2012. This year I find myself looking at how strong my family has become and our faith has endured the storms, and also how drastically my life has changed in the past 12 months. I went from being a technical writing in corporate America to a school teacher in 2013. In 2013, I also found myself in the best shape of my life - literally. None of it has been easy, but all of the babysteps were a part of a long journey. I couldn't be happier than I am right now, my career, my family, etc are all where God wants us (right now). 

In 2014, I aim to focus quite a bit more on my overall health. Does that mean losing weight? Yes, but that's not my primary goal. I just want to be FIT and HEALTHY. I learned my son may have some more food intolerances, so that pushes me even further to be the best role model for him I can be. This focus is also not just for me, but for helping others. All of that being said, I am excited to have SEVERAL challenge groups starting January 2nd! I am SUPER excited one of these is P90X3 - which is released TODAY! I love P90X, but sometimes I don't have time for an hour-long workout. P90X3 is 30 minutes! I also will have a T25 and Turbo Fire group, too. You can JOIN my groups and workout from the comfort of your home. That's one thing I love about Beach Body progress, the recent winter weather did NOT deter my workouts. Gym, shym! :) 

Sign-up up for a FREE membership with me as your coach on my site, http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/pieceloveandpb. Send me a message, if you would like, or I will contact you about my upcoming groups! :)