Shauna's Thoughts: A guide to a Summer BBQ

 

Would you believe that it is already July?  Summer will be gone before we know it.  Not only is
Independence day quickly approaching, it is on a Saturday of all days.  I don't know about you but Saturday's I usually reserve for my cheat meal day. Yes it sometimes turns into an entire day, but I have goals you see, and I can't just keep taking cheat days. It is a delicate balance of life that I am trying to achieve.  I feel as thought every weekend since May has been loaded with events, family get together, catching up with friends, carnivals, parades, BBQ's and birthdays.  Have I maintained a steady results with my progress so far? Yes. Could I have achieved more if I would have tightened up the reigns a bit? Yes. So you see, I have to go into this Saturday with a plan of attack in order for me to stay on track.  I have created a list of tips for myself to help me make good choices for the 4th, while still being able to enjoy the festivities and company of friends and family.

 

Before I get to my list, I have a few things I really wanted to share!  First I want to officially announce that Jenni and I were asked to be Coaches for the Summer Session at our Farrell's location!  I will be coaching 4:30, and Jenni will be coaching 5:30.  Jenni and I are so excited to start, we have already started planning challenges, and trying to incorporate challenges between our class times!  I am personally  honored and blessed to be given the opportunity to lead a new group of 10 weekers.  Again, I have to thank my husband for pushing me into this journey.  I have been able to turn myself into a butterfly, not only physically, but mentally as well.  If it weren't for that push I wouldn't have found something I am truly passionate about.  Now I get to further my journey at FXB and spread my enthusiasm, passion, and help someone else grow into a butterfly! So get ready 4:30 we have big things  planned for the Summer Session.

The Second thing I wanted to share was my progress pictures thus far.  

I cannot wait to see what the next 10 weeks brings.  

 

 

 Here are 5 tips I am going to use this 4th of July weekend to help me stay on track.

 

1) Exercise:  I am going to get my fitness on in the morning to start my day off right.  Do at least 30 - 45 min of Cardio to get that body off to a good start.  Even if its just talking  a walk around the neighborhood, do something!  Get up and get that body moving!

 

 

2) Hydration: Water, water, water... drink up buttercups.  If you plan to have a few alcoholic beverages later on in the day, you will want to add some extra ounces of water to your daily intake.

3) Food: The hardest thing for me to do on the weekends is log my food.  Have a plan for the day and log it out. That way you will know where you might be able to spare a few carbs/proteins here and there to incorporate your special holiday meal.

 

4) Portion Size:  I love BBQ's because there are always tons of different foods that I don't eat very often.  My first instinct is to load my plate up with as much as I can.  Think SMALLER PORTIONS!  By getting smaller portions of all the goodies, you will be able to try more of them without feeling bloated and guilty for overindulging.  

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

5) Alcohol:  Know what you are drinking.  There are so many hidden calories, carbs, and sugars in those yummy delicious alcoholic beverages. This is why planning ahead and logging your food will help determine a good option for your day. Another good tip is to drink water between your alcoholic beverage choice.  It will help you stay hydrated, keep you full, and slow the drinking down! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July weekend! Make memories, share stories, have fun, fuel your bodies, and be safe.  Leave a comment and share some tips that you do to keep yourself on track during a holiday get together, I would love more ideas. 

 

Keep Inspiring ~Shauna~

Me? Competitve?...Nah!!! ok! Yeah!!!!

                               

Its true! You really are your biggest competition! My most satisfying "win's" against my biggest competition have been the those accomplishments I told MYSELF over and over that I COULDN'T do and then DID!!!

I have debated doing this post for quite sometime, but my fellow "Inspiring Journey" blogger finally convinced me that since we were coming of another 10 week competition now might be a good time.  So here it goes.  Here it goes at the risk of sounding like the biggest, brattiest baby.  But before I go to much further let me start by saying, YES I am major competitive.  Not sure why or how.  It has been a good thing and thing.  It has made people absolutely hate me and it has inspired others.  I guess its all in how you take it.  But please know that just because I am competitive I also have huge heart and feelings and genuinely care about people.  Especially the people I find myself in competition with! In my head, at the moment, I may want to squash them like a bug but in all actuality I am thankful that they too see me as competition and are giving me a run for my money :)

                       

Ok, with that said he comes my bratty story.  And how being competitive not only just about ruined everything, but also might have saved me as well...(but this is part of my "inspiring journey" right?)

So at the gym both Shauna and I go to they have a 10 week body transformation competition.  Whoever does the most transforming in that 10 week session wins $1000.  So, when I joined Farrell's THIS was my goal.  Yeah yeah yeah, I was going to lose weight, I was going to change the way I eat, hey and I might gain a little muscle, but I WAS GOING TO WIN THIS!! And for me it wasn't so much about the money, as much as it was about having the "title" and having the "title" in a fitness competition of all thing!! So, during my 10 weeks I became VERY close friends some of my 10 week team.  At the end I genuinely just wanted someone from our "group" to win. (I honestly thought one of the three guys had the best chance of all of us). When we arrived at the "winner announcement" party and pictures were handed out mine looked ok, and just about as good as anyone elses, or so I thought.  So time came and the announced the top 3.  Ladies and Gentlemen, my name WAS NOT called!  WHAT??!! I didn't even make top 3!!  Yep, it was true.  But my friend Shauna DID win and honestly at that moment I was beyond happy for her.  I was beyond happy that someone from out "group" had won!  I jumped and screamed and clapped and hugged and then.... bratty, competitive Jenni reared her ugly head!!!

Ok, so lets back up a bit. 


When I started this 10 weeks my goal was to win.  I knew the only way that I was going to be able to do that is if I did EVERYTHING I could.  I needed to eat right EVERY day.  I needed to workout EVERY day and not just show up at the gym, BUT give the gym my highest level.  That was what I was going to do.  That was how I was going to win this competition.  If I didn't win this competition at least I knew that I gave it my very all that I made every sacrifice I could have made.  So this is what I did.  I showed up EVERY day.  I worked hard EVERY day.  On the one day the gym was closed, I worked out that day too.  I kept my nutrition on point and only took 3 cheat MEALS during the whole 10 weeks.   I worked so hard.  So come announcement night, when my name wasn't even called (along with 100+ other names of people who worked their tails off) for the top 3 my spirit was broken a little.  I did have someone come up and say to me "you were in the top 5" And while I smiled politely and thanked them inside I was saying "Yeah, well what does top 5 get ya...a big fat NOTHING"  It wasn't until a couple weeks later when my head cleared that I realized what being top 5 did get me! (I'll get to that in a bit)



I went to work the next day in tears.  How could this happen?  I worked my butt off.  So what did I do.  Exactly what my biggest competition (ME!) wanted me to do.  I threw a hissy fit.  I ate anything and AND a piece of cake FROM my work cafeteria.  Yes, I continued to attend Farrell's everyday, but not giving my workout my highest lever for sure.  Plus, I'd walk by Shauna's picture everyday with the thankful thought I didn't have a sharpie to draw a mustache and horns on her pictures. I'd roll my eyes at the mention of "There's a $1000 winner in the house" ugh it was killing me (and honestly, it probably was), Then one day my good friend Shanon sent me the sweetest text and snapped me out of it.  (not sure what I'd do without that girl) I realized this had NOTHING to do with Shauna, this had NOTHING to do with Farrell's it was about me and I was RUINING all my work that I had done in the last 10 weeks by being the biggest brat.  I HAD to snap out of it!

                
                              
                        
 My competition with myself was NOT over.  Yes, the Farrell's competition was done, but I still had/have a lot of work left to do.  And my competition constantly tells me that I will not win.  OH YES I WILL!!!!! 

So what did coming in the top 5 give me?  Way more than I will ever be able to explain in words.  it gave me the ability to chose foods that are good for my body. (by the way, after eating the crap I did for the week I was being a brat I ended up getting very sick and I am pretty sure it was all because of the nasty foods I chose to eat.  I didn't eat anything that would have helped my body fight off the nasty sinus infection I ended up with) During my 10 weeks (I think week 5) I went below 200lbs for the first time in 12 years.  I fit into a pair of jeans I had been holding onto for over 15 years.  I caught my husband staring a little bit longer than he had in a long time.  I held my head higher.  I felt better.  I could move better.  I could play with my kids easier. I made some of my best friends in that 10 weeks.  This is what coming in the top 5 has given me.  Sometimes I think, how dare I even want more than that but the competitive part of me thinks I bet there is more than that.... push yourself and lets see!!!

Competition in good.  Don't let it ruin you.  Let it drive you.  Let it push you. Let it be the reason you don't give up, not this time!!!

Shauna's Thoughts: Fitting Rooms

Fitting rooms... I loath them.  The lighting is always horrible, the mirrors I swear are the kinds you would see in a fun house, and the rooms are so small I start to get claustrophobic. Every time I bring in a pile of clothes into the room, my first instinctive thought is "These are never going to fit me, why am I even bothering."  I have had such a bad relationship with myself that I have ingrained into my brain that nothing ever fits.  We look into the mirror and when we don't see what society has deemed as perfect, we start to beat ourselves up by saying horrible things. Fat, ugly, thunder thighs, cow stomach, stretch marks, cellulite, saggy skin, bat wings, muffin top, cankles... the list goes on.  When we are looking into the mirror saying these horrible things to ourselves day after day we start to believe it.


Lucky for me my job requires a uniform that they provide, so no need to be fancy there. If I am not at work, I am at Farrell's or at home and I wear workout pants and a t-shirt (I'm really a great catch). All of the other normal clothing I own like jeans and dresses just don't fit...they are either too big, too small, or  very outdated.

Recently I have had three occasions where yoga pants and a superhero t-shirt were not going to cut it.   I had to face my anxiety and fear and go shopping somewhere other than Wal-Mart.  Maybe it's because since having my son, (who is now four years old) that I just lost interest in dressing up and wearing real clothes. I'm going to blame it on the inventors of yoga/work-out pants, because once you try on a pair of really comfy, soft,  stretchy yoga pants you can never go back to jeans. Ever.  Either way, I have lost the art of putting together a complete outfit. Where are Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear when you need them?  They are amazing stylists who can make any girl (or guy) of any size or shape, feel like a million bucks.



I put my big girl pants on and faced the shopping centers and the fitting rooms.  Now that I have lost over 30 pounds, I honestly didn't even know what size I was.  As I walked into these shops I instantly felt like everyone was watching me and judging me.  I felt as if they were thinking "Why is she even in this store? She looks like she belongs in a barn.  She will never fit into anything in this store she is way too big for these clothes. She is clueless and awkward..."  Of course this was all in my head.  Nobody even looked my way, and a few of the clerks even helped me pick out some things to try on.  My point is, here is another instance where when we don't feel like we fit this idea of perfection, we (or maybe it's just me) start to have all of these irrational fears and thoughts of what everyone else will think or say.

So here are some things I have recently learned when shopping

 (I'm still working on some of these myself)

1) Have an idea of what you are going to be shopping for.  What occasion is it for, and will it be appropriate for that occasion.  When I was trying on dresses for a wedding we had to attend, I tried on about 8 dresses.  The one I instantly liked was a long cheetah print dress... however my husband brought me back to reality.  "Do not get the cheetah print one, this is a wedding, and you are not from Jersey" he said.  So even though I really thought that was the dress for me, I had to keep looking for something more appropriate.

2) Don't let the size number on the clothing item have control of who you are.  Every store is different and all size 12's are not made the same, just like all size Mediums are not  made the same.  The type of fabric, cut, and manufacture will all play a factor into how the clothing fits. This is why most of us dread trying on clothes.  That stupid number on the back of my pants can flip my emotional meter into a frenzy in a matter of seconds.  When you try something on that doesn't fit and it is the "size" you think you should fit in, it damages you mentally.  That's when we start to critique ourselves and say those horrible things about our bodies (see first paragraph)

3) To avoid this problem, I take 3 sizes of whatever clothing item I want to buy into the fitting room.  Small, Medium, Large....10, 12, 14...etc.  Then I choose whichever one truly fits my body.  I just bought two pairs of shorts the other day.  One was a size 12, and one was a size 14.  I don't care what the tag says all I know is they fit, they don't give me muffin top, and they don't squish my thighs out the bottom like sausages.  I haven't worn shorts in over a year, so needless to say I was so excited. I actually felt good in the shorts.  Instead of saying something negative about my body, I looked into the mirror and said, " Girl look at those quad muscles starting to come in".

4) This brings me to my final tip.  Let's build a better positive body image of ourselves.  Our bodies are like a canvas, they show the story of our life. Most of us all have things we want to work on, or things that we wish we could change about our bodies, but we need to embrace what we have.  My stomach looks like a baby tiger attacked it, and I only had one child.  I have had stretch marks on my thighs since middle school. My chest is non existent now since I have lost weight, bye bye boobies! That's OK though.  This is my journey and I am still working on my final product.

Even as I write this, I think about it being summer and how I have yet to get into my swimsuit.  That is definitely out of my comfort zone.  See what I mean, I'm working on this positive thinking thing too.  This week was getting into shorts, and that was a big deal for me.  I don't know if I see a swimsuit in the near future, but I will take baby steps and start saying nicer things to myself.  I encourage all of you to get into a positive mind frame.

Keep Inspiring ~Shauna~

Shauna's Thoughts: Back To Basics

May has turned out to be a very crazy month for myself. First my Grandmother went into the hospital and I am really the only one here to help visit and bring her clothes and necessities she may need.  Then my husband and I made the decision to move into my Grandma's house in order to prepare her home for her return.  She will also need assistance once she is finally release. Trying to plan and execute my sons 4th birthday party, and try to settle him into the new house. Plus trying to balance my work and Farrell's schedules around all of this has really put my nutrition into a bit a jumble. My weigh-ins at Max Muscle have still been really good even in the chaos, but I know that my nutrition is starting to slip. I have been down this road too many times before, and I don't plan to continue going toward this dark path. So, as life is starting to settle back into normalcy, I am grabbing my ticket to getting back to basics. NUTRITION will be the key!  You can spend hours exercising and working out, but if you don't have your nutrition locked down you will never make progress.

Everyone has bad days, that turn into bad weekends, that turn into bad weeks, or even possibly turn into bad months.  That's life and it happens. We can't beat ourselves up for being human. What we can do is think about how far we have come and get back on track. I'll say it again,  let's get back to basics.  Write down your goals for the next month, break it down into weeks if that helps. Post it somewhere you will see it everyday. Plan your meals for the day or better yet the week! Water water water...this is something I have not been doing enough of. Grab a friend to workout with, friends that sweat together stay together.  Now that it is getting nicer outside get off the couch and do something fun outside with the family!  Do not let one bad meal, one bad weekend, or even one bad week keep you down. You have come to far to let something so tiny smolder your flame. 

Last weeks goals!

So, who is with me? I challenge everyone to write down their goals for the next month. They don't need to be crazy goals, make the goals something you can achieve in a month. Then you won't feel pressured or discouraged and give up.  Some examples could be: Drinking at least 80oz of water a day. Cut back alcohol to one drink a week (better yet no alcohol for 30 days).  Same for soda. Do you have a sweet tooth? Use fruits to satisfy your cravings.  Be dedicated to using your food log... You get the point.  These small little changes  will make a big impact over time!  Make posters, collages, or keep a journal for inspiration. I finally had a few minutes last night to catch up on my Fitness Smash Book.  It helped me gain some much needed motivation by looking at all the progress I have already made.  So remember, if you slipped up or fell off the wagon and you're looking for a sign to get back on track....THIS IS IT! This is your sign.  I will not let you fail, you can do anything you put your mind to. How bad do you want it?

Keep Inspiring  ~Shauna~
 

Weekly Motivation: Don't give up!

Well, Jenni and I continue to have a crazy month of May.  Motivation Monday has just turned into "Weekly Motivation".  Like I mentioned before, on this segment, we want to feature and interview someone who inspires us.  I was finally able to sit down with a wonderful woman named Carol Wisecarver.  She is a role model, an inspiration, and a true legend at our Farrell's location.  After my first kickboxing class with Carol, I knew this lady meant business.  That class is defiantly in my top five of hardest workouts I have done so far!

Carol Wisecarver

In January 2009 Carol saw a commercial on T.V. for a new workout facility in Omaha that was based on cardio kickboxing.  She had taken a few kickboxing classes in the past and decided to check it out.  Little did she know that by taking her first step into the building, she would become an FXB lifer.  Within the first five weeks of her first ten week session, Carol was asked if she would be interested in becoming an instructor.  From there on she was hooked.  Within the next few years she became part owner of the facility, to eventually owning the entire location! She fell in love with Farrell's for what the program does.  It creates a sense of community, instills confidence,  delivers great results, and challenges you to step out of your comfort zone.  While she loved what she was doing for people, by changing their lives and getting them healthy, she realized as an Owner she was starting to only see people as dollar signs.  She didn't like that feeling, so she sold her location to someone who would take just as much pride in the program as she did, and help Farrell's flourish in Omaha. Since then, Carol went back to instructing, and getting to do what she does best, inspiring others!  She is truly someone who cares about the success, and story of everyone she meets. 




Question and Answer Time:

Q: You look amazing.  Have you always been in good shape?
A: No, my family has a history of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.  This doesn't come naturally. 

Finishing the Lincoln 1/2 Marathon

Carol is always on the go, doing lots of different things to stay active.  Hiking, biking, running, and even sky diving.  When she started Farrell's she hated running just like many of us do, but she was focused and determined and she didn't give up.  Running became her therapy to help prepare her for the day ahead or to unwind and reflect on what the day brought.  Carol has done four 1/2 Marathons and it seems like she is always participating in some sort of fun run for the month.



Q: What motivates and inspires you to live such an active lifestyle?
A: My 23 year old Daughter.  I want to there for her and watch her grow in life.  I want to be a good role model for her and show her that we all make mistakes sometimes and that's OK.

Carol, who just turned 50 this year, said her father passed away in his 50's, this is another reason why she stays so active.  I'm going to do whatever she is doing cause I can only hope when I turn 50 I look as amazing as she does!


Q: Food. Tell me about your nutrition.
A: Meal prep is key. I drive to Lincoln every day for work and I have to prep my meals. Everyone knows if I don't get my lunch in, I'm no fun.  I use Fruit to satisfy my sweet cravings.

Working in Lincoln, and living in Omaha makes for a busy day for Carol.  She gets up really early every day and takes/teaches 5 a.m. (and most likely gets a run in I'm sure).  She gets all of her meals ready for her day,  and drives to Lincoln and back.  If she didn't have her lunches and snacks prepped and ready to go, she would fall into bad habits and probably choose more unhealthy options.  She says she likes to prep up grilled chicken, that way she can add it to her salads easily.




Q: Favorite go to snack?
A: Cliff Bars.

Q: What three words best describe you.
A:Focused, Determined, and Content

Q: What would you tell someone who is on the fence about starting a workout program.
A: JUST GET STARTED! Stay commited and DON'T GIVE UP!

I couldn't agree more Carol.  We all have to start somewhere.  If we give up and stop trying, we will never know what could have been.  It will be hard, it will suck sometimes, it will be frustrating, you will have good weeks and bad weeks, but if you don't keep pushing yourself you will just be in the same spot you are in now.  I have so many good motivational quotes for this one... take your pick :)

 

A big thanks to Carol for letting me steal some of her time to talk to her and ask her all of these questions.  Seriously though, Carol is a woman of strength, determination and a true inspiration to anyone who meets her. I don't know how this woman does all she does, but I am so thankful I get to be a part of her energy when she is in class.  Thanks for being awesome Carol!

Keep Inspiring
~Shauna~

Shauna's Thoughts: How to stay Motivated

Sorry we weren't able to get a Motivation Monday post done this week.  May has turned out to be quite hectic to both Jenni and I. We will have a great story for everyone next Monday.  I get to do a Q&A with the lovely Carol Wisecarver! She has been in the FXB world for a very long time, and I cannot wait to get her story. Until then, I thought I could share some ideas and tips on how I stay motivated.

#ONE 

Find your reason WHY.  Why did you start this journey in the first place?  

Did you just want to lose a few winter pounds? Did you have to lose the weight because of a medical reason? Were you just tired of the way you look and feel?  Were you tired of making promises to yourself and never followed through? Did you want to be healthier for your family?  There had to have been a reason WHY you started.  Write that reason down and put it somewhere where you will see it every day!

#TWO

 Don't do it alone! Get the entire family involved, do it with friends, or make friends with people who have the same goals.  Surround yourself with like minded people.  You will gain accountability, support, and you will have fun. This will give you a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk you off the ledge as you are about to eat that delicious doughnut, and give you some good competition!  All of which will keep you motivated and determined to keep going. 

#THREE

 Realize that Rome wasn't built in a day.  I didn't gain all my weight and get into all of my unhealthy habits in one day.  It took a year for me to gain back the 30+ pounds I had lost the previous year.  I was realistic and I knew I wasn't going to lose all the weight in one day either.  Remember there isn't a miracle pill or diet that will instantly make you skinny (well I mean I guess there is photo shop... JUST KIDDING). It will take hard work, perseverance, determination, accountability, and getting into the right mind set to see results. There will be good days and bad days, but don't give up just cause you had a bad day or week.  Get back up, call a friend and get back to it! 

#FOUR

 Do something you like to do, I have said this before.  I have never been successful in my weight loss because I never stuck to it.  Why?  Because there wasn't any passion in what I was doing.  Sure, I was dropping weight and looking better, but I hated going to the gym.  My husband will tell how I would dread going to the gym.  I would make any excuse possible to not go, and complain about the workouts he was giving me.  It wasn't until I found something that I enjoyed doing and became completely passionate (OK let's be honest...obsessed) about, that I have finally stuck with it.  Enjoying my fitness routine motivates me to go every day, and push myself harder and harder during every workout. It motivates me so much that I was refereed to as the "teachers pet" the other day.  Guess what?  I wear that with pride because I love what I do. Haters gonna hate ;)

#FIVE

Here's a sample of my Smash book

Keep a fitness journal or post inspirational quotes.  This is something that I also get made fun of for doing, but I don't care.  It keeps me motivated.  I started my fitness "Smash Book" when I started FXB at the beginning of this year.  I needed something that I could document my journey in.  I wanted something that I could look back to when I was feeling unmotivated, in a slump, or having one of those "bad days".  I absolutely love it and it doubles as a therapy session for me.  I love having a creative outlet.


                                                                         
#SIX
Don't let the number on the scale define you.  This one is hard for me to remember too.  I think as a society we have been trained to fit into a certain size jean, and stay with-in a certain number on the scale. We are all made differently, and we all come in different shapes and sizes.  Don't be discouraged by the numbers.  Look for improvements in your daily life.  Are you able to walk farther without losing your breath? Do you have more energy?  Are your clothes fitting better? Try taking measurements of your body every three months.  Maybe you didn't lose numbers on the scale, but you will be shocked when you realize you have lost inches on your body! Stay positive and keep going  refer back to #THREE!

Well those are some things that help me stay motivated.  Leave a comment below and tell us what keeps you motivated!  Just remember don't give up, it will take time and patience, but in the end it will be worth all of hard work.

Keep Inspiring
~Shauna~

I get by with a little help from my friends...

So your ready to do this.  Your ready to kick those unhealthy habits in the butt and get your "healthy on".  Where the heck do you start? How the heck do you start? As I mentioned before, when I first started losing weight I did so in a very unhealthy way.  Mainly, because I didn't know any different. And also, I had been pretty desperate.  I used to joke about how I may not be doing this right, and it may kill me, but at least I'll die skinny.  What a horrible way to live!!! The one thing I did do right however was my Zumba on Wednesday nights! I did with a group of friends.  This was not only the thing that got me moving in the first place, but made me realize that there was actually an exercise out there that I could do and not hate.  After each class a couple of friends from the class and I would talk for just 15 minutes before leaving about how well I was doing and what I could do differently.  These small little pep talks motivated me into the next day!
I also mentioned that when I started Farrell's, I did so because I friend asked me to.  This really changed our friendship.  Our friendship grew so much in those 10 weeks it was incredible.  Not only did our friendship grow, but we gained a whole new family of friends in our "team".  These are seriously a group of people I would consider some of my closest friends! AND I JUST MET THEM!! What makes this group so special.  They pushed me, motivated me, and held me accountable for every pound, for every bite I took, for every sit up I did, for every class I attended.  Without this group encouraging me I would NOT be where I am today.  I would NOT have the success story that I do. 
So with all that said, the first place to begin is with your friends! Find at least one person who not only has the same "FIT" goals in mind, but is willing to sacrifice the same things you are to achieve that goal.  I am very competitive, which helped me get my butt to the gym every day.  I DID not want the reason I didn't win (which I didn't by the way lol) this competition be because I didn't show up and give my all.  I didn't want to let my team down.  I felt obligated to attend every day and give 100% everyday.  I felt they were counting on me.  I wanted to make them proud.  They consistently told me how proud I was making them.  I believe I did the same for them.  And because of this I worked harder and harder. 
Before I started Farrell's I did workout by myself.  But I would go and hit the elliptical with intentions of going for an hour, but would then crap out at 30 minutes all the time.  One because it was pretty boring and two, no one would know.  Same with the Zumba classes I took.  I would go with the intentions of working as hard as I could, but if I got the slightest bit tired, I'd stop, and I really didn't have anyone there to give me the stare down and tell me to keep moving.  Once I got to know the instructors and regulars a little better this got a little better, but that took awhile. 
I am now doing our workout classes with my husband.  I am so excited about this because I know what this does to relationships. I am excited as to where this will take my relationship with my husband. 
Use your friends.  Help them get motivated to be healthy.  Watch your relationships grow.  Show them that you are not going to give up...not this time :)

Food & Fitness: Abdominals

This week we are shaping up our abs just in time for summer!  It's true abs are made in the kitchen!  Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition. We are going to give you some delicious recipes to try, and a killer abdominal workout to go with it.   

The challenge we are going to share is one that we have been doing at our Farrell's locations for a few weeks. Between our 10 week sessions our team needed a little something extra  Thanks to one of our awesome coaches (thanks Jenn) she shared the 300 Abs challenge with us. It's supposed to be the same workout that the cast from the movie 300 did to chisel out their amazing abs...so let's get to it.

  

Some of these are new exercises, so I have pictures on how to execute them...

*I have provided two versions of the Hip lift or Hip dip.  Either way is killer :)

Toe Touch Reverse

Hip lift orHip dips

Russian twistside V-ups

Pictures provided by: workoutlabs.com, hellawella.com, leanitup.com, & womenshealth.com

I challenge everyone to try this abs series every other day for a week and see how you feel! Even better, try to keep it going the entire month! You will be sore, but keep going you CAN DO IT!

You can do all the ab work you want to but unless you have that NUTRITION on point you are basically doing all that work for nothing.  

 

I am often asked "what do you eat in a day"?

As Shauna and I have both mentioned what works for the both of us is eating 6 small meals a day.  I really do my very best to make sure that I eat every three hours.  (I have even set myself a timer on days I know I will be super busy). After a while your body will get used to your schedule and will NEED to eat on that schedule.  So below is an example of what my "food log" might look like for one day.  I do prepare my food/meals and log the night before and try to really stick to what I have planned.  Now Farrell's has given me a good guideline of nutrition numbers to follow.  These numbers have been calculated specifically for me so depending on your size, and body fat percentage yours might be slightly different. Farrell's has some crazy scientific formula that's pretty perfect. :) The guideline I use is 35 carbs per meal and 20 protein per meal.

 

Meal 1: Whey Protein Shake

              Banana

(200 calories, 29g carbohydrates, 21g protein, 1.5g fat)

 

Meal 2: Special K Protein

              Skim Milk

(160 calories, 30g carbohydrates, 18g protein, 2g fat)

 

Meal 3: Chicken Breast (sliced in strips)

              Whole Grain Tortillia

               Lettuce

               Light Mayo

               (With these first four I make a yummy and filling wrap)

               Fresh Green Beans (which I honestly don't put in my count)

               Natural Applesauce (unsweetened)

(311 Calories, 36g of carbohydrates, 24g of protein, 8g of fat)

Meal 4: Quest Bar (My fave is the chocolate peanutbutter)

              V-8 Fustion Drink

(240 Calories, 38g carbohydrates, 20g of protein, 8g of fat)

 

Meal 5: Coconut Chicken Tenders (click on for link to recipe)

              Lettuce Salad with light Italian Dressing (Wishbone)

              1/2 piece of pita bread

(327 calories,  30.7g of Carbohydrates, 30g protein, 9.4g Fat)

 

Meal 6: 2- skim milk cheese sticks

             Triscuits

              12- Raw Almonds

(280 Calories, 26 Carbohydrates, 18g Protein, 15g Fat)

 

This is pretty much what my day looks like, especially a day at work.  Its a very simple and quick combination of food.  To be honest I eat just about the same thing everyday.  Just makes life easier. Of course this isn't perfect.  As you can see some of my meals are missing a few carbs or have too many.  I am still trying to learn the balance myself.  But with these meals and my 80oz of water I am seriously NEVER hungry or really ever crave anything else. 

 

Also, Here is a great Post workout snack (you know, after you get done doing the killer 300 ab workout)

 

These No Bake energy bites are perfect to give you a nice re-boost and satisfy that chocolate craving!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
• 1/3 cup honey or agave nectar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extrct

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
2. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
3. Makes about 20-25 balls.

(231 Calories, 14.1g fat, 24.6g Carbohydrates, 4.5g protein)

 

 

 

 Enjoy!!! We'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment or subscribe to our blog down at the bottom of this page.

Our page views have been pretty overwhelming.  Shauna and I are so unbelievably thankful that you take a few minutes to read our post. Thanks for all your support!!

              

 

 

Shauna's Thoughts: My Favorite Things

Hello everybody!   For My Thoughts Wednesday I want to talk about some of my favorite things. These things are a must in my every day routine, and some of them I have just started to use and love!  I hope this will bring you some inspiration to try new things :)


1) A good dependable water bottle.  My daily go to bottle is the Blender bottle.  Most fitness junkies know what this is, but if you don't it is a life saver.  They are good for water, juice, and tea but I use mine to blend up my pre-work out and protein powders. They come in many styles and colors, they are BPA and Phthalate free, re-usable, and dishwasher safe.  Whatever water bottle you choose, make it a good dependable one, because this should basically be glued to you at all times. Water, water, water....all day every day.

2) Quest Bars.  This is THE. BEST. PART. OF. MY. DAY.  It's like I get to eat a delicious treat every single day... and it's nutritious. They come in an variety of flavors perfected to satisfy that 2 O'clock snack attack.  My favorite bar is the Cookies & Cream flavor.  I also like, Double Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Supreme, and Coconut Cashew.  They are usually 20grams of Protein,  22 - 25 grams of Carbs, high in Fiber, and are Gluten Free.  They make other products as well so check out their website questnutrtion.com and you will be able to see all of the nutrtion facts.

3) Here's a new favorite, P28 breads.  These are High Protein (28grams per serving) breads and my favorite are the Bagles.  Now that I am able to eat bagles again :), no cream cheese of course, they are awesome to make sandwiches with.  Today I made a delicious turkey and provolone sammie. Check out P28Foods.com for other products, and recipes.

4) My food log is a daily must. I use My Fitness Pal for all of my food logging and nutrient tracking.  I cannot stress enough how important keeping a food log has been for my weightloss journey.  The good and the bad, it all goes in there.  I try to plan a day ahead, that way I can see how my carbs/proteins/fats are stacking up for each meal. It helps me make sure I am getting all my nutrition in for the day to keep me accountable.  If I have to many "not so good days" I can look back and see what I need to do to re-balance my nutrtion and get back on track. You can also add friends and check out what kind of delicious meals they are coming up with! You can find me on My Fitness Pal by searching user name: sunnypacz19.

5) My Polar fitness watch is my heart rate monitor and my calorie counter.  There are a million types of these watches out there like the Fitbit, Jawbone...etc. My husband got me the Polar watch about two years for my birthday and I love it.  It keeps track of my workouts, heart rate, and you can also download the phone app to track your running/walking sessions.  I think investing in some type of fitness watch is good, because again, it will keep you accountable and monitor your progress.

6) Lastly, my workout is my favorite part of my day.  As you probably know by now I live life at level 10.  I am a Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping nut and proud of it.  This is my 45 minutes part of the day that is mine.  I get to relieve the stress of the day, challenge myself, see my friends, get away from being an adult, and to not worry about anything except what I need to reach my level 10 for the day.  I'm not saything this is the only thing that works, this is just what works for me. The key here is I LOVE FARRELLS.  Find something you love and become passionate about it.  Kickboxing, running, biking, lifting weights, Zumba, dancing, doing Beach Body DVD's at home, Yoga, or playing a sport, whatever it is just move your body! Get up and get active.  If you enjoy your workout you will have a better chance of sticking to it.

So there are a few of my favorite must haves.  Let me know in the comments below if you have some go to foods, snacks, or fitness things you love and cannot live without! You can also find me on instagram ( it is another favorite thing of mine) @sunnypacz.  I post alot of my meals and my life on there.  Thanks for making Inspiring Journey part of your day.

~Shauna~