About Me

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The way I see it, the time is NOW... for change to come & happiness, health & strength to be found. As of 2012, this has only changed in the way that I have stumbled upon an amazing at home business venture that has given me the avenue to ACTUALLY help transform peoples lives. Funny thing is, that's been my goal all along. So now I not only share who I am here but what I do. The fact is that anyone of you can actually find your happiness & success thru allowing the right connections to occur in your life. If you are on my blog... you made it here because you are looking to shift, strive, smile &/or change. Well now, I can help guide you to do any & all of the above thru personal motivation, life changing products with an outstanding reputation & LONG list of testimonials, substantial savings with our shopping annuity & incredible business opportunities to actually call your own... While never having to leave the security of your current J O B! Never be afraid to give something you know nothing about a chance; at least to hear about it. Then you can make an educated decision to pass it up not an ignorant one. The opportunities exist.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Well... I simply HAVE to share... today the scale actually showed 1?4lbs !!!!!! I cannot believe it!!! Truly thought that I would never see anything lower than 1?6 that I'd seen once or twice... Lol...

Persistence is key folks! If you don't reach your goals the first time around or the second or third time around... KEEP believing in yourself and striving to make yourself healthier and stronger!!! You WILL ultimately reach your destiny!! I would LOVE to drop 4/6 lbs more... Just to never see over 1?1lbs!! So, let's see if by June 18th I can get there... What do you all think??? Will you help me stay motivated by keeping me in the loop of your battles and accomplishments???

p.s.
Finally signed up for the Nike Women's Inaugural Half Marathon coming up in a month!! Now... I am motivated...

Have an amazing holiday weekend. Make every second of the day worth living for and remember, if you get down or need a little motivation... HIT ME!!

Here is a little something to keep you on the right track:

Today's Exercise: Seated Row Machine


Strengthen your back muscles with this easy exercise.

And if you don't go to the gym for that machine... here is what you can do at home with a band:

Today's Exercise: Low Mount Seated Rows with Band


This is a great exercise for building back strength.

BIGGEST difference... is where the elbows come back... figure out what works best for you and if keeping the elbows in when you pull back is more challenging... work your way up to that... =)

Friday, May 25, 2012

Little sore... little sore... Ha!!! What's the best medicine for soreness??? MOVE!!! I tennis game with my first born son and then a good pace 4 mile run!!! That's right... NOT so sore any more...

Had my Isotonix cocktail, then a sweet potato and half a chicken breast for breakfast (yeah... I ran out of eggs...) Lunch was my protein shake with blueberries, oatmeal, MOCHATONIX energy powder(cause it DOES work), and complete greens powder(cause my diet is always lacking)
Dinner... Nothing that is going to hinder my progress because I'M a soldier of this thing called LIFE! And I'm worth more than crap food!!!

Now... Gotta' little raffle for ya'!!!

Check this out and take advantage of a FREE Nike+ wristband and NEW running chip!!

FIRST person to log onto our portal and order TWO of any of these three products... Opc3 antioxidant, UltimateAloe or Advanced vitamin b!! ... Wins this brand new NikE+ chip AND slightly used wristband!!! With warranty and manual!! =D
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GOOD LUCK MY LOVELY BLOGGERS!!! I'll post the winner as soon as they win... =D

Thursday, May 24, 2012

HUGE shout out to my 4 ladies that took up the 4 week war against the bulge and sluggishness!!!
You know who you are!!! And if you took it on and didn't let me know about it... GOOD FOR YOU TOO!!!! If you're sore... here are some helpful hints for less pain:

1) Take stairs backwards (little something I learned after my 1st marathon)
2) Take an epsom salt bath and soak in it for at least 20min (have a bottle of gatorade to hydrate next to you)
3) Have a recovery meal/protein shake within 30/40min after your work out (it WILL help heal your muscles)

Next shout out:

THANK YOU "Wellness Revolution" in Evanston!!! For putting me back together and making me feel like I can conquer the world again!!!!

Dr.Tony Breitbach
Chiropractor
&
Rachel Itano
Physical Massage Therapist

Now I can stay focused on my training for this thing we call LIFE!

I'm back!!! Yes lovely soldiers of LIFE... I have to be honest and admit my faults to you that have taken me up on my 4 week challenge.

I have not been able to get a workout in for the last couple of days and now Day#4 is here and I'm BACK baby!!!

Today I started with a little 'Turbo Fire'... Did 40 min including the AMAZING 10 min of stretching once I was dripping sweat and warmed up. I have to increase my work outs back to an hour at least... but I'm getting there. My fuel has not been how I'd like it BUT it really has not been too bad.

The half marathon is in late June and the miles HaVe to be killed up NOW! This weekend we're making the Busse loop happen!!! 8 miles!!

Had 'ThE' cocktail in the morning, a small bowl of Post Great Grains Cereal w/little bit of skim milk for breakfast pre-work out and my tasty protein shake post work out w/blueberries, oatmeal, flax seed, MochaTonix Energy powder and my Complete Greens!! Yeah!!! Lunch/Dinner WILL be a light tasty protein fo' sure and maybe a little carbs... going to run tomorrow so I have to have it in my system.

Finally... your last RECOVERY fuel idea:

HONEY

Best For: Soothing muscles that are sore from high-intensity activities like CrossFit

Why it Works: According to Sims, Manuka honey, which is made from bees that feed on Manuka flowers in New Zealand, possesses anti-inflamatory properties, not to mention the carbohydrates needed to help rebuild muscle fibers. “Active Manuka honey has a high level of non-peroxide antibacterial components, unique to this type of honey,” says Sims. “It can be useful internally (for ulcers, acid reflux) and topically (for blisters, cuts, road rash). It supports the immune system, and thus boosts the acute immunosuppressant response of exercise.”

The Recipe: Stacy Sims’s Honey Stinger
It’s simple: Sims mixes the honey into non-fat Greek yogurt for a quick and easy recovery meal.

Make today GREAT!!! =)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Day 2!!! Going to play around with the routine... Today we're going to try the turbo fire work out. I've heard nothing but great things about it. But I hope it'll work me for an hour. (I need it)

Had the cocktail in the morning and then had a breakfast burrito w/eggs and chorizo. Having my 1/2 a serving of **MochaTonix (For fat burning/Nutrient enhancing/Energy Boosting) Lunch will be my protein shake with my complete greens. And dinner is to be seen... If I snack, it'll be a little trail mix. (NO more trail mix binges!!) Lol...

Hope everyone is making today successful!! It'll be what YOU make of it!! There is still time to make a workout happen!! =D


**-!MochaTonix reg --561800356.jpg
Price $38.00
$0.76 Cashback @ shop.com/changeforlifeshoppe

Primary Benefits:

  • Promotes cognitive health
  • Promotes mental focus and memory
  • Promotes mental alertness
  • Helps heighten energy and endurance
  • Helps to alleviate occasional fatigue
  • Helps to improve physical and mental performance
  • Promotes thermogenesis and lipolysis
  • Supports weight loss and control
And now those recovery recipes...

BANANA AND COCONUT

Best For: Avoiding post-exercise cramps

Why it Works: Ever cramp after, or during, a tough workout? That’s because your body doesn’t have enough electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium. It’s potassium that prevents involuntary muscle contraction, and the nutrient is found in abundance in both bananas and coconuts. Those also happen to be the two main ingredients in Samoan poi, a classic Hawaiian dish and one of famed surfer Chris Malloy’s favorite post-ride meals while surfing the 50th state’s classic breaks.

The Recipe: Samoan Poi

Mash one pound of ripe bananas in bowl. Stir in the zest of one lemon, seven ounces of coconut milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla. Chill for about 45 minutes in the refrigerator. Then eat.


SALMON

Best For: Long, slow endurance recovery

Why it Works: Scientists are still debating this one, but the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil appear to help reduce post-exercise muscle inflammation. The conventional wisdom is that omega 3s lower the amount of prostaglandin, a naturally produced compound in the body that can accentuate inflammation. Salmon is also packed with lean protein. Stanford University sports nutritionist and physiologist, Stacy Sims, adds the fish to her endurance athlete’s post recovery meal in order to enhance muscle repair.

The Recipe: Stacy Sims’s Recovery Breakfast
Spread lowfat ricotta or cream cheese on quinoa or sprouted grain flatbread and add two to three slices of Lox.

Well... only 1 of my 4 takers on the challenge checked in today... Hope more of you let me know how your week is going! Well, on the blog... I did hear a phone call and received a text or two... ;)

Had a run today in new cross trainers and had to make it a 3 mile run... NOT the original 6 that I was shooting for. Need to get my running kicks!!!

Lunch was a protein shake and dinner was pasta and grilled chicken w/asparagus in lemon sauce. Drank about four helping of water and started my OmegaIII's and Turmerec! More healthy supplements... Oh, and mental note to all: started my Mochatonix 1/2 a helping in my protein shake @ 4:30 pm. NOT a good idea... way to late for an energy surge... Lol... (Hence... I'm still up and it's 12:20am) But it works!!! Gotta LoVe the Market America products...
check them out... shop.com/changeforlifeshoppe

Well... later today I will post again to check in and to share a couple more fueling ideas that help you recover after your work outs!

Good night all and plan to succeed again tomorrow... and you will!



Monday, May 21, 2012

Happy Monday my bloggers!!! So far, today has been a great day... after my SuPeR cocktail, ate 2 egg whites with half an avocado and drank water. Already getting ready to snack on a little trail mix or half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that Gaba left before a 6 mile run. Really looking forward to that! Just can't seem to get out there yet... Lol..

Want to thank you all for pushing 'our' blog with no advertising or fees to such great heights!! Everytime that you all log on and view the posts... the numbers climb and I know that I am helping to make a difference in your everyday! (Yesterday alone we received '50' hits!!!)

Today I WILL check in again to see how all of you that are taking the 4 week challenge are doing!! Remember, the best amount of time to get a sweat in is 30min to an hour!! But if all you've got is 15min... then make them count! ;) Log your weight and measurements TODAY, so that you can see what you accomplish by June 18!! And then, may summer BeGiN!!!

As promised, here are a couple more good 'recovery' recipe ideas for after your work outs:

TURKEY



Why it Works: Most people believe that a recovery meal after a lifting session needs to have a higher protein content because your muscles are so taxed. Not true. The same 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio applies.Glenn Lyman, a chef and nutritionist whose client list includes NFL Pro Bowl player Steve Smith, recommends low-fat chocolate milk immediately following your workout. Lyman also encourages athletes to take a glutamine supplement (an amino acid that helps with protein synthesis) from a reputable company like Revolutionary Sports Performance. “Two-and-a-half hours later, seek out a real meal with similar ratios, 4:1 complex carbohydrates to lean protein,” says Lyman. “This one should include slow digesting, fiber rich starches and lean protein with a little healthful fat.” One of Lyman’s go to combinations is garden brown rice with lean ground turkey. Beyond just protein, turkey contains selenium, a nutrient that helps buffer damaging by-products of exercise (peroxides and free radicals) that accumulate in the muscles during training. According to the book Advanced Sports Nutritionby Dan Benardot, "A selenium deficiency may result in muscle weakness and increased recovery time after exhaustive exercise.” Reduce cooking time during the week by making more than one serving on Sunday and warming up the leftovers on weekdays. “I like to make the entire recipe and store it in individual portions for my clients for quick healthful meals during training days,” says Lyman.

The Recipe: Garden Brown Rice with Lean Ground Turkey
Ingredients

3 cup brown rice, cooked
1 cup corn kernels, fresh, or frozen
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup summer squash, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup carrot, diced
10 ounces spinach, fresh
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup chicken stock
8 ounces ground turkey, cooked
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons Creole Soul Seasoning
1 green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon parsley, fresh, chopped

Directions
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey and onion (seasoned with salt and creole seasoning) in 1 tablespoon of oil until cooked through. Drain. Saute all vegetables (except spinach) over medium-high heat, in remaining oil until crisp tender, stirring often about 3-4 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring just to a boil. Add spinach mixing well until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Toss with cooked brown rice and ground turkey. Garnish with parsley and green onion
.

TURMERIC AND GINGER

Why it Works: Tumeric and ginger have been used for centuries as a painkillers in eastern medicine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in both roots, was shown in a 2011 study by University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science to suppress a sub-cellular switch that triggers an inflammatory response. "Two days prior to the 2007 Hardrock 100 I badly sprained my ankle,” says famed ultrarunner, Scott Jurek. "Turmeric and ginger worked wonders in getting me to the starting line and racing hard. The natural anti-inflammatory benefits are longer lasting, do not delay the inflammatory process, and have no side effects so you can recover faster and keep the body in balance.” For a recovery meal, Jurek, who’s memoir Eat & Runcomes out June 5, adds the roots to tofu to make sure he’s not sore after 100 mile runs.

The Recipe: Scott Jurek’s Tofu Scramble
Ingredients

2 teaspoons coconut oil
1/2 cup onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ginger root, minced or 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
2 tablespoons turmeric root, minced or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup mushrooms, finely diced
1/2 cup zucchini, finely diced
1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1 1/2 cups spinach, kale or other winter green, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
16 oz package firm tofu
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon paprika
*Optional (for spicy version): 1/2 small jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Cooked whole grains or whole grain bread
Flora Udo's Oil 3-6-9 Blend

Directions
In a medium skillet sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric
, and black pepper in oil over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. While the first few ingredients are sautéing, chop the veggies. Add the veggies and sauté for 5 minutes. Crumble the tofu and add to veggies along with remaining ingredients. Saute for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more salt and black pepper to taste. Serve over a cooked whole grain, corn tortillas or whole grain toast. Sprinkle Udo's Oil on toast or grains for buttery flavor and extra anti-inflammatory benefit via Omega-3 fatty acids.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

It's going to be a two recipe kind of day again!! Lol...

The important thing is that the last couple of days have been very productive! Many celebrations have been had, we had our first "Chicago House of Bounce" job be a success, we have added to our Market America team of Entrepenours, the garage is reoganized and we are set to kick off a four week challenge to see what we are capable of accomplishing in that time frame!!!

Now I do believe that I got 3 ladies on board!! ... and a possible 2/3 more!! Let's do IT!!!!

What you need:

Confidence, organization and a little commitment... (But we have all of that!!!) Because of the DISIRE to create change!

Rules of engagement:

>Drink lots of water all day long!
>Log (in a little notebook or here on the blog) EVERYDAY! (What you eat, how you worked out and how long)
>Minimum workouts: 15/30min of a good sweat! Maximum: Hour and 1/2 pushing to the max at the end!
>If what you are about to consume is not given by the EARTH, replace the choice with something that is! Include your lean proteins and portioned carbs!
>Snacks to try to stock up on... Special K 100 calorie bars, trail mix, fruits and raw veggies!
>WORK OUT 5/6 days for the next FOUR weeks! SUNDAYS OFF!!!! (and eat anything you please!!! ... IF you stuck to your healthy eating all week... if not... eat what you please WITH portion control.)
>Do NoT forget to start tomorrow with logging in your weight and measurements!!! it is VerY important that you SEE, in black and white, what you have to power to do! ;)

If you have questions... or comments... LET me hear them!!! ;)

And now, a couple more fuel ideas for recovery, Happy Sunday!!! :

CHILI

Best For: The gluten-free athlete

Why it Works: Dave Hahn, who has topped out on Mount Everest 13 times (a record for a non-Sherpa), builds up quite an appetite on expeditions. But the long-time guide has to watch what he eats. Hahn suffers from celiac disease, an inability to digest gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye). Eating anything containing gluten gives him severe stomach distress. That means bread, pasta, and even beer are out. Instead, Hahn refuels with carbs like beans and rice. One of his favorite post-climb meals? Chicken chili. The dish has plenty of protein and carbs to regenerate tired climbing muscles, but its namesake ingredient also contains nutrients that help aid recovery. Chili peppers are packed with B vitamins, particularly B6, which helps transport oxygen to all the body’s tissues, including muscles.

The Recipe: Gluten-Free Chicken Chili
Ingredients

12 oz. of boneless chicken breasts and thighs
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
1 4-oz. can of diced green chili peppers
1-1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
2-1/2 cups or chicken broth
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 16-oz. cans of pinto beans, rinsed and drained


Directions

Cook the chicken in a skillet until it’s light brown. Place the cooked chicken in a large pot. Stir in the beans, undrained chile peppers, bell pepper, onion, chicken broth, garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin seeds into mixture in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours
.

CHICKEN FRIED RICE



Why it Works: Four hours on the bike burns about 4,500 calories in a 160-pound man. To recover properly, those calories need to be replaced, and the fat and rice in this dish—given to us by noted sports nutritionist,Allen Lim—contains 605 calories per serving, going a long way in accomplishing that task. It works so well, in fact, that it was the recovery meal most commonly requested by the cyclists Lim worked with during the 2010 Tour de France. “I think it's important to emphasize that there is a lot more to nutrition than the composition of macronutrients like carbohydrate, protein, and fat,” says Lim. “Nutrition is also about being nourished and enjoying what you eat. With that in mind, the fried rice not only fits into the category of healthy and delicious comfort food but it also works as a recovery food for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is calorically dense and the first thing we want to do is replace calories. Second the white rice has a high glycemic index which helps to get those calories in fast.”

The Recipe: Allen Lim’s Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients

1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
2–3 green onions, diced or thinly sliced
3 eggs
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
COOKED 2 cups cooked rice
COOKED 1 cup boneless chicken thighs (2–3 pieces)
1 cup frozen peas and corn

Directions
Bring a lightly oiled sauted pan to medium/high heat. Add the garlic and green onions and saute for about one minute. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and soy sauce vigorously and pour into the hot pan. The pan should be hot enough to cause the eggs to fluff. Stir the eggs to cook them quickly. Add the rice and cooked chicken thighs and fry the mixture for five to six minutes. Add the peas and corn and cook until the vegetables heat through and are vibrant in color.