WE'VE MOVED!

The Healthy Happy Pure Life Blog has officially MOVED to:

www.healthyhappypurelife.com

Please visit there to find out more about my PiYo, T25, 21 Day Fix Meal Plan and Shakeology Journey, along with recipes, and other tips / tricks I've found along the way.

Yours in health and happiness,
Coach Melissa

STATURDAY: My Journey with PiYo, T25, 21 Day Fix Containers and Shakeology

I apologize that it has taken me a while to write about my progress.  I have been in the throws of wedding planning - so every free moment that I normally would use towards writing my blog, I devoted towards wedding planning.  Actually, in writing this - I can't believe how quickly time has flown and that my wedding is officially 21 days away.  It feels like I blinked - I thought I had more time!  And note that I totally caved this week and ended up hiring an event planner so that I wasn't so stressed out on the big day.  I really want to make sure that I take in moments throughout the day and just enjoy everything.  Enjoy being with our close friends and family.  Enjoy saying "I do" to my best friend.  That's really the whole point, isn't it?  :)


I have been keeping up with my PiYo and T25 joined schedule.  I love how Beachbody thinks of everything!  :)  I am doing well at exercising 4-6 days per week first thing in the morning.  I have continued to do the program in sequence, even if I miss a day.  I have found over these last few weeks that I have gotten MUCH stronger and the programs get easier.  I notice that in some spots where I would normally drag and not be able to push any harder, I was able to do faster and better this week without stopping.  Those little things are wonderful motivations to keep pushing and move forward.

Annnnddd....

Of course, I also notice the way that my CLOTHES feel.  My pants are getting big around my waist, my shirts are even getting looser - and my ARMS are getting so much more toned.  That was the entire reason why I decided to do the programs together, because it helps in definition!  Getting married on a beach, I want to have nice toned arms!!!  :) In terms of toning the body and getting it long and lean, this is really a great program.  In terms of losing weight, I am losing some, but not much on the scale.  I have lost more inches than I have weight because of the muscle building and toning.  I will totally take that though!  I would rather FEEL and LOOK my best, than rely on a stupid number.  I encourage YOU to do the same when you're working out.  Take those measurements and photos before and at the end.  It is super important and a wonderful way to stay motivated!  :)

My starting Measurements as of January 12th:

Weight:  154.6

Chest:  38 in.

Waist:  33 in.

Hips: 38 in.

R. Thigh: 22 in.

L. Thigh: 22.5 in.

R. Arm: 12 in.

L. Arm: 12.1 in.

____________________________

Total Inches:  177.5 in.

My current measurements as of February 21st:

Weight:  152.1

Chest: 36.25 in.

Waist: 32

Hips: 36.5

R. Thigh: 20.5 in.

L. Thigh: 20.5 in.

R. Arm: 11.2 in.

L. Arm: 11.25 in.

_____________________________

Total inches:  167.95 inches

I have lost a total of 10 inches off of my entire body and I'm down nearly 3 pounds!  I am so thankful for Beachbody and I am so happy with the programs and Shakeology.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Those are 10 inches and 3 pounds that won't easily be added back onto my body again.

I am still doing the 21 Day Fix Meal plan (which the challenge packs are ON SALE this week, if you've been thinking about getting it, get it now while it's on sale - only one more week left!!!!), but I need to do better about my portions and those candies at work.  With some of the stresses with the wedding, I won't lie - I have definitely had my fair share of CHOCOLATE!  haha!  Do I beat myself up about it?  No.  But, I have 21 days till the wedding now, so I need to hold myself accountable and kick-it into high gear.  I can do it - I know I can!  :)




Currently, I am running a 21 Day Nutrition and Fitness Fix group.  It is going so well that I already have one of the participants who has lost 3 pounds already in the first week alone!  That makes me feel so good!  I love to help people and I love seeing people succeed.  I am merely a guide for you and provide a platform (i.e. Challenge Groups) to help support you and hold you accountable.  You ultimately have to do all the work, but I'm with you every step of the way.  I, too, still work at this every day --- it does get easier.  The more you know your "why" - the easier it gets because nothing will stop you from getting there.



My next post will have my before and after photos as I finish this dual program - I can't wait to show them to you!  :)

Until next time...

STAY WARM and be HAPPY!  :)

Yours in health and happiness,
Coach Melissa

Got any questions?  Want to join my next challenge free group? Want me as your coach?  Simply e-mail me - I don't bite!  :) I'm happy to help you in any way I can - coachmelissamckim@gmail.com

"LIKE" MY FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/healthyhappypurelife

RECIPE WEDNESDAY - Paleo Blueberry Scones

I love getting recipe ideas from Greatist.  I always feel like they do such a good job with their articles and blog posts.  I also have found all of their recipes to be spot on!  Here is one I personally can't wait to try! 

http://greatist.com/eat/recipes/paleo-blueberry-scones?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter_2015-02-06_mails_daily_new_header

Crumbly, delicious scones don't need tons of gluten. These are free of refined grains, sugars, and oils; and full of healthy fats, antioxidants, and flavor. They are perfect for Paleo eaters or anyone looking for a sweet but healthy treat. (Can't find cashew flour? Grind some up at home with the nuts and a blender.)

9 Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups cashew, almond, or hazelnut flour
• 1/2 cup arrowroot flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl, combine cashew flour, arrowroot flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a second bowl, combine coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and egg.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and stir using a spatula until a well-combined dough forms.
5. Fold in blueberries. Pour batter into a round 9-inch pan.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until crust becomes golden brown. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting with a pizza cutter or knife. 

 Less than 1 hour 

 

 Makes 8 scones

TIPS FOR TUESDAY: Gluten Sensitivity Self-Test & Diet Plan

Wow - as many as 20 million Americans could be affected by a gluten sensitivity and not even know it.  This fact led me to finding a great segment by Dr. Oz on Gluten Sensitivity and a way to find out if you might be experiencing a gluten sensitivity with this simple checklist.  Count all the symptoms that you experience on a regular, chronic basis.

How many of the following do you have? Check all that apply.

Digestive Symptoms 

• Frequent bloating or gas
• Diagnosed with IBS or acid reflux
• Daily diarrhea or chronic constipation
  
  

Neurologic & Skeletal Symptoms 

• Migraine or headaches
• Joint pains or aches
• Brain fog

Hormonal & Immune Symptoms

• Depression or anxiety
• Ongoing fatigue
• Chronic eczema or acne

Results

Four or more symptoms indicate that gluten may be impacting your health. But even one symptom, if severe and chronic, can be a sign of a gluten sensitivity. You may want to consult your doctor or try going gluten-free for 2-4 weeks.

Based on my own results, I am definitely gluten intolerant and have known this about myself for a while.  Because of this, eating clean and getting my nutrition under control has been a HIGH priority for me.

Dr. Oz recommends this diet plan, if you're interested in trying this - I'd recommend doing it for 7 days to see how you feel and if you see any changes.

Here is the plan below:

Day 1
Breakfast: Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit and Indian Spiced Cashews
Lunch: Asian Bean Salad with Tahini Dressing
Snack: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Spread
Dinner: Grilled Shrimp Brochettes and Quinoa Timbales with Roasted Peppers and Herbs

Day 2
Breakfast: UltraShake
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus UltraMind Road Mix
Lunch: White Beans on a Bed of Greens
Snack: Olive Tapenade and Raw Vegetables
Dinner: Wild Salmon with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and Lemon Asparagus

Day 3
Breakfast: Apple Walnut Amaranth
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Brazil Nut Bars
Lunch: Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean Salad
Snack: Artichoke Antipasto and Raw Veggies
Dinner: Moroccan Chicken with Cauliflower and Cashews

Day 4
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit and Indian Spiced Cashews
Lunch: Roast Turkey Breast and Avocado Cream on a Bed of Greens
Snack: Lemony Hummus with Raw Veggies
Dinner: Coconut Dal with Steamed Broccoli and Brown Rice

Day 5
Breakfast: Peach Quinoa with Flax and Nuts
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Anytime Snack Mix
Lunch: Curried Waldorf Salad
Snack: Tahini with Flax Crackers
Dinner: Sesame-Crusted Sole with Baby Bok Choy and Wild Rice

Day 6
Breakfast: Hot Brown Rice, Nuts and Flax
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus UltraMind Road Mix
Lunch: Tarragon Chicken Salad
Snack: Avocado with Lemon
Dinner: Ratatouille

Day 7
Breakfast: Ratatouille Omelet
Snack: 1 Piece of Fruit Plus Brazil Nut Bars
Lunch: Lentil Salad
Snack: Dark Chocolate or Cocoa Nibs
Dinner: Balsamic-Marinated Tofu with Herbs and Sautéed Spinach

STATurday: My Journey with T25, PiYo and Shakeology

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that another year has already come and gone and we are already in the year 2015.  In a lot of ways, this is a special year for me.  I'm getting married in March to my best friend - which I can't wait!  I'm also celebrating my 1 year Anniversary with being a Beachbody coach and a Certified Kundalini Yoga teacher.  If anything, 2014 gave me the reason to really work on myself and be a better healthy and happy person.  It lead me to creating this very blog.  It lead me to helping others and enjoy learning about health and wellness even more.  It has lead me to take my business and health to another level as well as keeping active and eating clean.  I want to achieve more and BE more.  I want to help other people.  I want to BE somebody in this life.  I want to help people create a great life for themselves, but in doing, I need to start creating one for myself.  I sometimes can get ahead of myself on that front - haha!

So - this is my journey...

2015 is already starting off well.  I'm currently combining two fitness programs I love - T25 and PiYo.  I find I do better when I mix it up a little bit and now Beachbody has schedules where you can combine workouts.  So, if you have a program or two that is collecting DUST in your closet, get it out!  I bet you I can find or create a schedule for you to start working on for 8 weeks!  :) 

I'm finding that my body (especially my arms and butt) are shrinking - and it's only been 2 weeks!  If you're interested in what the program looks like each week - check out the link here:  http://www.beachbody.com/images/pdf/piyo-t25-hybrid-calendar.pdf

If you'd like to get the T25 or PiYo programs, here is a link for further information:

T25 Challenge Pack - Program, Meal Plan, and Shakeology!  You save $70!:  http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPT25205?referringRepId=330957

PiYo Challenge Pack - You get the program, meal plan, and Shakeology!  You save $70!:
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPPY160?referringRepId=330957

Here are my Day 1 Shots and Stats.  Clearly the 4 pounds I gained back over the holidays isn't looking the best, but a simple fix in the choices I eat will get me back to my comfortable size again.  

Starting STATS:

Weight: 154.6

Chest: 38 in.

Waist: 33 in.

Hips: 38 in.
R.Arm: 12 in.
L. Arm: 12.1 in.
R. Thigh: 22
L.Thigh: 22.5

I'll be posting my 30 day stats and results in the next 2 weeks so stay tuned for those results.  

What am I doing for nutrition (aka FOOD)? 

Well, I'm glad you asked.  I'm actually following the 21 day fix meal plan in conjunction with the Piyo and T25 workouts.  

I love the containers, it keeps me knowing what to eat and how much of it!  It's EASY to follow and the best part is - I can still have wine!  HAHA!

I'm actually trying to get everyone I know to get it because it really does help.  Nutrition counts towards 80% of weight loss!  Why not make that the easiest part?  

I'm doing a 21 Day Nutrition and Fitness Fix group in February - if your interested simply join my event invite by visiting www.facebook.com/healthyhappypurelifeand going to the events tab!  I'll be happy to reach out to you via facebook and send you more details.

If you know that it is something that you'd like to get regardless of being in my Fix group - here are the details on how to get the 21 Day Fix program and off on the right start!

21 Day Fix Challenge Pack - You get the program, meal plan, containers, and Shakeology - saving you $70!:  http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCP21D160?referringRepId=330957

Shakeology is still also a HUGE part of my diet.  I drink it every morning after my workout.  It keeps me healthy, provides me with the nutrients I need to stay energized during the day, and is super delicious.  How many people can really say that they get to have a chocolate shake every morning? Haha!  Love it!  It curbs my sweet cravings and really does help keep the extra weight off.  If you'd like more information on it or would like to order yourself a sample pack, simply visit my website here: www.shakeology.com/m4mckim

Food.

Exercise. 

Support & 

Accountability.

If you can decide and commit, you WILL succeed and I'll be there to help you every step of the way.  Let's do this TOGETHER!  :) That's what I do now.  It's who I've become and it's something I'm really passionate about and BELIEVE in. 

Yours in health and happiness,

Coach Melissa

Make Me Your Free Coach: https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=330957

Join a Beachbody Challenge:  http://www.teambeachbody.com/connect/beachbody-challenge?referringRepId=330957 .

RECIPE WEDNESDAY: Crock Pot Recipe: Santa Fe Chicken

This is literally a ‘set it and forget it’ type recipe. Just throw everything in and let it do work. Love. This.  Smells Sooo good too. 

SANTE FE CHICKEN

Recipe type: Crock-pot

Prep time:  10 mins

Total time:  10 mins

Serves: 6-8

 

I

Ingredients:

• 24 oz (1.5 lbs) organic, free-range chicken breast
• 2 small cans of diced green chilies
• 1 (15oz) can organic black beans
• 8 oz frozen corn
• 1 cup organic salsa (I use the medium heat one from Costco)
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 2 large garlic cloves; minced
• ½ jalapeno; seeded and diced
• 15 oz. no chicken broth or regular chicken broth
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• ¼ of a lime; juiced
• Kosher sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place jalapeno, green chilies, black beans, corn and garlic cloves in the bottom of crock pot.
2. Pour in broth.
3. Place chicken breasts on top and season with spices.
4. Pour 1 cup of salsa and lime juice over top of chicken and cover.
5. Cook 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
6. About 30 minutes before finished, transfer chicken breasts to a separate bowl and shred chicken.
7. If broth mixture in crock pot seems thin, add in ½ cup more salsa.
8. Return shredded chicken to crock pot and cover for final 30 minutes.
9. Top chicken with cilantro and green onions.
10. Save additional in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

21 Day Fix Extreme - COMING SOON!

Make sure you're on the list... you don't want to miss this one when it comes out! 

Super Excited! 

You'll be first to know when 21 Day Fix EXTREME is available, PLUS you'll been entered for a chance to win a FREE 21 Day Fix EXTREME kit!  

Sign up and be the first to know by clicking here: 

www.21DFExtreme.com?referringRepId=330957

WHAT IS AUTUMN CALABRESE'S
21 DAY FIX EXTREME?

At some point, no matter what workout program you're doing, there comes that final push to achieve the hardbody you've always wanted. That's why Autumn created seven all-new high-intensity 30-minute workouts featuring a variety of moves that keep your body guessing, so you see maximum results!

For your nutrition, you'll not only be practicing portion control—you'll be eating ONLY clean foods. No treats. No cheats. No excuses. It's 21 days, and it's extreme. But if you want a lean six-pack, cut arms, ripped shoulders, and toned legs…it's time to get serious.

Please feel free to share the exciting news with all your friends!