Showing posts with label #Shakeology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Shakeology. Show all posts

Sunday, August 3, 2014

STATurday - My Journey with PiYo and Shakeology

As I'm going through Week 3 of PiYo, I am already noticing that those certain excersizes that were hard last week, this week they are so much easier.  That is always a great sign to me.  I feel stronger and am able to hold poses and really dig deeper.

I will say, this week I have not lost or gained weight.  Good sign to me though.  Why you may ask?  My lead diamond coach, Katie Hefner, explains it this way:

"From my friend, nutritionist & NPC Bikini athlete, Erin “Many people reach a plateau after about 3 weeks because they have temporarily gained water weight while they are still losing body fat. The fat you are hoping to lose must be used for energy. 

To use it...your body must combine it with oxygen (oxidize it) to make carbon dioxide and water. These compounds are heavier than the fat they are made of because oxygen has been added to them. The carbon dioxide will be exhaled quickly, but the water takes longer to leave the cells. This excess water creates a TEMPORARY weight gain, BUT that will eventually go away. 

Not many people understand this process, so they give up on the healthy adjustments they’ve made to their lifestyle after 2-3 weeks because they think it’s not working. Stick with it”

So clearly, I'm not going to just quit.  My body is going through changes and I can tell by the way my clothes for better.  Especially my jeans, I am going to have to go shopping here again soon. 


The above photo is one of my favorites from my yoga teacher training. I look at it every morning. I think this quote is so fitting for this as well.  It is a great reminder on the person I want to and strive to be.

I have faith and trust that this program will continue to work.  It makes me happy, I sleep well, and I feel great. But most of all, I believe in myself.  I know I can do it and I look forward to seeing more results in the coming weeks. It is going to be a lot more work, but it will be hard work that is well worth it. 


I hope you can join me on the journey in one of my upcoming challenge groups!  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out at coachmelissamckim@gmail.com

Here is to health and happiness,
Melissa

Saturday, July 19, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with PiYo and Shakeology


When my PiYo program arrived in the mail 2 weeks ago, I was genuinely excited to open it.  I had been reading about this program ever since they made the announcement a few months ago. Superstar trainer Chalene Johnson created this program to help people get an ultra-lean and an intensely defined physique - without bulking up or straining your joints.  This to me was a HUGE selling point.  

Another big selling point for me was the fact that this program only uses your own body weight - there is no P90X type weight training.  By using your body weight you'll carve every muscle in your body and keep it nice and lean.  It's incredibly low impact, yet high intensity.  For instance, the PiYo Sweat session REALLY DOES make you sweat.  I couldn't believe how much sweat was dripping down my face!  This all happening with no weights and no jumping (say what?!).  Ultimately, I love the fact that it fuses Pilates and Yoga together for an optimum workout with hardcore results.  

So, I ordered the Deluxe Package Kit as I wanted to get the strengthening discs and a new yoga mat (you can never have enough of those laying around the house).  The basic kit comes with the program DVDs, calendar and meal planner.  

Between summer cookouts, vacation, my birthday, etc - I gained some weight (and body fat) back.  One of the main things that I love about being a Beachbody Coach though is that is encourages me to get back on track when I fall off the wagon.  After all, I am only human, right?  No one is perfect and that is what I tell my clients all the time.  You can't expect to be perfect, but you can try to do little things each day that will help get you closer to that goal.  The support that I get from my own coach family and friends is amazing.  This PiYo program, I already can tell will bring me back down to a nice comfortable weight and tone me up!  See for yourself below - it starts working right away and I already fit into my jeans a bit easier than last week.  All great signs! 

Day 1 STATS (Monday, July 14, 2014):
Weight:           156 lbs
Waist:              33 in.
Hips:                38 in.
Chest:              38.2 in.
R. Arm:           11.8 in.
L. Arm:           11.8 in.
R. Thigh:         22 in.
L. Thigh:         22 in.
Body Fat %:    32%

DAY 6 STATS (Saturday, July 19, 2014):
Weight:           152.6 lbs
Waist:              32 in.
Hips:                36.9 in.
Chest:              36.5 in.
R. Arm:           11.5 in.
L. Arm:           11.5 in.
R. Thigh:         21.3 in.
L. Thigh:         21.3 in.
Body Fat %:    30%

Here is my meal plan for this first week on PiYo - it is all clean eating and created from the booklet that the program comes with; these are most of my favorite healthy foods!  :)  This was incredibly easy to do for this first week and I found myself NEVER hungry.  


If you'd like to join me for upcoming challenge groups, please feel free to visit my "JOIN CHALLENGE GROUPS" page for the current ones running.  To make sure that you're on my team, sign up by clicking the following here and I'd be happy to send you further details as well:  https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=330957   You can also friend request me on facebook or send me an e-mail at coachmelissamckim@gmail.com if you have any questions!  I am always here and happy to help!  
  

Saturday, April 12, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with the 3-Day Shakeology Cleanse

After doing p90x3 for 30 days, I have come to realize that the program isn't designed to make you lose a ton of weight, it is designed to get you toned and physically stronger.  While I didn't lose any weight - I did lose inches over the course of the first 30 days and toned!  I have decided that I will go back to p90X3 when I get to my ideal body weight and want to maintain.  This is good intel for all you folks out there - so use it to your advantage!  

So, I've decided to switch it up upon my return from vacation in Sanibel, FL and start the 21 Day Fix on Monday, April 14, 2014.  If you'd like to join me on the journey - check out the "JOIN MY UPCOMING CHALLENGE GROUP" page for more details!  :)  I have come to realize that I truly need a program that assists me with portion control so that I don't over eat and continue to lose weight! 

Stay tuned for my journey with the 21 Day Fix and upcoming details on that program, I can't wait to start!


So what have I been doing since my return from vacation?  I have been doing the 3-day Shakeology Cleanse (to the best of my ability - for instance, on Friday I ended up having two salads - full of veggies and protein from chicken and turkey - it's what my body needed).  What I have liked about the cleanse is that you can tailor it to your needs and it has been a REALLY great option after vacation to help get my body back on track.  I have already lost 3 pounds since my return from vacation (which was direly needed after 5 days of indulgence)....  I'm back on track now!

So - what is it?
First of all, it's not a true cleanse. It's a calorie-restricted and nutrient-dense diet plan. Traditional cleanses contain very few calories and nutrients. Compared to the much more popular Master Cleanse, it's like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Traditional cleansing diets are done to rid your system of toxins and bring it into homeostasis. They also contain a spiritual aspect. This process can take a long time, which is why you may have seen coworkers walking around the office in a zombie-like state for weeks on end—swilling a strange concoction of lemons and maple syrup.

The Shakeology cleanse is nothing like that. Depending on how you decide to do it, you'll be eating frequently and consuming between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, and it could be even more should you feel the need. The point of this cleanse is not calorie restriction, per se—it's nutrient efficiency. The aim is to get the most nutrients possible into the fewest number of calories. The goal is to put all of these calories to use as a part of your exercise program, to rid your body of undigested foods and toxins, and to bring your hydration levels into homeostasis. The result you're after is not weight loss—though it will likely occur (like it did with me)—but for your body to be running more efficiently. This should make you feel lighter and more energetic (which it does!), even though you're doing an exercise program.
 
If you're interested in doing the 3 day cleanse and ordering Shakeology, make me your coach so that I can get you a BETTER deal!!!!   You can sign up here:  https://teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=330957

Check out this link here for further information on Shakeology:
http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/MDSUSH311G?referringRepId=330957

 


Daily Regimen

- 1 cup of green tea to start the day
 
Breakfast:
1 scoop of Shakeology (140 Calories)
½ cup of fruit (60-90 calories) – OPTIONAL
Ice to taste
8 to 10oz of water
Snack 1 (85 calories):
1 piece of fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana, mango, etc)
Lunch: 
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to Taste
8 to 10 oz of water

1 cup of green tea or a detox tea
Snack 2 (you can have the second snack before or after dinner):
1 scoop shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste
8 to 10 oz of water
Dinner: 
Salad with filled white fish or poultry (roughly 340 calories)
Greens – 3 servings of veggies, plus 4 oz. of grilled fish or poultry
2 tablespoons of dressing – NO MORE!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Is it BETTER or WORSE to workout on an empty stomach?

I had an interesting conversation with my Mom the other day about this very question.  It’s a debate where I've heard both sides of the story: Is it better or worse to work out on an empty stomach?

I think I have found the final answer.

Well, not the final answer. Different people work out best under different circumstances, and deciding whether someone should eat before training can be like telling them what time of day to work out or which diet they should follow—it largely depends on what works best for the individual. But it is time to dismantle some old myths.

According to my findings and contrary to popular belief, fasting before a workout can actually be beneficial to your health and losing weight!  Check it out.

Optimizing Hormones (Fast)

If the fact that Huge Jacked-man practiced intermittent fasting to gain muscle for his latest Wolverine
movie isn’t convincing enough, consider this: An empty stomach triggers a cascade of hormonal changes throughout the body that are surprisingly conducive to both building muscle and burning fat.

The fasted state produces two significant effects:
1. Improved insulin sensitivity. Put very simply, the body releases insulin (a hormone) when we eat to help us absorb the nutrients from our food. The hormone then takes the sugars out of our bloodstream and directs them to the liver, muscles, and fat cells to be used as energy later on. The trouble is that eating too much and too often can make us more resistant to insulin’s effects, and while poor insulin sensitivity ups the risk of heart disease and cancer, it also makes it harder to lose body fat. Eating less frequently (i.e. fasting more regularly) is one way to help remedy the issue, that makes it easier to lose fat, improves blood flow to muscles, and even curbs the impact of an unhealthy diet.
because it results in the body releasing insulin less often, so we become more sensitive to it—and

2. The second reason a good old-fashioned fast can promote muscle gain and fat loss comes down to growth hormone (GH), a magical elixir of a hormone that helps the body make new muscle tissue, burn fat, and improve bone quality, physical function, and longevity. Along with regular weight training and proper sleep, fasting is one of the best ways to increase the body’s GH: One study showed that 24 hours without food increases the male body’s GH production by 2,000 percent (!!!), and 1,300 percent in women. The effect ends when the fast does, which is a compelling reason to fast regularly in order to keep muscle-friendly hormones at their highest levels.

We can’t speak of muscle-friendly hormones without bringing up testosterone. Testosterone helps increase muscle mass and reduce body fat while also improving energy levels, boosting libido, and even combating depression and heart problems—in both men and women. Fasting alone may not have any effect on testosterone, but there is a surprisingly simple way to produce large amounts of both “T” and growth hormone at the same time, creating an optimal environment for building muscle and torching fat: Exercising while fasted.

The Fast Way to Improve Performance

Exercise, especially intense exercise that uses a lot of muscles (think compound movements like deadlifts and squats) causes a big surge in testosterone—which is why it can make good sense to combine exercise and fasting. Many studies have found that training in a fasted state is a terrific way to build lean mass and boost insulin sensitivity, not just because of the nifty hormonal responses, but also because it makes the body absorb the post-workout meal more efficiently.

In short, fasted training helps to ensure that carbs, protein, and fats go to the right places in the body and are stored only minimally as body fat.  Exercising on an empty stomach has been shown to be especially great for fat loss, and it’s even been shown that people who train while fasted become progressively better at burning fat at higher levels of intensity (possibly because of an increase in fat-oxidizing enzymes).

Not interested in training like a bodybuilder? There are also potential benefits for endurance athletes, since fasted workouts can improve muscle glycogen storage efficiency (say that three times fast!). What that means, basically,  is that running on empty can make the body better at using its energy stores. The occasional fasted training session can improve the quality of “fed” workouts (or races) later on.

In a nutshell: When the body learns to exert itself without any food, it gets better at performing when it does have fuel in the tank.

Now, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that some studies have shown impaired performance as a result of fasted exercise. That said, many of these studies are of Ramadan fasts, which don’t allow the consumption of fluids (which is not advisable when engaging in athletic activities). Still, the prevalence of people who do eat before exercise is pretty good evidence that exercising after eating can work. Heck, there are even studies showing that eating before exercise can lead to fewer calories consumed throughout the day. But that doesn’t discredit the evidence that fasted workouts, even if occasional, can reap a lot of benefits.

So You Want to Fast Before Exercise? Your Action Plan

I know what you’re thinking. “I can’t handle intense exercise without food in my belly!” Firstly, give yourself a little credit! You’re capable of more than you think with the right frame of mind. Secondly, there are several tips you can follow to help you out with this new approach to eating:
  • You can consume more than just water. Feel free to quell cravings and get an energy boost with black coffee, plain tea, Shakeology, or any kind of drink or supplement that’s virtually calorie-free.
       
  • Break your fast whenever you'd like. A lot of people like their first meal right after exercising, since the fast improves the absorption of the post-workout meal, but it’s actually no big deal if the fast lasts for a while longer. Even if you exercise in the morning and don’t eat until the evening, the wave of growth hormone you’ll be riding all day should prevent any muscle loss. However you decide to approach this, your body’s got you covered.
     
  • Eat as many meals as you'd like. Note: We didn't say as many calories as you like. But it’s not necessary to eat many meals throughout the day. Despite some long-held myths that the body can only absorb a certain amount of protein at a time, we're completely capable of digesting the day's intake in one big meal (of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to!). Studies have shown that doing so results in no strength or muscle loss, and some have even shown that concentrating food intake into one or two meals each day can be a better way to build lean muscle mass. A lot of protein just takes longer to digest and be utilized, but it still gets digested. Even after eating a normal-sized meal, amino acids are still being released into the bloodstream and absorbed into the muscles five hours after eating.  So play around with the feeding times and styles that work best for you.
The short of it: Metabolism and the digestive system are simply not as temperamental as some might believe.

The Takeaway

Eating is perhaps the most ingrained habit we have, and humans are well and truly creatures of habit. Disrupting that habit by skipping a meal or two can be profoundly difficult for some people (particularly those who have wrestled with disordered eating). It’s true that intermittent fasting takes some getting used to as the body learns not to expect food so frequently. That discomfort usually does pass, but if fasting just isn’t for you, then there’s no need to keep it up—just don’t be afraid to try it out. It is just one approach to health and fitness, and certainly not the only one that can get you results.

But myths and misconceptions do need to be dispelled, and this blog entry is here to say this: In general, there is no need to eat before exercise. If you feel better when you do, then by all means, keep it up! However if choking down a pre-workout banana or bowl of oatmeal is a dreary chore that you only do because it’s supposed to help you avoid muscle loss/fat gain/growing antlers, then it’s time to relax. You’re completely free to eat whenever you want. Just listen to your body—it’s got you taken care of.
            

Saturday, March 29, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with P90x3 and Shakeology

Happy STATurday!  This week has been great!  I managed to complete my 3rd week of P90x3 and next week (week 4) starts the transition period into Block 2.  Here is a break-down of the Classic P90x3 schedule that I'm doing.


However, I am trying to figure out the best way to go about the beginning of Block 2, as my fiancĂ©e and I will be in Sanibel, FL next weekend looking at wedding venues and hopefully picking a date (I AM SO EXCITED!).  I won't be able to share my STATs with you next weekend, but I will be posting some pictures of our time in Sanibel!  :)

This leads me to a question:
Do those of you that go on vacation still keep up with your workouts?  Or do you take the time to rest, relax, and enjoy your time away from the routine?  I feel like I want to do a mix of both!  haha!

The more I think about it though, I really don't want to go backwards from all the hard work I've put into myself these last 3 months - so I will be bringing the P90x3 workbook with me so that I can still do the workouts in the morning.  They are only 30 minutes, that is doable to me.  Which leads me to the other nice thing about the P90x3 program, it comes with a nice work out booklet that gives you all the exercises per routine so that you can still do them on the go (you don't have to bring the DVDs!).  Maybe I'll be able to get my fiancĂ©e to do them with me.  :)

 

My Current STATS

So the good news is I have STOPPED gaining;  that 1 pound I gained last week from muscle, is completely GONE this week.  I am actually back down to 152 pounds (WOOT, WOOT!).  This is a big indicator to me that I LOST 1 pound of body fat.  I am also noticing that my stomach has gone down a LOT. 

The cool thing about this workout is that you not only SEE the change in your body, but you start to FEEL the changes in your body.  When I am activating my core in these workouts, I can actually feel those new muscles WORKING and I'm visually SEEING the results from the abs that are forming!

I look forward to seeing my results at the end of Week 4!

P90x3 Stories


I wanted to share some great transformational stories with you from other P90x3 and Shakeology users - check it out!


 
 
 

Upcoming Challenge Groups & Nutrition Programs

Be sure to check out my upcoming challenges for this year on my Challenge Group page.  Starting April 14th, I will be trying the 21 Day Fix program and am looking for 5 people to be part of my Challenge Test Group and being part of this journey with me! 

Check out this video for further information on the 21 Day Fix: http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/m4mckim?bctid=3124709772001
 
Feel free to send me a message via FB or e-mail at coachmelissamckim@gmail.com and I'd be happy to send you more details about the program. 
 
 


Saturday, March 22, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with P90x3 and Shakeology

Today was an amazing day of yoga teacher training, so I am posting this up a little late - BUT - I have great news!  This STATurday, I am down another 1% in body fat, another 1 around the waist, and another 1 inch in the thighs - what a great start! 

One thing I WILL say though is don't expect to lose a ton of weight the first few weeks of this program - as you are lifting weights and really getting your body ready for the next phase.  I can tell that even though I am getting toned up and losing inches, I did gain 1 pound this week, which I am sure is muscle, considering all of my other stats went down.  This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to NOT ONLY measure your success on the scale but in other ways as well - such as taking measurements and photos.  It is a motivator to KEEP going and also a great way to look back and see HOW FAR you've come. 

Check out my new stats and photos!!! 



BUT, you know what the BEST part of it is?!?!  I AM GETTING ABS!!  I can't believe I had those underneath all that... well... ya know...FAT!!!  I am so excited - this is all happening to me just in time for SWIMSUIT Season!  WAHOO!!!!



So, back to the program...

I have really enjoyed my experience with P90x3 and drinking Shakeology over the course of these last 12 days and I look forward to seeing my 30 days results!  I am so thankful for all of the encouragement that I have received from my friends and family. 

I am also leading a 60 Day Accountability Group & Nutrition Challenge and the ladies in that group are UNBELIEVABLE!  They truly inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing.  It is so great to know that you're not alone in the journey and learn something from everyone who is going through it all with you too! 

If you're interested in being part of my 21 Day Fix Test Group starting April 14th - please let me know - send me an e-mail at coachmelissamckim@gmail.com and I'll be sure to send you more details.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with P90x3 and Shakeology

Hi All and happy STATurday!

I started on Monday, March 10, 2014 the P90x3 series with Tony Horton and am continuing to drink Shakeology every day.  What a FUN trainer to work out with in the morning.  He is hilarious - if you're looking for someone who challenges you but who can also make you laugh mid-push-up - this is definitely the workout series for you.

I have to admit - getting the P90x3 program is really daunting at first.  It comes with all of the DVDs, a workout book that is rather thick to read and a bunch of things that you need to get before you can even start the training.  Amazon.com became my friend last weekend, as I didn't have half of the stuff it needed.  So do keep this in mind if you're interested in ordering it!  For instance, you DO NEED a pull-up bar OR resistance bands for these workouts;  you need a series of weights (not just a 5 lbs dumbbell, like I have); you need yoga blocks (if you aren't that flexible, like me); and you  need a yoga mat.  At least I had the yoga mat covered!  :)

Check out the intro video to P90x3 - the results you get after 90 days is mind-blowing - I can't wait to see my own:  http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/m4mckim?bctid=2753168682001

So here are my initial thoughts with the first week of the program: 
Day 1 - Total Synergistics was really intimidating - but I managed to get through it and again, Tony Horton's sense of humor really is enjoyable!  Every DVD comes with a "Cold Start" warm-up which I was super thankful for when I did the Day 2 Agility X work-out.  Holy cow!  I have never been so sore in the morning until after doing that DVD!  And Day 3 - Yoga X - was by far my favorite part of the week.  I knew all the yoga poses from my own teachings and practice and it was a treat for my incredibly sore body.  Day 4 involved The Challenge, which was incredibly challenging.  He makes
you do push ups and pull ups over and over and over again - you need to pick a number for each and make sure you try and hit that goal each rep.  Needless to say, after finishing that DVD, my arms were incredibly sore (it hurts me even to type this out).  Yesterday, I did CVX which was actually fun - lots of cardio WITH a weight in your hands.  I actually enjoyed it a lot and it gave me a good sweat.  This morning (Day 6), I am set to do The Warrior DVD, which is a series of strength training with your own body, no weights.  I will let you know how that goes once I finish that up.  Sundays will be my day off, but you do have the option with the program to take the day off OR do the Dynamix workout.  I can already tell this morning that my body will want to rest tomorrow, but I am going to go to a great Kundalini Yoga class - to help work through the soreness and meditate. 

When I weighed myself this morning, I didn't lose weight over these last 5 days, I am still the same as day one, but I have the feeling it is because of the new program.  FOCUS T25 did this to me too the first week and then I dropped the weight the second week.  While I do think my body is in physical shock with these new workouts, according to the P90x3 planner, Tony doesn't ask you to take measurements or photos again until Week 4!  I don't think I will be able to wait that long, so I am going to stick to taking my full measurements and STATs every 2 weeks - it makes me feel good when I see small changes taking place by the small choices I've made each and every day. 

In the meantime, here is my BEFORE P90x3 Photo and Day 1 STATS!  I can't wait to see what transformations take place by Day 14!!!





Saturday, March 8, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with Shakeology and FOCUS T25

I have officially completed the FOCUS T25 program and have achieved amazing results! 

Check out my BEFORE & AFTER photos (I'm wearing the SAME clothes in both photos!!!) and STATS below:
 
 
As you can see, I have lost a total of 13 pounds since I started on this journey!  The number 152 has not been seen for nearly 5 years and I am so thankful and happy right now.  I have lost a total of 5.4 inches around my waist and down nearly 10% in body fat.  Say WHAT?!?! 

I am incredibly excited and happy with these results.  It was a lot of work and there were many days where I wanted to quit, but because of the support I had with my challenge groups and the amazing program - I didn't give up.  I didn't stop.  I FINISHED and NAILED IT! 

With the help of my Energy & Endurance Formula first thing in the morning, my amazing Chocolate Vegan Shakeology, Nutrition Plan (EATING CLEAN), and support from my Facebook challenge groups, friends and family - I was able to achieve these results!  Being active, eating clean, and working out has now become a LIFESTYLE and I love being to help others on their own journey as well.

I am really excited to start another journey with P90X3 and seeing out that program pans out.  My overall desired weight goal for 2014 is to be between 140-145 pounds.  If I can get there, I will have reached my initial goal of losing 20 pounds.  I am already over half way there and can't wait to continue on this journey.

Stay turned for my next journey story with P90X3 and Shakeology!  Also, check out the next challenge groups I have coming up this year by visiting my Challenge Details & Registration page on my blog. 

I hope that you can join me on the next journey and that I have inspired you to "JUST DO IT".

Saturday, March 1, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with T25 and Shakeology


Well folks - today marks the completion of my 9th week of T25 and drinking Shakeology.  I am SUPER excited to say that I have lost a grand total of 11 pounds since I started this journey on December 31st. 

Since last STATurday, I've lost a healthy 1 pound of additional weight.  I am currently at 154 pounds and am so incredibly happy.  I have not seen that number in nearly 5 years and it makes me really proud of myself. 

Next STATurday, I will be posting my final measurements, weight, and before/after photo.  Week 10 of T25 is the final week!!!  I can't believe that this journey is nearly over.  I am so thankful that I was introduced to such an amazing workout program and product. 
 



 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

SHAKEOLOGY: If You Are Going to Compare, Dig DEEPER than Cost,Calories, and Carbs!

I loved reading this post from Lindsay Mataway a few weeks ago, it is SO TRUE!!!  Check it out:
*************

Look, I am no health nut, but I have made some changes in my life that now help me to lead a healthy LIFESTYLE and I make it a point to SHARE those things with others!

One thing I have learned is that MARKETING COMPANIES aren't stupid and they understand out WE, THE CONSUMER, work!!!  They know that most people trying to be health conscious will flip over their product and take a quick glance at 3-4 things: calories, carbs, protein and of course... COST. 

I am sure you've seen the advertisements on most products:  LOW CAL, LOW-CARB, RICH in PROTEIN and LOW COST.  They do whatever it takes to make their products sell so that YOU buy it.  What that USUALLY means folks is that they have to ADD artificial sweeteners like SUCRALOSE for taste and that "SUGAR-FREE" label (which by the way has been PROVEN to make you gain weight by stimulating your appetite, increasing cravings and stimulating FAT storage) and/or SUBTRACT the actual NUTRITIONAL VALUE - just so that they can keep COSTS down and make a profit off of YOU.

But here is the kicker:  your body NEEDS REAL NUTRIENTS - vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytonutrients, etc - to function as the well-oiled machine it was designed to be.  And while LOW-CAL make keep you SKINNY... it most definitely, alone, is not going to be what keeps you HEALTHY.

I am not just talking "healthy" as in you won't get Type 2 Diabetes or Cancer.  I know that the girls in my demographic aren't all that worried about that right now.  But let me ask you this:

- Do you wake up feeling RESTED?
- Do you have SUSTAINED ENERGY throughout the day WITHOUT coffee or Red Bull?
- Do you have a CLEAR FOCUS while at work?
- Are you constantly battling CRAVINGS?
- Do you tend to get SICK often?
- And are you REGULAR? (You know what I mean!)

ALL of these things are linked to your HEALTH and WELLBEING and the kinds of NUTRITIONAL choices you are making.

So yes - I believe in SHAKEOLOGY.  I've been drinking it EVERY DAY for the last 2 months.  And, YES, I'm aware there are lower cost, lower cal, lower carb options out there.  But WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, YOU DO BETTER!!!!

Dig a little deeper and I think you'll see that you ALWAYS get what you PAY for!

Look at the FACTS and decide for yourself:  Shakeology Information




Saturday, February 22, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with T25 and Shakeology

Today is a VERY special day - it's STATurday! 

I just completed 8 weeks of FOCUS T25, drinking Shakeology, and sticking to the nutrition plan.  I sort of want to cry right now because I have officially lost 10 pounds and am HALF WAY to my weight loss GOAL! 

You have NO IDEA what this means to me.  I have been working so hard to get here and it feels AMAZING to have achieved this goal.  To have met this gives me even further motivation to continue on for the last two weeks of the FOCUS T25 program.  It is truly an amazing work out program and you can't argue with 25 minutes a day for 5 days a week! 



As you can see - my entire body has resulted in a HUGE change.  I have lost 10 pounds off my body, which has resulted in also losing:

~ 4 inches off my WAIST!
~ 2 inches off my HIPS!
~ 2 inches off my CHEST!
~ 2 inches off my ARMS!
~ 5 inches off my THIGHS!

Resulting in a TOTAL INCHES LOSS OF: 15 INCHES OFF MY BODY!!!!!

TOTAL FAT OFF MY BODY?  7%!   THAT IS AMAZING!!!!

I love being a beach body coach, I love feeling healthy, I love being fit, I love having ENERGY, I love my Shakeology, I love my friends and family who have been supporting me through this journey, I love my CHALLENGE GROUPS and I LOVE YOU ALL FOR READING MY BLOG AND KEEPING ME MOTIVATED!!!  I am just a BIG BALL of LOVE right now! 

I seriously can't wait to share my LAST photo of
FOCUS T25 in 2 weeks!   This means I need to start thinking about another beach body program to begin... any thoughts on the next one I should order?!  I'm caught between getting P90X3 or TURBOFIRE!

COMMENT on this post or E-MAIL me directly at coachmelissamckim@gmail.com and let me know the program you think I should do NEXT!  If you're also interested in being part of my Facebook Challenge Groups in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Stay tuned to next week for my STATurday results!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with T25 and Shakeology

Well - it's my check in week for STATurday!  The good news is that I didn't gain and I didn't lose.  I am at the same weight as I was last week.  With Valentine's Day treats and the Pizza that I had last night for dinner with my fiancĂ©e, I am actually pretty pleased with this scale result!

While I didn't lose weight on the scale, I can tell that I've gained muscle since my body fat percentage went down from 36.3% to an even 36%.  That is awesome!  That is why I stress the importance of taking measurements in other ways (other than just the scale).  The scale doesn't give you the whole picture!  Check out this YouTube Link on how to take the proper measurements and keep track of your progress: 



And if you haven't done so already, you should become a member on Team Beach  Body - they have a GREAT feature that allows you to keep track of your progress and goals.  As you can see here, I have been measuring myself roughly every 14 days.  It keeps things nice and organized and really gets you excited to see all that hard work paying off!  Sign up for FREE Membership on Team Beach Body's website.  Here is the link:  FREE Beachbody Membership




Thanks so much for following me on this transformational journey with T25 and Shakeology. I am really loving the program, the support I'm getting from my own coach and the people on Team Beach Body, along with my challenge groups on Facebook! 

My hope is that someone reads this and gets inspired to make a change in their life as well - I am so happy I made this choice and am enjoying the ride!

Stay tuned for my full STATs next STATurday!  I like to post pictures up every 14 days to be in line with my measurements and can't wait to see next week's photos!

Saturday, February 8, 2014

STATurday: My Journey with T25 and Shakeology

Well folks, I am in complete shock!  I have lost 9 pounds since I began my journey with T25 and Shakeology.  I am incredibly happy with the results and from the support that I have received from my challenge group and friends.  I AM SO HAPPY!

I started this journey at 165 pounds on December 31, 2013.  When I began the challenge group on January 5th, I was only 1 week in and had already lost 1.2 pounds. 

BEFORE:
BEFORE:
My Stats:  163.8 lbs
Waist: 37.6 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Chest: 37.5 inches
Right Arm: 13.2 inches
Left Arm: 13 inches
Right Thigh: 25.5 inches
Left Thigh: 25.8 inches
Body Fat %: 37.6%


TODAY:
Weight:  156.4
Waist: 34 inches
Hips: 38 inches
Chest: 36 inches
Right Arm: 11.8 inches
Left Arm: 11.9 inches
Right Thigh: 21.5 inches
Left Thigh: 22 inches
Body Fat %: 36.3%
As you can see - I shrunk down a lot!!!  I couldn't even get my bum into those black shorts that you see me wearing today!!!  CRAZY!!!!

I've been doing T25 for 30 days now and these are the results I am getting by ONLY DOING 25 minute workouts, 5 days a week and drinking Shakeology every day.   I have also been eating clean and up to 5 mini meals a day.  This has helped me tremendously in keeping my blood sugars levels even and not making me crave any sweets.  That, and Shakeology helps a TON since I get my Vegan Chocolate shake every morning!  :)

THIS IS THE HAPPIEST I'VE BEEN WITH MY BODY IN A LONG TIME!  I am so happy that I have stuck with my promise to myself and am now on the journey to help others with their health and fitness goals! 

Stay tuned for next STATurday to see even more results!

P.S.  If you'd like to join MY NEXT CHALLENGE GROUP - please send me a message at coachmelissamckim@gmail.com and I'd be happy to add you to the group on Facebook!  The challenge will begin on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014.  I'll send you more details about what you'll need.  Are you in?