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

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 Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix

This morning I was NOT in the mood to work out, at all.  This program is 7 days a week for three weeks and my body hasn't been used to that!  However, I DID work out because I knew that when I completed the workout, I'd feel better about it.  I especially like to work out in the mornings because it's the first thing I do when I wake up - it's routine.  By making it routine, it is easier to get my butt out of bed.  YES!

While the exercising is going well, I will say that this week was a challenge for me and my nutrition, as it was very apparent on the scale this morning by me gaining .5 pounds.  I had 4 cheat meals this week and by making those decisions, it added up and I'm now paying the consequences. 

Is a .5 weight gain a big deal in the grand scheme of life?  No. 
Do I know what I need to do to next week?  Yes. 
Do I stress out about a little weight gain?  No. 

I've come to realize that life is just too short to sweat the small the stuff.  I know that I didn't do as well as I could.  I know that I could have made better choices this week.  So, next week, I'll be a lot better. Here is my Week 3 Meal Plan, all ready to go (inspired and created by my own Coach Lisa! :)):

On a side note, I do have a new favorite Shakeology Recipe that came with the 21 Day Fix program, this is happiness every morning after I work out!  I wanted to be sure to share with you all!  See below: 

 

Also, I love the ladies in my challenge groups as they all hold me accountable!  It is great to go through something like this with other people - other people who are all striving to change and incorporate a better healthy life style! 

 

Thank you all for your continued support!  Week 3 is going to ROCK and I can't wait to post my before & after photos!

STATurday: My Journey with Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix

Okay - hold the press!  This program is SERIOUS!  I am totally amazed at how much my body has already transformed after only 6 days.  It is all about the NUTRITION and the work outs that Autumn has you doing are intense but they only last 30 minutes.  She is so encouraging and motivating during the workouts - I love it.  This could be a new favorite program!

Here I am at Day 1 of the 21 Day Fix:

Weight:  153 pounds

Waist: 31.2

Hips: 36.2

Chest: 35

Right Arm:  11.7

Left Arm: 11.7

Right Thigh: 20.2

Left Thigh: 20.2

Body Fat:  25.72%

I am not able to take photos until Day 21 - but I have already sneaked a peak at the scale and I am currently at 151 pounds!  I have already LOST 2 pounds this week - which is AWESOME!

This program is all about nutrition - drinking your Shakeology, portion control with the containers, and getting your 30 minutes of workout in every day of the week.  It is a really easy program to follow actually and I am shocked that it is taken THIS long to get something like this on the market.  It is a dire need in todays society, as even as a COACH, I didn't realize how much fruit and veggies I was OVEREATING. 

This program also doesn't make me feel hungry - I am eating super healthy foods and my body has a TON of energy.  You are eating 5 mini meals throughout the day, spaced over 2-3 hours.  Again, super easy to follow and I use the weekends to prep my lunches and portions out for the week.

I can't wait to see where I'm at by Day 14 and then Day 21! 

If you're interested in learning more about the program - visit my coaching site and take a look for more details:  www.beachbodycoach.com/m4mckim or feel free to shoot me an e-mail and ask any questions you may have.  Also, I'd be happy to help you get a good discount on Shakeology AND the program, just send me an e-mail for more details: coachmelissamckim@gmail.com

Stay tuned for next STATurday's post!  Thank you ALL for your continued support!

STATurday: My Journey with P90x3 and Shakeology

Hello from Sanibel, FL! 

It has already been amazing trip here in paradise.  Sunsets, beaches, beautiful weather, nice people, and lots to do!  

Since I'm on vacation - I am a bit out if routine but I've noticed that many of my habits I've continued while being in vacation when it comes to food.  Additionally, my fiancée and I have rented bikes while on the island, so we bike every where - which is great exercise and better for the environment.  😊

If you're looking for a nice tropical retreat - you should consider this area.  It's really beautiful.  

Photo Above: Sunset off Sanibel Island 

I am no where near a scale or a tape measure while I'm out here - but I can tell you that the way I FEEL in my swimming suit is incredible!!! I love how since doing p90x3 my body has started to tone out and slim down more.  I can also really start to see my abs become more defined.  ☺️ Who knew those were there?!?! 

As with anything in life, one must take it one day at a time.  I'm enjoying myself while on vacation, but still using my head when it comes to food and exercise.  I don't want to lose all that hard work I've put into myself and body just because of a vacation! 😊  

The goal is always to have healthy, happy and pure life.  

Photo above:  Me and Johnny - Selfie on out Sunset Cruise

Above photo:  Panoramic Photo of Captiva Island - Gorgeous!