Extreme Combat Elite Group

Extreme Combat.

Need I say more? Ummm, ok. Yeah, I should probably elaborate.

Ok, well during my time with Beachbody, I have tried several programs, all of which I have enjoyed. I have found two, however, that I am absolutely and totally head over heels in love with.

ChaLEAN Extreme provided me with fast and effective weight loss and overall toning. Seriously, my legs and arms have never looked so badass as when I was doing this program.

Les Mills Combat provided me with fun and powerful confidence, plus some really cool moves that would no doubt come in handy during that street fight that I may find myself engaged in someday. I have never felt so badass as since starting this program.

So, I said to myself, what could be more badass than combining these two programs? Right? Pure genius.

I challenge you to join me in what I'm calling the Extreme Combat Elite Group. Make no mistake. It will be a challenge. This is not for the uncommitted. You will push your body and your mind to new levels of endurance. You will experience muscle soreness and fatigue. You will want to give up. You won't. I won't let you.

You think you got what it takes? I do. Join the Extreme Combat Elite Group on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/171731276347143/

Closing Doors

There are some doors about to close in my life. I can feel it.

A year ago, that feeling would have sent me into a tailspin of panic, shame, worry, and depression.

Today, I know that when doors close, it is for a reason. Instead of dwelling on the negative emotions that come along with unexpected change, I refocus and look for the other doors that are opening as a result of those closing doors. It's not easy and I am not yet a master of this approach. But we can only master that which we practice.

So, as I sense the doors closing on some major areas of my life, I look around and see that other doors have already begun to open. I am uncertain of the future of one of my employers that currently represents the core of my income. That is scary.

Instead of focusing on that fear, I am viewing this as the push I need to really engage in my Beachbody business. Anyone can be successful in this business with the right dedication and focus. I don't know how long it will take me to be successful doing this work part-time, but I do know one thing: most people fail in building a home-based business because they are too quick to give up.

I welcome the closing doors and happily turn towards the new doors opening up to me.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
-Thomas A. Edison

You can learn more about my opening door by clicking here: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/SunShineStrong?bctid=1805534547

Fit & Faithful Ain't No Joke

I've spent the past few months rebuilding my body, developing more strength and fitting back into my jeans.

I recently purchased a program called Body Gospel largely out of curiosity. I figured it may not be a particularly challenging workout, but I've always enjoyed the uplifting feeling of gospel music. I was curious to see if I could experience that same feeling while working out.

Yesterday I thought I'd try the core workout just to see what it was all about. So, yeah, um Donna Richardson Joyner ain't no joke. I'm feeling my abs today and REALLY enjoyed the workout yesterday. Loved using the cool resistance bands with the foot strappy thingies. I plan to start working this program into my other programs on a regular basis.

Anyone that wants to try bringing their faith into their fitness should try this program. It truly is a good workout and is uplifting at the same time.

Starting September 30th, I will guide you through this program in my Fit & Faithful Facebook group. Email me today or message me on Facebook for more information.

Some of the songs that will get you moving include:

• Hallelujah (The Highest Praise)

• Again I Say Rejoice

• Friend of God

• Going to Another Level

• Testify

• We Win

• The Presence of the Lord

 

...and many more

 

Just Do What You Love

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." - David Frost

"The beauty of direct selling is that you join a team of people who have similar interests and dreams to do and be more." - David Bach

A few months ago, I made a decision that would change the course of my life. (Yes, I'm getting dramatic here. Let me have my moment.) I chose to invest $180 to purchase what's called a Challenge Pack. It included a workout program that helped me transform my body and a meal replacement shake that helped me transform my eating habits.

*Disclaimer - This is where I tell you I have never been truly overweight. And while I used to joke about wanting to be called Big Momma when I finally become a grandmother (a loooooong time from now), I'm not sure that my body is made to ever really be obese. So, yeah, sorry about that. It is what it is.

My body is, however, fully capable of getting flabby and unhealthy and no longer fitting into the jeans I have owned for years and can't afford to replace. This is where I was back in March, 2013. The Challenge Pack I purchased (ChaLEAN Extreme for those who don't obsessively follow my every blog and Facebook post) helped me shed the flab and tone some serious muscle.

Yeah, I look amazing. It's true. (I have no time for modesty, people. I'm a Leo.)

The other thing purchasing that Challenge Pack allowed me to do was enter the world of Beachbody coaching. It's part of my plan to improve my financial situation. I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I am tired of deciding which bills get paid this month. I am tired of talking to Joe at the bank. (Joe's nice and all, but he keeps asking me for things I don't have, like money.)

So, I invested in myself which also allowed me to become an independent Beachbody Coach as an added source of income. Here's the deal. Not everyone will get rich doing this. MOST people won't get rich doing this. And while it would be nice to get rich doing this, that's not the point. I don't need to be rich. I just want to be able to pay off my debt and give back to my children and community. I want to be able to save for retirement and donate to charities regularly. And dangit, I want to be able to go to the store every now and then and just buy something pretty.

That's the benefit of direct selling. I keep my day job, which is my mostly secure source of income, while also building a business on the side to bring in additional income. An extra $500-$1000 a month would make life much more livable.

It has taken time and it has and will continue to take hard work. But it's doable and I love it. There are a lot of opportunities out there and I say find one that reflects your goals and priorities and go for it. You will find a whole new group of friends that share your interests and goals. You will develop yourself beyond who and what you are today. And you will get the opportunity to add to your income by doing something you enjoy. You may even be able to fire your current bosses someday!

The bonus of Beachbody, incidentally, is that I get to watch the people around me become healthier and happier. It's a powerful feeling.

So, this is not me saying "Join my team so I can make more money!" This is me saying I never realized direct selling could be fun and inspiring and didn't have to involve me booking parties and trying to pretend I knew anything about cooking or makeup; which I don't. Clearly. There are opportunities out there that don't require you to make a heavy up-front investment or maintain inventory. There are opportunities out there that don't require you to host parties if you're not comfortable doing so. There are opportunities that you can have fun with and fully believe in. I have friends and family involved in several different businesses that they truly enjoy and I'm sure they'd be happy to talk to you about them.

However, if you want to know more about Beachbody, I am more than happy to share with you what I have learned. You can send me a quick email at sunshinestrongbb@gmail.com or message my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow.

Want to see one of the websites Beachbody created for me? Check out www.BeachBodyCoach.com/SunShineStrong.

Kia Kaha!

Kia Kaha! Don't quote me on this, but I think it means stay with the fight. Dan and Rach like to say it a lot during my Les Mills Combat workouts. So, now I like to say it in response to pretty much anything anyone says to me. And you can't just say it. You have to yell it and throw up a quick front kick as you're yelling it. It's a thing. Yeah.

I've tried a lot of at-home fitness programs. I've enjoyed many of them. If you know me, you know I have a thing for Chalene Johnson and Shaun T workouts. But nothing ever in the history of at-home fitness ever compares to Les Mills Combat. Nothing. Ever. Never ever.

In all seriousness, I think it's a great intro into various styles of martial arts and boxing for anyone that has ever dreamed of having a black belt...in something. And it's a great way to feel like a total badass at least once a day.

Contact me for more information.

sunshinestrongbb@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow

http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/LMCBase?referringRepId=228212

TurboFire is HOT this August!

This is a great program, lots of fun, and highly effective. Order now and I'll provide you personalized support throughout the program. We've got great support groups on Facebook, so make the decision to change today! Click on the link below to get started!

https://www.teambeachbody.com/checkout/-/bbcheckout/challengepack?referringRepId=228212

Excuse Me While I Slip Into A Sugar Coma

Let me start this post by saying, I'M FREE!!!

My Beachbody Ultimate Reset is over and I am free to once again eat and drink whatever I want. It's an exhilarating and oddly liberating feeling. I can literally go to the store and buy whatever I want and eat it. I think I recall reading something in the booklet about easing back into various types of foods like sugar and dairy. Not sure. But here's what I do know.

I suck at transitioning slowly back into normal eating patterns while still retaining some semblance of the healthy eating habits I learned on this program.

For the past two weeks, folks have been asking what my first meal would be after finishing my Ultimate Reset. I wanted to say that it would be something all healthy and noble, like whole grain pasta and peanut sauce made from natural peanut butter (which actually sounds good, but takes way too much time to make). You see, my issue with the Ultimate Reset diet isn't so much the lack of Doritos and beer on the menu, it is the extensive ingredient lists, cooking time, and dishwashing involved. It. was. exhausting. At a certain point I just didn't even want to eat anymore. It was too much work.

So, my first day post-UR may have involved a quick trip to the grocery store shopping all of the interior aisles. You know, the aisles where all the unhealthy processed foods are? My cart may have been filled with two pints of Cherry Garcia ice cream, a bag of Doritos, a block of cream cheese, a box of Entenmann's donuts, and a Hungry Man frozen dinner.

Therefore, I may have gained back whatever fat I lost during my 3-week Ultimate Reset all in one day. *sigh*

Here is who might benefit from this program: people with decent will power who don't live with a bunch of teenagers bringing chips and cookies and candy into the house all the time and waiving it around in front of your face. That, I believe, is what kicked off the cravings. And people who have the time and desire to cook. People who enjoy cooking. People who are good at it. Because the program had tons of delicious-looking recipes, but I lacked the skill and motivation to actually make them. Or maybe people with cooks and maids to do all the hard work for them, because quite honestly, all I really wanted to do by the time week 2 hit was nap.

Whatever. What I've learned is that I might just survive the zombie apocalypse because I can go without food for much longer than I thought. And now that I've moved onto Les Mills Combat and Turbo Fire, I will be better equipped to engage the zombies in hand-to-hand combat. I am much happier to return to my lifestyle of eating relatively healthy 80% of the time and working off the bad stuff every morning with a kick-ass workout and long run.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must slip into my sugar coma now...

Bring on Turbo Fire!

My Ultimate Reset is almost over and I must say, not a day too soon. I miss my workouts. In fact, I miss my workouts so much that I've actually been doing them even though I'm not supposed to. Yes, I'm a bad Beachbody Coach. But in my defense, I've only done 3 of them and only this week and it's only so I won't hurt all the people. I NEED the workouts to not hurt all the people.

So, Monday morning marks the start of our Turbo Fire Challenge Group on Facebook and you best believe I'll be pushing play first thing when I roll out of bed at 4am. I. can't. wait.

Turbo Fire is fun. It's exciting. It's powerful. And it burns some serious fat, which is good cause I'm having some Doritos and beer after three weeks of black beans and brown rice. Want to burn some fat of your own? Click here to email me and I'll let you know how you can join us!

I do have some closing thoughts on my Ultimate Reset experience and I will share those tomorrow. Yeah, you're just gonna have to wait.

BB Ultimate Reset: End of Week Two

You might have noticed a lack of posts over the past few days. Life has been, ummmm, temperamental of late. Actually, she's been a straight B-word. My bosses have gotten together in an effort to force me onto mood-regulating medication. My pursuit of a PhD has been halted by my inability to speak French. My air conditioning has stopped working. Not for the entire house, mind you. Only for the upstairs portion where my bedroom, bathroom, and office are. Whatever. These are not insurmountable or tragic issues. But I can't go for a nice long run or engage in an intense workout to relieve my stress.

So, I am admitting here and now that I fell off the clean eating wagon yesterday. Ok. I didn't just fall off. I jumped off, rolled over a cliff, bounced off several rocks, and landed at the bottom of a ravine. It was bad.

Here's what happened, just so you know that it wasn't all my fault. It started with a friend who had tickets to a wine festival. Well, you can't go to a festival without eating festival food and you can't go to a wine festival without drinking wine. Following those rules, I ordered a corn dog and fries. Let me tell you that the corn dog did not comply with standard corn dog dimensions. In fact, when it came out of the fryer (oh yes, fresh fried corn dog - super healthy), it looked very much like fried fish on a stick. I was starving, so I went for it anyway. Result? I felt dirty. And not just "I need to wash my hands and face" dirty, but "I NEED to shower twice and wash my hair" dirty. So, I did what anyone in my situation would have done. I drank wine. Not in huge amounts, but enough to bring on a swift headache and a desire to lie in bed for a week. But the festival supports animal rescue in our area, so really I was eating and drinking to support an important cause.

Later that evening, my mother and I went to a play to benefit Bedford Domestic Violence Services where they laid out an appetizer spread that was impossible to resist. I did well, initially. However, this play was so gut-wrenchingly devastating that I had no choice but to fill my plate full of meatballs, pigs in blankets, and chocolate-covered strawberries in an effort to eat my emotions. An excellent performance, but I was already in an emotionally fragile state. Oh, and there was wine. But again, I was eating and drinking to support an important cause.

So, if you think about it, is was really my altruism that forced me off of the wagon. What can I say? I'm a giver.

So, here I am at the end of week two and feeling a bit guilty. But, all is not lost. I managed to climb my way out of the ravine, chase down the clean eating wagon, and climb back on board. Only one week left of my Ultimate Reset and then I can get back to a higher calorie intake and more intense workouts. Turbo Fire is calling my name.

Turbo Fire Challenge Group starts 7/22! Contact me for more information!

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Ten

Halfway There and Already Hitting Goals! Woo Hoo!

So, I am sharing a little early today because I'm excited to report that this Ultimate Reset has helped me reach my weight goal. And I'm oh so painfully close to my measurement goals.

 

If you already have a free or club Team Beachbody Membership, then you know what the picture below means. All of that green means that I have met most of my fitness goals. At the completion of my Ultimate Reset, I will have my blood work and check up done to see where I am at with my internal fitness goals. It's beautiful.

 

 

 

I didn't do the Ultimate Reset to lose weight, but often weight loss is a by product of getting healthy. And it all began with setting up my Free Team Beachbody account.

 

Now, only eleven more days until I get to start my next challenge group with Chalene Johnson's Turbo Fire on July 22nd! Order your challenge pack by clicking on the Turbo Fire link and follow me on Facebook to join me!

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Nine

Day nine of my Beachbody Ultimate Reset and everyone around me survives despite my complete breakdown last night.

I ended up huddled on the couch, blanket pulled up over me with my arm flung across my eyes in true Scarlet O'Hara fashion. Ok. I've never seen Gone With the Wind. That admission may get me kicked out of the south, which is a shame because I've grown fond of using the term "y'all" without getting weird looks. Anyway, this is the image I have in my head of Scarlet O'Hara. "Oh, Rett. Ma head is positively aching." Dude's name was Rett, right?

So, I've spent most of my life believing I have a very high threshold for pain. Nu-uh. Untrue. I am a pansy. I am a little poo poo crybaby. I was pretty sure I was dying last night. There was a moment when I thought some long-dormant creature might actually have been awakened by a lack of processed sugar and was trying to burrow its way out of my head. My parents told me about this show they watched about strange illnesses where this woman had worms living in her scalp and none of the doctors would believe her until one finally saw them moving under her skin. Ok. Now I'm creeped out again.

At any rate, I managed to get to sleep at some point last night, or maybe it was this morning. But I woke up headache-free. Like all the pain never even happened.

Last night I was vowing to quit. However, having several people ask me about it today made me realize that I've made this commitment way too public to stop now. Whatever.

I'm officially declaring that Beachbody was WRONG about which days are usually the worst. Day 8 totally sucked. Actually, it was evening 8 that totally sucked balls. I'm better today, though I am starting to feel the nudgings of another headache, so we'll see what 8pm brings. It better bring sunshine and daisies because my Hoosiers Will Sheehey and Yogi Ferrell are representing in the World University Games. I need to be alert and pain-free to enjoy it.

On a bright note, I was reminded how badass I am for completing my ChaLEAN Extreme challenge last month:

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Eight

My first day in the Release Phase of my Beachbody Ultimate Reset Challenge. Yep. That's what it is.

The foods in this phase are more restrictive, focused primarily on fruits and vegetables with some soups mixed in.

Definitely more tired today, although that could result from the very few hours of sleep I have gotten over the past few days.

I also have a slight headache for the first time in this challenge. I'm not sure what that stems from, but it is not unbearable, so I'm not whining about it. Yet.

What I am whining about is my irrational mood. It would seem that the Release Phase has actually unleashed PMS-like mood swings for me. So, that's fun for everyone around me. Luckily my kids have been spending most of their time at work, sports, or friends houses (where the parents actually cook) lately, so only the ultra-forgiving dog and cats have to endure my b-wordness.

On the bright side, this appears to be the week where I'm going so see the most health benefits through weight loss and toxin release. And I learned that I love baked sweet potatoes. Who knew? I mean, I find baked potatoes to be boring and gross, even when smothered in sour cream. But baked sweet potatoes are perfection. Or that may be the severe lack of processed foods talking.

On another positive note, I received my free Beachbody Challenge t-shirt for completing my ChaLEAN Extreme program. It's super cute, even if it is a crew neck. And covered in cat hair.

BB Ultimate Reset: Week One Recap

Week One is done. It feels good to say that. Allow me to reflect a moment on my experiences in Week One, the Reclaim Phase.

I haven't cooked for my children in over a week and so far they haven't seemed to notice. I'm not sure what that means except that I may not have to go back to cooking for them after my Ultimate Reset is over. So, yay me.

If I'm going to cheat on this program, it's going to be in the evenings when I'm on the couch watching TV. Couch = Food. Actually, Couch = Mindless Snacking on Processed GMO Food. So, clearly I need to establish a long-term plan to counteract this issue. Since I refuse to stop watching sports (almost all of which air in the evenings) or Rizzoli and Isles, I have to hope that I can develop the habit of opting for healthy snacks during this reset. (OK, yes Big Brother should also be added to the list of evening television viewing. I'm not proud of it. It's a recent addiction and I'm very resentful that I've finally been sucked into the mindless drama.)

When I have cheated, it has made my stomach hurt. My stomach no longer wants Doritos. My stomach definitely doesn't want cookies and milk. I haven't checked to see how my stomach feels about beer, but I'm guessing it won't be as excited about it as my taste buds are.

Tai Cheng, while exceptionally easy compared to the rather intense ChaLEAN Extreme, has been both relaxing and beneficial. It is moving rather slowly for my taste and I look forward to combining some of the Tai Chi movements in Week Two.

All in all, Week One was fairly easy. No headaches despite the near elimination of caffeine. (I have snuck a small coffee here and there. I don't want to quit coffee and you can't make me.) I slept better and had more energy throughout the day despite stopping my iron supplements. I feel fully prepared for Week Two.

Week Two is the Release Phase. I think I know what that means. Luckily, I work from home and the bathroom is right beside my office. And while some reviewers will share with you every detail of how the Reset impacted their bathroom habits, I'll spare you that information. I'm willing to share if you really want to know, although that would make for an odd email subject line.

Want to get started on your own journey? Start by setting up your own FREE Team Beachbody membership to help you establish and track your fitness goals. You'll love your new Beachbody Coach. She's pretty awesome.

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Six

Oh so close to finishing out the first week. I get up every morning and put on my Ultimate Reset bracelet as a symbol and reminder of my commitment to this challenge.

 

It's actually kind of cool and stylish. I think. Actually I don't know what's considered cool and stylish anymore, but in my mind I'm all hip and cool (and not in a "hipster" kind of way because when my son uses that word his tone is dripping with disdain).

 

 

Anyway, Stinky Butt (there's a very good reason for the name, though probably not what you might guess) thinks that I'm wearing a special toy designed just for him. If I pass by him sitting on the back of a chair, he will grab the dangly strings and attempt to use them as a leash to lead me around the house.

 

 

On a food-related note, I am going to enjoy my last day of semi-real food tomorrow as week two, the Release Phase, moves me into an even more restrictive diet. I wonder how much I will grow to love or hate miso soup...

 

 

You can create your own FREE Team Beachbody account here to track your fitness goals and progress and find workout buddies to motivate you. Plus you'll get me as a coach, which is what would really make you lucky. Cause as we've already learned above, I'm all hip and cool.



BB Ultimate Reset: Day Five

"Come on, Craig. It's Friday. You ain't got no job, man." That's the voice I heard in my head as my son held the freshly baked cinnamon rolls under my nose.

"Go ahead, mom. Just have one." What happened to the mean kid that wouldn't let me have any chocolate chip cookies? Apparently he's been replaced by a different mean kid that wants to bully me into failure. His friend suggested he was just trying to test my resolve. Ok, so the teenager didn't use the word "resolve," but that's what he meant.

Whatever. I said no and I didn't even punch the child in his face. (There was part of me that wanted to, though.)

Outside of that little moment, the day was beautiful. Went for a nice long walk with my momma before coming home to do my Tai Cheng. It was a peaceful start to a rather stressful work day. But even with all the stress of demanding students and ridiculously complicated new classroom setups, I feel calm and relaxed.

While I'm anxious to finish this journey to see where it takes me, I am enjoying the process as I go.

Watching the numbers inch closer to my goals is one of my motivators. You can do the same by signing up here for a Team Beachbody profile account and start tracking your own progress.

Now, I get to enjoy a small cup of coffee while I plan the child's punishment for his cruel behavior. I'm thinking about selling all of his stuff and using the proceeds to buy the new wardrobe I'm going to need at the end of this journey.

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Four

Before I begin, I need to just let folks know that I'm going to have to start unfriending folks on Facebook. You all KNOW I'm restricting the foods I eat during the Ultimate Reset, but you insist on posting photos of things like Crock Pot Parmesan Honey Pork Roast, Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, and Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole (that last one was posted deliberately to undermine my success, I know it). Uncool, people. Uncool.

Still, I am sticking to my challenge and not feeling too deprived. I'm in kind of a rhythm now and my body is enjoying the light feeling of not being full nonstop throughout the day. I no longer go into panic mode at the slightest tummy rumble. Apparently I used to think I was living in feast or famine times and had to have a constant supply of food lest I whither away in the dead of winter never to see another spring. Now, I don't mind feeling a little hungry off and on throughout the day. But what's weird is that despite the lack of constant food, I have not heard or felt my stomach growl once on this challenge. I have had more than enough to eat while taking in significantly fewer calories.

The real motivator came when I randomly decided to measure my thighs. 21 23/4 inches. That's less than 22 inches. That's smaller than my thighs have been in dang near forever. I am literally shrinking, making me literally happy.

My reward for my progress and stick-to-it-tiveness is a special Tiramisu Shakeology. Probably not completely in line with my UR menu, but this new vanilla flavor gives me so many recipe options for my healthiest meal of the day that I just had to have it twice today. I had an Orange Julius Shake-O this morning and Tiramisu Shake-O to end my day. Perfection.

I am four days in and feeling good, not craving Doritos or beer or pasta. Well, at least not until I see the photos on my FB newsfeed. It seems to be a psychological craving. So I'm going to have to psychologically unfriend half of these people. Or perhaps I will just counter every post of Dorito Chicken and Cheese Casserole with my own post of vanilla Shake-O and my Ultimate Reset. That'll learn em.

Want to feel this good? Join me for an Ultimate Reset challenge group on Facebook starting next week. https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow We'll have fun, I promise.

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Three

I woke up feeling good. Not hungry, which is odd for me. I only ate breakfast because it is part of the plan and because I love my Shakeology. New vanilla flavor, what? Mmmmmm.

I felt happy and pleasant as I went to the grocery store, where half of America was stocking up on chips and beer for tomorrow's holiday. I, by the way, was stocking up on veggies and nacho-flavored kale chips (not a suitable Doritos substitute, by the way). No beer for me. No real chips. Nope. I get veggies and nacho-flavored kale chips. *sigh*

All of the warnings in the booklet about days three through five being the hardest days must be for the other people, cause I am so fine.

I will say that later in the day I finally started to feel the achy feeling they talk about in the booklet. It is an odd mix between a very mild flu and vague PMS-type cramping. It's the kind that only makes you mildly annoyed with the world, not the kind that makes you plot how you might be able to start ripping people's hearts out without a life sentence. And this is where I am probably the odd one, but I kind of enjoy it. It makes me feel like I should be taking care of myself and relaxing more. The flu gives you permission to be lazy. So mild flu-like achiness is ok with me.

Also enjoying my Tai Cheng. Dr. Mark Cheng is nice to look at during these relaxing movements, plus he shows you how each Tai Chi move can be used as self-defense, so I get to feel a badass doing them. Still, I miss my more intense workouts and I'm itching to do some Turbo Fire. I shouldn't, but I REALLY want to.

Though I delayed the start of my Ultimate Reset and Tai Cheng challenge groups so I could give folks an idea of what to expect, I have rescheduled the start date for those groups for Monday, July 8th. Check out event details at https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow if you'd like to join me!

BB Ultimate Reset: Day Two

Slept like a baby last night. It was quite phenomenal, really. I've never had trouble sleeping, but I do generally wake up several times throughout the night. Not last night. I was completely at peace with the world.

I felt much more comfortable with the process today. I didn't crave coffee and have yet to experience any caffeine withdrawal headaches.

Completed Day Two of my Tai Cheng, as well. It's an oddly relaxing workout and I'm noticing that I really have lost some range of motion in my shoulders/arms. Hopefully this program will help restore that before I get into my next intense challenge.

Clearly one of the pieces of this reset is reducing the number of calories I'm consuming daily. What I'm realizing is that I eat to fill time. I eat all of the time. I eat nonstop throughout the day. I eat when I'm grading. I eat right before teaching and again right after. I eat when I'm lesson planning. I eat when I'm researching. About the only time I don't eat is when I'm feeding the animals or working out. And while I was able to do that and still lose weight during my ChaLEAN Extreme program (seriously, the miracle of strength training), it was clearly holding me back from seeing full results.

So I am getting more comfortable with being slightly hungry throughout the day. It is not the horrifying feeling of deprivation that I always imagined it to be. We're not supposed to be full all day long. According to the USDA, "Americans consume 530 more calories per day than they did in 1970" (as cited in an article in the Success magazine my super-awesome coach sent me today). Worse yet, most of those foods are highly processed and filled with chemicals. I am focused on flushing those chemicals out of my body and continuing this habit of healthier eating even after I finish this challenge.

On the down side, it is only day two and I don't want to see another piece of tofu. This means I'm going to have to go shopping and put a little more thought and effort into menu planning. Evenings have always been my downfall where food is concerned. I usually fill my evenings with Doritos and beer. Lots of flavor and no cooking required. So, tofu and steamed broccoli aren't cutting it. I need more flavor than that for my evening meals. I'm eyeing up that sweet potato and red pepper bisque.

http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong

BB Ultimate Reset: Day One

4:00am - I feel hungover and all I really want is coffee. Why can't I have coffee? Teenagers up all night. Loud. Kitchen mess. Tornado? No. Teenagers. Chocolate chip muffins everywhere. Pancake batter. No coffee. Why can't I have coffee?

6:00am - I drink my Mineralized water and take my Optimize pills. Still no coffee. I want to reach into the television and punch the kid on the Honey Nut Cheerios commercial in the face. I can't eat for another thirty minutes. I may be dying.

6:15am - I am not yet feeling compelled to stand on my front porch with my arms in the air praising the heavens for this beautiful life I've been given. Still no coffee.

6:30am - Shakeology. I run the blender as long and loud as possible...just because.

7:00am - Tai Cheng. It's a somewhat startling, but relaxing change from Chalene Johnson yelling at me to go hard or go home (which is odd because she must know that I AM home when doing these programs). Feeling a little light, but not really in a bad way. I would like some coffee, though.

9:00am - Feeling less inclined to hurt someone. Still wanting coffee.

10:00am - Children awake. Cooking more pancakes. Eggs. Bacon. Hot Pockets. I want to punch them all in their faces. I don't even like Hot Pockets. They're gross, but I want to snatch one out of their greedy little hands and inhale it. Still no coffee. All I really want is coffee. They can keep the Hot Pockets if I can just have come coffee.

11:00am - I Mineralize and Optimize again. Then I wait. Still no coffee.

11:30am - Thank goodness for lunch. I love lunch. Lunch is, like, the BEST. THING. EVER. Scrambled eggs, steamed kale, and 1 slice of whole-grain toast. No salt. No butter. Just plain eggs, kale, and toast. And it is freakin delicious.

2:30pm - Time to Mineralize and Alkalinize. What in heaven's name is this? It's green. It looks like seaweed water. It smells like seaweed water. It tastes...like seaweed water. Oddly enough, though, it's not that bad. Actually, my new-found love of edamame has prepared me for this, because it also smells and tastes very much like the edamame pods. I might just make it through this.

3:00pm - Snack. Best edamame I've ever had. Ever.

5:30pm - Took my last Mineralize, Optimize, and Soothe.

6:00pm - Baked tofu, steamed broccoli, and brown rice. The most delicious bland food ever. It is very much like finishing a half marathon and scarfing down stale wheat bagels covered in peanut butter and telling everyone around you that it's the best meal you've ever had. Ever. Still, a post-meal coffee would be super.

6:30pm - Reading through my Beachbody Ultimate Reset booklet. Just curious what each of these elements is supposed to do for me. Alkalinize helps maintain alkalinity. Sure. Mineralize adds natural minerals needed by the body. Ok. Optimize promotes healthy metabolism and effective body functions. Yep. Body's been functioning quite a bit today.

Then I decide to peruse the Frequently Asked Questions, just to kind of cut to the chase. What happens if I cheat during the Ultimate Reset? No biggie. Just start right back. Cool. Can I drink coffee during the Ultimate Reset? Yes. Wait, WHAT? What the f---????? What in the heck is going on? WHY didn't I read this first???? Dangit!

Ok, so you're not supposed to drink coffee on this program, but you can, in small amounts. And this is what I have learned today. READ thoroughly before jumping into a program. I might have been able to communicate with more humans today if I had done so.

http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong

What Will Life Be Like?

In less than 12 hours, my Ultimate Reset begins. As such, I have spent the last 12 hours consuming whatever bad foods I can. I just had half a chocolate cake. Yeah.

Currently, there are more than half a dozen teenagers cooking pancakes and chocolate chip muffins in my kitchen. If by some miracle any of it turns out even slightly edible, I will probably just take it from them.

I really feel like I must eat all the food tonight because tomorrow begins the unknown. What will life be like without coffee and beer? More importantly, what will life be like for everyone else?

I'll let you know...

Check out my Ultimate Reset Website to learn more!

How Did My Kids Get To Be So Mean?

When I walk into my kitchen and see this

it means something special is about to happen. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I usually let out a little shout of glee. I immediately turn to the TV and begin searching for whatever big game or good movie might be on that night. (Tonight it's the NBA Draft where my Hoosiers have shown up big time...shout out to Oladipo and Zeller representing Hoosier Nation as top-five picks.)

See, when I see two sticks of butter sitting on my kitchen counter, it means my son is going to bake chocolate chip cookies for us. And not just any chocolate chip cookies, but the most delicious chocolate chip cookies ever. I have no idea where he learned how to do this or who he inherited the baking gene from, but I don't really care. I get cookies!!!!

"You don't get any," my son tells me. Huh? What is he talking about?
"Look, mom. You're the one trying to eat better. No cookies."

How did he get to be so mean?

So now I'm sulking trying to figure out how to justify eating a few cookies without losing esteem in my son's eyes. Yeah. I can't. Which is exactly why I told my kids about this change in diet. I knew they would hold me accountable. And this child don't play.

Fine. No cookies. If you need me, I'll be over in the corner sulking.

https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow

We All Need More Shaun T in Our Lives

I'm not speaking to Beachbody.

Yeah, it was all cool and exciting when I got my first commission check and signed my first coach. And yeah, it was fully excellent when I lost 13 pounds and found my inner strength again. And sure, the idea of one day being able to stop working for 5 different companies and be my own boss is empowering. (And restful. Five different companies. Just thinking about it makes me tired.)

But seriously, Beachbody, you wait until I'm about to embark on a 21-Day Ultimate Reset to release my Shaun T's newest workout??? You KNOW I can't do this kind of intense workout while resetting my body! I have to do my Tai Cheng while resetting my body. You could have waited to release this new program, but nooooo.

FocusT25. Just 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Shaun T. It's perfection.

And yet, I don't get to jump on the T25 bandwagon until at least July 22nd and honestly, I have Turbo Fire, Insanity, and Body Gospel all on my list of programs to try next. And I've heard great things about Les Mills Combat, too.

So, I'm going to need you to just stop it. Stop releasing anymore cool new programs until I've had a chance to catch up. Unless...

Who's up for a Turbo Fire/Insanity/Body Gospel/T25/Les Mills Combat hybrid? I'd even be willing to throw some Hip Hop Abs in there. Because really, we all need a little more Shaun T in our lives.

https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow

Contact me today if you'd like to try T25. Just don't tell me how much you love it until I get to try it, too.

One Week From Today

One week. In one week I will wake up and I won't turn on my coffee pot. I won't grab a cookie out of the fridge (we keep them in the fridge because nothing beats a cold chocolate chip cookie). I won't steal one of my son's frozen waffles from the freezer.

Instead, one week from today, I will wake up and put on my Ultimate Reset Bracelet to symbolize my commitment to myself. Then I will begin my 21-day journey to becoming healthier, happier, and more energized.

As of today, I haven't had a great response in folks stepping up to join me in this journey. I ain't mad. I can't blame you for not jumping into the unknown. Well, maybe I can blame you a little, cause I'm gonna need some support to give up my Doritos and coffee for 21 days. But I get it.

So, for those who are curious, but unconvinced, I will be documenting my daily experiences. It may not be pretty and some days may require an "Explicit Language" label, so be prepared for brutal honesty. For those that prefer shiny, happy posts, my UR guide says that days 3 through 5 can be particularly challenging. Those may be the days you want to be prepared for Grumpy Shine. Most people don't like her.

But at some point during the process, I hope to begin standing out on my porch every morning doing this:

In the off chance that you want to jump into your own Ultimate Reset, check out the website http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong or check out my Challenge Group Event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow.

I'd really hate to be the only one standing out on my front porch every morning with my hands raised to the heavens welcoming the new day...

Resetting My Body

In less than 2 weeks, I will be finished with my ChaLEAN Extreme (CLX) program and embarking on my next challenge, the Ultimate Reset. I have a feeling that the Ultimate Reset will prove far more challenging that CLX, but the rewards will also be powerful.

The benefits that other participants have reported include:

Flushed toxins from organs

Improved digestion

Increased energy

More positive mood and better focus

Weight loss

Improved BMI

Lowered cholesterol

Eliminated dependencies on sugar and caffeine

Improved overall health

 

 

 

 

I’ve had tremendous results from CLX, losing more than 10 pounds and toning up all over. I don't feel a strong need to lose more weight. It's not that I don't have a few extra pounds to spare, but I am entirely happy with my physical fitness and body image. If I lose a few more pounds, then that will be icing on the cake that I'm no longer eating.

 

So my goal with the Ultimate Reset is to focus on those things that are not reflected in before and after photos or numbers on the scale. I want to flush out toxins, increase my energy, and improve my overall health. I have made some positive changes in the foods I eat, shifting to cleaner eating. I could do better in that area, but I’m taking baby steps in that direction to ensure lasting change rather than an all or nothing approach that would likely lead to failure. I’m hoping the Ultimate Reset can help move me closer to my ultimate goal of reducing the amount of toxic chemicals that I take into my body.

My Ultimate Reset challenge starts on July 1^st and will last for 21 days. I will record my daily experiences with the program for those that are considering, but unsure of committing to the challenge. Coincidentally, my annual checkup falls just after the end of my challenge, so I’m anxious to see what those numbers tell me about the overall effect of the Reset.

I welcome you to join me in this challenge. You can read more about the Ultimate Reset and even purchase it here:

http://www.MyUltimateReset.com/SunShineStrong

 

Together, we can support one another through the process via a Facebook Challenge Group.

https://www.facebook.com/SunShineStrongNow

 

 

Making Spaghetti Out Of Squash

Well, I'm about to let the world know just how little I know about cooking. I suppose this won't be a huge surprise to those of you that know me. But I also suspect that some of you are equally unenlightened about cooking, so this post is for you. Consider it my personal public service to help bring cooking knowledge to the world. For those that already know what I'm about to share, well, feel free to ridicule, roll your eyes, ask yourself how I manage to function independently on a daily basis. Whatever. I've been busy learning other things in life...like how dissertations are mythical journeys that never actually end.

Ok, my fellow cooking-imparied friends. Did you know that to make spaghetti squash you don't actually have to take a squash and cut it into tiny little spaghetti-like slivers using a special-spaghetti making tool? Nope. There is actually a squash out there that comes premade that way. Want to know what kind of squash? (This is where those educated in squash varieties roll their eyes.) Spaghetti squash. There is actually such a thing as a spaghetti squash.

Seriously. For years I've looked longingly at photos of spaghetti squash recipes thinking, "If only I had the time and talent to make spaghetti out of squash." *sigh*

Ok, so it's not exactly premade spaghetti, but all you have to do is scrape the innards out with a fork and it magically becomes a huge pile of spaghetti. By the way super-smart cooking peeps, is there an official term for the entrails of a spaghetti squash? Because innards is the only word I can think of and it sounds a little less than appetizing.

After that, you just throw on some reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper and you have yourself the most delicious, filling, low-calorie meal you can imagine. Or go ahead and smother it in spaghetti sauce. You'll still be ok in the calorie area.

I will note, however, that you must cook it fully to get the desired spaghetti effect. Initially, I boiled it for 20 minutes, as per one Google suggestion. All I achieved from that attempt was a pile of rice-like squash.




Not to worry, though. After checking out a YouTube video, I decided to throw the squash into the microwave for another 6 minutes (12 minutes total if I had gone this route from the start), and the squash got all mushy as the video said it would. The rest was easy peasy.


Now my only issue is that I want to keep eating it even though I'm totally full after just one bowl.

Getting My Hip Hop Abs On

I love Shaun T. And I love Hip Hop Abs. It's a great workout and it is a BLAST to do. Despite the fact that I end up drenched in sweat after every one, I rarely feel like I'm actually working out. I'm just dancing and having fun.

And I'm not just dancing. I'm hip hopping like a fly girl in a rap video. Yeah, I'm that good. I get my funk on like nobody's business and about halfway through the Fat Burning Cardio workout I think, "How has no one ever discovered my immense talent for dance? I MUST share my talents with the world!"

So I did...




So, yeah.

That's me.

Dancing.

You'll also note all the cats...because apparently I think I can afford to be that uncoordinated AND keep a house full of cats.

It's all good, though. Cause when Shaun T comes on my TV, these images disappear and I am once again a Fly Girl.

Wanna see what it's SUPPOSED to look like? Check out the video at the link below and consider getting your own Hip Hop Abs on. Trust me. It's fun no matter how you look doing it.
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/SunShineStrong?bctid=10103956001

Summer Schedule of Free Online Challenge Groups

I've had phenomenal success on my ChaLEAN Extreme program (are y'all sick of hearing me schmooze about Chalene Johnson, yet?) and I'm already looking forward to my next ventures. The free online Challenge Group has been the key to my success on this program. We hold each other accountable and provide that added encouragement that we all need to be successful. We support one another and these people have become like my second family. I'd love to share that experience with all of you. I'll be holding the following free challenge groups this summer and invite you to join me in one (or all) of them!

Starting June 1st:
Looking for a fun way to flatten your abs without having to do crunches?

Hip Hop Abs Challenge Group


Starting July 1st:
Looking for a gentle way to get started with a new fitness program?

Ultimate Reset Challenge Group


Tai Cheng Challenge Group

Starting July 21st:
Want to step up your results with a more powerful program?

Turbo Fire Challenge Group

Insanity Challenge Group

Starting August 1st:
Would you like to combine the power of your faith with your desire to lose weight and get fit?

Body Gospel Challenge Group

Ready to make a change in your life? Email me at SunShineStrong@beachbodycoach.com and I will tell you how to get started!