OH NO! What now?

Holidays are a really tough time to stay on your life plan. Chances are over the Thanksgiving holiday some of you missed a workout or two. Maybe your meals weren't exactly stellar. Or maybe you overindulged on the desserts, even though you promised yourself you would stick to your plan. Whatever the situation may be, the truth of the matter is all of us at one time or another have gotten sidetracked. So what happens now? Do you need to go back to square one? What if you gained a pound or two, three, etc.? Does this make you a failure?

In all honesty, if the world were simply black or white - we would ALL be failures. Fortunately, you can live in the gray and still be "okay." In my opinion, one never really truly fails at anything until they simply give up. I don't know about you, but giving up is just not an option for me. I'm one of those people that does really well for awhile and then "life just happens." If I were to set down and beat myself up every time I made a slip with my nutrition or fitness regimen, I would be black and blue from head to toe.

Life is about living. It is not about making the rules so rigid you forget how to enjoy it, too. I'm four sizes smaller than I was this time last year. I could probably be at my goal weight by now, if I would have followed the program and not side-stepped ever. But then again, is that what I really want? Maybe. But hey, it just didn't happen that way for me. I'm okay because I know I have a plan and I know I will get there.  I'm perfectly happy knowing the overall outcome is still attainable...it might just take a little longer to get there, but I will get there.

Statistics prove that slow, gradual weight loss is the more effective approach to keeping weight off for good. A healthy goal of losing one to two pounds a week is a sensible plan for most people. Recognizing that you did not become overweight overnight and losing it won't happen any faster, will allow you to focus more on just being healthy. So start thinking of the little things that lead to the big picture. Small changes over a long period of time can add up to huge success. Instead of starting all over from square one, forgive yourself for the mishap and move forward. Chances are you really haven't set yourself so far back in your progress over a few bad meal choices or a few skipped workouts. So now it is time for a little damage control. Schedule your workouts, plan your meals and just move on. Trust me, you will be glad you did!  Keep pushing play and you will get there.

By the way, the little pep talk also applies to me personally. I managed to twist my knee the day before Thanksgiving. Rather than push forward, I decided to just take it easy a few days instead. Which would be a sensible thing to do. Exercising when we are ill or injured can lead to further injury. My problem was also sneaking in a few too many pieces of pie over the holiday, too. Yes, the scales definitely showed me the error of my ways.  I managed to put on five pounds in that 4-day holiday weekend. But here I am today, right back on track with my programs and nutrition. So all is good and the journey continues. Small detour, but back on track today and definitely pushing play.

Vegan vs Traditional Pumpkin Pie

For anyone looking for a spin on a classic pumpkin pie recipe recreated Vegan style, this is definitely the one to try!

Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This is the version of pumpkin pie my family has come to know, love and expect from me every Thanksgiving. It is without fail, a very simple and traditional recipe that has been around as long as I can remember. So to try to fix what is not broken is definitely a huge risk. My solution - make both versions and put it to the ultimate test.

• 3/4 Cup of Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 (15 oz.) can Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 (12 oz.) can Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 1 unbaked 9" Deep Dish Pie Shell

Mix Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon, Ginger and Cloves in medium mixing bowl. Beat in eggs. Stir pumpkin into mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
Pour into pie shell.
Bake in preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake an additional 40-50 minutes or until inserted knife in center comes out clean. Cool on wire baking rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie 

This version was borrowed from Bryanna Clark Grogan with a few modifications. I found it listed on FatFree Vegan Recipes and used it to create my vegan version.

• 3/4 cup Sucanat
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 3 tsp EnerG Egg Replacer
• 1/4 cup Corn Starch
• 1 tbsp Molasses
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 (15 oz.) can Pumpkin Puree
• 1 1/2 cups Almond Milk

I cooked this recipe following the same directions as the Libby's Pumpkin Pie recipe.

I poured each into my store-brought ready-made deep dish pie shells. I know, there have been times when I made my own crust, but for time sake and expense pre-made seems to work just fine.

Libby's on the Left and Vegan on the Right

Always be certain to put your pies on a cookie sheet or shallow baking dish. This will help avoid spillage onto your oven. I like a clean oven and even though my oven is self-cleaning, it is still easier to clean the cookie sheet than the oven.

Don't forget to foil your crust

Another tip I've learned through years of baking is don't for to put foil around your crust. If you loosely wrap the crust edges they will bake up flaky golden brown without burning. The thing with pumpkin pie is it cooks for quite sometime to set up. Even though you start with an unbaked shell, if you don't wrap it - it will get ugly dark brown.

Always cool to room temperature before refrigeration

If you want to avoid your pie from cracking down the middle, always allow it to cool to room temperature on wire racks before you refrigerate. I like to make my pies the night before. There is always so many other things going on in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day. So dessert is always made the day before. Just works out fabulous for me anyway.

The Finished Product! YUMMY!!!

In the end, they were both "DELICIOUS"! I actually liked the Vegan version better! The texture was "PIE PERFECT" and the taste was wonderful! I will definitely be keeping this recipe. I couldn't find any "Soya Whipped Cream", so it does have regular dairy whipped topping in the picture above. But I will be attempting my own Vegan whipped topping in the future.

If you are looking for a great alternative to the Traditional Pumpkin Pie and don't want to skimp on flavor, this recipe is worth trying. I wasn't particularly thrilled at the idea of using any "tofu" version. This definitely was easy and tasty...and best part...NO TOFU! Enjoy!

Wishing you a very safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Reaching the End Means a New Beginning

Things are right on track for my program. I can’t believe I am already into week 12 with my second round of the P90X ®. The time has really flown by, but I am very content with my progress. I've hit a few bumps along the way, but nothing that kept me from “PUSHING PLAY” and moving forward. I only have 12 more days and I will be posting my 90-Day Progress photos! WOW! Such a great feeling of accomplishment. I will also be posting my progress photos with the Brazil Butt Lift ®.

I have to admit I had my doubts when I first began the Brazil Butt Lift ®. Some of those moves really had my legs and arms twisted every way except the way they were supposed to go. At times I think I burned more calories just trying to untie all the knots I managed to put myself in. But just as most things in life, with a little time, patience, practice and persistence I finally managed to learn my way through it. I’ve really become quite fond of my nights with Leandro telling me, “don’t settle for less.”

In review of the Brazil Butt Lift ®, the BUM BUM is a major sweat fest and if you totally want to bring the heat combo this with the TurboFire ® HIIT 25. That will definitely send your glutes "SCREAMING" for the day! Mixing the Cardio Axe with KenpoX will put your workout over the top. The Sculpt workout is perfect for keeping things nice and toned. But my absolute favorite combo has to be the High & Tight followed by the Tummy Tuck. If ever there were any two workouts that target my problem areas more, these are definitely the ones. I’ve been doubling up the ankle weights in the High & Tight so I can feel it DEEP in my glutes. The Tummy Tuck has my obliques “SORE” afterwards. Anything that makes me that sore is definitely working. So my overall opinion on the Brazil Butt Lift ®: it’s worth practicing those moves! This workout set will most certainly remain in my rotation.

So now that I am so close to finishing up my 90-Day program you are probably wondering “what’s next?” I’m definitely happy with the toning and definition the P90X ® has given me and the TurboFire ® HIITs have been amazing for bumping the cardio up a notch. It seems no matter where I travel in the Team Beachbody programs, I always wind right back in X-land. There is a reason P90X ® is one of the leading in-home fitness programs – It WORKS! I am very happy I am becoming a walking product of the product. Yeah, that little “from the creators of P90X ® ” on the back of my t-shirt is quickly becoming more about ME and less about product reference…LOL. Seriously, it will be a hard act to follow, but I’ve locked in the vote and next on my agenda is

Insanity ®!

I seem to have this layer of fat that keeps clinging to me for dear life. Well, I’ve worked really hard these last 90-Days to make those beautiful muscles. So I’m not going to keep them hidden underneath where no one can see them. Now that just doesn’t seem right. So I need something that will strip that fat right out of there. From what I have reviewed so far and from other coaches recommendations, if I want the fat to go I need to get a little CRAZY. What I’ve seen in previews so far, Insanity ® looks like “cardio on crack!”

I might really have my work cut out for me. But isn’t that what it’s all about? As Chalene Johnson would tell us, “If I want to be the athlete, I have to train like one.” So who is up for taking their fitness to the next level? Come and join me and let’s keep each other accountable. I’m setting the official start date as Monday, December 13, 2010! Ain’t nothing standing between me and lean except a little more sweat! Let’s BRING IT!!!

Team Beachbody is ROCKING MY WORLD

You know how sometimes you just find yourself at the right place at the exact right time and everything just becomes so crystal clear and you get this feeling the planets have aligned and all is right with the universe? Well for me, this became a reality this weekend. On Friday, I hurriedly packed my car, pointed it north, loaded up my family and we headed out for an adventure to Lincoln, Nebraska. So what was so special about Lincoln?

I actually went there to participate in a Coach's Business Training session hosted by Tammie and Doug Fitzgerald. Guest speakers were Brett Blake and Denise Needham from Team Beachbody. The actual reason I went was to learn more about fit clubs and how I could continue to grow with what is becoming the most rewarding career opportunity I've ever had. I can't think of a time whenever I have felt so good about what I'm doing. It is like after years of wandering "what I was going to be when I grew up" just dropped from the sky and landed right square in my lap! I walked away from that training this weekend knowing I have found what I was destine to do - I have found my purpose in life. I was meant to be a Team Beachbody Coach!

I've been a member of Team Beachbody since November 2007. In February, I decided that becoming a coach would be my way of "paying it forward" and sharing all the wonderful things I've learned about fitness and nutrition with my own journey. I started a thread earlier that year called the Cinderella Pact. I really wanted a place to build a support system for individuals just like me, who weren't necessarily looking for the quick fix to getting thin - but a real place where we could keep each other accountable and share in creating lifelong habits to building a healthier lifestyle. I invited some close and dear Team Beachbody friends to come and join me. What happen next is beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

When I first started coaching, I wasn't sure what to expect. I wasn't really familiar with multilevel marketing or for that matter what social networking really entailed. For me it was just an adventure in getting to know more about fitness and nutrition. A way to learn and share with others. A means to keep me accountable and on track with my own fitness and nutrition goals. A hobby at best and most certainly a way to enjoy quality fitness programs at a discount. Then there was this unexpected perk - the relationships that have developed and emerged. Actual people reaching across many miles to motivate and inspire one another in our journey to get fit and healthy.

Incredibly, I found this was much more than a hobby. It has actually become something that gives me so much joy that I've become passionate about what I do. Why? Because what I'm doing gives my life purpose and meaning. It's not just a job - it is me connecting with people and sharing a means to help them develop positive reinforcements so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the excitement in someone's voice when they start losing weight and turning their plateaus into triumphs. Or when someone tells you how great they feel just by changing their diet. These aren't crazy health fanatics - these are real people wanting to feel good about themselves so they can give more quality time to their families and friends and start enjoying life again.

Team Beachbody is changing people's lives every single day. Don't believe me, then just do a Google search on all the transformation stories out there. These are real people taking back control of their lives and taking a stand against the increasing obesity rate in our country. This isn't a company that is out there promoting trendy fad diets or silly gadgets to throw away your money on - they are actually giving you real tools, quality supplements and programs and making sure you have the opportunity of a COACH to help you be successful in your journey. I mean this is P90X ® , Insanity ® , TurboFire ® , Brazil Butt Lift ® , Slim in 6 ® and Shakeology ® ! Seriously, this isn't overnight sensationalism. These are proven products that give consistent results over and over again. And by coach, I mean a real living, breathing human being that genuinely cares about you reaching your fitness and nutrition goals. WOW! If ever there were a company I wanted to be a part of, this is it!

To put it as simply as I can: I'm doing what I love and loving what I do. Look, I know this is not for everyone - but for the unique few of you out there looking for something to bring real purpose and meaning to your life by helping others lead healthy and fulfilling lives - I guarantee this is an opportunity you are not going to want to let pass you by. If you want more information on Team Beachbody, please watch the following video clip. If this resonates with you and you are ready to move into a career path that is truly life changing, then I invite you to come  Join My Team. Together we can win the war on obesity...JUST PUSH PLAY!



Until December 31, 2010 Team Beachbody will be waiving the $39.95 Business Starter Kit fee. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to answer any questions you might have. You can also visit our team's website at http://www.getpaid2getfit.net where you can find many answers to frequently asked questions about coaching. Just remember this is a limited offer and if your looking for an opportunity to get in the best shape of your life and help others - now is the time to join!

Moving Away from the Fat-Zone

I am already into my second week of the Brazil Butt Lift ® and loving it. I admit the moves are somewhat challenging. Trying to convince my hips and arms their movements need to be more choreographed has been an uphill battle most nights, but still fun. Who knows, maybe with a little more practice I will develop some of those sexy dance moves to take to the New Year's Eve party this year. One thing is definitely for certain, at this point in the game...Shakira, I'm definitely NOT!

I'm still working hard on my P90X ® and TurboFire ® hybrid. I love bringing in the TurboFire ® HIIT routines. Definitely adding the "FIYA" to my "X-land" and starting to see the results. This past weekend I got to take my 60-Day Progress Photos and was really pleased. You know, I may not be the overnight sensation, but I am definitely making some noticeable changes in my body. That to me is enough to keep my motivation right on track and me pushing forward. Besides, this is a lifelong plan for me. I'm not looking for rapid results, I'm looking for LASTING RESULTS! Huge difference, especially when it comes to getting the body that I want and keeping it.


So many marketers are going to be vastly pushing the next fad diet to help shed all those unwanted holiday pounds. All I have to say here is, "buyer beware." What sometimes appears to be the simple solution, may not be all it's cracked up to be in the end. The thing about fad diets is remarkably they work to get rid of those unwanted pounds really quickly. The price you pay is usually opting on nutrition and giving into a diet that is either "low-carb" or "low-fat" and like magic the pounds seem to fade away. Eureka! Success! But is it really?

Sadly, anyone that has ever ventured on one of the latest trendy fad diets is most likely to become incredibly discouraged once they return to a more realistic way of eating. In fact, statistics prove most of these people will gain more weight than they actually lost while succumbing to the diet craze. This only leads to more self-doubt and actually feeling like a failure because they think they must have done something incredibly wrong. Can I get a show of hands on how many of you have been on this yo-yo game?

Coming from personal experience, I too have played this game many times. As a matter of fact, before becoming a Team Beachbody customer I had lost 45 pounds in as little as 3 months on that well-known eat all the meat you want diet. I won't name names here, but I think you all probably know what I'm talking about. I was certain I had found that "magic bullet" - the one sure-cure for getting thin. I just neglected to research and find out what I was actually doing in the process. I not only lost the weight, but I lost the muscle, too. Hmm, I hadn't bargained for that loss. Then, just as promised, once I started to bring those carbs back into my diet, you guessed it - BAM - twice as large and I can guarantee you it wasn't muscle that came back.

I had really reached that point where I just felt like I was done. It must be old age, genetics or maybe I was one of those people that was meant to be fat and jolly. Which by the way, does anyone really ever feel "jolly" when they're fat? Seriously, I was on a one-way track to the "morbidly obese zone." I am so thankful for people like Chalene Johnson and Turbo Jam ® . I'd hate to think what may have happened had I not caught a glimpse of that informercial that night. At that point I didn't get the concept of diet and exercise. Or even how important both are together. But over the course of time, a few setbacks and finally "grabbing a clue" I found my way to the person I am today.

Point of the story...there is NO perfect diet out there that is going to give you rapid lasting results. The true way to get where you want to go and stay there is going to take finding lifelong habits you can live with. It isn't about cutting out a specific food group - it's about eating a balanced nutrious variety of healthy foods and setting up a daily exercise regimen you enjoy. I'm glad for what I found with Team Beachbody. Just watching how far I've come and where I'm going is all the proof in the world this isn't a fad - it's a lifestyle!

So what about you. Are you ready to say goodbye to the yo-yo game and hello to the happier healthier you? I'm only a mouse click away. It's that simple. Come and join me for FREE! Isn't it about time you put an end to the madness and discovered who you were truly meant to be? Team Beachbody is the solution.