Hammer and Chisel

Hammer and Chisel

Hey there!!  Welcome to my blog and I can't wait to share with you the details on Hammer and Chisel.  I personally started my fitness journey 2.5 years ago with a strength training program and the difference I saw mentally and physically was amazing.  As a mom at that time with two little one, not enough sleep in a day, I finally realized in order to give the best to my kids carving out time for fitness and good nutrition every day was a turning point.

About the trainers!! 
Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various bikini competitions.

This is a first for beachbody to have two trainers in one program

Is this just another workout that will sit on the shelf?

• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Other workouts only focus on one or two phases, which might give you decent results. But The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program incorporates all three methods to help you relentlessly chip away fat and carve every muscle for a strong, visually stunning body in 60 days.

• 12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training.

• Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals.

• Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle.

• Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment. BONUS!

• Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.

What will I need to be able to do the program?

Emma participated the test group for The Master's Hammer and Chisel and had great results! In 60 days, she lost over 14 inches! Her advice for starting this program? "This program is going to challenge you in a way you've never been challenged before. You CAN do this but you need to follow the program all the way. This isn't a half-ass workout. Be prepared to LEARN, to be CHALLENGED, and to see crazy results!" 

Just a sample of what foods will be on the meal plan for Hammer and Chisel as well.

What’s the best value to purchase?

as a challenge pack

-12 workouts on 6 DVDs 
-A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup 
-The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide 
-Quick-Start Guide 
-60-Day Calendar 
-2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel
-30 Day supply of Shakeology

I personally will be finishing up 21 day fix extreme here are my results half way into the program!!  And will be starting hammer and chisel as well.

I would love to have you join me!!  We will be adding in great simple nutrition, eating healthy, lifting, building lean muscle and becoming stronger from the inside out.

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Brownie Batter Overnight Oatmeal

 Brownie Batter Overnight Oatmeal

I absolutely LOVE this Overnight Oatmeal In A Jar Recipe. It’s so easy to make and the results are delicious. Even if you’re not a fan of oatmeal, you will love this one. It’s creamy, sweet and packed with flavor and texture. Unlike that instant oatmeal they sell at the grocery store.

This is the perfect thing to dig your spoon in. Forget about breakfast, this also works as an afternoon pick me up. Add your favorite toppings and you’re good to go.

1 cup Unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup lain low fat Greek yogurt (or mashed banana, or pumpkin)

2 tbs Unsweetened cocoa powder

1/8 tspSalt

2 tbs Baking stevia

1 cup Old fashioned oats

Prep time to make this recipe is 5-10 minutes.

 

 

Directions:

 

In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. Divide between 2 small bowls, mugs, or mason jars. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least an hour (or more) so the oats soften and absorb the liquid). Top with chopped nuts or topping of choice if desired! Enjoy cold, or microwave for 30-60 seconds to enjoy warm!

Just your small town girl sharing clean eating recipes and tips along the way.

 

Hammer And Chisel

Hammer and Chisel

Hey there!!  I'm excited to share with you what hammer and Chisel is all about and if it might be the right fit for this coming December 2nd.

Most love 21 Day Fix’s Autumn Calabrese and Body Beast’s Sagi Kalev. What if they teamed up on a workout program together?
Announcing The Master Hammer & Chisel a 60-day program that will help you craft a defined, visually-dramatic physique.  Both award-winning fitness competitors — joined forces to create this one-of-a-kind workout that will sculpt you from head-to-toe.

I just completed my first sneak peak workout in this program.  My ARMS and LEGS are shaking!!  It was sooo refreshing to have a killer workout in 35 minutes.  For the past month I've been dong insanity and most workouts range from 45 to 60 minutes.  I still burned 450 calories in this 35 minute workout.

What makes The Master's Hammer and Chisel so effective?

Sagi and Autumn have spent decades acquiring the tools, skills, and experience needed to transform your body—and they're going to help you do it in just 30-40 minutes per day. So what's their secret?
It's all in their approach. You won't simply bust out some curls or perform mindless repetitions. With The Master's Hammer and Chisel you'll use what the experts call SSP Training, for Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Incorporate one or two of these phases into your workout routine and you might see decent results. But combine all three phases—the way Sagi and Autumn do in The Master's Hammer and Chisel—and this comprehensive resistance-training method will relentlessly chip away fat, carve powerful muscle, and refine every inch of your body for results that are a true work of art.


My first workout with beachbody was with a program called Chalene Extreme and I LOVED it!!  Two years ago I was introduced to my very first online accountability group as well between weight training and focus on nutrition I finally felt like I was able to be the best mom I could be.  With three little ones its super important that I pay it forward and show others what they too can achieve.

My Why

 

So often it's easier to let others in your life be an excuse
I don't have the time
I would love to but I don't have the money
You know my kids just don't sleep well at night
The list starts there and for that reason things remain the same....
Rather what has worked well personally is letting my kids be my why.
If I would like Josie to grow up and respect her body it starts with me.
I'm not working out to look good in a bikini To go on vacation or to run a marathon next month I'm just simply leading by example.

 

Results?

 

 

 

 

 

I'm pretty much your small town country mom that enjoys working out and eating clean and sharing this lifestyle with others.  If you connect with me I would love to help you stay accountable to your goals.  2015 is NOT over yet and I want to help you feel your best going into 2016 and rocking your New Years Eve dress or rocking a cute pair of boots out for dinner with your husband.  I will be hosting an exclusive test group for this program and would love to have you.  TEST groups are my ALL time favorite groups to run EVERYONE is doing the same workout together for the first time.  WE START together and WE FINISH together.  You will have the change to WIN some amazing prizes while getting CHISELED.



 

 

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How to stay on track for the holiday weekend

How to stay on track for the holiday weekend

 

Hey there country girl!! It's the holiday weekend!!  I'm guessing your ready to kick back and relax and take in the memories created over the past summer months and ready to turn the page into fall??  Did you totally rock your workouts and nutrition this summer or ready to dive in after Labor Day?  Either way I'm here and ready to share some helpful tips for anytime of the year.

 

 

Watch Your Portions

The easiest way for me to remember how to control my portions is to make sure the majority of my plate is loaded up with veggies. You don’t have to deny yourself a bread roll or a slice of pie here and there…just make sure vegetables are the main part of your meal. That way, you will fill up on healthy, foods that will keep you full longer.

Grab a  friend (someone that will hold you to your goals)

The holidays are everyone’s favorite time of year to reunite with family and friends. One great way to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while is to make your get-together an active one. If one of your friends is in town for the holidays, plan a walking coffee date with her. Offer to join up with a friend and catch up while you lace up your shoes and get a sweat on while catching up.

 

 

Maximize Your Workout

No one wants to spend all day in the gym when there is holiday shopping, dinner parties, and friends coming over. So, if you only have 30 minutes to spare, make it worth your time by doing cardio go for a workout with higher calories burned for those extra treats you will take in following the 80/20 rule.

Just Add {Soda} Water

Cocktails go hand-in-hand with holiday celebrations, so it’s nearly impossible to avoid having one or two but lets leave it at that, they will only slow your metabolism down and leave you feeling sluggish the next day. However, that doesn’t mean you have to gulp down extra calories with your refreshment.  If you’re the type who likes specialty drinks, indulge in just one. Then, choose a low-calorie option for your second drink.

 

Have Fun Your Fitness Routine

Exercise can often be disguised in fun activities we love doing with friends and family. In fact, anything that gets your heart rate up will help to burn calories during the holidays (and burn off that pumpkin pie, too). At our home this weekend I'm sure the horses will be out and we will be messing around in the barn extra fun while burning extra calories.

Pamper Yourself

I’ll admit that when the weather cools down, I always want to indulge in every way—eating, online shopping, you name it. But, I have recently found that when I feel the need to do something like that pamper yourself even if it means buying new fingernail polish and taking 15 minutes out of your night to pamper yourself

 

Bring A Healthy Dish

Headed to a party?  Not sure what will be on the menu?  Offer to bring something healthy and pre eat before you go!!  Find folks to connect with and never gather around the food table.

 

 

Most importantly remember how hard you worked to get where your at!!  Progress might be put on pause for the weekend but your not going back words goal is to maintain!!  You got this!!

 

 

I want to leave you with a fun clean eating recipe that will be helpful for the weekend!!

 

 

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 5 ears fresh corn, in the husk
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 of a small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small cucumber, seeded & finely chopped
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Instructions

Grill your corn on a hot grill (when the coals have just turned gray or medium-high on a gas grill), in the husks, until husks are charred all over,  for 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel back the husks, taking the silk with them. Stand the corn cobs upright on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, cut straight down, slicing the kernels from the cob. Set aside.

Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until fully combined. Add the corn, onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and mint; toss gently until everything is coated.

Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

 

Have a great weekend!!

Chicken Caprese

Chicken Caprese (21 day fix approved)

Hey there!!  It's Sunday and that means it's time to clean out the fridge before buying new groceries for the up coming week.  Something that I hear and totally understand is where to start when it comes to clean eating?  I'm a simple girl and like to share with others ways to keep things simple as well.  For example this simple snack was something I had earlier in the week with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  If you're following along with the 21 day fix this would be 1 blue, 1 green, and 1 teaspoon.  So to keep things simple I created lunch today using the same 3 ingredients but added chicken to make a complete meal vs just a snack. 

 

 

 

 

A simple chicken dish with your favorite classic "caprese" ingredients!
 

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Total: 20 min

 

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to uniform thickness
• 1/2 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
• 1 cup lightly-packed fresh basil, torn

Directions:

To Make The Chicken:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (You will know that it is ready when the oil is shimmering, or it sizzles when you place a drop of water in the oil.) Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. Remove chicken and set aside.

To Make The Balsamic Reduction:

Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half. Remove and set aside.

Putting the dish together:

Plate the chicken, then top with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Serve warm.

21 day fix:
1 teaspoon
1 blue
1 green
1 red
If you would like accountability and would like to learn more about the 21 day fix.  Apply below and we can chat:
 

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21 day fix meal plan

21 day fix meal plan

 

 

So many things I want to share with those of you that have interest in the 21 day fix!!  For some you have seen others in your life have an amazing transformation with this program or maybe you seen it on TV and already ordered it but you have a lot of questions.  So my goals as a beachbody coach is to support and give some guidance while you do the program.  First off let’s talk about the workouts themselves who are they right for?

 

ANYONE

This is a program I can truly recommend to any age group.  I personally did the workouts my entire pregnancy and modified the modifier.  When doing to 30 minute workouts there are light weights that will need to be used so if you’re just starting out you would want to use either 3 or 5 lbs. until you build of your strength.

What does a meal plan for the 21 day fix look like?

This is just a sample to give you an idea of what you would be eating during the 21 days.  This is not a starvation plan where you are limited on calories or counting calories pretty much if it fits in the container you can eat it.  Each person will figure out what bracket they fall into before starting the program for example someone weight 150 lbs. will not be eating the same amount of containers as someone 215 lbs.  This meal plan is based on the first bracket.

I'm personally doing ChaLEAN Extreme however I love how simple it keeps nutrition that I still use it.

Next what all is included in the challenge pack?

Well you will receive your containers, workouts, free shipping, free access to beachbody on demand, free coach, and 30 complete meals.  What do I mean by complete meals, well shakeology is just that a meal you can make and take on the go, without waste, without prepping, it’s equal to eating 5 salads with an additional 70 super foods. This entire package is 140.00 but only for a short time.  My sister did an amazing job writing out a blog post about breaking the diet cycle- What is shakeology all about?

 

What kind of recipes and dinners will I make for the family?

Creamy Avocado Pasta

 

Beef Stew

 

 

 

I like showing others this is not some crazy diet with little taste.  My goal is to help others create a habit of daily working out and a way to eat healthy in order to create a lifestyle.

 

Results?

This was from a past challenger and I wanted to share for a few reasons.  She had purchased a few workouts from me before but never wanted to commit shakeology or a challenge group.  Then she decided enough was enough and purchased the 21 day fix challenge pack and joined in a challenge group.  She is a runner and since then using the 21 day fix for training as well.

 

Why work with a coach?

Because I've been there, the box will come and my goal is to help you to get beyond just purchasing it but using it.  Setting up your own meal plan, your workout space, scheduling in your workout with a crazy schedule, I help with figuring out your why, also doing the program and checking in from any location from Facebook with others that are doing the same program.  I think there is a power in numbers!! As someone that is extremely independent it took me months to reach out to my coach and join my first accountability group, after I did it was the best decision I ever made and I enjoy sharing it with others.

What is a challenge group?

So, the group is a select group of people that I will choose that are committed to getting the results and that are ready to truly make a change.  I will have a closed online support group where each day you will get a post from me, a video, or a tip to keep you motivated accountable and moving in the right direction.  I will help you plan out your meals, give you ideas, and help you stick to it.  You will be required to participate in the group discussions, get the challenge pack that includes both the shakeology and the workout program to maximize your results.  I find that when I incorporate shakeology that people get better results because it's one meal that they don't have to plan, portion out or wonder if they have the right combination of foods. This way, it’s a no brainer. 

Sample of the workout

 To apply-

 

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Fill out my online form.

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

Fill out my online form.

There are tons of Wufoo features to help make your forms awesome.

Is shakeology safe while breastfeeding?

Is shakeology safe while breastfeeding?

I get this question a lot because I myself am a nursing mother. Is Shakeology safe to drink while nursing a baby? My answer will always be to check with your doctor or lactation consultant. Most doctors are perfectly okay with Shakeology while nursing. Some doctors or LC's will say no to any supplements while nursing without even looking at the ingredients. If they do this, insist they look at the label carefully. Shakeology isn't just any supplement. 

My story:
I was introduced to shakeology two years ago while my daughter was 3 months old and at the time I was breastfeeding so of course looking into shakeology before using it was very important.  Things that stood out to me was the fact that it does not contain Soy, artificial sweeteners, & artificial flavoring these things alone can lead to soooo many healthy concerns and that is for another blog entry.  The thing about Shakeology is it's ALL NATURAL...no chemicals, preservatives or colorings! There is HIGH QUALITY isolate protein, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, super-greens, super-fruits and so much more.  I always struggled with cravings for sweets and shortly after drinking shakeology I started to sleep better and for once in my life I had energy my body felt like it was getting the nutrition I was lacking. I continued to drink it while being pregnant with our 3^rd child this past year as well as currently using shakeology while nursing our 3 month old.  My favorite evening snack because YES you can make shakeology not only as a drink but as shakeology bark with some fresh pineapple.

I think back to being pregnant with our first son and at that time I was a waitress and the pregnancy increased the discomfort with fibromyalgia.  I hate to even think about how much medicine I took to keep the inflammation down.  With adding in shakeology daily to my life for the past two years it has helped bring the inflammation down due to the 70 super foods.  Other benefits more energy for the day, better metal clarity, keeps me full for 3 hours, helps with eating healthier as the day goes on. 
   

It's so important for women to realize that what you put in your body effects your milk supply. Shakeology is giving you 70 super foods and whole nutrition. The better your nutrition, the better your milk supply! 

Things to consider before using shakeology-

-If you are not used to a healthy eating lifestyle start with half a serving a day

 -If you or your baby has a dairy allergy, try the vegan formulas (chocolate or tropical strawberry)

 -Use Shakeology as a snack rather than a meal replacement, since you need the extra calories for your milk supply.  Or is your going to use it for a regular meal be willing to add calories to bulk up the drink like additional nuts, coconut oil, almond butter, etc.

Here are two of the three kids!! Trying to get a picture of all three never happens.  The kids are thriving in life and yes my son ask for shakeology as well. We don't go to the doctors but for shots very blessed for healthy children with great immune systems.

  

List of ingredients in Vegan-

As always take the facts into your doctor I hope this helps with learning more about shakeology and the benefits of adding it to your day.

 

 

Healthy Eating While Camping

Healthy Eating While Camping

Hey there!!  It’s hard to believe this coming weekend will be Memorial Day weekend for most that means time off of work, relaxing, eating out traveling, weekend cocktails, etc.  You name it healthy eating and exercise will go on the back burner.  My goal as a coach is not only to inspire each of you to make the best choices but to hold myself accountability as well.  The rule for the weekend is 80/20!  I mean let’s face it if we end up with a camp fire in the backyard I will be enjoying a s’more and there isn’t a way to really eat a cleaner version, buy dark chocolate?  You get what I’m saying?  So what about the rest of the meals?  Here are some ideas as you might be looking at today as your Friday and headed to grocery shop for the weekend.

 

Cup Salad

Make it your way!!  what I like about this idea is the fact that you can make it ahead of time and there will be zero clean up while enjoying your weekend.  If your camping grill some chicken while others make hot dogs and add the chicken to your salad.

Ideas for filling your cup-

celery
radishes
onion
grape tomatoes
chopped broccoli
mushrooms
carrots
hard boiled eggs
snow peas
red and green bell peppers
cheese, crumbled or shredded
cauliflower
cucumbers
sunflower seeds
bacon bits
bean sprouts
pickles
peppers
Side Dish- Corn over the fire

Using the crockpot while enjoying time off-  Soup it is!  It's an easy way to prep ahead and keep on low while family and friends join you around the camp fire.

Here is my all time favorite clean eating soup recipe-
Crockpot Beef Barley

Next up foil wrapped Chicken Fajita
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
1-1/2 cups hot water
1 Tablespoon of Taco Seasoning
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 each green and red pepper, cut into strips                                    
1/2 cup Salsa
1/2 cup Shredded Taco Cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 400ºF.

Fold up all sides of each of 4 large sheets heavy-duty foil to form 1-inch rim; spray with cooking spray. Combine rice, water and taco seasoning; spoon onto foil. Top with remaining ingredients.
Bring up foil sides; fold to make 4 packets. Place in 15x10x1-inch pan.  Bake 30 to 35 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF). Cool 5 min. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening packets.  These are just a few ideas as the holiday weekend is right around the corner. Happy Camping!!  Hanging in the backyard!  Family, Friends, and good times.   

Busy mom cooks healthy

Busy mom relies on the crockpot

The moment in the day when I sit at the computer and I wonder if I’m half-crazy or just willing to be a little crazy in order to reach certain goals in life.  Between being a busy mom of three, breastfeeding our newest addition (Henry), working with my husband for our traditional excavation business, selling a home, buying a home, and running an online business based around helping others reach their fitness goals, the days are full!!  I truly feel blessed for each of these areas that has my attention and to be honest this is how my husband and I run life the best at.  Making quick choices, multitasking, delegating, and building dreams. 

I put the breaks on and looked at my own health it’s easy to give to others and YES forget about my own health.  My goal this week is to dial in on nutrition I refuse to give into my life being too crazy to not eat healthy.  I’m seven weeks into working out and loving it, yes it’s hard to drag my butt out of bed at 5:00am but I truly use that time to sweat and figure out a game plan for the day.  However exercise is only 20% of weight loss and let’s face it after having a baby weight loss is on my mind. 

 

 

 

I have breakfast down- I drink shakeology every day to not only have the energy to keep up with the taste as hand each day but its quick and I need quick.  Lunch each day is the same salad and each week I just switch up the salad and I also pair it with a sweet potato.  I realize what area of the day I struggle the most with, is dinners.  So my goal this entire week is to hire a cook, AKA I’m pulling out the crockpot and using every night this week for dinner.

Last weeks salad  spring mix, cucumbers, sweet peppers, tomatoes, feta cheese, low sodium nitrate - free turkey, and avocado added the day I eat it. Baking off sweet potatoes to go with it, their like candy just plain my kind of carb.Bring on the warmer weather this momma is ready for sun and healthy salads.

Things to watch out for and skip the heavy, high fat & high sugar, high sodium dressings plus any candy coated nuts. Those are just a few things that can turn what you think is healthy into a calorie over load.

Here is tonight’s dinner-Sweet Balsamic Pork Roast

What tips have you used that are helpful in creating quick and easy recipes for the entire family that use the crockpot?  I would love to hear