Transformation Tuesday: Worth is no longer defined by just a number

Two and a half years ago I remember being devastated from heart break. At the time, I was traveling and working a second job most weekends. Within a month, I had found out that I was sick and in need of several expensive surgeries and procedures. It wasn't long before I just let life conquer me and slowly I went from being fit at 120 pounds to 145 pounds.

Now to some that doesn't seem a lot but for me, someone used to living a very fit lifestyle, someone who required control of EVERYTHING. This was huge and devastating. 

I was doing life wrong...or at least that's how I felt. I would question what I deserved to get to this point, to be this low, to have my heart crushed. 

No one told me that heartbreak could truly re-route your life. But it wasn't until my doctor sat down and explained the mass in my body wrecking havoc and risking my life that I just gave up and stop caring all together.

Looking back, I realize now that as women especially, we give our all to those we love. We want to nurture, we want to care, we want to be loved as much as we want to give love. As women, we also know that body image is HUGE...and sadly it's not always a positive outlook. We ridicule ourselves and others, we denounce those who are where we want to be.

I fell victim to a vicious cycle of comparison.

I fell victim to a vicious cycle of self-hate.

I fell victim to a vicious cycle of self-doubt.

I thought that I had fallen as far as one could fall. I felt like I fell down the mountain and was sitting at rock bottom. It was dark, lonely, and full of negativity. It was a place where when I looked up I saw nothing. It was me and only me stuck inside my head, filled with anxious thoughts.

But the fighter, the adventurer, the traveler, the compassionate, caring person.....she was still inside. Even though it felt like she was a million miles away....she was there. Deep inside the broken girl faking it to make it but in desperate need of saving.  But I realized very quickly, the only one who could save me was ME.

So what did I do?

STEP ONE: Own the fact that my desire for perfect was bullshit.

STEP TWO: Own the fact that I needed to focus on me and my well being.

STEP THREE: Remember the person I was before the loss and illness.

STEP FOUR: Start to dig deep for that person and begin to climb.

STEP FIVE: Establish the simple fact that giving up WAS NOT AN OPTION.

It started with a simple decision to join a group. I had to establish my own, personal goals, not dictated by what others were doing. I walked away from the scale and stopped eating according to how hard I worked out. The gym was just not working...I realized that I had to have a bigger purpose then just being thin. 

I started drinking this shake from a gym that my roommate was drinking. I declined the group initially, I just wasn't about this at home workout thing. I was someone who lifted. But guess what I FAILED at the gym.

So when that invitation came around again to join an online health and fitness group, something so unfamiliar...I said yes. I didn't take it seriously. I was eating gummy bears still during week one. But... people were getting results. They were smiling. They were happy. I wasn't. 

Soo....I emptied my cabinets, got rid of the crap. I started pushing play, and pausing, and pushing play again. I struggled my first three weeks. I was short of breathe. I was tired. I wanted to step on the scale so badly. 

I started noticing I was getting stronger, I was pausing the DVD less often. My headaches went away. And then....I started noticing my scrubs were falling off. I started to invest in personal development and realized that the fighter, the climber, the surfer, the adventurer she started to beam again.

Now two years later....here I am still sweating at home. Still getting results. Have endured so much tragedy in such a short period of time in the last year but I am still going. I committed to myself because I am worth it.

Just like you.

And my job is to help you understand that.

Complete the application for more details.

--> Online accountability group begins September 19th and involves a four week commitment. 

Fill out my online form.

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Shakeology Sunday: Smores Chocolate Shakeology

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
• 2 tsp. ground whole wheat graham cracker crumbs, divided use
• 1 cup ice

Instructions

1. Place almond milk, extract, Shakeology, 1 tsp. graham cracker crumbs, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a serving glass and garnish with remaining 1 tsp. graham cracker crumbs; serve immediately.

Foodie Friday: Tilapia Grilled Tacos

Recipe from Team Beachbody

Serves: 4 servings, 1 taco each

Ingredients

• ½ medium mango, chopped
• ¼ medium red onion, finely chopped
• ½ medium avocado, chopped
• ½ medium jalapeno pepper, seeds and veins removed, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt), divided use
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 lb. raw tilapia (or cod, halibut, or mahi mahi), washed, patted dry
• 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warm
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 4 lime wedges (for garnish; optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat grill or broiler on high.
2. To make mango avocado salsa, combine mango, onion, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, ¼ tsp. salt, and lime juice in a medium bowl; toss gently to blend. Set aside.
3. Season tilapia with remaining ¼ tsp. salt.
4. Grill or broil fish for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until tilapia flakes easily when tested with a fork.
5. Evenly top tortillas with tilapia, cabbage, and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.

Containers: 1 yellow, 1/2 green, 1/2 red, 1/2 blue

Mantra Monday: Your Health Bet Invitation

TRUE STORY: During the month of September, Beachbody is so confident that you can lose 5-15 pounds, feel more energized, be happier, healthier and more confident while falling in love with fitness that they are BETTING up to $3 million dollars to prove it! 

There are ONLY THREE required commitments from ALL participants in order to receive your portion of the Health Bet pot.

The Bet will take place September 5th through October 2nd. 

Guidelines:
1. Work out 30 minutes a day.
2. Drink Shakeology daily.
3. Log in daily with the free challenge tracker app for motivation and support.

Complete these easy steps throughout September and part of the Health Bet pot upwards of $3 million dollars is guaranteed to be YOURS! No gimmicks, games or catches here. You do the work you win the cash! 


Complete the application below to be part of the virtual Health Bet Challenge or leave your email for more details!

Again. I emphasize you earn the money by simply:

1. Working out 30 minutes a day.
2. Drink your Shakeology daily.
3. Logging in daily with the free challenge tracker app for motivation and support.

DO THIS ---> GET PAID.

• No catch. 
• All levels of fitness needs!
• Results are guaranteed. We are betting money on it!

YESS....it's that simple.

--> Workout

--> Fuel your body

--> Rock your newly found confidence 

--> Win $$$

So you ready? Complete the application below or email me directly at: ginamariefit@gmail.com

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

Foodie Friday: Lettuce Wrapped Turkey Burgers

Lettuce Wrapped Bahn Mi Turkey Burgers

Via the Team Beachbody Blog

Servings: 4 (1 burger each)

Ingredients

• 1 (4-inch) piece daikon radish, peeled, grated
• 1 medium carrot, peeled, grated
• 3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. palm sugar
• ¼ cup reduced-fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce (like Sriracha), divided use
• 1 lb. raw 93% lean ground turkey
• 1½ tsp. cornstarch (preferably GMO-free)
• 2 tsp. fish sauce (like Nuroc Mam)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
• 4 large Bibb (or butter) lettuce leaves
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and veins removed, sliced thin (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Combine radish, carrot, vinegar, and sugar in a medium bowl; mix well. Marinate at room temperature, covered, for 15 minutes. Drain well before using.
2. Combine yogurt and 1 Tbsp. pepper sauce in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Preheat grill or broiler to high.
4. Combine turkey, remaining 2 tsp. pepper sauce, cornstarch, fish sauce, garlic, basil, and oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper if desired; mix well with clean hands. Form turkey mixture evenly into four patties.
5. Grill or broil patties for about 5 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the middle.
6. Place each patty on a lettuce leaf. Top evenly with yogurt sauce, radish mixture, jalapeno (if desired), and cilantro.

Container approved meal: 1 green, 1 red, 1/2 yellow

Foodie Friday: Gluten Free Banana Bread

Author: Beachbody

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12 servings, 1 slice each

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 48 minutes

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups almond flour
• 1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free
• ½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• ¾ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 6 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin organic coconut oil, melted
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine almond flour, flour, oats, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl; mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine bananas, extract, egg, oil, maple syrup, and almond milk in a medium bowl; mix well.
4. Add flour mixture to egg mixture; mix until just blended.
5. Place batter in loaf pan that has been lightly coated with spray.
6. Bake for 43 to 48 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before slicing.

Foodie Friday: Breakfast Quesadillas

Author: Beachbody

Serves: 4 servings, 1 quesadilla each

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium red (or orange) bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium jalapeños, seeds and veins removed, finely chopped (optional)
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 large egg whites (½ cup)
• 4 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños (if desired); cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Add eggs and egg whites; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until eggs are set. Remove from heat.
4. Top each tortilla evenly with egg mixture and cheese.
5. Fold each tortilla in half; cook in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden brown.
6. Tip: You can cook quesadillas you are going to eat or serve, and you can tightly wrap the others and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days (or freeze them). This is a great way to have breakfasts prepared in advance.

Shakeology Sunday: Cafe Latte Shakeology Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Author: Beachbody

Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana, cut into chunks
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 scoops Café Latte Shakeology
• 1 Tbsp. cacao nibs

Instructions

1. Place banana in re-sealable plastic bag; freeze for 4 hours, or until completely frozen.
2. Place banana, almond milk, and Shakeology in blender (or food processor); cover. Blend until smooth.
3. Fold in cacao nibs; mix well.
4. Serve immediately.

Foodie Friday: Mexican Chicken Zucchini Boats

Author: Beachbody

Serves: 8 servings, 1 boat each

Ingredients

• 4 large zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
• 4 tsp. olive oil, divided use
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce, no sugar added
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste, no sugar added
• 1 Tbsp. ground chili powder (or 1½ tsp. chili powder and 1½ tsp. ancho chili powder)
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. ground paprika
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 1⅓ cups corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar (or Monterey jack) cheese
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400º F.
2. Using a spoon (or melon baller), scoop pulp out of zucchini to make boats. Place on a large baking sheet. Brush with 1 tsp. oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until tender-crisp.
3. While zucchini is baking, heat remaining 3 tsp. oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
5. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
6. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
7. Add chicken and corn; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from heat.
8. Evenly spoon chicken mixture into zucchini boats. Evenly top with cheese.
9. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cheese has melted.
10. Sprinkle evenly with cilantro, tomato, and green onions; serve immediately.

Motivational Monday: 22 Minute Hard Corps

Beachbody has done it again-they have created another program that is going to blow your mind! Beachbody continues to progress their programs to work with people and their busy lives. Originally, they started with P90x that was an hour long. With the way times are now, people working longer hours, lives are busier, people need programs that work with their busy lives. First, we had the 21 Day Fix program-30 minutes, T25-25 minutes and now 22 Minute Hard Corps...22 minutes! Seriously, 22 minutes, who doesn't have time for that!!!

Will I really get real results in 22 minutes?

-->YES! Male or female you can and will get results by dialing in your nutrition, following the program to a T, focusing on your daily workout and pushing yourself to the max! But what's going to really push you to your limits to get the results you want?! Having the support and accountability from your TEAM BEACHBODY coach (ME) and the rest of our group of challengers committed to getting results. Starting a new program can be intimidating but having a group to support and motivate you along your journey truly will help you conquer your goals and get fit with 22 Minute Hard Corps.

Are you someone that has made excuses in the past? Time? Motivation? Support? This program truly obliterates all of your excuses for not getting in shape and makes you realize that when you make yourself a priority you truly can achieve your goals. My journey started with Beachbody and since I have lost 12 pounds, 10 inches and am in the best shape of my life all by committing to get healthy. 

If you are looker to get leaner, stronger, lose the weight and get real results then this program is for you. All skill levels can and will be successful with the option to have a modifier to make the program work for you. Beachbody makes it possible for you to achieve all of your goals with the support and accountability of your team in your challenge groups.

So what is 22 Minute Hard Corps all about??

Created by Tony Horton, creator of P90x, P90x2, P90x3, Power 90 and more, it is a mixture of eight routines that alternate between resistance and total body cardio workouts for 6 days a week. These workouts have little rest and are fast paced. Also, these workouts are easy to pick up and learn. During the workouts, you move from each exercise quickly to maximize results and time. 

What equipment will I need?

A pull up bar (or resistance bands with a door attachment) and dumbbells are required. As you progress, so will your results. 

Skeptical about your ability to successfully complete this workout? Me too! Until I took the

opportunity to complete the sneak peek workout...this is for all levels and as you work towards your goals each day completing the workout and following your nutritional guide you can and will be successful at this program. Anyone has 22 minutes YOU can do this!

What is included with this program?

• 8 challenging workouts on 2 DVDs
• Quick Start Mission Guide
• 8-week Basic Training Action Plan
• Rations for Results Nutrition Field Guide
• Cold Start pre-workout drill
• Hell Week Challenge Card
• HARD CORPS: Battle Buddy Workout DVD (Network Exclusive)

So who is this workout best suited for??  People who don't have a lot of time to spend working out in a gym.

Those who want real results in little time with little confusion. This is also great for those who want to up their game and do 2 a day workouts, if you really want to push it to the limits.

So ask yourself are you ready to take the challenge and #getsome?

I AM RUNNING MY EXCLUSIVE 22 MINUTE HARD CORPS TEST GROUP FOR MY NEW AND CURRENT CLIENTS ON MARCH 7TH!!

On March 7th, we will start our preseason week which will consistent of our "good-bye" pictures, goal setting, measurements, meal planning and education on your nutritional guide and the course of the group to officially keep off week one on March 14th.

During this 8 week period, I will personally guide you through the program daily with support, accountability and motivation utilizing an online and app based private group to meet your needs. When you sign up to participate in the group, you will be required to purchase the 22 Minute Hard Corps challenge pack and to replace one meal a day with Shakeology for the duration of your program.

If you are ready to get get started or would like more information about the program please complete the form below and I will respond within 24 hours with details on this exclusive opportunity. 

Fill out my online form.

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Foodie Friday: Zucchini, Ham and Cheese Quinoa Cups

 

Zucchini, Ham, and Cheese Quinoa Cups

Total Time: 39 min.
Prep Time: 24 min.
Cooking Time: 15 min.
Yield: 8 servings, 2 each

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 large egg whites (¼ cup)
1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup diced lean ham
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
2 medium green onions, chopped
Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)

Preparation:
1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Lightly coat two regular twelve-cup muffin tins with spray. Set aside.
3. Combine quinoa, eggs, egg whites, zucchini, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, ham, parsley, and green onions in a large bowl; mix well. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
4. Evenly pour quinoa mixture into muffin cups.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cups comes out clean.