Scared to Life!

Why do we have to be standing in front of a casket to be reminded how uncertain life really is? Just a few years ago, I stood in silence - in shock - staring at my aunt lying in that casket. She was only 64 years old and without warning, without any signs of poor health, she died of what appeared to be a heart attack. As family and friends were reminiscing about her life and the memories they shared with her, my thoughts were elsewhere. I was rewinding to a conversation I had with her a few months earlier. I had just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and my doctor asked me if anyone else in my family had the disease. "I don't know, I don't think so, no one ever mentioned it," I replied. My aunt was the family historian. I knew if I asked her about our family's medical history, she could point to someone, somewhere in my genealogy who had the disease. To my surprise, she too had suffered from RA too but chose not to reveal it. "You can't do anything about it, you just have to live with it," she said. End of story.

Unfortunately for her, the medications that are available today to slow the progression of the disease did not exist when she was diagnosed. For years, she just quietly put up with the pain and didn't complain to anyone about her struggles. RA is an autoimmune disease with no cure. If left untreated, chronic inflammation from the disease can damage the lungs, kidneys and the heart leading to a premature death. And it is estimated that as many as one third to one half of RA patients will die of coronary artery disease.









So as I listened to people paying respects to my aunt, I'll admit it, my thoughts were more selfish. I stood there terrified, wondering if I was facing the last 20 years of my life. Did the countdown begin? I stared at the expression on my kid's faces and imagined if that's what they would look like standing there looking down at me. I did not want my story to end that way. At that moment I decided to step outside of myself and take a good look at what needed to change. There's nothing that she or I did to end up with this disease, it was pre-set in our DNA. However, with some lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage RA and lessen the symptoms. For the first time in my life, my health and happiness became a priority.







So why should it take a tragedy or a crisis to scare us into taking better care of ourselves? We spend the first part of our lives on automatic. We don't require a whole lot of maintenance. We live as if there is always going to be a tomorrow, like we have all the time in the world. Most of the time, we're lucky because things work out just as we had planned. The car starts in the morning, the pizza gets delivered on time, the internet is working, the kids remember to take their lunch. But when one of those seemingly insignificant things doesn't happen, it can absolutely ruin our day. We are not prepared for things to go wrong.

But what if all of a sudden, you were faced with an even bigger problem? What if you suddenly suffered a loss, illness, divorce, economic hardship, a life crisis beyond your control -  eventually it will happen. Tragedy, especially when it hits close to home, has the ability to shake us into taking action. It forces us to re-think our priorities and hit the reset button.

I made the decision that day to make the rest of my life the best of my life. I'm happy to say that today, my RA is under control. I look and feel better than I have in years. But it wasn't easy. I had to first change my mindset, then modify my diet and make a commitment to becoming fit. It's not a temporary fix, it is ongoing. It's a new way of life that focuses on replacing unhealthy habits with better life choices. It means putting an end to life in quick and easy mode. No more skipping breakfast, frequenting drive-throughs and concession stands,  juggling stress and chaos, no more self-punishment by putting myself last and rewarding myself with late night Netflix and snacks - sound familiar? All of this was taking years off my life and making me miserable.

I want to use my story to help other people transform their lives. I want to show you how to make your health and happiness a priority now, before a crisis happens. How you can take much better care of your family if you care for yourself. I'm inviting you to Join me for a 30-day online fitness and accountability group. It's not selfish, it's personal development. When you shift your focus to the things in your life you can change and control, you will be prepared to rise above any challenge.

No-fail, Health & Happiness Challenge Starting Monday, August 10

Here's what you need to know:

• We focus on nutrition, fitness & overall well being
• Challenge will last 30 days
• We will have prizes
• We make it fun
• It's all done in a virtual gym in a private Facebook group. Work out in your home, and at your own pace.
• 1:1 Free personal coaching from me. I'll answer questions and give support.
• In order to see the best results, you are required to purchase a Beachbody challenge pack or complete one that you already have. Choose from over 30 programs including CIZE, 21 Day Fix, PiYo, P90X, T25, Insanity, and more!
• We're a team & we help to motivate and support each other
• There is a 30 day money back guarantee
• You can save 25% on your purchase. Ask me how.

Are you ready to make the rest of your life the best of your life? Fill out this form for more information:

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Brenda

Garlic Basil Shrimp with "Zoodles"

Zucchini noodles, sometimes called “zoodles”, can be made with a vegetable peeler, a mandolin, or a Spiralizer. Their pasta-like texture is a perfect base for all sorts of sauces and toppings, and they're the perfect gluten free answer to pasta. Try these delicious garlic shrimp with fresh basil on a bed of zucchini noodles tonight. I'm getting hungry just thinking about this recipe!


Course: Main Dish
Categories: Fish
Source: from Beachbody blog
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 10 mins

Ingredients

5 medium zucchini
1 Tbsp. olive oil
8 oz. raw medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
6 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ cup prepared pesto
4 fresh Italian parsley sprigs, finely chopped
5 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
4 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds

Directions

1. Using a vegetable peeler, cut each zucchini into lengthwise strips about ⅛ inch thick. Turn each zucchini slightly after cutting each strip to work evenly around the outside, stopping when you hit the seeds at the core. Discard cores. Cut slices lengthwise into ½- inch ribbons. Set aside.
2. Boil water in steamer or large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high. Place zucchini in steamer basket; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Remove from heat.
3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque and firm.
5. Add pesto; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Add parsley and basil; toss gently until blended.
7. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
8. Divide zucchini among 4 plates; top evenly with shrimp mixture.
9. Garnish each serving with 1 Tbsp. almonds.

Tip: Zucchini can also be sliced with a Spiralizer or on a mandolin; adjust to a very thin slice

Want more healthy & delicious recipes, including
family favorites, gluten-free and paleo? CLICK HERE

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How Exercise Can Help You Deal With Anxiety

from the Beachbody Blog

Exercise, in many ways, can be a magic elixir when it comes to your mental outlook. Just note how well you feel immediately following after your workout. Studies have shown exercise can boost mood, alleviate symptoms of depression and improve your memory.
That’s right, it can even make you smarter.
But exercise can also help you deal with anxiety. Here’s how.

Your Brain and Endorphins

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins and these chemicals help the body combat stress. Eating, drinking, and sexual activity can produce similar feelings.

In addition to improving sleep patterns, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggested a regular exercise routine might decrease the symptoms of anxiety, and as little as five minutes of aerobic activity can have anti-anxiety effects.

A Dutch study published in The Department of Biological Psychology agreed, showing those who exercised at least 60 minutes a week were less anxious and depressed, while a study in The Journal of Neuroscience demonstrated how exercise reorganizes the brain to reduce stress and limit anxiety.

Exercise and Memory

How exercise positively impacts your memory could be tied to the release of a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor or BDNF. According to some research, this protein might reset your brain and memory during exercise, leading to the positive feeling you get afterward.

Some research shows BDNF may play a role in regulating stress and mood disorders, and is responsible for the survival of striatal neurons (These neurons exist in the striatum of the brain and “play a role in movement, reward, and goal-directed behavior.”)

One could argue that the more you exercise, the more reward neurons exist in your brain.

Exercising For Work

It should be noted that work shouldn’t stop you from your favorite routine. In fact, exercise might help if you want to perform better at work and keep anxious thoughts at bay. A University of Bristol study showed workers who exercised (before or during work) could better handle their daily tasks, compared to days on which they didn’t work out.

So the next time you find yourself stuck in a rut or need to blow off some steam, forget happy hour and get happy with exercise. It might turn your day around.

Brenda

Need some help working fitness into your busy day? Join one of our online fitness and accountability groups and learn lots of ways to balance your life and make your health and wellness a priority. Anyone can participate in our challenge groups, even someone who has never tried a fitness program before. 

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Banana Mango Shakeology

My secret weapon - Shakeology!
The quickest, easiest, most nutritious grab-n-go meal there is!

Banana Mango Shakeology

Ingredients:

1/2 C unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 C Mango nectar or fresh or frozen mango chunks
1/2 banana
1 scoop vanilla Shakeology
1/2 C ice

Blend and Enjoy!

Brenda

Pineapple Coconut Popcicles

We're kicking off launch week for the Fixate cookbook by featuring some of Autumn Calabrese's family favorite recipes. Here's a refreshing yet healthy snack idea from Autumn that your kids will love! This could not be any easier! Try switching up the flavors by replacing the pineapple chunks with other fruits like strawberries, peaches, raspberries or a mixture of a few.

Ingredients:

Popsicle molds
1 1/2 cups Coconut Milk (carton not can)
1/2 cup Coconut flakes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients into high powered blender and blend on high until combined.
2. Fill popsicle molds and put into freezer.
3. Freeze overnight.

Want to see more of Autumn's 21 Day Fix recipe collection? She's launching her new cookbook, Fixate tomorrow! This month only, you can get a copy for FREE with the purchase of any Beachbody challenge pack! In addition to the cookbook, you will get meal planning tips and advice, free personal coaching from me, 30-day trial Team Beachbody membership with Beachbody on demand and best of all, you can join our online fitness and nutrition challenge groups at no additional cost! The challenge groups are a great way to kick start your fitness and nutrition transformation. Before I became involved with Beachbody a little over a year ago, I had no idea that this online support system existed. Once I discovered the online challenge groups and started participating in them, my transformation really took off! So believe me, it works!
We've got a new 21 Day Fix/ Fix Extreme challenge group coming up next week. Want to know more about it? Fill out this application:

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20 Ways to Survive a Mid-Life Crisis

There comes a time in everyone's lives when we really start feeling our age. Let's face it, there's no glamour in aging and anyone who's been on the brink of a big life change knows it can be both complicated and frightening. A mid-life crisis occurs at a time in our life when we undergo great stress, usually in our 40's and 50's; and can be triggered by a stressful event, life transition or just facing our own mortality. Everyone handles stress differently. Unfortunately, some people become selfish and self-destructive, unhappy and resentful and desire to have a different life. Why?
You do not depreciate - you increase in value with age

When we are young, we look forward to milestones. Getting a driver's license, turning 21, getting married, having kids, etc. If you become a parent, you then look forward to your children's milestones. But eventually, we start running out of things to look forward to. Our life that was once very comfortable and routine has suddenly been turned upside down due to forces beyond our control. Rather than being negative and set-in-our-ways, try embracing this stage of life as a time of discovering opportunities and possibilities. Here are some helpful tips to help ease the transition into middle life.

1. It's never too late to follow your dreams. Set realistic goals and work towards putting your
   stamp on the world. Write a book, learn how to play guitar, travel the world. Never give up on your dreams.
2. Look forward and not back. Leave your past on the dusty trail behind you.
3. Learn from your mistakes and turn them into victories.
4. Do not take your body and your health for granted. Start becoming an active participant in your
   well-being. Eat right, exercise and stop reaching for pills, they are not always a cure to what ails you.
5. Work on your relationships. Make time for friends and family - they are your foundation.
6. If you're blessed with children, the best thing we can do for them id to give them memories and get to know them.
   
7. If you're married, give your spouse the care and attention they need. Marriages change over time. Continuously work at merging your lives and not taking separate paths.
8. Work on your relationship with yourself. You can take better care of the important people in your life if you first take care of yourself.
9. Don't be your own worst critic. Expect progress, not perfection. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to grow.
10. Become more active in society. If you're unhappy with the world around you, don't complain and stand by waiting for the world to change. Be the change you want to see. Make it happen!
11. Surround yourself with people who are a little better than yourself. Choose friends who lift you up and not stifle you.
    
12. Stop being stubborn and set-in-your-ways. When you create an unrealistic vision of reality in your own mind, don't expect the world around you to conform to it. Sometimes you have to find happiness in imperfection.
13. Don't let life get comfortable and boring. Constantly look for ways to spice it up. Start playing baseball instead of just watching it.
14. Don't give in to emotional eating. Eat well, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.
15. Be your own hero not a victim. You are responsible for your own destiny. Stop making excuses and blaming others for a life that you are unhappy with.
16. Don't be shy about showing off your strengths and always look for improvement.
17. Do something for the very first time.
    
18. In the end, sometimes things just work out the way they are supposed to ….not necessarily how we had planned. Be flexible and don't be afraid to take risks.
19. Have gratitude. Be thankful for all that you've been blessed with. No matter how bad things seem remember, you're still breathing
20. Don't forget to laugh. In times of great stress, laughter is the best medicine. Laugh at your mistakes instead of feeling embarrassed. We've all been there.

Ready to make the rest of your life the best of your life? Want to look and feel better than ever. Join an online fitness and nutrition accountability group:

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15 Helpful Grilling Tips

from the Beachbody blog
Now that it’s summer, it’s time to give your oven a vacation and break out the barbecue! These tips will help you improve your skills whether you’re new to grilling or you’re a pro at cooking over fire.

1. To make cooking easier, clean your grill thoroughly before and after each use with a sturdy wire brush.

2. Spray or brush the grill with cooking oil to prevent food from sticking. This can be done with cooking oil spray or with a clean rag dipped in oil. Do this only when the grill is cold and be careful when you light it!

3. Preheat your grill for at least 30 minutes with the lid closed. This allows it to reach prime cooking temperature. It also prevents flare-ups because it burns off fats and foods that stuck to the grate the last time you cooked.

4. If you’re using charcoal, arrange all the coals on one side of the barbecue to create an area of direct heat (right over the coals), and indirect heat (away from the coals). Food can be moved to different temperature zones as needed. If you have a gas grill, keep the flame higher on one side.

5. Don’t pile everything on the grill at once. Consider cooking times and temperatures for each item and schedule your firing times accordingly.

6. Leave at least 30% of the grill’s surface area unused. This gives you an emergency evacuation area to transfer foods if they start to burn.

7. Don’t crowd the grill. Leaving space between foods prevents steaming, helps items to cook evenly, and is crucial to achieving the mark of a pro — a delicious caramelized surface.

8. Keep the lid closed. Lifting the lid releases the heat and the smoke that gives food its barbecue flavor. If you’re looking, you’re not cooking!

9. Use extra-long tongs — not a fork — when moving meats. Piercing the meat causes all of the precious juices to escape, drying out your dinner.

10. Not sure if it’s done? Don’t pull the amateur move of cutting into the meat to check (see above)! Get it right every time with an instant read thermometer, or a fancy wireless BBQ thermometer and use a meat temperature chart to help you cook it just the way you like it.

11. Use a special slotted pan or grill basket for cooking vegetables and delicate seafood so they don’t stick to the grate or slip through the holes.

12. Add extra delectable smokiness to your grilled foods with wood chips. Soak hickory, mesquite, or other wood chips in water or apple juice (for sweeter flavor) for 30 minutes beforehand so they’ll smolder without igniting. Wrap soaked wood chips in an aluminum foil packet poked with holes, and lay the packet directly on the on the coals or above the gas flame before adding food to the grill.

13. Brining — soaking meat in a saltwater and spice mixture before cooking — adds flavor and ensures that meat stays moist even if you like it on the well-done side. Brining is, essentially, infusing meat with salt, so be aware that it will increase the amount of sodium in your food. Use sea salt or Himalayan salt, no additional salt is needed during cooking. This quick brine recipe can have your poultry or pork (never beef!) grill-ready in just a few hours. A whole chicken should soak in brine for at least four hours, but smaller cuts of meat, like chicken breasts, can be removed from the brine after two hours.

14. Keep a beverage handy while you grill. It can be used to quickly douse flames if your food catches fire.

15. A little char is what barbecue is all about, but enjoy it in small doses as it’s carcinogenic.

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Brining for Sensational Grilling

from the Beachbody blog
How to brine chicken, quick chicken brine recipe—why do we need quick? Because usually when I realize I need to brine something it’s too late to make and cool the brine, and then go through the hours of brining. I always brine chickens that I intend to fry. Always. Well, almost always, sometimes, the urge comes too fast and powerfully even to do this, but normally I have at least four hours before I need to get the chicken floured and plunked into the fat. Here’s what I do when I need to brine fast .

As I write in Ratio: The Simple Codes etc., my ideal brine is 5%. That means 50 grams of salt in a liter of water, 1 ounce of salt for every 20 ounces of water, or for those poor souls without a scale, 2 tablespoons Morton’s coarse kosher salt for every 2.5 cups water.  It’s powerful enough to work, but not so powerful that you will make the meat too salty if it stays too long in the brine. (It’s also the perfect ratio for making naturally sour pickles!)

But.  If you want to brine more quickly, make a stronger brine.  I double it to a 10% salt solution, 100 grams salt per 1000 grams/milliliters water (gosh I love metric).  But there’s still a time issue: if you want to add aromatics and ensure you dissolve the salt, you’ve got to heat the brine (and water takes forever to cool; can’t wait that long).

So: When that powerful, powerful urge to have fried chicken strikes at midday, I make a 10% brine but use only half the water.  I bring this, along with herbs and garlic and lemon to a simmer, let it steep for 10 minutes, then add the rest of the water as ice (another handy use for a scale, weighing frozen water).  By the time the ice is dissolved, minutes, the brine is cool.  I throw it all in a plastic bag and leave it at room temp for 2 to 3 hours, remove it, rinse it, and let it rest for another hour or so, to give the heavy salt concentration on the exterior time to penetrate and equalize.

And there it is. Ta. Da!  Quick-brined chicken.

Lemon-Herb Brine for 1 Chicken, whole or cut into pieces

15 ounces water (or 1/2 liter)
3 ounces salt (or 100 grams)
fresh herbs (I used sage above)
4 cloves garlic
1 small onion sliced
1 lemon halved
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons black peppercorns, cracked beneath a saute pan
15 ounces ice (500 grams ice), or 15 ounces of ice water
1 chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
Combine all of the above except the ice and chicken in a small pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and remove from the heat and let sit for ten minutes.
Put the ice  (or ice water) in a bowl or large measuring cup.  Pour the herb brine over the ice.  Stir till the ice is dissolved.
Put the chicken in a plastic bag, pour the brine in, seal the bag, and let sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
Remove the chicken from the bag, discarding the brine.  Pat it dry and let it sit out for another hour before using (or you can refrigerate it till needed).  Great for roasting, but especially fine for frying.

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A busy moms answer to healthy delicious meals

If you follow my blog, then you know how much I love 21 Day Fix. I know, I've said it before, it is not a diet...it's a lifestyle, and it can totally transform your body and your health. Celebrity trainer, Autumn Calabrese, developed the 21 Day Fix program and the sequel 21 Day Fix Extreme and since the release of the popular programs, "Fixers" everywhere have been asking for more. Search Pinterest and you'll find pin after pin, board after board, dedicated to food favorites that comply with the ever popular colorful container portion control system designed by Autumn. Well, she's back and she's dishing out 101 of her best recipes to success in an all new 21 Day Fix companion cookbook, Fixate.

The demand for the book has been off the charts. "People have been asking about it for so long," she says. It will finally be available next week!

Fixate will teach you how to make healthy, delicious meals that fit into your busy lifestyle. And every recipe includes container equivalents to use with 21 Day Fix, as well as nutritional information you can use with any Beachbody fitness program.

PERSONAL PASSION

I really feel inspired by Autumn more than any other Beachbody trainer. Maybe it's because we're both Italian and we both grew up in the restaurant business. But I fully understand her devotion to eating whole, natural foods. That's why I was so inspired by the fact that she reached into her family history for inspiration. "My family was in the restaurant business, so I basically grew up in the kitchen," she explains. "I was able to take my family's recipes and make them healthier."

"We took our time, tested the recipes and I love every single one of them," she says with pride. "It's not fancy cooking; there's a variety of everyday go-to recipes and special recipes for special occasions."

How many recipes are in the book, you ask? Try 101. Some were creations of a chef very close to Autumn's heart: her brother. "That makes it even more sentimental for me," she says.

Each of the recipes comes complete with detailed instructions, mouthwatering photos, nutritional information and container equivalents. What's more, Autumn has added icons to each recipe that will let readers know if they are paleo, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian.

"This book is for everybody," says Autumn. "You don't have to be graduates of 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix EXTREME. You also don't have to be a chef or great in the kitchen. It's for anyone who wants to make healthier versions of the foods they love."

According to Autumn, "Everyone will use the book differently. For some, it will become their "go-to" cookbook they use every single day. Others may use it when they're going to a special event like a barbeque or party."

And in addition to all the amazing recipes, Autumn has also included a detailed checklist for her absolute must-have kitchen and pantry staples, as well as the basic utensils and tools that every cook needs.

Inside Fixate you'll find a section for every possible meal you can imagine: simple breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, sit down dinners, soups, salads, as well as healthy snacks like kale chips and protein bars.

Autumn insisted that all the "on-the-go" lunch recipes be easy and fast for working moms. "I based all of the lunches off leftovers from dinner and even breakfast," she reveals. "I turned them into delicious, easy-to-make lunch recipes." Autumn adds, "I also included a few of my favorite Shakeology recipes—even some Fix-approved skinny cocktails."

And then there's the desserts. "I have a big sweet tooth so I was really pleased with them," she says. "I especially love the brownies (made with chick peas), peanut butter cookies and cake recipes, and the desserts are all gluten-free so absolutely everyone can enjoy them."

As you know, Beachbody extended the promotional pricing of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme challenge packs through the end of July. And in celebration of Fixate, I've decided to give a FREE copy of Fixate to everyone who purchases a Beachbody Challenge pack before July 15! 

A challenge pack includes a Beachbody fitness program, a 1 month supply of Shakeology, nutrition guide, free personal coaching, a 30 day trial of Beachbody Club membership including Beachbody on demand and any accessory items that may be required for the program. In addition, you will be invited to join our online fitness and accountability groups, an amazing system of support that helps you to stay accountable and reach your goals.

What do you think? Are you ready to FIX this?!!

Fill out this application for more information or email me:

brendalajay@gmail.com

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Brenda

Raspberry Banana Ice Cream

Vibrant, fruity ice cream – this is what to do with sweet summer raspberries.  This super-simple recipe has only 3 ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to make. Cashews are the secret to making it so creamy and delicious.

Total Time: 5 hrs. 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

2 medium bananas, cut into chunks
½ cup whole raw cashews
1 cup hot water
3 cups fresh (or unsweetened frozen) raspberries
Water (optional)

Preparation:

1. Place banana in plastic bag; freeze for 4 hours, or until completely frozen.
2. Place cashews in a medium bowl. Cover with water. Let stand for 30 minutes; drain.
3. Place drained cashews, frozen banana, and raspberries in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Add water, 2 Tbsp. at a time, if needed for consistency.
4. Pour into a freezer-safe container; freeze until set.

These recipes are great but are you ready for more?
Want to get SERIOUS, get FIT and FEEL GREAT....FOREVER?
Get results with an online accountability group. Fill out this application for more information or email me:

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Brenda

Take the Tour & Learn More

Click here to join my FREE 5 Day online virtual tour into Beachbody Coaching

Curious about Beachbody coaching? Worried you can do it because you haven't completed your own personal transformation? Think you don't have enough time? Maybe you think it's just for people
who are fitness experts and trainers. Join me for the virtual tour and I'll show you that just about anyone can become a Beachbody coach as long as you enjoy helping others and are willing to make your own health and wellness a priority. Oh, and if you are worried that you'll have to sell stuff to your friends and family… don't be. We do not SELL anything except a healthy lifestyle that is based upon the principles of eating whole natural foods and regular exercise. Of course, we promote Beachbody Fitness programs and supplements because they work! This is a chance for you to turn your own fitness journey into a business and then share your success with others.

One reason I chose Beachbody coaching is because I can easily fit it into my busy day. First, and foremost, I am a wife and mom of 3 and my tribe is my number one priority. I also have another
career working as a travel agent from my home. The biggest concern I had before I decided to become a coach was how in the world I was going to find the time to get another business up and running. But I was happy to learn that the company offers complete flexibility. You work from home and set your own hours so you can work as little or as much as you are comfortable with. Some people treat it like a hobby and are able to earn enough to cover the cost of their own fitness products, or their cell phone bill, or for holiday shopping. On the other end of the spectrum, there are coaches who are committed full-time and earn a living solely from coaching. The opportunities are limitless. If you focus on building your business, it can be very lucrative. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but if you are driven to succeed, coaching can be both personally and financially rewarding.... simply by helping others.

I'm not a sales person. I simply share my story. The last thing I want to do is offend my family and friends with annoying sales pitches. I do not sell anything except a healthy lifestyle that is based upon eating whole, natural foods and by exercising regularly. I hope that my story and my transformation will inspire others to make their health and wellness a priority. I believe in Beachbody fitness programs and Shakeology. I will never have to "diet" again because my lifestyle has changed. I am stronger, healthier and feel younger today because of Beachbody's complete wellness system that includes fitness, nutrition and support. Step away from those 3 elements, and it's just another diet.

Lord knows, I was not a fitness expert when I started on my journey. I was overweight, in pain and could barely walk. But through my own transformation, I've gotten to know the Beachbody system. Everything I learned about Beachbody, I learned through my own experience. As far as coaching goes, Beachbody has training and tools available to help you every step of the way. I have a wonderfully supportive coach, Melanie Mitro, and an awesome support system from other coaches in our team. Our team is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds. There are stay-at-home moms, people with 9-5 jobs, professionals, retirees, and college students, and so on. So if you are considering becoming a coach but you've got a few reservations, I encourage you to reach out to me. I'm looking to expand my team with individuals who want to work on themselves while helping others. People who want guidance, not a boss. Upbeat folks who are open to learning. And those who want to add on to their income from the comfort of their own home.
Are you ready to learn more?

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Brenda

Curiosity Killed the Fat!

Curious about Beachbody? I was too - for a long, long time before I decided to consider it. I knew a little about Beachbody fitness programs because my husband, Bill, used them regularly. At 50, Bill is in the best shape of his life! He tried his best to encourage me to use the fitness programs and to get in better shape and it frustrated him and the kids to see me spending so much time laying on the couch, tired and in pain. When I was 42, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I spent 2 years trying to get pain free, and the last thing that was on my mind was getting fit!

Little by little I began to recover and after 2 years of medical treatment and modifying my diet, I received the good news I had been waiting for - my RA was in remission! I was very fortunate to be in this category and I was finally beginning to feel like my old self again. At this point, the best thing I could do for myself would be to get in shape, lose some weight and gain strength to protect myself against any future flare-ups.

It is Not Mission Impossible!

I'm not athletic and I didn't know a whole lot about fitness, and let me tell you I was overwhelmed by choices. I thought about joining a gym, but I wasn't looking forward to the drive back-and-forth plus the time it would take to complete a workout - especially in the dead of winter! Friends offered to go walking and invited me to yoga classes, but I just didn't feel like it was enough. To accomplish my goal of losing weight, getting stronger and gaining mobility, I needed to get serious! I need a complete lifestyle adjustment!

Stop Putting Yourself at the Bottom of Your To Do List!

For the longest time, I thought you only had to exercise if you wanted to lose weight. But over the past few years, I've changed the way I look at my health and I've learned to put myself at the top of my to do list. Not because I'm selfish, but because I decided to make happiness and health a priority.

Invest in Yourself, Challenge Yourself, Transform Yourself!

I lead my family by example, and I can take much better care of them if I first take care of myself.
I found success through Beachbody because it is a complete wellness system, not a fad diet. It's convenient and I can workout at my own pace and in the privacy of my own home. I have done 21 Day FIX, P90, PiYo and Slim in 6. I also drink Shakeology every day and follow a clean eating lifestyle. As a coach, I do not SELL anything except a healthy lifestyle that is based upon the principles of eating whole natural foods and regular exercise. Of course, I do promote Beachbody Fitness programs and supplements because they work! I have tried them and I know that if you follow Beachbody's blueprint, you too will get the results you want.

Share Your Success!

Not only have I transformed my body, but I now have more energy and a more positive outlook on life and today, I love to share my success with others through coaching. It's not a get-rich-quick scheme, I do it because I want to make a difference. I do it to help end the trend of obesity and to promote wellness. I do it to help give hope and encouragement to people who feel like giving up and giving in. Yes, I do work at it... but it is as rewarding as it is challenging to help people get fit and feel great, just like I did!

Still curious, CLICK HERE and read more about how Beachbody coaches change lives!

Brenda

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

Course: Side Dish
Categories: Vegetable
Source: adapted from www.prouditaliancook.com
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 25 mins

Ingredients

2 lb Assorted baby red skin, white and blue potatoes
1 small red onion, sliced
1/4 c roasted red peppers, sliced
2 TB scallions or chives, snipped
2 TB Italian parsley, finely chopped
grated peel of 1 lemon, or more if you like

Dressing

Juice of 1 lemon
Plus balsamic vinegar to make 1/4 cup
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Cut potatoes in half, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roast them in a 450F oven for approximately 25 minutes or until tender.

Remove from oven and let cool.
Toss potatoes in a bowl with sliced red onion or shallots, snipped chives or scallions, fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste, and lots of grated lemon peel.

Whisk up fresh squeezed lemon, balsamic and olive oil for your dressing and pour it all over and toss. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Brenda

Grilled Corn with Chili & Parmesan

Grilled Corn with Chili & Parmesan

Course: Side Dish
Categories: Vegetable
Source: adapted from www.fingerforkknife.com
Preparation time: 30 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients

6 corn cobs, with husks and silks
Extra Virgin Olive Oil oil, for brushing*
Large handful of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped, or chili powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – or however much you like!
Finely grated lime zest

4 lime wedges, to serve

Directions

Prepare the corn for grilling by peeling back the husks from cobs – but don’t detach – then remove the stringy silks. Fold back the husks and tie ends with some kitchen string. Place in a deep bowl and cover with cold water. Set aside to soak for 25 minutes.

Drain cobs well.

Heat a grill plate or barbecue over medium-high heat. Grill corncobs, rotating every so often, for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Remove from grill, peel back husks, brush with olive oil, then grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels have turned a bright yellow and the cob is slightly charred – approx. 6-8 minutes.

Arrange on a serving platter, brush with extra virgin olive oil and scatter with chili, sea salt, and chopped cilantro. Finish with Parmesan and lime zest. Serve with lime wedges.

Brenda

5 Tips that Make Meal Planning Easy

5 Tips that make Meal Planning Easier

from the Beachbody Blog

Chances are, you probably kick off each week with every intention of eating healthy, home-cooked, veggie-packed meals. Then reality happens, and the next thing you know, you’re grabbing fast food on the way home from work or staring into your empty fridge until you give up and polish off a bag of pita chips for dinner.

Eating healthy food is easy. Cooking healthy food is the real challenge. But a few simple meal planning strategies can help you get your nutritional game on point—and you don’t have to be a domestic warrior to pull it off. Here are five to get you started.

1. Set Your Goals

Your nutritional needs are the foundation of your meal plan. So before you start bookmarking recipes, do a quick assessment of your personal goals. What do you need to eat more of? Less of? Do you have a target calorie count? What foods are best for you? “My main piece of advice for someone who wants to start meal planning is to find out what foods are right for his or her body,” says Sagi Kalev, creator of Body Beast. “When you meet the body’s fuel requirements, hunger disappears. Food cravings are nonexistent. Energy, mood, mental function, and well-being all improve. When that happens, it becomes very easy to follow a diet plan.”

2. Make a Master Plan

Once you know what you need to eat, compile a master list of recipes. That way, you can pull easily from that list rather than combing through cookbooks every week or falling into the rut of repeating what you made last week. Use whatever organizational system works for you—Pinterest, meal planning apps, index cards in a recipe box, or even an Excel spreadsheet. “When I find a recipe I want to make, I print it out and add it to a binder,” says Autumn Calabrese, creator of 21 Day Fix. “Each week I go through it, find a new one, and add those ingredients to my shopping list. It’s important to keep variety in your plan so you don’t get bored.” When you’re planning your meals for the week, it’s okay to leave some flexibility. Some people make a school cafeteria-style calendar and schedule every last snack in advance—but it’s also okay to stock up on healthy staples and then wing it at mealtime.

3. Shop Strategically

Make a grocery list based on your favorite healthy foods and any new recipes you’ve pulled. “Having your favorite things ready to go is key,” Autumn says. “Make a list of the foods you know are a part of your meal plan, and make sure you stock up on those. I always have tons of fresh fruits and veggies in my fridge, along with a few different types of proteins, peanut butter, raw nuts, and lots of seasonings. This way, no matter what I want to make for a meal, I have the ingredients I need.”

4. Bang Out the Prep Work

When you get home from the grocery store, don’t just stuff your purchases in the fridge. Peel your carrots, slice your cucumbers, scrub your sweet potatoes, and dice your onions. Not only does it become a one-and-done task rather than a daily chore, but it makes you more likely to grab those healthy foods when you’re hungry. “Prepping your food is a huge part of success,” Autumn says. “I cook enough protein to get me through at least three days. I also cook a few sweet potatoes and sometimes a little bit of brown rice. This way, when I’m running out the door, everything is made and I can grab it and go.”

5. Don’t Sabotage Yourself

Once you’ve planned and prepped, the hard work is done. Now all you have to do is avoid the usual stumbling blocks. One common mistake, Sagi says, is trying to eat foods you don’t really like. (If you hate the taste of kale, you’re not going to grab it when you’re hungry.) And Autumn cautions against buying junk food. (It’s easier to avoid ice cream when it’s not in your freezer.) But as long as you plan ahead, shop for healthy foods, and keep some go-to recipes in your arsenal, healthy eating will become a no-brainer. “When you eat right for your own body needs, you feel terrific,” Sagi says. “So it becomes very natural to gravitate towards eating properly.”


If you're struggling with meal planning and want some help fitting clean eating into your busy life, join one of our online challenge groups. It's a fun way to get fit, learn the basics of good nutrition and stay motivated. The best part - Challenge groups are convenient. Everyone participates but you can do the challenge at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. Want more information? Fill out this application and I'll be in touch.

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Brenda