T25...P90X3...21 Day Fix...oh my!

I have been getting a lot of questions about what makes one Beachbody program different from another. It's understandably confusing to someone who is looking to get in shape, and get healthier, but hearing all of these different programs thrown around.

Basically it's all about your goals! 

Different programs have different objectives and will get you different results.

I'm going to break down the 3 programs I've been getting the most questions about. I think these are the most popular at the moment because they are all 30 minutes or less. Study after study shows that the most dramatic results happen in the first 30 minutes of a workout. You can get REAL results in 30 minutes a day just as effectively as you can in a longer workout. This is perfect if you find it hard to make the time to workout. I know that's the case for me....it's much more doable to get it done when I only have to commit a half hour...in my own home.

So T25 is the same guy who made Insanity. Insanity is know as the most intense workout program ever put on DVD. The biggest reason people gave for having a hard time sticking with Insanity was the length of the workout. I struggled with that when I did Insanity...the workouts were 30-60 minutes long, which doesn't SOUND much longer than 25 minutes, but it was hard for me to stick with it...I did, and I got great results, but I totally understand why they needed to give a shorter alternative!

T25 gives you an hours worth of results in 25 minutes a day. This program is High-intensity, nonstop 25-minute workouts that give you everything you need, nothing you don't. 25 minutes. 5 days a week.The beauty of it is that it's condensed and effective. It wont be easy though. THAT's the catch. You will feel like you are killing yourself...but its 25 minutes a day...it's definitely doable for anyone at any fitness level who is ready to commit and get big results.

21 Day Fix is Beachbody's newest program. The premise is that simple fitness combined with simple eating helps you see results fast. The program features an Easy-to-follow portion control based nutrition guide. It's all color coded, and it even has containers which literally take the guess work out of what to eat and how much to eat. It also has 30-minute workouts which are challenging and effective, but not super extreme. I like this program for anyone looking to make a lifestyle change. If you know you need to clean up your diet and don't know where to start...this is perfect for you. Also the shorter commitment time of the schedule...21 days...is great because the finish line is clearly in site. 

The nutrition component is definitely a very attractive part of this program. It's very structured and will teach you a lot about what your body needs. A lot of people who are serial dieters, aren't getting enough calories, which wrecks their metabolism. Some people aren't getting enough of the right kind of calories. My sister is doing this program now and realized she wasn't eating nearly enough protein for example. I wrote a post about this program a little while back, it explains how this program works in a little more detail: http://bit.ly/1rkQjab

P90X3 is a 90-day extreme fitness program designed to get you ripped in 30 minutes a day. Each one of these accelerated 30-minute workouts has been uniquely developed to produce the greatest physical change in your body, in the most efficient way. Tony Horton's breakthrough Muscle Acceleration system combines a highly structured, plateau-busting schedule with an unprecedented variety of moves that keep every muscle challenged every day for 30 minutes of full-throttle intensity.

 

This program is what I recommend for someone who doesn't have a ton of weight to lose, but wants to build muscle and tone. I'm doing this program right now and I LOVE it. I have seen definition so quickly.  I don't have much weight to lose, I'd like to lose like 5 more pounds. However, I had basically no muscle, or definition, and of course I want the fat from my stomach gone! I will post my results when I complete the program, but so far I really enjoy the workouts.

It comes with 4 "Tracks" which again are based on your goals. "Classic" is similar to what you could expect with the traditional P90X. "Lean" will still build muscle, but the will keep you lean without significant muscle growth. "Mass" is for people who are looking to build major muscle...a lot of men like this track. "Doubles" is a more intense schedule with 2 workouts a day. This would be ideal for someone looking for extreme results, that doesn't mind the 2 a day schedule....which is still only an hour. 

Each track has 3 "Blocks" so your schedule changes ever 30 days. I like this because it keeps things interesting and helps you to avoid a plateau.

 

So....LONG STORY SHORT.... ;)

T25 - intense workouts, with intense results if you are ready to commit

21 Day Fix - simple nutrition and fitness, great for a lifestyle change

P90X3 - extremely effective workouts, which will build muscle and tone your entire body

Sweating for the Wedding!

Calling all Brides-to-Be! On May 19th I am launching a Sweating for the Wedding Health & Fitness Challenge Group! 

This group is for support, encouragement, inspiration & FUN while you plan for your special day AND work to reach your health and fitness goals in the process. Who doesn't want to be in the best shape of their life on their wedding day?!

It doesn't matter if you have a lot to lose, or a little. If you are getting married next month or next year. This is YOUR invitation to SHED before you WED!

Are you interested in being a part of the group, and sharing your fitness journey with other Brides-to-Be? 

Fill out this quick form, and I'll be in touch. http://bit.ly/1f4GOfu


xoxo- Meghann

Don't you worry your pretty little mind...

I have been realizing this is true more and more lately. It's so easy to fall into the trap of wondering what other people think. SO easy.

This is something I've always struggled with. I hate it when people are mad at me. I hate it when people don't like me. It really bothers me. I try to be a good friend, I'm extremely loyal, when I don't feel that I am getting that in return, it hurts my feelings and I dwell on it. It's a problem!

Over the last year or so, I've had to consciously distance myself from some of my "closest friends" who constantly made me feel bad about myself, minimized my accomplishments and threw me under the bus when it was convenient. Did some of the blame lie on me - no doubt. I haven't always made the best choices. I've struggled with some substance issues over the years (as have they). I definitely place work and my family as a priority over my friends....although while that may seem wrong to some people, it is 100% right for me. It's been hard though. It's hard to make the decision to no longer value the opinions of others and instead only value the opinions of yourself and those closest to you, in my case my husband and my kids.

In retrospect, this change in how I "think" directly aligns with the change in how I "live" too. 

I will never claim to live a 100% healthy lifestyle. I work hard and I play hard. I take care of my body and I abuse it. I am FAR FAR FAR from perfect. The difference over the last year, lies more in consciously trying every day to do better than I did before. To eat healthier, workout, take control of my own health. It's changed everything for me. I'm proud of myself. I'm happier. My marriage is stronger. I'm a better mom. I KNOW all of that and therefore it truly doesn't matter anymore what anyone else thinks.

Since signing on as a Beachbody coach though...I've felt some of these feelings creep back in. I know I have people out there doubting me. People rolling their eyes, and thinking I have no business trying to help other people live a healthy life. Every time I go to post on social media about Beachbody, I get a knot in my stomach, because I KNOW there are people talking about it, and not in a good way. All of the sudden I'm worrying more than I have in months about what people think... 

I got on instagram the other day, and this was posted, and commented on, by people I thought would have been supportive of this endeavor...

 

Um, OUCH. One of the comments specifically mentioned Beachbody Coaches who have no qualifications to be helping people. 

Can you say "Missing the point?"

Being a Beachbody Coach means you are a brand ambassador basically for some of the best fitness and nutrition products on the market. I would NEVER be dolling out nutritional advice...other than common sense stuff. Each program comes with a Nutrition Guide so therefore that's not even something that would NEED to be done. 

The people I am helping are people like me. They aren't going to the gym. Not because they are lazy. Not because they dont have the motivation. Not because they dont want to be healthy. 

They may very well be scared of what people think though. I know that is part of what has kept me out of the gym most of my life. I don't know what to do when I go in there. I feel stupid. I get self conscious. I like the Beachbody programs because they tell me exactly what to do, and I can do it alone. It's time I'm giving myself. A gift. And it works.

Beachbody Coaches aren't taking anything away from professional fitness instructors. Being a Beachbody Coach is more like being a life coach. A Cheerleader. You are providing motivation and inspiration to people who wouldn't seek it otherwise. It's about helping people help themselves. It's amazing and empowering!

The people that you are helping also may not have time. Another quote I see, and have seen captioned with references to people who don't go to the gym is...

 

Well no shit. 

You know what's important to me? My family! My health is also important. THAT is what makes Beachbody programs so perfect. I can find the time. 30 minutes, before my kids get up, because it's important. If they need me I'm right there. It's not an excuse that I don't take and hour or more to leave the house and drive to the gym. The fact that I don't go to the gym, doesn't take away, in any way, shape or form the importance or effectiveness of my health and fitness.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those parents who NEVER leaves her kids. I choose carefully though. I'm a working mom. If I am going to work out every day, there is no way to do it other than at home without spending more time away from my kids than I already am. So I find a way. 

Most of my customers, are moms, like me. Busy moms, with small kids, who desperately want to live a healthier lifestyle and don't know where to start. 

Tell me again how the fact that you are a certified trainer in body building competitions is even the same thing I'm trying to do? All I'm trying to do is motivate and help, mainly people who just don't know where to start. 

I kind of went off on a tangent there. But when I saw that the other day, my heart sank. I felt embarrassed and guilty, and for a little while, I doubted myself and considered quitting! If I let the thoughts of some people make me give up...what about the people who are relying on me to help them? They aren't going to step foot in a gym. They aren't going to lose weight in a healthy way. They're going to turn to other shakes and "supplements" on the market that are terribly processed and full of chemicals. They'll lose weight and they'll feel terrible. They won't be healthy. I know about something that can help them, and help them reach their optimal...that's worth sharing!

The more I thought about it - I know, no matter what anyone THINKS, it's about what I KNOW. I'm helping people. It's not a joke. I'm not claiming to be an expert or providing information that is false or irresponsible. I'm helping people take the first step to change their lives. It's not about what other people think, it's about what those people need. 

Phew. Rant over. 

Fellow Beachbody Coaches? Have you encountered "haters" when it comes to your business before? How did you get handle it, or get past it?

Are you just a regular person looking for help and not sure where to start? I'd love to help you. Leave me a comment with your email and Ill get in touch, or you can email me at coachmegreed@gmail.com.

Shakeology!

How crazy is this???? It makes me laugh now, but this is is my daily regimen before....and it doesn't even show everything!

There's a multi-vitamin, several superfood powers, whey protein powder, chia seeds, green superfood powder, kale, frozen fruit, fresh fruit....

This is my reginine now. It's all there. And then some!

 

I hear people talk about how expensive Shakeology is....but no joke, I am saving money now! 

 Need more info?? Watch this! Tony Horton "Checks Out" Shakeology! Love it!!! http://bit.ly/1gGd5Eu

21 Day Fix

I wanted to share with you guys a program that is giving people really great results! Why?? Because it is simple!!

 

Are you the kind of person who sabotages yourself in the kitchen?? This program has a solution for that. It comes with color coded containers that take the guess work out of portion control. All you have to do is fill the container...and eat it. It gives you a list for each color - it's so so simple. Love the concept!

It comes with a formula to determine your personal caloric intake each day. Then based on your target you need to consume the applicable number of containers.

It comes with 7 containers (6 colors...orange gets 2 containers)

Please ignore the rogue piece of kale hanging out on my table ;)

Each container has a list of foods that you can eat for that "color"....oh and also please ignore my 6 year old daughter's jacked up mani...she was being very helpful!

There's definitely some prep work and planning that will go into this. You need to commit to the nutrition plan to get the best results. It is a great exercise in portion control though and will definitely help change your lifestyle long term.

The fitness program for 21 day fix is good for any fitness level - although it definitely isn't easy! The workouts are only 30 minutes long, so it really is doable for anyone with minimal interruptions to their typical schedule. There really is no excuse of why this program wont work for you ;)

In terms of equipment, you will need a light set of weights (5 pounds should be good) and a heavier set (10-12 pounds). Also a yoga mat if you are working out on a hard surface. 

When you order a challenge pack this program also includes Shakeology the "Healthiest Meal of the Day" - no joke...this stuff has changed my life...I can't say enough about it!

Summer is just around the corner. Are you interested in learning more about the 21 day fix and what it could do for you?? Leave me a comment below with your email address and I will contact you and answer any questions you may have or you can email me at CoachMegReed@gmail.com. 

Want to know a little more? This video does a great job breaking it down!






 

Want me to be your 21 day fix coach???? I'll give you several resources to help you be successful and I will cheer you on every step of the way... Comment below with your email and I will get in touch...or email me: CoachMegReed@gmail.com <3

Lead by example

Let that sink in a minute. 

No wonder there is an obesity epidemic in this country!

In our house we are trying to raise our kids to be healthy eaters & to make good choices. The most important thing is to lead by example. 

I usually do my workout before my girls get up but whenever it works out that they're up, they love to do it with me. I think it's really important to let the kids see how hard I work, but that it's fun. They love it. 

It's official...

It's official! I am officially a Team Beachbody Coach!

 

So, what does this mean?

• If you're like me, and really can't find the time to go to the gym or fitness classes...or just don't feel comfortable going that route...I can help you choose a fitness program, that you can do at home, to reach your goals. You have to be serious though, and you have to commit!!!! 
• I will be running "Challenge Groups" each Month, to keep you accountable and help you reach your goals...no goal is to big or to small, I want to HELP you!
• I can help you find the weak links in your diet. Maybe you already know what they are, but don't know where to start when it come to finding the right path to a healthy lifestyle. That's OK...I have a ton of resources and information and I want to share them with you!

It means a lot more than this...but most simply, it means I can help. It means I have even more resources than I did before, to help you realize your goals to be a healthier you. 

I'm excited! Shoot me and email if you want to be excited too! CoachMegReed@gmail.com

Healthy comfort food???

I love food. Like I said before I am a comfort food addict! So in trying to eat non processed whole foods, I've found the most success in adjusting things I love to make them work for me. It's amazing how easy cooking is when you are just using real food!

This week has been particularly stressful...lots of work stuff going on. This makes me want to stuff my face ALL THE TIME.

My solution..."Paleofied" Comfort Food!

Monday night I roasted spaghetti squash & garlic. It's really easy. 

• Cut the spaghetti squash in half...that's the hardest part of the entire thing...literally.
• Scoop out the "guts"
• Drizzle with Olive Oil & garlic salt (or whatever you want to use to season it)
• Then I placed 2 heads of garlic with the outer layer removed and the root part (I'm sure there's a more technical name...) chopped off on a cookie sheet. 
• Place one half of squash over each head of garlic
• Roast at 375 for 35-45 minutes...

Then I made some meat sauce to go with it....

• Brown 1 pound of ground beef, while the meat is browning chop up the following and add as you go....
• 6 chopped tomatoes...I used a tomatoes on the vine Family Pack from Wegmans
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 chopped up head of garlic or a spoonful of minced garlic...whatever you have
• 2 basil leaves 
• 1 chopped pepper...I used a yellow pepper

*Cover & Simmer this mixture for about 20 minutes....I didn't time it exactly, I just simmered it while I cleaned up my kitchen and prepped my squash and garlic

• Next I added 1 small can of tomato paste...check your ingredients! Make sure the only ingredient listed is "Tomatoes" and that they haven't snuck in anything extra.
• Stir it all together, cover, reduce head to low

*I simmered it like this for about 40 minutes....again I didn't time it exactly, I did it while I squeezed in my p90x3 workout...which is 30 minutes long! I paused it a few times to run up and stir. I added a little water here and there when the bottom of the pan started to brown. 

At one point when I paused my workout to check the sauce, I took out the squash. When I was done with my workout, it had cooled enough to scoop out the "Spaghetti" strings. I set the garlic aside for the Paleo Pesto I made (more on that in a sec!) and voila... "Spaghetti & meat sauce" made almost entirely of vegetables! Delicious and everyone loved it...even my picky kids!

(please excuse the picture...it might not LOOK amazing...but it was!)

After dinner, I cleaned up the kitchen and threw stuff in the blender for "Paleo Pesto" this is a recipe I made up, and I use it for lots of things. It taste WAY to good to be healthy...it's rich, creamy, savory...basically everything I want in a comfort food! 

It is also super easy to make....

• Squeeze the roasted garlic into a blender then added the following...
• fresh basil (I used a Wegman's Basil Clam Shell) 
• nuts...most recipes call for pine nuts, I used shelled pistachios...approximately 3/4 cup.
• kale...only because I like to add kale to just about everything I can sneak it into. I threw in a handful.
• Olive Oil...probably about a 1/4 cup...I adjust as needed until it gets to be the consistency I want. 
• Blend it on various settings until it gets creamy...about 5 minutes.

I store it in a cute little mason jar and use it for all kinds of things I love it as a veggie dip, salad topper or on leftover spaghetti squash like I had for lunch today! 1 jar has plenty to last a few days or longer depending on what you use it for.

You may have noticed, my recipes are REAL loosey goosey. I almost always just make it up as I go along, taste it as I go and add things as I need to. Like I said before, when you are using real food and herbs it makes cooking easier in my opinion...and fun! 

I like knowing exactly what is in my food, it tastes delicious and it hits the spot when I feel like I need to indulge...even though neither of these recipes would technically be indulging!

Welcome!

If you know me in "real life" you've probably noticed that in recent years, I have been really passionate about eating healthy, taking care of my body and being my best self. You may not know why...

A couple of years ago, I kind of resigned myself to the fact that "normal" for me was feeling pretty awful...all the time. I was always tired, achy, cranky...I always, no matter what, felt a general sense of blah and daily day to day activities felt like a chore. I drank a lot in the evenings at the time, because it made me feel a little more normal....counter intuitive...um, yeah...but at least if I had a buzz the rest didn't really bother me as much! 

I had blood work done over and over again and kept being told I was fine.

In May of 2012, I got really sick. Not like, normal sick, more like something is seriously wrong with me sick. It turned out I had hashimotos thyroiditis...an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland. Apparently for years my blood work had been jacked up & my dr. at the time just over looked it. By the time I got diagnosed my body was in the middle of what my endocrinologist called a "Thyroid attack" everything within my immune system was basically shutting down, causing me a lot of issues.

So I started on thyroid medication. I was really excited, finally, I would feel better! I never really did though... I did however gain about 10 pounds, on top of the 5-10 Id gained before getting diagnosed. 

Ive always been one of those "lucky" naturally thin people...an extra 15-20 pounds on me felt like a lot. I was exhausted, I had all of the symptoms from before, and I didn't feel healthy or good about myself at all. 

So in January of 2013 I decided it was time to be proactive about my health. I cut out all soda (except beer....still drank a lot of that!) and borrowed Insanity from one of my friends. I posted on Facebook every time I completed a workout to keep myself accountable and I started losing weight. Basically I started my own personal challenge group...I didn't know there were actually challenge groups I could join and be a part of!

Working out regularly made a major difference in my health. I could finally see some changes in how I felt, and I looked better than I had in years. I can't say enough about what Insanity did for me!

Then, around May 2013, once again I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I couldn't get through a workout...I didn't feel like I could do much of anything! More testing and it turned out I had Lyme disease. This was treated pretty effectively with a long series of strong antibiotics. They made me feel like shit...working out wasn't happening and honestly eating right wasn't either. I am a big time comfort food eater...and when you always feel sick...you always want comfort right? It was kind of a vicious cycle.

Around August of last summer, I knew I needed to get really serious about my health if I was ever going to feel "good". I was sick of just feeling, "ok" and I never felt "great". I began doing A LOT of research. I didn't have the energy or stamina to work out again at that time, so I started with diet. I cut my alcohol intake considerably...it's a vice of mine, but I dont use it to self medicate now. I found various hashimoto and hypothyroid groups on facebook and poured over them. I read and continue to read articles about health and wellness. 

I started watching documentaries about the food industry...the more I learn the more I want to know! In January of 2014 I did a strict Paleo challenge called the Whole 30, that my Dr recommended that I try, because thyroid medications weren't working well for me at all.

It changed my life! I won't say I eat "Paleo" all the time by any means, but I learned so much about how food makes me feel. Even the healthy foods that had become staples in my diet while on this "Journey to Wellness" I learned a lot about. Did you know soy can be detrimental to the health of people with autoimmune diseases? What about legumes? I didn't! I thought those things were GOOD for me. They are good for a lot of people...but there is no one size fits all guide to healthy eating!

Finally in the last few months, I can say, I feel the best I have felt in YEARS. I've lost 8 pounds since January with just changing my diet. 

After completing the Whole 30, I  finally felt that I had the energy to work out again.

I loved what Insanity had done for my body a year before. I love the concept of the Beachbody programs because I can squeeze them in at home, in the morning, before my family is up for the day- and they work. They aren't gimmicky, they just work. I am a super busy working mom...I legit don't have time to go to the gym!

After talking to my Beachbody Coach Beth, I chose P90X3 to get myself back in the game. I loved the Cardio that Insanity had. My goal now is to tone, and be lean and strong. Beth pointed me towards P90X3 since it incorporates a lot of weights and other types of workouts, in addition to cardio. Not to mention the workouts are only 30 minutes each...something I can totally commit to. 

I am loving the P90X3 program. It's intense, I am sore, and I am seeing results and definition so quickly! 

I have a real passion for health and wellness. I feel like I talk to everyone about it! I am no expert...I will never claim to be...I am just a regular person who is determined to live life to the fullest. Because of that, I have decided to become a Beachbody Coach. I want to share my experiences, and the knowledge I have learned...and continue to learn, with other people. 

Diet and exercise are SO important in living a healthy life. It's EVERYTHING! Food is the most powerful and most abused form of medicine....this statement is so true! When you take care of your body it will take care of you!

I have a few questions for you...

• Have you been paying for a gym membership...but never going because you can't find the time? 
• Have you been considering starting a workout regimen but don't know where to start? 
• Are you struggling to know what to eat, and why, to achieve your goals? 
• Do you have a Beachbody program already, but didn't know you could have a free coach to help you meet your goals?

Let's talk! I have so much information and so many resources I would love to share with you!

Now, ask yourself this....

Why not you???