Quick Workout Plan

I've been looking for a fun, quick workout that I can do at home.  In my search I stumbled across this.

http://www.idealshape.com/idealshape-up-challenge/

The challenge started back in January, but you can join at anytime.  I decided to try it out, so I signed up and got the first weeks work outs in my inbox.  I'm pretty stoked!  I just finished day 2 and so far I'm loving it.  I had to buy a stability ball and some weights, but thats it.  They have an eating plan too, but it's meal replacement shakes and bars, and I'd rather eat healthy my own way.  It's free to join the workout challenge, so you have nothing to lose.

For me, it's all about time.  I need something that wont take half my morning and that's fun enough that I want more.  This fills both of my requirements and I'm super excited to keep going.  If you don't have a regular workout plan, I encourage you to check it out.

A Food Journal and A Calorie Counter

So at today's weigh in, I heard over and over again that you are really trying to cut back but your not seeing the results you're expecting.  I have a plan that I hope you all like.  This week it's going to be all about counting calories and keeping a food journal.  I found this really fast and easy calorie counter.  You type in any food and it instantly gives you how many calories it has.  Scroll down and look at the other things the website offers.  There's lots of cool stuff there.

http://www.nowloss.com/how-to-count-calories-in-food-to-lose-weight.htm
You need to highlight the link and click "go to this address"

I'm serious about a food journal!  Anyone who brings their food journal filled out next Monday will be entered into a drawing.  I'm again going to give the same three things as last week.  It seemed like everyone was excited about the prizes, so here's another chance to win.  By the way, the winners for last week are.....

1.  An Aroma Touch Massage- Cindy McFarland  
  
2.  Lemon Essential Oil- Michelle York  

3.  Slim and Sassy Body Wrap- Emily Delay

Congratulations ladies, I'll be calling you soon to give you your prizes.  Get going on your food journal, starting Tuesday April 14, 2015.  Make sure to write everything down and count up how many calories you eat each day.

Sticky Notes and a Challenge

It was great seeing you all today.  You've been working so hard.  It's fun to see the progress.  Here's a tip.  Use sticky notes around your house to remind you of your goal.  One on the refrigerator, one on your bathroom mirror, one in your car (to keep you from going through the drive through), and one in you closet.  Do you have any other places you could put a sticky note?

I want to give you some inspiration.  I've got a challenge for you.  If you exercise 5 days for 30 minutes each day this week, your name will be entered into a drawing for 1 of 3 prizes.

1.  A 30 minute Aroma Touch Technique 

2.  A dōTERRA Lemon Essential Oil

3.  A Slim and Sassy Wrap 

I came across this awesome poem and thought of our group.  I'm sure at times these last two weeks you've thought that this was an impossible thing you're trying to accomplish.  Don't listen to that voice.  You can do this.  Prove them wrong!

It Couldn’t Be Done

BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done 

      But he with a chuckle replied 

That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one 

      Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried. 

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin 

      On his face. If he worried he hid it. 

He started to sing as he tackled the thing 

      That couldn’t be done, and he did it! 

Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that; 

      At least no one ever has done it;” 

But he took off his coat and he took off his hat 

      And the first thing we knew he’d begun it. 

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin, 

      Without any doubting or quiddit, 

He started to sing as he tackled the thing 

      That couldn’t be done, and he did it. 

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done, 

      There are thousands to prophesy failure, 

There are thousands to point out to you one by one, 

      The dangers that wait to assail you. 

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin, 

      Just take off your coat and go to it; 

Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing 

      That “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.

Week One - Down

Well, we made it through the first week.  I have to say, knowing that you're all doing this too, has really kept me motivated.  As you came to weigh in last night, I heard it over and over again that you feel the same way.  I'm so glad we're in this together.

Today I thought I'd share a simple, very yummy dinner we like at the Hamilton home.  We call it Kathy Shmack after my sister Kathy. 

Kathy Shmack

1 cup brown rice

2 cups water

1 cup chunky salsa

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

3 Tbs taco seasoning or 1 pkg taco seasoning

Put all ingredients in a pot.  Simmer for 40-50 min until rice is cooked and all the liquid is gone.  We like the uncooked tortillas, they cook up quick, they're not full of preservatives and they're delicious.  Top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa and lime.  Enjoy!

A Little Morning Inspiration

Thank you Patti for sharing this with us!

This is a great motivational video by Nike. I showed it to the kids today... But as I watched it with them I realized it is true for me too. I'm not running track, I'm not a world class athlete, but I am in a race... A race to get healthy. A Race to find the body God intended me to possess. One that is strong, energetic, and healthy. So today I committed to find my greatness. To see how far I can take this body of mine. And to not look back.

When my alarm goes off I will be greater than my doubts. I will persevere.

Feel free to share with anyone in the group that needs some motivation today!

http://youtu.be/OmkNKEHC8Pg

patti

Naturally Flavored Water

Have you ever tried naturally flavored water?  

It's yummy!  Here's all you do...

Get some fruit/herbs and put in a glass jar.

Fill the rest of the way with ice.

Add 2-3 drops essential oil.

Fill to the top with water and put lid on.

Let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to infuse with flavor.

For a list of fruit and herb ideas go here....

http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/fruit-infused-waters#.dezmK8Zw8

Michelle Y. emailed me this morning and said she woke up today thinking about the next 12 weeks and became overwhelmed and really excited about the future, all at the same time.  Her thought was....

"One day better than yesterday".  

I feel stronger and more in control than I felt a few days ago.  I hope you are having similar feelings. Michelle, thank you for reminding us that making a change takes baby steps.  

Ok here we go, our weight loss challenge is under way!  Last night was a blast having you all over to weigh in.  One thing is for sure, people hate seeing how much they weigh.  

So this is the deal...if you have a favorite 

healthy meal 

snack idea 

exercise 

or any other weight loss tip that you love and want to share with the group, email me at krissyhamilton72@gmail.com and I'll post it here (with props to you) for all to see.  YES, we're competing against each other but we're also a team, here to support and encourage each other.   

Tip of the day...Drink Water!  You'll feel better, have more energy, and the pounds will drop off easier.  Read this article on WebMD to find out how much water you should be drinking.  http://www.webmd.com/diet/water-for-weight-loss-diet?page=2
Try.....
1. Bringing water with you every time you get in the car.
2. Put lemon essential oil in your water it tastes delicious (ask me about essential oils)
3. Drink water with your meals.  Cut out calories by not drinking milk, juice or soda.
4. Use an App like Waterlogged or Water Your Body.
If you have any tips to add, please let me know and I'll be sure to post them.  

I'm needing a little inspiration tonight.  Tomorrow some of my friends and I are starting a Slim and Sassy/Healthy Lifestyle change.  You get to join the group for just $35.  The money will go into a prize pot for the top winners.  

The plan is to weigh in on Monday afternoon/evening each week.  We'll judge it based on % of weight lost.  dōTERRA has developed some exciting new Slim and Sassy products just in time for our challenge.  One product will be available April 1 and they other on April 15th.  More information will definitely be coming soon!