Exciting (Fitness) Announcement

I am BEYOND excited to share this month long promotion that Beachbody has allowed to help me help YOU! 

Here's the deal, most of you know that as a fitness coach, I hold monthly Beachbody Fitness Challenge Groups. These groups are filled with 5-6 like minded people who are READY to make a change and take control of their emotional, physical, and mental well being. The commitment is for 30/60/90 days (depending on the program you choose) of a Beachbody workout program, drinking Shakeology everyday, and joining the Challenge Group for accountability, encouragement, and support. We all work together throughout the entire program -this is a proven and effective formula for success. 

You do everything at home, on your time, your schedule. The Group interaction is all done online in a private Facebook group, where the team posts everyday. 

Now that I have given you the details of the Challenge Group, are you ready for this amazing offer? 

TRY A CHALLENGE PACK FOR FREE.

Just pay $14.95 For shipping and handling plus tax.

What better way to know that you will get results? Try a Challenge Pack for 30 days and if you
don’t see results, return the entire pack, no questions asked. If you like it, keep it and pay for the
pack after 30 days.

the pack includes:

 • Your choice of P90X, Turbofire, or Brazil Butt Lift
 • 30-day supply of Shakeology
 • 30-day Team Beachbody
• VIP Club membership


Just pay $14.95 for shipping and handling plus tax today (s&h is nonrefundable).

Who's in? The next group starts Monday, July 9th. Email me to get signed up OR leave your email below in the comments and I will send you the info! Or if you are ready, have no questions, go here and get signed up!

July Fitness Challenge

Wow! I have awesome news to share! My May and June Challenge Group participants have lost a total of 

32.4 POUNDS

and 

60.75 INCHES!!!!

I cannot tell you how much these women have changed my life. I love, love, love interacting with them on a daily basis, seeing the encouragement they provide each other, forming friendships, and GETTING HEALTHY! What I love most about this amazing group of ladies is that they have had the will and determination in their hearts to start with. With that already present, they have made coaching them a breeze!

I wanted to share this exciting news with you and invite you to join these participants in July! I have another Beachbody Fitness Group starting on July 9th. As part of the group, you'll be one of several likeminded people. We'll track our progress along the way, hold each other accountable, and motivate, inspire, and encourage each other to achieve amazing results. It's easy!

If you are ready to get serious about your health, get fit, make some friends, and change you life please comment below with your email address OR email me at feedingmytemple@gmail.com. 

morning announcements

Good Morning, friends! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! We had such beautiful weather. So thankful!

For those of you who are observing Lent and Easter, here is a quick reminder that this is Holy Week. Although, I'm sure you all knew that. My first active participation of Lent has been a great one. I have been fasting from sweets (something physical) and negative words (something sinful). This week will be an intense one filled with a lot of reflection, prayer, and refection. I hope you join me. You can find today's Lenten prayer here.

This is also my last call for my 30 Day Fitness Challenge Group participants! I only have 2 spots left!! Who wants them? Not sure what the 30 Day Challenge is (she says, having an answer ready)?

As part of my group, you'll be one of five likeminded people. We'll track our progress along the way, hold each other accountable, and motivate, inspire, and encourage each other to achieve amazing results. It is time to get serious about your fitness, especially with swimsuit season RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! If you are interested and ready to take charge, comment below with your email address and I will send you all the info to get set up, or you can email me at feedingmytemple@gmail.com. Let's do this! 

Also, have you linked up for the Spring Fling today? You should see the giveaway...wow. 

The Single Best Ab Exercise You Can Do -- And It's Not A Crunch

Enjoy. 

Why does this work so well? As the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy states:

"The roll-out and pike were the most effective exercises in activating upper and lower rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, and latissimus dorsi muscles, while minimizing lumbar paraspinals and rectus femoris activity."

Translation: The exercise forces your abdominals to work the hardest while your lower back and hip flexors -- areas that can take over in other traditional ab exercises -- are almost completely left out. So while a crunch works your abs but only with help from other areas, the roll-out pike isolates your abs much more effectively.

#ThirstyThursday

No, it's not what you think.

I usually roll my eyes when someone talks about drinking enough water. Why? I honestly don't know because its 98% of what I drink. And I swear by it. When I slack on drinking water, I feel a w f u l. 

I gave up soda 6 years ago (I will have a Coke once in a blue moon when my migraine won't go away). Seriously the thought of going to a restaurant and ordering a soda make me feel gross. Not that there's anything wrong with it (I mean there are bad side effects to your health), that's just how I feel.

So, #ThirstyThursday aims to help us all drink more water. Use this calculator to determine how much water you need. Share each glass throughout the day on Twitter and Facebook and use the hash tag #ThirstyThursday.

Come on, it will be fun. Drink up.

tuesday things

Hey, friends! How are you? Ok, a few things today! 

1. I realized I never posted about my change in sponsorship status! Whoops! You can find all the details here, but quickly, I am now charging for ad space. I will no longer be accepting swap sponsors. I have some very reasonable rates for monthly ads. You DO NOT have to be a blogger to advertise with me. Own a shop? Scentsy consultant? Want to advertise a service? You can do that here! I am on track to hit 100,000+ pageviews this month and I have some prime real estate for you! 

2. Mad man Tony Horton just about killed me last night....in a good way. He lives in my TV and he makes me workout. It's glorious. 

3. Pinterest inspired nails! Dark plum with a chunky glitter top coat.

And now, continuing with our Lent tradition:

A Lenten Prayer for Tuesday

Father of my soul,

Mother of my heart, 

I know your love for me is limitless beyond imagining. 

You care for me as a loving parent. 

Through my smallest Lenten sacrifices, 

help me to become less selfish 

and more aware of your ways. 

Fan the flame of my desire 

to draw ever closer to you. 

Guide me to seek your love.

tuesday ramblings.

Hey! How was your weekend? Yes, I know it's Tuesday.

Mine was good, thanks. We had dinner with Melissa and her family on Saturday! We enjoyed a really yummy taco soup she graciously made us! He family is just fabulous. I mean her kids are THE sweetest! She is also fantastic! :) I NEVER ever thought I would meet and make friends through blogging. I'm glad I was wrong.



Sunday was filled with a wind storm. For real. 35 mph winds with 50 mph gusts?? Hello, allergies. It was seriously so hazy outside. Ew.

In other unimportant news, I want this top.

Since stopping my Elavil, I have seen a noticeable change with my body. I am actually getting results from my workouts and diet (no, I'm not on a diet, I'm talking about healthy eating habits). My cravings for carbs and sweets has decreased and my energy has increased. I go in phases of practically making all of my meals from scratch to occasionally cutting corners and buying packaged items, like Clif MoJo Bars. I went a few weeks eating Amy's Frozen meals at lunch, so I decided to take a break from them and switch my focus back to clean eating. I switched up my workouts as well, I always need something new!

What have I been eating?

Breakfast
Fiber One Shredded Wheat
Horizon 0% Organic Milk
1/2 cup Blackberries

Mid-Morning Snack
2 Tablespoons Hummus
Baby Carrots
While Grain Pretzel Chips

Lunch
Low Sodium Turkey and Reduced Fat Cheddar Melt on Whole Grain Sandwich Thin
Organic Mixed Greens Salad with Tomatoes, Broccoli, Carrots, and Balsamic Vinegar
Chobani 0% Black Cherry Yogurt (yesterday it was pineapple)

Afternoon Snack
Banana
100 Calorie Pack Walnuts and Almonds (unsalted)
1 Babybel Light Cheese

Dinner 
Last night I had homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (look for the recipe soon)
Tonight? Not sure.

Post Workout Snack
Whole Grain Sandwich Thin
1 Tablespoon Organic Peanut Butter

What have I been doing?

Chest/Triceps (last night)

Wide Pushups 12 reps/3 sets
Dumbbell Bench Press 12 reps/12#/3 sets
Dumbbell Flys 12 reps/12#/3 sets
Close Triceps Pushups 12 reps/3 sets
Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension 12 reps/12#/3 sets
Triceps Kickbacks 12 reps/12#/3 sets

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source

Also, check out my guest post at Lovely Little Things today!! 

Ironically enough, it involves food. :) 

yes, really.

You know, I started to think about how sorry I was feeling for myself. And really, I should be glad. Thousands of women would do a lot to find the cause of their frustration and stress, known as their weight and body image.


I know now. And I have a choice. It almost feels empowering.


If only it were as simple as not swallowing 2 little blue pills for everyone. 


My husband said, "gosh, think of what it would be like if you hadn't been working out." Yikes, that's what it would have been like. 


I shared my frustrations and discovery with a friend today. I think she was surprised to hear that I weigh more now than I did when I returned from maternity leave (14 months ago). I think her words were, "What?? You workout all the time and eat so well!!" 


Yeah, that about summed my feelings up. 

I'm still torn on whether to decrease my daily dosage, stop taking it all together, or do nothing. I'm trying to do some more research (read: scour Goggle for a medical degree) to hopefully find some alternatives. Earlier this week, another friend ironically shared some info for a naturopathic doctor in Oklahoma City for something completely non-weight/migraine related. That info might have just come at the right time. 




Oh! I need your advice. Nail time tomorrow. What color?

This is a pretty common color in my rotation. I actually own the color since uh, no nail salon I have ever been to, carries Essie. I like it because it is clean. 

Something a little more festive?

Or something with a little bling? 

Week 3 {12 Week Fitness}

I'm sure you all have figured out the workout routine I'm on. I have shared Week 1 and Week 2 with you. Basically, you alternate the two weeks for a 12 week cycle. I wanted to piece Week 1 all together for you, so it is all in one place! Need some modifications? Just email me or let me know in the comments! I'm more than happy to share some alternatives with you! Again, all of these exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment. 


Also, here is what I have been eating.


Breakfast: 1/4 cup steel cut oats, 1 cup frozen blueberries, tablespoon chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon,1 teaspoon honey, and 1/2 cup 0% fat organic milk. 3 turkey sausage links. 


Mid-Morning Snack: This with as much broccoli and carrots I can find. 


Lunch: I have been lazy and eating any of the Lean Cuisine Fresh Steamers (in the bag) or an Amy's Light frozen meal. Piece of fruit. 


Afternoon Snack: Apple or Pear with cheese stick or a Clif MoJo bar. 


Dinner: I try to cut carbs by 6:00pm. Last night, we had Mexican Slow Cooked Pork Carnitas. I had 1 in a whole grain tortilla. Right now, I have chicken in the crockpot for shredded chicken taco salads for dinner tonight. 


I also have been drinking 5-7 20 oz bottles of water a day. Another post you might find helpful: 10 Supplements I Cannot Live Without. I actually take more than what is listed, but I feel these 10 are must haves when it comes to healthy living. 


Week 3

Day 1: 30 min Cardio + Chest/Triceps

Chest (all done on the yoga ball or bench)

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Dumbbell Fly	1 minute	12	1
Dumbbell Fly	1 minute	10	1
Dumbbell Fly	1 minute	8	1
Dumbbell Fly	1 minute	6	1
Dumbbell Bench Press	None	12	1
Dumbbell Fly	2 min	12	1

Triceps

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Bench Dip*	1 minute	12	1
Bench Dip*	1 minute	10	1
Bench Dip*	1 minute	8	1
Bench Dip*	1 minute	6	1
Close Triceps Pushups	None	12	1
Bench Dip*	2 min	12	1

*You can use the edge of a desk, chair, or weight bench.

Day 2: 30 min Cardio+ Lower Body

Upper Legs 

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Iron Cross	1 minute	12	1
Iron Cross	1 minute	10	1
Iron Cross	1 minute	8	1
Iron Cross	1 minute	6	1
Dumbbell Lunges	None	12	1
Iron Cross	2 min	12	1

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	12	1
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	10	1
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	8	1
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	6	1
Dumbbell Walking Lunges	None	12	1
Dumbbell Squat	2 min	12	1

Lower Legs

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	12	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	10	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	8	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	6	1
Calf Raise on a Dumbbell	None	12	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	2 min	12	1

*Use 2 dumbbells instead of a barbell 

Day 3: 30 min Cardio+ Abs

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
30 Second Plank	30 seconds	1	3
Air Bike	30 seconds	30	3
Bent Knee Hip Raise	30 seconds	30	3
Exercise Ball Pull-in	30 seconds	15	3
Sit Ups	30 seconds	8	3
Toe Touchers	30 seconds	15	3

Day 4: 30 min Cardio+ Shoulders/Biceps/Back

Shoulders

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Dumbbell Lateral Raise	1 minute	12	1
Dumbbell Lateral Raise	1 minute	10	1
Dumbbell Lateral Raise	1 minute	8	1
Dumbbell Lateral Raise	1 minute	6	1
Dumbbell Front Raise	None	12	1
Dumbbell Lateral Raise	2 min	12	1

Back

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row	1 minute	12	1
Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row	1 minute	10	1
Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row	1 minute	8	1
Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row	1 minute	6	1
Superman	None	12	1
Bent Over Two Dumbbell Row	2 min	12	1

Biceps

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Bicep Curl with Stork Stance	1 minute	12	1
Bicep Curl with Stork Stance	1 minute	10	1
Bicep Curl with Stork Stance	1 minute	8	1
Bicep Curl with Stork Stance	1 minute	6	1
Alternate Hammer Curl	None	12	1
Bicep Curl with Stork Stance	2 min	12	1

Day 5: 30 min Cardio+ Lower Body

Upper Legs 

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Iron Cross	1 minute	12	1
Iron Cross	1 minute	10	1
Iron Cross	1 minute	8	1
Iron Cross	1 minute	6	1
Dumbbell Lunges	None	12	1
Iron Cross	2 min	12	1

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	12	1
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	10	1
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	8	1
Dumbbell Squat	1 minute	6	1
Dumbbell Walking Lunges	None	12	1
Dumbbell Squat	2 min	12	1

Lower Legs

Exercise	Rest	Reps	Sets
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	12	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	10	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	8	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	1 minute	6	1
Calf Raise on a Dumbbell	None	12	1
Rocking Standing Calf Raise*	2 min	12	1

*Use 2 dumbbells instead of a barbell