R~O~C~K Your Way Into the New Year!

New challenge starting December 2nd! Want to R~O~C~K your way into the New Year? Join my challenge group as we workout with Shaun T's Rockin' Body, and R~O~C~K our way into a healthy New Year! Score some major bonuses by ordering from my site! Watch the video below, message or comment with any questions, then head on over to my site and scoop up the program! Once you get the program, let me know so I can add you to the R~O~C~K~I~N Challenge Group! It will be the BEST $20 you spend this holiday season.

NOTE: Shipping is regular cost and is NOT upgraded for free.

Take Responsibility

I have come a far way from the near 300 lbs. girl I used to be. I have tried things, only to fail, got up, and tried something else until I found something that worked for me. Until recently, though, the one thing I lacked was responsibility. I am the only person responsible for where I am today, health wise. I am the one that made poor choices, I am the one who opted not to workout, I am the one that let myself get riddled with diseases. Granted genetics plays a part in those illnesses, my poor health and exercise choices pushed me far down that path, when I could have made healthier choices to not get me there quite so quickly. The bottom line, is that you are the only person responsible for where you are today. You, and only you, can make the changes that need to be made to better yourself, or push yourself further into that dark abyss. I cannot get off the couch and do the workout for you, no matter how cool that would actually be, it is not possible. What IS possible, is for you to turn your health around, and you can start now. Start making healthier choices NOW. Start getting more exercise in NOW. Start taking responsibility for yourself NOW. And while you're walking that path of responsibility, lean on me for support, encouragement, butt kickin', and anything else you need along the way. I eat healthy and workout for ME. Because one day I woke up and realized that tomorrow, I may not, and the only one who could do anything about it, was ME.

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

From the Heart....

I was sitting here today, enjoying my quiet, cool Sunday afternoon, when I got to thinking. I know that I am not in the best shape of my life. I know that I still have TONS of things to work on, personally, for me to reach my goals in health and fitness. I know that some things I may put out there as challenges seem a little advanced or extreme in one way or another to many people who are just getting started on their journeys, or think they are not capable of doing these things. So I want to share this little bit of information with you, to let you know that you are never alone in your journey. And that I will ALWAYS be right here to help you along.

1. I will NEVER ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER suggest, encourage, or ask you to do ANYTHING that I, myself, am not willing to do or try.

2. I may not be a nutritionist, by any means, but I have spent years of research finding out what will work for me, and the information I pass on to you through these groups, FB pages, and blogs, are all products of that research. You by NO means, need to go out and try it all. It is meant as helpful information that you might not have thought about along your path to a healthier you.

3. I believe in the information I share. I will NEVER share anything with you that I do not believe in. And trust me, it takes a lot for me to believe in something. I don't blindly follow anyone or any product. I try things out, see how they work, and I base my opinion off how I reacted to whatever it was I tried. But if I share something with you, it is because with all my heart and soul, I believe in the benefits of the information I am passing on.

I know there are so many body types out there. There are so many people at so many different levels of fitness and health, and each and every person has their own battle they are fighting each and every day. I never assume that what works for me will work for you. All I know is what has worked for me in the past, or what is working for me now. And all I encourage YOU to do is TRY. I don't care if it's the first thing or millionth thing that you have tried. I just encourage you to do something to make a difference in your life. The only thing you cannot do, is that which your mind says you cannot. I believe in you. Always. :)

9 Day Clean Eating Challenge

I am hosting a clean eating challenge in my Facebook group, Healthy Starts Here. I would LOVE to have you join me and the rest of the group in taking this step toward a healthier you. Simply go to your Facebook page, type in the group name, and request to join the group. The group is private, so no one can see your posts but the group. I am here to motivate you in every way possible, and help encourage you to achieve your ultimate health.

Come join us in this venture, and see where it can take you. Click HERE to go directly to the group. :)

Hope to see you in there!

It Takes Heart

So, let me tell you all a little story. As I am winding down for the night, and contemplating how far I've come in the past few months, I know I have a ways to go, but have accomplished more than I thought.

At my heaviest, about a year and a half before my wedding in 2003, I was 295 lbs. Most people don't know that. By my wedding, I was about 250. That weight loss was a combination of wedding stresses and my unknowing plague of diabetes hard at work, and most of that weight loss came within about 8 months of my wedding. I never thought I would be smaller. I never thought I would ever have a chance at seeing my clothes in a size that wasn't 2 digits, and didn't at least start with a 2.

I could blame my slow progress on my illnesses that plague me on a daily basis, but that would be too easy. Last summer I was bound and determined to lose this weight. And I slowly began making progress. I went back to my clean eating, and before I knew it, I was in a size 18. I'll be honest. The last time I saw a size 18, I was a sophomore in high school. And for then, that was huge.

Toward the end of last year, I had done all the Jillian Michaels workouts that I could do, and finally my progress halted. Determined to not let the plateau get the best of me, I ordered a Beachbody workout, Hip Hop Abs. I ended up leaving for the states for our adoption before I could start, so I started doing Shakeology when I was in the states. I needed something that would fuel my body and give me energy as I ran ragged taking care of things, and soon, my new daughter. Shakeology was a life saver. It boosted my metabolism, gave me more energy, kept me satiated for hours, it was a god send to keep me going. And about a month before I left the states to come home to Germany, I had to go to the store to buy some size 16 shorts, because my 18's were falling off my hips. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN IN MY LIFETIME. But I am so glad I was wrong.

I completed Hip Hop Abs, fell in love with it, and with Shaun T's energy, and Focus T25 came out. I was determined to keep my mojo going. So I'm doing Focus T25. I'm loving it, just like I thought I would, and for the first time in nearly 20 years, I am almost to the brink of having to go out and buy some size 14 shorts. When my size 16's start to fall off my hips, I first get frustrated that my shorts are too big, then I remember....Oh yeah, I WANT them to be too big.

See, it's all about determination, dedication, motivation, and heart. Yes, heart. I was broken last summer after some devastating news about my health. When I realized, for the first time in my life, that I am not immortal, that I am sick, and that there is not much that can be done about that. But you know what CAN be done? I can CHOOSE to make the best out of each day. I can CHOOSE to move forward in a positive motion. I can CHOOSE to keep on trying until my last breath. And I can CHOOSE to mope in the darkness or try in the light.

So I try. Every single day, I try. I try to push myself further than I did the day before in the hopes that one day I won't have to take a mound of pills three times a day. That one day, I can say that I once said I was comfortable in my size 30 jeans, but that these size 6's feel much better. That one day, for the first time in my life, I will be able to wear a bikini comfortably to the beach on a sunny summer day, with the most confidence I've ever had. I have little dreams. Dreams of doing things I've never actually experienced in my life. This year, after having done so well before I started T25, I set a goal for 20 lbs. to be gone by the end of this year. I am almost halfway there. I bounce back and forth on my weight. Sometimes because of my illnesses, and sometimes because of my lack of effort. But I am more determined now than I ever was. And I've got three months to pull it off. So I am going full force.

I always ask you guys about your goals, your dreams, your wants out of this group and being healthy. This is my temporary goal. My short term desire. My first baby step toward achieving greatness for me. I am human. I struggle, too. You help me just as much as I aim to help you. So let's do this together. No matter what your goal is, or how different it is from mine, we can do this. <3 p="">

Coming Monday!

Been wanting to see what all the fuss is about with Shakeology? You will have the opportunity Monday to order a taste sampler through my site: www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

I can personally speak volumes for this shake. I have tried a lot of what's out there, and this is the BEST you can find. 100% natural ingredients from the earth, and all the nutrients your body needs to run effectively. Once you try it, you will be wondering why you waited so long. :)

Be the YOU You Want to Be

The only person who will EVER hold you back from accomplishing your dreams and goals, is YOU. No one else. You can come up with a million reasons as to why you haven't reached them, but the hard, solid, blunt truth is, you are the only person who will get in the way of your own success. I have battled so many medical issues over the past four years, and still battle them today. But the one thing that has changed and has led to my success in a healthier life is my attitude toward my health, and the acknowledgment of the fact that I cannot cure myself of some illnesses. I battle three auto immune disorders, one of them being diabetes. I have illnesses that literally make my body fight itself just to function each and every day. But you know what else I have? I have a positive frame of mind and the determination to continue trying until I find success. When one thing stops working, I move on to something else. Because I am determined to not let the bad in and not let the bad win. So the question is....When will you take over your own frame of mind and move in a positive direction for yourself? How long will you let yourself win the battle of "can'ts"? Make today your new start, and move forward with positivity, motivation, and determination for better days to come.

Be Your Own Warrior

We pay so much attention to that number on the scale, that we often tend to forget that how we feel is a much better interpretation of our fitness and health. I am guilty of this, I know. I love to see the numbers on the scale move in a downward motion. Some weeks, when I step on that scale, I get so disappointed when I see a pound here or a pound there added on to that number. Then I'll do measurements, have my Shakeology, do my workout, stay active throughout the day with less strife than I did last week, last month, last year, and you know what I remember? I am a work in progress. I am not perfect, nor do I aim to be. But I do aim to be better than I ever was, and each day I see myself closer to that than ever before.

So, kind of like when the Wizard of Oz gets found out by the fantastic foursome on their way to Oz ("Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."), pay no attention to the number on the scale. Let your body, your personal performance, the way your clothes fit, the easier you can do tasks, let those things be how you measure your success. Be a warrior. A H~O~T warrior.

September's Beachbody Special!

For the month of September only, you can get Shaun T's Dance Challenge Pack! It includes his famous Hip Hop Abs, Rockin' Body, and a month's supply of Shakeology with the flavor of your choice! With $50 worth of savings, this challenge pack will help you dance your way to a new you!

I will be hosting an end of the year challenge featuring Rockin' Body, so why not pick up both programs and some Shakeology to get you started? Visit my site to order (www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC), or message me for details.

Watch the awesome video below to see just what all the craze about Shaun T is about! :D

Keep Hydrated With the Right Foods

Looking for some fantastic ways to stay hydrated this summer? While Germany is starting to cool down, stateside, the heat is still very present. So do yourself a favor and pack some of these super cool, hydrating treats in your fridge, lunch, or picnic basket to the beach! :)

Calorie Counting? ME?!?!?!??

So, who has a MyFitnessPal account? I DO!! You can find me under LittleMrsCC, so definitely add me once you get your account going. Here's the way I look at calorie counting....

I'm not a die hard calorie counter. I just never will be. But what I like about the use of MyFitnessPal, is that I can see how many calories I have for the day. This is like my allowance. I get about $13 to spend however I want throughout the day. If I exercise, my allowance goes up. If I don't, then it doesn't, plain and simple. Throughout the day, I can eat some fruit, which is about 50 cents, or I can eat a Snickers, which is like $2 or $3 dollars. Do I WANT to spend that much on a snack?!! I mean, it isn't even a meal! But it definitely costs almost as much as one.

This is how I choose what to eat throughout the day. I maximize my dollar to the last penny. Some days I have some money leftover, which is great, some days it's mere cents leftover. But the goal every day is to have leftovers of some sort, but to be completely full off what I have eaten for the day. Try it out this week. You'll find you aren't so willing to just give away your money to temporary satisfactions, and you will find that you find many more things that satisfy those temptations that are so much lighter on your "wallet." :)

www.myfitnesspal.com

Protein, Protein, Protein! :)

Protein intake is always a hot topic when it comes to a healthy lifestyle and working out. Protein is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, especially when you are participating in an active workout program. There are many ways to intake protein, so you can formulate it to work with your way of eating on many different scales. Don't be afraid to try something new, too! Spice up your eating by trying something different. :)

Recommended protein intake for men:
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/guide-to-protein/recommended-protein-intake.php

Recommended protein in take for women:
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20410520,00.html

Great sources of protein:
http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/scoop/protein-sources/

Naturally, these are just jumping off points, and should NOT replace any information or recommendations from your personal physician. :)

My Fitness Pal

You've heard me talk about this website and app for a while now. I cannot say enough good about it. While I am NOT a fan of counting calories, by any means, I AM thrilled with the accountability of MyFitnessPal. I know where I'm at every day with my eating, I can see if I start to get carried away, and I can evaluate what led me to getting carried away. It's actually a brilliant notion, and has definitely proved to be helpful in the past week.

I encourage you, as a person who has the desire to live a healthy lifestyle, to create a free account, fill out the profile, and keep yourself accountable for yourself and your actions. I guarantee that you will learn something about yourself throughout the process. And if you are anything like me, you will grow to appreciate the accountability.

Don't forget! My Fitness Pal isn't only online! You can download app versions for your droid and iPhone! :D

Create your free My Fitness Pal account HERE.

Monday Motivation

Time for some tough love....

This is truly what it all comes down to. There is no magic pill, fad diet, or quick routine that will fix all your problems. There is no magic juice, special herb, or power plant that will erase years of unhealthy eating and no exercise. But you DO have access to the best things for you, all the time.

Fresh produce, lean meats, occasional treats, and plenty of exercise and water. This is what it takes to get it done, these are the ONLY tools you need to get your life back on track and healthy. Let me repeat that. THESE ARE THE ONLY TOOLS YOU NEED. Period. End of story. Done.

The truth, is that we all have obstacles to overcome. We all have ailments, injuries, broken backgrounds, and so much more, that we are trying to push past to see the silver lining. The fact of the matter is, until you can let go of your baggage, you will be stuck exactly where you're at. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, that's just the way it is. But once you are able to kick yourself in the rear, and figure out that you want more from your life than you've given yourself, it is then that you will kick all those excuses to the curb and get up and do something about your predicament.

It's not about starving yourself. Starving leads to binge eating. Binge eating leads to discouragement. Discouragement leads to lack of motivation and will power. And all of that combined leads to an unhealthy life. Find ways to make your meals healthier. Eat more fruits and veggies. Drink plenty of water. Get some activity in each day. These are the key things to living a healthy lifestyle. These are the ONLY tools you need. The choice is yours. But the time is now.

For more one-on-one motivation and encouragement, join my group on Facebook, Healthy Starts Here.

One Week Going Strong

At the official end to Week 1 of Focus T25, there is so much that I could say about the program. It is absolutely amazing to me how well my body was worked over this past week. Partner that with my clean eating and huge water intake, and we've got success! I found it amazing that only 25 minutes a day for 5 days is what conjured up a 4.3 lbs. weight loss.

I also began logging my food this past week. Something I had done and grown tired of in the past, but I have a friend who is doing it and needed a little encouragement. So I decided I would jump in there and log my stuff as well. This time around, the whole process was different. I had a goal to reach, and I was trying with every fiber of my being to reach it. I looked at logging differently than I had in the past. It became a game of Tetris to me. What can I eat, and how much can I squeeze into that amount of calories. I was thoroughly shocked when most days, my calorie count was under what I was aiming for. SCORE! If you've never logged food before, and are trying to figure out where it's all going, I highly recommend trying MyFitnessPal.com. It is brilliantly put together, and I can even go in and input all the ingredients I use for my personal recipes, so I always have them there to log. For me, that was a huge thing, because I make everything from scratch.

Today is another day to make another great choice. <3 p="">
www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

It's STaturday!! :)

Today is STaturday for week one in the T25 program. I will be honest, I was TERRIFIED to step on the scale today. I had seen a little bit of a change, and though I felt MUCH better this week, I just wasn't expecting too much. Yet when I stepped on that mighty beast of a number cruncher, magic happened. In 5 days, I'm down 4.3 lbs, 3.25 inches, and 1.1% body fat. Oh....My...GOSH!!! And I can't even say it was just "water weight" lost, because my water percentage went UP 4%. Shaun T did something quite amazing with this product.

Week one was a total beast, and it pushed me further than I had ever gone before. And though during some days I was D~Y~I~N~G at the end, I was so proud of myself for pushing play. I am not a fan of quick fixes and fads. I am not a fan of extreme dieting, calorie counting, or any other craziness. I am, however, a fan of persistence, dedication, desire, motivation, and encouragement. Clean eating, holding myself accountable, and T25. That's how I gained a step in being healthy this week. It's not too late. Your chance is just waiting for you to just...push...play...

The EPIC T25 Challenge!

It's an EPIC T25 Challenge!! Starts August 5th, so if you're interested, message me so we can get your program ordered and on its way to you. Winner of the contest will get a copy of Focus T25 Gamma, which is the next step after you finish the initial Alpha and Beta phases. It's bound to be fun, so what are you waiting for?! :D

My Hip Hop Abs Journey

I keep forgetting to update, and the week is nearly over, lol! I finished my 30 days of Hip Hop Abs, and let me just say, I took my after photos, and WOW!! I know I'm a far cry from perfect, and though the scale only budged a 1/2 lb. when all was said and done, but I also lost 4.5 inches of fat off my body and 1% body fat. And it was results I could physically see in photos, not just by the numbers! I was in shock. I will definitely be keeping this around, and adding the next step of HHA to this the next time I do it!

If you're looking for a fun, dancing kind of workout, here it is. I started some workouts totally not in the mood that day, and I felt like I had just gotten started and it was done. Amazing, and freaking F~U~N!!

Watch the video below, then head to my site to order yours today!

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

It's Thursday Thirst Day! So....Drink up! Or DON'T! :/

We have become a society of quick, easy, and instant gratification. With the plethora of "healthy" drinks out there, it is very easy to slip into the habit of grabbing a quick alternative to a natural answer. I try to tell people who ask about clean eating, that basically, clean eating is going back to caveman days. What was hunted for or grown, that's what was eaten. Same thing goes here. Don't reach for that quick bottle of OJ in the cooler, squeeze your own at home, and make a big pitcher of it so you don't have to do it on a daily basis. Love flavored water because it doesn't taste like, well, water? Toss rings of fruit or fruit cubes in your glass. Natural is always better. Get it straight from the source. It truly does make a difference.

Read the article HERE about the 8 healthy drinks that are actually terrible for you. Then promise you will never fall prey to them again. ;)

Beachbody-splosion!

Holy Moly!! It was a Beachbody-splosion today!! I cannot wait to try the Vanilla Shakeology (FINALLY!!), and I cannot wait to get started on my T25 challenge starting Monday! I know I'm going to keep the good work going, and I'm just so excited!! I'll be reading through all my material tonight, because I'm just that anxious!! YAY!! So glad it all got here!! :)

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC
www.myshakeology.com/LittleMrsCC

Sunday Fun Day!!

You've made it through another long week, and we're about to start another. Why not indulge in a different kind of exercise today by picking up a book? When was the last time you picked up a book and actually read it with enthusiasm, sitting on the edge of your seat, gnawing on your fingers as you turn each page? If you're like me, it's been a while. There is nothing more that I love for leisure than to just pick up a book and read. It let's my mind work creatively, and see a broader spectrum of things that are outside my immediate realm, and I don't even have to get out of my pajamas. BONUS!! :P

So find a book you haven't read in a while, a new book you haven't had time for, or find one free through your eBook, and enjoy a leisure read. Let your mind wander and take you far away to another land where Monday isn't tomorrow, laundry doesn't have to be done, and children aren't beckoning you around the clock. After all, it is just as important to keep our minds healthy as it is to keep ourselves physically healthy. We're all about well rounded healthy here, so get to it. And E~N~J~O~Y!!

Hello Saturday Sweat!

Growing up, one of my favorite movies, for MANY reasons, was Top Gun. One of the scenes I loved most was the volleyball scene (need I say more?), and I ALWAYS wanted to play beach volleyball. I played indoor volleyball for fun through my church league, and that was one of my favorite times in school PE. I was pretty good, if I may say so myself. ;)

I always imagined taking my suave moves to the sand, and, as many of us do, I pictured myself flawless in movement and execution of skills. Many years later, I had the opportunity to actually play some beach volleyball, 2 on 2, me and my girlfriend against two guy friends. Here was my moment. I was ready. I was poised for the serve, smooth on my blocking, brilliant on my set ups. Then the moment came, you know which one I'm talking about. The moment when the ball is just outside your capable reach unless you make that beautiful dive into the sand and save the day. No part of me hesitated to take it, that moment was.....HORRIBLE! LOL!!

I dove, arms out, hands together, and you know what I realized? Beach volleyball is INTENSE! Yes, I made the save, but absolutely zero part of my logic thought, "Hey, you're a chick, you've got boobs, this might hurt." Boy did it! I imagine it felt something like when a guy gets kicked in his nether region. Gasping for breath, unable to catch it, the feeling that your boobs are coming out your back, yeah, that's about how that went.

Suffice it to say, with the exception of my all too brilliant fail of a dive, boob wise, I was sweating up a storm! Moving through the sand was something I never anticipated have to conquer, yet that was what made that game a little more intense, and so thrilling.

So today's challenge is to go old school. Get outside, play some basketball, softball, beach volleyball. Rollerskate, skateboard, bicycle, swim, get out and do something you rarely make time for, and sweat it out. Make it the most intense swim you've ever swam, speed skate through a park or along a boardwalk, play some 1 on 1, or hit the batting cage. Be a kid again, and just go wild! :)

Do YOU Want Results?

There is a reason I chose Focus T25 for my next workout. Actually, there are quite a few.

1. I don't like working out for an hour. To be honest, my body's energy is completely depleted after an hour workout. Not because I'm not eating the right things, at the right time, etc., but because of the illnesses I have, my energy levels are at their optimum for about 30-45 minutes. And most days, 45 minutes is pushing it.

2. There are some days where finding an hour is difficult. Do I do it? Heck, yeah!! But it occasionally leaves me rushing to get to the next thing on that day's to-do list. I don't like to rush.

3. These kind of results in only 25 minutes a day? And I only have to workout 5 days a week? Really? CHALLENGE TAKEN!!

I could go on, and on, and on. But let me get to the point.

Everyone gets to that point in their life, where they feel they have tried all there is to try, done all they could do, pushed themselves as far as they thought they could go. And then something happens. Where they realize they still have more push in them, and giving up is not an answer. I was on the brink of giving up hope. Thinking to myself that I've been obese and overweight since I was 6 years old. There is no way that I can turn that all around. Not now. I just turned 35. I'm done. What is, simply is. There's no way out.

Then I was introduced to a more laid back Beachbody workout, Hip Hop Abs. Laid back? I thought it was going to be, and I thought it would ease me into a more hefty workout. Laid back it was not. Ease me into a more hefty workout, absolutely! It leaves me craving more at the end of each day. I look forward to the next day of getting a good sweat in. And I don't like to sweat. Seriously. I would do water aerobics for exercise just so I couldn't feel myself sweating, that's how much I don't like to sweat. But I love it now. I love feeling my body change for the better, and I love feeling myself get stronger.

I was actually going to do a different program after Hip Hop Abs. And then I saw the preview for T25. I looked at those before and after photos of REAL people and their REAL results, and I thought, are you kidding me? If HE can get that kind of result, SO CAN I! And here I am. On my last week of Hip Hop Abs, and awaiting the arrival of that magic box that carries my T25 in it. I find myself on pins and needles, waiting for confirmations in my email that it has gotten one step closer to me. I WANT these results. And I'm going after them.

I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE for you to join me on this journey to something wonderful. I would LOVE to see you healthier, I would LOVE to help keep you motivated and encourage you along the way. And I would LOVE to see your results!! So watch the brief video below, get excited, and then head on over to my site to get the program. You can get the workout by itself, or in a Challenge Pack where it comes with a month of Shakeology. Regardless, you get ME as your Coach, and a bonus workout, just for ordering through me. And if you order by 7/7, you'll also get FREE shipping on the workout and Shakeology (if you order the NEW Vanilla!). What more could you ask for? Let's do this!

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

Wednesday Workout

Not everybody loves heading to the gym for a workout. I know I am one of those people. I prefer to workout in the comfort of my own home, where there are no eyes looking at me in judgement. Okay, so that's probably my own self consciousness talking there, but still, working out at the gym is not for everyone.

So, in order to get our sweat on today, here is a list of 10 exercises you can do at home, and still get a sufficient workout in. I will list the 10 exercises here, but please take a look at the link below if you are unsure how to do any of them correctly. Correctly doing an exercise is VERY important so that you not only maximize your workout, but do not hurt yourself.

1. Squats

2. Triceps Push Ups

3. Skaters

4. Plank Crawl

5. Walking Lunge

6. Single Leg Balance Stick

7. Bird Dog

8. Side Plank Hip Drops

9. Bridge

10. Superman Back Extension

20 will be our magic number for the day, so do 20 reps of each exercise that you do reps for, and hold for 20 seconds on those exercises that you hold a pose for. Sounds easy, right? I guarantee you, after doing all of these in a row for these numbers of reps and holds, you will feel it. Want to get a little extra sweat in? Work from number one to ten, then from ten to one. Feel the burn. ;)

See how to do the exercises HERE.

Tuesday Testimony...

There are so many sayings that talk about speaking kind words to others because everyone is facing some sort of battle, or something to that same effect. I think what some of us fail to realize, is that words spoken harshly to other do hurt, but so do the words we speak to ourselves.

In a world filled with people who will pick on someone for the stupidest things, uplifting others is something that is necessary on a daily basis. Think about your day today. How many times did you tell someone something kind? How many times did you read a post on Facebook from a friend that seemed a little down, and you posted something uplifting, hoping to brighten their day? How many times do you say thank you, open a door for someone, smile at someone, or simply just say hello to a stranger that someone else might not have noticed? I'm sure you do it more often than you think. But what about you? How many times have you looked in the mirror today, and said something uplifting to yourself? Told yourself you are beautiful? Mentioned that your hair looks particularly good today, or that shade of lipstick is awesome on you, or notice your arms getting slimmer? I bet that one is harder to do, right? Why?

The words we speak to ourselves, whether they are verbally spoken, or stay nestled in our minds just brewing, are just as harmful and hurtful as if we were to say them to someone else. But we stop and think before we say it to someone else. Why can we not use that filter on ourselves? We are worthy of those kind words, too.

You are beautiful. You are handsome. You are kind. You are loving. You are an amazing human being in this world filled with chaos and hat. You are someone special. Don't let yourself believe otherwise. <3 p="">

Monday Motivation

I slipped in posting these to the blog, but I'm catching you up! Here was Monday's Motivation!

I love when people ask me what I'm doing to lose weight. Because I LOVE looking at them, straight in the eye, and saying, "I don't diet." That is the key, right there. Three words. I...Don't...Diet. If you are anything like me, you've probably tried a lot of diets before. Heck, I've been on some kind of diet since I was 12. Because I've been overweight nearly my whole life. Detox diets, carb free diets, higher protein diets, you name it, I can tell you how it works. Or, in all actuality, how it didn't. Being healthy is a lifestyle, and it needs to be treated as such. It is not what you are missing out on, what you "have" to eat, or what workouts you "have" to do today, tomorrow, or next month. It is about CHOOSING to eat healthier. CHOOSING to exercise. CHOOSING the life you want for yourself.

In my case, and a lot of you out there as well, it's also about setting an example for the young ones in your life. How am I supposed to encourage my daughter to get out and be active if I, myself, cannot get myself to be active? How can I encourage healthy eating, when I opt not to eat healthy myself? Be the fine example that I know you all are, and do the things we encourage our children, nieces, nephews, siblings, and so on, to do. Make healthy choices, every day. Get plenty of exercise, every day. Challenge yourself, and others will see.

It's not easy. It won't happen overnight. But I promise you, it will be the BEST thing you have EVER done for yourself.

Healthy lifestyle. Healthy life.

Another Preview of T25!

Just another preview of the T25 workout that is available NOW at: www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC. When you order the Challenge Pack from my site, you get a bonus workout along with a month of Shakeology, FREE shipping (free shipping ends soon!!), and ME supporting and motivating you the entire time. 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, 60 days. That's all it takes.

FREE Team Beachbody Membership!!

Part of being healthy is having and utilizing the proper tools to achieve your goals. One of my favorite things to do is to find new recipes and try and alter them to my liking, having a community whose goals are the same as mine, and having a way to keep my health and fitness goals organized. These are just a few of the things that a Team Beachbody Membership offers. Best of all, it's FREE! Sure, you can upgrade to the Club Membership and pay $2.99 a month, or you can stick with the FREE membership, and get just as many cool perks, one of which would be ME as your Coach, to help guide you through, every step of the way. It's FREE (did I mention that yet? :P ), and offers a community of people who want to get healthy, just like you and me. Try is out today, you'll be glad you did. :)

P.S. No hidden agenda here. There is NO obligation to purchasing anything. Just a FREE online community of people wanting to get healthy and benefit from the support of others trying to do the same. :)

Sign up HERE.

Friday Fit Tip!!

20 Secrets of Very Fit People

This is just one of the many articles that fill the walls at Team Beachbody. You will find things like this amongst the many pages. Tips to help keep you motivated to reach your goals, recipes to try new and healthy meals, a community of people determined, just like you and me, to get fit and get healthy.

As you read these, notice how many of them I've been repeating to you here for so long.

Water, water, water! it is your BEST friend!

Keep a food journal...Sometimes, we have an idea of where we are going wrong in our eating. Though we don't like to admit it, and seldom do, it is often more serious than we think or let on. So when you hit a slump, keep a journal for a week. Compare that to what your week was like, and see where you binge on fatty foods, or when you just didn't get enough to eat in a day. It helps, sometimes, to just put it all down on paper.

And my third favorite, that I just cannot say enough, DON'T compare yourself to others! You are you. So be YOU fabulously.

Read the other tips in the article below, and sign up for your FREE Team Beachbody Membership here: https://www.teambeachbody.com/tbbsignup/-/tbbsignup/free?referringRepId=234453

Read article here.

Focus T25 Preview!!

Here are a couple of sneak peeks at the workout you get with Coach Shaun T in Focus T25, the newest addition to the Beachbody workout family.

Ab Routine



Basic Workout



T25 is available NOW, but only through me as your Coach. For $180, you get the workout, an exclusive bonus workout, and a month of Shakeology. Order through my link below, then join me for the T25 Challenge Group starting mid-July. I will be there to coach you through any hurdle you may have, and to motivate you to keep going and to remember what you are working toward. A new you starts NOW!

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

T25 AVAILABLE NOW!!

Some MAJOR ordering is being done on the site, so be patient, but don't miss out on the AWESOME deal of $180 for this brand new AMAZING program with a month of Shakeology!! Order it, then join my Challenge Group that will start the program mid-July. Let's get fit!!

Go to my site, click "Shop," then "Challenge Packs" to get yours! :D

Focus T25 can ONLY be purchased through me as your Coach! It is not yet available to the public. :)

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

Monday Motivation

I have been getting a little grief lately because of my obsessive posting about Beachbody workouts and Shakeology. People think that I believe there is a miracle workout or powder drink that will stave off obesity or make you healthy one drink at a time. That couldn't be further than the truth.

Many people do not know my full medical history. There is really no need to go into detail. The bottom line is that I'm plagued with a handful of diseases and illnesses that all combat each other on a daily basis, making something like losing weight, the most difficult thing for me to do. I have been offered the opportunity to have surgery, but I do not think I am that far gone, and I have not yet tried all I can to beat this myself. So I have tried many things. And I have raved about them for as long as they continued to work for me. Most of them didn't last past a month or two. Many of them I kept doing because I kept seeing so many other people get such fantastic results doing the exact same thing I was doing. So why wasn't it working for me? Because everybody and every body is different. Everyone battles things that are different to one another. Mine are a bit more difficult to deal with, but they won't stop me.

So here it is, my truth, and what works for me.

Shakeology, yes, it's a protein powder drink. But it is also a drink that has more minerals and nutrients in one shake than your body has ever gotten in a day's worth of eating everything right. It is comprised of natural ingredients, with nothing artificial. The shake is only drank once a day, and it is your choice to drink it as a snack or as a meal. I usually do it for the protein after a workout, and then still eat three meals, and at least 1-2 snacks for the remainder of my day. It's the protein after my workout to help my muscles mend from the torture I just put it through. ;)

My workout...Yes, they are Beachbody programs, and, yes, I am a Beachbody Coach. Heck, I'll be completely honest with you, and tell you that the only reason I signed up to be a Coach was because I wanted the discount, and Beachbody waives the enrollment fees as well as the monthly website maintenance fees for active duty military or their spouses. So signing up was completely free for me, and I had nothing to lose, and got to save money on some programs I wanted to try. That's honest to goodness truth. And what I found, once I gave everything an honest try, was that it worked. I had been clean eating for 2 1/2 years when I started my first Beachbody program, Hip Hop Abs. I wanted to start with something a little slow pace, not too intense, just something to get me moving. And boy did it!

From there, I was unstoppable. I haven't been a coach for long. But I am dedicated to my health and getting myself in shape for me and for my family. I want to live a long life, and I want to be able to do whatever activities my daughter wants to partake in. She is only four months old right now, so I don't have much time to whip myself into better shape before she's moving all over the place.

The time is now. What are YOU doing to take care of YOUR body?

www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC
www.myshakeology.com/LittleMrsCC
www.myultimatereset.com/LittleMrsCC

Available Tomorrow!!!

One of the biggest excuses I ever here about not working out, is "I don't have time." Everyone has time, it's all about WANTING what you are after. Do you want it bad enough?

It used to be you had to workout hard to achieve a svelt figure and lean muscle. NOT ANYMORE!! In only 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 60 days, YOU can have a leaner, more svelt figure. Watch the video below, which shows you the AMAZING results from the test group Beachbody used to test the results of Focus T25.

Shaun T is the creator of Insanity, and Focus T25 is his next best workout program. With Tania showing you modifications for beginners, even if you have not done an intense workout before, you CAN do this workout!!

I will be starting this program mid July with a challenge group full of people anxious to get their bodies in shape. If you are interested in joining in on the action, message me using the "Contact Me" to the right, or through message on Facebook through Healthy, Fit, and Fabulous.

No more excuses....LET'S DO THIS!!

Available tomorrow at: www.beachbodycoach.com/LittleMrsCC

**NEW Vanilla Shakeology**

**NEW VANILLA FLAVOR**

Available RIGHT NOW, is the NEW Vanilla Shakeology!! Made with fresh vanilla beans, your palate can now indulge in a natural vanilla shake that tastes great and gives your body what it needs. Get your bag today!

~ Want to get 25% off your Home Delivery of Shakeology? Contact me and ask me how! 

Order Shakeology now!

Friday Fit Tip:

Dr. Oz is well known in the health industry. His brilliant way of thinking and his vast knowledge base for natural ways to heal go hand in hand with his everyday practices and advice that he passes on to those who follow him. It is no wonder, then, that this week's Friday Fit Tip comes from a collaboration of his best tips for health and fitness. My particular favorites? Get more sleep, focus on nutrients not calories (think quality versus quantity), and get strong, not skinny. These ten things have been things that I have been telling people FOREVER. They are key components to a healthy LIFESTYLE. Not a fad diet, or something to toss to the wayside once you get the body you've been longing for. They are key to living a healthy life, for the rest of your life. So read up, and learn lots, then put it into practice.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Dr. Oz's Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips of All Time

Welcome to Thursday Thirst Day!

Welcome to Thursday Thirst Day!!

While traveling with my mom throughout Europe last summer, I was introduced to the almighty Mojito. Can you say "YUM?!?!?!!" I could not believe I had never had one of these before. It was a hot summer, and you generally don't want to drink sugary drinks, just because it makes you feel icky, at least it does for me. But this was just the right mix of everything wonderful and refreshing. I enjoyed one pretty much every night during our week's stay in Paris.

On top of the refreshing beverage as a whole, mint plays a key role in the making of a Mojito. With health benefits that go beyond refreshing the palate before, after, or in between meals, you just cannot go wrong with a Mojito. However, since consuming alcohol ups the calories in a beverage (and, let's face it, you should probably remember the majority of your summer! :P ), here is a non-alcoholic version that is sure to quench your thirst this summer. Be sure to read the article below for more health benefits of mint.

Almosjito (Makes 1 drink)

1/2 lime
1/2 orange
4 sprigs mint
1/4 cup sparkling water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/3 cups crushed ice

Squeeze lime and orange juices into a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and strain into a glass.

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-mint.html