I feel like we are writing new chapters to our own individual stories every day. I never thought in a million years that I would become part of a network marketing company. Honestly, it is one of those things I would normally turn up my nose at.
Something about Beachbody was different. It felt different. It made ME different.
My coach, Amy, challenged me to share my story in a video blog (VLOG). It was scary, but I did it.
Now, I share that with you. Thanks for letting me into your world. Make it a great day!
Click HERE to watch my VLOG.
Showing posts with label Beachbody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beachbody. Show all posts
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Saturday, July 9, 2016
At Home Fitness
I have always chosen to run or do an at-home fitness program in lieu of the gym. I have just never liked the gym. It is smelly, crowded, and far away. I have 5 children ages 8, 6, 5, 3, and 1. By the time we load up, get to the gym, unload, get inside, drop off at on-site daycare, workout, pick up from on-site daycare, load up, drive home, unload... Well, you get the picture. I don't have time for that nonsense. At-home workouts offer me the flexibility of getting up a little earlier than my family, working out, showering and having breakfast on the table before 7 AM. I also just prefer to not be with a bunch of people I don't know while I'm sweaty and in the zone. I like being in a comfortable place AKA my living room. Not to mention the monthly charges to my credit card for something I rarely used!
I have purchased dozens of at-home workouts prior to trying Beachbody fitness programs. Denise Austin, Winsor Pilates, Discount Bin DVDs from Wal-mart, Jillian Michaels, and many more. The only one that came close to doing anything was Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred. But, it cost $20 and only had 2 workouts on it. I got bored really quickly.
I had heard of P90x several years ago, but never did it because it seemed so LONG! I needed something shorter. Say, 30 minutes, that would actually work. My friend, Amy introduced me to Beachbody almost a year ago and I was an instant fan. My first 30 day program, CIZE, was a hip-hop dance program with Shaun T. He was super motivating. The workouts felt like a dance class. I lost 10 inches and about 5 pounds. Not a whole lot, but I wasn't really trying in the kitchen. I was 4 months post-partum and wasn't prepared to stop eating whatever I wanted.
Next, I tried PIYO. Another fabulous program with another fabulous trainer, Chalene Johnson. She felt like my friend and her program was dynamic and fun and helped me lose another 6 pounds and 8 inches.
I got sick around Christmas and put exercise on the back burner. I would go for walks inconsistently, and wasn't doing much to really finish off the last of my pregnancy weight. In April, I became a Beachbody coach and started 21 Day Fix. I finally learned how to make it count in the kitchen and in just 21 days, I lost another 6 inches and 6 pounds! I couldn't believe it. I was seeing a number on the scale that I hadn't seen since 3 babies ago!
Jared and I just finished a 60 day program called Hammer and Chisel. I didn't lose any weight because I wasn't trying too, but I did lose inches and built some actual muscles. I feel incredibly strong and confident. Honestly, the workouts were tough, but we showed up every day for 60 days and I couldn't' be more proud of us.
I am floored that I got these results from at-home fitness programs! I am a huge believer in what Beachbody is doing. They are getting results in a safe way that takes effort, hard work, and consistency. It isn't a get thin quick thing. You have to show up every day. You have to want it. You have to work for it. But, that is how the best things in life happen for us. Plus, putting in the work teaches you how to stay where you want to be and not gain it all back or begin eating poorly again.
It Actually Works!
Beachbody sends you all the tools you need to be successful when you purchase one of their fitness programs. You get ME as your FREE coach. I do my best to help you achieve those goals, motivate you, and hold you accountable. You get a calendar to follow for the duration of the program. Most programs have a minimum of 7 different workouts. The one we just completed, Hammer and Chisel has 16 different workouts! I was NEVER bored. I was challenged every day. You also get an eating plan/nutrition guide and the newer programs provide you with Portion Fix containers to help implement the eating plan. Portion Fix has revolutionized the way I eat. It works because you are eating normal foods, but in the right quantities. It really helps you to focus more on what you can eat and not what you can't. Plus, because you tally up your food by the containers and not calories, you don't get stuck on the numbers. There are plenty of ways to only eat 1,400 calories a day that are empty calories! That doesn't happen with Portion Fix, unless you eat too many yellows! That's the carb container, so you can see why they are hard to limit! Americans LOVE carbs!
So, if the gym isn't working for you. If your current at-home workout isn't working for you. I think you'll find something in Beachbody that does work for you. If you put in the work, show up every day, and really try you will have success!
I have purchased dozens of at-home workouts prior to trying Beachbody fitness programs. Denise Austin, Winsor Pilates, Discount Bin DVDs from Wal-mart, Jillian Michaels, and many more. The only one that came close to doing anything was Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred. But, it cost $20 and only had 2 workouts on it. I got bored really quickly.
I had heard of P90x several years ago, but never did it because it seemed so LONG! I needed something shorter. Say, 30 minutes, that would actually work. My friend, Amy introduced me to Beachbody almost a year ago and I was an instant fan. My first 30 day program, CIZE, was a hip-hop dance program with Shaun T. He was super motivating. The workouts felt like a dance class. I lost 10 inches and about 5 pounds. Not a whole lot, but I wasn't really trying in the kitchen. I was 4 months post-partum and wasn't prepared to stop eating whatever I wanted.
Next, I tried PIYO. Another fabulous program with another fabulous trainer, Chalene Johnson. She felt like my friend and her program was dynamic and fun and helped me lose another 6 pounds and 8 inches.
I got sick around Christmas and put exercise on the back burner. I would go for walks inconsistently, and wasn't doing much to really finish off the last of my pregnancy weight. In April, I became a Beachbody coach and started 21 Day Fix. I finally learned how to make it count in the kitchen and in just 21 days, I lost another 6 inches and 6 pounds! I couldn't believe it. I was seeing a number on the scale that I hadn't seen since 3 babies ago!
Jared and I just finished a 60 day program called Hammer and Chisel. I didn't lose any weight because I wasn't trying too, but I did lose inches and built some actual muscles. I feel incredibly strong and confident. Honestly, the workouts were tough, but we showed up every day for 60 days and I couldn't' be more proud of us.
I am floored that I got these results from at-home fitness programs! I am a huge believer in what Beachbody is doing. They are getting results in a safe way that takes effort, hard work, and consistency. It isn't a get thin quick thing. You have to show up every day. You have to want it. You have to work for it. But, that is how the best things in life happen for us. Plus, putting in the work teaches you how to stay where you want to be and not gain it all back or begin eating poorly again.
It Actually Works!
Beachbody sends you all the tools you need to be successful when you purchase one of their fitness programs. You get ME as your FREE coach. I do my best to help you achieve those goals, motivate you, and hold you accountable. You get a calendar to follow for the duration of the program. Most programs have a minimum of 7 different workouts. The one we just completed, Hammer and Chisel has 16 different workouts! I was NEVER bored. I was challenged every day. You also get an eating plan/nutrition guide and the newer programs provide you with Portion Fix containers to help implement the eating plan. Portion Fix has revolutionized the way I eat. It works because you are eating normal foods, but in the right quantities. It really helps you to focus more on what you can eat and not what you can't. Plus, because you tally up your food by the containers and not calories, you don't get stuck on the numbers. There are plenty of ways to only eat 1,400 calories a day that are empty calories! That doesn't happen with Portion Fix, unless you eat too many yellows! That's the carb container, so you can see why they are hard to limit! Americans LOVE carbs!
So, if the gym isn't working for you. If your current at-home workout isn't working for you. I think you'll find something in Beachbody that does work for you. If you put in the work, show up every day, and really try you will have success!
Monday, June 27, 2016
Shakeology--What's the Big Deal?
You guys the Internet, as always, has a plethora of information about meal replacement shakes. Some is accurate, some is not. I'll be honest, Shakeology is the only meal replacement shake I have used. I am not a doctor, but I am a real person and I can speak to how it makes me feel.
It is honestly my secret weapon. Here's why.
Number One:
The biggest difference I have noticed is the increase in energy I have experienced. Prior to drinking Shakeology, if I dared to sit on the couch during my children's afternoon television time, about 90% of the time I would FALL ASLEEP! When you have five children ages 8 and under, this is not only dangerous, it puts you way behind schedule. I no longer have those
2 PM slumps. I can be productive throughout my day and not just for a fraction of it.
Number Two:
I have all but eliminated my sugar and junk food cravings. Guys, I am not joking when I tell you I was baking three or four times a week. I am not exaggerating when I tell you I would save half the cookie dough and freeze it so that I could sneak bites throughout the day and/or as a reward for not falling apart at the end of the day. It was really so bad! Shakeology tastes like a milkshake to me. For those of you who want to add water, shake and drink, you might be disappointed in the taste and texture. I have found that taking an extra 5 minutes to pull out your blender, add ice, unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 a banana, and a tsp of almond butter really takes the taste to another level.
Number Three:
Shakeology has done wonders for my digestive tract. Previous to drinking Shakeology, my digestion was never regular and I experienced discomfort on a daily basis. It took about a week or two for my body to adjust to all the prebiotics and probiotics found in Shakeology and now I am regular and no longer deal with discomfort, pain, or bloating. It is a beautiful thing!
Number Four:
Since Shakeology is a meal replacement, I feel full when I drink it and don't find myself reaching for unhealthy, fast food when I am in the middle of my chaotic days. I always plan to drink Shakeology at my busiest time each day. If the morning is flying by and I haven't had a chance to prepare a healthy breakfast, I grab my Shakeology and start my day off right. Most often, however, I choose to drink Shakeology as my lunch meal. Otherwise, I would eat either nothing and then binge later on junk food/sweets or I would get fast food or takeout while running errands and make poor nutrition choices. I know I can be an emotional eater, so occasionally, on days I know I have to do bedtime alone, I'll save my Shakeology for a treat after the children are in bed.
Number Five:
Shakeology is packed full of whole foods full of nutritional value. There is no added refined sugars. So, at the end of the day I FEEL good about putting these ingredients into my body. It is something small I can do on a daily basis to put my health first. I love how that makes me feel. Most nutrition shakes on the market today do not have whole foods and are full of artificial ingredients. Elite Beachbody Coach Seay Stanford who has a background in pharmaceutical sales and is a certified holistic nutrition and health coach, had a great article about this on her website. Click HERE to read it.
Number Six:
My mood improved! I began drinking Shakeology when my youngest child was just 4 months old. I don't think I realized until after I took a four month break from drinking it daily that it was making such a huge difference in this area. When I started drinking it consistently, again in April, I saw my mood improve and those panic attacks I was having every day when the big boys got home from school stopped. I have felt more in control of my life and I really believe Shakeology had something to do with that.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1L7wgrFmDE8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
If you want to give Shakeology a try, click HERE!
Below are some testimonials from my very own challengers!
"I use Shakeology because it's easy. I wasn't eating. I wasn't eating because I didn't have time... Or I was just eating spoonfuls of peanut butter. (Shakeology) increased my milk supply (while nursing), and I wouldn't say it's the most amaxing thing I've had, but I've come to really enjoy it."
"I've been drinking Shakeology for a little more than a month. I'll admit that at first I was a little bit skeptical about the price for a "protein powder", but it has been SO much more than that for me! Since I've started drinking it, my moods have improved. Before starting Shakeology, I was teetering on the brink of postpartum depression, and struggled everyday with anxiety which led me to be impatient with my kids, which then led me to feel bad about myself. Since starting it, I can honestly say that I feel like a new person. Not everyday is perfect, but I really like who I am when I drink my Shakeology! Another benefit that I have noticed is that it helps me stay away from problem foods that would cause me to gain weight and feel lethargic and grumpy. I am terrible snacker, and once I start with the junk food, it can be difficult to stop. I keep craving more and more junk because I'm consuming empty calories instead of satisfying my body's need for vitamins, minerals, and protein. Shakeology is an easy way to give my body what it needs so that I can put an end to those junk food cravings. Lastly, I enjoy Shakeology because it tastes good! I've tried several different protein powders, and I can honestly say that this is the best tasting one I've tried. I look forward to drinking it everyday, which keeps me excited to work towards my health, weight loss, and self improvement goals."
Finally, a side by side comparison chart of Shakeology and other Meal Replacements on the Market.
http://www.shakeology.chttp://www.shakeology.com/en_US/?sn=fitkrausehausom/en_US/?sn=fitkrausehaus
It is honestly my secret weapon. Here's why.
Number One:
The biggest difference I have noticed is the increase in energy I have experienced. Prior to drinking Shakeology, if I dared to sit on the couch during my children's afternoon television time, about 90% of the time I would FALL ASLEEP! When you have five children ages 8 and under, this is not only dangerous, it puts you way behind schedule. I no longer have those
2 PM slumps. I can be productive throughout my day and not just for a fraction of it.
Number Two:
I have all but eliminated my sugar and junk food cravings. Guys, I am not joking when I tell you I was baking three or four times a week. I am not exaggerating when I tell you I would save half the cookie dough and freeze it so that I could sneak bites throughout the day and/or as a reward for not falling apart at the end of the day. It was really so bad! Shakeology tastes like a milkshake to me. For those of you who want to add water, shake and drink, you might be disappointed in the taste and texture. I have found that taking an extra 5 minutes to pull out your blender, add ice, unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 a banana, and a tsp of almond butter really takes the taste to another level.
Number Three:
Shakeology has done wonders for my digestive tract. Previous to drinking Shakeology, my digestion was never regular and I experienced discomfort on a daily basis. It took about a week or two for my body to adjust to all the prebiotics and probiotics found in Shakeology and now I am regular and no longer deal with discomfort, pain, or bloating. It is a beautiful thing!
Number Four:
Since Shakeology is a meal replacement, I feel full when I drink it and don't find myself reaching for unhealthy, fast food when I am in the middle of my chaotic days. I always plan to drink Shakeology at my busiest time each day. If the morning is flying by and I haven't had a chance to prepare a healthy breakfast, I grab my Shakeology and start my day off right. Most often, however, I choose to drink Shakeology as my lunch meal. Otherwise, I would eat either nothing and then binge later on junk food/sweets or I would get fast food or takeout while running errands and make poor nutrition choices. I know I can be an emotional eater, so occasionally, on days I know I have to do bedtime alone, I'll save my Shakeology for a treat after the children are in bed.
Number Five:
Shakeology is packed full of whole foods full of nutritional value. There is no added refined sugars. So, at the end of the day I FEEL good about putting these ingredients into my body. It is something small I can do on a daily basis to put my health first. I love how that makes me feel. Most nutrition shakes on the market today do not have whole foods and are full of artificial ingredients. Elite Beachbody Coach Seay Stanford who has a background in pharmaceutical sales and is a certified holistic nutrition and health coach, had a great article about this on her website. Click HERE to read it.
Number Six:
My mood improved! I began drinking Shakeology when my youngest child was just 4 months old. I don't think I realized until after I took a four month break from drinking it daily that it was making such a huge difference in this area. When I started drinking it consistently, again in April, I saw my mood improve and those panic attacks I was having every day when the big boys got home from school stopped. I have felt more in control of my life and I really believe Shakeology had something to do with that.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1L7wgrFmDE8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
If you want to give Shakeology a try, click HERE!
Below are some testimonials from my very own challengers!
Busy Wife and Mama Morgan
Jessie, Mom of 4, including a newborn
Finally, a side by side comparison chart of Shakeology and other Meal Replacements on the Market.
http://www.shakeology.chttp://www.shakeology.com/en_US/?sn=fitkrausehausom/en_US/?sn=fitkrausehaus
Monday, June 20, 2016
I'm Just a Girl
I want to take a minute to talk about why I decided to become a Beachbody Coach. I think it has surprised me more than anyone that I am actually running my own business as a health and fitness coach. My lifestyle has been pretty active for most of my life, but it wasn't until I started having children that I realized how much I actually NEEDED to pay attention to how I was taking care of myself. Good genes will only take you so far.
We moved into a "stair" house almost a year ago and my youngest baby (now 14 months) is quite a large little guy. To paint a picture, he is 31 inches tall and I am 60 inches tall. A few months ago, I realized that every time I climbed the stairs my breathing was ragged and my legs were burning. I had lost a majority of my baby weight, but I was still out of shape. Beachbody workouts, Shakeology, and challenge groups had gotten me to that point. But, I wasn't being very consistent with my workouts or nutrition.
I stopped working outside of the home when my daughter (now 3) was born. I worked professionally for over a decade in the field of Social Work. My passion is helping others achieve their goals and make lifelong changes in their lives. I was so happy to stop working outside the home because I felt so torn between my role as mother and my role as therapist. It was and still is the best decision for my family. However, I have missed helping others achieve their goals. The challenge group model Beachbody encourages has definitely helped me fulfill that need in my heart.
In addition to wanting to improve my own health and help others, I wanted to earn some money. Jared and I are finally in a position financially that we can take care of our family and have a little extra left over. It is very little, but enough to hit up a restaurant from time to time. We are very blessed and have always been able to take care of our family. However, we still owe tens of thousands of dollars in student loans and we just bought a house and we want to be debt free. I wanted to find something I could do to help us achieve those goals that did not require me to go back to work or keep my children out of sports and other activities in order achieve those goals.
My friend, Amy, approached me about the coaching opportunity. I researched it for months. Watched umpteen videos on YouTube, talked with Jared, talked with other coaches and friends. It just felt right.
So, here I am going for it! In the two short months I've been a Beachbody coach, my life has been so enriched and my health and fitness goals are on track. I'm currently working to build my team and I am loving it. Some weeks are stressful because I want to do a great job and I don't want to let anyone down. I am still figuring out how to find a balance with coaching and moming and wifing. All in all, this journey is exciting and I know it is the right thing for me and our family right now. It is changing my life!
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Mom-bod Part 2: Beachbody changes my life in an unexpected way
After Weston was born, I was feeling a lot of different emotions. We had just moved and I felt so isolated. I'd been having babies for 7 years straight. 5 children in 7 years can wreak havoc on your body and your emotional health. I found that I was not taking any time for myself. I wasn't even eating healthy meals, which is something I really want to do and intend to do, but when the day gets away from me, it doesn't always happen. I have totally eaten cookie dough for lunch!
A friend of mine from college reached out and introduced me to Beachbody. I had heard of some of the workouts and was excited to have accountability in my efforts to shed some baby weight. What I found was so much more than a way to lose weight. While doing Beachbody, I felt inspired, I felt confident, I felt strong, I felt like ME! It was wonderful. I loved reconnecting with my friend and meeting others who were all on their own individual journey to live their best life.
Then, the holidays came. I got busy. I hurt my leg. I got sick. My kids got sick. I stopped sticking with my goals to be active, eat clean, and enlighten my mind. I became lethargic, cranky, and stressed out. My friend, Emily, posted her motto, "Mom is always one workout away from a good mood!" What an example Emily is to me in so many ways. She is like my "mom template" and she was right once again! I needed to take time out of every day to do something for me.
I don't love to shop. I don't love to get my nails done. I don't have one ounce of crafting talent in me. I have only had two haircuts in the last year. Fitness, reading, and being outside are the things that rejuvenate and inspire me. Oh, and raising chickens! We recently acquired five chicks and I am so in love with my new status as a backyard chicken farmer.
I think I've found a way to really make time every day to feel like ME. I am becoming a Beachbody Coach. I want to have more accountability and really stick to my own personal goals. I am also hopeful that I will be able to help others to create and accomplish their own fitness and healthy lifestyle goals.
It cracks me up that I'm once again doing something that I never thought I'd do. I have not worked outside of the home at all since Miriam was born. I have had a job since I was 15, so to not work the last three years has been kind of weird. Don't get me wrong, I DO NOT want a day job. My job as a mom is my dream and it's fulfilling and wonderful and so hard! I love the idea of being a Beachbody coach. I get to help people, which I LOVE and use a product regularly that makes me FEEL like Andrea and not just Mom. If you want to learn more or join me, please email me at fitkrausehaus@gmail.com
See my progress pics below!
I put on about 40 pounds with each of my five pregnancies. I loved watching my body grow with life, but each time I got so depressed afterwards when I just wasn't bouncing back. I should have relished those post-pregnancy moments in my 20's, because in my 30's the pounds have been even more difficult to shed. I am happy to be fitting into pre-pregnancy clothing, but the biggest thing I lost was self-doubt and self-criticism! That, my friends, is some empowering stuff to let go of.
My BEFORE photos taken in August 2015 (four months post-partum with baby #5)
My MIDWAY photos taken in September 2015 (CIZE 6 times a week and Shakeology every day)
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Mom-Bod: The month I fell in love with Beachbody
I know I should wear my "mom-bod" like a badge of honor. This body helped me create five beautiful children. But, I just can't do it. I know I'll never be 105 pounds again, that ended in 2003. I don't even want that. I just want my freaking pants to fit!
A friend of mine from college, Amy, suggested I try Beachbody. She is a coach. She is an inspiration to me. She has Stage 4 Cancer (she's my age!), but that is another story and not mine to tell. So, despite how pricey it was, I decided I needed to do this for myself. It turned out to be a great choice. I loved the accountability Amy provided me as a coach. I also loved that I made some time for just me every day for 30 days. In addition to the emotional strength I gained, I also lost 4 pounds and 8 inches.
Below are my before and afters. I'd say I see a difference and my pants are definitely loosening up. I decided to go for another 60 days with Beachbody and see where I'm at by Christmas. If my pants still don't fit, I'm just going to buy new ones.
Before
After (30 days)
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