A look back at how I went from being burned out/at a plateau in my weight loss/fitness to working out 6 days a week/Eating clean.

I've been doing a lot of thinking. I've been trying to remember how I felt when I gained weight previously and how my mindset made the SWITCH. (So I can help others go through the process.) I've been trying to go back to where I was & remember the EXACT steps I took right after, & how I changed my attitude. Then I came across an old blog post I wrote in January of 2012 (from my previous blog) where I discussed how I went from being burnt out and letting the weight stack up to choosing to CHANGE IT. It's literally a step by step process on how I got BACK into my GOOD habits. Pretty exciting if you ask me!!! If you want to know the SECRET tips to my success, read on.

Here's word for word what I went through (from my previous blog.):

I knew I needed to get back into it. I wanted it BAD. My tipping point was when I saw this quote...it said "you need to make BIG changes to SEE BIG changes."

 I was READY to START OVER and get BACK to where I was (before I got burnt out) and was WILLING to do WHATEVER it took to get there.

So! I started to re-do all my goals, and I made a "to do list" and STUCK TO IT! I started adding in some self.com workouts (a lot of them were weights because I knew I needed more weight type workouts. I wanted to try something DIFFERENT, so I could "change it up"- I started using kettle bells!)

After it wasn't challenging anymore, I started to find NEW workouts and did those, and then eventually (in APRIL) started to get back into my OLD weight lifting routine (one that I used back when I first started losing weight 5 years ago!)  Did that 2 days a week and the other days I did power 90 for my cardio!

 I then started to get bored with my routine (mid way through) and thought to myself, I need something where it takes the guess work out. Something where I didn't have to come up with NEW routines anymore, and I was shown how to do FORM. So I decided to pop in one of my dad's p90x dvds to see if i could do one of his weight lifting routines instead. I decided to not do the WHOLE video-just added parts to my routine. Eased myself in. I started REALLY liking the NEW,FRESH routines from p90x...so much so I decided...I wanted to change my routine COMPLETELY and TRY p90x FULL FORCE! Was I scared?? YES! I was very scared. BUT NOT SCARED ENOUGH to where I wasn't willing to TRY.

 I desperately needed CHANGE. My workout routine got OLD...I needed to RAMP IT UP. And boy oh boy..this program gave me a FRESH NEW start..and I was LOVING it! AND it gave me the CHALLENGE I needed.

Of course when I first started..I modified..and OMGOSH the weight lifting ones were NO JOKE (when I did the WHOLE routine)..I cried a lot because I felt defeated-too hard, couldn't lift that heavy (started at 5 lbs!) and it was LONG and PAINFUL. BUT, I didn't give up because it was challenging, I KEPT GOING.

 I remember when I first popped in the AB RIPPER X..OMGOSH SO HARD. I could barely do ANY of the moves and I had to take SO MANY breaks!! It was very defeating. And when I tried kenpo x and YOGA X, OMGOSH! RIDICULOUS! SO hard!

 But I was determined to GET RESULTS...so YEA the next day after I felt like I got ran over by a bus physically..but MENTALLY I was on CLOUD 9. I felt SO PROUD of myself for doing this!!!

And one of the reasons I was able to keep going..was posting on my facebook every time I reached a milestone. I remember day 30 I didn't see much progress, but I then I got to day 60 and BAM progress! The program wasn't getting any easier though-especially phase 3.

Phase 3 I decided to DEDICATE myself even more-I wanted to see results-so I upped my nutrition and GAVE UP REFINED SUGAR FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH! (I allowed myself only natural sugar.) The first 2 weeks were hard but after that..you stop craving it!

AND WOW sugar is in EVERRRYTHING. Salad dressings, BREAD..things I never thought of! I had to check EVERY box, EVERY nutrition fact. I remember always checking and then putting stuff back and not having it because it had sugar in it. I had to be REALLLLY extra strict and it was NOT easy.

 
Lets just say I wouldn't recommend giving up ALL sugar, unless your willing to give up salad dressings and bread...its super hard and limits what you can eat!

SO day 90 finally came and I had lost 12 lbs!!! And 3 inches on my waist! I went from a size 8 to a size 4!!!! ALL by using p90x day after day!! P90x works people!!!

The next day I left for a cruise! I ate everything in sight. I basically binged like crazy and only worked out 3 times. I remember doing boring workouts at the gym on the boat-and WISHING I had my precious p90x with me.

When I came home I took another week off of p90x (I did 3 days of it but not 6) and felt lousy, my anxiety was up from feeling like I might gain everything I lost back. And when you go from working out all the time (6 days a week with p90x) to only 3 days..its depressing! You feel lazier..its hard to explain.

I decided I wanted to start back up p90x, the sooner the better so I can say I finished another round...faster. SO I restarted and thought "what in the world did I put myself up to"..its HARD, it HURTS, but I pushed through. Got to day 30-saw results immediately this time. Then day 60, and BAM it came faster than I thought..day 90. I was FINALLY able to see abs come through..FINALLY!

I was done was ROUND 2..and couldn't believe it! I didn't even know i could finish ROUND 1, let alone ROUND 2! Let just say I wasn't done yet...I decided to make a new goal-to do p90x IN A YEAR. I still had 2 more rounds to go!! So I  got plugged in with a fb accountability group (which SUPPORT IS KEY TO RESULTS..without it its HARD to stay FOCUSED) and decided to GO AT IT AGAIN..started round 3!

In these first 2 months it was HARD to stick to my strict diet-Especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving AND Christmas! What's crazy is I'd come home, EXHAUSTED (literally almost fell asleep at the wheel) got up, put on my work out clohes, and pulled out p90x. And worked out through it!

 I actually LOST weight FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER during the holidays!

I am so proud to say I went after my goal and am NOW in the BEST SHAPE EVER!! All because I started p90x and fell in LOVE with it! YES its still challenging, but its soooo worth it. ;) Love love love it!!! NEW LIFE, NEW ME!

Yes, this was a LONG post. BUT, I felt it was helpful/it will inspire others so I decided to go ahead and post it anyway! If you've read this far, just know-nothing is impossible-if you put your MIND in it. Start small, challenge yourself (get UNCOMFORTABLE), and BELIEVE! You CAN do it, I'm just a normal girl, who was overweight and decided to CHANGE. YOU CAN TOO!

For more tips/advice/motivation, follow me on facebook! Make sure to message me telling me who you are and how you found me so I can reach out to you!

Wishing you all the best on your fitness journey,

-Melissa

Spent the day with my friend - How I managed to eat SUPER healthy/got my workout in

Today I got to spend quality time with one of my besties! I just love her!  I spent all day with her and still ate healthy and stuck to my goals! I'll go over exactly what I ate/and how I managed to get my workout in---while at her house!

First, we were starving (she was really hungry since she's pregnant!) so we decided to go out to lunch right away. We went to a breakfast/lunch place called "The Egg and I" near us. It's mainly a breakfast place, (their lunch menu has less options) I was pleasantly surprised at what they had to offer on their lunch menu though-I noticed right away that they had yummy sounding wraps! This is what I ordered:

It's called the Chicken Ranch wrap. It comes in a sun dried tomato wrap with chopped chicken, chopped tomatoes, chopped lettace, ranch, and cheese. I told them to take off the cheese and to give me light avocado ranch instead. Then I chose a fruit cup for my side. It was delicious!  Healthy and low fat! (My friend got a breakfast burrito.)

Afterwards, we went to Barnes and Noble. We hung out there for awhile. She wanted Starbucks, I didn't get anything because I had already brought my snacks/water bottle in my bag! I ate two no bake energy balls for my snack. Delish.

We ended up going to the mall a little after that, where I had 2 more of those no bake energy balls for another snack.  I love that they're so easy to grab and eat. We walked around the mall, went to a few stores and then left. 

On the way home,  I had my chocolate shakeology on me (I pre blended it before I left with ice and water so I could have it ready) and drank that for my pre workout snack! Learn more about Shakeology! 

Pre blended and ready to go! 

Once we got to her house, she wanted to do yoga and told me I could work out there if I wanted. Lucky for me I always have my p90x3 workout dvd's on me as well as my workout clothes/cross trainer shoes! So I quickly set up and crushed my workout!  I did triometrics from p90x3!  Here's a pic of me at her house after my workout! 

That workout is ALL leg focused by the way-it wore me out!  Afterwards we all sat down and had dinner (I had 2 lean pork chops, cucumber and tomato salad, and fruit salad that my friend's husband made. Delicious!) I went home shortly after. 

All and all it was a great day. I really enjoyed hanging out and spending quality time with my bestie! She's the best. I love how supportive she is with my healthy eating and workout habits! Makes it effortless to have a healthy day. Can't wait to see her again! Until next time, 

-Melissa

Add me/follow my daily life on fb! 

How I successfully lost 50 lbs and kept it off! The NOW WORKING link is inside!

Exciting news!!! Last month I got invited to do a interview with fitnessmotivationpodcast.com! The interview is about how I successfully lost 50 lbs, what kept me motivated/how I stuck with it. I go over exactly what I did to get started,  and how I worked my way up. (One thing I didn't mention is I went from doing cardio/weights to 10 minute trainer to power 90 to p90x to now p90x3.)  You can listen in here: http://www.fitnessmotivationpodcast.com/episode6/
Click on that link and it will lead you to the podcast link. OR go to this link to listen to the podcast directly:http://www.fitnessmotivationpodcast.com/?powerpress_pinw=109-podcast

I'm so excited to share my tips with you!!!

-Melissa

 Ps for more tips feel free to email me/add me on fb:www.facebook.com/lovep90x! If you do this please send me a message letting me know who you are, how you found me, /and if on fb that you want to add me!! Looking forward to helping you!

My personal review/info on p90x3!

So, what all this fuss about p90x3 and is it good??? Is it better than p90x?? Well, both programs are great,  and to be honest I prefer p90x3 because it has shorter workouts. Both programs offer you amazing results-if you put in the work. 

P90x3 is NOT a graduate program from p90x. You do not have to do p90x or master p90x to do p90x3. Its for all fitness levels.  Yes,  its intense, but there's modifiers. Go at your own pace. Here's what p90x3 offers when you get it: 

So lots of variety on the workouts! There's also 3 blocks. The program is 90 days long. There's different options to try out: classic, lean, doubles,  and mass. Classic is for leaning out/building muscle-mix of cardio/weights. Lean is generally for those who want to lean out, lose body fat=more cardio. Doubles is for those who have a lot of weight to lose and want to accelerate their results-2 workouts per day. Mass is for those who have already leaned out/are looking for more muscle gain. Here's more info:

I started p90x3 at the end of last year. I'm currently on block 3. I am loving it so far! Especially the fact that each workout is only 30 minutes!!! Unlike p90x, where the workouts are an hour and 16 minutes! Love that I can get in and out now.  Another thing I love about this program, is the variety! From pilates, to mmx (mixed martial arts), to cardio with weights, it has a good mix to keep it interesting. My fav workout is mmx, lots of kicking and punching. Fun! Doesn't feel like the traditional workout! And I'm sore after! Here's my results so far:

My goal isn't to lose weight,  it's to gain muscle/tone my tummy and my thighs. This is the first time I'm anxious to pop in each dvd and work out. Pretty exciting!  I'm actually a distributor for beachbody by the way, meaning I can get you this workout-& if you get it through me I can coach you through the workouts,  and the nutrition plan (which I'll touch on in a different blog post.) Click this link to get p90x3 if you're ready to purchase/invest in yourself. Interested in my help/more tips? Fb me! Facebook.com/lovep90x OR Email!

Looking forward to coaching you to success,

-Melissa

How I went from being fat and miserable to fit and confident

I used to be that girl on the left. Depressed, miserable, overweight, with low self esteem. I hated looking in the mirror/taking pictures. I remember thinking about getting the weight off, and feeling so overwhelmed. I didn't know where to start, or if it was even possible for me to lose the weight. My confidence was so low I wasn't sure I'd succeed. 

But, something within me said go for it anyway. I wanted to lose weight and get healthy so bad, I was willing to start, even if I had no idea what I was doing. So I began. With anything,starting is the hardest part. But I was determined. 

▪I would get up and start small-meaning id just do 10 minutes. I'd do jumping jacks, run in place, do lunges, squats, or find a random, short, easy workout on pinterest.Id do anything to get my heart rate going. 

▪Then, once I built the habit of getting up and simply moving, I worked my way up to 20 mins, and then started doing cardio on the treadmill. My dad (being a personal trainer) was a huge help when it came to learning how to lift weights. I wasn't open to lifting at first, I started with kettle bells then worked up to dumbbells/weight equipment. 


▪My dad taught me a lot about nutrition, I began just monitoring my portions. Then, I would add more veggies, then slowly took away certain foods and replaced them. The key word here is SLOWLY.


 Don't try to do it all at once. You will fail. You'll get burned out. You have to pace yourself. With working out, (worked my way up to 6 days a week) and eating the right foods/right portions, the weight eventually fell off. Was it easy? No. Did I feel like giving up? Yup. But I kept going. I was ready for change.

 You see-that's key, you have to be READY-mentally. And you can get yourself ready-Meaning you're going to have to do some mind work. 

▪Daily positive affirmations are a start. I'll post more on those soon.

 The moral of this story is, I used to be that girl-overweight, depressed, but I turned myself around because I decided to make some changes in my daily habits. If I can do it, you CAN as well. You just have to trust the process and just begin. Don't be afraid to give it all you got. And don't be afraid of failing along the way, that's how you learn.

     

For more tips, check my blog for updates! I sincerely wish you the best of luck in your journey. 

Want to chat? OR want more tips/motivation?  Friend me on fb:facebook.com/lovep90x ;)  OR email. If you do friend/email me,  please send me a quick message telling me where you found me!! Looking forward to helping you more! 

 -Melissa

7 Day Shakeology Challenge!

Man, after my bday celebration, I could use my Shakeology to help cleanse my body and lose some of the bloat/weight I gained! LOVE going out to eat but yeah. hahaha!

 Speaking of shakeology, my Shakeology 7 day challenge STARTS SOON (in a few weeks)! Anyone interested in doing a 7 day shakeology challenge with me? Looking for interested peeps who aren't ready to commit to shakeology just yet, but want to TRY it out FIRST before buying an entire bag. 

I know a lot of us have to try things before we buy so here's your chance!

 Want to know why it's 7 days instead of fewer? I'll just tell you-when I first tried it, I wasn't sure about the taste. It took me a few days for my taste buds to adjust (i'm thinking because of all the GREENS that are in the shake.) Now I'm addicted to the stuff! I also had to learn how to make it-this group will teach you how. Trust me, if you make it wrong it'll be way too thick, or watery!

 If you are not yet addicted to Shakeology...Try it out for a week and see/FEEL the benefits for yourself. 

The purpose of this Challenge: Well it's designed for people who need a little help getting their fitness and nutrition journey going, but aren't ready to commit to a full 30, 60 or 90-day program yet (I know how overwhelming that can be!). This Shakeology Challenge will help you lose weight, incorporate exercise into your daily routine and get in the habit of eating healthy, balanced meals a day. 

During the seven days, you will be asked to:

• Replace one meal a day with Shakeology

• Exercise at least 5 of the 7 days for at least 30 minutes (walking, jogging, Beachbody workout, gym, your choice! Just get moving!)

• Eat healthy, nutrient dense meals 95% of the time. You can browse the challenge group for recipe ideas- I promise they are yummy. We will follow the Shakeology eating plan found here.

• Drink at least 64 oz. of water per day

• Weigh in only on days 1, 4 and 8 (for 7 full days of nutrition and exercise)

What do YOU get out of this? 

• In 7 days you will FEEL the benefits of Shakeology, the energy it gives you, and honestly...eating clean just me in a better mood!
• A closed Facebook group for Accountability, Support and new friends hehe
• Workout routine ideas and encouragement
• Clean eating guidelines, tons of healthy and delicious recipes
• A healthy routine that sets the wheels in motion for a healthier lifestyle 
• Weight loss is an added bonus, the real benefit is in the foundation you lay and the nutrients your body will be getting

The CHALLENGE starts Sept 15th! Who's IN? 

You have two options for getting started:
#1 See Paypal form below to purchase your 7 Day Shakeology Kit. Put your flavor preference in the notes section.
#2 Get the most bang for your buck and order a month supply of Shakeology (If you opt for the month supply, make sure you select Home Direct to save yourself $10 with free shipping.) 

Ready to get started? Make sure you scroll down and fill out the 7 Day Shakeology application so I get to know your goals and I will add you to the group! If I am not yet your coach, what are you waiting for? Go here to make it official

Flavors

Combo Pack Chocolate Greenberry

Transformation Tuesday! Today i'm posting my MOST RECENT p90x results! 

By the way, posting this is WAYYY out of my comfort zone, BUT i want to show you how amazing this program is if you put your all into it. ALSO, this pic shows that results come from CONSISTENT hard work. We all want results FAST, (in fact people tend to quit too soon because they aren't seeing progress) BUT the truth is they DO NOT happen overnight. 

SIDE NOTE: I wasn't always motivated (i used to be a coach potato-ask my family if you don't believe me LOL). It took having a support group to REALLY get me going and helped me stick with it. Having that support, that accountability, and the variety of the program (never got bored) IS some of the reasons I am STILL doing p90x A YEAR later. If anyone is interested in these support groups I'm speaking of, I have one going RIGHT NOW that I can add you to! Would LOVE to help you with any fitness goal you have. Message me OR comment (i want deets) below for more info!