Monday, November 11, 2013

What's your motivation?

Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. 

Over the last week, I've been asked the same question by several different people; 

"Where do you find your motivation?"

Motivation to workout, eat clean, keep a running schedule, run marathons...

The truth is my motivation has always been for myself, my husband, and my family.
Heart disease and diabetes runs in my family, I want to do everything in my power to prevent it happening to me, to be a role model to Savannah, and to be strong and healthy for Allan.

To prove to myself that I am worth it, that my health is important!  Because of that motivation, to be healthy for ME, things like my workouts, food choices, and love to run has turned my motivation into habit.

I can honestly tell you it (eating clean & working out) is no longer is a chore.
I ABSOLUTELY love a good workout.
I love setting health & fitness goals and accomplishing them.
I love inspiring people.
I love getting stronger both physically and mentally.

Allan (my husband) is really kinda funny about it.  He is one of my biggest supporters but just the other night he said, Sometimes I miss the Hillary that would pig out on pizza and ice cream with me.  The Hillary who just didn't care.  And although I have "treat meals" each week, my idea of food and "treats" are completely different.

My mindset towards food & fitness has been transformed through eating clean and working out. 

Now, a serving of Oreos will do.
A handful of M&M's is good.
A hamburger is a nice treat.
My comfort is no longer in food.
I have a healthy relationship with food.

One of the biggest adjustments in my journey is that I have taken the time to learn about healthy foods and made the choice to begin cooking clean meals... my mind has changed on what foods I crave.

I had to teach myself to love the foods that love my body.

Now don't get me wrong... I have days when I absolutely BLOW IT!
But everyday is a NEW DAY!
A new day to push myself further, to eat cleaner, to make a new recipe..

My motivation has also been the Lord...
There is something very special about my time working out.
I truly enjoy the conversations, prayers, and worship that happens in my time on the road running or in my basement lifting, or doing workout programs.

I've compared myself to others for far too long.  I have learned to love my body, the way God has created me.  It's not about competing against anyone, being faster or better than a friend, it's about being better than what I use to be, about PROGRESS!  My progress.

It's no longer motivation but habit.
If I'm sick or miss a workout, I truly miss it.
I created a habit and now, my body automatically wakes up ready to workout.
I got rid of soda, greasy, processed/fast-food, low-fat foods, refined sugar and often times when I "treat" myself with those things, I often regret the choice... it's not enjoyable.

I have been amazed at what eating clean & working out has done not just to my body but to my mind.

What once started out as a desire to be healthy for myself and my family, forcing myself out of bed, pushing myself to run longer, finish the program, and walk away from the soda is and now habit and something I absolutely look forward to every day!

What's your motivation?
Do you need accountability to reach those goals, keep motivated, and reach your health & fitness goals?  I'd love to help you reach those goals!  Message me for more information!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Trick or Treat?! Shakeology's 3-Day Cleanse

Halloween is the beginning of a 2.5 month battle for me... Candy, holiday shaped cookies, and wonderful smelling goodies from here on out will be tempting me each and every day.  I can honestly say I have never made it through the holidays without gaining at least 5 lbs.  Typically, I would be dreading these next few months but because of what I have learned through my health & fitness journey, the tools I've gained as a Beachbody Coach, and goals I've hit though pushing myself, I am ready to take on the holidays with confidence.

This year, I let Savannah keep 5 pieces of Halloween candy and we gave the rest away.  One of the most important tools Beachbody has given me at a coach is to keep the JUNK out of the house!  I know it seems like a simple rule but because I am EXTREMELY stubborn (just ask my husband), sometimes I feel as though I'm "strong enough" to pass up the goodies if they're in the house.  Yeah, I'm not.  I end up binging on them in the midnight hours and sneaking them, which isn't good at all.

I've taken control of my temptations and bad habits- the days of sabotage are over!  I am in control now!
To kick-off the Holiday Season, I started with the Shakeology 3-day Cleanse!  I was a bit hesitant but because I have had such great success with ALL of the Beachbody Products and Programs I've used, I wanted to give it a try.  Also, as a Beachbody Coach, I like to try as many of the products and programs as possible.  This way I can give people the best information and be able to connect with them as they take on the products and programs for themselves.

I've never successfully completed a cleanse or fast because I'm always STARVING!  The great thing about the Shakeology Cleanse is that you're not deprived of nutrients, so you're not feeling like you're dying.  Now, don't get me wrong, I was definitely hungry for a solid meal but the 3 days was definitely doable.
Within the 3 days I wasn't sure what to expect.  Some people lose weight, others inches, others nothing at all.  So I wasn't really sure what was going to happen... the main goal was to reset my body for the holidays.

I can honestly say I feel less bloated, my body feels great, and I was able to do light workouts while in the cleanse.  I did add a Quest protein bar to my cleanse (20g protein & 1g of sugar) because I was having moments of dizziness but overall had a GREAT success with the cleanse.

My sister and friend, Jen joined me in the 3 day cleanse!  Natalie lost 5 lbs and Jen lost 4 lbs!  Jen also lost a half inch in her abdomen...

Although I didn't lose any weight, I lost a half inch in my lower abdomen which personally is the best news ever!  I have never had a flat stomach let alone ab muscles so this is a HUGE success!  I feel completely focused for the holidays... my body has reset itself and I feel in control.

I have successfully made it through the craziness of my FIRST extremely tempting holiday, Halloween!
If you're interested in the Shakeology Cleanse or my next Challenge Group "Healthy Holidays"- feel free to contact me for more information!