Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Must-do's in Chicago

This summer, I visited one of my very best friends in Chicago. I found a last minute cheap ticket and hopped on the plane. These were my favorite finds...

The weather was BEAUTIFUL. 

Best thing ever. Love me some donuts. 

These tacos were AMAZING. Found at: Antique Taco

This coach life enables me to jump on vacation and work from anywhere. 

These clean eating habits enable me to take my  habits anywhere...including my best friends kitchen. 

"Go confidently in the direction of your dream to live the life you imagined."

Healthy snacks while traveling. These Trader Joe's 'Just Mango' slices are my favorite...and hello, clean Key Lime Pie (Larabar). 

We also got in our superfoods before we headed out to site see. 

Superfoods in the morning sometimes, just sometimes means donuts in the afternoon. 

Unique flavors and awesome vibe at The Doughnut Vault. 

GO to Dove's Luncheonette!

Seriously the bomb food. 

(Also, if you are this couple...maybe you're just friends...in the window, contact me....isn't this the cutest?)

North Avenue Collective, one of our favorite finds. 

We could've talked to the owners for hours. 

More superfoods on the L but also gluten free beer at the bar. 

Go to the Art Institute of Chicago.

No matter what. 

The coffee shops and bars are perfection. 

If you like video games, sci-fi, 90's movies, and good coffee, go to The WormHole. When I saw a giant Gizmo (from the Gremlins) portrait on the wall, a DeLorean, a huge Millennium Falcon, and Tetris being played on an old school TV, I knew I would love it. 

Whenever I go to a new city, I try to visit an MLB game (as long as it's baseball season).

I saw the White Sox v. the Nationals (I swear the Nationals are always playing away when I go to new stadiums). 

*Note the gluten free and salad options....props to U.S. Cellular Field!

More superfoods, because, well, it's an everyday thing, obviously.

The bean (or The Cloud Gate...the proper name, who knew?) is obviously a must-do.

During the day AND at night. 

What are your favorite travel stops?

Chocolate Protein Crepes

Eating healthy means no chocolate....

JUST KIDDING. Enter chocolate protein crepes: 

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

For the 21 Day Fix: 1 serving = 1/2 purple, 1/2 red

What you need: 

7-8 large egg whites 

1 scoop chocolate Shakeology (or chocolate protein powder)

nonstick cooking spray

1 cup plain greek yogurt (2%)

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 cup blueberries

Directions:

- Combine egg whites and Shakeology (or protein powder) in a medium bowl and mix well. 

- Heat small non-stick skillet, coat with non-stick spray, on medium

- Spoon 1/4 cup of batter onto skillet, cook for 1-2 minutes (until you see bubbles). 

- Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds. 

- Repeat with remaining batter to make 4 crepes. 

- Fill crepes with yogurt and fruit. 

ENJOY. 

To find other healthy recipes, find them from Fixate. 

Click here to read more. 

My Challenge Tracker: a tool for accountability

If you've been following me for long, you know that I run challenge groups every month to help others reach their health/wellness goals. I'm a challenger too! 

I need the accountability every single day! I might be a coach, but I'm just as human as you. 

One my challengers writes, 

(If you don't know what a challenge group is, click here. To join a challenge group, click here!)

Challenge groups are the secret sauce to success because it's the main thing that I was missing when I kept trying and failing. 

One of the coolest things that our company has released is the 'My Challenge Tracker App'. 

This app was created so that you can run challenge groups through an app (instead of Facebook where I usually run my groups). 

In this app, we can: 

-upload pictures

-encourage one another

-share recipes

-upload meal plans and grocery lists

-track your progress

To get the app, by going into your app store for iPhone or Android. 

Then, when you click it, it'll ask you for a code. Ask me (or your coach) for the code and get started. It's so simple (and free)!

Accountability at your fingertips!

21 Day Fix Extreme (Review)

You've probably heard of the 21 Day Fix...you've seen the infomercials, you've seen the containers...heck, maybe you've tried it. The 21 Day Fix was very first Beachbody program I tried and 2 rounds of it and I fired my gym when I realized that I hadn't even stepped foot in my "back up plan" in 2 months. I've been using Beachbody programs for over 2 years and the 21 Day Fix is always the one I fall back on. You can check out my review of the 21 Day Fix here.

It's my go-to program because.
1. it's only 21 days
2. I know it works
3. it dials in with nutrition, which makes me feel my best
4. the workouts are all 30 minutes

About a year after I began with the 21 Day Fix, the 21 Day Fix Extreme was released. I was able to try it out with celebrity trainer, Autumn Calabrese before the official release. I'll be honest, I was super intimidated by the program. We did lower fix and I was super sore the next day.

It was hard...

but I learned that hard isn't bad. 

Honestly, the main difference in the 21 Day Fix and the 21 Day Fix Extreme, is that it's just a little more extreme. If you've done the 21 Day Fix and want to take it to the next level, this is for you. 

If you want to dial in your nutrition, this is for you. 

If you want to break a plateau, this is for you. 

The workouts are somewhat harder and the meal plan is somewhat more extreme, 

however, the containers are the same. 

If the 21 Day Fix portion-sized containers are something you've come accustom to, 

this will be a super simple transition.

The meal plan is super simple and easy to follow.
And lastly....

On Extreme, you follow the containers plan (which is what I've done). After week 1, it was easier than I anticipated. You also have the option to do the countdown to competition plan for an even more extreme results. Autumn Calabrese, the creator the 21 Day Fix is a mom AND a bikini competitor, so she shares her secrets to her very specific plan to get in ripped condition! If you're getting ready for a competition...or maybe just a big event, you can use this option to really dial in your nutrition. It's essentially, lower carb and higher protein. The plan suggests that you do 2 days on/1 day off or 1 day on/2 days off for the last few days of the whole program. 

Here are the differences between the 21 Day Fix Extreme plan and the 21 Day Fix: 

1. The workouts are tougher. There are less breaks and the modifier is a little more tough. 

2. The nutrition guide is cleaner. The calorie brackets are the same, meaning that you get the same amount of containers, however, there are no cheats. In the 21 Day Fix, you can swap a yellow container for wine or chocolate...not this round. You'll have to pass up a few things...but, remember it's just for 21 days and you'll never be more proud of yourself for being so disciplined. You'll learn more about clean eating and your sweet tooth will actually consider fruit sweet -- which may allow you to breakthrough some bad habits!

What did I learn on this program? 

1. I learned so much more about discipline..which impacts every other area of my life!

2. I learned that hard doesn't = bad. 

3. I never saw such dramatic results in such a quick timeframe. (I lost 6 lbs. within the first 10 days!)

4. I learned that it really is okay to modify. 

5. I learned so much about meal prep.

6. I broke free from mindless snacking and my "need" for desserts/snack bars (yep, even if they're healthy).

7. I learned that a plan and accountability is everything (and while I knew this, having others doing this exact stricter program was so helpful)!

My favorite results came in my non-scale victory related to the shape of my face. 

I notice that when I eat sweets, it shows in my face so quickly! (That's the great thing about this nutrition plan, it really serves as a detox and allows your body to break free of cheats and ingredients that aren't so great for us.)

If you followed my 21 day journey (I shared every workout on Instagram), you would've read that I am not where I was a year ago and that's okay. The stress  of the past 6 months, the intense nausea I've felt from various means of trying to get pregnant, and the side effects from hormonal issues (I can't wait to share more on this) reek havoc on weight gain. I continued to eat clean and work out and check in with my accountability groups, but sometimes stress and imbalances can really throw our bodies out of whack! 

When you gain weight and you're in a hard season, you've got to give yourself grace in the journey. Granted, I was sick of playing victim and I left my excuses at the door. I wanted to dive into this program 100% and that's what I did; here are my 21 day results. 

If you're ready to get extreme, let me know. 

The program + Shakeology + accountability was the key to this incredible success, incredible plateau breakthrough, and the breaking of bad habits. It's just 3 weeks, but the impact will last much longer. Just message me and let's get started. 

Netflix for Workouts!

I used to be a gym rat...and what I mean when I say gym rat is that I'd go to the gym all of the time and not be satisfied with my results.

When I finally had enough, I reached out to my friend who seemed to be finding results another way.
I joined bought a challenge pack (a workout program + Shakeology + nutrition plan + portion containers) and joined a challenge group for support online.

The day that I purchased my challenge pack, I had access to stream my workouts online -- from my computer or my Apple TV....and about a week later, everything else (including the workouts DVD's) arrived at my doorstep. I fired my gym two months later when I realized that I hadn't stepped foot inside since my challenge pack purchase.

When I logged into Beachbody On Demand's website, I was pleasantly surprised to not only find the workout program that I bought, but a TON of others.

With Beachbody On Demand, I have unlimited access to stream workouts, anytime, anywhere.

I have so many options!

Randomly, you'll have the option to try out new workouts (and maybe some that aren't even released yet)! You can also unlock workouts like 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, Insanity Max:30, Piyo, 22 Minute Hard Corps, and Cize. You'll also have access to nutrition guides, calendars, and more at the touch of your fingertips.

Questions (and answers) you might have: 

Q: Can I try it without purchasing?
A: Of course, you can sign in with your email address and you can try it completely FREE for 30 days. Click here to stream Beachbody On Demand for free for 30 days. 

Q: Will I need to buy the workout program to stream it?
A: No, programs in the library come with the membership to Team Beachbody Club.

Q: Is there an extra cost per workout used?
A: No, you'll have unlimited access in the Team Beachbody Club membership.

Q: Can I stream the workouts internationally?
A: Yes, you can stream the workouts as long as you have internet connection.

Q: Can I download the workouts and watch online later?
A: Yes! This feature is one of my favorites because sometimes, when we're camping we don't have service!

Q: Can I really get results from at-home workouts?
A: I did, but I guess you'll never know if you don't try. --->
If you commit, rely on support, then, yes, you'll get the results you desire. 

Q: What if I've purchased workouts previously, will they automatically be in my library?
A: If you've purchased Insanity Max:30, Body Beast, or P90X, you'll be able to stream those.

Q: Will I be able to stream workouts I purchased on DVD?
A: If you've purchased DVD's for Focus T25, 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, or PiYo, you'll be able to stream those workouts anywhere!

Q: What are the benefits of working out at home?
A: Your home doesn't have closing times, your home doesn't randomly charge you extra fees, no waiting times for equipment and machines, your home doesn't judge you based on your clothes, your home doesn't judge you based on your clumsiness or modifications.

Q: How can I obtain the extra materials outside of the workout programs?
A: You will have access to printed materials like nutrition guides, and calendars all online.

Q: How much does Beachbody On Demand cost?
A: You've got 3 options: 1. The first 30 days are free. There is a risk-free cost for the Club membership of $2.99 per week and billed $38.87 quarterly following that. This is a 90 day membership. 2. A 6 month membership for $59.95 (with a 30 day money back guarantee (instead of the 30 day free trial). 3. A 12 month membership for $99.95 with a 30 day money back guarantee (instead of the 30 day trial).  If you change your mind within the first 30 days, you get a full refund. If you want to cancel completely after day 31, click here to email and cancel. 

Don't forget, if you're not sure where to begin or which workout best suits your style, try Beachbody on Demand for free for 30 days! YES, stream your workouts from ANYWHERE for 30 days! You can do a lot in 30 days, trust me! 

It's like Netflix for workouts!