Happy 2016!!

Weekly Update:  This week I am down 2.6lbs for a NEW total of 81.4lbs!!  I started 2016 with quite the stomach bug, but it won't hold me down! I listened to my body, adjusted my workouts and rest days and took it a little easier on myself so I could fully recover.

I wanted to start with this 'real' post today - so here's the thing.  These photos were taken THREE DAYS apart. Seriously.  The one on the bottom I actually weighed a little less.  The difference?  My positioning.  I wanted to share because often we 'see' photos of people or people in certain outfits and assume things - we get down on ourselves.  The top photo, I don't look perfect, but I look much more solid than the bottom photo - but both are me, I am just sitting in the bottom one.

I am super proud of my strength, my tone and my definition - but I found it very important to show you, just because you 'see' one perspective, doesn't mean someone doesn't have rolls!

This week was off the norm - first of all we went to my parent's house in NH, I found out my dad has had a full set of weights up to 40 pounds laying in their garage for like 10 years!  So first of all I'm cracking up that I drove around CT bargaining and grabbing weights of all sizes from various tag sales to get the set I have at home, but that's OK because it was great! I was able to do my Hammer and Chisel workout at their house and had everything I needed!

Speaking of Hammer and Chisel, I'm super pumped about my month one results!! I stuck to the nutrition all but 3 days so far, and even those three days wasn't totally terrible (Christmas, New Years, a football game I went to).  I see the biggest change in my legs which is sooo worth all the squats and lunges! 

This week wasn't all fun and games though, we had some sickness (stomach bug) floating around the house for the week - starting with our 2 year old.  The plus side is we got in TONS of snuggles! He's so active, snuggles are usually hard to come by.

I wanted to take some time today to highlight a friend of mine, and someone I have been coaching the last 11 months.  Pamela is a true inspiration.  She had every reason in the world not to start, but she decided to anyway.   In 11 months she has regained her life - and the ability to hike again, something she used to love to do but was becoming harder and harder.    She has lost over 50 pounds and is unstoppable!  

Here's another great transformation photo - I'm really excited about this one.  My arms are something I REALLY struggle with - I've gotten better about accepting them, but I still have my days when it comes to the reality that they won't ever be super firm.  The top photo is one I took this summer, the bottom one I took this weekend after my first month of Hammer & Chisel - I see biceps!!

It wouldn't be a good blog post without a sweaty selfie!! Workouts were a little slower due to being sick, but I gave it what I could when I could!

Food news...I seriously can not get enough of this amazing butternut squash pizza crust.   

I said one of the days I was 'off' was at a football game - we got tickets to go with my parents to a game at Giant's Stadium - and they were ones that came with an all you can eat buffet for the entire game - talk about challenging!  Not many vegetarian protein options (well really, none.). I knew this was going to be a challenge so I packed my Shakeology for the drive up and some snacks, then I loaded up on veggies as soon as I got there. 

I knew the one thing I really really wanted was going to be a soft pretzel.  I made sure I didn't over stuff myself so that I could really ENJOY the soft pretzels!  And the best part is my mom and husband were willing to let me eat the centers of theirs so I actually had a full pretzel but in the form of the 'center' which is my FAVORITE part!

If you enjoy my blog, I'd love to have you in my private (women only) Facebook Group dedicated to health, fitness and nutrition: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FitandHealthyPrivateGroup/

If you'd like to work with me as your coach, create a free account:  http://www.beachbodycoach.com/chapmaki

Mommy & Me Website: http://www.fitandbalancedmom.com/

Contact: fitandbalancedmom@gmail.com

Bring it on 2016!

Weekly Update: This week I am down 0.6lbs for a new total of 78.8lbs.   I'm really proud of myself because I gave myself an advance 'ok' to eat as I pleased on Christmas Day.  Why am I pleased? For a few reasons...

🔹 I didn't beat myself up for some of the food choices I made
🔹 I planed for it, and was able to move on after the fact
🔹 I ended up feeling lethargic and not so great after, a reminder that eating well makes me FEEL good

I also learned that next year I need to prepare a little better in terms of what I contribute. Our holidays have gotten much smaller which means less options, and as a vegetarian, I had even less options. They included: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy/Buttery Broccoli Casserole, Butternut Squash (but the amount for the whole family of 12 was what I could eat in on sitting), Rolls, Butter, Pretzels & Cheese, Bread Bowl & Cottage Cheese.

I wanted to start the blog with this photo because it represents two extremely happy and proud women. On the left was last Christmas, I was sitting right around 40 pounds lost and I felt on top of the world proud. This was the first 'normal' outfit I had worn since I got pregnant 2 years prior. Looking at the two photos, there is another 40 pounds difference - and I'm still just as proud and happy. Both of these represent parts of the 'middle' of my journey and I thought it was really important to share.

So two my earlier point, on my fitness and nutrition plan - I wanted to share these photos - leading up to the holidays I was starting to see my nutrition do a slippery slide after Thanksgiving (photo on the left - puffy and bloated, and up about 5 pound from where I've been maintaining the last 6 months).  I thought, I could wait until the New Year, but why?!  The photo on the right was taken two weeks later on Christmas morning after my workout.  I chose to dial my nutrition back in and it has made a huge impact on how I feel (and my ability to 'keep' my indulgent eating to the one day on Christmas.

I wanted to give a pull up update - close to 2 months in and still not nearing a real pull up - I do a combination of jumping up and using the assist band - but what I'm most proud of (despite the fact that I thought I'd be able to do one by now) is that I have not given up on myself or let feelings of frustration and self defeat get in the way.

This girl right here, she is DETERMINED.  This was taken mid workout and I am wiped, the video footage that captured this shows me huffing and puffing.   The workouts don't get easier, because the stronger I get the more I push myself - that's what makes this journey so much fun (once you get over the fact that you are working out, of course!)

So this week was sort of fun in a few ways because we had some freakishly warm weather - 60s on Christmas day and the days leading up to it. I LOVE warm weather, so you better believe me when I say I took advantage!

We had a fantastic Christmas morning - 7 of us total celebrated and enjoyed presents from Santa (my parents, sister, her fiance, my husband and I and of course my little 2 year old baby boy).

My favorite gift of all came from Santa (aka my parents) - I got this amazing bench for my workouts!   Who'd have thought 2 years ago that I'd be working out again?  Not me!   And here I am getting benches from Santa.

This blog wouldn't be complete without a photo of my family on Christmas Eve.  This little guy and his happiness is really at the forefront of everything I do.   I am proud to say that he insisted we leave Shakeology (which is what's in the milk glas) and water with chia seeds in it for Santa - he's clearly watching me day in and day out!

And it's a good thing, since I snagged some of Santa's "milk shake" and chia water after Ben was asleep!

Some more food news..

On Christmas Eve day, I had also given myself some flexibility, I didn't go overboard, and I made sure to start my day strong - I just ate a little more for breakfast than I typically do.  I love this particular option of putting veggies on the side instead of fruit or potatoes!

And my new favorite food recently has been this curry that I've been making. I've been mixing it with various 'extras' depending on the day - here it is with a veggie burger, rice and asparagus. 

I highly recommend the recipe: http://spryliving.com/recipes/crock-pot-butternut-squash-chickpea-coconut-curry/ 

My other favorite recipe I posted in my blog last week - but it's my butternut squash 'pizza crust' topped with any toppings of my choice. It's insanely easy and extremely tasty.  I prefer it over regular pizza!

Here is my proof! For Christmas Eve we got regular pizzas, I enjoyed my regular pizza instead - I did have half a piece of one of the pizzas and realized it wasn't even half as good as the butternut squash one I had made.

Here is another new favorite and it's So easy - scramble some eggs (uncooked), spray a few muffin tins - put half a muffin size worth of egg, top with chopped veggies and pour a little more egg on top.  Back at 350 for about 20 minutes and freeze or just eat!

If you enjoy my blog, I'd love to have you in my private (women only) Facebook Group dedicated to health, fitness and nutrition: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FitandHealthyPrivateGroup/

If you'd like to work with me as your coach, create a free account:  http://www.beachbodycoach.com/chapmaki

Mommy & Me Website: http://www.fitandbalancedmom.com/

Contact: fitandbalancedmom@gmail.com

Merry Christmas!

Weekly Update:  This week I am down 2.2lbs for a NEW total of 78.2lbs.  I am really proud of myself for committing to a new program despite the holiday madness.  Will be giving myself some leeway to stray a little on Christmas, but really I don't want to because when I eat well I FEEL better.

I love this quote I found earlier in the week - sometimes I feel like my speed is a little slow, but then I remember that I'm still moving in the right direction and setting new goals every day.

And when all else fails, I look back at photos like these of my Day 1 and my current - doesn't matter my pace, only thing that matters  is each day I move forward.

This week I made an effort to take some extra 'me' time and really relax.  I  have added a ritual of reading personal development books 10-30 minutes a day with ZERO distractions (this is hard for me but it's really been great), and I actually even decided to take a bath with some sea and epsom salts the other day - also very nice!

One of my favorite parts of this down time was snuggles with my little guy - he rarely cuddles but with a flew cancelled plans over the week we got in some much needed low key time including some cuddles!

This weekend I had a few friends over for a group workout - and I identified my awesome 'gym' holds 3 people max - but it was still fun!

Here is a video of us working out (it was put in fast mode), we are all moms and between us have lost 220 pounds (left: 80lbs, middle: 65lbs, right (me): 76lbs).   Busy moms, but we found the time each day and look at us now!

Here is a great photo from my Mommy & Me class this week before the holiday!

We had a rough night early in the week with a trip to the hospital - little guys OK but it was a late night! I'm proud that u didn't use it as an excuse to skip my workout the next morning though.

Food news!   My new favorite recipe of all time is my butternut squash pizza crust - a combination of sage, squash, almond flour and eggs - it tastes so decadent but it's very clean and very healthy!

I also made an amazing curry with a free curry I got from Penzey's Spice the other day - (get on their mailing list! They are constantly giving out free spices).  It was so easy and made 10 delicious servings!

The next four collages are of my food for the day on Thursday - I did a food challenge in one of my private groups to take a photo of everything you consumed - so here it is! All within my nutrition plan, it's so much food!

If you enjoy my blog, I'd love to have you in my private (women only) Facebook Group dedicated to health, fitness and nutrition: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FitandHealthyPrivateGroup/

If you'd like to work with me as your coach, create a free account:  http://www.beachbodycoach.com/chapmaki

Mommy & Me Website: http://www.fitandbalancedmom.com/

Contact: fitandbalancedmom@gmail.com

On My A-Game and Feeling GREAT!

Weekly Update:  Last week I opted not to 'look' at my weight.  I am trying out having less of a focus on my weight and seeing how it goes.  If you know me, you know I am a firm believer in weighing no more than once a week, but now I'm working on maybe spacing it out even more.  This week I am down 4.2lbs for a total of 76lbs down! 

This week I feel amazing!  Truly amazing.  I recommitted 100% to my nutrition with the start of a new program.   I want to see exactly what this program can do for me and I know with inconsistent nutrition choices, I'll be short changing myself.  My current program is 60 days, knowing we have a holiday in between I have decided that if I want, I will allow for a day 'off' on Christmas, but honestly I am not sure I'll even want that since I am feeling so well eating well!

I wanted to start to days blog with our family's holiday card.  If you are reading this, you are a part of my life, and I wanted to wish you a very happy holiday season regardless of what you are celebrating.  

I know I've shared this a lot, but a friend recently shared something in my private group about 10 habits of extremely healthy people and I realized I do all of them!  At first I thought I didn't but then I realized that I do (the journaling was the one part I didn't realize I did, but through my private group and this blog, I am thinking I actually do!).  So here is the list:

🔶 Set a Schedule and Stick to It - Regardless of if I'm working out, I'm always up by 6am!
🔶 Wake Up as Early as 6am - Check! I'm actually up at 5:30am, I find I'm more clear when I get up early
🔶 Drink a Lot of Water - If you know me at all, you know I am BIG on water! 100oz a day
🔶 Exercise Before the Day Starts - I start every day with my workout program!
🔶 They Eat a Hearty Balanced Breakfast - Yes! I always start my day with Shakeology and a Banana
🔶 They Meditate - After my 5:30am workout!
🔶 They Journal - Yep, via my blog and private group!
🔶 They Read - This is a habit I actually just picked back up again, 30 minutes a day
🔶 They Listen to Music - Music really gets me going - many of my classes I teach to music too
🔶 They Tell Someone 'I Love You' - Of course!! I actually think I say this about 5,000 times a day

So in terms of the list - here is the book I started (and finished!) this week. I'm a slow reader, so for years avoided it, but I am finding the more I read the faster I get (just like anything else, it gets easier!).   I actually read this in 4 'chunks' - I would set an alarm and promise myself I wouldn't do anything but read during that chunk of time.  Now I'm off to read my next book!

Here is a fun photo from this week!   I had the pleasure of having a good friend and buddy in this whole journey sleep over.   Katie and I started the 21 Day Fix at the same time last year together, I am technically her coach, but she has taught me so much along the way as well.  Together we have lost 140 pounds in the last 15 months - and continue to be strong role models for our little ones (which is how we met to begin with!).

Food news!!  There is a cauliflower drought, and usually I make cauliflower crust but decided to get a little creative this weekend for our 'pizza party sleepover' (Katie's family slept over and we did pizza night).  I have to say I LOVE what I came up with!

🔸 1 butternut squash steamed and mashed

🔸 Mix with 2 eggs and about 1/2 cup of almond flour (or any flour of your choice, almond flour I prefer because it's literally just almonds)

🔸 Add in sage, I used chopped fresh safe from my garden

🔸 Put on foil or parchment paper (sprayed), and make a circle about 1/4 inch thick, bake at 400 about 20 minutes until it feels solid to touch

🔸 Top (I used ricotta and the veggies sautéed in olive oil and honey)

🔸 Bake again about 10 min

🔸 DEVOUR!

Here is the finished product! I can't stress enough how great this was, even my husband ate it!  It as fluffy like actual crust.

Another favorite from the weekend was these egg cups - SO easy! Blended eggs with veggies and then baked, seriously so easy.

And of course - my favorite treat these days!  Shakeology mixed with coconut oil and then chilled.   I can't stress enough how great these taste.

If you enjoy my blog, I'd love to have you in my private (women only) Facebook Group dedicated to health, fitness and nutrition: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FitandHealthyPrivateGroup/

If you'd like to work with me as your coach, create a free account:  http://www.beachbodycoach.com/chapmaki

Mommy & Me Website: http://www.fitandbalancedmom.com/

Contact: fitandbalancedmom@gmail.com