Thursday, August 6, 2015

Why Not Shakeology?

Ah, Shakeology, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

Fewer cravings.
Less bloating.
Feeling satisfied between meals.
Um, "regularity."
Fewer bouts of illness.
Stronger hair and nails.
Clearer skin.

I love it.

But when I tell people I require Shakeology for the majority of my Elite Boot Camps, I meet all the resistance in the world.


The truth is, I get it. I really do.

I was not ready to jump in headfirst myself. I had probably all the same arguments and excuses you do:

Would it be worth it?
Why is it so darn expensive?
Am I really a "shake" person?
Will it be gross?
Can't I just go get protein powder at GNC or something?

I bit the bullet in May 2014 and ordered a bag. I told myself I'd try it for a month and if I didn't like it I would stop ordering more bags, and if I HATED it I could always get my money back (I mean, a product whose company would give you your money back even if you returned an empty bag has to be legit).

It's been 419 days, and I have had 419 shakes. Give or take a few. But the moral of the story is: I am hooked. I am head over heels for Shakeology.

If you are on the fence, or even in complete disbelief that a product like Shakeology is for you, I am here to debunk some of your doubts. From a doubter to another doubter--this is for you.

Would it be worth it?
Any investment in your health is worth it. The convenience, the ingredients, the results--THOSE are what is worth it.

Convenience--I am, admittedly, not a get-up-and-get-breakfast person. It's the most important meal of the day. But I struggle finding a.) the appetite and b.) the time to make breakfast in the morning. Blending up a scoop of Shakeology with some fruit and almond milk in less than five minutes sounds pretty darn good to me. I also build it into my schedule for the day: if I'm running out the door and know I'll need a snack or some sort of sustenance to keep me from getting "hangry" (you know you've been there too!), I'll mix up some Shakeology and out the door I go.

Ingredients--I'll explain more below, but you can't beat it. Read the back of a Shakeology bag and your mind will be blown at some of the stuff that's in there. Goji berries? Camu-camu? Ginkgo? Yacon Root? If I were to juice or make my own version of these shakes at home, I wouldn't even know where or if I could find these ingredients handily placed on my grocery store shelves.

Results--my love letter to Shakeology knows no bounds, really. I listed most of the benefits I've seen at the start of this post, and really--it's all true.

I've kept my nutrition in check.
I don't crave sugar or junk food anymore.
I cut out my several cups of coffee a day habit.
I have avoided every sniffle, cold, and cough my daughter brings home (except for the devil flu we had over last Christmas...but I feel like that unavoidable)
My digestion system is running on all cylinders, so no more icky bloated feeling.

Why is it so darn expensive?
Because you're paying for quality. A lot of shakes contain fillers, preservatives, soy, and artificial ingredients, but you won't find that in Shakeology. Shakeology is made up of whole foods. High-quality ingredients. When you order a bag of Shakeology, you are essentially ordering the highest-quality meal you can possibly feed yourself once a day for the next 30 days. That is 30 days of replacing one meal a day with superfoods that you can't find anywhere else altogether like that.

It's $4 a day for quality.

Am I really a "shake" person?
Are you a vitamin person? As in, do you take a multivitamin every day? Because you really should be.

Some fun facts:
There are 13 vitamins that are considered essential for proper body function.
Shakeology contains all of them--there are actually 23 vitamins and minerals in Shakeology.

Do you know what else it contains?

Proteins and amino acids for muscle building and repair, healthy skin and nails, brain function and immune system support.
Antioxidants to protect from free radicals and cellular damage.
Phytonutrients to promote healthy aging, detoxification, and the ideal alkaline state.
Adaptogen Herbs to naturally increase energy, promote cognitive function, calmness, and helps your body cope with environmental stressors.
Prebiotics to help strengthen the immune system.
Probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
Digestive Enzymes to promote better assimilation of nutrients into the body.

If you were to buy individual supplements for a lot of these things, in addition to your current multivitamin, you'd probably spend a couple hundred dollars at the very least. Shakeology makes it a tidy, convenient way to get the best support your body needs to function optimally.

I bet that would make you a shake person.

Will it be gross?
Heck no. My shake is the best part of my day, and you know why? Because it tastes like dessert. I mean, who gets to eat chocolate for breakfast and feel okay about it? I do. And there are SIX varieties to choose from--chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, greenberry, vegan chocolate, and vegan tropical strawberry.

My personal favorite? Vegan chocolate with a blended banana, unsweetened almond milk, and ice. I can drink that every morning and never ever get bored.

Can't I just go get protein powder at GNC or something?
You could. But why would you just want protein when you can get an entire package of nutrition? And if you were to buy a container of your run-of-the-mill powder at the store, you'd STILL need to spend the extra money to add the superfood ingredients to even bring it up to par with Shakeology. You can't find a protein powder anywhere that wears as many hats in such a wholesome way as Shakeology. Because Shakeology isn't just protein. It's an entire meal.

So, really...when I tell my clients that they need to invest in themselves by including Shakeology in their Elite Boot Camp experience, I am not trying to upsell.

My job as a coach is to ensure they get the appropriate support they need to see results and feel amazing, and Shakeology gives them the best chance at that success--because it is really one of the best and easiest thing they can do for themselves during the time they spend with me during Boot Camp--and beyond.

Mustering up the motivation to push play on your Insanity workout? That can be hard.

Blending up something in your kitchen that tastes good and has amazing benefits? Easy peasy.


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

August Goals & A Look Back at July

July was a month of strange dichotomy for me.

It was the month I was finally going to get organized and legitimately define my goals, but it was also a month of sunshine, snuggles, lazy days, and a planned vacation smack dab at the end of the month.

And just as with all things--I found that balance is where it's at.

August seems like a pretty stable month for me--no real giant commitments aside from the goals that I've set for myself. I am refusing to allow the momentum I've picked up fizzle out, so I am moving forward with all things. Progress, not perfection :)

But first, a look at July's goals. How did I do?:

Start AND finish 21 Day Fix
I am going to go with a check mark on this one. I didn't finish week 3 in its entirety as scheduled, but did repeat week 3 once I got back from vacation. And really, all that matters is that you don't completely fall off the wagon, amirite?

Get to the beach.
Big ol' fail on this one. My toes did not touch the sand once in July. But we did spend a lot of time outside, soaking up the sun. So that works for me.

Continue my daily study of the Book of Proverbs
Done. I actually just wrapped up a study of the Proverbs 31 woman. The entire Book of Proverbs was so eye-opening into the wisdom and knowledge that I can soak out of God's word each day. It provided me tidbits to meditate and pray on each day, and literally I read something each day that was like it was meant just for me. That first hour, every day, is now my favorite part of the day.

Lose three pounds.
Check. As a result of my last round of 21 Day Fix, I lost 3.7 pounds AND 4.5 inches. What is to be really  celebrated, though, are the boot campers who lost a total of 40 pounds and 39 inches. They were ROCKSTARS.

Have a successful Month 1 of the This Misfit Mama Book Club
Wellllllllll....not so much on this one.

Have you ever read a book that was just...so...hard...to....get....through? I sailed through the first four chapters and then it was like pulling teeth each day to read a little more. Accordingly to the group, I am not the only one who felt this way. I am glad to report that I did indeed finish the book, am looking forward to having our first official "meet up", and will share a review here as well.

Help three people build self-esteem and learn to love their bodies via Boot Camp
This month was epic. FIVE PEOPLE. And they were all amazing. I really can't say it enough, but I am so blessed to get to do this!

Build monthly calendars to keep me on track
  • Free Challenge Groups - check
  • Boot Camps - check
  • Blog Editorial Calendar - check; and not only that, but I have the entire month of August's posts drafted and scheduled! I have never felt more organized.
Spend at least an hour a day, M-W-F, building this space.
I've been doing a lot of reading on blog-growing, brainstorming post ideas, and fun series to share here. Overall, I'd say this goal was met, but its one of those "boomerang tasks" (Happiness Project ladies holler if you hear me!) since learning and growing is never-ending, so this is staying on the goal list. I am trying to maintain consistency as best as I can here, and July really helped with that!

Start brainstorming ideas for a weekly newsletter.
The most brainstorming I've done here is that I've decided that it won't be a weekly newsletter, but somewhat more infrequently than that. That's all I've got for ya.

Register a domain.
Bumped to August :)

$100 a month in program sales.
Almost doubled. BOOM.

200 likes for This Misfit Mama on Facebook.
Goal not met. Onto next month!

Brainstorm what my "Dream Team" will look like.
Oh man, I've got so much in store for you this month. I feel like my heart is going to explode--in the best way possible.

Create a system to get those new potential coaches started right.
Still in its very early stages, but on my way.

And--here we go--onto August!



Personal Goals

Save $500.

I am admittedly not good at saving money. Time to change that.

Declutter one room.

One of my big goals in the next few months is to set up a dedicated, honest-to-goodness office space in our third bedroom. A place to sit and think, plan, hold team calls, chat with prospective Elite Boot Campers, create videos...you name it, I need a space for it. That bedroom is currently a "catch-all" room--mostly with my junk in it. Mostly crafting junk, which I have been selfishly hoarding for months, arguing with Denny "what if I neeeeeeeeeed it?!" The fact is, I have only used that stuff a handful of times in the last year, and it's so disorganized I usually can't find what I'm looking for and then I go out and buy a new one anyway. August's goal is the de-clutter, organize, part ways with things I don't use and/or truly need any more, and be honest enough with myself to carefully curate things I think I WILL need and store them nicely. This will give me the chance to start building the bones of a peaceful, inspiring space that isn't the kitchen table. Also: new Pinterest board. I love me some Pinterest boards, and I love pretty spaces.

Help 5 people build self-esteem and love their bodies via Boot Camp.

This month's Boot Camp is all about 'CIZE! Click here to learn about the 'CIZE Elite Boot Camp starting in August. I have some REALLY fun, exciting ideas for this group--think the usual support and accountability, but with some fun extras thrown in (and some freebies! Remember, first three people to sign up and purchase their challenge packs get a FREE copy of FIXATE!)

Lose 3 pounds

This will bring my total loss to 6 pounds since July. Onward and upward, baby!

Grow the This MisFIT Mama Club

I really have this insanely exciting vision of a community of strong, fierce women who are sharing, inspiring others, celebrating daily victories, feeling safe to share their vulnerabilities and struggles, but knowing that it's OKAY that today wasn't perfect. The This MisFIT Mama Club is my free, invite-only fitness and wellness group, and I'm looking forward to EXPANDING! I mean, I even had a dream that I had branded workout tanks made up. Who says that can't happen?!

Blog/Business

Build the foundations of my team.

During the month of August, I am hoping to start finding my rockstar wellness warriors who embrace a lifestyle of health, wellness, love, integrity, and gusto who want to reach more people and help them live their best lives. More on that later this month :)

Start the newsletter.

I still haven't decided on frequency--but once I choose, I want to be able I can sustain it with quality content. I'm thinking I am going to hold off on this for the second half of the month.

Explore other types of social media platforms--and not be afraid to use them.

Periscope, this means you.

REGISTER THE DOMAIN ALREADY.

Just do it already, Brittany. Sheesh.

Cheers to August, lovelies!

Monday, August 3, 2015

Having More FUN - 'CIZE Dance Party is Coming This Month!

Would you believe me if I told you it was possible to get moving, get more exercise, and NOT hate every single second of it?

Something that will have you sweating AND smiling?

'That's odd,' you might be saying to yourself, 'Sweating AND smiling? Not possible.'

But it's true. Wanna know what will get that sweaty and smiley result?

'CIZE.

I know--seriously?

Seriously. It is that fun.




So while I'm sitting here thinking about my weekly intentions--I thought a good one would be to have more FUN--why does everything have to be so gosh darn SERIOUS all the time?

I'm serious about my work.
I'm serious about my goals.
I'm serious about getting things taken care of around the house.

Why does my workout have to be so serious? If I'm doing it to help me feel good...should I feel good doing it?

And yes, when I lift heavy or doing some crazy Insanity-style cardio and get a good sweat on, I FEEL good. But am I smiling?

Hint: NOPE. I am definitely not.

When I tried the sneak peek that was available to me via Beachbody On Demand, I was excited to give it a whirl. I danced for about 10 years, loved every second, and now I love watching my little girl dance. But but but...why can't I rekindle that love I had for the art?

That is exactly what this program does for me.

Not only was I CRAZY sweaty during the entire workout (which is essentially a routine you work through, step-by-step, and build on until you get through the entire routine at tempo), I was smiling ear to ear during the entire thing. I was clapping, I was jumping, I might have even woo!-ed at one point because it. was. that. much. fun. I felt like I was 16 again.

My bad day?
Gone.
Stress?
Gone.
A perfectly good sweat session?
Awesome.

So what do I envision for my August Boot Camp?

An epic dance party, that's what.

80s Day.
Work It Wednesdays.
Sweaty Selfies.

Working together, having FUN, and getting in shape. That's what I see for the August Boot Camp.

So, if you:
  • are a dancer (even the "dance like no one is looking WHEN no one is looking" dancer!)
  • are a Zumba lover
  • like dancing, but maybe aren't the most coordinated
  • want to have fun
  • want to get a great workout
  • want to relive some stress in a productive, uplifting way
  • don't feel like driving to the gym every day to get a quality workout
  • want support and accountability in a close group of people working toward the same goals and having FUN while doing it
I want to talk to YOU about being in the August Boot Camp.

I only have a few rules you have to promise you'll follow:

I promise to:

Nourish my body properly.
Get my sweat on every day.
Check in with my group every day.
Allow myself patience and kindness.
Love myself.
Be a beacon of support and encouragement to others.
Celebrate victories--big AND small.
Focus on progress--not perfection

This isn't just a four-week program and then BOOM you're done. If you choose my Boot Camp, you are committing to having success and I am committed to seeing that success through as your partner for LIFE. I know firsthand that making these changes doesn't happen overnight, but taking action is the very first step, followed by perseverance, patience, and drive. With a community of support and me as your coach behind you--I will not let you fail.

As your coach, I am your mentor, friend, and fellow wellness warrior. You'll join a close community of women who will lift you up and support you--because they're choosing to take the same leap of faith in themselves that you chose to take. Positive life change starts one step at a time. I am here to guide you through the steps, overcome obstacles, build your sense of confidence, fight that "stuck" feeling", and celebrate the entire process.

Let's commit TOGETHER to having some fun this month!

Fill in the form below and I will reach out to you with next steps...congratulations on making this commitment!

PS: First THREE people that sign up with a Challenge Pack get a copy of the NEW cookbook "Fixate - 101 Personal Recipes" by Autumn Calabrese!