The 21 day Fix EXTREME Week 1 Results

Day #1
Today was fine until after lunch. I thought I was going to freak out if I didn't have a piece of chocolate and if I have to eat fish one more time, I might throw up. But seriously, I ate fish and I downed my broccoli and now I'm sitting here, sleepy, exhausted, and refreshed from my workout. WHOWEE, that's a toughy. I can tell this program is going to kick my bootayyyy...and I'm more than ready for the results! Basically, I'm pretty much just gassy. But I'm down two pounds from this morning! (I know...why are you weighing yourself Alyssa?! - but I was curious) Here's Day 1's video blog...I think I'm too funny.

Day #2 & Day #3 & Day #4
These few days were really weird. My tummy was super rumbly and Jared always thought I was farting but in reality my tummy was just upset. I'm sleeping SO WELL. The best sleep I've had in a long, long, long, time. They say this comes from feeding your body the correct nutrients. Hah! who knew?! I also have been tired, but I have a crazy energy to keep going..weird. These days always tend to be the make or break days. I'm feeling torn between wanting to continue and wanting to stop this whole bologna and eat whatever I want. but I have goals! I allowed myself a few cheats (it's Memorial Day people!!!) but I made sure to stick to the 80/20 rule. I'm down 3.8 pounds as of today - and the progress encourages me to go further. THE WORKOUTS ARE SO HARD! AHH. Hoping to really get into the flow of them as the weeks progress. And I'm hoping to see more and more progress. 

Day #5 & Day #6 & Day #7
Let's be real. Totally didn't stick to the meal plan...at all. Another reminder that I'm human. and that sometimes we slip up.. The biggest and most bestest thing about this situation? I'm ready to jump back on the clean eating bandwagon tomorrow. Like legit. and seriously. Because I know these last 14 days are going to fly by, and I WANT RESULTS. The workouts aren't necessarily getting harder - but, I LOVE that I'm sweating more. I feel I can complete MORE of the workout without stumbling around. The first few workouts were kinda complicated! I know next week will be different though, since it won't be the first time around. 

ALOT of people are wondering what my meal plan looks like!

If you are following the VERY STRICT Countdown to Competition plan (a supplement of the 21 day fix extreme...my meal plan is found here at the, Countdown to Competition Meal Plan.

Here are my results from Week 1:
Inches lost: 3.25 inches ALL AROUND! (This speaks volumes..take a look at my pics!)
Pounds lost: 1.6 pounds (this would've been WAY more if I had stuck to my meal plan. I'm coming for ya week 2!)
Photos:

Here I am again...

At this time, last year, in 2014...

I had just moved into the Dreamhouse (where we currently live) and had been here for a month. I had FINALLY cleaned it to the point where I felt it was livable and it didn't smell weird anymore. I was planning my wedding in July (going insane) and attempting to workout each morning.

I was stressed. I had just graduated college. I was trying to apply to EACH and EVERY school in our county, paperwork was up to my eyeballs and I was writing cover letters in my dreams. My resume was "on point" and I was sure I'd get a job.

June flies by...

July flies by...

I still didn't have a job.

August begins...

August 13th is a day I will never forget because I had accepted the offer to be a Spanish Teacher at the local highschool. A 2 mile drive, 10 minutes on snowy days, and a small town community feel was the perfect start to my teaching career. Although it wasn't Elementary education, I had high aspirations for my classroom.

Between graduating college, wedding planning, getting married, moving into the dreamhouse, attempting to fix up the dreamhouse, job searching, and beginning my first year of teaching, I had gained 20 pounds.

GAINED.

TWENTY.

POUNDS.

Of course, you all saw my journey, where I kicked butt on the 21 day fix, became a Beachbody coach, and am working my way to losing WAY more than the 20 pounds I gained due to stress. You saw, you all cheered me on, and for that I am forever grateful.

But maybe what you didn't know, is that my Spanish teaching job was simply for one year (because I'm not certified to teach Spanish). It's only for one year unless I take a lot of college classes this summer. But that just isn't in our budget, and it only gets me one more year of teaching Spanish anyways.

"But it's okay!", I told myself. You can just apply to places, or maybe move and apply some more.

Well folks, here I am again.

I've applied everywhere I could possible think of. We've considered moving to multiple states. But here I am again, knowing this week is my last week of school at Salisbury, in my little Spanish classroom. Knowing that once Friday comes, I'm probably going to have a mental breakdown because I officially won't have any plans for the coming school year.

THIS IS NOT ME. I LOVE PLANS.

I'm terrified guys. I'm not terrified of not having a plan (I mean, I kinda am....but in reality, I did everything I can do). I'm terrified of what happened last summer. I'm terrified of gaining 20 pounds due to stress - without changing my eating habits. My body simply just shut down.

I'm obviously not planning another wedding, that was a stresser for sure, but what if I end up planning a move? Those are equally as stressful! What if I never find a job and Jared and I are forced to really really really dig deep into our financial situation? WHAT IF I GAIN 20 POUNDS AGAIN.

NOT HAPPENING. I refuse to let it happen. I'm arming myself with the best things out there and I'm going to take this summer back. I'm not letting it happen to me again. NEVER.

I'm trying so hard to trust Jesus, dear friends. I know that He already has a super huge amazing plan that is laid out perfectly and I know that He's probably laughing at my freak-outs and my silly google searches on teaching across the United States. I know that He knows the desire in my heart, the desire I have to fill a classroom with little children and to teach them, guide them, and help them grow.  For now, just pray for me.

Because I'm at the starting line again, but this time..the race is going to look differently :)

Countdown to Competition Meal Plan

Hi PEOPLE!
Just wanted to write a small post about my Countdown to Competition meal plan. You can definitely switch this up and change it around - as long as you are using the correct containers for the 21 DF and 21 DFX. No big deal...however, I'm a cheapo and it's easier to buy in bulk than it is to switch it up EVERY SINGLE DAY.
So here is a sneak peek at my eating plan. I just follow this for three days and then repeat.

Day 1:
Breakfast: Shakeology
Snack #1: Fish/Yams
Snack #2: Fish/Broccoli
Lunch: Fish/Broccoli
Snack #3: Fish/Asparagus
Snack #4: Fish/Asparagus
Supper: Fish/Broccoli
Snack #5: Fish/Asparagus

Day 2:
Breakfast: Shakeology
Snack #1: Fish/Yams
Snack #2: Fish/Broccoli
Lunch: Fish/Broccoli
Snack #3: Fish/Asparagus
Snack #4: Fish/Asparagus
Supper: Fish/Broccoli
Snack #5: Fish/Asparagus

Day 3:
Breakfast: Shakeology
Snack #1: Fruit
Snack #2: Veggie
Lunch: Wrap (lunchmeat, 1/2 cheese, lettuce, tortilla)/fruit
Snack #3: Baked Cinnamon Tortilla
Snack #4: Veggie
Supper: Approved recipe (check out my pinterest for the 21 day Fix extreme!)
Snack #5: Fruit

Egg Salad Wrap!

Lunch ~ Egg Salad Wrap

Ingredients:

2 hard boiled eggs, yolk removed from 1 egg  

1/4 cup Low fat cottage cheese

1 Tbsp of Dijon Mustard

1 sliced tomato

Whole Wheat Tortilla

Optional Herbs (dried dill, tarragon, balsamic vinegar, salt and peper)

Directions – 

Chop up hard boiled eggs and mix with cottage cheese and mustard

Add optional spices, and toss all ingredients

Layer on wrap

Can be served with veggies like lettuce, cucumber, tomato

  ENJOY!

This is a quick easy lunch and it's perfect for on the go! I easily prep this in the morning and head out the door!

*Jared approved :)

Disclaimer...I used 5 eggs because I was doubling the recipe and our eggs are small. We both had a wrap PLUS enough left over for my lunch tomorrow!

The 21 Day Fix EXTREME...that's right, EXTREME

My latest adventure begins...the 21 Day Fix EXTREME!
That's right...EXTREME.

A new program - an amazing program - and a challenging one! The cool thing? I can use my containers from the 21 DF, all I had to do was buy the workouts! :) and the meal plan of course came with it.
According to an article I just read, this isn't for beginners. It's for people have already done the 21 day fix or have graduated from some other program like T-25, Insanity Max. It even counts if you're more of a runner/avid athlete/or workout semi-often. So, if this sounds like you and you are ready to see different results, let's chat!

I still have 30 minute workouts, except much harder. I still have those containers, except much more strict eating requirements. I still do it in 21 days. :)

The idea is that I'm taking my fitness "to the next level", which is exactly what I plan to do! Unlike the regular 21DF, this program is not designed to be repeated back to back. This is more of a upcoming event/time to tone it up/once every few months sort of thing. The regular 21DF can be used every day!
BUT I have goals people, and I'm totally going to knock this out of the park. I just know it.

I'm TERRIFIED of this journey. I KNOW I can do it, but I'm just scared. The word extreme is slightly intimidating. I think I'm mainly terrified because Jared isn't doing this with me. Unfortunately, now that he's back to work (and not at home to food prep) he can't stop and eat 6 meals a day while he's up there on the roof. But, I know he'll support me through the whole thing!

But seriously...look at Autumn (the creator and trainer for the 21DF and the 21 DFX)

I decided to Video Blog this entire journey to switch things and keep you interested ;) IT'S sure to be a wild ride! Within these next 21 days, I have Memorial Day, The last week of school (a celebration in itself), 8 graduation parties, a Taylor Swift Concert, and just daily life. But I have a plan and I'm more than ready to take this on!

Here are my feelings....On even thinking about the 21 DFX.

And here is my video diary on FOOD PREP!

I loved my grocery shopping adventure!

I'm a happy girl that only spent $30 on fish and veggies. :) haha! Enjoy my videos! I'll be keeping you posted on each week!

Focus T-25

I have too, I just have too...

*Disclaimer: This isn't a sale post...this isn't a "reason you need to buy this post", this is about YOU understanding how important YOU are!

Maybe it's my love-hate relationship (pretty much adoration) with Shaun T.

Maybe it's the fact that it's only 25 minutes a day.

Maybe it's because I had amazing results and it was so worth and I'm going to go crazy if someone doesn't try it.


I love FOCUS T-25! Seriously. My all-time favorite program. Up next on my list? Insanity Max:30 - also by Shaun T. AND a new program coming out this summer called, CIZE. and it's dancing. that's exercise. I can't wait!

However, I really wanted to write a blog post about Focus T-25 because it changed my life.

So, in June of 2014 (has it really been almost a year already??), my friend (and now coach) Jess posted about doing T-25 and I commented on it and I was like, sure, I'll do it!

In the end, I realized that T-25 is the most expensive program that we sell at Beachbody. It's pricey...there are like 10 DVDs, resistance bands, etc. the whole 9 yards! However, the wedding-planning, just graduated from college me (and my fiance at the time, Jared) did not have the extra $180 to spend on this program. Except..I made it work. and I bought it. Without Jared knowing.

When it came in the mail, Jared saw me opening the box and got really upset with me. It was such an awkward part of our relationship where we were just learning how to combine our finances, how to save together, how to spend together, and most importantly how to budget. Eventually, he got over it and he said something I will never forget..."I can't be mad at you for wanting to be healthier."

Little did I know how my life would change!

T-25 is only 25 minutes a day and I started right off the bat working out each morning. I became such a morning person getting up at 5:30 am, getting my workout in, and going on with the rest of my day. BOY, was I the sorest girl in the world! This was the most consistent I had ever been with a program in my entire life. I completed the entire thing, 10 weeks! And I felt amazing!! I lost 12 inches all over my body and you could see it in the way I stood and the way my body looked. This program is definitely worth the cost, it's my alltime favorite program, and it will bring you results. I even started a second round of it that same summer.

So, Alyssa...really, what's the point of this blog other than to tell us about a program that you sell?

As embarassing as this is.....Please take a look at my results...CRAZY.

(**this was last summer.)

Well, let me tell you. ITS WORTH IT (it being...the cost, the time, the energy) TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Seriously! Start saving your money, start pocketing it away, decide.

My coach posted something the other day: "Stop waiting for the right time, the right time is now."

Amen. Take that leap! It's time to take time to get healthier for you. You can be a more patient Mama, a happier coworker, a more understanding spouse. Taking a little time for you isn't selfish - in fact, it's the least selfish thing ever, because it truly makes you a better person for others!

Just another fad

There's been some hubbub (is that a real word?)going around about the new independent consultant jobs that are suddenly coming out of the woodwork and bombarding social media - Jamberry, Mary Kay, Beachbody, Essential Oils, and Sabika are just a few examples, but there are a TON more.

This has been something that has been weighing heavily on my heart. There was a popular blog post that was shared thousands of times written from a woman's perspective on how she was unfriending anyone that was selling anything and that she was tired of it filling up her newsfeed. As an avid "facebook party" attender, I support all Jamberryists, Mary Kay Makeup Artists, Sabika jewelers, Beachbody coaches, and everyone else along the line. I mainly did it for the social aspect, the fun games we'd play in the evening for about an hour or so while I'm in my jammies watching TV. It was just a fun thing. This woman's blog post was so critical and attacking. It actually came across rather selfish, but at the time, I was so embarrassed. I'm a beachbody coach. I'm an independent consultant, technically speaking. Have I been doing this?? Have I been annoying and in people's faces?? Did I make people unfriend me?? #worrywart

Like usual in our social media driven world, an amazing blog post response was written responding to this blog against independent consultants. On this side, the woman wrote that although she can't afford and doesn't want to buy anything ALL the time, she supports the independent consultants. The ones being gutsy enough to post a sweaty selfie or a face with no makeup or those crazy before and afters. She supports them because they are trying to work hard, make money, and have fun at the same time. Is the first blog writer really that angry that people love their job?

I see both sides to the story. Sometimes people get annoying. Sometimes posts become too much. Sometimes you'd rather read the latest gossip of a Facebook friend's lives than learn about another deal, another discount, another group ;) I get it!

So - to those of you I annoy, I'm sorry! I'm sorry for the way my fitness spam and the crazy clean eating and the ridiculous sweaty selfies makes you feel. I'm sorry for the way it makes you feel, but I'm not sorry for them. If you want to know what's going on in my life, that's what it is! I'm working out, eating healthier, and I'm on my way to a WAY better me!

Y'all know me. You know I can't keep a secret, I talk 24/7 (yes, even in my sleep), and that I get way too excited about the littlest things! Then how do you expect me to keep quiet about something that is changing my life so drastically??!?!

Some people may be in it to make money - that's a definite perk. Some are in it because they fully endorse the product - like any girlboss should. But it's still a LARGE part of their life! Your friends are branching out on a limb, trying to begin their own business, create a new source of income, and it's time to show them support ;)

So - to all your Jamberry, Mary Kay, Essential Oils, Tastefully Simple, Sabika, Beachbody folks -- I love you! I'll attend any party you throw! AND I promise to support your business endeavors. To all my followers, readers, my luvahs, my friends, and my team, Support those around you! If you can't financially, at least participate in what you can do. We are on a mission!

As for me, I'm just going to keep on cheesin' in my selfies, trying to make the world a better place one workout at a time, and I'm going to keep on, keepin' on. ;)

Bad Attitude

Lately, I've been a total crank...


think like...mad just to be mad, no reason really, but also kinda sorta hoping for a reason so you don't look like a crazy person because you're mad...do you know what I mean? This past week I think I've yelled at Jared for the most stupidest things that could ever happen...like..we laugh about it now because when I yelled it didn't even make sense. And honestly, half the time he laughs at me anyways because my angry face is apparently hilarious. Who's to say?

I also got some pretty devastating news this past weekend. I've been trying hard to find a new job for next year (my Spanish certification was only for one year because I'm an elementary teacher) and so I've been applying and interviewing like a mad-woman. I had an interview for a kindergarten position(AKA dream job), amazing interview, amazing connections, perfect fit and I found out on Friday that they hired someone else. I literally BAWLED.

Like snot everywhere. Tears soaking the couch. My life was over. I was never going to find a job. We were never going to be financially okay. Life was terrible and I hated myself and everyone and everything. I think I sulked for a few hours. I think we went and got ice cream to make me feel better.
I don't really remember because those hours were a tear-stained blur. And when Jared brought it up the next morning, I burst into tears again. I felt so raw and vulnerable. I'm not saying that I didn't overreact. Most people would just pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and apply to the next job. I definitely was overreacting but I couldn't control the intense amount of emotions that had flooded me in seconds. The tears just flowed. and I felt raw. I felt emotion that I hadn't felt in a long time, a selfish emotion of not getting what I wanted, what I had planned, what I felt I deserved. So I took this crying selfie...

because I wanted you to see my vulnerability. I'm not always the happiest person, I'm not always kind, I'm not always "on" and "cute" and "incharge" like the rules I often play. This picture was so hard for me to even put into this blog. I wanted to delete it. I didn't want people to see it. and I even took 3 days writing this post because I was procrastinating on people seeing my cry face. But that's not what this about (keep reading..)

I really, truly felt that this is where I was supposed to be...but I'm slowly realizing, each day that I spend away from that terrible Friday evening, that maybe it wasn't. God surely must have an amazing plan in the works to pass me up for a job that I already thought was amazing. That being said, I've taken a new look on life.I realized how powerful our emotions are, how much they play a role in our days, our lives, even our weeks.
What happened sucked, obviously. Was it actually devastating? No. But I let it debilitate me, I let it put me in a funk for HOURS and almost a full 24 HOURS at that. I just felt cranky, upset, emotional, rock bottom and I couldn't take it anymore.

So here's what I'm saying (and mostly to myself..but I wanted you to see this too.) Yeah, situations suck sometimes. Life doesn't go how we planned, but God definitely has his own version of a plan that He already knows and has planned for us! SO. I'm praying, wishing, and knowing that God's will will be shown in HIS perfect timing, even if it's not mine.