The Healthy Mama Series - Meet Kristin

I am SO excited to start my first blog series - moms sharing their transformations and stories of health, hope, and happiness. Moms are crazy busy, but we deserve the time to take care of ourselves. These awesome moms will share how fitness works in their lives, and I hope they inspire you just as they do me!

Up first - Kristin! Kristin is a teacher, coach, wife, and mom of twin toddlers. I love her transformation story and thank her for sharing her world with us!

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I first want to start off with a thank you to Kim for asking me to share my story. I have never done anything like this before and do not really know where to start. So, I will start off stating my struggle with weight and being healthy has gone on since high school. I was very active playing volleyball full time, but even then, I wasn’t happy with how I looked. Then off to college I went where I yo-yoed through the four years.

Fast forward, I was now married and wanting children. After four years of different fertility treatments, we were blessed with boy/girl twins. Through the process came a lot of weight gain, due to hormone treatments, depression, pregnancy and so on. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy during my pregnancy and embraced every moment as I knew it was a blessing.

The twins turned one and as I looked at pictures, I didn’t recognize the person in them. I first went into denial and continued my horrible eating habits. I knew I had to do something so that summer I decided I would start “running” again. My mile times were in the 15 minute range, but I was doing it. One morning I ran by what looked like a boot camp, I went home to google Camp Gladiator and read what they were all about. They were at the time running a special so I contacted the trainer and set up a chance to go try it out. Oh I forgot to mention, this was 5:30 in the morning! Little background, I have always been the person who said they would NEVER wake up early to work out, sleep is too precious. What I didn’t realize is your time is limited when you become a mom. I fell l in love with the program and the trainer. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it work when I went back to school, but I was determined to figure it out. The class time changed to 5:15 to help us teachers out, but with me needing to be at school at 7:10, I was still pushing it.

I started going twice a week; those first two weeks I couldn’t walk and came home to almost throw up each time. That is how out of shape I was. I then moved it to three days which in turn changed to five days a week. I started work, and it was tough, but I made it work. I got to class at 5, got some light jogging in before class started and left at 6, a full hour. My best friend ended up joining which made class even better. We then moved the time up to meet at 4:50 some mornings to get 2 full miles in before class. Here I was a person who said they would never wake up early to work out, getting up at 4:15 to workout, then go to school to coach to then return home to be a mom and a wife.

I was feeling really good, so one Saturday, I set my alarm to get up and run. I made it six miles with no problem. I also realized my mile time went from 15 minutes to around 11 at that time. At this time I had run four marathons and was a runner in the past. It felt good to get outside and be running again. I decided to keep going each weekend and soon my 6 miles turned to 10. I registered for the Cypress half marathon where I beat my record time by 5 minutes. Here, I was a mom of twins with a full time job and I just hit my PR for the half. Needless to say, this was a very emotional day and one I will remember forever. Please know I am not judging any other moms here as we all know our plates are filled with different obstacles and challenges.

My love for running came back full swing, and I quickly got into the Houston half and Katy Half. I ran three half marathons in 3 months and now my total count was 7! I still do Camp Gladiator 4-5 times a week and run on the weekends. What I hope you get from this is find what you love and get back into it. We all have to start somewhere, mine was a 15 minute mile now down to about a 9:45-10 minute pace. Never say never and ALWAYS make healthy time for you!

Also during all of this, I tried a new product line Plexus. Plexus brought me back to healthy in a way I never imagined. It balanced my hormones and blood sugars to in turn helped the weight loss. I sleep a lot better and the Plexus slim gives me energy for the whole day…4:30AM comes quick! I would love to share with you the many products Plexus offers and that I currently take, if you are interested at all in learning more about this product, you can contact me at kristin.forrest@cfisd.net or message me on Facebook. You can check out the products HERE.

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I am SO excited for Kristin! With a full time job and little twins at home, her story is more than inspiring. My message - just like hers - is for moms to explore their health and fitness options. We all can find time for our health - boot camps, at home workouts, running, etc. You have so many options to find your fit - just as Kristin did!

I can't wait for other moms to share how they make fitness work into their worlds. I hope you find something to inspire you!

Friday Finds {Vol. 23) - The 4x4 Diet

You know I am all about my workouts and fitting them in NO MATTER WHAT. You know I do it for my sanity. And, for the longest time after baby #2, I could not figure out how in the world to make it happen. After quite a bit of trial and error (not to mention a gym contract gone bad), I found my "place" with a fitness routine that works for me. But, my plan may not be yours - our lives are different! My goal is to share ideas so you can see just how mentally beneficial fitness can be for the tired mama.

Time is the number one reason why moms do not work out. If you had time to do something for you, you'd be fast asleep or parked on the couch watching a Real Housewives episode. And, I do those things too - I just schedule time to workout; I find time each day to MOVE. With my boot camp now down to one night a week, I have increased the at-home workout plan. This week, Beachbody released it's latest workout - 22 Minute Hard Corps - and I've worked it into my weekly routine. TWENTY-TWO MINUTES. I am digging this one for sure.

But, what else is there? When can you get your heart rate up each day? You work; you are tired; your kids have activities every 5 minutes - when do YOU take a few minutes and workout? Recently, a former student (Hi, Linds!) posted a picture with celebrity trainer, Erin Oprea. Erin released a book about getting your body where you want it in 4 weeks - including key foods and FOUR minute workouts. I am loving this book and her information. She is a busy working mom who gets it - she has found a way to make diet and exercise work in our overwhelmingly busy lives. Connecting to moms like Erin is why I love social media and why I'm learning more about healthy living every single day.

While I am in the middle of this great book and my notes to make it work for me, I see a news story about Erin - with her client, Carrie Underwood, jumping in to defend this awesome mama. Here's the gist - Erin was at her son's soccer game when she decided to make her workout happen. What does she do? Grab her jump rope (smart idea - keep one in the car!) and gets some cardio in while watching her son play. And without knowing, a man snaps a picture of her and blasts her over the interwebs for trying to grab attention to herself, and thus, a debate erupts.

But, here's my take - and it's a take I've had since I started sharing my journey almost one year ago - there is nothing wrong with taking time for YOU. I applaud Erin for using this time to stay healthy. The mom life is so crazy that we rarely remember to take care of ourselves so we can take care of them. If you have 30 minutes at your child's practice, grab the jump rope or walk/run around the field.  Or try these ideas: wake up earlier - just 20-30 minutes and do something at home. Join a gym with childcare and take a class. Grab your neighbor and make one night a week your night to walk. Hit the park and do some step-ups while chasing the kids. Research local boot camps and try a free class. I am forever glad I did that. It can happen, friends!

Or, grab Erin's book and let her continue to be an example to the busy mom - use her key foods/recipes to change up your meal planning. Try her workouts and notice what happens when your body starts to change. I am so excited to use this book as a guide and Erin as my role model for getting that workout in no matter your lifestyle. Grab your copy and maybe we can make a book club of out it :)

I am so excited to share her influence on me in just the short amount of time I've been reading and learning from her. And, coming soon, I will be sharing more amazing moms who have found a way to make health a priority.

Now, excuse me...I'm going put a jump rope in my car. Have a great weekend, friends!

A Fitness Makeover

Off we go on another year - a new beginning. You may have created many resolutions this year as I have. I feel like I keep coming up with something else I need to fix. The bottom line for me is to just BE better - a better mom, wife, friend, sister, and daughter. For all of us who have been through the hard and are still getting up everyday...high five, friends.

You know fitness is important to me - the physical strength I get when working out translates to mental strength. The adrenaline rush after a good workout is fuel for me to get through the day.

Everywhere you turn these first few days of the year, you will hear or see something about fitness. Gym memberships, healthy eating tips, new workouts to try, etc… what some do not tell you is that when you change on the outside, it does AMAZING things for your inside. In fact, on the news today, a personal trainer recommended great fitness tips for the busy mom. I used these tips as inspiration to help makeover your fitness routine.

Stop the Excuses

Excuses weigh more than the pounds you are trying to lose - I can’t get up early, I hate running, my baby doesn’t sleep (that was me), or there just isn’t time. I urge you to throw those excuses out the window. Crossift and the gym may not be options for you; or maybe you like the gym and the escape. No matter what, find what YOU can do. When I stopped feeling down about no time, I just had to make it. It took a LONG time to find my “right” workout. Be patient as you find your fit.

Just Move

Make goals for how you can get active each day or just a few days a week. Shoot for 20 minute workouts 3 times a week then increase as necessary. Go for a walk with your kids, run after bedtime, find a great at-home workout on Pinterest - just GO. When you move more, you release so much that holds you back. In fact, my doctor recommended moving more to help with my anxiety - and he was so right.

Change Slowly

Look at your days and find ONE thing to change each day - park further from the store, snack healthier, drink one less coke or cup of coffee, don’t have that after dinner snack, no carbs after 6 pm, etc. When you make these subtle changes, you will change. Track your food each day too - use My Fitness Pal or another app - or go old school and write it down. I guarantee you won’t want to see Cheetos on paper.

Find Your Time

My daughter did not sleep well from 5-7 months old. Nobody was happy. I knew I needed to find adrenaline to get me going, so I started slowly - 10-20 minute workouts when she would take her tiny cat naps then I proceeded from there. Now, by the grace of God, she sleeps in a bit so I can sometimes work out first thing in the morning. I also had to find my people - enter my beloved boot camp. I set my boot camp “appointments” as does my husband so that time is sacred. When you find and schedule your time (write it down), you will do it. Promise.

I am not offering these tips to make anyone feel bad or to put myself on a pedestal. I fall over and over (hi, weight gained back). I want everyone to feel that rush of a getting your heart pumping - when we are moms, it can take its toll, so why shouldn't we find time to feel like ourselves again?

Exercise brought me back to life; it took my crazy, post-partum experience to a new level. It gave me energy and confidence to be with my kids more. It reminded me that I am a person behind the mom. My hope is that the tired, worn out mama finds some time to feel whole again.

If you have questions about my fitness plan or suggestions, my email is at the top.

You can do this, sister. We can do hard things.

Friday Finds {Vol. 21} - At-Home Workouts

My favorite workout is one where I am with people - the community involved with a good workout is so good for the soul. As we lift, squat, or run, we vent about our days and mom life. But, our schedules don't always allow for mom to get away to get that workout done. I use to be a gym rat, but even that was too hard. Enter the at-home workout. I NEVER thought I'd like working out a home - no way could it be challenging, and what if I got lonely?? Once I became a mom of two, I had to find a way to make my workouts happen.

I started with the 21-Day Fix and even did some Jillian Michaels to mix it up, and a routine started. I purchased Body Beast and fell in LOVE with strength training - all done in the comfort of my home. I do get out 1-2 times a week to attend boot camp, but the other days, I am sweating at home.

Why should you try an at-home workout? I created my top 5 list to share with you on today's edition of Friday Finds.

1. Time. It's that simple. Life is cray-cray, and we need to utilize our "free time" wisely. All you need is 30 minutes to get your sweat on, and the programs I mentioned do just that. You simply move to your designated space and hit play. No travel time needed - no need to find child care. Wake up early, complete during nap time, or get your husband to watch the kids for a bit for your me time. Boom and done.

2. Attire. I would lay my workout clothes out at night OR even wear them to sleep so I would be ready to get dressed and go in the morning. Not anymore, my friends. I can wear those shorts I would never wear in public and if I get REALLY crazy, I just wear a sports bra. Let me assure you, I am in NO place to wear a lone sports bra to a gym or boot camp, but at home? You betcha. 

3. Money. My gym membership was pretty pricey - not to mentioned sign-up fees too. My workout programs do not cost much at all considering how much I use them. Included in this price is a workout calendar and a nutrition guide with recipes. If you want this done at a gym, you have to consult with other professionals which again costs you more. It's an all in one thing when you work out at home. 

4. Sweat. I never thought I'd sweat like I do at boot camp, especially when I am alone in my sports bra at home. The programs I do always leave me panting and sweating - a sign of an amazing workout. I feel stronger, more tone, and tough just as I would if I were at the gym.

5. Results. I used the 21 Day Fix after baby #2 and felt invincible - such a great feeling for the tired, hardworking mama. I used the Body Beast program and gained muscle tone. I love that my routine of boot camp plus working out at home has given me results I never thought I'd see in my late 30s. Plus, when you workout with these programs, you have a community to push you and encourage your each step of the way. They are just as proud of your results as you are. 

I asked my husband for one thing this Christmas - the perfect workout combo for me. The 21 Day Fix and Body Beast trainers have come together for ONE great 60-day program called The Master's Hammer and Chisel. When you get this program, you are covering each of the 5 points I mentioned. 

With this program, you get:

• 12 workouts
• A workout calendar
• A nutrition guide
• Portion control containers
• Daily dense nutrition - Shakeology
• A community to support your journey

You can click HERE to see just how this program works. My results are a product of hard work at boot camp and what I do at home in just 30 minutes. Add this program to your Christmas wishlist and give yourself the gift of ME TIME, strength, and encouragement that you need to make you the best mama possible. 

Contact me at alwaysanewdayblog@gmail.com for more information. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a HEALTHY New Year!

With Love,

Kim

My Dream Workspace

In my "past" life, I was a teacher and a counselor - for 13 years to be exact. I've mentioned before how I was blessed to stay at home once my second child was born. And, I've mentioned how it has made me "re-plan" what I want to do with my life. I don't feel the pull into education as I once did; I want to educate moms - with health and fitness. 

At the beginning of 2015, I wrote down my resolutions which included getting healthier, getting certified, and starting a blog. I love to write, I want to inspire, and I want to let other moms know that I get it. My message has always been that we are real people behind the "mom mask," and we deserve to have dreams/goals too - no matter our age (Hi, I'm pushing 40!). My blog needs work - pictures need to be better, content could improve, audience needs to grow, etc. But, for my first year, I am proud of what's come out of it, and I can't wait to keep going. 

I'm currently working on my fitness certification so I can have my own boot camp for busy moms. Not in a gym, but with a small group of moms who want to make fitness integral in their lives. I would also love to do online training so I can help moms whether they are working or staying at home.  

To make these visions happen, I would love a space in my home that is MINE - as an office and possibly a workout room. WeWork inspired me to share my dream workspace that would fit both the office and exercise format. WeWork is a coworking company with a mission to create a world where people make a life, not just a living! They are inspiring others to consider shared office spaces but also benefits and discounts for people who run their own business.

Before I show you my dream, let's see my reality. Our guest bedroom serves as our "office." I don't love it, but with two kids and toys galore, we had to make do. This room houses amenities for our visitors and also works well as an office. Take a peek into our space.

Now, my OCD is doing a backflip. I want to get in here and organize like crazy. Problem is - I am married to an IT guy so computer gadgets are everywhere. Until we rearrange and finish some other house duties, this office will do. I want a new computer, a new camera, and new other things that just aren't affordable right now. But, man oh man, if they were.... these spaces would be my dream.

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The colors in this room are perfect - something bright and cheerful so I can workout and motivate others plus myself. I love the small desk and simple decor; I could work/blog/video chat here and save the other side for working out. Since I workout at home with my fitness programs, I can use the equipment I have in my home gym (a.k.a the kids' toy room now - see the chaos below). 

I love this set up below for a workout space. Nothing fancy - just the basic equipment and my TV to play my favorite workouts. It's simple, and I love that. 

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What do you have to have in your home office? My wheels are turning, and I am about to blow up Pinterest. Thanks to WeWork for the inspiration!

With Love,
Kim

Friday Finds {Vol 18} - Strength Training

Since having my second baby, it took quite a while to find my workout groove. I joined a gym because I thought sneaking away in the evenings would be my "me time." But, let's face it - by the time evening rolled around, I wanted to face plant into my pillow. I never thought I'd be a home workout person, but my life couldn't keep up with the gym life.

Enter boot camp, and I was hooked. Yet, I can't go all the time, and working out 2 days a week was not what my anxious self needed - I needed more to calm my nerves and to make me feel human again. After all, there was a person under all this mom life. So what to do? I just wanted 30 minutes a day to get me stronger and feeling better. I love my first at-home workout purchase but was interested in strength training.

My sweet friend/mentor recommended Body Beast, and I was skeptical on this big dude telling this mom to lift heavy. But, I tried it and kept on following the workout guide. With this workout and my boot camp, I grew muscles I never thought I'd have or see. And, it's not just about the muscles but how much stronger I am overall. I love the thought that this mother of 2 can do push-ups better than ever!

The Program

With this program comes workouts for each muscle group - shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, chest, and legs. There is even a cardio and ab workout to break up the strength training. When I would go to the gym, I'd run on the treadmill but stay away from the free weights because I felt like people were critiquing my every move. With this program, I am learning the correct form and gaining confidence in strength training. 

This past month, I held a challenge group with some amazing couples who enjoyed the program and its guide. These couples were working out together and seeing results. And, I finished my first round not long ago and have incorporated some of the workouts into my plans. I feel as though with this program, I can teach myself more about strength training and share what I've learned when I fulfill my goal of becoming a boot camp instructor.

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The Plan

My goal with fitness - with this blog too - is to reach out and help those trying to find that person inside - the one behind the mom life. Almost two years ago, I reached out because I felt unhappy and unsure about who I was. I found that working out - even for 30 minutes at a time - calmed me down. Once I saw changes, I knew I needed to incorporate it more into my routine. So, it leaves me with this - and I've said it before - reach out. If you're longing to change up your routine or want to learn more, I do believe there are programs - such as Body Beast - to make you grow. You just have to ask.

With Love,

Kim

Friday Finds {Vol. 13} - A Recipe (and a Workout)

If you are like us, you are preparing for the first day of school! To me, it feels like a new year - we need resolutions, new routines, new plans, new goals... I like the idea of new and fresh. So, for this edition of Friday Finds, I want to share what I'm doing to get in the back-to-school zone.

COOKING...

I adapted the recipe from this one HERE, and it was a hit. It made some great leftovers too!

Chicken Enchiladas

1 rotisserie chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 can of red enchilada sauce
1 can of diced green chiles
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

12 flour tortillas
1 C of cheddar cheese

Mix chicken, green chilies, black beans, and spices and cook over medium heat until warm. Add in 1/4 C of the enchilada sauce and mix again.

Place a bit of cheese on a tortilla and top with a spoonful of the chicken mixture. Top with another sprinkle of cheese then roll. Place down in a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Keep going until all tortillas are filled and in the dish. Top with the remaining sauce and cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with salsa and sliced avocado.
These enchiladas lasted us 3 days and were so delish. You could play around with the ingredients and make them your own. I personally like the short cut of the rotisserie chicken. YUM.

WORKING OUT....

Now after you eat your enchiladas (or before if you want to work yourself up to a great meal), complete this awesome ab circuit shared by my trainer, Megan. I added it in this week after some Body Beast Back and Biceps. Go get it, fit friends!

25 sit-ups
25 flutter kicks
25 sit-ups
25 leg raises
25 sit-ups
25 Hello Dollys
25 sit-ups
25 crunches
25 sit-ups
25 Russian twists
25 sit-ups
25 flutter kicks

If you need to, complete 15 or 20 of each exercise then work your way to 25.

PREPARING...

School starts next week, and I thought I was in good shape. I had my anxiety when he started kindergarten, so I thought I was in the clear for this upcoming year. Truth is, I am really going to miss him. He's so much fun to talk to, and not to mention, his little sister wants him around her at all times. I am thankful for him and how much he's grown. I am going to focus on that pride instead of the pain of him being away from us. I mean, I will only allow myself one ugly cry then I'll get over it, k?

Best wishes for a great school year! I hope you work some NEW into your year and get stronger than ever! Check back to this Friday Finds post for help to get you ready for all the upcoming fun. My Boo Hoo lunch is already on the calendar. 

See where I am linking up HERE and HERE :)

With Love,
Kim

Friday Finds {Vol. 10} - The At-Home Gym

Happy Friday, friends! This week I want to share my favorite finds for an at-home gym. For the last few years, we have been members of a gym, but enter kids...and those trips get tricky. The best solution for us is to work out at home. Here are our tips for starting your personal fitness space.

Find Your Space

If you are limited on room, and kids have taken over your house, get creative. I use our office (now playroom) mainly because we have a great TV in there for playing my workout DVDs. It is a pain because that room needs to be cleaned often for me to have space, but we make it work. Clear a spot in your living room or bedroom and have access to a TV, computer, or iPad so you can play your workouts. Give yourself room - burpees can get ugly :)

Create/Collect Workouts

I am slowly building my workout library. I don't have much now, but I love rotating between these great programs. I also have access to Beachbody on Demand which includes many great workouts such as T25 and Insanity Max 30 as well as the workout programs I have purchased (they are automatically on my demand list).  I want to expand my program library so I will never get bored. If I am limited on time, I also create my own Tabata workout or do a search on Pinterest. There are plenty of great workouts available to you. You just need to make time to do it.

Utilize Useful Equipment

I recommend keeping three sets of weights in your home. I have 5 lb., 8 lb., and 10 lb. weights. Depending on the exercise and/or program, I may use them all in a workout. I also like having a band on hand as well. All of these pieces can be purchased at Academy or Target. In our garage where there is more room, we have a (1) stability ball, weight bench, and (2) a medicine ball. I can go to Beachbody on Demand and complete the workout there on an iPad or even on my phone. But, for these hot Houston summers, I'll stick to the A/C.

One critical piece of equipment is a (3) mat or (4) exercise floor. We use both for our at-home workouts. 

 

(1) Stability Ball
(2) Everlast Medicine Ball

(3) Exercise Mat
(4) Flooring

Seek Support 

Even when you're working out at home, you need support. I regularly check in with my support team to get tips, recommendations, and encouragement. Seek help from others when you're feeling in a rut or when you want to share your accomplishments. Accountability partners are the best. Look for @inkedfitnessprincess and @bump2buff on Instagram for amazing ideas. You can also search the hashtag #workoutathome or #nogymrequired for some great examples. 

Megan, my trainer/accountability partner and dear friend, creates great workouts for me when attending her boot camp. She is here sharing her favorite workout equipment - the Go Fit Power Loops (can be purchased at Academy or Target).

This fantastic fitness find was introduced to me before I became a personal trainer, and I have never wavered from incorporating them in my client’s routines and in the routines I create for myself. The package contains 3 resistance bands of different intensity - 10lb. 15lb. 5lb. - and a training book. These bands may be little, but their effect is huge! Resistance bands are a very diverse piece of workout equipment so get creative! I like to use them primarily for glutes. My personal favorites are lateral step (or peguin walk as I like to call them) or standing hip extensions (forward, side, and back). Hip extensions will help tremendously with your range of motion in your hip flexors and also serve as a great warm up for your hips before leg day. Both will be sure to get that booty burnin’!

I never thought I would like working out at home. The gym was great to get away for a bit, but with our busy schedules, finding my 30 minutes is easier to do at home on most days. Get up early, complete it during nap time, after work, or after the kids go to bed - and you don't have to factor in travel time to and from the gym. 

It's a learning experience, and I am learning every time I work out. My dream is to have a complete home gym - without having to move toys out of the way - and a space all my own. 

Remember - we are getting our next challenge group together right now. So far, we have 6 couples ready to rumble! It's a great way to start your at-home gym RIGHT NOW! *Click on the CURRENT CHALLENGE link at the top of the blog for more info*

With Love,

Kim

Why Moms Should Try Exercise

You know the drill, you've seen the research... exercise is GOOD for you. We have been taught that for a very long time. You have heard me say bits and pieces as to why I do it. It's for my anxiety, sanity, mental well-being...it just makes me better, so I make it a priority. My hope is that no matter your lifestyle, you fit it in so you can feel so much better - more inside than out.

I wanted to share my reasons for doing what I do - especially as a busy mom. Don't find time, MAKE time. And I hope these reasons motivate you to make that time soon!

Mommy Brain

Raise your hand if you know what I'm sayin'. I can remember many times being on the phone then telling the person to hold because I can't find my phone. For reals. Or, do you call your kids the wrong names? #raiseshand. Exercise improves brain function. I completely believe it. When I am able to work out in the morning, for just 30 minutes, I am more focused for the day. And I need focus when my toddler is climbing all the live long day.

Be a Good Example

My toddler sees me grab my tennis shoes and says "Mommy work out?" Or my son asks to workout with me because he knows he can get stronger. That makes my heart soar. When they see me moving, they want to move too. Just yesterday, my TV-lovin' son says he needs to stop being lazy and move more. Proud moment for sure. They are watching.

Be a Nicer Mommy

When I get my 30 minutes in or I am able to attend my boot camp class, I feel awesome. That time makes me nicer - to everyone. I know in that time I am making myself better which gives me a boost - something that makes the world look different. Cheesy? Yes. True? Absolutely.  Honestly, try 30 minutes of alone time for anything - pray, get up earlier and drink your coffee, head to the store alone, escape to read a book. Just get that time in for you and do something to recharge.

Sleep Better

When I would lie in bed at night, my mind would race with worries and to-do lists. Since I have made a commitment to working out 5-6 days a week, I honestly can tell you I sleep soundly. And, we all know sleep is critical to our health but even more so when you have toddlers to wrangle all day long. 

Improve Body Image

You know what you feel like after having a baby, and it's not Miss America. Your body takes a beating due to birth, nursing, carrying a human being, and just being so damn tired. It took me almost 15 months to gain stamina and settle into a routine. These journeys aren't easy and they don't happen over night, but once you feel better because of your hard work - you see just how beautiful you are after becoming a mom. 

Get Therapy

I am no stranger to anxiety - I've dealt with it all my life, especially after my dad died. When I first started having panic attacks, I sought the help of my doctor. He encouraged exercise. And guess what? Doc was right. It's therapeutic for me - toss in some fit friends to push and encourage me, it's like free counseling. Weirdly enough, when I feel anxiety coming on, I don't retreat into my hole like I use to, I move. And that has made all the difference.

I am in the process of getting certified so I can learn even more specifics about the benefits of exercise and nutrition. But for now...these reasons best describe why I, as a busy mom, need to keep active. Yes, it's not easy in our lives, but I promise that when you make this time for yourself, you will greatly reap the benefits.

If I can help you in any way or share more of my story, email me. I am here to help. 

With Love,
Kim

More Than a Workout

I am so excited to guest blog over at Cleaneating Mommy. I am sharing how working out and fitness are more than just sweat and physical changes. Thanks so much for letting me share my story. 

Click HERE to see my guest post.

Meal Planning and a Challenge!

The best thing you can do when making healthy choices is to be prepared! I honestly don't do this prep enough, and I am trying harder to get organized when it comes to eating. This past Sunday, I spent time getting all my goodies in order to set us up for a healthy week. Here are some tips for meal planning:

Grocery Lists

Did I mentioned I have OCD? Oh, and I use to be an English teacher, so I like my drafts and final copies of my grocery list :) I use my planner to make my meal list - I like to see what events we have each day and determine our meals by these plans. For example, on the days my son has Tae Kwon Do in the evenings, we keep it simple. If we are all home with nothing on the agenda, I may make something bigger and more involved.

Lately, I make one recipe-driven meal a week then buy our staples. Our staples include eggs, ground turkey, chicken breasts, almond milk, deli meat, fresh fruits, and veggies. It makes the grocery bill cheaper too when I am not buying outrageous ingredients I will only use on one meal.

This week, we had grilled some fajitas with all of the fixings. We have plenty of grilled chicken left so it will be great on salads or in a taco with warm corn tortillas.

I then take a look at my meal plan and list all I need for the week. Since I go to the grocery store with two crazy kids, I need to get in and out without tantrums and items thrown from the shelves. Because of this craziness, I like to list my items by the map of the store #OCDprobs. I can navigate easier and don't have to turn around over and over to get what we need.

Meal Prep Made Easy

Sundays are my days to map out our food. This time, we cooked ground turkey (mixed with minced garlic and onions), put some pork on the smoker, baked some sweet potatoes, and boiled some eggs. I then placed it all in individual containers. For example, for lunch I will have half a sweet potato, turkey, and some brown rice. For dinner, we will do a veggie and a protein (maybe the pork or chicken).

Via

I also cut and wash fruit so it can be accessible for my shakes and for a quick snack. I just grab it all freshly washed and put it in our shakes or toss some to the kids!

Relax and Enjoy

I feel less tempted to grab some chips or cookies when I have all the food ready at my fingertips. And, it makes dinner time less chaotic when I am reheating what we've prepared.  I will take it out and make portions for us then warm in the oven. Easy stuff!

The 21 Day Fix is another great program that takes the guessing out of the portioning. In fact, we are about to start a summer challenge with this great program. It's the first workout I used after baby, and I credit this program with getting me going on this journey.

Right now, we are enrolling for our BACK TO SCHOOL challenge with the 21 Day Fix (or Fix Extreme). We are looking for teachers who are ready to take care of themselves before the busy school year starts. Can I help you get your school year off to the right track?? Contact me! 

Happy Wednesday!

Workout Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!

Today is the perfect day to share my weekly workout routine because it's #workoutwednesday :) I hope this post helps someone see how you can make it work - in any lifestyle! First let me say that I am not perfect. I like wine. And queso. And chocolate. I use to consume these things quite often, but now I limit myself. My point is - I'm real. I like treats - A LOT. But, for the most part, I've been making better choices about how I take care of myself. So here's how I work off all the good stuff:

Monday - Shed n Shred Boot Camp! Our class meets on Mondays at a local park. The best part is that my son (who is 6) LOVES to come with me. Many of the moms have to bring their kids, and that's okay! There is a great playground right next to where we work out so it's perfect. And, he gets to see his mama work hard. Our workout is made of HIIT training routines, and it's non-stop awesomeness.

Tuesday/Wednesday - I have recently started to wake up earlier than the kids to get a workout in before the chaos starts. I cannot tell you what this does for my day - it gives me confidence to make better food choices and energy to keep up with my littles. I have done the 21-day fix, T25, Piyo, and I'm now on Body Beast. I LOVE THESE WORKOUTS. It feels like I went to the gym, but I am in the comfort of my own home. If I need something quicker on the days that I'm lazy or I have a talkative boy next to me, I just do a quick tabata like this one here. 

Thursday - Shed n Shred some more. NOTE: Houston folks, there is a Cypress location or one in the energy corridor if you're interested. Let me know, and I can direct you.

Friday - I do a home workout or I head to the gym if it's my hubby's day off. I get in a run there and do some strength training.

Saturday/Sunday - I run! I just started running, and in fact, I completed a 10K in February. I am not good beyond 3 miles on most days, but the feeling after a run is pretty awesome. I never thought I could be a runner, and now I love it. I used this schedule to prepare for my 10K. I am planning on a 10K in August and MAYBE a half marathon in December. Fingers crossed!

Recently, I had a working mom say to me how nice it is for me to work out during the day. I cracked up. There is NO way a workout can exist for 30 minutes or longer if my littlest is around - she is either sitting on my head or demanding a snack which is why I get up earlier. My workout routine would be the same if I was still working. If something gets in the way of the morning workout (like sleep or coffee), I do this workout with busy girl in tow.

And there you have it. I make it work, and you can too. If a workout video is not for you, check out Pinterest! It's FULL of home workouts that will leave you sweating in no time. I would love to hear your routines. I am always looking for something new. Stay fit, mamas!