A Project on the Horizon

This month has been such a great month!  I was looking forward to it for quite some time! My mid month birthday was sandwiched between a trip to Jamaica with some of our closest friends and a trip to Florida with the kiddos!  The month was so fun, unfortunately flew by and now I'm having a little bit of a reality check.  Time to get back into the swing of things, into the groove, get the house in order and get our suitcases officially unpacked!  To add to that...not only have I not worked out a lot this past month after working out almost every day for the 7 weeks leading up to Jamaica, but I also definitely did my fair share of eating and drinking lots of deliciousness - so it's back on track with goal setting, healthy eating and workin' it out (this will start right after Halloween on Saturday)! ;)

Thankfully, this back on track thing is happening in the Fall, which is my favorite time of the year for cooking.  I feel I can be a little more creative when I'm cooking indoors.  Summer tends to be 99% grill cooking which by now at the end of the season, grilling has become a little boring to me.  If you haven't followed by blog before, some of my favorite recipes I have shared I have created on a whim with food I have in the house and the meals always (ok, usually) come out great. That being said, I LOVE crock pot cooking and creating healthy recipes.  Even baking but modifying the goodies to be healthy but still delish. 

So...that brings me to my next project!  Last night I was browsing Pinterest for some freezer meal ideas and decided that I'm going to create my own crockpot freezer meals menu/tutorial/shopping list etc.  I've had a hard time finding menu's online for bulk freezer meals that I actually like and/or are healthy/made with fresh foods so I figured I'll do it myself.  There is nothing like pulling a meal out of the freezer at night to thaw, throwing it in the crockpot in the morning and doing nothing else but serving it 8 hours later and having it be healthy.  Preparing in bulk not only saves time but can also save money and I love saving both!   Heck, maybe I'll even create this all into an e-book!  I can always use a good Fall/Winter project so why not?! Stay tuned for the shopping list and recipes and savings!  I'll keep your family fed this winter (with your money, not mine) and give you more time with your family and less time preparing! Win win!

In the meantime, if you are looking for some tasty fall recipes, here are a few of my favorites!  Quick and Flavorful Pork Roast , my go to Santa Fe Chicken , and last but not least, one of my first creations that I shared Hearty Turkey Veggie Soup!

Ok, so now you will be fed healthy food...who wants to battle the holiday bulge with me?? (Starting Nov 1 of course - after Halloween).  All this requires is a fitness goal, a plan, motivation and action steps! Let's do it! Eat simply and healthy and have a fitness plan to battle the holiday bulge! Maybe I'm the only one who gets excited about these things, but if you are interested in following along let me know and we will do it together! :)

Stay tuned for some meals soon!  Now, I'm going to go enjoy a peanut butter cup as a mid afternoon snack since I won't be doing that effective a few days from now. ;)

~Erin Leigh

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Results

The results are in!  We officially finished 21 Day Fix on Monday night.  Here are some facts about our 21 Day Fix journey.

1.  We stuck to the portions about 85% of the time.  It did not help that my birthday was the day prior to finishing and that we celebrated on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

2.  We finished the workouts in 23 days rather than 21 - two days we had to skip because of toddlers being up sick at night and us not being able to peel ourselves out of bed at 5 am those two mornings.

3.  We did double up on some videos during the last week including the 10 minute ab workout (which I actually happen to LOVE)!

4.  We are hooked on Shakeology and are continuing to drink it.  We both feel so great!  Placing another order today!

My results are that I lost 4 lbs and 3.5 inches. My clothes fit better, I feel healthier and I feel like it completely reset my food intake patterns.

Starting T25 next week.

For anyone that is looking for a jump start whether it's your eating or workout routine, I would be happy to help you find a program that is a fit for your lifestyle.  I can also have you join an accountability group that I am a part of which helps to keep one another motivated and help persevere through the different Beachbody workout series.  I find that it is so important for me to spend some time focusing on "me" so that I can be a better "me" for my family.  Take that next step for yourself!  Let me know how I can help.  :)

~Erin Leigh 

 

Check out the Beachbody videos and Shakeology flavors here.

The Beginning of T25!

I just took a little full time working out hiatus for vacation and am back at it as of this past Monday and it feels SO good to have exercise back in my life!  I started T25 and for those who don't know what that workout is, it is a new workout program from Beachbody which is the same company that created Insanity and P90x.  One of the main reasons I wanted to do T25 is because all of the workouts are 25 minutes so I can guarantee that I can fit the workout into my day. If there is not enough time in the morning, I can do it during the kid's naptime.  Anyone who has a hard time making time for exercise - this is the workout series for you!  The workouts are high intensity for a full 25 minutes 5 days a week with a lot of variations of moves.  It is actually fun! I love it!  It's easy to commit to 25 minutes per day vs. an hour + to go to the gym or an hour + for some of the insanity videos!  It is also nice knowing exactly how long the workout is for planning purposes!

 

Are you one of the people that jumped on the January 1, 2014 bandwagon and started back at the gym?  I see lots of posts on Facebook about how busy the gyms are, and I remember from back in the days when I attended a gym, how it would be packed after January 1!  That is one of the reasons I love working out in the comfort of my own home or doing outdoor cardio.  No spending time driving to the gym, looking for available equipment or having to wait if something is being used. For me it is all about convenience since a lot of my time is consumed with other things (aka other little humans). :) 

 

I didn't want to write about T25 until I was at least a few days in to make sure I liked it, but it has exceeded my expectations!  I encourage anyone who isn't working out right now because it's FREEZING (it does make it hard to get motivated sometimes), or you are in a funk, or you just need motivation, to look into T25 and/or get into a workout routine!  Don't forget, summer is in 6 months!  Don't wait to get fit! :)

  

~Erin Leigh

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If you are interested T25 you can check it out or order it here.

New Year, New Goals!

With 2013 coming to a close in a few weeks, I have been doing some reflection on the past year and thinking about what I would like to achieve in 2014 in relation to fitness.  I never make new years resolutions because I feel like if I need or want to make a change during the year I do. (On Mondays! Haha!)  But, I like to evaluate the year and come up with new goals to work towards. Yes, I am very goal oriented (and competitive), but it works for me.

So, following my strategy of making a few short term goals and working up to a long term goal I have come up with my fitness goals for 2014. 

Short Term: 
I plan to run another organized 5K and my first organized 10K (possibly the St. Patty's Day race in Holyoke).   Those are within reach and something I can accomplish. 
I also would like to do 1 more workout series from January - March while it is still too cold for me to run outside with the kids.  I am thinking the Focus T25 by Beachbody which is all 25 minute workouts.
In addition, I would also like to run more 5K's to support good causes.  This is not a goal but something that I want to do and need to look into further.   

So, ready for my long term goal? 
In 2014 my main fitness goal is to run a half marathon!  I NEVER (I can't emphasize that enough) thought I would say that prior to 2013 (actually, prior to last week).  But, I think that it seems far enough out of reach to make it a long term goal and it is something I will really need to work towards.  I started out last spring running about 1 to 1 1/2 miles and worked up to 6 miles by the fall so why not improve on that next year?!  The half marathon is in the fall so it gives me the Spring and Summer to prepare myself.  I still need to find some training information and come up with a plan but the goal is made (I still am slightly in shock at my decision).  I will keep you posted!

Have you thought about 2014 and what you want to accomplish with relation to health and fitness? Now is a great time to start thinking about it!

. 
A few tips:
Make a long term goal.  Something out of reach that you want to accomplish.
Make a short term goal that you can reach in the near future to give you some satisfaction.
Once you achieve your short term goal, make another one that will get you closer to that long term goal.
Be Specific:  Do not just say "I want to exercise more."  Make a specific goal and plan. 
Don't make excuses. 

The long term goal can seem so far and out of reach but if you are consistently achieving your short term goals, it gives you the accomplished feeling you need to keep pushing forward!

So, what are your fitness goals for 2014? I would love to hear!  If you follow my short term/long term strategy and have any questions I am happy to answer them!

~Erin Leigh

Half Way There

Well...I am officially half way through Insanity!  I can honestly say a few things. 

1.  I love intense workouts but they are definitely exhausting.
2.  I have missed a few workouts. I am only human and people get sick in the winter.
3.  I don't feel much different but I am glad I took my Proof of Progress photos.
4.  Did I mention that the workout is insane?? 
5.  I am always looking to improve myself! Bring it on round 2! 

When I first took the Week 4 picture I texted my husband and said, "seriously...4 weeks of that and there are no results except that my legs look bigger?"  Haha!  But when I really look at the picture, I can tell that I lost some belly fat and I think my legs actually look bigger because of the way I am standing (I hope).  My jeans are looser and my upper body is more defined (it better be after the amount of push ups I have done this past month)...so I know my body has changed...but not drastically.

What better time to do these intense high calorie burning workouts than during the holiday season?!  I am looking forward to taking the final picture and comparing to week 1!  The final day just happens to be the day we leave for Mexico! (Still trying to figure out what time I will have to get up to get that workout in with a flight that leaves at 6:30am)! Now I need to plug away for another month!  Fit Test again tomorrow! Hoping to see more improvements!  Here are my first month photos:

Week 1                  Week 5

Week 1                 Week 5

What have YOU been doing for workouts?? Any suggestions for me for when I finish Insanity and return from Mexico? I am sure I will be ready for another workout plan after indulging in food and drinks beachside!

Relaxation awaits!

I encourage you to make a fitness goal and stick to it!  If nothing else, accomplishment is a good feeling! :)

~Erin Leigh

Mom's Running Group

It's already December!  It came quick but before we know it, it will be Spring again!  (Ok, it may not come that quickly, but I am thinking ahead)!  You know what Spring means? Well, for me it means time to hit the pavement running again! I am enjoying the Insanity workout but I am missing running a lot. I didn't realize it until I went for a run on Sunday afternoon.  It felt great! (Although it's much better when it's nice out)! 

So, in planning ahead (I am a planner), I thought I would mention that my friend and I have talked about starting a Mom's Running Group.  I am in the beginning of the planning phases but we have a few routes in mind in the local area.  I'm going to run them and get the exact distance beforehand. Then after our run, the kids can play at a playground together while us Moms do what Moms do....chase our kids around the park! Haha, but no really, we can chat and hang out and let our kids get some exercise after we finish our workout!  It's great having other people help to keep you motivated! I know it helps for me!

And for other people who aren't local, I was thinking of finding a way for you to be involved too if interested!

But, first things first Moms, you need a jogger!  If you don't have one already and are planning ahead, maybe Christmas is a good time to get one!

These are the ones I have:

Single Jogger:  Baby Trend Expedition
Double Jogger:  Baby Trend Navigator

Since I had a Baby Trend first and I liked it I stuck with the brand for the double jogger.  I have used them both a lot and I have never had any problems!  A few key selling points for me for the double was that it is one of the smaller double jogging strollers you can find and comes with a snack tray and canopy separate for each seat.  It's a solid stroller, turns easily and is about 25 pounds. 

So, let me know if the Mom's Running Group is something you are interested in and share with other Moms you think may be interested too!  I will plan some dates/times/locations when the nice weather gets closer but wanted anyone interested to have time to think about the jogging stroller.  I think it will be a great time for Moms to exercise, motivate each other and help keep other accountable to live a healthy lifestyle...while giving the kids some time to play!  What do you think??

~Erin Leigh

 

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Make Time Now

It seems like every time I turn around it's a new day...a new week...a new month.  Time is just flying by and I can't quite grasp it.  This is such a busy time of the year with the holidays coming up! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping (I am so thankful for online shopping this time of year), Christmas activities with the kids, then Christmas comes and goes and then it's a new year! 

 

Not only is it a busy time of year, but there are also extra calories laying around. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies, the numerous desserts people bring to you around the holidays or bring into work.  It seems like sometimes around the holidays I can't turn my head without seeing some sort of deliciousness staring me in the face.  So, there is no better time than now to get into a workout routine if you haven't already.  

 

 

Before the hectic life of November and December begins, get into a routine and then stick to it.  Pick a few days a week that are do-able with your schedule and make it happen.  If you have no time in the day, early mornings may have to be that time.  After your workout, you will thank me! :)  Do it, stick to it, eat well and then indulge in some deliciousness for the holidays! That is my plan anyways! 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow you will wish you had started today! Get after it!

 

~ Erin Leigh

 



 

Ab Challenge!

Let's do an ab challenge this week! So for starters, a lot of the challenges you find online have a starting point that may not be a good starting point for everyone.  It may be too easy for some and too difficult for others so this ab challenge can be customized per person.

Plank Challenge
Goal: Complete 5 out of 7 days - two days of rest not consecutively

Directions:

Day 1.  Find your personal starting point.  Do the plank for as long as you can (max out).  Keep proper form and use a stop watch to time (most phones have the stop watch option).  This time is your starting point for the challenge.  Rest for a few minutes and then repeat meeting the same time. 

Each day increase your time by 10 seconds.

For example: If your first round is 30 seconds, you will repeat and do another 30 second plank.  The next day your two rounds will be 40 seconds each etc.

 

You can see in the diagram above all the muscles the plank works in addition to the abs.  It is a great toning exercise!

 

Today is Day 1!  Let me know how it goes! Good luck!

 

~Erin Leigh

 



Survey Says...

I am looking for some feedback! Please respond however you feel most comfortable...comment, private message, email. 

Do you work out?
-If yes, how many days a week on average?
-Where:  Gym? Home? Outdoors?

Do you feel it is easier to work out alone or in a group?

What do you feel are your problem areas that would like to work on toning?

If you do not work out, or do not work out as much as you would like, what factors are stopping you?

Thanks for your input! :)
~Erin Leigh