Saturday Night Sweat Sesh! #21DFX

Since the weather was icky this morning we skipped the Farmers Market which I was bummed about. If you have never been, you would be shocked at how much you could save on fresh fruits and veggies. So what do you do on a rainy Saturday, with nothing to do?? Tackle IKEA!

Grilled Chicken Salad :)

We got a super cute dining room table so that we could give my sis our old one for their new house. :) Seeing as how we don't get over to the other side of Orlando much, we grabbed a mid-afternoon bite to eat at a restaurant over there at Greens & Grille. I had never been before but it was a great little place with healthy salads, wraps and grilled plates. This was the last of my grilled chicken salad. SO good!

Instead of getting our 5AM workout in, we slept in until 7:15, snuggled with our baby girl and ate breakfast on the porch. <3 Needless to say we put off working out until wayyyy too late tonight. Happy it is done and I am really proud that I haven't given in to my urge to take a rest day. Tomorrow is Yoga Fix Extreme, which is as close to a rest day as we get with this program. Looking forward to it!

Just before Dirty 30 was about to go down!

Happy Friday!! 12 for 12! #21DFX

Pressed play bright and early this morning and it was hard but I was in a fabulous mood when I was done! It feels so good to keep pushing forward, even on days when I just don't feel like it. I know it will be worth it!

SMILE :D

Tonight we had my parents over for dinner and a House of Cards marathon! I made a yummy chicken and tomato dish over whole wheat pasta. No photos were taken because I devoured it in .05 seconds. We have been planning this evening for a while because last year we watched the entire second season of HOC in less than a week. Needless to say we were all pumped to watch tonight. However, the only problem with starting your day with a 5AM workout is that you want to be in bed by 10PM...even on a Friday. I think we are officially old. 

We've decided to sleep in tomorrow morning, if you consider 7:30 sleeping in that is, and head to the farmers market for our fresh fruits and veggies for the week. 

So my sleepy self is off to bed. Goodnight.

Take That Leg Day! #21DFX Day 11 DONE!

Today's workout kicked my butt and I nearly threw up half-way through but I finished...little victories! I don't know why Lower Fix Extreme was SO much harder today than last week. I think that because I felt stronger in the rest of my workouts earlier this week I just expected this one to be the same....not so much. The only thing that made me feel better was that Joe was complaining even more than me. He also tried to tell me that he may rest tomorrow if he is still that sore. HA! We will see about that buddy. ;)

I caught up with my challenge groups, and my messages and emails during lunch today since that is when I usually squeeze in my coaching business time. I love that I can do it on my schedule and when my full time job and family schedule allows. This was my lunch (Meal #3) that I enjoyed. I have never been a veggie fan but I love this recipe for Spinach Egg Scramble! 

My afternoon snack in-between meetings 1/2 Red 1 Purple 

We spent the evening at my sister's and although the consensus was to order dinner in, when everyone else ordered tacos and pasta I chose grilled tilapia with steamed broccoli. Holding myself just as accountable as I hold my challengers in my groups is what is really helping me to not give into these temptations. I think I will forever be a challenger for that very reason.

Off to bed to hopefully sleep off some of my soreness. 

10 for 10! 21 Day Fix Extreme :)

Today was Day 10 and I am feeling great even though getting up at 5AM for my workouts isn't my fav. It's a struggle between my love for sleep and wanting to get my workout done so I don't have to do it in the evenings. I did one workout at night last week and it was miserable. So I will put up with going to bed earlier so that I can appear to be semi-awake before the sun comes up. I did get to bust out some new workout clothes I bought from Target over the weekend, which obviously made everything better.

I think I have decided Pilates Fix Extreme is my second favorite workout with this program next to yoga. The resistance bands are used with this workout instead of weights and I still look a bit ridiculous trying to use them. At least my husband gets a good laugh at me and my lack of coordination.

I kicked butt in the nutrition department today if I do say so myself. Another working lunch meeting with clients but this time we went out to eat. It was on a whim so it wasn't like I was able to look at my options before we left for the restaurant. So the majority vote was my favorite sushi joint. All I really wanted was a bowl of white rice and a spicy tuna roll with spicy mayo on top. Instead I chose tuna and salmon sashimi. It was so yummy and I felt proud of myself for not giving in when everyone the person across from me ordered fried cheesecake! That is a thing?! Who knew! It look phenomenal but so do my jeans when they fit. :p


Finally I will leave you with my positive thought for the day. <3

Cookies EVERYWHERE! #21DFX Day 9

During the last 9 days I have been challenged just as much mentally as I have been physically. Today was no different.

I remember sitting in those same all day work meetings less than two years ago, when lunch would be brought in and I would justify in my head why I could eat 2 rolls, a sandwich, chips and two giant cookies. "I just won't eat the rest of the day", I would think to myself. 

I sat in that same type of meeting today with those same tempting foods staring back at me and instead chose to excuse myself during lunch to grab my chicken and broccoli I had brought from home. So what is the difference between then and now? I have now learned how to eat healthy in order to fuel my body throughout the day, and the urge to binge eat unhealthy foods just because they are there is not a constant battle for me anymore.

BUT lets be real here for a second. I wanted a cookie, and when I am done with this challenge you can bet that one of my first treat meals will include some type of chocolate something.

Sumo squat + bicep curl = ouch!

As for my workout this morning, the getting out of bed part was not easy. Which is just one of the many reasons I am happy that my husband is doing this with me. He pushes me not just in my workouts, but literally out of bed. This morning was Upper Fix Extreme and it was much better than last week. Just like yesterday, it didn't seem nearly as difficult and my arms are getting stronger! This little sumo bicep curl was tough and that is a forced smile on my face. 

The beauty below was dinner and the FIRST time I have ever made tilapia. So yummy and I am patting myself on the back for not messing it up!

Ahhhhh!!!! Week 1 Results Are In! - #21DFX Day 8

I was so excited to step on that scale this morning and to do my measurements! A woman who is excited to weigh themselves...weird right?!

I knew I had lost a couple of inches just because of the way my clothes have been fitting but I didn't know what the scale would show. I used to be concerned with that number. You might even say obsessive. It taunted me. I often let that number decide how I felt about myself on any particular day. But that was the old me. I no longer let that number define me.
Now I know it is more about how you feel more than anything else. Do you feel healthy? Do you feel like you are making progress? Do you feel confident? Those are the things that matter, not some silly number.

Sometimes when I start a new program I gain weight or don't lose any weight initially. This is due to a number of things --- Gaining muscle, or my body simply adjusting to a new fitness program, etc. --- So I had already decided that regardless of the number on that scale, or the inches lost or not lost, I was proud of myself for truly committing to this program. It has made me physically and mentally stronger which is what I was really hoping for, a challenge.

With all of that said...4.4 POUNDS and 4.25 INCHES LOST!!! 

My "I am super duper proud of myself" face! :D

Andddd my hubby was down 5.8LBS!! So proud of him for sticking with this too! 

My goal when I started this program was more for toning than weight loss. However, I had gained a few pounds before I started. Perhaps a bit too much chocolate and wine the week prior ;) So I am thrilled to be down a few pounds! I can't believe today is only Day 8! I won't be taking progress pics until the end of the 21 days but if this is any indication, I know I will be extremely happy with my final results. 

During my workout today, Plyo Fix Extreme, I didn't feel like I was going to die 5 minutes in, so that was a big plus! LOL! I could tell I have built up endurance and that I am getting stronger, particularly in my legs. 

Well that's a wrap for Day 8. Goodnight.

New Favorite Workout!

This morning was spent lounging in bed, checking in with my challengers and working on my groups for the upcoming week. Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE what I do as a Coach?! It doesn't get much better than working in your pjs. :)

We got all of our meal prep done before 10AM which never happens so I was feeling accomplished. If you don't meal plan or prep before the start of your week I would strongly recommend it. It takes all the pressure off during the week when you have a plan. Even just preparing a few dinners each week will save you time and allow you to make healthier choices when you are on the go.

Mmmm Strawberries!

dinners ready!

Here is my meal plan for Week 2. See I promised I would make it prettier. ;) I mixed up some of our meals but kept many of them the same. Simple is the name of the game.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Workout	Plyo Fix Extreme	Upper Fix Extreme	Pilates Fix Extreme	Lower Fix Extreme	Cardio Extreme	Dirty 30 Extreme	Yoga Extreme
Breakfast	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp	PB & Strawberry Oatmeal 1Y 1P 1Tsp
Snack	Pineapple 1P Peanuts 1O	Pineapple 1P Peanuts 1O	Pineapple 1P Peanuts 1O	Apple 1P Peanuts 1O	Apple 1P Peanuts 1O	Apple 1P Peanuts 1O	Apple 1P Peanuts 1O
Lunch	Egg & Spinach Scramble 1R 2G	Egg & Spinach Scramble 1R 2G	Egg & Spinach Scramble 1R 2G	Egg & Spinach Scramble 1R 2G	Egg & Spinach Scramble 1R 2G	Chicken 1R Broccoli 2G	2 eggs 1R Ezekiel Bread 1Y
Snack	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp	Shakeology 1R 1Tsp
Dinner	Tilapia 1R Brown Rice 1Y	Chicken 1R Broccoli 1G Brown Rice 1Y	Chicken 1R Broccoli 1G Brown Rice 1Y	Chicken 1R Broccoli 1G Brown Rice 1Y	Chicken 1R Broccoli 1G Brown Rice 1Y	Turkey Tacos 1R 1G	Chicken 1R Broccoli 3G
Snack	Almonds 1B 2 Hard Boiled Eggs 1R	Almonds 1B 2 Hard Boiled Eggs 1R	Almonds 1B 2 Hard Boiled Eggs 1R	Almonds 1B 2 Hard Boiled Eggs 1R	Almonds 1B 2 Hard Boiled Eggs 1R	Almonds 1B 2 Hard Boiled Eggs 1R	Almonds 1B Egg Whites 1R

I was really looking forward to today's workout because I have been so sore from my workouts earlier this week. After finishing it though, it is safe to say I have a new favorite workout! I'm in love with Yoga Fix Extreme! It challenged my balancing ability but was super fun. I know this one will really improve my flexibility and my core strength.

Tomorrow is my end of week 1 weigh in and I am nervous-excited! I'll be sure to keep you posted!

P.S. My sneak peek into coaching group starts tomorrow. If you want to see what exactly we do as coaches, how we make an income, how much time does it take, etc. Send me an email at jaclynmlund@gmail.com and I will add you to the free group. 

Crushed #21DFX Dirty 30 Bonus Round...NOT!

I had all intentions of getting up at 6-ish and doing my workout this morning but it was far too cold. Floridians are not built for this winter weather. So instead we did morning snuggles with the babies, took my son, Nathan, to gymnastics, got my nails done and went to The Fresh Market for our weekly goodies. By the time 4:30pm rolled around my butt was not in the mood to get my workout done BUT I am holding my challengers accountable in our current groups, and they are doing the same for me!

If you haven't seen my fantastic video of us doing Dirty 30 Extreme then I suggest you check it out. Let's just say my form wasn't exactly perfect. LOL

We are mixing up our meals slightly this week and I will post the full weeks meal plan tomorrow. For now here is a peek at our shopping cart. We have recently started getting whole pineapples and cutting our own. We found that if you buy pre-cut chunks at the store they cost nearly double so we now we cut it ourselves, and get more fruit for a lot less. Not sure how to cut your own? YouTube has a video for everything, including the correct way to cut a pineapple! 

Meal prep for the week is going down in the morning. YAY for Yoga day!

Short and Sweet.

Going to give just a quick wrap up of Day 5 because I. am. beat.

I was traveling today and so I planned on doing my workout as soon as I got home tonight. Instead, me and my boys decided to watch JUMANJI! Love that movie btw!! So it is now 10pm and I just finished Cardio Fix Extreme. I won't lie, that was the hardest workout yet and it was a struggle to press play. This my friends is why I workout in the morning. With exercises called 'plank kicks', 'fast feet', and 'shuffle burpees', you can probably guess why it was my least favorite so far.

I stayed on track with my nutrition during my entire trip but I caved a bit when I got home and had an extra yellow (Ezekiel bread) and 1/2 a blue (hummus) today. Do I think I failed?...nope! I was honestly just more hungry today and listened to my body even though it wasn't quite a part of the plan.

Happy Friday! :)

My Friday late night date. 

The Tale of Two Rolls... Day 4 - 21DFX

Man oh man. I am convinced someone has it in for me. Perhaps that is a bit dramatic. Let me explain.

So tonight I skipped the cocktail party and ordered a healthy fix approved meal from room service instead. Salmon was the fish of the day so I asked them to prepare it grilled with seasoning only and  steamed broccoli, with no oil or butter.
---> A little tip: when you go out to eat, if you request something to be prepared in a certain way, most of the time they are able to accommodate. So don't be afraid to ask!

Healthy Meal #2 with Almonds

I was super proud of myself because today was rough. I had the opportunity to cheat so many times. Breakfast was pastries and fortunately fruit. So I brought my baggie of steel-cut oats with me, added hot water and was ready to go, with that and my side of fruit. Squeezed in my healthy almonds and hardboiled eggs I found in the deli downstairs for a snack, even though small bags of chips were provided. Lunch was a buffet style meal and I chose salad instead of all the other rice, beans, and beef that was being served. I passed up the desert table and if you know me well, dessert is my thing! I had my afternoon Shakeo which saved me from my intense cravings that had been building all day long. Which leads me back to my room service dinner.

Shakeo afternoon break

Like I said, I ordered it perfectly and when it arrived it looked amazing as you can see. HOWEVER, do you see that little plate to the top left of my tray. Yep, they did the unthinkable. They brought a former, self proclaimed 'bread addict' fresh mouthwatering artisan dinner rolls. So I threw them in the trash! Now that my friends is willpower! I even have my sister as a witness since we were on FaceTime and she was the one who gave me the idea. LOL So thanks Jenn! :)

Evil bread plate! 

Well Day 4 of 21 Day Fix Extreme is in the books! I am strangely looking forward to my workout tomorrow night when I get back home. Stay tuned to see how I survive the weekend...aka the attempted destroyer of all the good habits you have been sticking to during the week.

Hello from Atlanta! ...& Day 3 - 21 Day Fix Extreme Recap!

First of all I just have to say that I am SO happy with the results I am already seeing so far on only day 3 of this program! I have been following the nutrition plan perfectly and I know it is paying off! Remember, 80% of your results come from your diet.

So I pressed play bright and early again this morning; Pilates Fix Extreme. Honestly I was surprised at how challenging it was. I have done pilates programs before but this was way more intense. I felt like I worked muscles I haven't before which is a good thing. It means I am going to feel stronger than I have before when I am done with this program!

#21DFX PB & Strawberry Oatmeal

Breakfast was the delicious PB & Strawberry Oatmeal I mentioned in my earlier post. It is quickly becoming one of my new favs!

Last night I was lying in bed thinking about my Day 4 workout that I was scheduled to do tomorrow, and realized how selfish it would be of me to take the dvd on my trip and have my husband miss leg day! ---> If you don't already know, leg day is most everyone's least favorite workout. ;) 

Normally when I am traveling for just a few days I can makeup the workout on my usual 'rest day'. However, with the 21 Day Fix programs, because they are only 21 days and designed to give you maximum results in a short period of time, you don't have any rest days. My only choice is to double up if I am going to miss a day and stick to it... So that is exactly what I did! 

After I dropped off my daughter, Addi, at daycare this morning I went home and completed Lower Fix Extreme. My legs were already feeling like jello from my earlier workout but I pushed through and although it was tough, I felt amazing when I was done. I realize you can't tell by this photo but I did, I promise.

My forced smile face after my second workout of the day!

Healthy airport lunch and then some!

As I mentioned I am on a business trip in Atlanta the rest of this week and the bigger struggle when it comes to being away from home, is following the nutrition plan. But I came armed with my Shakeo, my color coded containers and all of my non-perishable food in plastic baggies. At the airport today I was surrounded by greasy food and Starbucks pastries, but I stayed STRONG. I searched for a while before I found something suitable to eat but it ended up being just what I needed to stay on track! 

I passed on the networking event tonight because it was a cocktail party and a girl can only handle so much temptation for one day. 

#21DFX Day 2 --- My poor legs!

Getting up this morning was less of a leap and more of a crawl. I could definitely feel that my legs got a fantastic workout yesterday which is encouraging since I did modify a little bit yesterday.

Today I tackled Upper Fix Extreme made me want to cry a little. Okay, so it wasn't that bad but my arms were on fire and I modified almost the entire workout. I know I will get stronger but right now it is a challenge for sure.

Some of you may or may not know that I have a corporate office job as a Global Sourcing (fancy word for Purchasing) Manager. Most days, much like today, I am busy in and out of meetings all day long. Today I struggled to eat on time like I was supposed to. I snuck out of a meeting at one point to go drink my Shakeo. I call that commitment....or perhaps my eyes were glazing over from electrical engineering lingo. In any case I was able to get in all 6 meals, almost on time.

As I am typing this recap my husband tells me he is dreading our morning pilates workout in less than 7 hours. Me on the other hand, I cannot wait!

I totally slacked on pics today. I know, I know, you are very disappointed that you didn't see my usual selfie. ;)

Tomorrow is the start of a big challenge, as I will be traveling for work the remainder of the week. Hotel workouts, and lots of temptations are in my future but I GOT THIS!

Day 1 of 21 Day Fix Extreme Wrap-up!

I practically leaped out of bed this morning when my alarm went off at 5AM! If you know me I am so NOT a morning person so this was unusual. I think I was just super excited to get started!! 

Today couldn't have gone any better! I got my workout done first thing, checked in with my challengers and enjoyed my yummy breakfast of PB and Strawberry Oatmeal. It is a Fix Extreme recipe and oh my goodness it is a keeper well after I complete this program!

Day 1 #21DFX DONE!

My workout today was Plyo Fix EXTREME and it was no joke! It was harder than I even expected. I have never been good with plyometrics and the jumping around involved so I did almost a fully modified workout. No shame here! I know I will get stronger.

My Mid-morning Chocolate Break :)

A huge part of this program is obviously nutrition, specifically portion control. I get asked all the time, "Won't I be hungry? I am afraid that I will not be eating enough." I can tell you that if you are following the plan and eating the right foods you couldn't possibly be hungry with this program. The best part is it lets me eat as often as I am used to and I stay full!

Delicious Dinner!

Well that's a wrap! Bring on Day 2!

Here Goes Nothing!

So tomorrow is the BIG day... I start 21 Day Fix Extreme! AHHH!! I am so excited but also a bit nervous because I know this will test me, not only physically, but mentally.

I spent extra time planning meals today and making sure I am totally prepared for the week even more so than I usually do. My hubby, Joe, has also decided to join in with me which I think will make it somewhat easier, and certainly more fun! Knowing I have him there supporting and encouraging  me will push me that much more. 

Since he has a higher calorie intake, I separated our meal plans a bit to accommodate the extra containers he will be eating. We will both be following The Fat Burner EXTREME eating plan which includes 6 meals per day and is ideal to optimize your fat burn. 

Here are our meal plans for the first week. When I meal plan it is all about simple, delicious meals. You'll notice that we don't have to have a lot of variety throughout the week because for us it is easier to stick to the plan this way. Then for the next week we mix up the plan and choose different meals.

Please excuse my chicken scratch and I promise I will make this "prettier" for next week's meal plan so you can get a good idea of what we are eating each day.

Mine and the hubs Week 1 Meal Plan

Meal prep for the week DONE!

My alarm is set and my workout clothes are laid out. I am ready to do this! Off to get a good nights rest because my 5AM workout is going to come fast. Check back here daily to follow my journey as I conquer #21DFX!

Choose Your FIX!

I'm sure many of you have seen my obsession with 21 Day Fix over the last 6 months. It was the program that helped me lose my last 10 pounds post baby and the simplicity of the program is ingenious! With healthy eating, quick 30 minute workouts, and portion control, you don't have to look any further for a program that will get you the results you are looking for in the shortest amount of time... and you never had to diet again.

The eating plan uses a color coded system of containers and a Shakeology Shaker Cup to give you perfect portion control every time with zero guesswork. NO MORE COUNTING and MEASURING! If it fits in the container, you can eat it, and you’ll lose weight.

1. Green Container (8oz): vegetables
2. Purple Container (8oz): fruits
3. Red Container (6oz): proteins
4. Yellow Container (5.3oz): carbohydrates
5. Blue Container (2.7oz): healthy fats and cheeses
6. 2 Orange Containers (2oz): seeds and dressings
7. Shakeology Cup: mixing Shakeology

Mandy's results after just 21 days!

You can imagine my excitement when I found out that Autumn Calabrese has created 21 Day Fix EXTREME, to get you seriously shredded in the shortest time possible. This breakthrough 21-day fitness and nutrition program combines simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme 30-minute workouts to help you finally get the lean, defined hardbody you’ve always wanted. I will begin #21DFX this Monday and will be documenting it all right HERE. Check back daily if you are interested in following my journey!

So what is the difference between the original 21 Day Fix and EXTREME? The original program was created for beginners to intermediate level. It’s great for someone who has never worked out a day in their life, who is at an intermediate level but needs to get their nutrition on track while incorporating a new workout routine, or who has significant amount of weight to lose. There are also "treats" built into the original program!

With 21 Day Fix Extreme…there is no chocolate, no wine, no “treats”. It’s designed to get you in the absolute best shape in a short amount of time! This program is for 21 Day Fix graduates, people with a baseline fitness level, people who have an event coming up and a short amount of time to get ready for it, or anyone looking for a challenge.

Both programs come with 30 minute workouts, color coded portion controlled containers, Shakeology shaker cups, recipes and more! ---> and ME as your personal Coach! :)

I run challenge groups for both 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme online Challenge Groups each month --- Next one begins prep week on February 16th! These groups are designed for the support, accountability, and motivation to reach your goals in a FUN way! 

If you are interested in more information about joining a group, please complete the details below.

Fill out my online form.

Clean Margherita Pizza Quesadilla

I have been sick and unable to eat much since last night. You know the feeling when you finally get your appetite back and could eat everything you see. No-well maybe it's just me. ;)

Since I still wasn't feeling fabulous my husband indulged me in my request for ingredients to make Margherita Pizza Quesadillas for the family tonight.

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 Ezekiel tortilla
1 tomato, sliced
3 oz mozzarella, sliced
2 large basil leaves, chopped

Directions:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla in the pan. Then layer the tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves on one half of the tortilla. Cook for a 90 seconds before folding the empty half of the tortilla over the other side. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is beginning to melt and the underside of the tortilla is brown. Flip, and cook until this side is also brown.
Slice and enjoy!