Kitchen Table Fitness

I'm A "Sweet 'n Low" Girl

2009-05-28T09:35:00.001-04:00

This is a very informative article for those of you who use low-cal or no calorie sweeteners in your coffee, tea or baking!

Check It Out!

Supplements, The Perfect Addition!

2009-03-27T09:28:00.000-04:00

As promised a little tidbit about Beachbody's supplements which I am a HUGE fan of! I personally take the Slimming Formula and the Performance Formula. I also enjoy the vanilla Whey Protein Powder to make shakes for a snack in the afternoons..perfect for that late afternoon pick me up!

And of course..you can't forget about SHAKEOLOGY!!!

Recommitted With My Man!

2009-03-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

Now that I am almost over the chest cold that has been plaguing me for about a month..I am ready to hit the fitness trail once again. I've kept my eating under control and my weight down, but I've gotten "soft" and am ready to TONE IT UP! After all..tank top & shorts season is right around the corner. I really don't want flabby arms and legs popping out all over the place! I want to be toned and fit! Don't we all??

I've committed to start a 4-week intense round of Slim Series THIS Monday! Its the next step from Slim in 6, where I started my journey at over a year ago. I apologize that the video is no longer there. I can't find a new one..but when I do I'll post it.

My husband is joining me in getting fit for summer..for LIFE..and this time he's taking on his first Beachbody program, rather than doing something on his own.

P90X...BABY!!!

If you would like to join us..visit my WEBSITE to sign up to have me as your Coach(remember it's free!), and order your program, TODAY! If you join the Beachbody Club..you'll get 10% off of every order! There is so much to choose from..you will definitely find something that meets your needs.

Tomorrow..a little talk about supplements!

Another Great Green Site!

2009-03-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted about a coupon site that provides coupons for a healthier you. I really do enjoy this site and still am using it.

Then a few days ago I was approached by another company that had seen my post and wanted me to be aware of their company and that they too provide "green coupons."

After spending some time on the SustainLane site, I knew I had to share with you all (and no I'm not being paid for this!). I am a "chewy" kind of mom. (Thanks to this blogger for making me aware of that!) So a site like SustainLane is really exciting for me because it is always nice to find new ways to go green and get healthier.

The site offers lots and lots of information from their homepage, but I wanted to point out two sections that I, as a mom, found the most exciting.

Green Saver Discount Coupons - with lots of catagories to choose from, including: Clothing, Home & Garden, Skin & Body Care, Baby, Pets, Food & Drink!

AND

Gorilla in the Greenhouse FOR KIDS! - a site for kids with cartoon episodes, activities, a blog and more to teach kids about the importance of going green!

I hope you all will check it out. Sign up for the site to receive their newsletter & to write reviews on the products (FREE!), and come back here to let me know what you think!

SHAKEOLOGY IS HERE!!

2009-03-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

Shakeology is here! It's here!! It's here! Watch the video first..and then read on!

http://www.milliondollarbody.com/showcase_bcplayer.htm?bctid=16664447001&code=7909

Pretty neat huh? The following is information sent to me by my coach and I wanted to share it with you as it best describes Shakeology..I couldn't say it better myself!

This is a meal replacement shake with 70 different ingredients in it (too many to name.) NO CAFFEINE. The ingredients cover 6 macro & micro nutrient groups: digestive enzymes, protein/amino acids, vitamins/minerals, anti-oxidents, phytonutrients, and pre-biotics. Bascially it takes out all the guesswork for proper nutrition. You literally get all the veggies you need in that shake. Of course, I still want you eating veggies. :-)

A 90-day clinical study led by a MD was conducted with 2 test groups. The first group only used Shakeology once/day. The second group used Shakeology once/day, plus exercised 3x/wk and ate healthy.

The first group, on average, reduced their oxidative damage by 45%, reduced their degerneative disease (forgot to write down the %), reduced cravings, and lost 10 lbs. The second group had all of the effects of the first group, PLUS, on average, reduced their total cholesterol 30%, reduced their LDL (bad cholesterol) 38%, and reduced their cardiovascular risk 24%!!!!!!!

Again, as a medical professional, I had to pick my chin off the floor.

In comparison to several other available products, such as Jamba Juice Acai, Herbalife, Monavie, and V-8 V Fusion, Shakeology blows them all away!!!!

Cost:
For a 30-day supply (one shake per day,) $119.95 is retail, $107.95 is club members, and $89.86 is coach price.

Once you start breathing again :-), I want you to know that this is actually a great deal. It's comes out to $4/shake for retail and $3/shake for coaches. Remember this replaces a meal. I mean, how many of us drink Starbucks? Starbucks runs, on average, $4/specialty coffee but may be 360 cal, 51 carb, and 46 sugar. Shakeology is only 140 cal, 17 carb (that's only 1 carb serving), and 9 sugar.

As I started breaking down the cost, I want you to know that I realized this is the perfect time to become a coach. Coaches receive 25% off all products. The savings is $30/month. Coaches pay a $15/month business fee. We still save $15 from retail cost!!!!!!!! In essence, that is $180/year!!!!! The initial coach fee is $40. Because we have $30 discount from the retail cost, technically it would only cost $10 to become a coach!!!!!! This is an exciting time!!!!!!!

You can order from MY WEBSITE, or you can EMAIL ME and I can answer all of your questions. We can even set up a meeting over the phone or IM if you want to talk more one on one about any of Beachbody's products or about becoming a Coach yourself!

It's ALL At Your Fingertips!

2009-03-19T11:24:00.000-04:00

Have you been reading this blog and played around with the idea of becoming a Beachbody Coach, but dont feel like you know enough about the following things:

The complete business opportunity?
How you will be compensated?
Beachbody's products and videos?
Beachbody's Club & Community?

Well I have got THE website for YOU! There is now a "one-stop shop" with all of the coaching information videos at your fingertips. Visit My Fitness Pays today to find out how YOU can get in shape physically & financially, TODAY!

And, as always, let me remind you that after watching one of these videos you decide to join the Beachbody opportunity, please do so by clicking on my Website link to sign up or by emailing me so I can help you. That way I will be your Coach and will guide you through the entire process!

It's TIME!!!

Worth The Read!

2009-03-17T08:37:00.000-04:00

CAFFEINE EXPERTS AT JOHNS HOPKINS CALL FOR WARNING LABELS FOR ENERGY DRINKS

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Media Relations and Public Affairs
Media Contacts: Eric Vohr
410-955-8665; evohr1@jhmi.edu
Sept. 24, 2008

- Caffeinated energy drinks may present health risks

Johns Hopkins scientists who have spent decades researching the effects of caffeine report that a slew of caffeinated energy drinks now on the market should carry prominent labels that note caffeine doses and warn of potential health risks for consumers.

"The caffeine content of energy drinks varies over a 10-fold range, with some containing the equivalent of 14 cans of Coca-Cola, yet the caffeine amounts are often unlabeled and few include warnings about the potential health risks of caffeine intoxication," says Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., one of the authors of the article that appears in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence this month.

The market for these drinks stands at an estimated $5.4 billion in the United States and is expanding at a rate of 55 percent annually. Advertising campaigns, which principally target teens and young adults, promote the performance-enhancing and stimulant effects of energy drinks and appear to glorify drug use.

Without adequate, prominent labeling; consumers most likely won't realize whether they are getting a little or a lot of caffeine. "It's like drinking a serving of an alcoholic beverage and not knowing if its beer or scotch," says Griffiths.

Caffeine intoxication, a recognized clinical syndrome included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, is marked by nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, tremors, rapid heartbeats (tachycardia), psychomotor agitation (restlessness and pacing) and in rare cases, death.

Reports to U.S. poison control centers of caffeine abuse showed bad reactions to the energy drinks. In a 2007 survey of 496 college students, 51 percent reported consuming at least one energy drink during the last month. Of these energy drink users, 29 percent reported "weekly jolt and crash episodes," and 19 percent reported heart palpitations from drinking energy drinks. This same survey revealed that 27 percent of the students surveyed said they mixed energy drinks and alcohol at least once in the past month. "Alcohol adds another level of danger," says Griffiths, "because caffeine in high doses can give users a false sense of alertness that provides incentive to drive a car or in other ways put themselves in danger."

A regular 12-ounce cola drink has about 35 milligrams of caffeine, and a 6-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 80 to 150 milligrams of caffeine. Because many energy drinks are marketed as "dietary supplements," the limit that the Food and Drug Administration requires on the caffeine content of soft drinks (71 milligrams per 12-ounce can) does not apply. The caffeine content of energy drinks varies from 50 to more than 500 milligrams.

"It's notable that over-the-counter caffeine-containing products require warning labels, yet energy drinks do not," says Chad Reissig, Ph.D., one of the study's authors.

Griffiths notes that most of the drinks advertise their products as performance enhancers and stimulants - a marketing strategy that may put young people at risk for abusing even stronger stimulants such as the prescription drugs amphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). A 2008 study of 1,253 college students found that energy drink consumption significantly predicted subsequent non-medical prescription stimulant use, raising the concern that energy drinks might serve as "gateway" products to more serious drugs of abuse. Potentially feeding that "transition" market, Griffiths says, are other energy drinks with alluring names such as the powdered energy drink additive "Blow" (which is sold in "vials" and resembles cocaine powder) and the "Cocaine" energy drink. Both of these products use the language of the illegal drug trade.

Griffiths and colleagues are currently collecting case reports of intoxication from energy drinks in children and adolescents. If readers are interested in learning more, go to http://www.bpru.org/energydrinks/ .

Eric C Strain, M.D., from Johns Hopkins also contributed to this study.

It's Time!

2009-03-14T07:58:00.000-04:00

**EDIT** I can't get the image to show up how I want it to...but you can still see the links to click on to get info on each program. PLEASE..if you decide to start one of these programs do not order until you have contacted me first. Doing so will assign someone else as your coach. By contacting me first I will be able to direct you how to order so that I will be the one coaching YOU!

Just got this in my email...for more information...EMAIL ME! Have a GREAT weekend and spend some time thinking about how YOU want to get into shape!



	P90X® with Tony Horton 12 extreme workouts take you from regular to ripped in 90 days. FREE Ab Ripper X! Learn More

	Turbo Jam® with Chalene Johnson Kickboxing and body sculpting to blast away the fat. FREE Turbo Sculpting Gloves. Learn More

	10-Minute Trainer® with Tony Horton Just 10 minutes for incredible full-body slimming and toning results. FREE Lean Jean Plan. Learn More

	ChaLEAN Extreme® with Chalene Johnson Proven circuit training techniques based on the fact that MUSCLE BURNS FAT®. FREE guidebook. Learn More

	Slim in 6® with Debbie Siebers Light resistance and cardio training for full-body reshaping in 6 weeks. FREE resistance band! Learn More

	Hip Hop Abs® with Shaun T Fun dance moves for lean, sexy abs without getting on the floor. FREE gifts to keep! Learn More

Yeah, I'll Pass, Thank You..

2009-03-12T09:58:00.000-04:00

So I have been thinking lately. Am I doing the right thing working out at home? I mean, I have gotten results. I love the programs. I love the whole workout experience. I love being able to not have to bundle my kids up and take them out to a gym daycare or wait until my husband is home so I can go to the gym alone. But AM I am really making the right decision handling my fitness this way?

I am on Twitter...and I have a lot of moms who follow me and with whom I follow, some are very much into going to the gym. They seem to love that time away from the house. Although recently I've seen a lot of tweets about the cost of gym daycare, the kids throwing fits and moms getting pulled out of their classes...but that's not really research. Right? So I decided to take a step further and look into a local gym. See if I'm really missing anything. This is what I found..

For my husband & me to both join the gym. Because let's face it. If I get to get out of the house to work out, then I know he would want to, too. It would cost us, $1,140/yr. Or $95/mo. We are more than welcome to cancel our membership within 10 days, but if we decide to cancel after that time period. We'd be charged $200. And if we didn't want to sign on for a whole year. Let's say we just wanted to do 6 months. It would cost us $65/person. With a start up fee of $150/person. And again if we canceled after 10 days we'd be charged $200. Oh and rates are subject to change per the gym's discretion. Oh and you STILL have to pay for some of the classes and services even with the membership.

I stopped there. I didn't even feel like researching any further. That amount of money is incomprehensible for my family. We have 3 kids. We live on a budget and to be honest with you, although I probably could cut things out to be able to afford to go to this gym. I'd much rather have that extra money for many other things that we enjoy. Such as our children's activities, remodeling our house, landscaping the yard. Wouldn't you?

So I am definitely happy with my decision of choosing Beachbody. I have not even put in 1/3 of what a years membership would cost to get a huge assortment of programs that both my husband and I enjoy. I am actually MAKING money by being a part of the company. And best of all...no juggling schedules to figure out who's going to watch the kids and when. That right there equals more family time, and you CAN NOT put a price on that!!

Promo

2009-03-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

So my new "mommy" blog is officially up and running.

If you feel like boring yourself silly...Go Read Today's Post!

I'll be back to regularly scheduled fitness/health blogging here tomorrow.

Green Coupons

2009-03-10T11:36:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I love coupons! I have a fairly large family, and if you include the extended family that comes over at least every other week, I spend quite a hefty portion of our budget on groceries.

Something else that I love...is cooking & eating as healthy as I can. This includes incorporating natural, organic products into our meal plan.

I really thought I had emails & mailings coming from almost every free coupon site out there...until I found THIS!

Mambo Sprouts is a FREE coupon company that targets healthy, natural & organic products. They have savings for brands like Kashi, Stonyfield Farm, and Clif.

I'm SO excited about this site..they even have a recipe & kid section! You just HAVE to check it out...go now!

Celebs, Twitter, Beachbody, OH MY!

2009-03-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

I really love Twitter. I also really love Beachbody and all of the programs this company offers. Apparently, I have some things in common with celebs like P. Diddy, Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore. Read the following and tell me if you aren't just a little intrigued to find out more about Beachbody and all they have to offer!

The world was all a-Twitter when hip-hop music and fashion mogul P. Diddy (aka Puff Daddy, aka Sean Combs) recently "tweeted" about doing Hip Hop Abs®—and even invited people to join him. Coincidence that his new record is called Press Play? Maybe. Maybe not.

Caught tweeting about P90X® were Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. Which celeb will tweet next about which amazing Beachbody® workout? Stay tuned…

Just an FYI...the Tweets about "pylometrics" are what give it away for Ashton & Demi.

To learn MORE about the programs that these celebs..and others..are tweeting about...EMAIL ME!

Changes Are A Comin'!

2009-03-04T11:14:00.000-05:00

I apologize for being gone so long. Things have been a little hectic around here. Without going into specifics..let me just say..I'M BACK! :)

I've been thinking about how I would love to write more of a "mommy blog" because I have had so many funny stories to share, but this really isn't the place. So coming next week, there will be an additional blog in the "Kitchen Table" series debuting on Monday!

I will be keeping this blog updated with fitness progress posts, informational articles and business related news, but a new blog will be dedicated to the "mommy" side of me!

I'm excited and I hope you all will be too!

Have A Romantic Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

9 Aphrodisiacs to Heat Up Your Love Life
By Joe Wilkes

Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, aphrodisiacs have been the stuff of legend and song throughout history. Lovers looking for a leg up in the libido department have gone to their shamans, medicine men, and herbalists for centuries, searching for the magic ingredient that will kick their mojo into high gear. And today the search has gone to the Internet. Anyone with a lackluster spam filter has probably scanned the hundreds of emails that arrive every day, advertising powdered rhinoceros horn or some unpronounceable chemical that promises to goose your or your partner's desires. The efficacy of these miracle products is extremely dubious (and, in the case of the exotic animal parts, illegal), but there are plenty of products that you can find right in your grocery store or farmers' market that can potentially increase the heat between the sheets. Here are some common foods and why they might be able to put a little extra oomph into that special evening. And over half of them are in the top two tiers of Michi's Ladder, so you can have your cake and eat it, too! (Well, not cake, but asparagus and bananas!)

1. Oysters. These are perhaps the classic aphrodisiacs of all time. The legendary lover Casanova reportedly consumed 50 oysters every day to keep his . . . um . . . stamina up. But until recently the powers of these bivalves were only backed up by anecdotal evidence and the testimonials of mollusk-loving Lotharios. Recently though, studies have shown that oysters and their shellfish brethren, including clams, scallops, and mussels, all contain chemical compounds that may aid the release of testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones in both men and women. Oysters are also full of zinc, a deficiency of which can cause impotence in men, another reason they can be man's best friend in the bedroom. And then of course there's the conventional wisdom that if you'll eat an oyster, you'll eat anything.

2. Chocolate. What's more associated with Valentine's Day than chocolate? The ancient Aztecs considered chocolate to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women, and when the Europeans got wind of its inhibition-lowering properties, it wasn't long before the candy treat became a must-have when pitching woo. Casanova and famed Louis XV courtesan Madame du Barry were reported to be great believers in the powers of chocolate, and there may have been something to it. Chocolate contains the chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are also naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, usually released when we are happy or in love. Its chemicals can literally cause your heart to beat a little faster. Add to that a boost of caffeine and sugar, and it can be a pretty good pick-me-up with a small side of euphoria.

3. Figs. Maybe it wasn't just the apple in the Garden of Eden that got things going. Remember, Adam and Eve ended up covering themselves in fig leaves. And it was also the favorite fruit of Cleopatra, who was certainly no slouch in the ways of love. In ancient Greece, fertility rituals would often follow the first fig harvest, and Greek portrayals of bacchanalia usually also included some fig action. In some European countries, figs are thrown instead of rice at newly married couples (ouch!) as symbols of fertility.

4. Bananas. In the Islamic version of the tale, Adam and Eve covered themselves with banana leaves rather than fig leaves. Bananas are also considered a fertility symbol by the Hindus. Bananas can really get you going with their high levels of potassium and B vitamins, which aid the production of hormones. Bananas also contain the protease bromelain, which is believed to help circulation.

5. Asparagus. It is rich in vitamin E, which is critical to the production of hormones. It also contains a lot of folic acid, which the body needs to produce histamines. And histamines are the chemical compounds that cause muscle contractions. A word of caution though—too much asparagus can cause flatulence, which might make the whole romantic plan backfire (no pun intended).
6. Avocados. The Aztecs referred to the avocado tree as Ahuacuatl or "testicle tree." Apparently, the fruit usually hangs in pairs. There appears to be little besides anecdotal evidence to support its claim as an aphrodisiac, though it is rich in many nutrients, including vitamins B6, C, and E. The California Avocado Commission conducted a Valentine's Day survey in 2000 of experts, 63 percent of whom concluded that the avocado does have some aphrodisiac qualities, some of which could be attributed to recently discovered phytochemicals.

7. Caviar. This fish-egg delicacy has been enjoyed by lovers for centuries, including, of course, Casanova (which increasingly leads me to believe a lot of women were just sleeping with him to get to the buffet). Caviar is known for its silky texture. Naturally, eggs are common fertility symbols, but there may also be some chemical reasons for which they are rated so highly on the love-maker's diet. Like oysters, they are high in zinc and rich in vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. They also are high in arginine, an amino acid which acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

8. Truffles. Not the chocolate kind (although those count under the "chocolate" category) but the expensive underground mushroom kind that pigs and dogs root out of the ground. Unlike other foods, it is the musky scent of the truffle that is believed to be what gets us going. Scientists have recently discovered that black truffles contain the pheromone androstenol. There is some debate over how much human beings are affected by pheromones, but truffles have been considered to be aphrodisiacs for centuries, and this recent discovery could be one explanation.

9. Champagne. When we think of romantic beverages, the list pretty much begins and ends with champagne. Most of the effects of champagne seem to be largely psychological, though. The purchase of an expensive beverage may set the mood for a special evening, and a mystique has been built in the media about the drink and its drinkers, from Marie Antoinette to Marilyn Monroe. But scientifically speaking, its amorous effects seem to come from the same place as most alcoholic beverages. Alcohol appears to have no positive effect on sexual function and, when overindulging, will usually move you in the other direction. It does, however, lead to a loss of inhibition and a decrease in judgment—in other words, a prelude to a kiss.

Sheryl Crow Does P90X!

2009-02-10T11:33:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to see this video! Sheryl is a perfect example of how a busy mom CAN and DOES handle an intense program like P90X. And by the way, P90X is a Beachbody program! One of the many that there is to choose from!

To find out more about P90X or any of the Beachbody programs, visit my website, or email me!

He Took My Heart & Never Gave It Back

2009-02-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Today my firstborn is 5! FIVE!!! WHAT???

I'm very excited for him and he just keeps saying "I can't believe it!"

Five is a big year for him. He'll be starting t-ball this spring, Kindergarten starts in the fall..and the most important milestone of all??

HE GETS TO STAY UP AN EXTRA HALF HOUR LATER THAN HIS SISTERS!!!!

He has not stopped reminding me for a week. And today is the day that it is finally here!

So while he is preparing for an evening of staying up late..8pm...I am reminiscing about the day he was born.

5 years ago I was laying in the hospital bed hooked up to Pitocin to induce labor and enduring contractions that came on with the force of a freight train. 5 years ago today, I was so excited to meet my son that I could not stop smiling. 5 years ago today I could have jumped up and down when the nurse told me that after 13 hours of labor with no progress it looked as though I would have a c-section...AND FINALLY GET TO MEET THE LITTLE MAN!

FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY, at 7:51pm, Hayden Carson was born. Weighing 7lbs. 10oz. With the most beautiful face I had ever seen. He came out smiling, and hasn't stopped since.

Happy Birthday, Son. I love you more everyday. You make your dad and I SO proud to be your parents. Keep being the mature, young man you are today, and you can and WILL accomplish all of your dreams. Starting with staying up late!

Love you, baby!

Grace In Small Things

2009-02-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

I am taking the lead from this lovely blogger today and going to post about things that cause me to sit back and realize how thankful I am!

1. My baby boy is turning 5 on Monday. Today I'm cleaning the house and making his Batman cake in anticipation for his party tomorrow. I, who have NO artistic ability at all, drew the "Bat Signal" that I'll put on top of his cake in black icing. He thinks it's SO COOL and I'm "the best mommy ever"!

2. We put our 3 year old in dance class this past week and working with her every evening on practicing her 1st position and pirouettes has been such a joy. (I may be living a little vicariously through her though...I always wanted to take dance when I was little!)

3. Tara (the 3 year old) and I worked together this morning to put dinner in the crockpot. She was so happy to help me and it made me realize that, although it takes longer, the accomplishment she feels when we're done is so worth it!

4. Taking time to snuggle with my husband in the recliner in the evenings is good for our relationship!

5. Kisses from my 1 1/2 y/o baby, are truly the sweetest ever. Her eyes are just over-flowing with love!

Now its your turn! What are you thankful for?

Their Fate Rests In Your Hands

2009-02-02T09:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my Cheat Day, and I had been craving my favorite Southwestern Chicken Taquitos out of the frozen food aisle. I decided to pick some up for lunch while I was out grocery shopping yesterday morning. I did my whole week worth of shopping and had my cart full of veggies, whole-wheat this, whole-wheat that, lean meats, Kashi cereal, mixed berries for my protein shakes; lots of good foods. So when I hit the frozen foods aisle, first I grabbed a couple of boxes of chopped spinach and then turned towards the frozen meal/snack aisle to grab my cheat food.

I don't pay much attention to that section of the store so I was sort of oblivious to all of the frozen snacks that have popped up over the last few months. Needless to say, I was shocked. But because I am focused on eating right, I wasn't tempted to load up my cart, nor have I ever been. I know the benefits of cooking meals from scratch. I have always fed my family homemade meals, not packaged junk. Even when I wasn't cooking very calorie-conscience meals, I at least knew better than to go the deep-fried/frozen route.

Unfortunately, not everyone does. There was a family shopping in the same aisle, and with the exception of the cookies, blocks of Velveeta, and cans of ravioli, they were filling up their cart with Hungry Man meals, and Pizza Rolls. Their daughter who was very noticeably overweight, and could not have been over 8, was running up and down the aisle looking at every option as though she could not get enough.

"Can we get these 4-cheese Hot Pockets? What about THIS? This looks SO good!", she shouted as she pulled out a arm-load of frozen burritos.

I was appalled and just wanted to shake the mother and father. What was wrong with these people? THIS was what they were going to feed their daughter for the week? This is what they fed her everyday?

Unfortunately, this is not a rare thing in this country. We are so "blessed" with abundance of food choices, many do not know how to make the correct decisions. And if you are a parent, it is YOUR obligation to feed your children food that will fuel their bodies, not kill them. That's right I said it. If you are allowing your children to eat unhealthily every single meal, and not teaching them proper nutrition, you are setting them up for a life of obesity, many health problems, and ultimately death at a younger age. This is a form of child abuse and it makes me so sad to know that it happens more than we could ever imagine.

What are YOUR thoughts on this issue? I'd love to hear about it.

For information on how to fuel your children's bodies, visit the USDA's Food Pyramid website for kids.

A Recipe From A Friend

2009-01-30T08:06:00.000-05:00

It's FRIDAY!! Yey!!

Today I'm tired, cold, and lazy. (But I am going to workout!)

I figured I'd take a moment to share a recipe that my good friend, Hippie, shared with me:

Slow Cooker Italian Herb Chicken

I highly encourage you to skip the pasta and just serve it with a large side of green veggies. But if you feel like you MUST have the pasta, opt for a whole-wheat variety. These are very tasty and more filling than the regular kind so you will not feel as though you need as much. And if you have picky kid eaters, just don't point out that it's different! My kids have never noticed the switch and eat it just as they always have.

Have a great weekend, enjoy the snow (if you live in a climate where you have been dumped on as we have), and take time to snuggle with your babies. Read a book, go sledding, have hot chocolate (them, not YOU!) and remember to give thanks to all the blessings in your life!

Snow, SNOW, SNOW!!!

2009-01-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those days where I am SO thankful to have found a workout routine that I can do from home. It's something that I tend to take for granted. If I had to go out to the gym or a workout class today...I can guarantee I would not get it done. And then, the guilt would set in. I'd probably start eating unhealthy foods...it would be a mess!!

You see, we had about an inch of ice fall overnight and are now getting snow...LOTS OF SNOW! A chance for over 8 inches by the time this storm has passed. And we already had a least 3 inches of snow on the ground!

So here I am, looking out the window, watching the snowflakes (that I swear are about the size of golf balls) falling and am SO thankful that I do not have to go out in it!

I can go into my warm living room, turn on the DVD player and get in my hour workout. Then take a hot shower and get into some snuggly clothes, grill some chicken on my George Forman grill and enjoy a delicious salad for lunch.

All without having to step a food outside in this cold mess! (Except to take the dog out!)

SO what are you waiting for? Now is the time to take control of YOUR fitness! To do it on YOUR time! No having to worry about the weather, no wasting gasoline, no finding childcare...it truly is a GIFT that I can give to you!

Peanut Butter Recalls

2009-01-27T08:23:00.000-05:00

Unless you have not watched even 5 minutes of any news program over the last month, you are fully aware that there is another round of peanut butter recalls due to salmonella. Fortunately, this time my family did not have any of the contaminated items in our pantry, unlike in 2007 when we had a nice full jar of peanut butter that was on the list!

If you haven't already looked over the list of contaminated items you can go to the FDA's website to read all about the recalls and items that are being taken off the shelves. If you have pets, make sure you check the pet food section too!

That being said. Let me assure you that if you use or are thinking of using any Beachbody products...they are safe! Here is the statement released on the 23rd by the company:

Understandably there is concern about the recent peanut butter-related salmonella outbreak. Rest assured that all raw materials used in the manufacturing of our P90X® Peak Performance Protein Bars: Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor—and all of our nutritional products—have been microbiologically tested and certified free of salmonella. So enjoy these delicious bars worry-free.

Fans of the Clif bar, which was most definitely recalled, you may want to consider contacting me so I can help you with ordering some of Beachbody's Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein bars. They also come in other flavors as well!

Now that I got the serious out of the way, let me take a moment to thank Nikki, from Becoming Ms. Health Nut. She awarded me with the Honest Scrap award! I am a few days late in thanking her, but let me assure you I am very happy about it! My first blog award, yey!

Live Webinar

2009-01-22T10:51:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update to let you all know...

If you are interested or curious about starting your own coach business...

I can set you up to join a live Webinar on Feb. 3rd or Feb. 10th starting at 5PM PT. If you are interested but neither of those times work for you, I can also email you one of the past recorded Webinars!

These are very informative and are hosted by Senior Manager of Sales Kevin Sherman and Will Culp. Beachbody's CEO Carl Daikeler, and several top coaches join in to describe the Beachbody Revolution!

Please leave a comment or Email Me if you are interested!

My Website

2009-01-21T16:43:00.000-05:00

My Team Beachbody website is officially up and running! CLICK HERE to find out all about Beachbody, and how to join my team, TODAY!

Take time to look through all the tabs so you can truly understand the amazing company I am honored to be a part of!

History Has Been Made

2009-01-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

Because today is such a momentous day in the history of our country, I am going to take a break from my regular blog post to say Congratulations to our 44th President of the United States of America, Barack H. Obama. May God bless him, his family, and our country!

How Much Do You Eat?

2009-01-19T11:39:00.000-05:00

When you eat does your plate tend to look like it could feed your entire family? I know mine has at times! Especially if it's pasta, pizza, ice cream, ect! But even when I am eating healthy, I have the tendency to overeat. Too many calories=minimal results from my workout program.

It's hard to know what a normal portion looks like when we are surrounded in our culture by "Super-Sized" fries, and restaurants that serve platters of food that are enough for 2 or more meals!

Weighing foods is one way to make sure that you are eating a proper portion of something, but I for one do not have the time or patience for that! I have 3 kids, a husband, and a dog who all need fed too! If I have to take the time to measure my food, no one would EVER eat! So I eyeball it. I may not have EXACTLY 6oz of chicken on my plate or 1 cup of lettuce in my salad, or 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter on my carrots, but it's close enough.

Here is a list of some common foods & what they look like measured out to get you started on "eyeballing":

1 cup cereal.....................Baseball
1 serving of meat or chicken.....deck of cards
3 ounces fish....................checkbook
1 ounce cheese...................4 dice
1 teaspoon butter................Thumbtip
2 tablespoon peanut butter.......pingpong ball
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta.....1 cupcake liner
1/2 cup cooked veggies...........tennis ball
1 cup raw leafy veggies..........2 tennis balls
1 small baked potato.............computer mouse

And if this doesn't help you or you have other foods that you're concerned about; weigh or measure them out a few times until you have a good idea of what a proper serving looks like and then you'll be all set to eyeball it as well!

How do you go about "portion-control"?

COMING TOMORROW: My Favorite Foods

Week One Done!

2009-01-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

I am finished with my "official" Week One of Yoga Booty Ballet. Technically I started 2 weeks ago, but I ended up making this week my official start.

It really feels great to be Pushing Play again. And Yoga Booty Ballet is such a unique program! I really can feel it working in my sides. I love the Yoga part of it but there is one problem..

The parts where I am to sit quietly, eyes close, hands together by the heart...SHOULD be so calming and enjoyable...but most definitely are not!

I usually get licked in the face by my dog, or one of my kids will jump on my back. It's delightful, let me tell ya!

All in all, I am loving the program and can not wait to see what results I get out of the remaining 9 weeks.

How did YOUR workout go this week? Didn't work out? Let me help you get started!

COMING MONDAY: Eyeballing Serving Sizes

TGIF!

2009-01-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

It's Friday, and I have to say, I could not be more excited! This has been a long, cold week and I am more than ready for the weekend! So, in the spirit of fun, let me recap my week for you!

Monday, I told you I had gotten sidetracked, HERE. That website really has me motivated to put my faith back on the front burner and get out there and either get back to going to our church or find a new church home!

Tuesday, I watched a near-brawl start during the kids exercising(I turned the camera off right before the punching and rolling around on the floor started, so I could intervene!) Hope you can see it okay..it turned out a little dark.:

Wednesday, we had a pretty significant Winter Storm. It was absolutely beautiful watching the snow fall for over 12 hours out our front picture window.

Thursday, I took a break from Pushing Play (it was a scheduled rest day for the Yoga Booty Ballet program I am following), and was amazed at the alien my 3 year old daughter built all by herself with no prompting from me!

And today, I plan on keeping up with my Flylady routines, Pushing Play, staying warm, and looking forward to our kid-free evening tomorrow night!

How was your week?

COMING TOMORROW: Week One of YBB Update!

Results!

2009-01-15T09:07:00.000-05:00

When I started my journey to fitness, I was doing it in support of my husband, and to lose the weight I had packed on due to my 3 consecutive pregnancies. Also, apparently, fudge bars and popcorn as an evening snack do not help with keeping the pounds off!

So I started with the program Slim in 6 and although it was challenging, I managed to keep at it every day and changed my eating. The result...well take a look for yourself!

Before Starting Slim in 6,:

6 Weeks Later...:

Here are my "Before & After" measurments:

............Start........Finish
Body Fat%.....34%..........23%
Weight.......147lb........138lb
Chest.........39"..........36"
Waist.........33"..........29"
Belly.........37"..........32.5"
Hips..........41"..........38.5"
R Thigh.......23"..........21.5"
L Thigh.......23.5"........20.5"
R Bicep.......12"..........11"
L Bicep.......11"..........11"

This all equals a total of 9 pounds and a whopping 23.5" LOST!

And THIS is the program that made it all happen:

Are YOU ready to commit?

COMING TOMORROW: TGIF!

An Important Accessory!

2009-01-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

There are times during your workouts that you may overdo it. (Yes, there IS such a thing as working out too hard!) You may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and/or become lightheaded. This has only happened to me once, and I can guarantee you it will never happen again! It was very uncomfortable and scary.

There is a very easy way to prevent this. Get a heart monitor to wear during every single workout! It looks just like a wristwatch and you can check your heart rate throughout your workout.

The key is finding out what your target heart rate range is. Once you know this number, if you are below you will know to "kick it up a notch", if you're above, take a few minutes to slow down. Walk around the room a few times until the number has dropped. Don't just stop and sit down, ease it back into the target range.

Some models will even show you how many calories you've burned during your workout! How cool is that!?

For help with figuring out what YOUR target heart rate is, please leave a comment and I will help you!

COMING TOMORROW: I'll introduce you to the program that changed my life!

Oh My Aching...Everything!

2009-01-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

Last February, when I first started my Beachbody journey, I started "Pushing Play" full force! After just 2 workouts, I woke up one morning BARELY able to get out of bed. At that time our bedroom was on the second floor of our house and I literally had to slide down the steps on my booty! I was definitely the cause of some muffled laughter in my house! I hobbled around and whined, and groaned, but I was encouraged just to "keep at it" or I would never get through it! Turns out, that advice was spot on!

When you first start working out after being sedentary for more than a week or two you will feel so amazing during that first work out! You'll have that increased heart rate pumping the blood through your system, a glistening sweat rejuvenating your body...when you finish you'll be so proud of yourself and your body will be giving it's thanks.

Then, you'll wake up the next morning and probably hurt like crazy!

Muscles that aren't used on a daily basis will ache and burn and you'll be tempted to not work out at all that day. This is the worst thing that you can do. If you wait until your not sore anymore then what is going to happen when you go to work out again? The same thing! I know you're sore and I know there will be moves that will be very uncomfortable, but go ahead and do the moves only to the extent that they do not cause severe pain. Modify the moves so that you can "feel the burn" but not injure yourself!

You may also want to consider getting some glutamine to mix into water and drink after each workout. This will reduce your post-workout soreness!

Remember, you are on a mission to be healthy and fit! Don't hamper your results by not working out when your sore. Just keep at it, modify, and the results will be worth it! And I promise that soreness will subside...well...until you switch up your workout and start working OTHER muscles!

What are your problem areas? Let me know and I can help you figure out what Beachbody workout would be the most beneficial to you!

COMING TOMORROW: Warning signs during your workout.

I Interrupt The Regularly Scheduled Post...

2009-01-12T13:01:00.000-05:00

So I was going to blog this morning, and I forgot. I apologize!

I got sidetracked HERE & HERE...I'll be back tomorrow.

If you check out these websites, share your opinions in my comments! I'd love to discuss!

COMING TOMORROW: What to do when you wake up to sore muscles after being sedentary for so long.

Cheat Day Is My Friend

2009-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

I know that when trying to lose weight, get into shape, maintain the shape you're in...whatever, none of it is possible without a good diet. I eat 5x/day. Three meals and 2 snacks and no snacking before bed. I am always reconfiguring my caloric intake based on what exercise program I am doing. I figure my cals by using the tools that I have because I am a Beachbody Club Member. But I have a small problem. I LOVE junk food. I love pizza with extra cheese, homemade chocolate chip cookies, corn dogs at any fair or festival; pretty much if it's gooey or greasy, I would love to devour it! But if I want to be healthy and fit, well I have got let go of all of that...or do I?

I have learned, from my lovely coach, a little hint to help me stay on my path of healthy eating. CHEAT DAY! Oh how I live for cheat day! I eat Kashi Go Lean for breakfast, turkey wraps for lunch, lean proteins, vegetables, low-fat dairy, protein shakes, ect. all week...but when cheat day comes. I can have WHATEVER I WANT ALL DAY! I'm talking poptarts, McDonalds, pizza, milkshakes..whatever!! But the best part is, I can do this guilt-free!

The truth of the matter is, I have to allow this day for myself otherwise my cravings will consume me and I'll just throw in the towel. I'm sure many of you know exactly what I'm talking about! And truly, sometimes my cheat day really only consists of 1 meal because after eating right for so long my body gets used to the foods I'm putting into it and doesn't "need" the other junk.

Cheat Day is something that anyone on any diet plan needs to allow to themselves to keep them motivated and committed to their weight loss and health! (And if you really need it, you can always add a "cheat snack" in on another day during the week to help you pull through until cheat day comes around!)

Tell me, what are you eating on a daily basis that should be reserved for your own personal "cheat day"?

COMING TOMORROW: Nothing! Sunday is my day of rest!

Can We Exercise Today?

2009-01-09T07:39:00.000-05:00

How did my kids react when I starting eating right and exercising on a daily basis?

WELL...

First they laughed and pointed at me huffing & puffing in the middle of our living room. They were somewhere between horrified, embarrassed and confused.

But, then they decided to join me, but quickly decided it was "too hard".

Then they started to ask if what they ate was healthy or not.

(Side Note: NO I don't make those two wear bibs..this was them acting silly!)

Then they asked for their own workout video "for kids".

We now have two kids (our 1 year old is a bit too young yet to realize what's going on) that are conscience of what they put in their bodies, and know that exercise is good for them and will make them strong. See, parents really DO lead my example!

Of course I still hear the occasional "Well gummi worms are bad for you, but not THAT bad...right?" But we'll worry about that another day!

How do you keep your kids focused on their health? Leave me a comment and let's discuss!

COMING TOMORROW: I'll tell you why I feel no guilt over eating pizza with extra cheese!

My Testimony

2009-01-08T07:38:00.000-05:00

So I promised my Beachbody testimony and I shall deliver!

I had three kids in less than 4 years and that took an obvious toll on my body. I was exhausted and unmotivated to do anything about those extra pounds that I had gained. That was until last winter after my husband, Will, had had his spine surgery. He was finally recovering after months off of work and was ready to get himself into shape and lose all the extra pounds that being sedentary during his recovery had caused him to gain. I wanted to lose weight too, but mainly I wanted to support him, so I started looking for my own way to lose weight.

With 3 kids, going to a gym or any type of fitness class was definitely out of the question! There was no way I would stick to something if I took that route. So I started looking around online and paying closer attention to the TV whenever any fitness infomercials were on. I ended up seeing the "Slim in 6" infomercial one evening before dinner and it really impressed me. The before and after pictures of people's progress looked real and not altered in any way. Listening to the woman who created the workout, Debbie Siebers, I realized that this was probably going to be my only chance at getting myself into some sort of shape, other than round!

I ordered the program and then spent the next few days, impatiently waiting! So I went online and found the website of the company that puts out these workouts and signed up so that I could access the message boards. I was automatically assigned a coach, but after sending him an email with some questions I had and not getting a response, I was a bit discouraged. But to my surprise, once I got into the message boards I realized that coach or no coach, I would have a great support system.

Within the first few days of receiving my package, starting to "Push Play" everyday, and eating right, I began to feel better. I was tired from all of the hard work it was taking, but I wasn't feeling that listless exhaustion that I had just from not feeling good about myself. I began to get stronger and leaner as the days went on.

After 6 weeks, I had lost a total of 23 1/2 inchs and 9 pounds. I had gone down 3 pants sizes and 1 shirt size. It was amazing! I felt great and I was thinner and healthier than I could EVER remember being!

And if you're wondering whatever happened to my coach...well he never contacted me, but I ended up finding another coach that was excited about teaching people about fitness and nutrition and she in turn, paved the way for me to become a coach myself!

I now have over 90 customers and 3 coaches that I myself have helped through their own Beachbody journey and with them comes many successes, and a whole new outlook on life for many of them!

I have been privileged to have found such an awesome opportunity to take care of myself in so many ways just from ordering that one simple package!

If after reading this you have any questions or would like to know more about what Beachbody has to offer, or would like to make me your coach so you can get started on a NEW YOU! Please get in touch with me through the "Contact Jen" tab in the sidebar!

If you have any success or failure stories of your own about any fitness program, please share them with us! Just leave a comment right here!!

COMING TOMORROW: My kids' reactions to their mommy's new lifestyle.

Kitchen Table...What?

2009-01-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

It's Kitchen Table Fitness, and you'll be seeing me around using that name or KTFitness on the Beachbody site.

I came up with this name because I run my business right from my kitchen table! Every morning I set up my laptop, check my email, answer any questions or concerns any of the people I coach have, and from there, whatever else is on my "to do" list, I take care of sitting right at the table. That's just how simple this business is; you can literally do it from a kitchen table! No fancy office required!

Kitchen Table Fitness also has another meaning. We all know how important exercise is to our fitness and health. But what we EAT has just as HUGE of an impact! That brings us back to the kitchen table once again. Fueling our bodies in the proper way, everyday is so important and I'll be mentioning this again and again over the course of this blog.

If you're someone who I am currently coaching and are reading this blog, HELLO, thanks for coming over to support me! If you're someone who has stumbled across this blog and have no clue what I am talking about...Let me just say that if you are feeling down in the dumps because you're not comfortable in the way you look or feel, I can truly help you. I will treat you with respect and compassion so please feel free to email me so I can answer any of your questions and help you get fit and feel great! And finally, if you're someone who is fit, unfit, whatever, and are interested in starting your own home business, again, email me, and I will answer any of your questions!

So now that you know what "Kitchen Table Fitness" means...tell me about your blog if you have one! I'd love to come visit and add you to my list in the sidebar!

COMING TOMORROW: My personal Beachbody testimony!

Welcome!

2009-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first post on "Kitchen Table Fitness". This blog is about me and my journey though fitness, business & mommyhood! Posts will vary in topic from day to day so please know that there will always be a little bit of everything so keep checking in!

My Goals for 2009:
1. Workout 5-6 days/week depending on my workout program. Today I have started a program called Yoga Booty Ballet and am excited to be "Pushing Play" 6x / week with it for the next few weeks. You can watch the video below to find out all about Yoga Booty Ballet & if you have any questions about it or are interested in starting it as your own personal workout program please email me or visit my profile on the Team Beachbody website.

2. Always use Beachbody's WOWY:Work Out With You program for accountability and motivation to Push Play on all the day's I've scheduled to work out! This program has honestly been a life saver for me in the past, and I've missed the people I've worked out with on there over the last few months. Again, if you're wanting to know what in the heck I'm talking about or are interesting in adding me as a workout buddy in WOWY, just shoot me an email!

3. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day! Pretty self explanatory there!

4. TAKE CARE OF MYSELF!! I struggle with stress and anxiety and this is something that I plan to focus on taking care of in 2009!

5. Complete my daily chores so that my home is enjoyable to live in and so that our home renovation projects will go more smoothly!

6. Feed my hobbies! I love to cross-stitch and knit, so I plan on doing more of that this year as well.

7. Read my Bible more, and find a new church home!

8. Notice I didn't mention anything about motherhood? That's because doing all of the above, taking care of myself, will make me a better mother. I have seen it work in the past, and I know it will work again this year.

So now that you've read MY goals, what are YOUR goals this year? Lets come together, hold each other accountable and have a fantastic year!

COMING TOMORROW: How I got the name, Kitchen Table Fitness!