Buddy the Elf Workout

BUDDY THE ELF WORKOUT

Whenever you hear "Buddy" or "Elf" - hold plank for 30 seconds

Each time Buddy eats something he shouldn't - 20 jump squats

Each time the Naughty or Nice lost is mentioned - 15 burpees

Each time Buddy screams for Santa - 20 push-ups 

When Buddy sings - alternate 30 seconds of high knees and 30 seconds jumping jacks the duration of the song

When Buddy breaks something - 30 plié squats

When you hear the words "Christmas Spirit" - 30 tricep dips 

You can also do this workout by doing each move for a time you set or for a number of reps; then make sure to do multiple rounds. 

Two Choices

Each month you will have the choice to do a 9 day challenge or an 18 day challenge - and some months you can participate in both because they wouldn't over lap. 

Tina's 18 Day Challenge begins November 5 and ends November 22 - right before Thanksgiving. 

Do it for the Pie 9 day challenge starts November 16 and ends November 24. 

Both challenges have #learninglowdown and #humpdaypumpday and #fresheatsFriday. The 9 day challenge will have a workout each day so you can burn some calories before Thanksgiving - therefore - do it for the pie! Also the 9 day has a contest to guess the number of calories in the piece of pie! 

Join in!!

New Challengers

5 new challengers of my friends this month! So excited for them! They can even imagine how awesome they are going to feel!!! 

Plus there is FREE SHIPPING this week. Follow me on Facebook Carey Biggs Underwood or Instagram candid93. Watch the progress of my friends! And join us! Contact me with any questions. I love to share information and answer questions. 

Grilled Salmon with Citrus Jalapeño topping

1 T. Organic unsalted butter (real recipe called for 1/4 c.)

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

Finely grated zest of 1 orange, 1 lime, 1 lemon

Sea salt and ground pepper

1 mango cubed

Fresh pineapple cubed

Salmon

Paprika

Combine butter, jalapeño, orange/lemon/lime zest, salt, pepper and set aside. 

Cut mango and pineapple

Sprilnkle salmon with paprika and cook as desired. We made a foil tent and put on grill. 

Cook salmon - top with citrus jalapeño topping and a couple pieces of mango and pineapple (careful with the mango and pineapple due to their high sugar content). 

Why cleansing works

I have discussed Tina's 18 Day Challenge many times. During the challenge there are shake days and cleanse days. It is the cleanse days that often scare people -  mostly because they haven't done it before. You do not starve yourself and you are not on the toilet all day. You have something to eat every hour to cleanse your cells and maintain your blood sugar. You don't get tired and need to nap all day. It is actually the most amazing feeling that you will have. I was "studying" yesterday and found this article. It is short and sums up exactly why cleansing works!

Why Cleansing Works

Even with weight loss clinics readily available, calorie counts on menus, and public policy initiatives aimed at supporting a healthier population, people are struggling to lose weight and keep it off. Of the 45 million Americans dieting each year, 80 to 90 percent of them will regain all their weight (1). The repeated cycle of weight loss and regain shows that the simple remedy of eating healthier and exercising regularly isn't working.

A new solution is needed to help people achieve a healthy weight and maintain it. Mounting scientific evidence for intermittent fasting as an effective tool for weight loss and maintenance may be the solution for preventing repeated cycles of dieting. Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating that involves going without food for several hours or up to a couple days. And it can become a lifelong habit.

Cleansing with Isagenix include a specific form of intermittent fasting because cleansers drink the detox-supporting beverage, Cleanse for Life. Not only are cleansers benefiting from intermittent fasting, but they are also supporting their body nutritionally to rid itself of impurities. Cleanse for Life provides nutritional support in the form of antioxidant vitamins and botanicals, which are essential for effective detoxification. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.

Studies on intermittent fasting have shown that it's as effective for weight loss as cutting calories (2). In one study, overweight women who fasted intermittently for six months lost more weight than women who restricted their calories each day (3).

Improves Insulin Sensitivity

How intermittent fasting works to support weight loss and maintenance is multifaceted. One of the ways intermittent fasting helps is through improving how well insulin ushers glucose from the blood (after eating food) into cells where it is used for energy. It's an important part of healthy weight management. Similar to how drinking coffee habitually can dull the response to caffeine, an excess of carbohydrate intake can decrease sensitivity to insulin. When people are less sensitive to insulin, they cannot efficiently use the food they eat leading to a cascade of health issues including fatigue and increased hunger--two culprits in weight gain.

Insulin sensitivity is "reset" by fasting. Healthy men who fasted for 20 hours every other day for 15 days had increased rates of glucose uptake, signifying improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control (4). With insulin sensitivity becoming an increasingly common issue among aging adults (5), intermittent fasting may be especially effective for older adults with weight loss goals.

Resets Calorie Intake

Although it seems counter-intuitive, evidence suggests that when intermittent fasting becomes a lifestyle, less food is commonly consumed during normal calorie days. A study with overweight adults found that they consumed only 20 percent of their normal calorie intake on alternate days (6).

The exact mechanism has not been identified. However, some theories suggest alterations in calorie intake could be due to shrinking of the stomach, causing people to become full faster. Another theory suggests that relying on fat for fuel during fasting can up-regulate or down-regulate certain enzymes involved in metabolism affecting appetite regulation. More research is needed, but there's no denying the benefits of calorie control for weight loss.

Encourages Adherence

One of the biggest issues with fad diets is that people cannot adhere to them long-term. They are usually restrictive, can leave people feeling sluggish and tired, and often cause muscle loss. The key to weight loss and maintenance is a diet plan that fits into your lifestyle.

There are various definitions of intermittent fasting and it's up to the individual to choose what works best for her or him. And while it may seem daunting at first, studies show that satisfaction during fasting increases with time (7).

Maintain Muscle Mass

Muscle is a very greedy tissue. It requires a lot of calories just to exist and puts the body to work, resulting in a higher metabolism. For that reason, muscle is an important player in weight loss. Because fasting requires a period of time without significant food intake (including protein), some fear that it would cause muscle loss. While long periods of fasting will cause the body to turn to muscle for energy, short periods (24 to 48 hours) are not going to result in significant muscle loss.

A study with 16 obese subjects who incorporated alternate day fasting had an average weight loss of 12 pounds with 99 percent coming from fat (8). That's a very different outcome than on most diets. On average, typical dieters shed about 75 percent of weight as fat and 25 percent as muscle, leading to a decreased metabolism and greater risk of weight regain.

Keep Weight Off for Good

Any diet can help you lose weight, but many times it's at the expense of muscle mass. And once normal eating patterns resume, weight comes back on quickly.

Researchers have evaluated weight patterns for the average dieter. The key is to make dietary changes that can be maintained for the long-term and support muscle mass. Because there are many ways to do intermittent fasting, it can be integrated into any lifestyle to support weight maintenance.

Cleanse Days, or intermittent fasting days, however, are just another tool in the weight-management toolbox. Combined with a healthy diet, including Shake Days, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress-relieving practices like meditation, Cleanse Days can lead to long-term weight maintenance.

Tina's 18 Day Challenge

Tina's 18 Day Challenge is a nutritional program that focuses on lean muscle retention and gain. A fat and toxin loss program. At the completion of the program you can expect increased energy, improved skin appearance, fat tissue loss, improved mental clarity, and decreased cravings with a desire for healthy foods. 

After you reach your goal - you can expect health for years to come. Follow me on Facebook Carey Biggs Underwood or Instagram @candid93 and message me for more information. I would love to help you achieve your goals. 

Garden Fresh Green Bean Salad

You know you see a picture of a recipe in a magazine or on the internet and think "that looks so yummy"? Then you make it and you think, "I will never make that again." Well - yummy recipe in a magazine and I will definitely make this again. SOOOOOOO yummy! Served it with grilled chicken.

6 servings

Ingredients: 

1 lb. french FRESH green beans (ends trimmed if necessary)

1/2 c. feta cheese crumbles

1 c. cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

2 T. olive oil

2 T. red wine vinegar

2 T. chopped fresh basil

1 large clove garlic, minced

Freshly ground black pepper

Sea Salt

Cook beans until tender crisp. Rinse under cold water. Drain well and pat dry. Put in large bowl and combine with feta cheese and tomatoes (optional item to add is 3 T. red onion chopped - I did not add). Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, garlic and salt/pepper. Pour the dressing over the green beans. Optional to add slivered toasted almonds (I did not add). Let marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving cold. 

Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

1/4 c. Extra virgin olive oil 

2 limes, juiced

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, or more to taste

1-1/2 c. Halved cherry tomatoes 

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

5 green onions, finely chopped

1/4 c. fresh cilantro

Salt and ground pepper to taste

Bring quinoa and water to boil I a. saucepan. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool. 

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes together in a bowl. 

Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, green ou ions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over mixture. Toss to coat. Stir in cilantro. Add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chilling refrigerator.

Love my life path

Love My Life Path #staythepath #contest Love you life! Feel the energy! Free yourself with your nutrition! Tina's 18 Day Challenge will help anyone! Contact me. I can give you information.

Paper plate workout

Workout Wednesday - paper plate workout. Almost any exercise you do - you can add a paper plate to your feet or hands to work some different muscles. #strength #challengeyourself #workoutwednesday

Paper plate workout

Workout Wednesday - paper plate workout. Almost any exercise you do - you can add a paper plate to your feet or hands to work some different muscles. #strength #challengeyourself #workoutwednesday

Caper and Dill Weed Salmon

1 lb. verlasso Salmon (I am sure you can use any kind)

1 T. Minced garlic

1 T. Dried dill weed

1 T. Caper juice

1 lemon slices

This can be baked on foil - but we put salmon in foil tent and cooked on the bbq. Mix garlic, caper juice, and dill weed. Spread over salmon. Top with a few capers, lemon slices and red pepper slices to make it look pretty. Cook until done. Here is another tip with lemons or limes that I got from my 12 year old cooking school friend - put lemon or lime in microwave for 8-10 seconds before slicing or squeezing - makes it more juicy. Amazing how many times I have used this tip!!

I served with a quinoa brown rice medley that was seasoned with basil and used coconut oil when boiling (instead of olive oil). And steamed asparagus! I just finished eating and all of it was soooo yummy! 

Periscope App

This is a fun new app - maybe a couple months old - live video streaming. You can see and ask questions to the videoer but they can't see you. You need to have a Twitter account first - doesn't mean you need to be active on Twitter - then you get Periscope and log in with your Twitter login. You can follow people - they can follow you - you get alerts when people you follow are live - you tap your screen to show them some love - show them lots of love. Tap tap tap! 

Today I recorded my preworkout nutrition - my workout (watch it - crazy stuff) - my post workout nutrition - and then I will be doing videos all day of my nutrition. So fun! 

Follow me - Carey Underwood - go back and watch the replays. Give love!!

Periscope app

This is an awesome app! Download it - follow me Carey Underwood - Friday I will post all day my nutrition and workout. Ask questions live - watch video later - share with friends - give me some love by tapping your screen 💗💜💛💚💙 on the app. So fun!

Sriracha Chicken Tacos

2 lbs. chicken breasts - cubed

olive oil

butter lettuce for wraps (I used green leafy lettuce because I already had it)

black beans

grape tomatoes

avocado

green onions

cilantro

lime

Marinade Ingredients:

Juice of 2 limes - about 2 T.

2-4 T. Sriracha Sauce (more or less to taste - since I have non spice lovers - I used 2 T. and it was just right for them.)

1 T. raw honey (optional - I did not use)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 T. water

1/2 T olive oil

Combine marinade ingredients. Place in glass bowl or gallon ziploc bag. Marinade chicken 4 hours or over night. Saute chicken in olive oil until done - could also have chicken in larger pieces and grill. Assemble taco with desired ingredients. Enjoy! 

New Challengers

I am giving a sample shaker cup and extra sample to the next two people that want to take on Tina's 18 day challenge. Email 93candid@gmail.com FB message me Carey Biggs Underwood or text me 801-631-3278 for more information. 

Fruit Infused Water

For each half gallon of water

1 c. Strawberries

1 c. Cucumbers

2 lines

1/4 c. Fresh mint leaves

Ice

Layer in pitcher or drink dispenser. Let sit for at least 10 minutes. Mine sat for a couple hours. Flavor was very subtle at first and not overly strong a couple hours later. Just keep adding water when level gets low - and more fruits if flavor too mild. 

Using this water in my vanilla protein shake was AMAZING! Fits perfect with my shake day for Tina's 18 day challenge. Who would have thought????

results

40 lbs 52.5 inches gone in 3 months! Lindsay has done amazing with Tina's 18 day challenge. Message/ email me for info if you would like to change your life!

How much protein should we eat?

This is some information that Tina gave us today in her closed FB group just for 18 day challengers. An amazing benefit to being part of this group - free coaching. 

 "A very common question that I get is, "am I possibly getting too much protein?". My answer has always been this. I feel my best, strongest, and look my most lean when I eat as close to my body weight in grams of protein per day. Many people that I consider educated and reputable also write articles about the same. Now, think about that. Before your Isalean PRO (36 grams), I HIGHLY doubt that you were getting any where near what you need per day. This is a reason that you are seeing the results that you are as well. Don't discount that and think that it is only the cleanse part. YES, that is a HUGE part of this, but this is a SYSTEM. This is also why I recommend the Isalean PRO for the challenge as opposed to the Isalean. YOU NEED THE PROTEIN. Read here to understand the reasons why. However, what we DO NOT do with this lifestyle that high protein diets do is restrict your nutritious complex carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, etc). You also need these for sustained energy and brain power. This is the perfect lifestyle in my opinion. As you know. We are balanced. But remember, this is a SYSTEM. You should incorporate all.....

http://www.isagenixhealth.net/top-scientists-outline-reasons-to-eat-more-protein/

Day 3 SUMMER 9 day challenge

Today is Cleanse day 1! Stick to the cleanse day schedule EXACTLY. The only thing you might alter is your start time. What can you expect today? A headache is most common. If this happens to you and you have not already done so, use an e+ shot. A little sip, half or the whole thing. Most new challengers are worried to use their e+ shots. I was - but now I use them for multiple reasons. If you are quite toxic, then you may feel flu-like. Normal. Drink a lot of water and keep going. It is true, the ones with the most symptoms see the most results on the scale. But remember - do not compare yourself to others. Your body will respond and everyone is different. You will not starve today - you will have waves of hunger but it is around the time for you to eat your next cleanse item. 

Isa is the number one nutritional cleansing company in the world. They have done extensive research on what is going on inside your body with the use of the ingredients that are designed for cleanse days. Inside you are headed for an alkaline environment and a non-inflammatory environment. Auto-immune diseases and cancer love acidity and inflammation. On the outside you will have weight loss, radiant skin, bright eyes, increased energy and lean muscle tissue gain.

You will surprise yourself with how well you do these next two days. The worst thing you could do is cheat and have even an almond. No cheating - it isn't worth it and the cleanse is totally worth it!

One last thing - this is an absolutely wonderful nutrition system. What makes it more amazing is a group like this one. Daily coaching. Questions answered. Remember there is FREE membership this week - you still have time to decide - but when you do join this group you are put into a much bigger group of challengers - over 400 - and the coaching and guidance from Tina K. Smith - for free. I know I wouldn't have succeeded without that element. 

Have an awesome cleanse day. I am cleansing too. I am working all day - which is great to be busy - but also means I don't get to your questions as fast as I would like. I do get FB messages or texts faster if your question doesn't get answered by experienced challengers in this group. Here we go!

FREE MEMBERSHIP

This week only. free membership for one year to purchase products for Tinas 18 day challenge at wholesale prices. 

DAY 2 Summer 9 day challenge

Hope you all had a great Day 1! You will need to make 4-5 shakes before you get it exactly how you like it - remember that. We have some challengers already reporting because they started early. This is what I am hearing - "I sleep so good" "I love my shakes" "This is easy" "I am surprised I can already tell a difference" - And then the losses - down 2, 4, 5, 5.5, and 8. Do not compare yourself to others - every BODY is different depending on what damage we have done in the past with diets, medications, etc.

OK - day 2. Read your WHY. Take note of how you feel. You will feel changes within 36 hours. That is what is so amazing about the awesome nutrition in the shakes and ionic supreme. Day 2 before your cleanse is very important. Already the excitement can be wearing off for you because you might be getting a slight headache or a little grumpiness because you cannot "numb" with what you might be used to numbing with. Don't forget you have your eshots - even a sip is amazing to help with these toxic symptoms. Embrace this change because you have opened the door to the new you. In a few days you will have walked completely through and will arrive on the other side! Keep moving forward! Stick with the program. No loosey goosey – and your body will respond.

Tomorrow and Thursday are cleanse days. GET PREPARED today. Fail to prepare - prepare to fail. Go to the store for any family needs for the next 2 days. What is the family having for dinner? I would suggest no crock pot meals - the last thing you want to smell when you are cleansing is a wonderful meal in the crockpot. I suggest leftovers, microwave something or take out. When the family is eating - go for a walk and tell them to have it all cleaned up when you get back smile emoticon STAY BUSY - I am the most productive on cleanse days.

Have a wonderful Day 2!

Day 1 SUMMER 9 day challenge

Make sure to read my post from last night about your weight/measurements and your WHY!

It is time! No looking back! Nothing to dread and so much to look forward to! Now you are doing this for you, your family, and anyone else you want to be around to enjoy in your life. Make a commitment to yourself!

Today will be fantastic! Day one you have 2 shakes, one knife/fork meal, and enough snacks off of the list to ensure that you never go over 3-4 hours without eating! If you are hungry - you need to eat. It may take a couple days for you to really read your body as to whether you are truly hungry or if you are bored and need to snack. I might suggest when you think you are hungry - have a glass of water first and see how you feel. If you are fairly toxic, symptoms will set in by tomorrow – or maybe today. A slight headache is most common. I love when I get messages that someone doesn't feel good or they have a headache - because I know they are going to feel amazing. By day 5, you seriously are becoming a new person! People that have been doing this for any amount of time will tell you the same!

STAY OFF THE SCALE. Follow the schedule and choose from the lists. You will weigh in on day 5. Cannot wait to hear from you on your day 5!

I also want to throw out there - to do this challenge - whoever brought you here bought your product and you paid them. Right now - for this week - until Sunday - there is FREE MEMBERSHIP. Get yourself through a couple days and see if this is something you want to continue. Maybe 3 times a year FREE MEMBERSHIP is offered so I am excited it is happening now for all of you. With your membership - you are able to buy your own product at wholesale prices. We can talk more later - I just wanted to give you a heads up so you knew. Have a fabulous day - message or post if you have any questions.

Night before 9 day challenge start!

Maybe you are all in bed or heading there - maybe you will read this in the morning before Monday's post - but I wanted to be sure to tell you to weigh and measure and write it down. You do not have to share these numbers with anyone. I would just like to know your loss. You can measure any areas you are wanting to see shrink. Neck, chest, each bicep, waist, hips, each quad, each calf.

I also want you to WRITE down WHY you want to change. What brought you to want to try this awesome nutrition program? Don’t just say “because I want to lose weight.” Write down the DETAILS. Are you tired of not having energy? Do you just not feel good in general? How do you feel? What do you want to feel like? Did your physician tell you that you are headed for diabetes or heart disease or high blood pressure? Do you feel in a fog? Do you have restless sleep? Do you have pain in your joints and bones? WHAT IS IT? Get it on paper. Why did you finally decide to join us? You will need to refer to this when you “forget” your reasons, YOUR WHY! YOU are in control of changing what you see on that paper. And you will change it! We all believe in you! And we are here to support you! Tomorrow is the first day of a whole new you!

How do I know how many protein grams is too much?

http://www.isagenixhealth.net/the-top-four-ask-a-nutritionist-questions/

Listen to this - 26 minutes long. Worth it.

Maintaining after one year

What an incredible lifestyle I have now. No dieting. No counting calories. First picture is starting. Second picture is one month. This picture is one year - maintained - more muscle - leaner - even through the Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's, and any other event that is centered around food. Love it! Please email me questions if you would like details 93candid@gmail.com

Stop Making Excuses

So many friends are getting amazing results. Try it! You will not be sorry. Contact me!

Another happy challenger

Day 5. Down 8.6 lbs! Happy Monday. You really need to try this nutrition. 

Set you up for success

When you come to me to do Tina's 18 day challenge - I am prepared to set you up for success. This new challenger WON a box of isalean bars and a sample shaker cup! Lucky challenger!

LUCKY challenge Day 10

Our LUCKY 9 day challenge has come to an end. I am so happy for all challengers deciding to continue this lifestyle. There is still so much work to do to get your body healthy. You have barely made a dent in the health you can achieve. Now that you are continuing with Tina’s 18 day challenge you will be doing another 2 day cleanse. Why another cleanse? This is where you "seal the deal" if you will. The second cleanse is an exclamation point telling your body, "yes, I do mean business" and I am changing! So, the same benefits but now you are reaching in more deeply day one to take out the toxins that you have put in over time. Day 2 the body resorts to fat for energy. So, if you have successfully finished the first cleanse and have done a clean shake week in between, you are digging down deep now. Congratulations! This second cleanse may be easier for you! This may be the one that you actually have the energy to get a lot of things done!!

I am also so happy that some of our OBSERVERS in this group – liked what they read and decided they wanted to get healthy too. Remember this is not a diet. This is a lifestyle. You need to eat! You need to REPLENISH your body.

I am going to leave this group open for a couple more days and then it will disappear. It has been so enjoyable to read your posts and hear your results. You have had a wonderful opportunity to “try before you buy”. Thank you for putting the system to the test! You will not regret your decision to continue because it only gets better from here!

LUCKY challenge Day 9

So much craziness happened yesterday – I am so excited and feel so blessed in every way! My favorite part of doing what I do is hearing the stories of your success! The health changes that are occurring in your body. Sleeping better through the night, getting restful sleep – having dreams, not needing a daily nap, not craving sugar (especially in girl scout season), being taken off medications, being happy and of course the weight loss is outstanding. There have been so many of my favorite comments, but two that stand out this morning are: “I am not going to be able to afford this anymore because I have to buy a whole new wardrobe” and “When I look down and my boobs are bigger than my stomach – I am a happy woman!” I am so happy for the many challengers in this group who are continuing this lifestyle. You have only just begun! (every time I say that – I start singing! Admit it – you had to go back and read that and sang it!)

We still have a couple late start challengers – keep focused and finish.

I do have to say that you will have success in this program – and help others be successful – by understanding a few things:

1) You are following the documents and being fully invested in yourself. YEARS of failures/successes/research led to Tina’s development of the 18 Day Challenge. I have adapted her challenge to just 9 days so you could get a taste. There really is a science to combinations of food and blood sugar regulation.

2) In this program, we eat when we are hungry, and we do not skip a meal/snack when we are not. Your clock should be set (if you cannot remember) to have a snack or meal every 3-4 hours. Not hungry? Do not skip your eating time. That leads to low blood sugar later, uncontrollable thoughts about what you will eat, and a flat out "I don't care, I am going to eat all of this" attitude.

3) When you join Tina’s 18 day challenge group. You are coached daily. There is a forum there to ask questions – get individualized help – help others – a huge support group. Believe in YOU, me, Tina and this program. Stick with it and be consistent in what you started. Do not compare yourself to others or other programs.

4) And last. Out of all of the documents you were given, the word "calorie" may be mentioned one time. We do NOT count calories. We eat the proper portion size of a meal or snack every three to four hours. PERIOD. Please stop the low calorie mentality, for if you follow the portion sizes on the documents, have your two shakes, you are right about perfect for what THEY say a healthy calorie intake would be for you. I say if you are hungry, then we need to talk about increasing your food. Listen to your body, not some chart for the general public. We are all different.

Today will be a super great day to finish your challenge – but rolling over into your lifestyle. If you are done here with 9 days – hop on the scale in the morning and see where your weight stabilized. That weight is gone – continue this lifestyle and more will be gone and you will be able to maintain your goal weight – once achieved - EASY!

LUCKY Challenge Day 8

Good morning!!! Only 1 day left in this LUCKY 9 day challenge. I have been asked 2 questions from many of you in this group. First – Will I gain my weight back when I am done with this challenge? And Second – What do you do now that you are at your goal weight? Do you still do two shakes a day?

I have a friend that did an 18 day challenge. Had huge success – and then went back to her normal way of eating and gained all her weight back. She was so disappointed. She thought she had lost this weight for good, but she went right back to simple carbohydrates, processed foods, etc. At first her body was affected by these foods (headache, tired, yawning, foggy brain, sick feeling), but after a couple days the toxic food she was filling her body with didn’t faze her anymore. Let me tell you - this IS my normal eating – 90% of the time – and the other 10% I have what I desire. Now that isn’t to say that when I am on vacation or something that I am a perfect eater. I am not, but I do not like how I feel at all and I can’t wait til I can get back to my lifestyle. Tina has taught me and I am teaching you to have two meal replacement shakes and to have one healthy meal, and 2-4 healthy snacks for life! This is how diabetics should live, how athletes, men, women, adolescents, teenagers, cardiac patients, cancer patients, YOU NAME IT, should live. It is the balancing of blood sugars - never spiking - coupled with the quality protein and detox that makes the whole system work forever! If you follow this, you will always stay your goal weight-for LIFE! You have to understand, this is a LIFE change. Your "oil needs changed" AKA “cleansing” regularly (at least quarterly after you are at your goal weight), and this is how we need to live. Non-inflammatory, detoxified, alkaline, with blood sugars in balance.

My hopes for you is that you will embrace this lifestyle to some extent and continue to lose at a very nice rate for your body. If you do not need to lose, you will accomplish a transformation from fat to muscle should you add regular weight bearing exercise and continue this lifestyle. I am excited for all who have made the decision to continue this journey! 

LUCKY challenge Day 7

I feel like I only have a couple days to coach you and tell you everything you need to know about this lifestyle change you are “testing.” Many more of you have chosen to continue your journey to reach your goals – and your order is on its way. I am so happy for you – it only gets better and better from here!!!

Now, what can you expect to happen with your weight loss? Well, for one, you are supposed to stay off of the scale until day 9 or if you are continuing with Tina’s 18 day challenge – day 19, but if you should accidentally "peek" you could see a 1.5 pound gain. Is that fat or true, permanent weight gain? No. Our body naturally fluctuates day to day with the amount of sodium and fluid that we hold/release. That is what you will see when you begin to replenish with shake days. Now, if you continue to eat as you have been instructed, you will keep on chipping away at the number that was your low. I promise! I have seen it over and over and over

The transformations that people have sent me are so amazing! Some people are not quite ready to put them out there for all to see, but all I can say is that Isagenix is so amazing! Once again, you do the work, use the products as intended, your life will change. Your skin will change, your body will change, your "health numbers" will change, your energy will change, and your mental state of clarity and happiness will change. Do you notice that Isagenix people are happy people? It's true. There is such a freedom in the fact that you do not have to count calories, to just eat as your body NEEDS 90% of the time, and to have what you DESIRE 10% of the time. Do you know what that means? Think about this. If you ate 3 meals per day for 365 days, that means that 109 meals per year can be exactly what you DESIRE. MEALS not DAYS though. Not FULL days of eating 3 meals that you DESIRE. For goodness sakes, be nice to yourself and do not make your body try to dig deep for an entire 24 hours of junk. Have your two shakes! Get the amino acids, the vitamins and minerals, the undenatured whey! Then have your one DESIRE. Then, you have 108 more to go. Can you think this way? Try. You are no longer on a diet. You get to have 109 meals that you DESIRE during a 365 day period. The rest of the time you are on point. (oh and cleanse at least quarterly).......Do it!

LUCKY challenge Day 6

Many of you have ordered more product because you have decided to make this your lifestyle – at least for a little longer – but you will continue longer than you think – I have no doubt. You will not like how you feel when you go back to your old ways. I already had one challenger have a little cheat/temptation and felt sick/gross/tired and couldn’t believe how the body is affected so early in the journey. The rest of you are going to need to decide if you will continue this lifestyle, at least the 2 shakes per day, and it is important you understand one of the reasons why you are feeling so good.... the shakes.

I am going to talk today about our Isalean and Isalean PRO. Because sometimes at this point some of you might be considering temptation. The temptation to buy a big huge, say, Costco tub of protein, because it is "cheaper". What you need to know, is that I will never, ever do that again in my life, just as much for the reason as what we DO HAVE that they DON’T HAVE as what they HAVE that we DON’T. Does that make sense? Let me explain. Pages can be written on this, but this is just a snapshot.
What they do that we don’t: artificial colors or flavors, or both (clearly stated on the front of most of the canisters in small writing), soy, gluten, sucralose/SLENDA/bleached sugar, GMOs, denatured whey, hormones and antibiotics, and some studies even showing toxic metals. They are also not “cold pressed” meaning that acids and heat are used to break down the proteins.
What we HAVE that they do not: 36 grams of UNDENATURED whey per serving, grass fed cattle (no hormones or antibiotics), probiotics and active enzymes (which Tina’s wellness physician LOVES because they are basically digested for you so that your gastrointestinal system does not have to work so hard), fruit sugars in the right amounts, good fats (flax seed, among others), loaded with pure amino acids, vitamins and minerals. We are cold pressed, no MSG, no gluten, no soy, no sucralose/SPLENDA/bleached sugar.
So much more to say about that, but please protect your organs from filtering toxins after you have done this 9 Day Challenge. Imagine if you have one to two daily shakes of the first ones mentioned above. That is DAILY exposure to toxins by CHOICE. You are worth the few extra dollars. You only have one body. And the Isalean and Isalean PRO IS part of the reason that you are now feeling so good! Have a great week!

LUCKY challenge Day 5

First – we have a couple challengers cleansing today. Second – we have some challengers reporting today and I can’t wait! We have so many success stories. Why do you think you have had more success with this nutrition plan than with anything else you have tried? Well #1 is the cleansing/detox that you just went through and #2 is the excellent nutrition in the shakes that you are feeding your body. BUT MOST IMPORTANT is the support you are getting. The friend that introduced you to this way of life has been a huge support. The daily posts on this FB page have given you some tips, guidance and cheers. That support continues through your journey. This FB page will disappear after your 9 days is over but you can roll on over into Tina’s 18 day challenge FB page. There you will get even more support from her and over 300 experienced challengers that have made this a way of life. You need to think ahead right now – what do you want after your 9 days is complete. It takes about 4 days to get your product delivered to your doorstep. Your friend or I can help you to get ordered so that you can continue to achieve your goals. Read your WHY again today. Will that be achieved in 9 days?

On another note - It is a weekend! Maybe presenting a whole new level of temptation because it means that there are outings, days off, etc. What you need to embrace now is that this is a lifestyle, not a Monday through Friday "diet". Today, Saturday, should be like any other. You pack your knife/fork meal or plan where you can get food off of the lists if eating out. You pack your snacks, take a shaker bottle and your Isalean Pro shake if you will not be home! It is really true. Preparation is key, fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Realize that when you walk out that door for the day that if your hands are empty you are throwing yourself to whatever comes at you. That is a conscious choice on your part. Furthermore, for me, if I were to make a poor choice, this is the #1 scenario where I would do so. Happy Saturday!

LUCKY Challenge Day 4

I should be hearing from some challengers that are waking up this morning and hopping on the scale – and taking some measurements. The scale isn’t the only measuring tool – measurements are huge – and so is how your clothes are fitting. Do not compare yourself to anyone else – I think that should be rule #1. You need to message me your loss. I want to keep track for this LUCKY group. If you are already enrolled and in Tina’s 18 day challenge group – you need to report losses to her as well. She has a 2015 Act of Kindness where the weight lost in her group is converted to $$$$ and given to a needy family at Christmas. ALSO THE FIRST THING YOU HAVE AFTER YOUR CLEANSE IS A DELICIOUS SHAKE!

The rest of you are on Day 2 of your cleanse. Remember everyone is different and everyone’s body will release in a different way. The cleanse is helping with that in a much deeper way than your brain is thinking. It is not just the initial 48 hour cleanse loss, it carries on.... remember, your body is learning to function as it should, and it can only do so with the toxins removed! You know what else I forgot to tell you about the cleanse? Tina says this all the time and it is what keeps me going – Day 2 is fat day! Day 1 is 80% toxin and 20% fat loss and Day 2 is 20% toxin and 80% fat loss. I call it FAT DAY and it makes me so happy! Also remember increase in Human growth hormone on day 2. HGH is what we lose as we age. We need it for muscle development, energy, and so many other things. People pay big bucks to have injections of this precious hormone. Think deep guys, this is what you are doing with the cleanse. It is so much more than weight loss! It is Christmas Eve again tonight! I better hear from you in the morning!

Lucky Challenge - Day 3

Everyone is cleansing today! Let me tell you that you will not starve – you will have waves of hunger but it is around the time for you to eat your next cleanse item. Yesterday, I prepped you a little bit with what to expect today, but remember there is a much bigger side to why you cleanse. I would like to repeat/copy/plagiarize what Tina had posted. “Isa is the number one nutritional cleansing company in the world. They have done extensive research on what is going on inside your body with the use of the ingredients that are designed for cleanse days. Inside you are headed for an alkaline environment, and a non-inflammatory environment. What does this mean for you? Well, I can tell you that auto immune disease and cancer are just two things that love acidity and inflammation. Some exterior effects for you are going to be weight loss, radiant skin, bright eyes, increased energy, and because day two increases HGH (human growth hormone), lean muscle tissue gain with weight bearing exercise.”
If you are afraid in any way, that is great – but don’t be. Facing something that you fear is getting out of your comfort zone. A comfort zone is where you see most of America living. Yes, live in the present, but strive every day to get better, younger, stronger, and healthier. Cleansing is the first step in that direction. Stay busy – stay positive – enjoy your day! Ok so that was all from Tina too. Let me just tell you – this is the great coaching you get when you move over to the 18 day challenge group. I am almost one year of reading her daily posts – and I still learn something every day.

I better hear from you Day 2 cleansers tomorrow morning! Don’t leave me hanging! I am up early so don’t worry if your message/text is going to wake me. It is going to be like Christmas Eve tonight!

Lucky Challenge Day 2

Many of you have completed Shake Day 2 – way to go and today you are cleansing. Stick to the cleanse day schedule exactly. What can you expect today? I will tell you what most people have shared over the past year in Tina’s 18 day challenge group. A headache is most common. If this happens to you and you have not already done so, use an e+shot. If you are quite toxic, then you may feel flu-like. Normal. Drink a lot of water and keep going. It is true, the ones with the most symptoms see the most scale benefits.

For the group – we are on Day 2. Many people can feel a change in their body after 36 hours. This would be all of you right now. So much is happening in your body through this process. Day 2 before your cleanse is very important. Already the excitement can be wearing off for you because you might be getting a slight headache or a little grumpiness because you cannot "numb" with what you might be used to numbing with. Embrace this change because you have opened the door to the new you. In a few days you will have walked completely through and will arrive on the other side (like Tina commented yesterday)! Keep moving forward!

Another important thing to remember – do not compare yourself, your loss, how you feel with anyone else. We are all different – our body will respond different – depending on the damage we have done in the past. There is a lot to be said about different diets we have done, or our eating habits or the foods we have put in our body. Right now your body may be confused by all this wonderful nutrition you are giving it – your body may not trust that you will keep giving it this wonderful nutrition. Just stick with the program. No loosey goosey – and your body will respond.

Like I said a few days ago – the best way to tell there are changes going on is by how your clothes are fitting and how you are feeling - not by what the scale says. You shouldn’t even be getting on the scale until Day 5 anyway. I want to share a message I got yesterday – you may have seen Tina post on her page. This challenger is on day 5 of her second 18 day challenge. She said, “So do your remember that day you woke up and put on a shirt you haven’t worn in forever because you don’t like how it fits anymore and then you look in the mirror and go “HOLY CRAP, I’ve lost almost 20 lbs and I can actually see it now. Ya that is me today!!!” There will be more stories like this from you LUCKY challengers! You may not be ready to share publically – but please private message me – It makes my whole day! Really it does! I will ask permission before I share anything and I always share without a name attached to it. Half of you “have a wonderful day 2” and the other half “have a fabulous cleanse day!”

LUCKY start day!

It is time! No looking back! Nothing to dread and so much to look forward to! Now you are doing this for you, your family, and anyone else you want to be around to enjoy in your life. Make a commitment to yourself! You have recorded your weight and measurements - and you have written your WHY on paper!

Today will be fantastic! Day one you have 2 shakes, one knife/fork meal, and enough snacks off of the list to ensure that you never go over 3-4 hours without eating. You have been given some tips on how to make your shakes but it may take you making 3-4 shakes before you make it just how you like it. Also remember your taste buds are sugar toxic - so your shake may not taste sweet to you. That will be fixed in the next couple days smile emoticon If you are fairly toxic, symptoms will set in by tomorrow – or maybe today. A slight headache is most common. This is a good sign actually. I get a little excited when someone tells they have a headache. That sounds terrible, but you will see how much better you will feel as those toxins work their way out. By day 5, you seriously are becoming a new person! People that have been doing this for any amount of time will tell you the same! Can't wait to hear from you on your day 5!

Now since about half of this group started yesterday - I love that you were excited to get going! Your cleanse days start tomorrow. Be prepared. For myself - I make my kid's lunches in advance, the family has leftovers for dinner, and I have plenty of things to do so that I stay busy while cleansing. Remember - it is not a toilet cleanse. Stay committed and focused - and you will be AMAZED

Day before starting the LUCKY 9 day challenge

We are the day before starting the LUCKY 9 day challenge. We have many observers in this group. Please make comments and share your feelings. Support all these new challengers and let our observers know what they are missing in their lives.

Do you have your cupboards and refrigerator ready for easy grab and go snacks/meals? The great thing about your daily menu is 2 of your meals are shakes. Easy! You can make them just with the shake mix or you can “dress up” your shakes with the “acceptable additions” list.

What I want every challenger to do today is WRITE down WHY you want to change. What brought you to want to try this awesome nutrition program? Don’t just say “because I want to lose weight.” Write down the DETAILS. Are you tired of not having energy? Do you just not feel good in general? How do you feel? What do you want to feel like? Did your physician tell you that you are headed for diabetes or heart disease or high blood pressure? Do you feel in a fog? Do you have restless sleep? Do you have pain in your joints and bones? WHAT IS IT? Get it on paper. Why did you finally decide to join us? You will need to refer to this when you “forget” your reasons, YOUR WHY! YOU are in control of changing what you see on that paper. And you will change it! We all believe in you! And we are here to support you! Tomorrow is the first day of a whole new you

The Science Behind The ‘Bedtime Belly Buster'

This is a very interesting article about eating before bed to keep your body burning fat through the night! Click here for article Works perfect with Tina's 18 day challenge!

Diabetes and Isagenix

I have a friend that has Type I Diabetes and wanted to do the 18 day challenge. Found some interesting information for her and thought I would share.

Frequently Asked Questions and Isagenix PODCAST

What people with Diabetes need to know before using Isagenix ARTICLE

One Workout Away from a Good Mood

I love a workout in the morning. Just a light workout after a 2 day cleanse. Down 4 lbs today of Valentine's sugar and celebration. Back on track with Tina's 18 day challenge and my isagenix lifestyle. I will never go back to how I used to eat, sleep, workout, feel, think, act, live! Scroll down on my blog to find out more - or contact me by posting or email. It will change your life.

This is a great video

ARE YOU TOXIC VIDEO?

Meat and Cheese Cucumber "Sandwiches"

Roast Beef & Cheese Cucumber "Sandwiches"

Slices of Cucumber 
Cold Cuts (I prefer low sodium Boar's Head brand)
Sliced Cheese

1 slice of cheese and meat makes about 4 "sandwiches" you can spear them with a jazzy food pick for parties. For ease of assembly the day of a party (great weight loss friendly appetizers) or for a quickly made lunch during the week pre-cut the cucumbers the night before and place in a Ziploc baggie in fridge.

Isagenix You Two Them Plus 2 Opportunity

This is a very basic video to help you understand how to earn some money with isagenix. You get to this point then you are making enough money to pay for your own product. Wouldn't that be wonderful! Have this lifestyle for free???!!!

TINA'S 18 DAY CHALLENGE

Are you curious about Tina's 18 Day Challenge? Click on the link and visit her website. Contact me for more information. This will change your life!

Just One Week!

This is my good friend. He is one week in to his 18 day challenge. He just wanted to fine tune his muscle definition! Tina's 18 day challenge works.

Super Foods Salad

Dressing:
3/4 c. organic sugar (evaporated cane juice)
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

1 bunch kale
1/2 pkg (16 ounce) frozen shelled edamame
1/4 red onion chopped
1 carrot grated
2/3 c. fresh blueberries
1/2 c. craisins
1/2 c. shelled sunflower seeds
1/2 c. cashew pieces

1. Combine dressing ingredients. Set aside
2. Combine all salad ingredients. Optional: toss with half the dressing and refrigerate 4-6 hours and serve with the rest of the dressing. I just added dressing to my own salad.

What is in a Slim Fast Shake?

How does this shake differ from Slim Fast?

I got this question the other day. I knew Isagenix shakes were top notch nutrition and Slim Fast was loaded with chemicals and sugar, but I didn't have a label in front of me. Look what I found when I did a little research - What's in it? Slim Fast compared to a Hershey Bar - click on that link and be prepared to be amazed. Basically you could have a Hershey bar with a multi-vitamin to equal a Slim Fast Shake.

Treadmill Workout

Burn some calories with this treadmill workout. 30 minutes Speed 3 Incline 30.