THAT GIRL

Real Talk

2012-02-27T03:43:00.000-08:00

#Reshared

SIMPLE MATH

2012-02-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

REGULAR FITNESS
PROPER NUTRITION
+ GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM
GUARANTEED SUCCESS

Get connected! Show up to our events and we'll join hands in this fitness journey together!

Simply add me on FACEBOOK and send me a message saying you want to get healthy!

#NowIsTheTime

Tommy Mygrant

2012-02-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

After today's awesome event, I took home a lot of great information. My favorite part was when Tommy Mygrant shared with us his story of losing over 100 pounds and what led to him waking up and taking charge of his life.

One thing that Craig Holiday touched upon a couple weeks ago and that Tommy reiterated was that "sometimes you just need to get out of your own way!"

So if you're lazy, if you're king/queen of excuses, if you're all talk and have nothing to show for it... then man up, get out of your way, and do something about it!

Striking a pose with 10-Star Diamond Tommy Mygrant (haha)

Dr. Wheeler, Tommy Mygrant and Brett Blake in DC!

2012-02-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Tropical Shakeology has landed and it's more than just a new flavor on the shelf. Tropical Shakeology is the first product to qualify under the new Beachbody Ultimate brand because it has a new formula and it's vegan!

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 25th when Chief Science Officer Dr. Wheeler will be coming to the DC Metro area to give an in depth discussion about Shakeology Tropical and all of the benefits that the new formula offers for your health.Dr. Wheeler is also going to speak about Beachbody's upcoming Ultimate Reset cleanse product and how it is so much more than your typical 21 day cleanse.

AND, 10-Star Diamond Tommy Mygrant is joining us to teach about the 5 Step Beachbody Challenge process! Learn from one of the most successful and influential coaches in the community with this rare opportunity!

As if that wasn't enough, Bretty Blake, and SVP and Managing Director of Beachbody will be in town to talk about Beachbody's direction for the 2012 year AND open up the floor for a Q&A session for the coaches. This is a rare opportunity to ask your burning questions directly to Beachbody's corporate staff so make sure you show up and bring your note pads and questions!

Parking is available in a paid parking deck at the University and for the locals, the venue is easily metro accessible, just check out the map for more information! There will be Shakeology tastings (including Tropical!) but no lunch so come fed and prepared with your own snacks. And of course, we will be wrapping up the day with a workout so bring your workout gear!

Register via the link below!
It's FREE for ALL GUESTS!!

http://tropicalshakeology.eventsbot.com/

Shaun T

2012-02-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

On the roughest of days, I turn to Shaun T to kick my ass.

Why? Because once it's over and done with I feel sane again.

#LetOutThatAngerAndPainTheRightWay

What is Motivation?

2012-02-20T04:32:00.000-08:00

Greatness

2012-02-17T00:44:00.000-08:00

Wake Up Call

2012-02-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

Look, whether it be on the inside or the outside, if you're not taking care of your health, nurturing your mind, and striving to grow as a person and a leader, then you're just plain FAT.

You are fat and slow and getting old FAST. Get up and do something about it! Find some purpose in your life! THIS is your wake up call.

Like I always say, it's never too late to start but it's always too late to wait.

Mindful Wednesdays

2012-02-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Your WHYs

2012-02-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

Your WHYs are what push you every single day. They are the reasons why you do what you do. They are your motivators when times get tough. They are the beams of light you see from afar that give you the strength to move forward even when you're at your weakest. They are the details that create your visions of turning your dreams into your reality. They are the outlines of your action plan, the blueprints of your life's journey. They determine whether or not you will be the same person a year from now, whether or not you will live with regret for not getting started sooner or with pride for being more than average. Your WHYs are as powerful as your dreams are. They give you reason to not only breathe, but to live your life the way it's supposed to be.

What are Your WHYs?

Being that it's Valentine's Day and all, I am taking the time to love my body and help others love their bodies, too. THAT GIRL'S FIT CLUB is still in session tonight! YOU ARE MY WHY.

It's Monday morning . . .

2012-02-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

. . . and so what? Since when does the name of the day control your energy, your attitude, and your happiness? Mondays come every 7 days, guaranteed. That's not going to ever change. So take it as it is and learn to make every day as great as your Fridays.

#grow
#learn

#adapt

Craig Holiday -- VA Beach 2/11/12

2012-02-12T18:37:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of seeing Craig Holiday at his best once again! Listening to this man speak through the phone or some recorded audio is incredible, but nothing compares to feeling his energy live. As if I wasn't already on fire with my personal growth and Beachbody business, Craig poured a bucket of gasoline on me!

Look how focused we are -- mesmerized by his words of true inspiration.

You know you're a master when you've got 150 pairs of eyes completely engaged.

Now, while I could simply regurgitate all that I ingested during yesterday's session, I would rather take each lesson and post them as separate entities. Why? Because each and every point Craig made was extremely powerful and I want you to fully absorb and appreciate the depth of their significance.

Craigducation -- Lesson #1

Manage your calendar. We all say that we're going to do this and do that but what it all boils down to are a bunch of excuses that get us nowhere in life.

If you have plans, goals, and dreams then don't keep saying you'll get to them someday. Someday. What does that even mean? Look at your planner and read the days out loud with me. "Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday..." So what is someday? Someday is today. Say it with me, "SOMEDAY IS TODAY."

Wipe the dust off your planner and use it for what it is. PLAN your next move. Don't wait a year from now just to say, "I wish I started that day..." Eliminate guilt and regret by being where you are and living in the moment. Learn from your past and make the most out of your present in order to better your future.

Someday does not exist.
Someday is TODAY.

Live the Life You Dream Of

2012-02-08T04:34:00.000-08:00

You can do ANYTHING you desire,

If you BELIEVE with ALL your heart that it is possible.

You can do ANYTHING you desire,

If only you take the time to write down an ACTION PLAN.

You can do ANYTHING you desire,

If you FOLLOW THROUGH with those action steps EVERY SINGLE DAY

until you get to where you want to be.

You can do ANYTHING you desire.

Motivation At Its Best

2012-02-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

I assigned my challenge group a little research to find a picture that best reflects what they want their bodies to look like and to share it with the group. I then told them to print the picture out and write underneath it loud and clear, "THIS IS MY BODY. THIS IS WHAT I LOOK LIKE." They're final task was to hang the picture up somewhere on a wall in their bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or office where they can see it on a daily basis for constant motivation.

The following is my picture. I want V-cut abs and a nice firm butt, and trust me, I'm going to make it happen!

"Always Forward" - Coach Chris

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Always look ahead at your destination and never stop moving towards it.

The minute you decide to look back is the minute you'll lose yourself and crash.

#ThePastIsSoOverated

January Has Passed...

2012-02-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

. . . and what have you got to show for it? Did you keep to your goals and new year's resolutions?

If you've already fallen off track or have yet to even begin, consider coming out to this FREE FIT CLUB to get things started right for you.

It's never too late to start, but it's always too late to wait!

So what are you waiting for?

Click HERE to join my group on Facebook for more details. Hope to see you out there!

#TEAMSWEAT
#GetItGetIt

Your Choice.

2012-02-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

It may be Friday but your dreams and goals are still there.

The last thing you want to do is throw away a hard week's worth of effort

for a day or two of ridiculousness that will have you moving backwards.

Work hard now and EARN your playtime later.

#JustDoIt

Pulling Together

2012-02-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

- Successories Lithograph

It's amazing how much we can learn from Nature if only we open our eyes! Here is a short movie about geese and what a difference it makes when they pull together. CLICK HERE FOR MOVIE.

Honestly, my heart feels warm after watching this knowing that I am working with a team to make great things happen. Not only am I referring to THAT TEAM but I am referring to all of TEAM BEACHBODY. We are on a mission to save lives and you better believe we're making it happen. One day at a time.

#Teamwork

#OneDirection
#Beachbody

Brilliant!

2012-02-01T04:44:00.000-08:00

Marie is genius. Keep it simple and just mark your water bottle.
Cross off each number as you refill it. BAM.

#StayHydrated

#8glassesperday

#DrinkWater

Read, Reflect, Develop.

2012-01-31T19:14:00.000-08:00

My coach, Allan, was kind enough to share this excerpt with others so I decided to re-share it with you. I find that this read is quite valuable and can possibly change your life around, but only if you let it. Be willing, be brave!

"All successful peopleare faithful in the small things. There is power in taking small steps.

Many people are not movingforward today simply because they were not willing to take the small stepplaced before them. If you have a dream to go into any particular area, youshould leap at the opportunity - no matter how small - to move in the directionof your dream. For example: if you dream of being a college basketball coachand are sitting at home waiting for an invitation from Roy Williams at NorthCarolina University, you should know that call will never come. You need tofind an opportunity to coach somewhere, anywhere. Find a young person, a young team.Jump in and coach with all of your heart, like you would if you were coachingat the highest level.

Don't be afraid to take small steps. There'ssomething powerful about momentum...no matter how small. Many times theimpossible is simply the untried.

I can remember a time in my life when I wasimmobilized with fear, consumed with what I was supposed to do. It seemed sohuge a task; I was unable to bring myself to face it. A friend came to me andspoke two words that broke that paralysis in my life. He said, "Dosomething!" I'll never forget that day...taking some small, seeminglyinsignificant steps. Momentum began to come into my life.

If you are at a point of paralysis in your lifebecause of what you feel you're supposed to do, the words today are, "Dosomething!" Don't worry about the long-term goal right now; just take thesteps that take you past the starting point. Soon you'll get to a point of noreturn. As you climb higher, you'll be able to see much farther.

As you begin, don't be afraid. Eric Hoffer said,"Fear of becoming a 'has-been' keeps some people from becominganything." Every great idea is impossible from where you are startingtoday. But little goals add up, and they add up rapidly. Most people don'tsucceed because they are too afraid to even try. As incredible as it sounds,they decide in advance they're going to fail.

Many times the final goal seems so unreachable wedon't even make an effort. But once you've made your decision and have started,it's like you're halfway there. Start - no matter what your circumstances. Takethat first step!

It's simple. Grow wherever you're planted."

- An excerpt from "An Enemy CalledAverage" by John Mason

Motivated Mondays

2012-01-30T21:49:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I went to Philly's Game Plan event and had the honor of meeting some incredible individuals who really touched my heart. Two in particular have been on my mind because they are so inspiring that I feel the need to acknowledge them. Their names are Valerie and Scott, a married couple who has struggled with weight for years and years. They just about tried every single diet there is out there and had very little success until they came across P90X. With proper nutrition and regular exercise, the husband has since lost 48 lbs and the wife has lost 63 lbs. They are currently on their 2nd round of P90X together and plan on finishing a 3rd round before doing Shaun T's Insanity program. They had such great energy that it was inevitable to smile when listening to their heartfelt story. It's especially wonderful that they are sticking to their goals and traveling this fitness journey together.

This couple failed numerous times to get healthier and while they could have given up they decided to keep on trying. It is because of their struggles that they managed to find something that actually works. Now they are on their way to transforming their bodies and in doing so are inspiring others. I can't wait to see them again because their determination and pride really fired me up. What's important to know is that they weren't always happy with themselves and they chose to do something about it.

#LiveFitter

Sriracha

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, I admit it. I'm addicted.

#sriracha
#ImInLove
#iwantthatshirt

The Power of a Yogi

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Be it P90X or Les Mills Pump, it's Thursday so I'm in a yoga kind of mood. Namaste.

If you have ever tried yoga then you would know that these moves are ridiculously hard.
I'm in awe.

#jawdropping

#amazing
#mesmerized

Be Mindful of Your Nutrition

2012-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Source: greatist.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Lead It

2012-01-24T15:32:00.000-08:00

Live with Love and Lead with Passion.

The rest will surely follow.

My Unit

2012-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

It was just two years ago when a friend of mine convinced me to get up early on a Saturday morning to attend a group workout. I used to be very athletic until college got in the way (ha!) so I didn't think much of it. Still, I had no idea what I was in for...
As I walked into the workout room ready to kick some butt I suddenly became anxious with all the faces I realized I did not know. I was overwhelmed with all the introductions with everyone's names going in one ear and out the other (not to mention I was still half-asleep). I did manage however, to quickly get familiar with one particular face, that of Derek Heikes. He was the man who was to lead the workout, the man I would soon blame for all the misery in the world.

I can't tell you how many different moves we did but from I remember, I was already panting after the warm-up jumping jacks. I also remember hurting through the pushups (which were in terrible form by the 5th one mind you), and crying (not literally) with every variation of the squat we had to do. There was a moment when I felt like vomitting the last two years worth of food and many moments to follow where I regretted having had a single sip of alcohol the night before. Let's just say I reeked and it wasn't pleasant whatsoever.

By the end of what felt like hours of pain and suffering, I could barely remember my own name. I had no idea who I was anymore! How is it that I went from being one of the most athletic girls in my high school class to feeling like death after one hour of cardio and plyometrics? I knew right then and there that I had to change some things in my life and I knew this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

Immediately, I opened up and made conversation with two of the guys there named Allan and Chris, both of whom cordially invited me to workout more regularly with them. I knew that I would need support if I was going to be serious about getting healthy again and they were kind enough to offer exactly that.

Over the course of the next few months, I went to Chris's house (AKA "HQ") and worked out in their basement (AKA "The Dungeon") about 5 times a week. There were several people who joined in with our smaller group workouts but 4 in particular were there each and every time. In addition to Chris and Allan, there were the Ces brothers, James and Jon.

With my days wrapped around better eating, regular exercise and such warm friends who shared the same goals, it was inevitable for us to become as close as family in due time. Everywhere I went people would ask which of the 4 was my boyfriend and I would laugh and say, "all of them!" (It's a joke, Mom.) In short, I ended up referring to them as my Unit because it was just easier that way.

To this day, I am grateful to have met this wonderful group of friends when I did. You guys saved my life whether you realise it or not. In addition to My Unit, who are also the "Core 4" founders of That Team, I was blessed to meet Derek, Kim and Maia that day, and so many other great leaders and friends thereafter.

Little did I know the mere conversation of getting back into shape would lead to such greatness! Cheers to January 16 and this being my 2nd anniversary with That Team.
I love you all dearly!

Here are some pictures because pictures are fun!

This is Allan, Derek, and Chris at one our group workout/cookout events.

Jon (left) and James (right) just so happen to be Irish twins.

The matching therefore makes sense (haha).

Feb 2010 - Me and My Unit after an intense workout in the Dungeon.

For more information about Beachbody, That Team, or any of the Beachbody Coaches mentioned above, please click on the following links:

Beachbody
That Team
Derek Heikes
Allan Mackiewicz
Chris Batu
James Ces
Jon Ces
Kim Bemis
Maia Carney

Vegetarian Wednesdays -- How it all came about

2012-01-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Let's rewind a little, shall we?

When I was really young I had such trouble eating and holding my food down. I don't know, I guess my stomach was just really sensitive as a child. I remember being the only one in nursery sitting in the dark cafeteria with my teacher watching me take very small bites of my lunch, chewing ever-so-slowly with disgust. It was frustrating for her, you could tell by the look on her face. But it was even worse for me. It was painful.

It wasn't until the 6th grade that I started to really enjoy food. I still wasn't eating all that much but at least I wasn't throwing away my entire lunch everyday or giving it all to my friends. [[ Sorry, Mom! ]] I found that I had this ridiculous love for red meat and mangoes and jelly beans and oreo cookies. Yepp, that was about it.

Come 7th grade when I started playing sports and getting really active in school, I was constantly craving food and particularly meat. I suppose it was the protein and iron my body liked so much, and with the way my dad grilled those bad boys, it became quite evident that my fave food in the world was steak. All kinds of steak. T-Bone steak, Porterhouse steak, Ribeye steak... If you said the word "steak" then I was there ready to eat. Mouth salivating and all, as it is right now.

I was also big into chicken legs, but seriously who isn't?!? My parents would laugh every time I ate any kind of meat because all that would be left was the bone. Completely naked. No cartilage, no traces of meat, nada. And the T-Bone steaks? Same deal.

Fast forwarding to 2009, I was at a pretty low time in my life and I needed something to fill the void in my spirit. It wasn't that I was completely unhappy, it wasn't that I was completely unhealthy, I just didn't feel whole. So I began to think about my life and reflect.

With my friends all being of diverse backgrounds, I was always surrounded with such practices as Lent and Ramadan. Fasting is not something I ever wanted to do because I'm not religious (although I'm very spiritual) and I never believed in dieting, which in my mind meant starving or depriving myself. But then I realized how much more there was to it. There was a matter of sacrifice and patience and refocusing on what really mattered. It suddenly dawned on me that I needed to sacrifice something special, something I truly loved.

You guessed it! I chose to sacrifice my love for meat.

With more thought, I decided I didn't want to just sacrifice for a certain period of time but rather do it all year round. I chose to give up my Wednesdays because I was given life on a Wednesday in 1986 and it only made sense to me to spare the lives of all living animals on that very same day.

What you have to understand is that it's not just a matter of sacrificing meat. It is a day I truly focus on my life. I become mindful of everything I have, everything I do, and everything I am. I become mindful of the purity of life, of the air I breathe, of the love that surrounds me. And this awareness, this mindfulness, it brings me back to the Now and the Here and it makes me humble all over again.

See, we all tend to get carried away in our every day lives with work and traffic and partying and stress. We forget what's really important and we take for granted all that we have. We complain about the smallest of things while the rest of the world would die just to experience a day in our shoes.

While we all have our own belief systems and go about things differently, we're all actually very alike. I found what works for me at the age of 23 and I have stuck to it ever since. Find what nurtures your mind, body and soul. Find what brings together all the elements of your world and you will find true happiness.

#Namaste

A short story taken from The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

2012-01-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

The Water Hyacinth

The water hyacinth is a beautiful, delicate-looking little plant. Prized as an ornament, it sports six-petaled flowers ranging from a lovely purplish blue, to lavender, to pink. You can find it floating on the surface of ponds in warm climates around the world.

The water hyacinth is also one of the most productive plants on earth; its reproductive rate astonishes botanists and ecologists. Although a single plant can produce as many as 5,000 seeds, the method it prefers for colonizing a new area is to grow by doubling itself, sending out short runner stems that become "daughter plants."

If a pond's surface is fairly still and undisturbed, the water hyacinth may cover the entire pond in thirty days.

On the first day, you won't even notice it. In fact, for the first few weeks you will have to search very hard to find it. On day 15, it will cover perhaps a single square foot of the pond's surface ... a barely significant dollop of color dotting the expanse of placid green.

On the twentieth day (two-thirds of the way to the end of the month), you may happen to notice a dense little patch of floating foliage, about the size of a small mattress. You would be easily forgiven if you mistook it for a boy's inflatable life raft, left behind during a family picnic.

On day 29, one-half of the pond's surface will be open water.

On the thirtieth day, the entire pond will be covered by a blanket of water hyacinth.

You will not see any water at all.

It Finally Feels Like Winter

2012-01-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

What would be more appropriate than a healthy chili soup on a really chilly day!? I found this recipe that is simple, vegetarian and easily freezable so you can always make it in advance for freezing days like this! =))

INGREDIENTS
(Serves 4)

2 tsp cumin seeds

large pinch chili flakes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
5 oz red split lentils
1 1/2 pint vegetable stock or water
14 oz can tomatoes, whole or chopped
8 oz carton chickpeas or 1/2 a can, rinsed and drained
small bunch coriander, roughly chopped
4 tbsp 0% Greek yogurt, to serve

METHOD
1. Heat a large saucepan and dry-fry the cumin seeds and chili flakes for 1 min, or until they start to jump around the pan and release their aromas. Add the oil and onion, and cook for 5 mins. Stir in the lentils, stock and tomatoes, then bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 mins until the lentils have softened.
2. Whizz the soup with a stick blender or in a food processor until it is a rough puree, pour back into the pan and add the chickpeas. Heat gently, season well and stir in the coriander. Finish with a dollop of yogurt and coriander leaves.

Beautiful

2011-12-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

#reblogged

I've Expanded

2011-12-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not saying I've completely moved, I am simply expanding! Oh media, how you consume me so...

Follow me on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and here. I'll still be around. I promise =))

Perseverance^2

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2011-12-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

From That Team and friends!!

Motivated Mondays -- Action Planning

2011-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a dream and if you say you don't then you just have yet to put some deep thought into it. Mondays are the perfect days to reestablish your dreams because they get your mind up and running. Your dreams can be your reality. It may not be easy and it will probably take a lot of work, but your dreams can come true if you really, really want them to.

Monday morning exercise :: On a blank sheet of paper, write down your ultimate dream or start free-writing whatever comes to mind when you think of profound happiness. You can even draw a picture if you prefer.

Once you have done that, write down every step you need to take in order to get you to that dream. You can start with the general steps and then break those down further into baby steps. Make each action clear so that you know exactly what you need to do to get that much closer to your dream.

This is not going to be a quick thing to write and plan out in 10 minutes, but the mere act of thinking and putting it down on paper makes your dreams REAL. Let this be your personal project for the rest of the week and set a deadline (such as every Monday) to accomplish each of those steps, no matter how big or small they are.

This is not just a typical project, this is your dream coming true. No excuses, anything is possible!

Girl, look at that body! I workout!

2011-12-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Just for kicks, hahaha! Enjoy!

I'm sexy and I know it!

Stay True to Your Body

2011-12-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

We've just gotten through Thanksgiving recently, which is a big day to celebrate love and life with our family and friends. I know that for most of us nutrition will go right out the door as we are spoiled with such traditional feasting, but although it is the holiday season, there are only a few particular days that I feel we really deserve to indulge. Don't get carried away with the sweets and high-calorie foods on a random day like today! And don't forget that during the holidays we all like to take pictures so do yourself a favor and look your very best!

Some tips to keep you mindful ::

1. Drink lots and lots of water! I know we all know this by heart, but seriously make it a habit to constantly flush yourself system clean.
2. Remember that eating less is best -- that is, if you are surrounded by homemade cakes and pies then by all means have a small piece. But don't let the pie eat you!
3. Keep a food journal. We don't always realize how much we've consumed until we write it all down. The little snacks here and there add up much quicker than you think.
4. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits that will enrich your body with the proper nutrients it needs to function at its best. They will also keep you full so you don't end up munching on sweets all day long only to be left unsatisfied with a tummy ache.

Don't Be Afraid

2011-12-05T08:28:00.001-08:00

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, to push yourself to your limits.

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, to expand your unlimited capabilities.

Don't be afraid to say you CAN and you WILL, to prove to the world and to YOURSELF that anything is possible.

Don't be afraid to do like Muhammed and believe in yourself even when no one else does.

#JustBelieve

#MindOverMatter

#BeYourOwnChampion

Commit to good pain!

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Don't be jealous of others.

If you're unhappy with your looks then do something about it.

#TruthBeTold

#CommitToYourself

Motivation on Crack

2011-11-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving holiday is now over (though the thankfulness continues) so what are you going to do to get back on track with things both mentally and physically?

Well for one, you can start by looking at this picture.

Click image to enlarge.

Not too easy to take in now is it? To see the number of physical and mental health problems that come hand-in-hand with obesity saddens me, all the while I know that some people will look at this and will be shocked but then won't do anything about these exact problems of theirs. And that denial saddens me even more.

Seriously, if this picture doesn't do anything for you then I don't know what to say. This should be beyond motivation, this should be motivation on crack.

#SERIOUSLY.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-26T11:47:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for spending quality time with my family.
I am thankful for having some more time with my sick grandparents.
I am thankful for being so very loved by everyone.
I am thankful for delicious Vietnamese and American food.
I am thankful for my second home in Delaware.
I am thankful for outlet shopping in a tax-free state.
I am thankful for my lil munchkin dog, Moki.
I am thankful for being healthy and happy.
I am just thankful.

This is one of the many pics taken this past Thursday.

From L to R :: Me, Mammy, Grandma, Aunty Van, Uncle Quang

#WhatAreYouThankfulFor?

10 Thanksgiving Quotes to Celebrate The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:26:00.000-08:00

I found this great article by Noel Jameson and decided to share it with you all on this day of giving Thanks. I hope you find that some these quotes touch you just as they did me.

From my heart to yours, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

*****

Ready for some Thanksgiving quotes? I don't mean the "I'm thankful for my Nintendo Wii" or the "I'm thankful for my new car" quotes that we hear all too often lately. I mean some real Thanksgiving quotes that remind us of what we really have to be thankful for. Here are 10 Thanksgiving quotes to celebrate and ponder.

1. "The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." ~ H.U. Westermayer

2. "Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." ~ Edward Sandford Martin

3. "There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all we Americans who are not self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American." ~ O. Henry

4. "You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

5. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

6. "We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction." ~ Harry A. Ironside

7. "It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. Christians in public institutions often see this odd thing happening on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone in the institution seems to be thankful 'in general.' It's very strange. It's a little like being married in general." ~ Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

8. "It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast." ~ W. J. Cameron

9. "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." ~ Cicero

10. "Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude." ~ E.P. Powell

This Thanksgiving Day, let's remember what we truly have to be thankful for. Let's take a good, hard look around us and realize that while we may not have everything we want, what we want is not always what we need. Let these ten Thanksgiving quotes remind you of the true meaning of this great American holiday as you celebrate with friends and family.

*****

Food For Thought

2011-11-23T07:35:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and boy do I have a lot to be thankful for! I have gained so much this year, and by that I mean I've gained some really great new friends, some exciting experiences and plenty of loving memories. I'm even thankful for certain painful situations that I had to endure to make me stronger than last year. It ain't sweet without the sour.

Can you think of some things that you have gained? Even if it's gaining some weight, that's still something to be positive about! Why? Because it's not too late to start turning 2011 around. Use Thanksgiving as a wake up call and be thankful for being alive. If you have any kids, parents, friends, goals or dreams to be thankful for then take this as your opportune time to extend your life and good times. If you love the holidays then stick around for more!

It is said that the average American consumes about 5000 calories, if not more, on Thanksgiving day. In case you don't realize the gravity of that statistic, it means that the average American eats about 2 to 3 whole days worth of food in just 1 day, depending on your size and daily caloric intake.

Dude. That's gross.

Fat Bastard from the movie Austin Powers

Despite the fact that we are officially in holiday-mode there are things that we can do to stay true to our goals. For one, if you've been preparing your body for some big time eating then you're already ahead of the game. The best way to do so is to gear up your metabolism by pushing harder and longer in your workouts, or you could get crazy and do some double-workouts. Of course by now you only have a day to work your butt off but it is better than nothing. Be brave and workout tomorrow morning before the cooking and feasting begins and mentally prepare yourself to workout really hard on Friday. Don't stop your healthy routines just because it's the holidays. Now is the time to test your goals and wishes. How badly do you really want it??

Some pointers that may help you get by tomorrow without feeling too guilty ::
- Workout first thing in the morning
- Set your mentality right by eating a healthy breakfast
- Eat several small portioned meals throughout the day and night
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Take it easy on the gravy, fried foods and whipped cream
- Don't be sluggish and sit around all day, stand up and keep moving

My dear friend and success buddy, Jon Ces, was saying just yesterday that it is important to remember that Thanksgiving is about spending quality time with family, not spending quality time eating. The feasting is a privilege or a bonus, if you will, so treat it as such. BE IN THE MOMENT and enjoy your time with your friends and family because it's all about them.

Tuesday Coaching

2011-11-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dalai Lama put it in simple terms for you. "The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be." What exactly does this mean? It means you need to learn to LOVE -- love your family, love your friends, love your body, love your future, love YOURSELF.

It is only until you truly love something or someone that you feel motivated to take action. It is one thing to think, but it is another to act. The more you genuinely feel love, the more free you'll feel to act upon that love. Stop hesitating to do what you love, to talk to someone you love, to follow the many passions that you love.

I believe that love conquers all. Love conquers hate and love conquers fear. Love conquers loneliness and love conquers sadness. Love conquers fatigue and love conquers evil.

Put aside all of your excuses and find something to love about yourself. You deserve to be loved so treat yourself with love -- take care of your mind, body and soul. It begins with YOU because if you don't love yourself then who will? Likewise, if you don't take care of your health, then who will?

I know that's a lot of the word "love" but it is so much more than a word. It is the most powerful feeling in the world because love can change anything and anyone. Believe it.

Motivated Mondays

2011-11-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

What inspires you? What motivates you? What gets you going?

Today's the beginning of a new week so take the time to sit down (because some people obviously surf the web while standing haha) and write out some of your goals.

What is your goal for today? What is your goal for this week? Keep them realistic and achievable but push yourself to accomplish all of those goals. Checklists are the best way to keep track of your progress.

Be creative with how you keep yourself focused and be sure you're ALWAYS moving in the direction that you want. Remember, you are never standing still -- you are either moving towards your goals or away from them.

Monthly Workout/Cookout Event

2011-11-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

[[ I know I've mentioned this event before but I never really got into detail of what it is and how it became to be. ]]

It all started in September 2009 when a group of friends got together and decided to have a monthly beast workout followed by a healthy potluck lunch. The workout would be led by one person and the rest of the group would follow. It would be the hardest one hour of your life but it would be quite the accomplishment once it was over. As of today, the group consists of Beachbody Coaches, fitness junkies, friends and strangers alike. It is open to everyone of all ages and fitness levels and it is absolutely free.

I was blessed to have been invited in January 2010 to their 5th workout/cookout event and have since been great friends with everyone. It was actually this very day, on January 16, that I turned my health around completely! Little did I know I would end up meeting the best support group who not only holds me accountable to my fitness goals, but who motivates and inspires me to be the best version of myself. These friends have now become family and I couldn't be more thankful!

Last weekend marked our 27th monthly workout/cookout! The format of our workouts this past year have varied and have been led by different people in order to keep things fun and exciting. This time around we had 5 stations in which we pushed ourselves to our personal limits with each individual exercise in that round. We went through the stations two whole times before taking a minute break, then we started a new round of moves. I believe we ended up going through 4 or 5 different rounds before the final push, which was a repeat of every round one time without stopping. All I could say was, "oww", but the feeling of getting through the workout felt absolutely amazing.

Although our group this month was unusually small because a few of us were out of town or moved to California (ahem, Kim and Derek!) we had a blast! We also had Candice and Marie from NJ/NY visiting for the weekend so that was a special treat.

Here are some pics to capture the event ::

The Ladies before working out

In line for the first move

Everyone working out in their own stations

Me in action -- high knees!

Pushing each other throughout each round

This is a cool shot with my legs in the air haha

Focus, Focus, Focus!!

Get it!!

"Do your best and forget the rest!"

Ball pushups -- they look funny but they are killer

I was definitely in the zone haha

Get lower, push harder, do just one more!

Goofing off =P

Like family, brothers helping each other out

Rawrawrawrwarrrr this is us getting our 2nd wind before the final push!

Oh my goodness, much needed stretching afterwards

Catching a breather and drinking some recovery drink

The group before we started to grub =))

If you've never been to one of our group workouts and are interested in getting healthy, learning about fitness and proper nutrition, or you need some friends to push you and motivate you, then by all means shoot me a message or add me on Facebook. We are all here with open arms trying to save this nation, one person at a time.

Celebrities Are People Too

2011-11-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

Fat Joe Talks 100-Pound Weight Loss: 'All My Big People Were Dying' - The Juice | Billboard.com

This is a quick read about a very well-known rapper who has been losing his big friends to heart attacks for years. Because of his losses, he has decided to turn his health around, though he'll always be proudly known as Fat Joe.

Congratulations to you for overcoming your diabetes. I really hope you continue to inspire people of all ages and sizes!

Fat Joe

It is said that you are the average of the 5 closest people in your life, so if your closest friends are overweight then chances are you are too. Don't wait until you lose those loved ones before making changes. Encourage them to get healthier with you and if you push for change and they don't care for it then honestly, it's time to get new friends.

Change is always good in the long run. No one said it was easy.

Tuesday Coaching

2011-11-15T13:29:00.001-08:00

Failure is good. It's fertilizer. Everything I've learned about coaching, I've learned from making mistakes.
-Rick Pitino

It is true, Wisdom comes from experience. As we go through life making mistakes and learning lessons we gain so much more than knowledge. We gain appreciation for our experiences, good or bad, because they make us who we are today. We gain the ability to understand and relate to others who are going through similar situations. We gain better judgment and learn how to avoid negative outcomes and seek positive ones. And we gain strength for that which does not kill us makes us stronger.

In life, we find ourselves being coached by our parents, our grandparents, our aunts and uncles, our friends, our teachers, our managers and sometimes even by strangers. We're coached on life, sports, class, friends, you name it. But we also find ourselves coaching others, whether we realize it or not. I've found myself listening and giving advice and guidance to people I've known for years and people I've only recently met.

Although I am only 25 years old, I have found that age doesn't always play a factor in experience and wisdom. When you feel like you really know something, that you believe in something deep, deep down, it's not hard to share that knowledge with others. We are all coaches and it is our responsibility to teach others what we learn because our wisdom becomes that much more valuable.

I am a Beachbody Coach because I genuinely believe in our mission of helping people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling life. I don't limit myself to only those in the Beachbody community, but I guide those in need of help outside of our company too. I may not be a guru, but I've most definitely experienced many ups and downs with both nutrition and fitness which has led me to believe that I can relate to a great number of people who face constant struggles. I know for a fact that there are some people who can benefit from my mistakes.

You don't need to be perfect or be an expert to potentially help someone else. Be you and stay true to your beliefs because you never know who you are going to touch and who you may very well save one day.

Right Here, Right Now

2011-11-12T15:57:00.001-08:00

TWEET TWEET

2011-11-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Follow, Follow, Follow ME!!!

Twitter has been hot for a while and I finally decided to join the club this past July. I'll try my best to post daily so keep up with my tweets and reply as often as you wish!! #socialnetworkingFTW

*tweet tweet* thattrangstaa *tweet tweet*

Also don't forget to follow THAT TEAM on Twitter too!!

Motivational Mondays - Failure Before Success

2011-11-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

I have failed myself time and time again. I have failed my friends and my family, my teammates and my clients. I have failed countless times but I am still standing and I am still eager to keep on keeping on. I refuse to give up.

Why? Because I know that in order to succeed we must first fail again and again.

I am not going to say I'm sorry and I am not going to dwell on the past. I am where I am because I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.

So as my first Motivational Monday post, I want to tell you that it is okay to fail. Do not EVER be afraid to fail. Take those failures and learn from them. FAIL FORWARD. "Always Forward," as one of my great coaches [[Chris Batu]] says. Always Forward.

"Success is the result of failing over and over again just to get to where you want to be."

"If you've ever rode a bike before, you fell and you failed before you were ever able to ride. You just had that INCESSANT VIGOR to keep trying at it again and again because you TRULY believed and you KNEW that you were eventually going to be able to do it."

"And success in any endeavor is just the result of getting past those little failures..It's the act of failing that makes you improve, that makes you want to do better, that makes you want more out of yourself. And you can either take the failure as the ending to your endeavor or you can take it as a beginning road to success."

Don't Ever, Ever, Ever Say NEVER

2011-11-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

We all have our own disabilities but don't let them handicap you.

Let them empower you with motivation and determination.

Remember, no one can stop you but you.

Stories like these make my heart smile oh so bright! =D

#successnation
#goosebumpsgalore

Stole this from a Friend to Share it with the World

2011-11-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

#cheersjon

From Carl Daikeler himself

2011-11-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

#beachbody

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

TRICK OR TREAT. What are you doing this year to celebrate Halloween? 'Tis the week, if not month, to go crazy with all the candies that have gone on sale! Right?? WRONG. Don't waste all the hard efforts of eating cleanly for months on a mere week of sugar highs. A couple pieces here and there is fine, but don't go on a binge. It's definitely not worth it.

Googley Candy Corns

It's just the beginning of our holiday season so in a couple weeks it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas and then New Year's and then Valentine's Day and then Chinese New year! I could go on and on, but we all know what happens once fall and winter begin to merge. We get caught up in all of the holiday spirit and sometimes we end up losing ourselves. Try to avoid the domino effect by staying on top of your game and keeping track of everything you eat, one day at a time. The last thing you want to do is have a ton of superficially sweetened fun and end up feeling like a mummy the next day...

Mummy Dogs

Be smart and get your sweat on consistently. Treat yourself when you feel you've earned it. And if you still don't have a costume planned for tonight then think of the scariest version of yourself and AVOID LOOKING LIKE THAT two months from now.

From my Zombie Pirate Chihuahua to You,
Have a Happy and Healthy Halloween!!

Get Up, Get Moving

2011-10-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know where you work or what you do, but what I do know is that you need to get up and get moving! Yes, right now! It's nearly lunch time and you deserve some good ol' blood circulation. In yesterday's post I mentioned that it was a good way to wake yourself up (both mentally and physically), so here we go!

Stand up, bob your head, raise your arms, stomp your feet, shake your behind, and turn yourself a couple of times! Get into it! Just make sure your boss isn't watching (haha).

This is one of my fave songs to work to because it gets me pumped, keeps me alert and motivates me to keep moving! Of course, by 'moving' I mean moving forward with my work and not so much dancing (although bobbing my head is acceptable).

The track may be 7 minutes long but it acts as a trigger that is mentally stimulating enough to keep you up and running at a good pace for hours to come. So stand up and get shakin' like nobody's watching! Except maybe the funny lizard. He's staring at you hardcore.

Morning Yawns

2011-10-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're stuck at work and
you can't shake off the morning yawns??

Pic of my dog, Moki, in Dec 2009. He feels for you.

Well, I will be the first to admit that I am not at all a morning person. However, I've found a few ways to manage throughout my most tiring days.

1) Drink a glass of water. Fatigue can be a sigh of dehydration, so whether you chug a cold glass here and there or you sip gradually throughout the day, water will keep your body hydrated and your mind focused.

2) Eat some cold fresh fruit. They are easy to digest so they serve as quick fuel. The citrus also gives you energy, so try drinking a glass of orange juice or eating an apple. Munching on something like grapes can work as well.

3) Get up and walk around. Raise your heart rate and get your blood flowing, even if it means walking up and down the stairs for a few minutes. This will put your body in exercise-mode and will definitely activate your mind and body.

4) Go outside and take a quick breather. Fresh air and some mindful breathing exercises can calm your nerves but also wake up the brain. Once you come back in, you'll feel refreshed and more able to focus.

5) Try to stay optimistic and focus on the positives. Negativity is energy draining and will leave you more tired and cranky than necessary.

6) Avoid caffeine and excess sugars because they usually lead to crashing. Point blank.

7) Eat a healthy snack that has good protein. Yogurt and eggs are excellent sources and they also contain tyrosine, which helps your brain produce more dopamine and norepinephrine to keep you motivated and energetic.

8) Get better quality sleep the night before! If that means going to bed earlier or cutting out the caffeine/alcohol or working out a couple hours before bedtime, just do it. Good sleep will lead to more refreshed mornings.

Cheers to being productive!

2011-10-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

NAKED

2011-10-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

GREEN MACHINE.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVE

NAKED DRINK.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about

MY SHAKEOLOGY

Stressed Much?

2011-10-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Whether it's because of your kids, the rain, your boss or a fight with your significant other, I think everyone should take 8 minutes out of their day to calm themselves from their daily stresses. No matter who you are, you deserve it.

No one said that the mere act of relaxing oneself had to cost an arm and a leg for some massages and spa treatments (although those are nice every now and then). There are several ways of lowering your blood pressure naturally and this has been clinically proven to be the most effective relaxing song.

Listen to this track during your lunch hour, when you come home from work or even right before bed. Close your eyes and begin to release all the tension you've gradually built up. Ease the wrinkles on your forehead, loosen up your tight shoulders, and take a few deep meaningful breaths.

The above video parallels the spiritual effects that this composite song has on one's mind, body and soul with the wondrous effects of freediving. It's a matter of being alone yet not lonely, of freeing yourself from all that surrounds you and simply being One with the universe. Although this video is less than 5 minutes long, you start to get the idea of what yoga and meditation and the like can do for your mental health. If interested, below is the full 8-min track.

Namaste, my friends.

Happiness Comes From Happy Thoughts

2011-10-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

"The happiest people in life don't have the best in everything

They make the best of everything they have."

Make it a habit to think of at least one thing that made you smile today
before going to sleep and see if that affects your dreams and mood in the morning.

Back to Basics

2011-10-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the big picture is a little too big to handle.

16 oz T-Bone, courtesy of Google pics

Like a 16 oz steak (God forbid you eat that big boy on the daily) it is important to break things down into smaller more digestible pieces. Such as with any desired goal, it is important to consider the baby steps that will lead you towards accomplishing your dreams. You can think and wish all you want, but nothing is going to happen until you take action. Action --> Results.

So you want to lose weight? You want to get toned? You want to fit your favorite dress or your favorite pair of jeans again? Well, good for you! But the question is how and when and where you want to start.

First thing's first. Write down specific goals for yourself so that you know which direction you're going.

Now, what actions are you going to take towards enhancing your nutrition plan? What actions are you going to take to make your lifestyle more active?

You need to understand that it's not about how much you weigh, it's about how much body fat you have. It's not about how you look to other people but rather how you feel when you look in the mirror. It's not just about how much you eat (although portion control is important) but moreso what you eat.

Google Image : 1 lb of fat

Dude. Gross.

1 pound of fat is equivalent to 3500 calories. This means that if you want to lose 1 pound a week, you're going to have to cut down your daily caloric intake by 500 calories. That doesn't mean you have to starve yourself, it just means you need to be smart about the types of foods you eat. You can actually eat more if you choose wisely, and foods with higher nutritional value at that!

For example, compare the following foods ::

2 whole fried eggs = 150-200 calories

2 egg white scramble = 35-50 calories

Egg yolks are high in fat and cholesterol, whereas the white of an egg is low in calories and high in protein.

2 regular oreo cookies = 105-130 calories

1 medium sized gala apple = 100-120 calories

Fruits have lots of vitamins and the natural sugars can satisfy one's sweet tooth cravings. Plus 2 oreo cookies wouldn't be enough for anyone.

1 string cheese = 70-80 calories

10 raw almonds = 70 calories

Cheese is good in moderation but if you're going to go for a healthier snack then I would suggest eating raw nuts. They have a lot of good protein and they're quite filling. A handful of almonds will hold your stomach for a good 30-60 minutes easily.

1 fried chicken drumstick = 350 calories

1 roasted chicken drumstick (without skin) = 180 calories

Well, this is pretty obvious. Simply try to avoid fried foods in general.

1 can of Coca Cola = 140 calories

1 glass of water = 0 calories

Drink all water all day everyday and you'll be doing yourself a favor inside and out. If you need bubbles then drink soda water and add some lemon for a citrus kick.

Although the calories I stated are a mere approximation, you get the idea of what is more filling and has more nutritional value for its proper serving size. With each healthier choice you make you get that much closer to reaching your health goals. Likewise, with each "cheat" you allow yourself, the further away those goals will seem. If you can replace all of the above in one day then that would save you about 500 calories right there! BAM! Take these steps and you'll surely meet your goals in due time.

Be mindful of all that you eat and drink... imjustsayin!

Choose Wisely

2011-10-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just smile

2011-10-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit goes to Steve Fabry

Sometimes the key to being happy is to just smile.
Once you smile, good things will naturally follow.

Monday's Food For Thought

2011-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Joe Lopresto is an incredible Beachbody coach from upstate and he shared this with everyone on Facebook. I felt it was valuable enough to re-share it with you as this week's food for thought.

Ragnar Relay

2011-09-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Last Fall, a few members from That Team participated in an event called the Ragnar Relay. It is about a 200 mile run that is split amongst 12 people (or 6 for those amazing marathon runners) and that takes 36 hours or so to complete. This year, even more of our team members decided to challenge themselves with this ultimate relay which took place this past weekend.

Our team's name was TONY'S TIGERS, a play on Tony Horton's name (creator of P90X) as well as our team's initials "TT". As Tony Horton always says, "Bring it!" our team's motto was "BrrrIIIINNNG It!!" using the same sound as the Frosted Flakes' tiger's "GrrrrEEAAATTT". Haha, cute, we know.

Seriously though, not only is it physically difficult for those on our team who are not runners but sleep deprivation really got to us all. In short, Ragnar is no joke. As I did last year, instead of running with the group I decided to volunteer. It was hard work but it was so much fun, especially with That Team's members Celina and Taria with me! I guess you could call us volunteers crazy too because our volunteer shift was from 11PM-5AM. Yeah.

Here are a few pictures from this year's Ragnar Relay:

RUN. DRIVE. SLEEP? REPEAT.

The 3 Volunteers -- Celina, Taria, Steph

I don't know how Taria managed to stay cute... but she did!

After taking about a 3 hour nap, we showered and met up
at the National Harbor where the finish line was.

We also met up with Van 1's runners (the real runners haha)

Hanging out and cheering for other teams at the finish line.

Group picture of Tony's Tigers, both runners and volunteers =))

SBs reunited -- Love, Truth, Balance

Once the race was over, we got free pizza and beers to celebrate.
All of the runners got medals as well.

Procrastination.

2011-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

TWO WORDS :: NO BUENO

Represent!

2011-09-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Coach Steph, Coach Jon, Coach James

We didn't plan to match but it just so happened we all rocked That Team colors on the day of our group workout/cookout event. I guess we're just fly like that. HA.

Stuck In A Moment

2011-09-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite songs that I played over and over throughout high school (literally all 4 years haha). It recently played in a show on TV and it has been stuck in my head ever since. I find it quite interesting that this song came back into my life when it did.

You've got to get yourself together

You got stuck in a moment

And now you can't get out of it

Don't say that later will be better

Now you're stuck in a moment

And you can't get out of it

As are the last lines of the song, "It's just a moment, this time will pass."

Well, today is a new day, so get up and get going! =))

10 Year Anniversary

2011-09-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today is a day we will Never Forget.

This is dedicated to all the wives and girlfriends who lost their men during the 9/11 tragedy 10 years ago. We all long to find that one special person, that person who fills our every void and fulfills our every dream. The thought that in just one moment all of that can disappear is heartbreaking, it is life shattering. So with that in mind, cherish every single person in your life who you consider significant. Cherish everything you have in your hands and in your heart. Be mindful and kind and give love to the world. ALWAYS.

The Power of 10%

2011-09-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

I received an email just the other day and I wanted to share it with you because it reminded me how powerful a mere 10% change can affect you exponentially in the short-term and even moreso in the long-term ::

The Power of 10% - How Small Changes Make a BIG Difference

A lot of us, including me, are often challenged by the “Big Changes” happening in the world around us. This can often lead to a variety of “out of control” feelings ranging from disappointment to utter frustration.

During these moments, we often forget how much control we actually have by making numerous small changes that can make a big difference in our personal and professional success. And, that’s where the “Power of 10%” reminder is so helpful in helping us achieve the changes we desire and deserve. Just for consideration, what would happen if …

You improved your golf score by 10%?

You exercised 10% more?

You invested 10% of your income?

You spent 10% more time on your personal development?

You did 10% more to go after your goals?

Then …

You could go from being an “o.k.” golfer to a “great” golfer.

Your health and quality of life could improve.

You would have a significant next egg for retirement.

You could enhance your job performance and your career.

You would find that, over time, you could achieve the unimaginable.

Picture from Google

As the ripple produced by a rock thrown into the still lake expands into ever-increasing concentric circles, so do the effects of our power of 10% actions.

From a great friend and a great leader

2011-09-07T00:23:00.000-07:00

THAT TEAM NEW JERSEY

2011-08-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I got to be a part of your big day, Marie!! Congratulations on starting your own weekly fit club! Having had so much fun this past weekend, I can only imagine how much greater it will be as your fit club grows. Can't wait to get my sweat on with you again in Jersey! =))

Wishing TTNJ all the best!

Namaste

2011-08-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this and felt it was a great way to teach non-Yogis the essence of the word and expression "Namaste".

How incredible it is to think that the power, the compassion, and the spiritual depth of yoga can be summed up in just 7 letters. Much more than a workout and much more than a means to gain flexibility, Yoga is being increasingly practiced around the world for a reason. And while it may not happen right away, I know that yoga will bring peace to all of us in due time.

My New Mantra

2011-07-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

We are forever working on ourselves and that's just the way that life goes. We aren't born perfect but we can always improve, we can always grow, we can always reach for better. That is why it is so important to focus on personal development.

I've set my mind to achieving a higher level of enlightenment, hence my new mantra ::

Personal Development...

Drink water, stay Fresh. =))

Let's Go Biking!!!

2011-07-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

My mom and I have been working on our garage this past week because there is just so much junk everywhere. We got rid of a fair amount of stuff that other people can use so that makes me feel really good.

One of the things I came across that has been left unnoticed for YEARS is my bike. Well, it's my bike now (haha). It was covered in webs and the tires were ridiculously flat but I got the sudden urge to take it for a ride.

My Baby

This morning I decided that today was the perfect day to give that bike some life again since it was looking so sad. I forgot about the tires so I frantically looked everywhere for a tire pump. Thank goodness we had one still! I also had to look for a screwdriver to adjust the seat and whatnot, but I made it work and was finally ready to GO!

Oh snap! P90X! Represent ;))

I didn't even care where I was going, I was just really excited to ride. The path out of my neighborhood led me to sidewalks and then up to where my dad works (only a few miles away). It was cute but it was no bike trail! Tomorrow, I plan on taking this bad boy much further than today. Woohoo, biking is back in for me!!

Can you tell I was having a lot of fun??

You know, there are times when we all lack motivation to workout. What we have to do is find something that is FUN and that we are PASSIONATE about. It can be dance, cross-country, or rock climbing! Either way, find something that gets you sweating and JUST DO IT. I think I've found my latest pleasure =))

'Til next time, folks! Have a good one!

Correction...

2011-07-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

You'd be surprised at how much good can come from just tweaking your mentality.

Believe in Yourself

2011-07-12T00:42:00.000-07:00

You're Gonna Make It

2011-07-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

No one said life was easy, but it gets unnecessarily harder when you put yourself in tough situations. I have to remind myself that some things are just not worth the trouble or the tears or the fighting. I'm still learning to sort my trials, sort my friends (or "friends" rather), sort my Self... But I am learning and I will not give up.

There are times when we do things that we regret. There are times when we do things we wish we could take back. There are things that happen to us that we just have to learn to accept. There are things that bring us down and there are things that bring us up. All of these things can make us or break us and it is up to us to decide how to react.

Everyone falls. Some fall harder than others. But it's how you stand up again and again that makes the world of difference. What's important is that despite all the hardships in the world and despite all the problems we may have we can never give up. We have to keep striving to be better. And despite the stupid choices we make at times it is never too late to change. It is never too late to grow. It is never too late to learn and learn some more.

Keep your life simple, focus on your priorities, love, laugh, and speak truth always.

5 Foods that Keep You Thin

2011-07-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

I saw this article about what five foods keep you thin and thought it would be something great to share with all of you!

The 5 foods that keep you thin

1. Apples -- good source of fiber, boosts satiety levels making you feel full
2. Almonds -- good source of protein and fiber, low calories, boosts satiety levels
3. Salmon -- good source of protein and omega-3, relatively low in calories, boosts satiety levels
4. Eggs -- good source of protein and fiber, makes you feel full all day if you have protein for breakfast
5. Tomatoes -- good source of fiber, tasty, low in calories

As you can see, foods that are high in protein and/or high in fiber seem to help keep you healthy and feeling full! So incorporate these into your nutrition plan and it should help you lose/maintain your weight meanwhile feeding your body some essentials. =))

Check out the whole article HERE !

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

2011-07-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead is a film about Joe Cross, an Australian man, who was fat and sick and needed a serious change. At 310 pounds he was depending on all sorts of medication for years just to get by, so he came up with the idea of fasting for 60 days. This movie documents his progress as he travels throughout the US talking to people about their nutrition and experiences with fasting meanwhile sharing his personal mission to get healthier.

It is sad to see how many people during the interviews were reluctant to the idea of change. A great deal of people said something along the lines of, "If it's my time to go then so be it, God will decide that, but until then I'm going to live and eat whatever I like." It hurts to know that people couldn't care less about their future and the consequences of their actions of today.

After 60 days of drinking juice made with tons of fruits and vegetables, the Australian has his first solid meal in a hot air balloon 2000 feet above the earth. And guess what, it is a green apple. HA! Love it.

One of the people Joe manages to touch is a truck driver named Phil. Coincidentally, they both have the same exact medical issues called Urticarial Vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease. Joe offers Phil help and he desperately accepts it knowing very well that if he does not make drastic changes in his life he will end up suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, a worse case of sleep apnea and possible heart failure.

With Joe's help, Phil ended up going from 429 lbs to 227 lbs 10 months later. That's a total weight loss of 202 lbs! Phil is now committed to inspiring people everywhere to add more fruits and vegetables to their diets, including his own brother who suffered of a heart attack. Since the making of this film, Joe and Phil have inspired thousands of people to Reboot their lives (Reboot : to detox by fasting and juicing fruits and vegetables).

I highly recommend this movie! Watch the trailer below!

Some key points I got from the movie

1. Statistics of what the average American eats: About 60% processed foods, 30% animal products, 5% whole grains and white potatoes, and just 5% of fruits and vegetables.

2. Fruits and vegetables are the most enriched with micronutrients and macronutrients, which are required in relatively large amounts by living organisms for proper growth and development. Without such nutrients in our bodies, we are weakened which makes us susceptible to diabetes, strokes and autoimmune diseases.

3. The Foods Highest in Nutrients per Calorie:
- Green Vegetables
- All Raw Vegetables
- Beans / Legumes
- Eggplant, Mushrooms
- Tomatoes, Peppers
- Fresh Fruit

4. "You can't escape from the biological laws of cause and effect. What happens to you is the same thing that is going to happen to every other American." This is a crucial quote from one of the doctors Joe spoke to. Why? Because everyone wants to think that they are an exception, that they won't suffer the things other people are suffering. Truth is, you are what you eat and if you decide to eat junk foods, fast foods, and processed foods all the time then your body is doomed for destruction.

5. "70% of the diseases that affect us now are caused by our life choices: how we exercise, if we smoke, what we eat -- our saturated fats, carbohydrates, salt and alcohol. Now can you have some of it? Sure. But most people have too much of it."

6. Results from those who have tried this fruit and veggie juice fast: increased energy, healthier skin, better sleep, weight loss, less rash/hives breakouts, less temptations to eat fast food, no more migraines, no more medication, better moods, better focus, inspiration to help others

7. Phil's "Mean Green Juice" which I definitely plan on trying sometime, along with these other recipies:
- 1 bunch of kale
- 4 stalks of celery
- 1 cucumber
- 2 granny smith apples
- 1/2 a lemon
- ginger root

8. "Permanent results only come from permanent changes in your life." That doesn't mean you have to juice for the rest of your life, it simply means making healthy changes in your lifestyle.

9. By changing your ways you can really inspire others to change too. And when you do the simple act of helping just one other person, they feel the need to help someone else too. It's a chain reaction that starts with you so make it a positive one and you will eventually make a positive difference in the world! As is the case in this film, Joe started off with a sickness and decided to make some positive changes in his life to get himself out of his situation. He then shared his knowledge and experience with others which in turn inspired some people to change themselves. Then, they continued to inspire others, and so on... As Joe says in the film, "the best way to change the world is to change yourself."

10. As is the case with all health and wellness programs, it is important to consult a physician before starting anything, including a Reboot.

Cheers to happy and healthy living!

I Got You

2011-07-06T01:39:00.000-07:00

When I was a senior in high school, we each got to design our own page for the yearbook. One of the things I wrote on my page was "Friends like Family, Family like Friends." It's one of my life mottoes and it basically sums up how I consider the people in my life.

We all go through our ups and downs with our closest friends and family. It's inevitable. There will be fights, there will be tears, but there will also be warm hugs and kisses. At the end of the day, despite any and all drama, we know we truly love each other. What matters is how we are able to move past our differences and only to grow closer and closer.

This is how I feel about That Team. They are like family to me and I can't imagine my life without them by my side.

Thank you for all that you've done for me, all that you've dealt with, all that you've looked past, and all the endless love, support and encouragement you give me. Your energies keep me going and I truly do appreciate each and every one of you.

I got you. <3

Find that special group of friends and make them your family.
We all need love and we all need to love each other.

Aim High

2011-07-05T20:19:00.001-07:00

"I'd rather you shoot for the moon and miss

than shoot for a puddle and make it."

That is one of the many quotes I took home with me from Summit. I believe it was Craig Holiday who said it and it really stuck. So here I am aiming HIGH! Even if I don't reach it, I will k e e p o n r e a c h i n g ! ! My potential is limitless and I refuse to settle. And you my friend, deserve to aim as high as the sky as well!

I'll tell you right now that I am absolutely terrified of heights. They say that the only way to get over your fears is to simply face them, but I have faced my fear of heights many times throughout my life and it still blatantly exists! It's okay though because I believe that if I keep on facing this fear then over time it won't scare me as much. It will take time but it is not an impossibility.

It was also my first time climbing a rope so I was shaking more than Vietnamese Shaky Beef!! [[ Haha, sorry that was really funny to me.]] Point is, I did it. I reached the blue mark at the top because I didn't give up. It also really helped that my teammates were there rooting me on. At one point I think they believed in me more than I believed in myself, and as soon as I caught myself thinking that way I was quick to change. My hands have never held on to anything so tightly before and my arms and back were completely exhausted afterward. But you know what? It was totally worth it.

Aim high and just keep on moving! And when you feel like settling or even falling, lean on someone who will push you upward and forward! I believe in you!

My Food Addictions

2011-07-03T00:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, I have many cravings and a few particular addictions when it comes to foods. If you know me at all then this will be of no surprise to you :

1. FRENCH BREAD

If my family had to choose which ONE carb they would want to eat for the rest of their life, then I know for a fact that my dad would choose noodles and my mom would choose rice. Me? I would choose bread. I'm obsessed!! And of all the breads in the world I am particularly fond of French bread. No, it's not because I'm part French haha. I think it has a lot to do with its texture that is nice and crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. Oh, and croissants come second. Hmm, maybe I'm more French than I thought haha!

4. CHEESE

Cheese. My favorite word. My favorite snack. My favorite condiment. My favorite emotion. My favorite type of joke. My favorite type of movie. All kinds and every kind. I think that Brie cheese has been my top choice for as long as I can remember and Muenster is my favorite cheese for sandwiches. No matter the smell or color or texture though, I am always down to try new cheeses. Mhmmmm I'm so cheesy <3 And fine, I admit it. I'm not even Asian anymore.

3. BACON

Everyone knows that I love, love, LOVE meat. In fact I am probably one of the biggest meat lovers you will ever meet! [[ Meat! Meet! Haha, I crack myself up! ]] Anyways, steak has been my favorite food since the 4th grade, hands down. But it seems that for the past two years my addiction to meat has expanded much further than steak and ribs. I seriously think I love bacon more than my dog does... is that bad??

4. CHOCOLATE

Maybe it's a girl thing? I don't know. A lot of guys love chocolate too, but they may not "need" it the same way we do. Chocolate is my hero. There isn't all that much more to say. Except my order goes like this: white chocolate (only in small dosages though), dark chocolate with nuts, Nutella, plain dark chocolate, Chocolate Shakeology, milk chocolate with nuts/caramel/fluff (basically all those terrible chocolate candies that sell everywhere), plain milk chocolate. Yeah, I think about chocolate too much. I know.

5. VEGGIES

Especially the green ones. Especially the crunchy ones. Especially the ones that taste awesome raw. One of my many nicknames is "Rabbit" for a good reason! I don't know what my parents did right but I absolutely love all fruits and vegetables. I seldom encounter others who will order "extra [enter veggie here]" anywhere and everywhere they go. But I'm a different story. Even if I go to a bar and drink water or cranberry juice, I'll order a plate of celery and carrots (or two, or three) to go with it. I'm ridiculous, I know. I'd say my order of favorites goes something like this: mushrooms (all kinds), avocado (wait, that counts more as a fruit doesn't it?), onion, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli (cooked please), spinach, squash, tomatoes (another fruit, yes?), celery, carrots... and, I think I'll stop there for your sake. The bottom line is that I'm in love with all that Mother Nature has provided us. I really am.

I love how my Top 3 list turned into my Top 5 haha. As you can see, I have no problem with eating. A lot. Of everything. Now, as you know moderation is key. I enjoy all of these foods in decent amounts and try my best not to go overboard with any of them (except maybe the extra serving of veggies).

I am putting myself out there because I know my weaknesses for these foods but they don't make me weak. Why? Because it is all about self-control. It is about enjoying life and enjoying it in the best way possible. I am human, very very human. I am also very much a girl during my "time" and I am not ashamed to admit that I give in a little more to my cravings during that time.

Still, I know that as good as foods taste, being fit feels way better.
Be smart with your choices, sweat once a day and indulge in your favorite foods in small dosages. CHEERS!

Note :: All of the above pictures were Googled. [[Just like Chalene Johnson suggested I do for everything.]]

"The guy who came in 2nd, who?"

2011-07-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Family is Always Hardest

2011-07-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

I know for a fact that this has happened to some of you and I know that it just takes time and patience, but right now I am so frustrated that I feel the need to express myself.

My parents know that I have been a health and fitness coach for over a year and that I am all gung-ho about helping others get fitter and healthier. They also know that I love Shakeology and I was so proud of my mom for drinking it for the few months that she did. [[ Why she stopped I do not know, especially considering the fact that she admitted it made her feel stronger, more energetic and more alert.]] What is even worse than her stopping though is coming home to see 6 different containers of supplements sitting on the kitchen counter. The idea of her taking multiple pills a day to feed her body with just 1/3rd (if even) of the nutrition ONE serving of Shakeology could provide her truly boggles my mind. She claims that it is cheaper and that the pills are for both she and my dad, but frankly, her reasoning does not make much sense. It may be cheaper because there is less nutrition value but with two people going through those bottles on a daily basis, I don't know how long they will last before needing a costly refill. My dad has also just left town and won't be back for two weeks and he didn't take any of the vitamins with him. As for my mom, she has yet to take a single pill since they were bought over a week ago. I am so very disappointed.

As if I were an architect, an engineer or even a pharmacist for that matter, it seems my parents regard me as their child and nothing more. I know this is not the right way of thinking though so I will try and stay positive. Still, it really hurts to know that my own mother enjoyed a product that I truly believe in and am absolutely passionate about only to turn her back on not just Shakeology, but on her own daughter as well.

You know, there will always be times when you run into people who request your help or advice and then do nothing with it. It is definitely hard to put effort and care into people without being appreciated, but really, when that day comes when they realize everything you told them is truth and honesty and necessary, THAT is when they will really appreciate you for always being there for them.

Never give up. Just know that it is not their time to change yet. When they are ready, you will surely know. And if they are making changes but ones that you don't really agree with (such is the case with my parents and their 6 supplement pills), then let them try it to see if it works for them. If it doesn't do any good after a while, then lend them another hand. There are ways, but there are even BETTER ways.

Our job as coaches is to educate the public, friends and family included. And yes, it takes time and a lot of patience.

Summit 2011 Recap

2011-06-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

If you didn't make it to this year's Beachbody Summit event in LA, California then you missed out on a ton of awesome training and awesome fun! I learned so much while I was there, and I gained an incredible amount of inspiration. Beachbody really is made of the best people in the world with the biggest and kindest hearts.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures to recap my experience:

END THE TREND

Having brunch with my THAT TEAMmates and proudly rocking our swag ;))

THAT TEAM is part of TEAM FIT REVOLUTION, one of the biggest
teams in Beachbody. Some of the founding coaches gave motivational speeches,
along with Craig Holiday, Carl Daikeler, and Tony Horton during our TFR meeting.

THAT TEAM went to Muscle Beach in Santa Monica to beat our
bodies up even before the celebrity trainers could! It was crazy fun
though and I am proud of the challenges I managed to get through.

Enjoying a fun but brutal workout led by celebrity trainer
Debbie Siebers, creator of SLIM IN 6!

Sharing SHAKEOLOGY and making new friends, such as
with Michael Saure who was in the TURBOFIRE videos

About 2500 Beachbody Coaches gathered to hear some very useful training,
truly touching stories and many motivational speeches.

Guest speaker and also fellow Beachbody Coach, Marlee Matlin , was there to give us one
of the most inspiring speeches I have ever heard. She talked about the challenges she has
with being deaf and how nothing could stop her from chasing her dreams of becoming an actress.

Relaxing our muscles in the hot tub while making new BB friends

Representing THAT TEAM after the Super Saturday morning workout

Having a "D3" meeting while sun bathing at the pool
with my ladies, Marie (middle) and Maia (right)

Almost all of THAT TEAM's ladies

Meeting the French's! Tami and Mike are probably the
epitome of the perfect family with their kids.

Group pic with us all dressed up for the last night's events

Celebrating the top coaches of the year

Check out some of Summit 2011's highlights HERE!
And ten key takeaways from Summit HERE!

If you watch carefully, at 1:22 in the video, I am about ready to try the new flavor TROPICAL SHAKEOLOGY for the first time alongside Marie. You can tell we were excited! =))

Also, if you haven't registered yet for next year's Summit then I highly suggest you get moving. It is going to take place at the MGM in Vegas and you don't want to miss out!!!

I love Beachbody so much that I can hardly contain myself!! Can you tell? CAN YOU TELL??

Thank You, Thank You, Again and Again

2011-06-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Overnight Walk was a success!! Once again I would like to THANK YOU ALL for your endless love and support. Without you I wouldn't have been able to raise over $4000 personally, and over $7000 as Team M&M! As you know, all of the net proceeds are going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to fund research, education and awareness programs to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

Next year's walk will be in San Francisco which is an awesome excuse for me to go visit the West Coast!! This time around, I intend on depending less on personal donations and doing more fundraising instead. That is my goal.

Here are some of the highlights of our experience:

Walking the streets of NYC to gather with all the other walkers

Team M&M, registered and ready!

Thank you, Marie, Co-Captain of Team M&M, for designing our tanks!

Me and the (back of the) paper bag I designed for Michael.

A few words (and pictures) before our walk

Let the journey begin!

We happily and easily got to Mile Mark 1

AFSP was so good at providing us with rest stops every few

miles for snacks, water, Gatorade and portal potties.

Woohoo! Welcome to Brooklyn! Our walk took us all

throughout the wonderful streets of Brooklyn and back to Manhattan.

The sun was setting very quickly

Beautiful scenery as we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge

Captain and Co!

High Five for making Mile 5!!

How funny is it that most of the taxis had Spiderman ads and

that's my brother's fave! I even drew a Spiderman on his

bag for the Luminaria (check out the pictures at the end).

Even funnier was running into the one and only friend I made

on Facebook's Overnight Walk page. We never got each other's

phone numbers either until we bumped into each other. Ha!

The odds of running into that One out of several thousands of people... no biggie.

So yeah, my feet were killing me as the walk went on LOL...

I was exaggerating just a tad in this pic

Woohoo!! Worn out and still trucking with a smile! We're almost there!

Last stretch baby! We've got this!

YAY! We made it just in time for a hot breakfast!

Notice how none of us are wearing our shoes HAHA

The Luminaria begins -- some of these bags were incredibly touching

In 2009, AFSP funded 17 new suicide prevention research studies.

I found my bag!! It looked amazing lit up, especially the Spiderman front.

The back of my bag.

The stage looked so beautiful but it really broke my heart to see how many

people are touched by suicide. These bags represent all of those we walk and live for.

Although my bag stood alone amongst all the others, Gwyn and

Sam and Marie all had their bags in the same area which was really sweet

We all sat around as more and more walkers

crossed the finish line and joined us on the lawn

This was the ending ceremony with more touching stories

and words and songs of Hope as the sun was rising. (Hence the name

"The Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk" which is incredibly symbolic.)

Exhausted and in pain, we made it through the finish line.

It was a journey full of emotions and memories and questions.

It was a time to share, a time to reflect, a time to remember.

I couldn't have done this without you three

along with the support of all my friends and family.

A special thanks to my dear Marie for being Co-Captain of our team

and for guiding me whenever I was lost.

The walk may have ended but our journeys continue

and I will forever walk and breathe for my brother,

and for those friends I have lost to suicide as well.

God blessed you with Life, please don't ever take that for granted. <3

INSANITY

2011-05-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Shaun T's brutal workout program called INSANITY I was able to transform my body in just 3.5 months. This cardio-based program is 60 days but because my knees were giving me problems, I had to take some time off between Phase 1 and 2 to do other physical activities to keep from injuring myself any further. When doing really intense workouts like this it is essential to listen to your body!! So while I was taking a break from Insanity I kept on doing other intense workouts that would not be so hard on my knees, including random workouts from P90X, TurboFire, RevAbs and anything we did at our Wednesday fit club. Of course I modified moves accordingly so as to allow my knees the opportunity to heal as much as possible before getting into Phase 2. No matter what I did I was sure to get my daily sweat on and most importantly, to eat right! If it weren't for my clean nutrition including SHAKEOLOGY I wouldn't have gotten such great results. Truth be told!

Check out my 3.5 month transformation, between the end of January and the beginning of May!

My measurements are as follows : :

Weight : : 132 lbs -- 120 lbs

Waist : : 31 in -- 28 in

Hips : : 34.5 in -- 34 in

Chest : : 32 in -- 30 in

Right arm : : 12 in -- 11.2 in

Left arm : : 12 in -- 11 in

Right thigh : : 23 in -- 21.8 in

Left thigh : : 23 in -- 21.8 in

Right calf : : 14.5 in -- 14.4 in

Left calf : : 14.9 in -- 14.6 in

Body fat % : : 24% -- 18.4%

I lost a total of about 12 lbs, 10.1 inches and 5.6% body fat!!

The Overnight Walk

2011-03-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Since we are all about reaching out and helping others, I think it is time I share with you something very dear to my heart.

Suicide is something many of us have come across at some point in our lives. Whether it is a friend or family member who has committed suicide, or a friend of a friend who has attempted to take their own life, suicide is a serious matter. In fact, it is much more prevalent than one would think.

I lost my brother to suicide in 1998 and it has been a rough time dealing with the pain. I know that there are many people out there who suffer from a similar loss. But we are all survivors. We may be strong, but it is important to take the time to unite with others who can relate as a matter of comfort. More often than not we tend to feel alone, but we are NOT alone at all.

It is also important to unite for the sake of awareness -- it is the only way we can prevent further suicides from happening. We are here to love and support, not to judge. Therefore, it is my honor to participate in the Overnight Walk this year (for the second time) in memory of my brother, Michael Ly.

The Out of Darkness Overnight is a 18-mile fundraising walk throughout the night, designed to raise funds and to make a bold statement to bring the issue of suicide into the light. The Overnight is organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education. It is also dedicated to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those affected by suicide.

In order to participate in this walk, each team member has to raise at least $1000. Please support me and my team by donating a dollar or more to any of the following links : :

Marie Zagada
Gwyneth Williams
Samantha Samuel
Stephanie Ly ( team captain)

Thank you for caring, and may you live a happy and healthy life.

Love, Steph and Michael

End The Trend -- Part Deux

2011-03-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Woohoo, my shirt finally came in the mail!!

I am a winner. And I am going to keep ending the trend for you, for me, for everyone!!

We are That Team!!

2011-03-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

"Who are you?"
"We are That Team."
"Wait, what team??"

"THAT TEAM!!"

Yes, it is true my friends. Our team name is That Team, and we all have one mission : :

"That Team's mission is to champion others to grow personally and professionally through compassion, engagement, and an unshakable belief in their potential."

Watch the teaser video above to get a taste of what we love to do!! Props to Coach Allan, one of the Core 4 who started the team, for making this bomb video.

If you are interested in working out with us then by all means join us for our FREE MONTHLY GROUP WORKOUT/COOKOUT EVENTS. We absolutely love meeting new people who are just as passionate about promoting good health starting with their own fitness journeys. And if you are at all intimidated by the intensity of these workouts then DON'T BE!! Start at your own pace and we will help you lose weight, gain strength and stamina, all the while having a TON OF FUN.

Our next event will be : :
On SUNDAY, MARCH 27
From 12:00-3:00PM
At Compton Village Recreation Center
14401 Compton Village Drive
Centreville, VA

We all look forward to meeting you so please do not hesitate to introduce yourself to me or to anyone else on our team. Leave a comment or any questions if you are interested in coming through. =))

ATTITUDE -- by Charles Swindoll

2011-02-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of Attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than fact. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our Attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes."

Attitude is a decision. And while it may not always be an easy decision to make you still have your choices. Choose wisely, for no one's sake but your own.

"I feel like they put crack in this thing haha"

2011-02-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

As always, I like to check up on everyone's progress as they travel along their fitness journeys... I emailed my dear friend from college and asked how she was enjoying her first week of Shakeology. The following is just a snippet of her response, and well, the message speaks for itself:

I definitely have more energy than before. I don't even nod off at work anymore. I fall asleep faster now, which is a huge deal for me. I'm normally a morning person (before Shakeology), not chipper or giddy or anything, but more like I can function and I don't feel groggy or tired. But with the Shakeology in the morning, I feel like I can seize the day. I feel like they put crack in this thing haha.

I'm glad I made the change and invested into this. It's only been a couple days, but it's given me motivation to keep going with eating healthier. I used to be fueled to change one day, and next day not really care to apply it. But with Shakeology and knowing that someone has gone through it with me and having that kind of support makes it not as hard to keep it up.

I assure you I did not pay her to write this haha, and I think it's more than coincidence that everyone seems to believe there is crack in Shakeology. I mean, what other explanation is there for its goodness?? Life just isn't the same without it.

If you're out there and you're reading this, have some faith and take the leap towards a happier and healthier lifestyle. You won't regret taking this first step.

End The Trend!!

2011-02-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

I received a lovely email from Beachbody today ::

Hi, Stephanie,

Congrats on getting 2011 started right! You seriously brought it in January and have, in commendable fashion, earned your stylish blue End the Trend T-Shirt.

Wear it with pride! It will be a symbol to the world that you are doing your part to end the trend of obesity once and for all. Remember, we're united in this mission. Make sure to wear your End the Trend T-Shirt to Coach Summit 2011 and join the ocean of blue.

January -- Check!
February -- WIP (work in progress)

Things are looking good already.

Turn that frown upside down!

2011-02-01T11:06:00.001-08:00

There are mornings when I just don't want to get out of bed.
There are days when I receive terrible news, just one after the other.
There are nights when I feel so heavy from a full day's worth of accumulated stress.
But this is natural, and this is life.

When we run into hard times, challenges and tragic moments just know that it is okay to feel the way you do. We all have emotions and it is healthy to express those very emotions so long as you're in control. Don't let these feelings take over your day, and don't let these feelings draw out for too long.

If you feel like you're having a bad day and want to skip your workout then maybe you should reconsider.

I'll tell you from personal experience that every time I workout the rush of adrenaline and endorphins get me on a natural high and every problem of mine seems much smaller than before. Brick walls don't seem like dead ends anymore. Solutions start appearing left and right.

You may find that whatever angered you during the day will help you push that much harder during your workout. Your workout may even seem shorter than usual because you are so focused on sweating it out. And trust me, you will sweat out a lot of negative energy.

Follow your intense workout with a nice warm shower, and you will find yourself much more able to handle everything on your plate. Take the time to breathe, to sweat, to relax and to refocus. You will be amazed at the strength you have gained mentally and physically, and you will truly believe that everything will be alright.

Message of the day :: Just sweat it out!

Cleanse yourself of the Bad, Fill yourself with the Good

2011-01-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you need to just rid yourself of all the toxins in your life. Be it emotional weight, unnecessary stress, or actual poisons that are building up in your mind-body-soul it is always important to REFRESH every once in a while.

Some things worth trying ::
1 :: Meditating [[ this takes practice ]]
2 :: Praying [[ doesn't necessarily have to be a religious matter ]]
3 :: Singing in the shower [[ it does wonders ]]
4 :: Sweating on a daily basis [[ to each their own ]]
5 :: Taking on a new hobby, learning a new skill
6 :: Reading self-help books [[ everyone needs to grow ]]
7 :: Physically cleansing your body [[ you have no idea how much poison you consume ]]
   - Of stress :: I suggest going to a day spa and going all out
   - Of worries :: Get a massage, you deserve it
   - Of physical toxins :: Shakeology Cleanse
8 :: Listen to more music [[ choose genre wisely and accordingly ]]
9 :: Appreciate the little things in life [[ eg. the natural sweet juices of mangoes ]]
10 :: Learn to love yourself more [[ you owe it to Yourself ]]

The healthiest meal of your day

So... What is this Shakeology cleanse exactly?

Well, it is a 3-day cleanse in which you drink three meals of Shakeology with a fruit in between each meal, followed by a salad with 4 ounces of protein (e.g. chicken, fish, or beans) for dinner. You drink plenty of water and/or tea throughout the day, as well. Trust me, by the end of three simple days, you will have not only lost weight, but you will literally feel lighter, cleaner and healthier overall. Once you have flushed out a significant amount of toxins in your body, and in your life, only then can you start afresh. You won't want to go back.

This would be the best time to consider changing your life a bit -- do things in advance, implement some physical activity in your everyday, plan out your meals, treat yourself to "me time" more often, tell your family how much you love them, and always go to bed with a smile on your face.

Life is what you make of it -- so keep it simple, keep it clean, keep it FRESH.

Fore more information on Shakeology click HERE!! =))

Happy 2011!!

2011-01-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again when everyone starts planning their goals and inspirations for all of 2011. Gyms and related businesses tend to skyrocket during the first two-three months of the year as everyone commits to more physical activity and healthy living...but what about the months to follow?

How about we break this habit of setting and forgetting our goals by breaking down those goals into smaller more feasible ones. It may be daunting to think about the amount of body fat you need to lose in order to fit your old dress or pants, but it is not impossible. Wouldn't it be better to take baby steps and just keep on truckin' to fulfill each of those steps? Doesn't losing 5-10 pounds per month sound so much easier than losing 55 pounds? Goal-setting is CRUCIAL. Make your dreams a reality this time, this year.

Break this year into 4 pieces. Go by 90-day periods. Perhaps I am drawn to this number because of what Beachbody's workout programs have done for me, but I'll tell you right now that committing yourself to 3 months of work is a lot easier than committing to 12 months. If you already have a workout regimen that works for you, then go by it, stick to it, and don't stop until you're satisfied with your efforts.

If you have fitness goals but don't know what to do, where to start, or who to go to for advice, then you are more than welcome to start HERE. Leave a comment and I'll be sure to respond.

Excellent resources for both love, support, and great advice ::
http://beachbodycoach.com/trangstaa
www.wearethatteam.com

A response from one of my customers:

2010-09-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Stephanie,

Thanks for getting back with me so quickly. I am beginning to realize why Tony Horton pushes people to join the BeachBody community, it is obvious you care and love what you do. As far as deciding on specific goals, I'm not really sure how to approach it since I am not sure what type of numbers are reasonable. This is the first time I have truly been on a real workout regimen and am still learning the ins and outs. As I said before I have managed to lose 60 pounds in the last year with the tail end of it being due to my recent involvement in P90X. Right now I am in Phase 2 (week 7) and still finding it quite enjoyable. I think one of the biggest helps is repeating exercises over time so I can really notice the change in my body, like going from push-ups on my knees to my feet...and so forth. My diet seems to remain fairly good, especially when I am at home. I have gotten rid of a lot of my bad habits by not allowing myself to keep junk food in the house. I have changed over to all whole grains, have given up pop, and have stopped having sugary desserts. The main problem seems to come when I go out with friends. Even though I know what's good for me, I crave the bad things and cave. So I am really trying to fight that pitfall, especially since the school year is about to start again and my friends will be returning wanting to hang out all the time. As far as the motivation is concerned I did one thing that really helped and that was going through my closet, trying on clothes, and getting rid of the items that were too baggy. I am trying to tell myself that I'll never go back there again. Plus, clothes shopping has been fun.

I really want to thank you for giving me your time. It really does mean a lot to me to know that there is someone out there who I can share all of my weight loss joys and frustrations with, without feeling judged.

Sincerely,

Britain

...I feel so warm inside! And this, my friends, is why I do what I do =))

We Could All Use a Little Self-Improvement

2010-09-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

Self-help books. They are not just for people who cannot function in this world, they are for everyone big and small. You may be successful in life, but I guarantee you there will always be things you can improve in order to grow as an individual.

Here is a list of some great books that my team and I highly recommend:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People*
The Power of Positive Thinking
The Slight Edge*
Failing Forward*
Personality Plus*
Eat That Frog*
Three Feet from Gold
Think and Grow Rich
The Body Fat Solution
The Primal Blueprint

Note: Those with stars are my personal favorites.

Some of you may not be strong readers, but it is better to start reading now than later. I am a pretty slow reader myself, but I persevere and try to read a little bit everyday. It is my daily goal to read 10 pages a day. It may not seem like a lot, but before you know it, you will have finished a whole book. And by the end of the year, you will have read up to 6 books (if not more)!

Failing.

2010-08-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's so easy to do, yet so hard to accept. I never used to like failing, and to this day I still don't always look forward to it. But it's inevitable, and it will happen to everyone.

It is a must. Why? Because if you don't fail, then you don't succeed.

There may have been times when you tried to do something and managed to get it the very first time. There may have been times when you attempted to do something over and over again, yet never got it, and ended up giving up. What you don't realize is that with every fail you are a step closer to success. With each failure you have to take the reasons for which you failed and try to fix them. You have to learn and grow from them.

Consider Thomas Edison. If he hadn't persevered through his 10,000 failed attempts at making a light bulb, then he wouldn't have invented the light we take so much for granted today. When asked about it, Edison said that he didn't fail, but rather, he successfully discovered all the ways a light bulb does NOT work.

Bottom line: The more you fail, the more you will succeed.

Problems

2010-08-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Problems are obstacles. We all have them.

They help us to learn and grow, so long as we actually learn something and grow from them.

As Jeff Olsen says in The Slight Edge,
"The size of the problem determines
the size of the person."

"You can gauge the limitations of a person's
life by the size of the problems that get him or
her down. You can measure the impact a
person's life has by the size of the problems
he or she solves."

Think about that for a second.

Now think about all the problems you are facing at this very moment in time. How many of those "problems" can you eliminate just by tweaking your mentality?