Planks and Thanks

I hope you had a great Halloween weekend with your families!! I know for us we had a GREAT time and ate lots of unnecessary candy which left me feeling like this....

Then a little bit of this....

Then as I started looking at the calendar with my jeans that were a little too tight and realizing that today marks 60 days left till the end of the year!  Ugh!!!  I am starting to feel so off course and grouchy. 12 months ago this feeling of being off course would have completely overwhelmed me and I would think that I need to go run 10 miles and count calories on my fitness pal. Not now...now I have tools and a support! I can do this!!!

Today is Day 1 of our 21 day Planks and Thanks challenge group. I'm re committing to clean eating and portion controlled eating. There. I said it. Now it's out there. It's not about just me making a commitment to myself anymore. Its public! Ahhhhh!!!

Sharing with others makes me very uncomfortable. I know that with uncomfortableness comes changes. It pushing me further than I would ever push myself alone. Its what I need to do but that doesn't make it easy...

I've been eating well, with cheats and treats here and there and working out 5-6 days a week but I've been steadily gaining body fat back. I've been in denial but my pants don't lie. They are getting tight and I've been feeling off. I'm more tired, grouchy and less present with my family. It breaks my heart to admit it but something has to change.

So thankful for the tools I have and people that are on this journey with me. Together we are stronger and I know I can't do this alone. So please help me stay accountable! Also help encourage me because I will have lots of challenging moments and days.

I'm committing to 21 days on the 21 day fix, taking a week of maintenance and treats for Thanksgiving and then back at it!!!  

Here is my meal plan for this week! 

So what to expect from this group?? 

1) You pick a fitness program that works best for you! 

2) We replace 1 meal a day with Shakeology because it is the HEALTHIEST meal of the day and lets face it, as a busy on the go society we need fast food that is healthy!

3) You check into our private accountability group 1x daily and reporting your day and staying accountable with your meals and workout.

4) We will share tips and trips for eating at restaurants, events, clean eating holiday recipes, and a PLANK CHALLENGE EACH DAY!  

5) Grant yourself grace so that you can stay on track to a healthy you all year long, even though the Holidays! 

If this sounds like something you want more info on please fill out this application!!

Make me your free Coach <3

7 days CLEAN EATING & Shakeology Super Sampler

I started my Final Burn before my Dirty 30 this week!  I want to be in THE best shape of my LIFE so I'm super focused and dialed in with my nutrition and workouts!  I've been following the 21 day fix extreme and Countdown to Competition meal plan since Monday and can I just say it has been hard!  The workouts I've got A-Ok but this carb depletion meal plan is tough at times.  I have a new respect for bikini competitors!  Regardless, I'm very focused and committed to the next 21 days!!  One of the best parts of the day is when I get to drink my Shakeology!  But, you might be reading this saying, "I NEED TO GET COMMITTED" BUT I JUST CAN'T FIND MY MOTIVATION!!!

That is what I am here for! My job is to help you find your inner strength, teach you how to be strong and teach you the basics of healthy choices!  I have done calorie counting, weight waters, my fitness pal, run marathons and could never lose body fat like I wanted!  I could never stick to a plan, lose weight and my energy levels were low, especially once I had 3 kiddos in the picture! 

When I found CLEAN eating on the 21 day fix, I realized there was another way to live.  I could eat every 2-3 hours, have energy, feel full and enjoy good tasting food all while reaching my health and fitness goals!  It almost sounds like it is to good to be true!  There are definitely days that I am more hungry than others but for the most part I feel great!  I have lost 25 pounds with exercising at least 5 days a week, clean eating and replacing 1 meal a day with Shakeology!  I have made it my mission to help others!  I want to help teach you my tips and tricks to successful lifestyle change.  

What has Shakeology done for me:

• It is the one meal each day that I know I can grab an go!  When starting clean eating there is some plan and prep work that goes alongside.  Shakeology is the one meal I know that I can depend on in a pinch! 
• Before Shakeology I had to nap when my kids napped.  I was so tired all the time!  I wen to bed at 9pm and woke at 7am and was STILL tired!

• It kept me full for 2 - 3 hours!

• It actually tastes really good, especially the Chocolate
• I found that my husband and I weren't as sick or if we did get sick, it was very mild in comparison to before Shakeology.  I attribute this to the boost of nutrients and vitamins that my body was lacking previously.
• It helped to curb my sweet tooth and kept me on track with my goals!
• I was able to stop drinking diet sodas! 
• My skin and nails are smoother and stronger! 

For other people that I have worked with here are some of the things they have said:

• Since starting Shakeology I am off all cholesterol medicine.  
• I have stronger nails and hair.
• I have more energy and I am healthier
• I save money because I no longer eat out!  

Normally I run 28 day challenge groups with Shakeology and most challengers chose the 21 day fix.  This time I want to try something different.  There are a lot of people out there, JUST LIKE ME, who were skeptical of Shakeology!  I had drank protein shakes before but nothing on a daily basis.  I didn't love protein shakes and I had never drank a meal replacement shake before.  I didn't want to rely on a shake to lose weight and I was afraid of the cost!  What if I didn't like it, what if  invested in a month supply of Shakeology and it didn't work!  

Well the cool part is that Beachbody just came out with this new super sampler pack!  It's 6 packets of Shakeology in every flavor for you to try!  How cool!  This month I'm going to do is host a 7 day clean eating and Shakeology group to help you get the maximum benefit.

So---- how does this work!  I must be your assigned coach through teambeachbody.com.  If you do not have an account you can go to My Site and create one for free! Then you are required to order the Shakeology Super Sampler Pack, that gives you access into my closed online group plus the group app on your phone for easy access!

Then, starting on May 11th I will be providing you with a sample clean eating meal plan, daily tips to start making healthier choices, snack ideas, recipes my family loves and more!  Each day we will post our Shakeology recipe and give feedback on what we think!  You can replace any meal with Shakeology and I suggest choosing the meal that you struggle with the most!  For some it's breakfast because either you never eat breakfast or you are always running late and you hit the drive thru or just slug a coffee down.  For me some days it's lunch because I've been running around and I'm at the playground while my kids enjoy uncrustables and applesauce.

Then our goal is to see what kind of success we can have in 7 days!  Heck, you seriously could lose a pant size if you give it 100%!!! Are you in?  Are you willing to give it a try?  Honestly it's $29.95+ shipping & tax.   That is doable!  Plus the amazing support I will be giving you will help you to start and finish and have success in 7 days!

I hope you are in and if so email me at healthylifewith3@gmail.com or comment below!  

Sparkling Cucumber Limeade

Sparkling Cucumber Limeade

I'm been on the search for a yummy Summer drink! Check out this one!! 

How awesome, refreshing and cleansing are cucumbers? What could be better then cucumber and lime?? I think I'm going to make a batch and head to the pool right now...ha! Wish it was that easy... Love how this could easily turn into an adult beverage by adding your choice of floater.

Sparkling Cucumber Limeade

1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 cup water
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup lime juice
1 medium English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
2 cups sparkling water, chilled

Combine sugar, lime zest and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add mint. Let sit for 30 minutes to cool. Strain the lime syrup and add lime juice and cucumber. Refrigerate for 1 hour. When ready to serve, add in sparkling water and serve over ice.

Recipe found: http://buff.ly/1G2UT40

Challenge Du Jour!!

TODAY is the Beachbody Challenge Du Jour and YOU can do a lot of good for a lot of people!

Carl Daikeler, the CEO of Beachbody is challenging everyone to complete “Plyo Fix Extreme” from the 21 day fix Extreme using Beachbody on demand.  You must complete the workout on Monday, 3/23/15 between 12:01 AM PT to 11:59PM PT.  If you do so he will be donating $100 to the International Justice Mission to help end slavery.  Pretty awesome that he is willing to donate up to $100,000 of his own person money just by YOU and I completing this workout!  

I just finished my workout and contribution!  Did you?? 

Don't have Beachbody on Demand??  Sign up for a Club membership HERE for only $39.95/quarter and give it a shot!!! 

Dairy Free Oatmeal Banana Cookies - 21 day fix dessert

One of my all time favorites and vices is COOKIES!  I don't discriminate when it comes to cookies!  Sugar, chocolate chip, cutouts, gingerbread - you name it, I will eat it!  Since I've made a change to be healthier and eat cleaner cookies are limited.  Well, not anymore with these super yummy Dairy Free Banana Oatmeal Cookies!   

If you are following the 21 day fix  you should know that you can trade out one of your yellow contains for one of these yummy cookies!  

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

(Makes 8 cookies - Serving size is 2 and replaces 1Yellow container on the 21-Day Fix)


Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 tsp ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
2 medium ripe Bananas, mashed
1/4 cup golden raisins 
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life Vegan chips)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine oats, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl, making sure to mix well.
4. Add mashed bananas, walnuts, golden raisins and chips if using, mix well.
5. Drop by heaping Tbsp onto your baking tray.
6. Bake for 14-15 minutes, or until they are firm.
7. Cool and Enjoy!

(recipe adapted from 21 day fix meal plan guide)

These cookies are a great Dairy Free option!  I sometimes enjoy them for breakfast on the go or if I'm having a sweet craving.  My kids also like them which is exciting!  

Never heard of the 21 day fix or you are looking for a Coach, comment below, message me or head over to my website: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/ERICAAMADORI

Clean Turkey Chili

I love CLEAN meals that I can make ahead of time, reheat well and are healthy!  I don't always have time to make a fresh meal each time I need to eat.  I LOVE leftovers!  I try to cook extra at times to have leftovers for lunch the next day or to freeze as my own personal homemade frozen meal.  

That being said, there aren't a ton of meals out there that are a complete meal and reheat well.  One pot meals with a protein, veggie and complex carbohydrate are a busy Mommy's dream!  Chili is one of those meals for our family!  Do my kids eat it, no....maybe in time!  But, it's something that I can make a BIG batch of easily and relatively quick.  I'm always on the hunt for great clean meals and this is a GREAT one that is also 21 Day Fix AND 21 Day Fix Extreme Approved!!!  

(Makes 6 servings, 1 cup each) **doubles well**

1 tsp olive oil

1 1/2 lbs ground lean turkey, chicken or beef 

1 medium onion

1 large zucchini 

2 cups sliced carrots 

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika 

1/2 tsp sea salt or Himalayan salt 

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste; optional)

1/4 tsp black pepper 

2 (15 oz) cans black beans or pinto beans undrained 

1 (15 oz) can all-natural diced tomatoes

12 fresh cilantro sprigs, finely chopped (for garnish; optional)

Directions

1. Heat oil in large sauce pan over medium-high heat
2. Add meat, veggies, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink
3. Add all spices; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute
4. Add beans and tomatoes (with liquid). Add 1/2 can of water if seems too dry.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Serve warm, sprinkle with cilantro.

Container Equivalents

1 Green

1 Red

1/2 Yellow

You could also make this recipe in a Crockpot!  I serve with 1/4 cup of wild or brown rice.  This recipe freezes well and I highly encourage you double the recipe and freeze individual portions for busy days!  Enjoy!!! 

(recipe adapted from the 21 Day Fix Extreme Nutrition Guide)

INSANITY MAX: MONTH 1 TRANSFORMATION

I'm so excited to share with you the newest Shaun T fitness program and MY MONTH 1 RESULTS!  Today I want to talk about MONTH 1 of the program and what to expect! 

If you don't know who Shaun T is, he is the creator of Hip Hop Abs, Rockin Body, Insanity, Insanity the Asylum, T25 and now Insanity Max30.  He has been creating amazing fitness programs that truly work and get you the results you are looking for!  I started my journey with Insanity almost 3 years ago after my 2nd child but before my 3rd.  I fell in LOVE with Shaun T and have been addicted ever since! 

So, what is Insanity Max 30?  It is a program that combines cardio and strength moves without using any equipment at all.  There are 150 new moves to help you dig a little deeper and get your body in the very best shape of your life!!!  No, there are no weights!  I promise you won't need any!  

The program is 60 days long and is broken down into month 1 and month 2.  The workouts are all 30 minutes each with a 10 minute ab workout.  The idea of this program is not to make it through the entire 30 minutes, but to "MAX OUT" and go as hard as you can until you have to take a break!  It's important to understand that maxing out is not a bad thing.  On of the ways you will track your daily progress is with your Max Out time!  Each time you repeat an exercise you should do your best to increase your MAX OUT time.

Who is Insanity Max30 created for?  It is for anyone that is a fitness beginner who wants to jump start their journey with an insane workout, (it does have a modifier the entire workout) a T25 graduate ready for a harder challenge, or an Insanity grad looking to take it to the next level!  It can be for, but not limited to Spartan Racers, Adventure Races, marathon runners, any ATHLETE!  But, don't get me wrong, it's not only about your physical fitness.  It's also VERY MENTAL!  Anyone can do insanity max 30, you just have to WANT IT!  You have to be willing to PUSH IT each day and DIG DEEPER!!  I'm not saying it's easy, but I am saying its worth it!

I just completed MONTH 1!  The workouts in month 1 are a combination of cardio and tabata style strength workouts!  If you have never heard of tabata style, it is 20 seconds of work on and 10 seconds of work off.

To Max Out means to stop or fail for the first time in the workout.  When you start the workout you continue with each move and DO NOT take a break.  If you have to stop and catch your breath, or take a break, THAT'S A MAX OUT!  The whole idea is to go AS HARD as you can for AS LONG as you can, till you MAX OUT.  Once you MAX OUT you write down the time, take a break, maybe grab some water and get right back into it!

MONTH 1 workouts:

Cardio Challenge:  This workout serves as your FIT TEST and your introduction to the program. All cardio with 4 1/2 minute interval 30 second rest.

Tabata Power:  Your strength training starts here with 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off" workout structure.  It is plyometrics focused.  

Sweat Intervals:  Cardio intervals that have you sweating!

Tabata Strength: This workout starts Week 3 and it takes it up a notch.  There very little rest, with 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off.  

Friday Fight: ROUND 1: You've been preparing all week and now it's time for the FRIDAY FIGHT!  This workout will be a battle between your mind and your body!

This program is 5 days with an optional Pulse workout for Saturday.  Plus is an 20 minute active recovery workout, low impact, combo of stretching and small pulsing movements.  

So what were my MONTH 1 RESULTS LIKE..........

I LOST 5 pounds AND 3.5 inches!!!  I lost more inches in other areas but gained in some, adding a 1/4 inch to each arm of muscle!  Each week I felt stronger and faster!  I could feel my body changing!  I'm super excited about my results and cannot wait for MONTH 2!

For more info about my transformation follow me daily on facebook at: HEALTHY LIFE WITH 3 or on Instagram at: healthy_mom_of_3

Buffalo Hummus - Healthy Game Day Appetizer

Its almost time for the BIG GAME! The Super Bowl is TOMORROW!!! I'm not a big football fan but I love any excuse for a party!  We aren't attending a party but we are having a few friends over.  You better believe they will be expecting some yummy healthy goodies to much on!  What would a Super Bowl be without GAME DAY TREATS?!

Instead of something full of fat and not many nutritious ingredients, I will be serving this SUPER YUMMY Buffalo Hummus!  It is just the right amount of spicy with tang.  I would by lying if said it didn't taste like buffalo chicken wings!!! Serve it up with some celery, cauliflower, cucumbers or tortilla chips!  This dish is perfect for parties or eating all by yourself!  It would make a great sandwich spread or topper to chicken before you baked it!  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!  

Ingredients:

1-15 ounce can chickpeas, drained - preferably Organic 

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon sea or Himalayan salt

1 clove garlic

2-3 tablespoons Frank's Red Hot hot sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil

Directions:Blend everything except olive oil together in a food processor or high speed blender. Once well combined, add olive oil and mix again.  Add small amount of water if too dry. Serve immediately or save in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Great as a dip or sandwich spread!

Want to know a secret!  This dish is also Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut free and Soy free!  It is also approved on the 21 day fix!  The hummus is an approved blue container, veggies a green container and if you used chips, a yellow container!  Enjoy 21 day fixers!!!!

Never heard of the 21 day fix and want to learn more about clean, portion controlled eating and daily exercise check it out here: More info on the 21 day Fix

So what is this whole coaching thing??

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about Beachbody Coaching! How did I get started? What is a Challenge Group? How can I help others without being a sales person? How much time does it take? Does it cost money to sign up?

OR maybe you've tried Beachbody products such as P90x, Insanity or Shakeology through an infomercial or Amazon but never knew that you could get a discount on these products!!

So, to help answer all of these questions, my team and I have put together a 5 day SNEAK PEAK into Beachbody Coaching! This will be a closed private Facebook group where we will cover a few common concerns, questions and topics about coaching.

If you have any interest please message me or comment below to join the sneak peak group starting Monday January 26th!!!

**No purchase or obligations*** 

NOT you, NOT this TIME!!!

Welcome to my blog!  I'm excited to help others on their own health and fitness journey!  My focus will be to help women after having their children.  So, let's get started!  

I have big plans and goals for myself in 2015!  So should you!!!  The problem is you probably don't have a clear vision of what you actually want to achieve.  I didn't either when I started!  I just knew that I wanted to find a part of myself again that I knew was missing.  I knew I wanted to loose 20-25 pounds but I was worried I would fail, again. 

Did you know that 70, yes 70% of people who start a new fitness program, diet, lifestyle QUIT! Call it whatever you want but they QUIT! You want to know why, they don't have enough support, accountability and even rewards!!!  The may join a gym or pin some healthy recipes on Pinterest but they don't have a clear goal or plan.  

What if I told you that I would help you on your journey? Every step of the way! I would be there for you as your FREE coach, mentor and friend! 

If you are ready for a change contact me! Email me at healthylifewith3@gmail.com OR comment below.  I want to help YOU live a healthier more fulfilling life l. I have never been happier or healthier and I'm ready to pay it forward!

Let's do this! Together we can achieve great things!!!