Core De Force - Week 1

Week 1 is in the books. And I think I have found my new favorite program! I know, I know, I say that with every program (well, almost every) we release but this one is different.

You know when nothing is pulling you out of a funk? When you feel like you are in a rut, overly stressed and just need a change of pace? Yeah...that is how I felt before this program.  I needed something to boost my energy, my mood and relieve some stress in my life! 

Core De Force has reminded me how badass I can feel after a workout.  It is forcing me to do things I wouldn't have done before and proving that I am capable of doing hard things, in a different way than other programs have in the past.

It is also making me reconsider getting my son back into some type of Mixed Martial Arts since I am seeing first hand how it can impact your mood and confidence. 

Ok, so let me give you some insight into week 1! 

There is plenty of food and you don't have to eat boring, bland meals...the nutrition plans allows you to eat foods you love in the portions that are fit for your body type and specific goals.  Food is fuel, so this meal plan is the perfect compliment to keep you energized for this program! 


My meals and snacks for the week looked a little something like this....
 

Ok, ok..so the Halo Top isn't really a part of the program BUT that is a win for me, I mean I could have gone to Andy's for some frozen custard, but I didn't...because GOALS! I ate the proper serving amount only on days where I had extra containers left in my meal plan, trust me, it wasn't every night, although I could totally tear up some ice cream every night.  I have a major sweet tooth and Halo Top really let's me fulfill it without the guilt! 

I don't feel deprived...I mean, I miss my wine, don't get me wrong but I can wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy it.  It will be worth it...even though as I type this, my son is driving a remote control car in circles on my hardwood floor while his sister runs around with pink eye, touching everything and I could totally down the entire bottle of wine from last month's wine of the month club sitting in my fridge....but I won't. I promise. 

Here is my meal plan, there may have been some slight changes throughout the week but I still stayed on track. Saturday, I was out and about so I ate Crazy Bowls for lunch instead of what was planned, no carb, extra veggies...it was so good! 

Like I said before, this program is amazing because it does so much more than provide physical changes, but those are fun so here is my week 1 stats....

I am down 2 pounds and 5.5 inches and Aaron is down 3.5 pounds and 4 inches. 

I have been told by MANY people in the test group for this program that 1) this is a program where you will see and feel a ton of non scale victories and 2) don't get discouraged because a lot of the magic happens in week 3.  

I am happy with my week 1 progress and I am ready to kickass in week 2!

Less bloat, oh and my thighs and ass are smaller.

In one week, Aaron gained new shoes. Hehe. 

Here is a peek into my favorite workout, MMA Shred. Well, it may be my favorite because it is only 25 minutes and you burn some major calories and sweat like a pig....but that is besides the point. Oh and it is fun. Like, legit, fun.

I am not sure I would make it through these workouts without my Energize before or my Hydrate during.  They are lifesavers for me. The Energize gives me the swift kick in the ass that I need early in the morning and the Hydrate replaces electrolytes in my body as I sweat, unlike water. 

Oh and this program definitely leaves you sore...so I am thankful for my Recover after each workout too, it helps to lessen the severity of my soreness. BUT, I still feel it...my body was sore in new places too. I felt like I had been punched in the gut, my arms were jelly from all the punches and push ups and my quads and ass were on fire when I took the steps. I am totally ok with that though, it means that it is working.

A little side note: When people are sore, they tend to skip workouts, NO. Don't! Push through it, sore muscles burn more calories and in the end your results will be better.

We did a total of 6 workouts this week.  They ranged from 25-45 minutes.  They were a mix of upper body and Muay Thai workouts that focus on the core. 

There were also some total body workouts mixed in throughout the week that are MMA inspired. The total body ones were a little more difficult for me so I did do more modifications but I will work my way into the full moves as I learn and grow each week! 

No equipment, just your hot bod. 

Alright loves, thanks for stopping by....more to come on CDF.

And for those of you that are reading this that commented on my food pic from earlier, don't worry, I will get your burger up on the blog recipe tomorrow! 

 

PS - if you want more info on this program or the application to join my Exclusive Test Group, click here!

Crock Pot Flank Steak Fajitas - Fix Approved!

Would you believe I had never cooked flank steak in the crock pot before? I even texted my mom to ask her if that is something people do...then I remembered this little thing called GOOGLE and I ended up finding cooking times online and decided to go for it! It turned out soooo good, way better than the chewy mess it is when I grill it. :)

What You Need (Feeds 2):
1 lb Flank Steak
2 Bell Peppers (1 green and 1 red are my preference), sliced
1/2 Onion, sliced
2 Tomatoes on the Vine, cut into 6 wedges
1 TBSP + 2 tsp Southwest Seasoning (see below) 
 

Mmm...those tomatoes were my fav.

With 4 hours left, I started throwing in my veggies.


 

Preparation: 
1. Rub both sides of the Flank Steak with 1 TBSP Southwest Seasoning.
2. Place in crockpot and set on LOW for 8 hours. (No cooking liquid is needed, it will make its own juices)
3. Mix your veggies with the remaining seasoning, set aside in fridge for later. When there are about 4 hours left, throw in your veggies.  (If you will not be home, it is ok to put them in on step 2.)
4. Shred the steak and serve with your favorite fajita toppings!  
 

 

 

Again, this fed two of us, next time, I will get a larger piece of meat because it shrunk up A LOT in the crock pot. 

I had 3/4 cup steak, 1 cup of fajita veggies on 2 corn tortillas with a tbsp of cheese.  That is 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow & 1/4 blue for my Fix family.

I had a side salad as well and topped it with my extra meat (that didn't fit on my tortillas), a little cheese, avocado and my favorite Bolthouse Yogurt Ranch. 


Southwest Seasoning

2 tbsp chili powder
4 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp coriander
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp sea salt

Mix all the seasonings together and put in a sealed container, it should make enough to have some left for other recipes! It is really great on anything, I use it in my burgers too! 

Core De Force Launch & Exclusive Test Group

Core De Force is an MMA style fitness program that you can do from your home, with no equipment that will transform your entire body in 30 days.

Core De Force is an MMA style fitness program that you can do from your home, with no equipment that will transform your entire body in 30 days.

Gahhhh!!! I am so freaking excited that TODAY is the official launch day of Core De Force! It is a 30 day total body transformation program that will make you fall in love with mixed martial arts (MMA) and your body.  The best part about the program is that the only equipment you need is YOU!

Core De Force is an MMA inspired program that includes 3 minute “rounds” where you get boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai knee-elbow combinations, bodyweight training and cardio spikes that will help you lose the belly and shred your body fat.

Does that speak to anyone else like it does me?!! Hello post baby body fat, you are about to get evicted. 

You just have to focus on hitting it hard for 3 minutes at a time, which is the length of each round and it makes the workout fly by!  I got to do Core De Force as a preview before it was released and let me freaking tell you, my heart rate was up, I was dripping sweat, I was breathless and I was sore in new places the next day.  I found myself truly focusing on using my core with each move which is how you target that midsection and burn the belly fat! 

I have all the deets in this post if you are interested in changing up your workout, need to break a plateau, want to get started with your transformation or you need to hold yourself accountable over the holidays.  

I will be hosting a private test group for people who are ready to fight for it with this 30 day program.

What is Core De Force? 

Core De Force was created by Joel Freeman and Jericho McMatthews, it is the ultimate mixed martial arts-inspired designed to give you a knock out body (see what I did there?!). It is going to burn off the belly fat, help you lose inches as well as tone and tighten your entire body.  Even better, it is all done without equipment. Your body is your equipment! Which totally makes me excited, because you know I love to travel and I love a good workout I can do in my hotel room and not on the "community" equipment in a small hotel gym! 

If you are a newbie, like most of us will be, each workout has is a “learn it & work it” section that breaks down the moves so that you can learn them before you do the workout.  This will help you go into the workout with confidence to kick some ass.  Core De Force is also not set to music or any type of beat, so you don't have to keep up with a particular rhythm like you may have to do in live classes, this allows you to set your own pace for each combination, whether it be fast or slow! 

There are also modifiers in every single workout so no matter what your ability level is, you can follow them.  As you get stronger, you can continuously challenge yourself by bringing up the intensity level.

Fight Stance

Core De Force makes taking back control of your health and fitness simple. It is easy to follow, your only job is to show up every damn day! I am here to make sure that you stay on track, encourage you, support you and make sure that you understand how to get the most out of this program in order to make changes in your life that are longterm!

Who is CORE DE FORCE for?

EVERYONE! It doesn't matter if you want to tighten up your midsection, carve a stronger core, or sculpt total-body definition, this is for you. It doesn't matter if you are intermediate or advanced exercisers, you can EVEN be a beginner or someone who is just looking for significant weight loss, you can follow the modifier and drop serious weight too. If you want to see results fast, you will also love the program.

The high-energy mix of combinations, bodyweight training, and cardio is designed to get you into knockout shape in 30 days. Joel and Jericho call this 360-Degree Core Training—and it’s more effective than traditional abdominal training to help you tighten up your entire midsection and carve a more defined waist. SIGN ME UP! 

These results get me pumped! 

These results get me pumped! 

What is the eating plan like for this program? 

The eating plan keeps things simple with grocery lists and recipes so figuring out what to eat is never a battle. There’s even a nutrition strategy that lets you eat more—to fire up your metabolism—for the best possible 30-day transformation. 

You will be able to easily measure out and combine foods to fuel your body with balanced nutrition to give you the energy it needs to crush workouts and give you amazing results. 

TIP: Do you really want to see what this program can do for you and your body? Then you need to make sure that you are 100% committed to the nutrition plan because what you eat is 80%-85% of the results that you get.

Since this meal plan does follow the portion control system, I will make sure we review the nutrition plan before our group starts so you can meal plan and prep with ease! 

How long are the workouts?

Most workouts are between 27–47 minutes. And yes, in just 25 minutes of MMA Speed, I was dripping sweat. You don't need an hour at the gym to get results. 

There are 8 total workouts, unless you upgrade to the deluxe, then there are 10. 

4 MMA-inspired workouts, each with a step-by-step breakdown of all the moves
2 bodyweight resistance workouts
1 CORE DE FORCE Relief workout
1 Active Recovery stretch workout


When Can I Get This Workout?

Core De Force is AVAILABLE NOW but only to customers of Team Beachbody coaches.  So if you do not have a coach right now make sure to sign up with me so that I can be your coach and guide you from start to finish through the program, you can go HERE to sign up with me as your free coach.  

Also, please make sure that you complete the application below to be considered for a spot in my exclusive Core De Force Test Group, being in the test group assures that you get the support and accountability to start and complete the program.  To complete the application click here:  Core De Force Application
 

Once you fill out the application, you can also join the Core De Force Test Group Event by clicking here

What does the program cost?

There are a variety of options.  However, the one that I recommend, hands down is the, Core De Force Challenge Pack. The Challenge Pack comes with everything you need to be successful.  Not only does it come with the entire Core De Force workout program, nutrition guide and program manual but it also comes with Shakeology, free access to me as your coach, a discounted bundle price, lower shipping plus it gives you a spot in my Test Group where I will be personally walking you through the entire program! I will help you understand the nutrition guide, answer any questions on your food plan, give you recipes, tips and tricks (to make it through the holidays too) plus daily accountability so that this program does not sit on the shelf collecting dust! 

The Challenge Pack is $140 on sale NOW through November 2016.

20lbs lost & 7inches from waist in 90 days

20lbs lost & 7inches from waist in 90 days

10 lbs lost & 3 inches from waist in 30 days

10 lbs lost & 3 inches from waist in 30 days

What can I do to get the most out of my Accountability Group?

This is the VITAL part of it all.  How can you REALLY succeed at this program??  Think about it this way, anyone can go out there, buy the Core De Force Challenge Pack and do the workouts.  But as I have witnessed MANY times (and I am guilty of this myself), people purchase a program with the best of intentions then they don't do a damn thing with it because they are too busy making excuses as to why they don't have time to make it happen. The goal with participating in an Accountability Group is to not let the BS excuses get in the way or let another program collect dust! It’s time to take charge of your fitness and nutrition, that starts with you! You have a close knit, online community at your fingertips that is going to help you start and complete the program and get the RESULTS that you want just in time for the holidays.  Even better, we are going to go over tips and tricks to get through the holiday so you have the flexibility to enjoy yourself without ruining all of your hard work.  Sounds awesome, right?!

Launching 11/28, possible 11/14 group as well depending on number of applicants.

Launching 11/28, possible 11/14 group as well depending on number of applicants.

Are you ready to join? Here are the requirements: 

  • In my Test Group I am going to be requiring that each participate for the entire 30 days of the program starting November 28.  You must have ME as your assigned coach.  You cannot already be working with another coach or be a coach yourself.
  • You must commit to both the fitness program and Shakeology to join the group.  You will be getting everything you need for this group when you sign up with me.
  • You must be willing to participate daily in the closed online group.  You must be committed to logging your workouts and your daily food activity.
  • I am committed to providing you with tools, tips and recipes to help you get to your goals. As well as ways to get through the holidays while enjoying yourself BUT not ruining your hard work.
  • You must be willing to give it your all!  Change is not always easy but it is totally worth it.

I know you are still going to try and say, "I will wait until after the holidays" but let me remind you, there will never ever be a perfect time to start your fitness and health transformation. You will always find an excuse. You just have to make it happen. You have to get over your fears and BS excuses, bite the bullet and hop on the wagon. You will never know if you can succeed if you don't try. This just might be that 1 thing where everything comes together and just finally makes sense to you and it sticks. It becomes a lifestyle. 

Make sure we are connected on Facebook so you can stay up to date with this event and my journey with Core De Force (started yesterday). Be sure to message me and tell me you find me through my blog! www.facebook.com/almfit

There is limited space in my Test Group so make sure you complete the application HERE to get your spot!

Don't forget, I am here to cheer you, I would love nothing more than to see you lose the BS excuses and crush your goals so you can feel confident and empowered. 

Healthy Taco "Hamburger Helper"

One of the things I remember from my childhood is Hamburger Helper. And a lot of it. My dad made it often (and if he still does, I don't want to know about it)....it was his go to dinner when he was in charge of cooking.  

It is like a comfort food to me but now I know the amount of sodium and other random ingredients that go into it, so it makes me a little uneasy to feed it to my kids! But that is ok, we can improvise and make our own "healthified" version! 

Now, I am not saying this is a Fix approved meal because I am not a nutritionist & I can't tell you the exact containers, but I personally counted it as 1.5 yellow, 1 red & 1 blue.        There are so few tomatoes in there that I can't really justify counting those! BUT either way, when you are craving something comforting but don't want the guilt, this will do the trick!

What You Need:
Annie's Organic Mac (now I suggest the whole wheat version but the store I was at tonight did not have it)
1 small can of corn (no salt added preferably) or even 1 cup frozen corn thawed will work
1 can of Rotel (I use the Original & it has a kick, if you don't like spicy, get the Mild)
1 lb ground turkey (93/7)
1 tbsp Southwest Seasoning (recipe below) 

 

 

Preparation: 
1. Prepare mac as directed on the box.
2. While mac is cooking, get out a pan & cook ground turkey until no longer pink.
3. Add in Rotel (do not drain), 1 tbsp of southwest seasoning & corn, mix well, let simmer.
4. Once mac is done, add it to the mix!

Bam. Super simple. Super tasty. You can even "prep" this meal for the kids when you prep your own food incase you are making something for the week you know they won't touch...then you have dinner ready for them in the fridge, ready to reheat! 

This feeds about 5 people, we did 1.5 cup servings for the adults. :) The key is to not over eat it! 


Southwest Seasoning:

2 TBSP chili powder
4 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp coriander
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregno
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp sea salt

Mix seasonings together and put in a container, there should be some left after you season the chicken! I use this seasoning for taco meat, chicken, anything really! 


 

Slow Cooker Chipotle Pork Tenderloin & Potatoes

Alright friends, it is time for one of my favorite fall/winter recipes! 

I have NO idea where this recipe was found on the internet, if I did, I would give credit where credit is due but a friend found it & shared it with me last year...it quickly became one of our favorites! So kudos to whoever came up with this amazing concoction. 

It is so filling, even using the portion control container system...I actually think if I ate more than what I am allowed in my containers, I would be so full, it would be miserable! 

What you need: 
2 T chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
5-6 small unpeeled red potatoes, quartered
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 med onion cut into 3/4 inch wedges
1-2 lb pork tenderloin (I use roughly 2 lbs & it makes about 6 servings)
2 T olive oil
1 8oz can tomato sauce (NO SUGAR ADDED!) 
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes, undrained (I use no salt added & organic)
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, use 2 peppers finely chopped (I bag the rest & freeze & use the next time)

Prep: 
1) In large bowl mix chili powder, cumin, salt & garlic powder. Add red potatoes, sweet potatoes & onions & toss until coated. Place veggies in slow cooker, leaving the rest of spice mixture in bowl.
2) Rub oil all over pork, roll in spices to cover & place on top of veggies. Pour tomato sauce & diced tomatoes over pork & veggies, sprinkle the chopped chipotle pepper on top.  
3) Cover & cook on low for 6 hours.

For my Fix family, I can't guarantee this is accurate because I am not one of our amazing in house nutritionist, but when I eat this, this is how I count my containers:
1/2 green (no sugar added tomato sauce is key for it to be a green, not a purple), 1 red, 1 yellow & 1 tsp

I serve it with a side of veggies, broccoli is good with it! Really anything you want! 

I hope you try this and love it as much as we do!