The YEAR of Intention

What do you envision your year being like, using only one word?! I kept using intentional recently, then it clicked, I knew that it had to be my word for 2017.

I felt like I let 2016 fly by without me really being intentional about a lot in my life. Like, if I did something, I wasn’t 100% present or there. Know what I mean?!

Life takes on a whole new meaning when you really stop and think about if you were just going through the motions everyday or if you truly live each day with purpose? (Mind blown, right?!)

 

So this year I am going to be more intentional: 
-with MY TIME! I know, I know, that is broad, so let me break it down….
1. with my work schedule, I am setting hours & sticking to them…so don’t be offended when you don’t hear from me right away. ;) 
2. with my time with the kids, I will not spend my time scrolling social media on my phone even if it is movie night, I will focus on the kids and the movie. ( I mean, they are so cute, how can you not want to spend time with them...unless they are throwing fits, ask me then. ;)) 
3. with my time with Aaron, putting the phone down MORE when we go out for dates, etc. I mean, we all know I will need to have it out to snap pics of my food.

I am going to be more intentional as a parent and focus on learning to respond versus reacting. So yes, that means I have to stop yelling like an asshole at my kids and try to tone it down a bit…

I am going to be more intentional when it comes to listening to others, not letting my mind wander to the load of crap on my to do list, wait, did someone say to do list…JUST KIDDING, I will be in the moment.

I am going to be intentional with the food I put in my body. I will be more present in my workouts, not thinking about the day ahead, instead I am going focus on busting my ass in that moment.

I am going to be more intentional with my business, this opportunity, both the customer and coaching side are too eff’n amazing for me not to continue to pay it forward at full speed. I know what it has done for me, why should I keep that to myself?

I am going to be intentional about my growth as a mom, wife, coach, leader and friend.

I am going to be intentional about who I surround myself with and not get caught up in the negativity or gossip that can bring me down. Who has time for that?! Instead I will find strong mama’s who lift each other up, who have big dreams, like me and we will be personal cheerleaders for each other to live with intention. (Who is in?!?)

I am going to remind myself each morning when I wake up to live with intention. I know that my thoughts, actions and feelings impact every little thing I do each day so it is up to me to to show up with a kick ass mindset and fill each day with purpose.

Do you have a word for 2017? If so, share them in the comments! 

All-Access Beachbody on Demand & Shakeology Challenge Pack

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you saw my post or my LIVE video that yesterday was an exciting day in the coaching world! Team Beachbody announced that they are launching a brand new option for its customers and coaches called the All-Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack. I am still in shock that they are offering this...

So why is this so freaking amazing? Because health and fitness is long term, so why shouldn't you have access to workouts long term.  Of course, you can do ONE program as many times as you want to hit your goals, MANY people do that BUT if you are like me, you like variety. I like to do a program a couple of times, then try something new and I have that option now with my Beachbody on Demand membership.
 

Imagine this...


...you can have access to every single program (AND MORE) that I have used since March 2015 to get me to where I am today without having to pay extra for each individual program! How awesome is that?!  

Then, the icing on the cake (hehe), is access to me as your coach and a spot in my accountability groups.

This was KEY for me in my journey. Back when I went to the gym, bootcamp classes, etc. I had no one to check in with everyday, so I basically ate like an asshole and then worked out, it wasn't really working...but with these groups, I found comfort in knowing I had other people just like me on a similar journey that I could chat with and a coach who was there for me everyday. These programs + my coach & her groups are what finally helped me become consistent with not only my fitness journey, but my nutrition as well. We talked everyday about what we ate, even if we messed up, no one is perfect, right? But it was nice to know that I had the support every damn day. When I wanted to give up or when I wanted to make some excuse not to workout, I remembered my group was relying on me to show up. 

It is really awesome that Beachbody continuously comes up with ways to provide the most innovative options for their customers. I mean, let's be real, how much longer do we really think DVDs are going to be around? Streaming is the new thing...hell, I barely buy my kids actual DVD's anymore, can we say Netflix!?! 

This Annual All-Access Beachbody on Demand Challenge Pack is exactly what it sounds like, instant access to every damn program ever created by Beachbody, all the way back to Hip Hop Abs And Turbo Jam to the newer ones like 21 Day Fix, Hammer & Chisel or even Core De Force for 12 months. 

What You Get and WHY...I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT! 
1. This is THOUSANDS of dollars worth of programs at your fingertips for 12 months, including any new programs we release in 2017! Each program has meal plan guides and workout calendars in BOD for you to download so you get the materials too!
2. You get a ONE Month Supply of Shakeology, 30 servings, any flavor...this is not just a protein shake, this is an amazing nutrient dense superfood shake to help your body get the vitamins and minerals it is lacking on a daily basis. 
3. Portion Fix System (Color Coded Containers, Meal Plan Guide & Shaker Cup) 

Ok, so you want to know the cost? ONE HUNDRED AND FREAKING NINETY NINE DOLLARS, yep...seriously, I said that, it is only $199. And there is no monthly fee. 

So together, we can sit down (virtually or in person) and game plan, we can pick your first program to do from BOD based on your goals, then as you progress, gain more strength and your goals change, we can pick a new program for you to do! How awesome is that?! We can work together through each milestone or goal change to make sure that you stay engaged in your health and fitness journey.

I know people get bored and want to switch things up, because I am one of them...with this package you will have unlimited options to help you meet your goals when you get restless and need to switch it up! 

Like I said above, each program has a nutrition guide and calendar that you can download or print off, so not only do you have the materials, but you also have me to help guide you! 

So this package pulls it all together, fitness, nutrition and support, which I said, is KEY! Your accountability group will keep you in check to make sure you aren't the person who says on 1/1 you are all in and then you give up 2 weeks later (hi, that used to be me)....nope, not this time, not you because you have SUPPORT! 

And you have access to TONS of programs where everything is laid out for you and if you follow them, they work. That simple. You have access to a coach to ask questions, to help guide you along the way. You have access to an accountability with new friends waiting to cheer you on and keep you in the game.

This is not about just starting and completing just ONE program, this is about continuing to do new programs as your goals change. It is about creating lifelong habits. 

So, if you are like me, you love to workout in the comfort of your home (or want to start), you need support and accountability, then I am asking you to join my next group!  Even if you don't want to be part of the group, I am still here to help you.

My next group starts 1/9, it is a New Year, New You Health Bet. We will set goals, log our workouts, check in with nutrition and Shakeology daily through our mobile app. Not only do you have the group support, but you have my 1:1 support as well. Oh and if you didn't click the link to read about the Health Bet, you should, because you will get paid for participating in January! 

To be part of my January 9th group, apply HERE!

What is the cost of this package?

  • The Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack is $199
  • The Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand Membership is $99.95 and that does not include Shakeology &  the portion containers.
  • If you already have Beachbody on Demand you can upgrade to the annual all access membership for $99.
  • If you bought a challenge pack between 12/1 and 12/26 you can upgrade to this challenge pack offer for $69 again by using this link, www.BODMembershipChange.com on December 27th.
  • If you are a current customer, this Challenge Pack pricing is valid for you as well! It is a total money saver. 

    This Annual All-Access Beachbody on Demand Challenge Pack is available starting 12/27, if you would like to be notified when it is available or have additional questions, please email me, ashley.molitor@gmail.com. 

New Year Health Bet, Apply Now -> Spots Limited!

***ONLY 6 SPOTS LEFT Application BELOW!***

I am not much of a gambler, in fact, when we were just in Vegas, I sat at a penny machine (an Ellen one, duh) for no more than 30 minutes total the entire 3 days. 

But for this specific bet, I will place high stakes ON YOU making yourself, your health and your fitness a priority for 2017.

And oddly enough there is a way for that to happen in January. Beachbody has put together their 2nd Health Bet.  And I am also willing to bet (see what I did there) that most of you were going to commit to your health and fitness for the New Year anyways, weren’t you? So why not put your money where your mouth is by truly committing this year. Guarantee yourself a part of a pot that can hit up to $3,000,000 million before we kick off on 1/9.

It is so freaking simple too:
1. Commit to a workout program & a Shakeology flavor! That is the whole point of the New Year anyways, right?
2. Then workout, drink a shake and log it in our kick ass app that makes tracking your health and fitness goals easy!
3. Be all in on your health and fitness with a group of people who are on the same journey as you, with goals similar to yours and who are going to help you stay on track and accountable as you kick off 2017. 

But here is the deal, with the holidays coming up, I need people who are 100% committed NOW to invest in themselves and claim a spot in this group. Spots are limited. And to sweeten the deal, the first 3 to commit to a challenge pack (fitness program + Shakeology) will get a bonus gift from me!

This is it, this is the opportunity to kick off 2017 right and go all in for YOU (and of course, for part of the pot). 

Apply by emailing me at ashley.molitor@gmail.com or fill out the application here! 

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Staying On Track

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I am no stranger to the portion controlled container system. Actually, I have been using it since March 2015 and I pretty much know my portions like the back of my hand now BUT when I am really focusing and honed in on reaching specific goals, I track...EVERYTHING.  This is the first time I have ever stuck to a way of eating, it is amazing what this system truly does. It taught me a lifestyle and changed our eating habits for the better. 

The first thing I do is meal plan using a spreadsheet my husband created for me. All I have to do is fill in the amount of containers from each food group I am allowed each day, it can vary based on the program or if I am trying to lose or maintain. Then add my meals and boom, it does the math for me. 

This is an an example from over a year ago when I started my journey with 21 Day Fix but I still use this spreadsheet to this day.

Once I have my meal figured out, I make my grocery list and get to work. First I shop, then I prep. Prepping has changed for me over the past year and a half. And it is definitely something that looks different for everyone based on their needs, goals, schedule, etc.  When we first started this journey, we prepped EVERYTHING for the entire week. Roasted veggies, meats, etc. And not just lunches but a lot of our dinners too.   Now that we have figured out our groove and what works best for us, I only plan and prep for about 3-4 days at a time.  I have learned that if I plan for Saturday on Monday, that sometimes what I want on Saturday isn't what I had planned then I would end up going out to eat or splurging...so breaking up my week helps me to stay on track. 

I also don't do a bunch of veggies in advance anymore. We typically each have one salad a day in our house that makes up for the bulk of our greens and then we have another veggie with our other main meal. 

Also, since I am home, I have been cooking a lot of our dinners fresh versus prepping them. I don't do this every night, it varies depending on our schedule or what I have sitting in the freezer ready to heat and eat.

For example, Aaron traveled this week so I made sure to prep enough that I wouldn't have to do a ton of cooking each night for dinner.  Especially since we had something on the calendar every night this week. I knew I would need food ready to go or I would end up feeding the kids (and possibly myself) crap from a drive-thru. Instead, we all had healthy meals each night, even Mason ate what I ate, except his protein usually ended up in a whole grain quesadilla but that it not something you will hear me complain about! Yep...he is like the Gump of Quesadillas, "turkey meatball quesadilla, taco meat quesadilla, turkey chili quesadilla..." But he is eating what I am eating and that my friends is a WIN!

During the week, I also keep track of what I eat each day.  There are a lot of ways to do this and I switch between methods but I think my most favorite is the new tally sheet I am using.  I print it off, stick it in a sheet protector and mark off my containers as I eat them.  Then at night, I wipe it off and start again the next day. 

There are Fix apps, even a tally sheet where you can print and keep track of 7 days at a time but I got tired of printing all of that paper so this new method is definitely an ink and paper saver which makes me happy! Not only that, but when I take the time EACH DAY to track what I am eating, I eat WAY better.  There is a reason trainers or nutritionists tell people to keep a food journal.  It is important to track what we put into our mouths each day, even if it is a bite of the kids food. It makes us more aware of our eating habits, the mindful and not so mindful ones. 
 

If you want a copy of this tally sheet or want help getting set up with a program that can help you learn healthier eating habits, comment below! 

Core De Force 30 Day Results

Gah, I can't believe how quickly 30 days went by...I was REALLY worried when we started this program, just like any other person would be during the holidays. I set a goal for myself though and I reminded myself of that goal before we started. I also continuously reminded myself of it during the program. I promise it really does help to tell yourself, yes, out loud, what it is you want to achieve and what that looks like to you once you achieve it. 

My goal was to keep my shit together until Turkey Day, no wine, limited eating out and limited sweets. Wine and treats were allowed on Thanksgiving but then it was back in the saddle until Day 30! 

Now, I can't say everyday went as planned, I wasn't perfect every day BUT I did pretty damn good. I indulged in some Halo Top but only on days where I had sufficient containers left...even though there isn't really a Fix container that is specific to Halo Top. LOL. It kept me from rummaging through Halloween Candy or wanting to go out and get frozen custard (my weakness). So having a low calorie, low sugar, high protein ice cream was a win to me. 

I did have 2 sick days in week 4 which meant I missed 2 of my workouts and it was really hard for me to just skip them and continue on with whatever workout was next on the calendar but that is what is suggested if you miss a day, so I rolled with it...during the time I was sick, food was hit or miss for me too.

Food: I was technically supposed to be in the lowest bracket for food HOWEVER I had previously plateaued in that bracket because I had done it so many times. My goal was to do the second bracket and increase my calories to break that plateau BUT I think given this was a new program and not one I was repeating, I probably should have done the lower bracket. I plan on giving bracket 1 a try when we start our next round.  I am not sure how much being in the 2nd bracket vs the 1st impacted my results but I am still happy so there is no complaining from me!

This was a sample of my meal plan, however this was week 2, in week 2, everyone gets an extra fruit to help keep your body fueled as you burn more calories. Gotta keep that metabolism going! 

Workouts: I loved (LOVE, still do) them. They are challenging. The MMA workouts were my favorite, I loved the feeling when I nailed a combo and could rock it. There are some other workouts that focus more on power and strength but mixed with Muay Thai inspired moves, those were harder for me, hence why they are not my favorite! They are definitely more challenging for me and I am hoping in round 2 I can nail some of the technique with the moves in those workouts. 

Either way, when you do these workouts, it doesn't matter it is day 10 or day 30, you can ALWAYS ALWAYS do more to improve and challenge yourself, that means you can burn more calories and shred more fat as you progress in the moves. 

And if it is still hard, even on day 30, MODIFY! I am not ashamed to use the modifier. In fact, sometimes I had to modify a move that was modified...take that in for a second, LOL. But that is ok, I will get better with time. 

Performance Line: I personally used our Performance Line with this program. I don't use it with every program but our pre-workout (Energize) really helped me push through my workouts and give it my all.  The Hydrate is amazing during the workout, because unlike water, it replaces electrolytes in my body as I lose them...simply put, it is amazing. And my post-workout (Recover) definitely saved me from being insanely sore the next day.  

Again, this is another program where I get to eat the foods I love, but work a little harder to push towards my goals by cutting out the extra fluff I don't NEED like wine (haha, who am I kidding) and treats.  

I am starting another round on Monday with Aaron and I am super excited. I AM going to be a little more lenient this time around with my meal plan.  I will stick to it but on days where I have happy hours planned, I will be swapping some yellows for wine, for sure! 'Tis the season for wine, right?!

Now...you ready?

Let me preface by saying, Aaron and I really let ourselves get a little lax this summer after Hammer & Chisel. We rocked it, then went on a cruise and enjoyed summer (to say the least), so it feels good to be back on the path to reaching my goals for my body. 

My results:
-3.2 lbs
-7.5 inches

This mama's, this is the area I wanted to work on the most and these changes in just 30 days make me so freaking happy! I can't wait to see what 60, 90 or even 120 days does for my belly!

Aaron: 
-6.9 lbs
-4.25 inches

There you have it folks. Another program we have fallen in love with...this definitely ranks high in my top 3 of the programs I have completed. It may even be #1, but it is so hard to replace my beloved 21 Day Fix, after all, it was THE game changer for me.  So maybe a close 2nd.  

Now, excuse me while I go find a place in my hotel to order a drink while I wait for Aaron so we can eat our way through Vegas and then come home to kick some more Core De Force ass on Monday! If you want to join me, message me on Facebook or comment below!