Let's focus on Success!

Kathy M.
Age: 41
Gender: Female
State: Michigan
Primary Program: P90X®
Supplement: Shakeology®, P90X® Results and Recovery Formula

Here is her success story:


Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?  

At 270+ lbs and 5'5" I was beyond depressed. I did not love myself like I should. I had 3 beautiful boys that looked up to me as a role model. I felt like a failure and a disappointment. I felt humiliated and ashamed. I had no self confidence and avoided any and all social occasions that I could. I focused on materialistic things to take the focus off of my body. My boys avoided bringing friends over, avoided me taking them to school...not so much because they were ashamed of me but it made them feel bad when people would make fun of me in front of them. They were put in a position to defend me and that was MY job to defend them! I just wasn't living. Each day was literally one day closer to death. My blood pressure was going through the roof. My cholesterol was bad and it was getting very difficult to do normal activities like walking down the street. I was afraid one day soon my boys would be without a Mom.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?

My children and my will to live inspired me to change. My fear of leaving my children inspired me to change. Wanting to set good examples for my family inspired me to change. Wanting to love myself again inspired me to change. Success stories motivated me. Once the results started to show, I WAS MOTIVATING ME!

Why did you choose the particular program?

I chose this program because RESULTS DON'T LIE! I was inspired by all the people who stuck with it and because of their determination and motivation, they BROUGHT it and got the results they wanted. I knew it would be hard but life isn't supposed to be easy. It's meant to be a challenge. Ever changing lessons. It was very difficult in the beginning but quickly I was gaining strength and endurance and each move got easier and easier but NEVER EASY by any means. I was encouraged to modify moves if it was too difficult! This was vital for me due to my injuries. Modification did not mean, fewer results! I took my time and stuck with it which is the basis of the program! I also chose this program because of the nutritional guideline that I felt was exactly what I needed. It was not a fad, it was a lifestyle change and one I felt I could do the rest of my life. Mainly, I chose this program because I didn't feel alone in it. I had many others to support me along the way.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?

I was able to relate to Tony. He was easy going and explained everything in great detail. He expressed over and over that it can be modified so I felt very comfortable doing it and that there were others out there struggling as well. The moves were very hard but I felt they were in proper form. I never hurt myself and always felt a good burn.

Tell us about the greatest challenge you faced. How did you overcome that challenge?

My greatest challenge was consistency. The thought in the beginning of 6-7 days a week was a little overwhelming. I did not do it every day in the beginning. I was not mentally ready. When I was in "the zone" that's when I was able to commit and do the program as it was intended to be done. Consistency is still a struggle for me. There are always excuses for not being able to work out but it has to be a part of you and who you are NOT A TASK OR CHORE. Like getting up and going to work...it's just what you do. Thanks to the progress I've made, I know I can overcome anything. I recently had emergency gall bladder surgery which forced me to take it easy and bloated up quite a bit. I didn't gain much weight back but did see my measurements change a little. I am 20 lbs from my goal! I will do it because I already have!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody® program. What achievements are you proud of?

I started at 270 lbs and at 5'5" I was quite large. I did not have a nice shape either. I felt very deformed. I was able to lose 120 lbs. with the combination of eating healthy and lots of hard work with exercise. Utilizing p90x, weight training and cardio. I am most proud of my health. I can outrun my boys in a 50 yard dash! My blood pressure is now perfect where before I was near being hospitalized. I can run, not walk. I can basically do anything that I want. What I most proud of, the big moment that is so emotional. My boys coming up to me and telling me how good I look and how proud they are of me. Watching them "steal" my p90x discs so they can work out in their bedrooms. They are following the example and this is what it's all about. Being able to fit in that roller coaster and having to tighten the seat belt is a very close second place for achievements! But, by far having my health and my boys following my lifestyle is EVERYTHING! I am still going at it.

***Update 05/24/2012  Kathy was flown out to the Dr. Oz show for an interview!  It airs May 4th!

The Abundant Food List

I'm really loving this book that I can't seem to put down...

You Are What You Eat by Dr. Gillian McKeith

Dr. McKeith talks about what you should and shouldn't eat.  I am going to share with you something she calls the "Abundant Food List"  Dr. McKeith states that "If you truly start to eat all of these different foods on a regular basis, I can assure you that you will be doing a grand service to your body, mood and general overall health."

I'm excited to try a few of these that I've never even heard of.  Anyone else ready to try some of these new foods from the "Abundant Food List".

LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES

• beef greens
• chicory
• collards
• dandelion greens
• endive
• escarole
• iceberg lettuce
• kale
• loose-leaf lettuce
• mache
• mustard greens
• turnip greens
• parsley
• rocket
• romaine
• sorrel
• spinach
• swiss chard
• watercress

RAW NUTS

• almonds
• brazil nuts
• cashews
• bilberts
• hazelnuts
• chestnuts
• pecans
• pine nuts
• pistachios
• walnuts

SEEDS

• chia
• flax
• pumplin
• sesame
• sunflower

VEGETABLES

• artichoke
• asparagus
• avocado
• beets
• broccoli
• brussels sprouts
• bok choy
• chinese cabbage
• carrots
• cauliflower
• celeriac
• celery daikon
• eggplant
• green peas
• kohirabi
• okra
• onions
• parsley
• parsnip
• pepper
• potato
• radish
• squash
• tomato
• turnip
• watercress
• yam
• zucchini

FLOURS

• amaranth
• durium wheat
• graham
• oat
• potato
• soy
• sunflower seed
• tapioca

SEA VEGETABLES

• agar
• arame
• dulse
• hijiki
• kelp
• kombu
• nori
• sea palm
• wakame

And that is only 1/3 of the list.  Come back tomorrow for more!  I'm excited!  Have an awesome day!

Focus on ---- Tai Cheng

MOBILITY. AGILITY. VITALITY.

EVERYTHING IS ABOUT TO FEEL BETTER.

Ready to say goodbye to common aches and pains that may be holding you back from enjoying lifelong activity? Tai Cheng™ is a natural solution designed to help you do just that. It combines 21st-century fitness science with the centuries-old techniques of Tai Chi to help reduce joint and muscle pain through better muscle control.

The real breakthrough behind Tai Cheng is a rapid learning technique called Dynamic Motion Control™ that teaches you to master the 18 fundamental moves of Tai Chi in just 90 days. Every day Tai Cheng takes you through a gentle energizing warm-up and teaches you a new Tai Chi move. In phases, you'll learn to put the moves together into sequence.

You'll experience increased balance and strength, improved joint function, a wider range of motion, less stiffness, greater flexibility, and an overall feeling of natural energy and well-being.Exclusive BONUS: Order Tai Cheng on Team Beachbody® or from your Coach, and receive the Tai Cheng Body Alignment For Better Living DVD—a $19.95 value—FREE!

On this DVD, Dr. Cheng will help you understand how to correct mobility issues, prevent injury, combat flat arches, and even how to use a foam roller to work out everyday kinks.

1. What is Tai Cheng™?

Tai Cheng is Beachbody’s newest and perhaps most comprehensive fitness program. Based on the movements, concepts, and theories of traditional Yang-style Tai Chi, the Beachbody®  Tai Cheng workout program is named after its creator, Dr. Mark Cheng. The Mandarin Chinese translation of

Tai Cheng (as we’ve conceived of it here at Beachbody)is the “Supreme Accomplishment” in whole body health.

2. Who is Dr. Mark Cheng?

Dr. Mark Cheng is a martial arts master trainer with three decades of experience in Tai Chi. His background as a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner (licensed acupuncturist; Ph.D. in Chinese medicine and acupuncture) and as a physical therapy-based corrective exercise expert has allowed him to bring the ancient martial arts and wellness practices of Tai Chi to a modern, 21st-century audience.

3. What can Tai Cheng do for me?

The Tai Cheng workout is based on classical Tai Chi techniques, ancient Qi Gong practices, and modern corrective exercise patterns that both rehab and prehab the body, improving the body’s metabolism, joint function, stress management, and athletic performance!  The Tai Cheng program shows you how to customize a workout that feels good, challenges your body, gives you energy, improves circulation, straightens posture, opens your joints, reduces painful trigger points, and promotes balance and flexibility so that your health actually improves as you age.

4. Who is Tai Cheng for?

Tai Chi and the other ancient modalities within the Tai Cheng program are made for EVERYONE. This 13-week regimen delivers tremendous benefits, whether you’re doing the first level moves and using the support of a wall, or you’re an elite athlete who is looking to improve your athletic performance in safer, more holistic ways.

5. What can I expect in a Tai Cheng workout?

Every day, Tai Cheng takes you through a gentle, energizing warm-up and teaches you a new Tai Chi move. These workouts are designed to improve balance, awaken dormant energy sources, tone and strengthen your muscles, soothe stiffness, and increase your range of motion.

6. How long is the Tai Cheng program?

Tai Cheng is a 90-day program, divided into four phases. You will learn six Tai Chi movements in each of the first three phases; each of these phases is three weeks long. In the fourth phase, which is four weeks long, you learn how to put multiple movements together in sequence.

7. What is Tai Chi?

A traditional Chinese martial art, Tai Chi is known more formally as T’ai Chi Ch’uan or Taijiquan, the “Supreme Ultimate Fist.” As a system of internal martial arts, Tai Chi revolves around the duality concept of balanced yin and yang energies. In the Western world, we understand this in manifestations such as positive-negative, light-dark, male-female, hot-cold, hard-soft, and

external-internal. In terms of strategy and combat application, Tai Chi employs both speed and power movements, similar to those seen in other self-defense systems like Shaolin kung fu, modern wushu, karate, or taekwondo, as well as slow and smooth movements that resemble

dance or yoga.

Now one of the most widely practiced exercises in the world, Tai Chi has cognates in Korea (taegeuk kwon), Japan (taikyokuken), and many other countries around the world. Yang-style Tai Chi is the most widely practiced version of this Chinese art form. Because of its zero-impact nature, it has become wildly popular among the elderly throughout China and increasingly around the globe. Younger athletes are discovering it for its unique ability to train the stabilizing musculature in addition to the larger muscles known as the prime movers.

8. What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong, which translates to “energy skills” or “breath exercises,” is often taught in conjunction with Tai Chi. Qi Gong provides breathing and meditation exercises for health and even injury rehabilitation.

9. What are the benefits of Tai Chi?

While it is no secret that Tai Chi practice has a plethora of benefits, it is still not well understood by mainstream medicine. Studies have been conducted at prestigious colleges and universities, such as Harvard and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, to determine how Tai Chi lowers blood pressure, improves balance, and reduces injuries due to falls. Those studies continue to yield

positive data.

Healthy Mexican Lasagna (in a crock pot!!!)

This is another recipe that I found and modified to be a little healthier AND to make in the crock pot.  I'm all about healthy and love the crock pot.  I googled it and there are a million recipes for it, this is my version that I created from stuff that I already had on hand in my cupboards and fridge.  That's what I do, take a recipe and make it mine somehow...

Anyway... here it is... my version...

1 pound ground turkey

2 cups colby jack cheese (you can use whatever cheese you want)

2 cups salsa

1 cup green sauce (I add this for a little spice, you don't have to add it at all if you don't want)

1 cup low fat sour cream (I actually don't put sour cream in mine, but most people do)

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin

chopped garlic ( I use the stuff out of the shaker cuz I'm lazy)

chopped onion (see above)

Cook the ground turkey, adding chopped garlic and chopped onion to your taste, add chili powder and cumin. Drain.  Spray the bottom of the crock pot with some non-stick spray.  Place two tortillas in the bottom of the crock pot to cover bottom completely.  Place all of the ground turkey on top of the tortillas.  Sprinkle half a cup of cheese on top.  Place two more tortillas on top.  Mix salsa and green sauce with the sour cream and spread all but about a cup of it on the tortillas.  Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top.  Place two more tortillas on top.  Pour remaining salsa mixture on top, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Cook on high for 2 hours.

Enjoy!

I added rice the last time I made it (about 1 1/2 cups brown rice), mix the rice in with the salsa layer.  Some people add black beans, I would mix that with the salsa layer too.  I've heard of people adding corn to it, as well.  

This is pretty healthy if made with the right ingredients and re-heats well too!

Get Back to the Basics!

VERY BASIC EATING TIPS ~

• Variety!  It will deliver more nutrients and you will feel more satisfied
• Add one or two new foods each week to your routine diet
• Eat organically grown foods where available
• Use whole grains instead of refined processed grains and brown rice instead of white.  Whole grain flour, bread and spaghetti are better than refined.
• Take a break from wheat whenever possible and introduce other grains such as barley, spelt, millet, amaranth, quinoa and rye.
• Eat fresh vegetables every day
• Use unrefined sea salt instead of regular table salt
• Use unrefined cold-pressed oils, such as sesame, corn, olive and sunflower
• Use no-added-sugar jams
• Drink pure (not concentrated) fruit juices
• Rice syrup and barley syrup are better natural sweeteners than white sugar
• Eat white wild fish (not farmed) rather than meat and chicken
• Eat protein foods such as beans, tofu, quinoa and tempeh instead of meat and cheese
• Use sea vegetables for your cooking.  These vegetables are a valuable source of nutrients, including calcium, beta-carotene and vitamin B12, which help reduce cholesterol, rid the body of toxins and strengthen immunity.
• Introduce new foods into your life and eat more of them.

If you eat dead, lifeless food, your body will be lifeless.  If you eat vital, vibrant foods with lots of fresh fruits and veggies, you will be full of life force and vitality too.  It's the way it works, its that simple.  Challenge yourself and open your mind to the new possibilities.  You have no idea how well you can really feel, how much energy you can attain, how sharp your mind could really be, how much happiness you can exude, until you take the steps.

~ Taken from "You Are What You Eat" by Dr. Gillian McKeith

H2O Baby!

They always tell you to drink lots of water, but do you know why? Your body is composed of 60 to 70 percent water, and maintaining those water levels allows your body to easily flush out toxins and cellular waste.

Water also transports oxygen and nutrients to your cells, acts as a protective cushion between joints and organs, and helps the kidneys function more effectively. When your kidneys aren't functioning at their best, the liver helps out, and it can't metabolize fat as effectively. So help out your kidneys and your waistline by keeping yourself hydrated.

Even if you're not exercising intensely, you still lose water every day through breathing, urinating, and by eating salty foods or drinking alcohol, so it's important to replenish your levels by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. For instance, a 130-pound person should drink 65 ounces of water daily.

Plus, as an extra bonus, water can help alleviate hunger by making you feel full!

This article is from... Team Beachbody's Fitness Tips ---->  "The beauty of water" by Gillian Marloth Clark

Turkey Lettuce Wrap - Low Calorie and Healthy!

In my ongoing quest to find recipes that are good for you and actually taste good, it is a definitely a challenge.  This recipe comes from Beachbody's Meal Plans.  This is one of the benefits of becoming a part of Team Beachbody!  Even if you want to just get the FREE membership, there are many benefits still available for you. 


Anyway, here is the recipe for the wrap.  Enjoy!






Ingredients

• 1 lettuce leaf
• 1/4 tomato, medium
• 1 teaspoon mayonnaise, low-fat
• 2 ounces turkey breast, oven roasted, fat-free, low-sodium
• 6 baby carrots

Preparation

• Wash lettuce leaf and pat dry with a paper towel; set aside.
• Wash tomato and either chop finely or slice thinly.
• Spread mayonnaise evenly onto one side of turkey slice.
• Place lettuce leaf and tomato over turkey, and roll up from one end.
• Secure roll with a toothpick, if desired.
• Enjoy with carrots.

Nutritional Information -

• Calories   90
• Calories from fat 15
• Total fat     2 g
• Saturated fat     0 g
• Cholesterol     25 mg
• Total Carbohydrate     7 g
• Dietary Fiber     2 g
• Sugars     4 g
• Protein     11 g
• Vitamin A     210%
• Vitamin C     15%
• Calcium     6%