Working it Out

I'm currently a member of a gym. I haven't been there in over a year. Over. A. Year. We still pay for it every month. I still don't go every month. That's how we roll.
We have an elliptical machine in the basement. Prior to moving it a few weeks ago, it hadn't been used in 2 years. 2. Freaking. Years.
I have pretty running shoes. I wear them all the time, but not for running. I hate running. My body hates running. No time complaints here, I just wanted to mention the shoes, lol.
My current program is an at home program which means the only person who knows if I didn't work out is me. Normally, I would mentally commit myself to it and feel good about that and then not work out. But there's something about posting for a group of other people online every day about how my workout went with a #sweatyselfie and what I like/dislike about it that keeps me from just sitting on the over-sized recliner down in the basement instead of working out. There's an accountability piece and a connection piece that has made all the difference. Didn't like those surrenders? Post it on Facebook! Your toddler drank all your water? Post it on Twitter (#parentproblems)! Want to feel better about yourself because you're having an off day? Post it on Instagram! Seriously, it does everything.
And just because I'm sharing the good doesn't mean I'm not struggling just as much as my friends who are also participating. Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with others and support one another. Granted, there are some trolls out there who try to tear others down to bring themselves up or some crap, but I don't hang with those types so you won't find any in my groups!
What keeps you motivated? What keeps you from giving up?

October Recommendations

Okay! I've decided each month to recommend some of my favorite things or the things that have been helping me be a better me.

Get it HERE!

First, this BADASS book! It was recommended to me by my coach when I decided to become a Beachbody coach and HOLY COW am I glad I picked it up! (And by picked it up I mean ordered it from Amazon. Who has time for browsing bookstores anymore? Sadly, not me. Sigh...) I love the approach the author takes and her honesty. There are days where I felt like I needed to be convinced of my badassness, and other days where there was no convincing needed because I woke up KNOWING I was a badass and I wasn't afraid to show it! I've found myself going back to it over and over again because honestly, it never hurts to read a reminder that I should love myself just the way I am.

Check them out HERE!

Next, Sargento Balanced Breaks. Cheese, nuts, and dried fruit in perfect all-in-one snack portions ready to go?? Um, yes please! Also, they have quite a variety of cheese/nut/fruit combos so it doesn't get boring. They come in 3 packs where I buy them and I love how portable they are! I love me some cheese, and this is some good cheese. Also, the fruit and nuts don't get too salty which is sometimes the case with other trail mix types of snacks I've tried. Give this one a shot, let me know what you think!

Order it HERE!

Mascara is my go-to must have make-up. Even on those days where I don't feel like adulting, a little mascara can go a long way in making me look/feel like I tried a little. Currently I'm using Lash Blast Fusion by CoverGirl. It also came with a CG Perfect Point Plus eyeliner that I am in LOVE with! My eyes don't hold makeup for very long, as in it usually rubs off or slides down my face which is always a good look. This mascara holds up well and the eyeliner is smooth and heavenly.

Pick one up HERE!

And finally, this month is dedicated to my trusty Garmin VivoFit. I bought my husband and I each one last year. I wore it for a while and then stopped. Since I've started wearing it again I find that I'm actually taking the stairs more and walking a little further so I can see the graph on my phone show me I went over my steps for the day. It also tracks my sleep, which currently is showing me the pattern my 5 month old has of getting me up every 2 hours to eat right now, lol. I love that I don't have to charge it every few days because it runs on a watch battery and that it syncs with my phone in seconds! Also, who doesn't love different color bands? Hello color coordination and looking like a real live adult!

That's it for this month. Check back for my recommendations next month!

Things I've Learned While Doing 21 Day Fix

Things I've learned while doing the 21 Day Fix:
-The containers make great measuring cups. Don't use them as storage/meal containers. Seriously, the hot sauce in the blue one leaked EVERYWHERE.
-Meal prepping, heck even snack prepping, (albeit time consuming) is a HUGE help. I've always been known for having sort of random lunches. The few times I've actually planned ahead my co-workers were super impressed. Look! I adulted!
-Pack baggies in the fridge of cut up veggies or fruit for a quick snack. Or leave some baggies with almonds or other snacks on the counter. I'll be less likely to hunt for rogue chocolate chips on the baking shelf if I have a healthy snack already out and ready to go.
-Cook lunch for the next day while you cook dinner. My husband is AWESOME at this...but he does it for him, not for me. I'm always so jealous when I see him cooking and planning ahead and being all adult and stuff in the evenings when all I'm doing is counting down until bed time.
-Set out breakfast things before you go to bed. Get your ingredients ready, or at the very least your plate. Again, if you've already started the process you're more likely to follow through. Also, breakfast rocks.
-Get yourself a BIG ASS water bottle with a straw. You'll be less likely to spill it, and the straw makes it easier to drink more at one time. Mine is one from a visit to the hospital I made a few years ago when I got dehydrated and passed out while getting a haircut. Hello, ambulence ride! It was no bueno, so I've had that cup handy ever since. It's giant and awkward and I love it.
-Get creative in the kitchen. Some of the healthiest and most delicious meals I've made were 21 day fix approved. Who says you have to have boring food? Get a veggie spiraler-it will INSTANTLY up the fun factor in your meals!
-Pinterest is your friend. For recipes, meal prepping ideas, and more! (Follow me: @nanci_m)
-Put up inspirational pictures/quotes in your workout space. Mine is in the basement and I have pictures on the walls on either side of me, in front of me above the screen, and on the ceiling.
-Think "happy thoughts" while you're working out for each rep. "Sexy" "Cruise" "Youcandothis" "Getitgirl" or whatever else motivates you. Be your own cheerleader! *Cue "Cheerleader" music!*