The Platinum Edge 2015 Recap!

I don't even know where to begin with this post, but I know I need to write it. The quote above describes how I've been feeling the past few days, so I'll use it as a catalyst to get my thoughts down on "paper."

This past weekend, I went to Dallas for a coach leadership training conference with our team of coaches. I'm part of the Platinum Presenters group of coaches, and this conference is a yearly event with our team! This was my first ever coaching conference (Platinum Edge!) and I can honestly say that it was an unforgettable experience! 

Let's backtrack a bit: on February 18, 2015, I signed up to be a health and fitness coach. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, I just knew what I wanted to inspire others to find their strength to get healthy, and the courage to believe in themselves. I found my amazing mentor, Anna, and joined her team as one of her Inspire Joy Coaches. 

I began to really take ownership of this new opportunity that God provided for me. I loved that I was able to just be myself with other Inspire Joy girls, and that we all pushed each other to be better versions of our true selves. I also was able to reconnect with one of my best friends since I was 16, Marika, and she joined my team of coaches that I have started mentoring! 

This past weekend, I was finally able to meet these amazing women in person. It was as if we had been friends for years. We laughed, ate, hung out all day, listened to amazing motivational speakers, learned a plethora of information on how to better ourselves and our business, and ate a ton of salad! I can honestly say that I found my tribe, I found my people who just get me, and who I can be totally real with. 

I still can't believe that this is my life. I'm business partners with one of my best friends, I am part of an amazing team of coaches that I feel like have instantly become sisters, and I get to share what I am passionate about; a healthy and happy lifestyle. 

This weekend gave me the added boost of confidence I needed. I feel SO legit now. I can't wait to continue to grow as a person, push my limits, step outside of my comfort zone, and push back all of my fears. And the best part? I have an amazing team that will back me up and support me along the way.

Being a part of Inspire Joy has given me the confidence to grow and really step into the purpose that I know God has called me to. All those years of struggling and questioning who I am, and why I've been through hardships, have prepared me for this moment. In Dallas, I finally had a peace and calm about the ministry God has called me to. And it all has to do with helping those around me reach their full potential and become heroes of their own story. 

You are worthy too. You are full of potential. You can conquer your fears and finally choose to believe in yourself. Are you ready to completely turn your life upside-down and be filled with the quiet peace that comes with doing what you have been put on this earth to do? If you are, I'd love for you to get in touch with me! Don't wait until the "right" moment to start living your full potential...life is too short for that! And you have too much magic inside to to keep it all to yourself.  Fill out the form below to get in touch with me and we can start chatting! 

21 day fix Extreme Meal Plan Review!

Hello out there! It has been a LONG time since I have blogged, and for that, I apologize. The blog is definitely still one of my priorities, but other things have taken its place lately. Needless to say, I'm glad to be back!!

As some of you know if you follow me on Instagram (@tveen.verano), I have been doing the 21 day fix EXTREME workout program! I'm in my 3rd and final week, but this last Sunday, I started a more focused segment of the plan with my friend and business partner. This meal plan is called "countdown to competition" and it has been totally rocking our world!

Countdown to Competition is basically a very focused, high protein and veggie meal plan. You still follow the 21 day fix container system, but you eat a lot more red (protein) containers, and eat every 2 hours. When I first got the program, I preemptively decided that I could never do a C2C plan! But, little did I know my friend Marika would text me soon after and non-chalantly mention that she wnated to do the C2C plan. That quickly got me on board, because I love accountability, I love a challenge, and I love Marika!

The C2C is set up that you follow the competition plan for 2 days, and then the regular 21 DFX plan for the 3rd day. Then again, 2 days C2C, one day 21 DFX. You get the picture :) this is the portion breakdown for each plan:

C2C: 6 servings protein, 4 servings veggies, 4 tsps oils, and 1 serving starch/carb

21 DFX: 4 servings protein, 3 servings veggies, 2 servings fruits, 2 tsps oils, 2 servings starches/carbs, 1 servings dressings, and 1 serving healthy fat (nuts, avocado, etc)

A typical day on the C2C plan looks like this:

Beach Body Recover drink post-workout, Shakeology (2 proteins)

Oats w/coconut oil (1 starch, 1 tsp), or sweet potatoes! 

Ground taco turkey meat with steamed veggies (1 protein, 1 green)

Beef stew with green beans (1 protein, 1 green, 1 tsp)

Egg scramble with spinach (1 protein, 1 green, 1 tsp)

Grilled salmon w/green beans and kale (1 protein, 1 green, 1 tsp)

It is a TON of food, and I made sure to eat every 2-3 hours. This food was totally satisfying and left me feeling great, but I won't lie, protein is tough to eat! The chewing gets to you, but I felt so on top of the world that it was worth it to me!

For the days that I'm on the regular 21 DFX plan, I am just adding some fruit, an extra carb (usually sweet potatoes), and my afternoon nuts as a snack. Today is a "regular" day, and I am so looking forward to my fruit and nuts!!

Why am I doing the C2C plan?

Well for one, I really felt like I had to dial in my nutriton lately. Too much halloween candy has been eaten, and too many excuses have been made. Baked goods have been consumed (not good for my gluten allergy, which I am constantly in denial of) and I have just felt like my sugar addiction is in full swing. I really wanted to nip it in the bud before the holidays REALLY set in, temptation is on every corner, and I am left with a box of peppermint bark crying in the corner. Ok that's an over-exaggeration, but still, sugar is my jam.

Marika and I plan on continuing this plan until November 13th, when we are both attending a Beach Body coaches event (YAY SO EXCITED!) And even after that, I may continue this pattern because I am really loving eating this way. I'm eating real, whole foods, and even though it is a lot of eating, this plan is helping me keep myself accountable to the self care that I KNOW I am worth!

This month, as in for the next 3 days, both the 21 day fix and the 21 day fix extreme are on sale! I am running a 21 day accountability group for these programs starting November 16th, so now is the perfect time to take the plunge and order! If you order through me, I can be your personal coach and cheerleader to ensure that you finish strong! These programs have been life-changing in my life, and I am sure you will experience the same benefits! If interested, fill out the form below and I will get back to you ASAP!

The Ups and Downs of Life: An Update

It's been a truth universally known (in my life...and P&P reference for you Jane Austen fans) that life seems to go fantastically for me when I am taking care of myself, and life seems to fall apart when I am not. It seems like a profound "duh" kind of realization, but I have always experienced this phenomenon, and it continues to be true in my life up till this day. My last post was about my amazing one-month Insanity results, and I was pretty much on the highest high. And after that, life seemed to take a downward spiral. It's been a rollercoaster really, and I'm learning to ride the ups and downs while trying to stay as positive as possible, and while trusting God through it all. 

To say that I've had food issues throughout my life would be an understatement. I mean, it's really why I became a dietitian in the first place; to help people have a healthy relationship with food because mine was far from healthy. As I've written before, I've been through extreme restriction and extreme overeating my entire life. I've binged my way through entire workout programs with zero results to show for it, and I've also been able to lose 15 lbs in two weeks by obsessively counting calories and chewing gum to curb my hunger. I've always had a love-hate relationship with food, and have spent years, not only as an adolescent, but even as an adult, trying to rectify this relationship. I've always wanted to use food for my good and not my detriment, which is something I believe I have slowly learned over the years.  

But we all have seasons of life, especially when we have a tendency to allow negative thought patterns and behaviors to take over. For the past 2 weeks, I have been fighting these negative thoughts, which have turned into unwanted behaviors. I've been feeling quite low, moody, and just plain DOWN. Blame it on hormones or on being a woman, or on turning 27 this past weekend (which was WAY harder than I anticipated lemme tell ya!) but I have just not been myself. And food has been my very best friend and worst enemy throughout these two weeks.

I've gained some weight back and I've undone some of my insanity progress. But at the same time, I've learned yet again how important it is to choose what I think about. To purposefully think about what is good and noble and thought-worthy as the Bible says. Because our thoughts can become habitual, which can manifest into actions, which in turn become habitual and very hard to break. 

It's a little scary to get this all out there, but in all honesty, I still struggle with food. I struggle to not let it consume and control me. I struggle to eat enough, but at the same time to not eat the entire bag of oreos and chips and cookies...in one hour (oh yes, it's happened). I have a Wetzel's pretzels problem and am not ashamed to admit it...because HELLO, cinnamon sugar. 'Nuff said. 

But, I am also a lover of vegetables. I am a workout fiend. I love to motivate and inspire others. I love to plan my meals. I LOVE the way healthy eating makes me feel. I love to take care of myself, because I know that life seems to just be smoother when I am striving to be the best version of myself. I know that this version of me, is the me that I want to be at all times. Which is why it is so hard for me when these dark seasons happen. These seasons can happen for all of us, but it is important to focus on the things in our lives that help us be grateful, that put hard times in perspective, that that will bring pure awesomeness into this life. 

In conclusion, I messed up. I gained some weight. I had a birthday, and lots of parties and treats. I had many sleepless nights. And one too many down-in-the -dumps moments. But, I'm picking myself back up, and not letting the fear take over. I'm holding on to God because He is my hope through it all. I want to face these issues with the strength that God has given me and not let them take over who I was really and truly meant to be, a woman after God's own heart, and a woman who inspires others.

I want to be real with you all, because I am not perfect, I'm human, and I'm on this journey with you. I know that God is using what I am going through to make me stronger and that HE alone will help me face my fears and heal from the inside out. 

If you have gone through the same things I have, I would love for you to reach out to me! Feel free to send me a message via the "contact me" tab or email me at TveenRD@gmail.com. 

Craziest Month EVER: Month 1 Insanity Review

I can't believe it has been one month since I started the Insanity program! This is the program that I always told myself I couldn't do, and that I wasn't strong enough for, so the fact that I have followed it to a T for the past month is a HUGE accomplishment for me! It's been hard, sweaty, painful, and challenging, but I can honestly say that this program has been the most rewarding one I have done; not only for my body, but for my mental strength and endurance as well. 

First and foremost, here are my one month results!

I can't believe the results I am seeing. For the first time ever, I feel like my body is literally shedding all of that excess fluff and bloat. I'm seeing definition in my abs, and that is just SO exciting to me! This program is pushing me to my limits. After each and every workout, I feel a sense of accomplishment I have never felt before. 

Of course, it isn't just the workout that I should contribute my results to. As a dietitian, I know more than anyone that weight loss, getting in shape, toning up, and reaching your goals is 80% food and 20% exercise. I've overeaten my way through programs with zero results to show for it. SO, my nutrition during insanity has been imperative. I've been following the 21 day fix portion control system, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it is the BEST meal plan out there to help you reach your goals. 

I made sure to eat all my containers, drink water, and of course, have my Shakeology daily!

And I still had room to enjoy my favorites on this meal plan! Like Waffle Wednesday with the hubby! :) 

The most important thing to remember is to eat for your goals. My goals are to lean out a bit and tone up in the process, while not starving. This meal plan was PERFECT for that! It is so important to have a "plan."

If we call it a diet in our minds, it is only temporary. The plan needs to be one that we can follow for a lifetime, and I can see myself following this one for a lifetime! I felt energized, full, and excited for each meal! 

Overall, I am beyond thrilled with my results and how I am feeling! I can't wait to see what this next month will hold! Right now, I am in my "recovery" week between month 1 and month 2 for insanity. I am looking forward to the rest of this program, and will keep you all updated!!

This, and any program really, will work for you if you follow through and stick to it. Do you need some extra accountability? I can be your coach and coach you through the program that is best suited for YOU and YOUR goals! My September Joyfully Fit Bootcamp starts in a few weeks, and I would love to have you join! The accountability in this group is what has helped me get this far in my journey. The deadline to sign up in September 10th, so make sure to fill out the form below if you are interested!!! I can't wait to begin working with you!

Coming Forth as Gold

A few weeks ago, we were sitting in church, and our pastor made a statement that has stayed with me ever since. He said "God can use my problems to CHANGE ME." Sounds like such a simple statement, and yet, it really resonated with my soul and caused me to ruminate on it for a few weeks.

I've always dreaded the "problems" that I've had in my life, whether it was my perfectionism that caused me anxiety, my issues with food and weight, or my need to be liked by everyone. I've always viewed these problems as weaknesses, a thorn in my heel, and issues that I need to somehow manage in order to get by and live life as balanced as possible. I mean, don't we all try to do that? Pacify our problems so that they don't take over our lives? So we can still function normally, and at times even ignore that these problems exist? I've done this time and time again, and it has only resulted in anxiety, depression, emotional eating, and painful loneliness. 

But ever since our pastor made that simple comment above, that God can use our problems to change us, I've had an entirely different view of my problems. I've even viewed them as blessings; avenues that God has allowed me to take in order to change me from the inside out.  I just keep thinking of Job 23:10, (even though Job went through WAY more than I have), and how God has seen my problems, "tried" me, and that I will come forth as gold. 

You might think that is being a bit too positive, but hear me out. All my life, I've tried to stay quiet about my problems and my issues. I've hidden my struggles with food for the past 14 years. I've told people one thing, and I've done another. I've isolated myself in depression and loneliness over not being liked, not having friends, and just never being "enough." I've wallowed in self pity for years, and I can honestly say that in this past year, God has done SO much work on my heart, has tried me, has loved me...and is refining me to the point that one day, by His grace, I will come forth as gold. These negative thoughts about myself have been replaced with empowering ones, and I know that God is doing a work in my life. 

Being open about my struggles with food and weight have actually turned into a blessing. Honesty has allowed me to CHANGE my habits, overcome the binge-restrict cycle that I have followed since I was 13; and, the best part, it has allowed me to reach out to dozens of people that have experienced the same struggles I have. I have had the opportunity to pour into other peoples' lives, share my vulnerabilities, and be a support to them, just as I have received support from those around me. 

I really believe that the problems I have experienced are being used by God. He is using me to grow me and change me, and in the process, to help and encourage others. I am beyond blessed to be doing what I do and a dietitian and a health and fitness coach, and to have such a loving Father that would allow me to be used in this way. If I hadn't gone through what I have, I wouldn't be half as relatable to those I serve. 

There are days I still struggle, get depressed, fight anxiety, and eat emotionally. But, I know that God is refining and pruning me, and for that I am grateful. He never gives up on us! We can never mess up TOO much for Him. We can't "out-sin" His forgiveness and grace. God is in the business of showing us the grace and mercy that we do NOT deserve. His love is simply amazing. 

This is why, I will continue to view my problems as a means of God changing and refining me. Of His transformative power working in my life. All the hardships in my life are for a purpose, and God will use them to glorify Him! 

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

Superfood Spotlight: Gogi Berries!

About a month ago, I started writing a series spotlighting various superfoods that are in Shakeology. I get questions daily about the benefits of this superfood drink that I drink! Ever since I started drinking Shakeology back in February, I have experienced such amazing health! I haven't gotten sick (I've had chronic sinus infections my whole life...chronic as in almost every other month), I have experienced more energy, better digestion, and I just feel BETTER overall. If you'd like to read a more in-depth recount of my experience with Shakeology, check out this blog post from a while back!

http://www.tveenverano.com/the-joyful-harvest/2015/03/13/a-dietitians-take-on-shakeology?rq=dietitian

I decided to do a mini-series on the different superfoods that are in Shakeology, why they are good for you, and why Shakeology is really the best and cheapest way to get all the benefits of these superfoods! I wrote about Maca root and Camu-camu berries in July, and up next we have...Gogi Berries!

Gogi berries, like many berries, are chock full of nutrients, antioxidants, and provide numerous health benefits. Gogi berries are high in vitamin C and fiber, and low in calories, so they provide a great nutrient bang for your buck! They are high in nutrient density, which means that gogi berries provide you with the SO nutrition for a small amount of caloric impact. Surprisingly, a serving of gogi berries can also provide you with 10% of your protein needs for the day! Coming from berries, that's pretty impressive!

What's more exciting to me is that gogi berries have been studied and found to have the highest concentration of the antioxidant zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help against cell breakdown when they are exposed to the harmful things in our environment, such as smoke or radiation. 

It is also believed that Gogi berries can lower your risk of high blood pressure and help lower blood sugars. As always, if you do have diabetes or are on medications for diabetes and hypertension, I would check with your doctor first before you start consuming these, whether they are in the berry form or the shake form in Shakeology!

The power of superfoods is irrefutable. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and all of the other nutrient compounds found in these natural foods provide us with the nutrition we need to live healthier and happier lives. 

This is why I LOVE Shakeology and can't praise it enough. The creators and researchers behind Shakeology have done a beautiful thing. Gogi berries, and many other superfoods, are PRICEY on their own, but with just $4/day, you get a nutritional powerhouse of SO many different superfoods, all in a delicious shake! 

If you'd like to try Shakeology, please contact me through the "contact me" tab above! I would love to chat with you about it! 

Stay tuned for our next Superfood Spotlight in a few weeks!

A Fresh September

I can't believe September is already here. Only a few months left in this year, which I can easily say has been the craziest year of my life! I got married, became a Beach Body coach (literally two life-changing events), moved to a whole new city, started a new job, and am living with a man for the first time in my life. WHAT? Life has been turned upside down, and I think it's good to sit back and reflect on it a bit. 

September has always been back to school mode for me. Both my parents are teachers, and back to school time was so exciting in our house! New office supplies, new teachers, new clothes, new books; a fresh start. For me, September still feels like the"beginning" of something, even though it isn't technically a new year. With that mindset, I've decided to treat this time like a fresh start. Because why not? This year has been so incredible for me, and I in no means am trying to run away from the past. But I love the idea of a new beginning and setting some awesome goals for this time of year! And with that said...

September Goals!

1. Continue on with the Insanity program, while adding some 21 day fix workouts during the week! My husband and I will be doing some 21 day fix workouts when he gets home from work in the evenings, so I'm really looking forward to doing both these programs and seeing some awesome results!

2. Continue with 21 day fix container system. I stopped counting calories (yet again) in August, but felt that I was relying on too many random food groups to get through the day (toast 3x/day, nuts 3x/day...you get the idea). Doing a program like Insanity (and especially now adding the fix) requires a LOT more fuel, and not just random, empty calories. So I am using the container system to track my food groups and loving it! However, even though I am supposed to be eating the lowest calorie bracket, I've decided to alternate between the first and second bracket since I am doing 2 workout programs. I am building muscle and getting hungrier, so sometimes I'll need the extra fuel! But above all, I will LISTEN to by body by not forcing myself to eat containers, and at the same time, not depriving myself if I need a bit more! :) 

3. Play around with our fancy camera! On our honeymoon, Vasken and I got a nice SLR camera to take pictures, and it's been in our drawer every since coming home from Hawaii...in May. I think it's time I upload the honeymoon pics and start carrying that thing around and enjoying it!

4. Bake more. I LOVE BAKING. There were even times in my life that a goal of mine was to bake LESS because I would bake every day. But this summer has been unfortunately bake-less since it's been SO hot and turning on the oven turns our cozy apartment into a sauna. Well, this month, I want to bake more! I always make my treats healthified (search for recipes on my Joyful Harvest Blog tab!!) and I can't wait to get back into this hobby I have missed. Get ready for pumpkin everything!

5. Plug into a Bible study! Our church offers so many, so I am excited to get back into weekly Bible studies and fellowship with other believers. 

6. Read at least 10 pages/day of a growth book. This new habit in my life has been huge. It's been so motivating to read books that have expanded my mind and built up my confidence. So I definitely want to keep this up! 

7. And lastly...grow out my bangs. Yup, I went there. Can't wait till they are grown and gone! 

What are some of your goals for September? Share in the comments below!

Why I LOVE Coaching!

For the past 6 months, I have been an online health and fitness coach, along with my regular full time job as a registered dietitian at a dialysis center. I feel that these two positions have driven me straight to the heart of my passion: helping people get healthy, have a good relationship with food, and ultimately have a healed and whole relationship with themselves. But where my true passion lies is being a health and fitness coach. I feel that God has called me to this very position, and all the events and ups and downs in my life have compounded to this moment; where I am able to help those around me succeed, strive, fail, pick themselves back up, and conquer what they set out to do.  

Every time I try to express to people what coaching has done for me and my passion for this newfound job, I tend to get overexcited, anxious, smile and laugh a lot, and just say "it's so great! it's SO great!" Um...use grown up language, Tveen!

This past weekend, I decided to quiet my mind and try to figure what WHAT makes coaching so great to me. Why do I love it so much? Why do I look forward to working on my coaching business after a FULL day of work as an RD elsewhere? Well! Here are some reasons why I LOVE coaching, and if you love any of the following aspects of health, coaching may be a passion for you too! Feel free to contact me at tveenRD@gmail.com if you would like to join our team of coaches and start living out your passion!

But first...

What do I DO as an online health and fitness coach?

As a Beach Body coach, I run online fitness challenge groups which serve as accountability groups for my clients. I help those that are struggling with losing weight, eating healthy, or are just in need of amping up their workout routine. The accountability these groups provide is powerful, as it helps us all go through this journey together. I also have a team of coaches that I mentor and help build their own businesses, which is such a rewarding part of this job! 

Why I Love Coaching!
 

1. Health and fitness have always been a huge passion of mine I've been doing home fitness videos since I was 2 years old, and have the home videos to prove it! Becoming a coach and helping people get healthy in the comfort of their own home has been so fulfilling to me! Having an unhealthy relationship with food myself in my teen and early adult years has given me a first hand experience of how we can use food for our good as well as our detriment. As a registered dietitian, I know all about the nutrition aspect of health, but Beach Body coaching has provided an outlet for me to actually motivate and inspire those around to me to take care of their bodies through good food and healthy movement. I love that I can help friends, family, and complete strangers live healthier and happier lives.

2. Becoming a coach provides me with the accountability I need to stick to my own healthy eating journey. As I mentioned above, weight and food have always been a struggle for me. I lacked accountability in my own life, which led me to make poor food choices, gain weight, then over-restrict, lose weight, overeat, gain weight, and so on. I have gone up and down 20-30 lbs more times than I care to remember in my lifetime. As a coach, I run online accountability groups for my clients who want to work with me (check out my Bootcamp page). These groups not only help my clients, but they help ME as well! Being a coach gives me a safe place to share my struggles, while still having a network of accountability with my clients and the other coaches on our team. 

3. No one likes to talk money, but I'm going to talk about it. MONEY. No matter how much we want to avoid the subject, we all want to feel secure in this department. Being a coach not only fulfills my passions, but it also gives me the hope of financial freedom! Coaching has given me the opportunity to make money doing what I love, while being in the comfort of my own home! I was even able to pay off all of my student loan payments last month (yes, I have multiple ones) with JUST my Beach Body earnings, and still had some left over. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and can't believe that a "job" exists where I can do what I love, while making money and slowly getting out of debt. I have the hope of being financial secure one day and being able to pay off all my loans and live debt free. No, I don't care for the fancy cars or big houses, I just want the security and peace that I am no longer in debt! I am hopeful of what is to come and am so grateful for this blessing!

Where can YOU plug in?

In one of two ways! 

1. Join in for my next Joyfully Fit Bootcamp in September! Send me a form via the Bootcamp tab, or email me at TveenRD@gmail.com to get more information on joining my online fitness accountability group.

2. Join our team as a coach! Do you find that you have similar passions as me? Do you love helping those around you? Do you need accountability in your own fitness journey? I would love for you to join our team of incredible coaches! We could do this thing together and motivate each other every step of the way! If you would like to become a coach on our team, again, please feel free to email me at TveenRD@gmail.com or submit a "contact me" form for some more info! I would love to work with you!

Is there anything you are loving in your life right now? A passion that you are fulfilling or feel called to? Share in the comments below!

INSANITY: Week 1 Results & Review!

For the past few months, I've been jumping between a few Beach Body programs. I've done PiYo, 21 day fix, CIZE, and some Beach Body On Demand (basically Netflix for workouts) programs. In the back of my mind though, I've always wanted to do the program I never thought I COULD do, which is the Insanity program.

My cousin gave this program to me a few years ago, back before I was a Beach Body coach. I couldn't even get through the warm up and felt so discouraged, so I just gave up and went back to my usual hour on the elliptical workouts. But, becoming a Beach Body coach about 6 months ago has increased my confidence levels SO much. I finally decided, on an impulsive whim, to take on this program, full speed ahead. And boy, am I glad I did! I am one week into the Insanity program and cannot believe the changes I am seeing and feeling in my body!

August 10th vs. August 17th! I see little abs popping out! 

Insanity is basically an INSANE workout of non-stop drills, plyometrics, and strength moves that use your body weight the entire time. No equipment necessary, and you get a total body, interval training workout. This means your heart rate goes up and down, which provides you with the maximum conditioning workout in a short amount of time. Doing this keeps your fitness levels high and your heart working hard and strong!

So far, I am loving how I am feeling and what I am seeing. I've lost a few pounds, feel less fluffy, and am seeing definition in my abs for the first time since my wedding about 4 months ago. But what I love MOST about this program is that I am doing something that has always terrified me. I am terrified of failure, and I still remember that day a few years ago when I couldn't' even get through the insanity warm up and just threw in the towel. Today, I am up and doing this workout daily, and even though I am not getting through all of it, I am pushing through the fear of failure that I have had for so long. I get to decide to use that fear to FUEL me, and not to hold me back. I can't wait to see what these 60 days will hold for me! And don't worry, I will keep you all in the loop as I progress in this program! 

If you are looking for a workout program to conquer, I'd love to help you find one that is meant for you! We all have our soulmate workouts, and I firmly believe that any program will work, as long as you love it enough to stick to it from beginning to end! Shoot me a message through my Contact Me tab and we can get started on a free consultation to see which workout program would work best for you! DOn't let the fear hold you back, decide to USE that fear and show it who's boss! :) 

How has fear held you back in the past? What do you think you can do TODAY to take the first step in using that fear for your betterment and not your detriment? 

5 Easy Meal Planning Tips!

People always ask me how to plan out their meals in order to ensure healthy choices throughout the day and week. Let's face it, we ALL have busy lives. I've actually tried to not use the word "busy" lately, because in reality, I do make time for things that are important to me, like working out, reading, spending time with my husband, and cooking! Meal planning is important to me because when I know I have healthy food at home, I eat healthy food! #duh

Meal planning has become a weekly priority for me, but I know that luxury is not possible for everyone! And trust me, not all meal prep is making gourmet meals from scratch! Sometimes, I just scan my kitchen (ahem freezer) and create some random, healthy food that will keep  my hubby and I fed and happy until our next meal. SO! Here are 5 of my easy meal prep tips!

1. Don't overthink it!

Sometimes, we complicate our lives by thinking too much. When you are meal planning and prepping and don't have much time to devote to it, think quick and easy meals that hit all the food groups. My go-to meals are lean protein, veggies, and some kind of healthy carb. So that can either be grilled chicken with rice and salad, or ground beef patties with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans, or tuna salad with some veggies and crackers! Anything goes, as long as it covers those food groups: lean protein, veggies, and a healthy carb.

2. Shakeology!!! 

Shakeology has been a life-saver for me, especially since starting my new job as a renal dietitian. Sometimes, I have to be at work as early as 6am, and it has been SO easy to whip up a shake on my way out the door. I also have been making my shakes mid-morning at work as a snack if I take my magic bullet with me. The best part? I KNOW that I am getting a healthy dose of good nutrition and a ton of superfoods no matter what else may happen the rest of the day. 

3. Freezer food to the rescue! 

Don't knock freezer food, it can actually rescue your meal prep woes! I always keep a huge bag of frozen veggies in my freezer, as well as frozen grass fed beef, ground turkey, and chicken breasts. I also like to have frozen berries on hand to top my oatmeal with. I will also freeze leftovers, like this lentils and brown rice dish I made a month ago! I froze whatever was left, and it helped me when I was in a food emergency last week!

Freezer food can really help you when you are in a bind! Defrost a meal or some meat, cook it up, add some veggies and some seasonings and you are good to go!

4. Think greens/veggies. 

What I always make sure to have on hand is vegetables, whether fresh or frozen. It's so easy to whip up a quick salad, or add some steamed veggies as a side dish (see above!) You can even dip some veggies in hummus as a quick, delicious, and filling snack! Greens are SO nutritious and keep us full, plus they are so pretty to look at when you stare at your plate! The greens/veggies I love are spinach, kale, arugula, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, and sugar snap peas! 

5. Have your essentials always on hand! 

One of the most popular recipes on my blog has been my spicy sausage and taters dish. Here is the link in case you haven't tried it yet!

http://www.tveenverano.com/the-joyful-harvest/2014/10/15/spicy-sausage-and-taters

This is seriously one of the easiest meals to whip up, plus it tastes amazing! It is so versatile too: you can have it with eggs in the morning, or pair it with a salad for lunch!

The key with this meal is that I always make sure I have spicy jalapeño chicken sausages from Trader Joe's on hand, plus some kind of taters (yukon gold or sweet potatoes). I ALWAYS have these on hand. This meal is so tasty and quick, and it's a great way to get some protein and carb into my day without overthinking it. Some other essentials I always have on hand include: eggs, carrots, hummus, gluten free bread, peanut butter (DUH), kale, and spinach. By keeping my home constantly stocked with these foods, I have an emergency stash of healthy options waiting for me when I am in a hurry or don't have time to go to the store to get my groceries!

I hope these tips help some of you with meal planning and prepping! I'd love to get some more ideas from you all on how YOU meal prep! Share one of your favorite meal prepping tactics in the comments below! :)