Monthly Archives: February 2017

What is a Challenge Group?

Posted in Life, Uncategorized by

I talk about them all the time.  I LOVE them.  I assume everyone knows exactly what they are.  But if you had asked me a few years ago what a challenge group was,  would have had no freaking clue.  So, first I’ll tell you what….and then I’ll tell you why.

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A challenge group is an online accountability group.  Its run either through a closed FB group, or through the Challenge Tracker app.  It’s a group of people, who are all working towards some goal or another, who have committed to a Beachbody program and replacing one meal a day with our superfoods shake for the duration of the group (usually 30ish days).  In the group, everyone encourages each other, there are daily motivational posts, recipes, accountability and we learn about clean eating and making your health a priority. So, now that you know what it is…let’s get to the good stuff.  The WHY.

How may times have you started a program, or a gym routine….only to last a couple weeks and then you fall off?  Maybe it’s because you lose interest, you’re not sure what to do next, you feel alone, you can’t find the motivation or you don’t have anything or anyone holding you accountable.  THIS my friends is where the Challenge Group comes in to say the day.  I have been running these groups for about 2 years now and let me tell you….they are amazing!  Amazing for support, amazing for accountability, amazing for motivation.  Just all around amazing.  You and these group of people, some you may know, and some you don’t…you sort of become a little family.  Having a bad day?  Everyone is there to pic you back up.  Can’t find the motivation?  Everyone is there to cheer you on and motivate you.  Don’t know how to meal plan?  We all share ours to help you get started.  Can’t figure out what to make for dinner?  Recipes are shared all the time and they are usually clean, easy and delicious.  Have a small or large victory?  Everyone is there to celebrate with you…and that we do!  It’s such an amazing feeling to have this place where you can go, where you know you’re not going to be judged, and you can get support, no matter what phase of your journey you are on.  There is no stupid question.  There is no small accomplishment. Someone is always there to give you an answer or a pat on the back!  There’s no jealousy, no competition (ok, maybe a little fun competition) and no judgement.  It’s like having a group full of your best friends, who you might not have ever actually met, to go to for support.

And guys?  The feedback we’ve gotten from our last few groups have been AMAZING!  Lives are being changed every single day.  People are realizing what they are capable of.  They’re feeling HAPPY and feeling good about themselves again.  It’s a fun way to get healthy and work towards you goals. And you’re 10x more likely to stick with a program and succeed when you join a challenge group.  Maybe that’s what you’ve been missing?

My next group is kicking off on March 6th.  If its something you’d like more information on, or if you want to talk about joining, fill out this form and I will get in touch with you!  Summer is right around the corner…let’s get ready together!

https://gmbfitlife.wufoo.com/forms/z19cj1zw1bxzyqv/

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My Whole30 Journey…so far

Posted in Clean Eating, Uncategorized by

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Day 20.  I’m 2/3 of the way there.  Pretty damn good for a girl who jumped into this, not actually thinking she could succeed.  Now, let me start off by saying that I was not 100% compliant since I did continue to drink Shakeology, which contains Stevia and Pea protein, which are not Whole30 compliant. But I wasn’t willing to give that up for 30 days and here’s why:

I don’t drink coffee….so my shakes are what get me going in the mornings.

It’s also my multivitamin.  It keeps me healthy.  Which is not something I was willing to risk, in the middle of winter and flu season.

It makes me feel too good to voluntarily give it up…even for just 30 days.

That being said, I may no be getting the FULL benefits of the Whole30.  And some people say I can’t call what I am doing the Whole30, since I am not 100% compliant….so I’m calling it the Whole30-ish.  And that’s good enough for me.  Because here’s the thing.  I didn’t do this for some astronomical change.  I didn’t do this because I have some huge issue that I needed to get to the bottom of.  I did this because I wanted to get back on track with my nutrition and I wanted to prove to myself that I still had some sort of discipline when it came to food. I wanted to sort of restart my system.

So, here’s what I’ve noticed so far:

I am sleeping better.  I’m snacking less.  My sweet tooth has been tamed.  I have the energy to get through my workouts. My mind feels clearer.  I am able to focus better.  I’m only down about 3 lbs, but am def noticing my pants are getting loose.  I’m not craving much.  I’m enjoying healthy foods.  I’m finding new, delicious recipes.  I’m learning to enjoy cooking.  And the most surprising of all – I am not dying for wine!  (<— that one alone is a huge accomplishment for me, since I am a self proclaimed wino!)

Overall, I can’t complain.  I didn’t have too many crazy days where I felt like I was dying, or had severe headaches, or severe cravings.  Again, the Shakeology could have helped with that….but for me, that’s a bonus!

There are a ton of Facebook groups dedicated to the Whole30…but beware.  In a lot of them, you can’t ask if something is compliant, you’re not allowed to post anything that is non-compliant, and don’t you DARE tell anyone that you’ve accidentally (or purposely) eaten something that might not be compliant.  Otherwise?  The groups can be great for recipe ideas, support on those tough days and other random Whole30 things.

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I’ll be back in 10 days to give my final review…including my favorites tips and recipes!

All in all, I think the Whole30 is great for someone who wants to get back on track, clean out their system, improve overall health, figure out what might be ailing them, etc.  If you’re thinking of doing it, I say give it a go!  You might actually surprise yourself!