Obesity Statistics and a Way Out

The correlation on obesity and salary has been documented in a study recently and it's pretty amazing. Obese Americans receive smaller paycheck than normal weight people and it's especially prominent among women. In 2004, the annual income for obese women was $8,666 less than normal weight women and $4,772 less for obese men than normal weight workers.
In 2008, obese women made an average of $5,826 (15 percent) less than normal-weight females.

This really goes to show that it's not only taxing on your health, heart, knees, blood pressure, and self-esteem, it's also significantly impacting personal finances.

If you find yourself relating to these statistics and you're ready to make a change, I can help. Starting January 9, you can be a part of a small group in which your fitness and nutrition are tended to in the most healthy way and on top of that you'll have a small support group to cheer you on and keep you on track. Please let me know if you want to be a part of this group no later than Dec 31.

If you're not ready to be a part of a group (though I STRONGLY reccommend it), and want one on one coaching from me, you can still buy the challenge pack or a fitness DVD and Shakeology separately. I'm here for you one hundred percent and want to help you achieve your goals. No matter what they are. I'm in this with you!

Contact me right away so we can get started and help you to get the salary you've always wanted and the body you DESERVE!

Beachbody Challenge Video

Watch this and then get details below!!

Lose Weight Now! Christa's Beachbody Challenge!

The holidays are nearly upon us and I have not yet reached my goal of weight loss and healthiness. I've made some really great efforts and I'm well on my way, but with Thanksgiving and then Christmas just around the corner, it's go time! I'm looking for 5 COMMITTED people who are interested in forming a small focus group in which we'll keep each other accountable and see real results.

This is a 30 day committment. We'll exchange phone numbers and check in on a daily basis in a PRIVATE Facebook group. Did I mention you could win $100,000?

The deadline to let me know you're on board is November 18. Simply choose the fitness program that suits your fitness goals. I will be working out with you and replacing one meal a day with Shakeology, as you will. We'll all start on the same day, November 25, the day AFTER Thanksgiving and end Dec 24. Contact me ASAP to let me know you're with me or to ask questions by emailing me at mcmahon.christa@gmail.com or message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christa.mcmahon

By joining my challenge you will automatically receive 1 FREE month as a Beachbody Club Member. This is a superior tool because it gives you access to VIP chats with our trainers and a customized meal planner (with recipes and printable shopping lists). You also get 10% off all your Beachbody products as a member and daily chances to win CASH when you track your workouts in the virtual gym!

If you have not already, you will need to officially sign up to have me as your coach by going to https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free/99022/ and register to join Team Beachbody. Be sure to enter my name as your referring coach.

You have the right to the body and the health that you have always wanted. Beachbody has provided the tools to offer each person a life-changing impact on your lifestyle and quality of life. If this sounds like something you're ready to do, to work in a small group for maximum accountability and results, please contact me and we'll get started. This is limited to 5 people this month so please don't hesitate.

Below is a diagram of the programs you will choose from. To better help you decide, here's a little guide:
**$160 - I want to try something new group (Power 90, Turbo Jam, Hip Hop Abs, Slim in 6, Brazil Butt Lift)
**$180 - I don't have time to work out group (specifically 10-Minute Trainer, Body Gospel)
**$205 - Time to commit and get super fit group

Choose your package below:

Insanity Fit test #2

Two short weeks later, I've completed my second fit test. I'm impressed with myself! I must admit there have been a couple of missed workouts in the last two weeks and so I wonder what my results might have been if I hadn't missed a single one?

I just wanted to share the results with everyone and show you what even 2 weeks of hard work can get you.

Exercise                      Fit Test #1        Fit Test #2
Switch Kicks               28                     57
Power Jacks                30                     35
Power Knees               55                     61
Power Jumps               8                       21
Globe Jumps               5.25                  5.25*
Suicide Jumps             7                       11
Push Up Jacks             7                      14
Low Plank Oblique    26                     40

* I have to put a disclaimer :) My shoes aren't great for this type of exercise, I think I need Cross Trainers. Anyway, my foot cramped up and I had to take a break and kick my shoe across the room before I continued.

I also wanted to mention my Fit Club on Monday nights. If you're in the Durango area and want to come to a free workout in a fun, no pressure and supportive place, let me know! 6:30 every Monday night at the River Church. Hope to see you there!

Workout Kid

I mentioned him before, the 8-year old kid who loves P90X. He's in the news again, known as the kid with the 8-pack. The question now is how young is too young for this kind of intensive training? Check out the video below. What are your thoughts? Is it too much for someone his age or is he exactly what the younger generation needs to inspire them to get up from the video games and move? His workout videos are free and his little heart is so big. You can see his passion for helping his peers to be more healthy. However, I'm no medical professional. One of the concerns with this much activity in such a young person is that their ligaments are very strong. So strong, in fact, that when they get injured, the ligaments don't tear, they instead pull on the bone and can cause severe damage.

What's your opinion? Chime in below!

Insanity

Yes, I'm starting a new program. I know, I know, but Sean wanted to do this one and I love doing fitness programs together because of the accountability so I'm glad to switch from TurboFire for now.

So, Insanity officially begins today! I'm terrified, to be completely honest. Up til now I've been worried I'll just throw up all the time but after reading comments from others, it sounds like bursting into tears is more likely.

Now, I'm getting ready to go shopping for some groceries, a lot of groceries by the count of Sean's daily needed calories: 3,800! What?? Even mine are at 1,800 which seems counterintuitive because I've always eaten 1,200 to 1,300 when I lose weight, but I guess I've never done anything so intensive.

Here's what we're currently struggling with right now (Sean's watching TV, I'm struggling with it). The best time for us to exercise is first thing in the morning and I'm concerned that we'll have a difficult time getting through the workout without having eaten in so long. Does anyone out there have any advice?

Yesterday, we completed the first fit test. Here are our results (I hope they improve!!!)

Christa:
1. Switch Kicks - 28 (every right leg = 1)
2. Power Jacks - 30
3. Power Knees - 55
4. Power Jumps - 8
5. Globe Jumps - 22 per jump
6. Suicide Jumps - 7
7. Push-up Jacks - 7
8. Low Plank Oblique - 26

Sean:

1. Switch Kicks - 30 (every right leg = 1)

2. Power Jacks - 35

3. Power Knees - 63

4. Power Jumps - 10

5. Globe Jumps - 7 per jump

6. Suicide Jumps - 8

7. Push-up Jacks - 10

8. Low Plank Oblique - 25

In other news, I've been approved to start my Fit Club! Unfortunately, it won't happen on this upcoming Monday as I had hoped but next week. I'm thinking we'll start with a workout from P90X. It's completely free. If you're in Durango, CO and want more info, you know where to find me!

On Thursday, I went to Zumba for the first time. What a great workout! I loved it! Can't wait to go next week (if I can move after 4 days of Insanity). 

911 Memorial

Ten years ago today I was 15 years old. I didn't understand the magnitude of September 11 and even today I can't comprehend the horrors that were committed against our great country.
But today, I stand proud of this great country. There are things going on and decisions being made that I don't agree with, but at our core, Americans are still to most resilient, courageous and honorable people; I'm so proud to count myself among the brave people who risked and lost their lives on 9/11 to save others and the men and women who are now fighting bravely to maintain my freedom. I would never consider myself worthy of their caliber but together we are all Americans.

Thank you to every person who stands for freedom. Policemen, Firemen, military, and brave civilians. I love and appreciate everyone of you!

God Bless Americans and all of us lucky enough to count ourselves among the people of this GREAT nation.

Just Go With It

Positive Self-Talk. It isn't easy, is it? It's so engrained in our culture to believe that we're never good enough. Never smart enough. Never thin enough. So it's no wonder we're all so hard on ourselves when we're having an inner dialogue.

This weekend, I went to a Waldenbooks that's closing down to find some good deals. I wanted a book that addressed exactly that: learning to have a positive and encouraging self-talk. So far, I like what I found. I'm reading Just 10 lbs by Brad Lamm. The basis is that if you teach yourself to follow the steps and practices that he writes about, you'll lose ten pounds and then more because it will become a lifestyle change, not a chore, to eat healthy and exercise.

Something he's talked about has intrigued me. He encourages the reader to take a few minutes each day to be alone and relax, sort of in a meditative state to set yourself up for each day. He gives you "affirmations" that Lamm encourages the reader to chant. He also encourages prayer. Lamm quoted a study that showed that those who participated in a faith-based weight loss program that encouraged prayer lost more weight than those in a traditional "secular" program. I like the idea because it's so simple. Tell yourself you're beautiful and eventually, you'll believe it and the confidence that comes with that makes others believe it too.

Have you read the book The Help, or seen the movie? I think of when Abilene tells "her" little girl everyday that she's important and special. Wouldn't it be nice if we each had someone to give us that affirmation everyday? I mean, not to make us conceited, but just a little self-esteem booster. I'm beginning to think that that person needs to be ourselves. If we can tell ourselves everyday that we're someone important to this world, and believe it, how much more likely will we be to have the confidence and the desire to pay it forward? What if we were all someone's Abilene, someone who instills little seeds of happiness in those people we encounter from day to day. How many people could be helped by you telling yourself that you're someone of value?

Leave a comment below if you've been able to reach out to someone in a similar way of what someone else has done for you!

Non Fat Ranch Dressing is Not Worth It

I discovered two things about myself this morning. One, Fat Free Ranch Dressing tastes like, I don't know, Fat free ranch dressing. It's icky. As my husband said, "I'd rather eat dirt." Though I'm not THAT dramatic.

I even had a mini panic attack when I dropped my carrot into the sludge. I mean, it's not like it's in the same class as a hot, salty french fry dropped into the thick, creamy, homemade ranch from the restaurant down the street (you're starting to understand the origin of this blog, yes?). No, I think even my carrot was offended.

The second thing I learned is that I apparently don't like raw zucchini. Especially not dipped into fat free ranch. So I stopped eating both.

I'm following the TurboFire 5-Day Inferno Diet! ( I feel like that needs some dramatic music behind it). So far, I'm loving it. The recipes are great, I get to eat often, and it includes my daily Shakeology. Since Monday I've lost 3 pounds. Unfortunately, my schedule has been so out of whack this week, I haven't been doing all the exercises I'm supposed to do. I'm trying to make it a number one priority each day, even if it ends up being later at night. I'll report back with my final results at the end of the week.

And don't forget: Non Fat Ranch Dressing is so Not worth it!

Get Up, Stay Up, Stay Alive

I just stumbled upon the following article in any Anytime Fitness Magazine and it kinda freaked me out! I sit all day. I exercise nearly everyday for anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes but that's about it. I definitely need to find a way to reorganize my life and make it more active!

Get Up, Stay Up, Stay Alive
Spending a long time sitting around can be hazardous to your longevity, even if you're active sometimes. Here's what you need to know.

The term "couch potato" is an amusing description of those people who almost never abandon their wide-screen TVs or computer monitors for anything other than basic biological necessitites. But evein if you get to the gym for an occasional workout doesn't mean that you may not be a bit of a spud yourself. And it's no joke.

That's according to researchers at the American Cancer Society, who investigated the link between how much time people spend sitting around and their overall mortality. Looking over a 13-year history, the scientists found that the more time you stay planted on your rear can reduce the time you're destined to live on the planet.

This was more true for women than men. Women who reported more than six hours per day of sitting (outside of work) were 37% more likely to die during the 13 year study than those who sat for fewer than three hours a day. Men who sat more than six hours a day (also outside of work) were 18% more likely to die than those who sat for fewer than three hours per day. Interestingly, those who reported they were physically active also had troubling mortality rates if they were acting like human lounge chairs for six hours a day.

Let's say you don't exercise: Then you're really cutting years off your life. Women and men who sat more and were less physically active were 94% and 48% more likely to die during the 13-year study period, respectively.

The researchers believe that the long stretches of being sedentary negatively affect the metabolic processes in your body, endangering your cardiovasucular system and cells. These results also tell us an important, inescapable fact: Fitness is a lifestyle, not an occasional fling.

Shake and Slim Challenge!

Are you up to the Challenge?

By now you’ve probably seen enough of my posts to have an idea of what Shakeology is. Maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about. 

Some of you have had samples. Many have asked questions. Now it’s time to see what Shakeology can do for you without committing to a month supply.

I am hosting The Shakeology 10-Day Challenge that will take place from August 22-31. During these ten days you will lose weight, feel energized and win prizes!

People across the United States are getting healthier than they’ve ever been, losing weight, and changing their lives.

Now it’s your turn.

The Challenge:
--Commit to replacing one meal a day with Shakeology (Chocolate or Greenberry)
--Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for 8 out of 10 days
--Report to me daily

The Prizes:
--Each person who commits to the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win the choice of a month supply of Shakeology or a fitness program, to be announced closer to the start of the Challenge.

This means, even if you're fit and just want to experience the incredible energy boost from Shakeology, why not??

-- Every person that commits to the challenge will be entered one time into the raffle.
--For those that purchase Shakeology on Home Direct (can be canceled at any time), that person's name will be entered two times into the raffle.

The Cost:
--$5/packet for 10 days = $50

The Rewards:
--Lose weight
--Get energized
--Feel Full
--Detoxify
--Get Regular
--Lower cholesterol
--More!

Message me for full details and how to sign up and buy your ten day Shakeology supply.
It’s ten days! What do you have to lose? Or should I say, how much?

I need to have your commitment no later than August 18, end of day so I can get the Shakeology to you.

What is Shakeology?

Shakeology is a nutritional shake that helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need.

At the same time, whole-food ingredients deliver the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to curb cravings, allowing your body to shed stored fat while the more than 20 different antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke.

And it tastes soo good!

For more information go to www.myshakeology.com/chris​tamcmahon

Get fit and win CASH?

Want to win $500, $,5,000, $25,000 or $100,000?! Wanna get fit and healthy to boot?

The Beachbody Challenge kicks off on August 1st. All you have to do is sign up for a (FREE) account at www.teambeachbody.com, commit to get fit, and log your workouts. Every day you log your workouts, you're eligible for the $500.

You'll get support, have the chance to join or read forums on anything and everything you're interested in or struggling with, meet other people just like you or people to inspire you.

If you're already fit, submit your success story to win even more prizes!

For all your questions, see the attached FAQs and of course, let me know if you have any questions!

I've committed to get fit! Wanna join me?

Please let me know if you do join so we can work together and keep each other accountable :)

FAQs

Commit!

Get a team beachbody account!

Workout Mentality & the Demon Within

Hey! I just finished my fifth day of Turbo Fire. Wow. The class today was Fire 55 EZ class.
I am horrendously uncoordinated and unsexy when we "pump it" but I'm mostly able to keep the intensity up fairly consistently. Until tonight. About halfway through.

At about 35 minutes in, my mental demon joined me and helped my frustration to get the best of me. I almost quit then and there. If it wasn't for Sean, I probably would have and been more angry with myself than I am now.

Last week, I posted on my status of Facebook to: Think about how you'll feel after you workout BEFORE you work out" so that that feeling will help drive you to the finish line.

Well, what do you do when you're in the MIDDLE of a workout and you feel like you just can't make it. And I don't mean because I was too tired. I might have slowed down a bit, but my body wasn't done, just my mind. Sean told me to complete 15 more minutes, which I begrudgingly did, but with an attitude. And by the time those 15 minutes were up, there were only 15 minutes left including the cool down. So, I finished it.

I'm so glad I did, but I still have a lingering attitude about it. What is that? I just accomplished something really great, so why should I be so negative?

What's the solution? What do you do when you get to that point where your mind just says no more? Or, how have you trained yourself to not even get to that point?

I haven't ever done a very strenuous cardio workout like this one, mostly lower intensity stuff. But I get that way with everything. I would absolutely love input on this one! Help me to learn to conquer that lazy demon!

The End of an Era

Yes, I'm a Harry Potter fan...er, freak. Think about it. The first book was published in 1997. I was 11 years old! Harry and the gang have been part of my life for almost half of it, always with a book or upcoming movie to look forward to. But, no more.

Maybe you're not one to appreciate the fantasy fiction that is Harry Potter(weirdo), but when I read a book that is so well written that I feel like I know the characters personally, and that allows me to let myself believe a place like Hogwarts exists, I can't help but admire the skill. Say what you will about the genre, J.K. Rowling can write!

That's inspiring to me!

So, I bid adieu to my Hogwarts friends. At least until the next time I read the books :)

Have You Heard? : Child Obesity

Fat kids should be taken away from their parents, who are clearly abusing them, and put into foster homes for their own health.

At least, that's a claim one doctor is making. Doctor David Ludwig director of the Optimal Weight for Life Program at Children's Hospital in Boston. Ludwig's claim is that parents who enable/cause their children to become overweight or obese are practicing child abuse and should lose custody.
"He goes on to say that 'in severe cases of childhood obesity, removal from the home may be justifiable from a legal standpoint because of imminent health risks and the parents' chronic failure to address medical problems.' He says foster homes would be a last resort, but it's an option that should be kept on the table."

The question is, who should be the obesity police? Government? Doctors? Parents?
Say, you see a 150 pound 3rd grader. What is your reaction? Pity? Shock? Outrage? Now say you happen to know a hotline where you can report fat kids' parents. Would you call it? Even if you knew that it could potentially lead to those parents losing their own children?

I admit, the lack of nutrition and fitness education in America is sadly lacking. And again, that's one reason I'm part of Beachbody. Not only am I educating myself, but I'm learning how to reach out to other people. So i have to ask myself, is it abuse that these parents are inflicting or just simply miseducation. And what is to be done about it?

I'm rambling a bit because I don't know the answer and I haven't fully developed an opinion. When I think of my personal experience, I do wonder what could have been different. I've never been a skinny girl. Never obese, but overweight most of my life. It wasn't until high school when I started Weight Watchers that I got to a healthy weight. I don't hold blame on my parents for anything. I think they brought me up in a healthy environment that happened to be one in which cookies were involved. Often.  :)
As you know, my sweet tooth is intense. I think that came from growing up with lots of sugar. My parents exercise, not fanatically, but they stay in shape. In fact, they're all doing P90X now. YEAH, FAMILY! But I never got into sports or a lot of physical activity, unlike both my siblings.

The point is, I understand personally the effect one's childhood has on the rest of one's life. I do think it's unhealthy and sad to put kids in such a position so early in life that their very lives could be at risk and their chances of finding a healthy weight in the future much slimmer.

Education is the key, in my opinion. People need to know what they're putting into their bodies and what it does to them and especially what it does to kids' bodies that are still growing.

What do you think? Is foster care the answer? How can we educate parents to better their families nutrition? What's the culprit?

Click here for a link to this story in the LA Times.

TurboFire is Hot!

I just had a great workout! TurboFire arrived in the mail today and I quickly read through all the material including the nutrition plan and what to expect from the program.

I probably should have video taped me trying to do a choreographed dance-like workout for your enjoyment, but, unfortunately for you, I have some sense of shame :) The point is, however, that it's a rockin' workout and I was/am sweating unlike I have in awhile. Did I mention I did the "New to Class" workout? Not even the actual workout, but the one where Chalene breaks down the moves. It's not easy, let me tell ya.

Before I pass judgment one way or another, I'm going to give it a really good shot. I'm very excited to see where this takes me. Next step is working out the best way to incorporate P90X into a weekly routine.

I've taken my measurements, my before pictures and my weight. I'm ready to get busy!

Has anyone else used TurboFire? I'd like to hear your opinion and success stories!
 Goodnight!

Pullin' myself back up

Giving it my best shot. Scary, huh?

About two or three months ago Sean and I were doing P90X every day. Because of the wider door frames in our house, we weren't able to use either of our pull up bars that hook over the door frame edge so we bought the kind that goes in between.
That worked great (except that I still couldn't do any pull ups unassisted).

One night, as we were working out and it was his turn. I was in the background, cheering him on! Trying to channel Tony Horton and yell until he completed his goal! He was doing great and the next thing I knew, Sean was on the floor, on his back holding the pull up bar in his hands and looking stunned. Poor guy. I'm sure that felt great...

So we haven't had a pull up bar and therefore, we basically haven't been exercising. Lame, I know. But sometimes any excuse can seem like a good excuse.

Officially, as of tonight, Sean has taken away my last decent excuse. He literally created pull up bars outside (!) on our patio and even rigged a TV out there. So, really, he's taken two excuses away. I never workout outside and now I almost have to.

So! You all know what that means! P90X commences once again, starting tomorrow morning!! Chest and Back. Bring it!

In other news, we just got back from a family reunion. An uncle has written his memoirs of his time during WWII and we all had him autograph them for us. He felt like a celebrity, it was so cute.

Also, we celebrated Dante's birthday tonight with a squeaky mouse and wet cat food. He's sleeping it off now :)

Moment of Truth

Well, people, I weigh 155 pounds. That's more than I've ever weighed. Ever.

Now, I won't exactly call that a wake-up call because, well, I wasn't surprised. Disgusted, yes. But it's been creeping up for awhile now. I could give you all a litany of excuses, but I won't. Do you know why? Because I've discovered that it's actually a syndrome or a disease that I have. It's called Sitting-On-My-Butt-All-Day-And-Eating-Whatever-I-Want Syndrome Disease.
Can anyone relate? We should start a support group. OR we could do something about it! And that's what I've decided* to do.

*How many times have I decided to do this? Too many. It's time for a real, healthy change.
How do you like that asterisk action?

So, anyway, I'd like to gather some people around me who are experiencing similar weight gain, a plateau, or just want to get healthier or more fit. By the way, I know there are those of you that read my blog from Facebook but who aren't an official follower of my blog. I would love if you would all subscribe and join me in this conversation!

Also, as a head's up, I'm going to be issuing a fitness challenge very soon and anyone interested should get in on it! You'll need to be following to be in the know!

As you all know, I'm an Independent Beachbody Coach and I am because I believe in a company that wants to end the trend of obesity in the country. Starting with myself.

I just ordered TurboFire and expect it to arrive any day because I recognize the need in my life for more movement and specifically more cardio. I'm planning on developing some sort of hybrid between that and P90X so I can get some weight training in as well. I also have recently become more faithful with my Shakeology and honestly can say that I enjoy it more everyday. I already feel more energetic.

My request is that you talk to me about your own story, whether you're just starting, have a lifelong diet going on, or have already lost weight and feel great. I'd like to be surrounded by encouraging people and encourage where I can as well. We're in this together!
Even if you don't decide to follow me here, please refer me to people you know who might.

And finally, get yourself prepared for the fitness challenge, coming soon! If you need advice on a fitness program or supplements, I'm your girl! I hope some of you will join me!

Food

For those of you who have visited my house around dinner time, you've probably discovered my OBSESSION with new recipes. Yes, obsession. Anytime I find something yummy online, I print it and file it away in my giant binder full of other printed recipes. I have a cabinet overflowing with cookbooks. I love to hear about new cookbooks and I buy them as often as I can (though I prefer the free options online :)). When I come across intriguing food blogs, I follow them immediately.

Now, I bet you're wondering if I actually cook/bake the food from these many, many sources. Yes! I do! I won't say I've made it all. Hardly. In fact, I've probably made only a fraction of them, but it's not for lack of trying.

Most of them range from very healthy to to relatively healthy and a few that are not very good for you at all. What I've noticed is that I go through phases, weeks even, of brand new recipes for every meal. Then, there are times, like now, that I can hardly stand the thought of cooking anything.

It's then that I find myself in trouble.

When I get lazy, it means the house is full of quick-and-easy processed foods and a short supply of fruits and veggies. It also means that Husband does a lot of the cooking. Uh oh.

Hold on, don't get me wrong. He can cook some amazing dinners. In fact, if I've planned well, he'll make something healthy with the recipe I've chosen. However, when the plan has gone all to pieces, so does the healthfulness of this household.

I would love to know your own methods for staying on track! As well as any great recipes you would like to share! I'll find some of my favorites and post them later :)

For now, I'd like to highlight one of my favorite food blogs, Can You Stay for Dinner?. Take a look in the blogs-I'm-following list and check it out!

Shakeology in the news!

Shakeology in the news! Check it out! They mention Shakeology specifically at about 2:10. What do you guys think?

Superfoods For Your Good Health: MyFoxLA.com

The Amazing Race

What a slacker I've been! And I mean that in almost every way! But I don't want to talk about it....

Florentine Steak

Instead....For some reason, I've been obsessed with the Amazing Race. Not watching it, honestly I've watched very few episodes at this point, but being on it. Which is also strange because I think it would be the most stressful and terrifying thing I would ever do. I don't like eating gross things (and I use the word "gross" very broadly. I'm hopelessly picky about certain foods. One time, while visiting my good friend in Italy, he took us out to a great little restaurant and treated us to a traditional Florentine steak. I thought maybe it was still alive....In fact, I have to apologize again, in case he reads, because the tiny taste I did take proved that it was an amazingly good steak and my brain just wouldn't let me get over it. Sorry, Italian Friend :( ). I'm terrified of water (thanks, Mom) and I get very crabby when I don't sleep enough. Ha! Maybe this should be on my application because I would probably bring in some great ratings!

Then, I got to thinking, what if I actually completed a couple of rounds of P90X, looked fabulous, felt wonderfully healthy, and was able to show my new self off on national TV! It could happen!

What does sugar craving look like?

Well, here's one woman's account. Over the course of thirty days, she outlines her struggles and measures the craving level. Who can relate? I know I can. Take a look at her blog!

http://www.lhj.com/health/news/sugar-addiction/?page=1

The soup I could eat every day

Now, I know that we're approaching Summer and soup isn't generally what you think of when you're making dinner, but since yesterday was a dreary day and I absolutely love this soup, I'm going to share it anyway.
I recently discovered this super easy, so delicious recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens website (www.bhg.com). It all goes into the slow cooker and when you get home from work, your house smells amazing.
So, here it is:
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 5  cups  water
• 2  10-ounce cans  condensed cream of chicken and mushroom soup
• 2  cups  chopped cooked chicken (about 10 ounces)
• 1  10-ounce package  frozen mixed vegetables (cut green beans, corn, diced carrots, and peas)
• 1  teaspoon  seasoned pepper or garlic-pepper seasoning
• 1 1/2  cups  dried egg noodles

Directions

1. In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, gradually stir the water into soup until smooth. Stir in chicken, frozen vegetables, and seasoned pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours.
3. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in uncooked noodles. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes more or just until noodles are tender.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings Per Recipe 6 to 8 servings
• Calories262,
• Total Fat (g)12,
• Saturated Fat (g)3,
• Cholesterol (mg)63,
• Sodium (mg)908,
• Carbohydrate (g)21,
• Fiber (g)3,
• Protein (g)19,
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Shakeology Cleanse

Good Morning!


I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend and Happy Mother's Day! I had a couple of bites of the yummy strawberry cream cheese tart that I made for my mom, but other than that, I've stuck to my no-sugar run!

Today, I've started the Shakeology Cleanse. It's still early, but so far, it's going great. I can't wait to see the results. Please watch the video on what doctors are saying about Shakeology and it's nutritional benefits, it'll blow you away! If you can't see the video, go to this link: http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/christamcmahon/doctors?marketLocaleCode=en
And, if you're interested in trying it, and maybe even getting a discount, talk to me and I'll let you know how!

SHAKEOLOGY 3-DAY CLEANSE

3 SHAKEOLOGY Shakes a day
2 Cups of Green Tea a day
1 or 2 pieces of fruit a day
1 salad for dinner
Only white grilled protein in salad

--For MAXIMUM results --

NO DAIRY or EXTRA SUGARS

Only Low Fat Dressing - preferably a vinegar/oil type dressing

The fruit is optional, you may or may not feel the need for the calories.

NO additives.

Only WHITE GRILLED PROTEIN -- poultry or fish

REPEAT all 3 Days

1 cup of green tea
such as Triple Leaf Detox Tea
BREAKFAST:
Shakeology (140 calories)
1 scoop
½ cup of fruit (60-90 calories)-optional
add ice and water (as much as you want - I added 8 ice cubes and 8-10 oz water)

SNACK (85 calories)
1 piece of fruit
- Apple, pear, orange, banana, cup of berries, etc.

LUNCH:
Shakeology (140 calories)
1 scoop
Add ice and water (as much as you want)

1 cup of green tea or a Detox Tea

SNACK:
(you can have this snack here or save it for after dinner depending on your schedule )
Shakeology (140 calories)
1 scoop
Add ice and water (as much as you want)

DINNER:
Salad greens
3 servings of any veggies you like
Grilled white fish or poultry
Up to 2 tbs of dressing (roughly 340 calories)

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!

A Love Affair

I am hopelessly in love....with Sugar. Yes, Husband is very aware of this ongoing affair, but really, what can he do? In fact, he's beginning to get used to the idea of Sugar hanging around and even kinda likes him.

The problem is that my relationship with Sugar is no longer healthy. It's gone too far. I can't get through the day without seeing Sugar and if he's missing, I go searching all through the kitchen: the fridge, the pantry, the cabinets, over and over trying to find him.

Well, no more! I hereby break up with Sugar! For the next four weeks (oh, did I forget to mention the cruise four weeks from now...?) I'm giving up Sugar. He and I need to find a way to be together in strict moderation and the only way to learn that is by going cold turkey. Also, I'm a realist, and I know I'll want at least a little Sugar on the cruise ;)

The only exception in the next four weeks will be for the 9 grams that are in each Shakeology. I'd like to continue drinking those each day.

And, speaking of Shakeology, starting Monday, I'm going to do the Shakeology cleanse that was introduced to me by Liz Hubble on her Facebook Page Hubble Health and Fitness. More on that to come.

My name is Christa and I'm getting fat!

Well, hello! Thank you for visiting this, my first ever blog!

As my title suggests, I've gained some weight. For the last two years, I've worked at a desk job full time, 9 months ago I married a man that loves to eat...a lot, and I don't particularly like to work out. I'll get into more detail about everything that has led up to the creation of this blog in time, but for now, I would like to lay out my goals and hopes for it.

1. Accountability. I am apparently terrible about keeping myself accountable anymore so I'm putting it all out there so I can find like-minded people to encourage me and be encouraged by me.

2. Fitness tips. I'm currently doing P90X, sort of. This leads back to the whole accountability thing. I need someone to kick my butt when I don't do my scheduled workout. I also like to discuss the different aspects of fitness including variations, help, new exercises etc.

3. Nutrition and Recipes - I'm a recipe stalker. I print yummy sounding recipes all the time. I have more recipes than I know what to do with. But I want more! I'm excited to have a venue to share my favorites now and I want yours, too!

4. Beachbody - I have recently become an Independent Beachbody Coach and I'm SO EXCITED about it! I just want to share with everyone. There are links to both my websites for both Shakeology and Beachbody Products at the bottom of my page, but here they are again, for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/christamcmahon - See all the great products BB has to offer!

http://myshakeology.com/christamcmahon - The amazing meal replacement!

So, if you want to get down to the nitty gritty about weight loss, fitness, and nutrition, please follow me!

More to come soon including all the icky stats that I usually don't share. Perhaps even some "before" pics! Yikes!