Easy Sweet Potato Nachos

Ya'll did you know today is "National Nacho Day"!! What, what?!? Yummy!

Today marks the day people celebrate the creation of nachos from Northern Mexico. I don't know about you but I love nachos!  

One Friday I was craving nachos but wanted to make them somewhat healthier and not completely binge.  I had leftover ground turkey with peppers and onions from the night before to use as a topping.  So I quickly made them with sweet potatoes in the microwave. 

INGREDIENTS:

1 sweet potato 

1 tsp. of unsalted seasoning

1/2 tsp. of salt

1 can of coconut oil spray

1).  Thinly slice the sweet potato with either with a mandoline or a knife.

2).  Mix the sweet potato in a bowl with the seasonings.

3).  Place parchment paper on a plate. 

4).  Layout the sweet potato slices in a single layer.

5).  Lightly spray each side of the chip with coconut oil spray.

6).  Microwave on high for 3 1/2-4 minutes. Check the chips for crispness.

7).  If need be, reheat the chips at 30-second intervals until you have the desired crispness.  

** NOTE:  Each microwave is slightly different, so watch your chips to determine the best time for your microwave.  

Put your desired toppings on the chips and ENJOY!! 

No Bake Peanut Butter-Vanilla Shakeology Bars

No Bake Peanut Butter-Vanilla Shakeology Bars

Ingredients:

- 3 tbsp. of Honey

- 2 tbsp. of Shredded Coconut 

- Dash of Cinnamon 

- 3/4 c. Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips 

- 1/2 c. Peanut Butter

- 1/2 c. Rolled Oats

- 1/2 c. Vanilla Shakeology (can use chocolate)

1).  Mix all ingredients inside a bowl.

2).  Flatten into a container or small brownie pan with clean hands.

3).  Place the bars inside the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. 

4).  Remove from the refrigerator and cut into small pieces.

5).  Enjoy!

**These healthy treats are a sweet and great for reducing cravings!  

*** If you'd like to know more about Shakeology send me a message!  I'd be happy to help! 

Shakeology Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte

Shakeology Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte 

It's that time of year for pumpkin everything!! I'm a fan of Starbucks chai tea latte and pumpkin spice latte. So I decided I to make a healthier version with my vanilla Shakeology and it came out delicious! 

Ingredients:

1/2 c. of ice 

1 Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Bag

1 banana (I prefer frozen - your preference)

1 scoop of vanilla Shakeology 

1 tbsp. of powdered peanut butter.

1. I made my tea in my Keurig (without a K-cup inside).  I chose the 16 oz. option. You can make it however you'd like... microwave, boil water, etc...

2. Let tea steep for 5 minutes. Cover tea and place in your refrigerator to completely cool for a few hours. (**Can also do this overnight).

** AFTER tea has cooled

3. Place in the blender cup:  ice, banana, tea, powdered peanut butter, and Shakeology.

4.  Blend until smooth and ENJOY your fall treat!!

**I prefer my Shakeology with a milkshake consistency, which is why I prefer my banana frozen.  However, you can make yours with whatever thickness you desire by adding more ice or freezing your banana.

Hope you like it!  If you have any questions or an interest in Shakeology please feel free to reach out to me! I'd be happy to help!  Happy Fall!! 

Easy Berry Crumble.

3-Step Easy Berry Crumble. 

Ingredients:

- 1/2 c. of plain organic Greek yogurt 

- 1 c. of a frozen organic berry fruit blend

- 1 sprinkle of chia seeds

- 2 tbsp. of whole grain blend granola

1). Place the cup of berries in a small mug or cup and heat for a minute. You don't want the berries mushy or soft.  You are trying to thaw them to be edible and firm. 

2).  Take the berries out of the microwave and place the Greek yogurt on top.  Just like you would whipped cream! 

3).  Sprinkle granola and chia seeds on top and eat! 

This Berry Crumble is healthier than fruit on the bottom yogurt or ice cream!  It makes a great snack or dessert!

And it is 21-Day Fix Approved!

1/2 red - Protein (Greek yogurt)

1 purple - Fruit

Less than 1/2 of 1 yellow - Carb (Granola)

The Serenity Project.

Are you feeling OVERWHELMED?  Ever feel like you don't have enough TIME?  Are you busy with your family, job, planning a wedding, school, etc..??  But you'd really like to find BALANCE in your life to FOCUS on your HEALTH, spend time with LOVED ONES, and manage DAILY DEMANDS? 😳

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I am with you! This is what led me to this project, to merge a passion of mine with my fitness groups.  We all get the same 168 hours a week. No more. No less. And too many of us are missing out on too much... We were made for more!  

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Our health is just as important as our daily demands and our loved ones!  You must realize that, making YOURSELF a PRIORITY is ESSENTIAL to being able to HELP anyone else.  Your HEALTH is IMPORTANT to your overall WELL-BEING. ❤️

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The SERENITY PROJECT will focus on: 

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- FITNESS (nutrition and workouts)

- FREEDOM (time)

- FAITH

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Within 4 weeks we will learn to overcome the rush of daily demands, cure the disease to people please, find the time to make yourself a priority, and refocus by putting your GOALS into ACTION empowering you make them a reality. 💪🏼

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Don't you think it is time to COMMIT to making YOU a PRIORITY?  Every ACCOMPLISHMENT starts with the DECISION to TRY. 👍🏻 The only thing holding you back is YOU!     

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Choose your FITNESS program -> PiYo (Sept. special), the 21-Day Fix (and extreme), Cize, and more! 

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LIMITED spots available.  To be considered for my online fitness group or obtain more info please COMMENT below.  ☺️

You're only one workout away from a good mood...

So... you don't WANT to WORKOUT today? 

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Remind yourself:

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➡️ How SATISFIED you feel after after a hard, sweaty workout.

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➡️ WHY you started in the first place.

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➡️ That FEELING you get when you step on the scale or measure yourself and the PROGRESS you've made.

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➡️ How HAPPY you are when you are when you look in the mirror and you can SEE your muscle growth or weight loss.

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➡️ How PROUD you are of yourself after ACCOMPLISHING your goals.

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➡️ How INSPIRING you and your journey are to OTHERS.

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➡️ That tomorrow you can either be SORRY or SORE. 

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➡️ STRENGTH comes from the STRUGGLE and OVERCOMING the things you thought you couldn't do.

21 Reasons Not To Cheat On the 21-Day Fix

My August fitness group is now on Day 19 of the 21-Day Fix!!  What?!?  Yes!  It has already been 19 days!

I am so proud of them!  So to encourage them I created this today, "21 reasons not to cheat on the 21-Day Fix".

My conversation with God this morning

My conversation with God this morning:  You see, I thought my business and life should go one way. Then God said... nope, that is not what I have planned for you!  Not the safe path.  Remember the one I told you to take long ago?  Yes, that one!  The one with bumps along the road and big, scary audacious goals!  Yes, that one!  The one that you fear, because you think it is impossible to accomplish.  Yes, that one!   

Did you forget I am a God of the impossible?  Did you forget I have made a way in the wilderness?  Did you forget that I can move mountains?  Nothing is impossible for me!  Release it all to me.  I will open doors man cannot open.  I will provide resources in a way that seems impossible to others. I will take what you see as broken and turn it into something beautiful.  I will shatter all the insecurities and fears the world has burdened your heart with, in its place I will fill you with my peace, love, and confidence.  

Oh my sweet princess, let me remind you who you are in Christ.  You are royalty.  You are a daughter of the most high.  You are forgiven.  You are loved.  You are beautiful.  You are strong.  You are confident.  You are loved.  You are mine.  And I will withhold nothing good from those who are mine... The enemy cannot lay a hand on you or harm you for you have been bought with a price, with the precious blood of my son Jesus.  

♥ Oh to be loved by God.  There is nothing like it... Best conversation we've had in a long time and one I desperately needed.  

♥ Marisa Isabel 

Clean Eating Crockpot Stew

Okay, so I'll be honest I'm a chicken and turkey kind of person. However, I realize the rest of the world is not and my family certainly isn't.

Growing up my Mom often made beef stew.  In my situation, I would substitute with chicken, chicken broth, and white wine.

CLEAN EATING CROCKPOT STEW

Ingredients:

1 lb. round steak - cubed
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 chopped white onion
4 tsp. chopped garlic
2 cups potatoes - cubed
4 celery sticks
2 chopped carrots
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 - 14 oz. can diced tomatoes

Directions:

Season the meat with oil, salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while chopping the vegetables.  Once chopped, add vegetables into the slow cooker. Place cubed steak on top of veggies. Add the broth, wine, tomatoes, and thyme. Cook on low 8 hours, or until the meat is tender. Enjoy!

Clean Eating Crockpot Chili

Clean Eating Crockpot Chili 

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground turkey or beef
1 chopped white onion
1 chopped red pepper 
1 chopped yellow pepper 
1 chopped green pepper 
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 can canned diced tomatoes (15 oz.)
1 can black beans (15 oz.)
1 can kidney beans (15 oz.)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz.)
1/2 c. low sodium, organic chicken broth
1 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin

Directions

1.  Turn the crockpot on so it begins to heat.
2.  Place turkey or beef in the crockpot with olive oil.
3.  Add onion, peppers, and garlic.
4.  Drain the beans and add to the mixture.
5.  Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin.
6.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours.


Optional toppings include:  A dollop of plain Greek Yogurt, 1 tbsp. of mixed mexican or cheddar shredded cheese, chives, or 2 sliced of avocado.

Clean Eating Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

Clean Eating Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

1 package of boneless/skinless chicken
2 - 16 oz. or 28 oz. can of organic crushed or diced tomatoes 
1 sliced red bell pepper
1 sliced green bell pepper
1 sliced large onion, sliced

1 package of mushrooms (sliced)3 bulbs of chopped or minced garlic (add more if necessary) 

1 tbsp. of Italian seasoning (add more if necessary)

1).  Put chicken in the slow cooker with a 2-3 tbsp. of oilve oil.  I put in 6 decent size pieces of chicken and cut them in half.

2).  Slice all vegetables - peppers, onions, and mushrooms. 

Tip:  I freeze my onions, so my eyes do not tear.  

3).  Pour tomatoes over the chicken, top with onions and peppers, add Italian seasoning, give it a quick stir and cover. I did not add salt because organic tomato cans already have flavor, along with veggies/seasoning.

3).  Set crock pot to LOW 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours. I like to let the chicken soften, so it becomes a bit shredded.

Serve with noodles or pasta. I prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.  If you are feeling creative, serve with zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash.

It served 6 and we had some leftovers. Let the Cacciatore cool in the crockpot before storing in a container... It is delicious! Enjoy!

Everyone loved it!

Chicken and Greens Salad

Have you ever tried kale with lemon?  Yum!! I am not sure why I have not discovered how delicious it was a long time ago!  

This recipe was inspired by a salad I picked-up for a quick lunch while I was working. Typically caesar dressings include mayo and anchovies/anchovy paste, I am not a fan of either.  I omitted the 2 and used substitutes.

**PLATING:  If you are FOLLOWING the 21-DAY FIX plan, be sure to ADHERE to your PORTION guide according to YOUR CALORIC INTAKE.

Chicken - RED Container

Homemade Caesar dressing, Seeds/Nuts - ORANGE Container

Kale, Peppers, Tomatoes - GREEN Container

Parmigiano- Reggiano Cheese - BLUE Container

Whole Wheat Croutons - YELLOW Container (OPTIONAL)

Lemon  + FREE add on

***NOTE:  As you add more dressing and toppings outside of your caloric intake, it begins to defeat the purpose of it being a "healthier" option to BBQ.  For OPTIMAL results STAY within YOUR CALORIC INTAKE and FOLLOW your meal guide.

FREE Membership

FREE Membership & Coaching

• Do you need help staying motivated and accountable to your health and fitness goals? 
• Do you want to lose weight and perhaps have no clue where to begin?
• Are you the type of person that needs reinforcement to encourage you and provide guidance, to do what you need to?
• Do you like working out with others or being a part of a team?
• Do you want to maintain your body 
• Do you want to learn how to eat healthy and make it a lifestyle?

Did you answer yes to any of the above questions?  Then I encourage you to sign-up for a FREE Beachbody account and choose me as your coach!

I will help you find the fitness program that is best for you!  I will help you create a healthy meal plan that will boost your energy, increase weight loss, and provide you with motivation to get through the process of maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle.

What is Beachbody?  

Beachbody is an esteemed company that designs high quality fitness and nutrition programs.  These programs have many people make healthy living a part of their daily lifestyle.  They have produced many awesome programs - Insanity, P90X, Brazil Butt Lift, TurboFire, Piyo, 21 Day Fix, and many more.

FREE Beachbody Coach

Coaches are people, just like you, who have had success with Beachbody Programs.  Coaches commit to helping others accomplish the same type of success. 

A FREE coach is a benefit that Beachbody provides their customers.  In general, people are more likely to adhere to a goal if they are held accountable.  Coaches provide the encouragement and guidance necessary to stay focused.  They also keep you up to date on new and upcoming services and products at Team Beachbody.

• You can select me as your coach when you make your first Beachbody order. 
• You follow the link below to the website which has my coach information embedded in.

Click for your FREE Beachbody Coach & Team Beachbody Club Account!

As always if you have any questions or are interested in becoming a coach contact me!

My Fit Journey

MY FITNESS JOURNEY

So bear with me these photos are a bit old (2003-2006)... 

THE BEGINNING ➡️ In college, I played a few different roles.  I was a student, a friend, a prayer/bible study leader in my dorm, a resident activities director, youth group leader, youth chorale leader, a student, and on the intramural sports/student activities staff. I met many different people from all different walks of life, from all over the country, and all over the world.  More specifically women of all ages who struggled with self-esteem issues, weight gain, eating disorders, finding balancing in their lifestyles, issues with friends/family, etc... God began to work on my heart and I began to empathize with these women.  

As my passion grew to help others I desired to find a way to help them, not only feel better physically but emotionally as well.  Volunteering with teenagers and working with intramural sports I found that women were not the ones who struggled with these issues. Though my passion was still to help teens and my peers, I began seeking out ways to learn more about fitness and nutrition inside and outside the classroom. Many of the people in this photo were influential or a part of my growth for many years!  There are also quite a few friends I couldn't fit in this tiny Instagram collage, hehe.  

Stay tuned for part 2!  Coming soon...

21 Days = a BALANCED, HAPPY, and HEALTHY YOU!

WHY 21 DAYS?

It is designed to give you a nutrition guide with portion controlled containers, a workout program, plus the support and accountability of me as your FREE coach! 

21 DAY FIX

• Maintainable, and sustainable. 
• 30 minute workouts.
• Easy to follow meal guide.
• Color coded/portion-sized containers.
• Modifications provide.
• Perfect for beginners.
• Also great for advanced exercisers.

These nifty containers along with the nutrition plan make food prep easy!  Who doesn't like easy?  I know I do!   

COMMIT to HEALTHY living for YOU!  

At the end of the day YOU have to WANT it.  If you want SUCCESS and FULLY COMMIT you will get it!  I can help you get there and coach you through it...

Take a step in the RIGHT direction...

Do you want to be a part of the group?  If the answer is yes, complete the application below to be considered for a spot.  The group will be made of a select few individuals who are ready to dedicate to 21 days of focus and intensity.  

I will be your accountability and support.  I will be there to walk you through the nutrition, teach you how to plan it out, to make it work for your lifestyle, and keep you accountable.



The group is done through a closed online support group.  If you reside in USA, US Territories, Canada, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO participation is available. Members of the group are the only ones who can see posts.  I am committed to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals!  Invest in me, and I will invest in you! 

Why wait?  Let's get started!  You will be the next TRANSFORMATION STORY!!!

(Lindsay's results are real!  She is a coach on our team.)

Visualize YOUR SUCCESS and then GO DO IT!

Want more info?  Please fill out the contact form below.

EASY-PEASY BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SALAD

After church one day I was craving BBQ! I lived in the south for 6 years (Virginia), so I know all that entails delicious BBQ... meat, a lot of carbs, and buttered veggies! I opted to make a salad instead with BBQ pulled chicken.  

EASY-PEASY BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SALAD

Salad

1 rotisserie chicken (store bought, I prefer organic)
1 c. clean eating BBQ sauce
4 tbsp. olive oil (may add more sparingly to soften, DO NOT GO OVERBOARD.)
1 c. of corn

1 c. black beans (or whatever you prefer)
1 c. of tomatoes (optional)
1/2 c. of shredded cheddar/mexican cheese

1 bag of baby spinach leaves

Remove the chicken from the carcass.  There is no need to cut it.  It can be messy, thick, and choppy because it is going to loosen up resulting in "pulled" chicken.

Add 4 tbsp. of olive oil to the pan. Place the chicken pieces in the pan (or crockpot) and add the BBQ sauce.  Mix well and let simmer.

STOVE --> Keep the stove on a MEDIUM-LOW temperature as not to burn or dry out the chicken since it has already been cooked.  Leave it on it the stove for about 15-20 minutes and stir every 5 minutes.

CROCKPOT --> Place it on the LOWEST setting for about 2-4 hours (depending on the crockpot, older models have different settings).  **If necessary, to prevent the chicken from drying out when you leave it alone add 1/2 c. of the "Clean Eating BBQ sauce" and an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

Clean the spinach leaves.  Prep the remaining ingredients/toppings in small bowls (corn, black beans, tomatoes, cheese).   Place the ingredients in a bowl and your EASY-PEASY PULLED CHICKEN SALAD is done!

Serves 6.

Clean Eating BBQ Sauce  

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce – no sugar added
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste – no sugar added
1 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
4 tbsp unsulfered molasses
3 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Place all ingredients in a processor or a blender and emulsify.  Once a dressing has formed it is ready.  Makes about 10 servings.

Ranch Dressing (Craving it? Here is a healthier option)
*Optional* 

½ to ¾ cup Plain Full Fat Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
1 tsp (or more to taste) of dried dill weed
1 small clove of garlic
6 TBSP olive oil
2 TBSP parmesan
Sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a processor or a blender and emulsify.  Once a dressing has formed it is ready.  Makes about 4 servings.

**PLATING:  If you are FOLLOWING the 21-DAY FIX plan, be sure to ADHERE to your PORTION guide according to YOUR CALORIC INTAKE.

Chicken - RED Container

BBQ Sauce, Olive Oil, Ranch dressing - ORANGE Container
Black Beans & Corn - YELLOW Container

Tomatoes & Spinach - GREEN Container

Cheddar/Shredded Mexican Cheese - BLUE Container

***NOTE:  As you add more dressing and toppings outside of your caloric intake, it begins to defeat the purpose of it being a "healthier" option to BBQ.  For OPTIMAL results STAY within YOUR CALORIC INTAKE and FOLLOW your meal guide.

****FUN tip:  If you have guests coming over you can set up a homemade salad bar!  Which is a great idea during football season or with SuperBowl Sunday 2015 coming up in just a few weeks!


As always, if you have any questions feel free to ask your coach. If you do not have a health and fitness coach I will be happy to help! :)

About Me

Hello! My name is Marisa Isabel. I am a licensed Zumba/Zumba Kids fitness instructor (2012), CIZE instructor (2015), and an online health fitness coach. 

I have a passion for faith, fitness, and health. I love sharing that passion with others helping them get fit, and healthy. Resulting in a confident and happy person! 

Please contact me if you have are interested in booking events, parties, birthdays, camps, conferences, and classes.

   

MY STORY...

Do you ever look at old pictures of yourself and think... what the heck?! I can't even believe that was me!!  Oh my goodness!! 

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I was recently looking at pictures of myself from summer of 2012 and was pretty surprised.  I had just become a Zumba instructor and thought I was fairly healthy.  But boy did I have a lot to learn! 

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Fast forward to summer of 2014 when my good friend Jessica heard me talking about how excited I was about PiYo coming out and wanting to help my parents achieve a healthier lifestyle.  

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Jessica thought I would be a perfect coach and I was hesitant.  So she suggested I join a challenge group to see what it's all about. I loved it!  I also saw the potential to help my parents, friends, and family members! Which was my main motivation!

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I started with PiYo and Insanity Max:30. Ya'll Insanity is no joke!  But I loved the challenge!  

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I then became a coach and started a challenge group with the 21-Day Fix and 21-Day Fix Extreme with my parents, my aunt, and some friends. Everyone's results were amazing!! I was so proud of them all and still am!!  My Dad was one of the first big success stories in my 21-Day Fix challenge group losing 30 lbs. and there have been more since then! 

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The love and encouragement my coach family provides for me is overwhelming!  Our team is always lifting each other up and we're all in this together to make a difference in the lives of others! 

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I have learned so much about nutrition, exercise, and personal development that has sparked my own educational journey!  It hasn't stopped there, I have continued the journey to learn more, so that I can help more people!  

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I also became a licensed Cize instructor this summer and PiYo will be next! Woohoo! You could say I'm a lover of Beachbody programs!  Because I have witnessed results and experienced what they have done for myself and others! 

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It is pretty evident by looking at my pictures, the glow in my skin is different, my hair looks healthier, and there is even a difference in my weight. I finally learned how to provide for my body the nutrients and training that it needs to remain strong! 

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It has been a journey.  I am so not perfect, I still have days where I don't feel like working out or I want to eat brownies and pizza. But I realize those things should be taken in moderation and balance is key.  I didn't have to make a change but I wanted to, to set a good example, to help other people, and for my own health.  Because even though a person may look healthy on the outside they may not necessarily be on the inside.

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I am committed to helping others achieve health and fitness goals!  Whatever that goal may be - weight loss, muscle building, learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, etc... If you are have any questions or are interested in learning more about my next challenge group or coaching, I'd love to help you!!  .

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Feel free to comment below, message, or reach out to me.