1-Hired a coach (yes I’m a coach and I could absolutely set my own plan, but I knew I needed someone to be accountable to and to call me out when needed)

2- I said “NO” to a lot of things. I knew if I wanted to see results I had to commit! I legitimately had three months in my mind and knew I could go all in for that short amount of time. I said no to heavy cream in my coffee. I said no extra late night snacking. I said no to nut butters. Can these things be part of a fat loss phase, absolutely, but for my plan, they did not fit and I was committed even though I enjoy everyone of these! It’s just like a budget sacrifices have to be made somewhere. You just simply decide where!

3- I followed the plan! There were 7 days out of 90 that I did not hit my numbers spot on! If I’m being honest, in my opinion, her plan….not great! It didn’t take into consideration the foods I prefer to eat or how I was eating previously to starting this cut. I felt like she put me in a box and created a “generalized” macro prescription and that was it. However, I committed. I followed her plan. I didn’t ask for changes or adjustments. I legitimately went all in. And lookey 😳 there….it worked!!!! 🫣More in this later friend. 😘

4- I focused on Protein & Produce first!!!! Obviously protein because that was part of my nutrition prescription. I knew it would maintain my lean muscle and keep me full and produce to keep me satisfied. I knew going into a fat loss phase I was likely to be more hungry so I knew I had to fill my meals and snacks with lots of produce, especially veggies so that I was HANGRY!

5- I trusted the process. To be honest, four weeks and very little had changed. But after those four weeks of continuing to remain consistent things just felt like they almost shifted overnight. I didn’t remain consistent because I had an amazing coach. I remain consistent because I knew the science of fat loss and I knew most people quit just before the finish line. I knew my deficit was accurate and I knew if I remain consistent, there’s no way I would not see results. And I did.

Fat loss phases can be challenging.

I’m thankful for this experience and all of the others that I have had through my journey. As nutrition and health coaches our personal experiences with our own nutrition journeys give us so much insight into coaching our own clients.

We understand the challenges, how arduous it can be, and we understand the dedication and commitment it takes.

More to come on lessons learned from this.

 

Ok, so each of these has a place I am just being a little saucy here!

We always want the new sexy fun thing but really the basics are what we really need!

 

1- Stay Hydrated – add in electrolytes when your sweating or moving more outside.

2- Enjoy Fresh summer fruits & Veggies.

3- Get outside & stay moving! Sunshine & Movement are medicine!

4- Get Creative with Grilling or new summertime recipes!

5 – Try and new activity or sport!

Most of these I feel like we all naturally do but be intentional.

Summer flys by and we want to really take full advantage of it!

Here are three ways to create some summer structure!

1. Set a summer schedule – yes things might be more fluid but you can and still should set a schedule. Think about training – nutrition & work.
2. Each Week Look at your “special events” and plan your nutrition & training around those things.
3. Decide what really matters and what you can let go of! Do your best to stick to MOST of your healthy habits with some fun / unplanned things sprinkled in.

 

Traveling does not mean compromising on your health and nutrition goals!

With the right mindset and a few savvy strategies, you can keep your nutrition on point while exploring new places.

Here are my top tips to help you embrace a travel-friendly mindset that keeps your body happy and energized throughout your adventures.

1️⃣ Embrace the Power of Preparation: Before embarking on your journey, invest a little time in planning and prepping. Research local eateries that offer wholesome options or have menus accommodating your dietary preferences. Pack some healthy snacks like nuts, protein bars, or fresh fruit to curb those hunger pangs during long flights or road trips. With a little preparation, you’ll be equipped to make mindful choices wherever your travels take you.

2️⃣ Flexibility is Key: While it’s essential to prioritize nourishing meals, it’s also important to be adaptable. Embrace the local cuisine and enjoy the cultural experience without feeling guilty. Indulge in unique dishes, but aim for balance and moderation. Remember, traveling is about exploration, both in terms of the sights and the flavors!

3️⃣ Hydration, Always: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy mindset while on the move. Carry a reusable water bottle and keep sipping throughout the day. Adequate hydration boosts energy levels, aids digestion, and helps control cravings. Plus, it keeps your skin glowing and radiant for those incredible travel photos!

4️⃣ Seek Active Adventures: Incorporate physical activities into your travel itinerary. Explore new cities on foot, hike breathtaking trails, or dive into thrilling water sports. Engaging in active pursuits not only burns calories but also provides a positive mindset and a deeper connection with your surroundings. Remember, fitness is not just about hitting the gym—it’s about embracing movement wherever you go!

5️⃣ Mindful Dining: When dining out, adopt a mindful approach. Take your time to savor each bite, appreciating the flavors and textures. Pay attention to portion sizes and listen to your body’s cues of hunger and fullness. Opt for colorful, nutrient-dense options such as salads, lean proteins, and vibrant local produce. And don’t forget to treat yourself to the occasional indulgence—a decadent dessert or a local delicacy can be part of the journey too!

6️⃣ Self-Compassion on the Road: Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. Traveling can sometimes disrupt routine, and that’s okay! If you slip up or veer off track, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, focus on the positive experiences and memories you’re creating. Embrace the adventure, learn from every moment, and recommit to your nutrition goals when you return home. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

🌟 So, my fellow wanderers, let’s embark on our travel journeys with a mindset that prioritizes both exploration and nourishment. Together, we can savor every moment, fuel our bodies with goodness, and create a world of unforgettable memories! 🌟

 

Watermelon Lime Spritzer Mocktail:

Ingredients:
1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon honey or preferred sweetener
Club soda
Ice cubes
Watermelon wedge for garnish

Instructions:
In a blender, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth.
Strain the watermelon juice to remove any pulp.
In a glass, combine the watermelon juice, lime juice, and honey, and stir well.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Top up with club soda.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

Sip on this light and refreshing watermelon lime spritzer mocktail

 

Do you struggle with binge eating? I hesitate to talk about this subject a lot because those who have a serious disorder, we are not  capable of working through this with them.

However, the majority of people that struggle with what they would deem “binge eating” don’t have an actual disorder but are restricting too much and then falling into a roller coaster cycle of restrict / binge – restrict / binge.

I had a day last week that I just didn’t plan well and missed breakfast.  I didn’t feel SUPER hungry so I thought….its all good.  We will just go about the rest of the day eating my meals as planned.

By the time 5:00, hit I was hungrier than a newborn baby with out mommas milk!  I felt like my stomach was a bottomless pit that could not be filled and I wanted to eat everything in sight!

This served as a perfect reminder that #1 – I am thankful for a healthy metabolism #2 – Plan better and DON’T SKIP MEALS!!!

Often times people also restrict too much during the week and then the weekend is a dumpster fire!

Focus on eating enough EACH MEAL & EACH DAY!   I know the weight loss will be slower but you will build confidence in yourself, you’ll let go of the binge/restrict cycle and you will keep off what you loose!

 

This was an athlete at our gym who we just did a discovery consultation with!

We gave her some simple perimeters and bam! She is loving the process, seeing results and crushing it!

Way to go lady!

 

If you are tracking your food, this is the BEST way to pre plan.

Try not to get in the habit of tracking your meals after you have eaten them.  Its a guess at best. Your not being proactive with your targets and its just a “shoot from the hip” approach that slows progress.

Pre-Plan and I promise you will see and feel the benefits very quickly!

 

We might need to dive into whats in your head versus whats on your plate.

 

We are talking this week about slowing down and keeping it simple!

But here is the question, after 4 weeks – 6 weeks – 8 weeks are you willing to stay committed.

Why are you wanting to do this?
Why do you want to change your health?
Why do you want to have more energy?
Feel more confident?

If you find that you can’t sustain the habits after 2-3 months then we need to dive into more what is in your mind that what is on your plate.