14 of 21 days complete! 8 pounds gone!!!

When Beachbody started leaking information about the Ultimate Reset last year I was pretty sure it wasn't for me.  A cleanse?  Is that really necessary?  Some people say it is vital to clear toxins that accumulate in our bodies from the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat!  Others seem unsure that it is really necessary.  Here is what Beachbody has to say about the need.
This Spring as Beachbody prepared to release the Reset I realized that I have been in a rut for awhile.  My fitness is great- I recently completed P90X2 which I LOVED followed by Brazil Butt Lift and I enjoyed both programs.  I followed the food plans to a degree but I feel I make pretty healthy food choices and stock my home with great food.  Why then was I not losing the weight around my middle, why was I so easily irritated, why was I reaching for too many cups of coffee and waiting for that 5pm glass of wine?  It was time to take action.
Choosing a start date for the Reset was another challenge.  3 weeks where I could be in control of almost all of the meals I ate and little to no exercise!  The exercise one was a challenge as I teach Turbo Kick (very similar to TurboFire) and it requires a lot of moving - I realized I am away too much this summer to sub out my class so we have switched to low intensity for 3 weeks and we will make it work.  When it came to meals though, once June hits I am crazy for most of the summer so I backed my start date up to April 30th and it was ready, set, go...
Last week I wrote about the first 7 days, Phase 1 which you can read about here.

So, how has Phase 2 been?  Pretty darn good!  The Reset requires supplements (all natural) 4 times per day, with time gaps between eating to make sure your body gets ample time to absorb on an empty stomach.  This means if you are on the go, you need to plan!  This week we added detox... I heard so many comments about how hard this is to drink yet I kind of enjoyed it!  Tastes a little like Detox tea but it has some solids in it... swish and gulp, follow with more water!  Helped fill me up until my meal which I had to then wait 30 minutes for!
At the beginning of this week I was a little tired.  I had one day at the beginning where I was feeling a little foggy and again on day 14 I was lacking in energy.  Today I feel great!!!

What has changed for me since day 1?  8 pounds is gone and my summer shorts are all fitting great!  I am waking up feeling more refreshed in the morning... haven't had any of those big bags under my eyes that was not an uncommon sight 2 weeks ago.  My digestion is great.  No afternoon bloating that has been an occasional problem in the past. My mind is somehow clearer.  I am feeling the need to get things in order, not put things off until later, I have more focus.  I am less irritable.  Maybe it is not having to squeeze a workout into my schedule, maybe it is the focus I put into my meal creations, whatever it is, I am a little more calm and collected through the afternoon and evening.  I am truly enjoying making meals.  The recipes that come with the Reset are amazing.  I have followed every one of them, I have even incorporated a few into a Tea I hosted last week so I could enjoy eating with my friends... they loved it too!  I am truly excited to carry over my new passion for creating great meals rather than taking unhealthy short cuts and adding in even more fruits and vegetables.

In my final week I am looking to create even more peace in my life.  To get my office in a little better order and to make a plan for the next few months for my fitness, for keeping up my nutrition, for helping others with their nutrition and fitness and for helping my kids have an amazing summer!

What steps are you doing to move forward with your health and fitness?  I would love to help you find the tools to make your journey fun and efficient as well!

I am a SAHM to an 8 and 6 year old.  I volunteer, I do the accounting for my husband's business and I work hard to stay fit and healthy.  Beachbody allows me to work from home and helps me stay accountable to my own health and fitness while I work hard to help others focus on their health and fitness.  It is about paying it forward, spending a little time to better ourselves and enjoying the process.  I would love to help you, and I invite you to join me in helping me help others!  Learn more about Beachbody coaching here.

My Favorite Recipe in Phase 2 was the Sweet Potato & Roasted Red Pepper Bisque:
1 sweet potato
1/4 red bell pepper
1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 tsp finely grated peeled ginger root
1 1/2 tsp Extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp miso paste
Tamari or Bragg Liquid Aminos, Himalayan salt & herbal seasoning to taste.
Peel and cube sweet potato.  Cook in boiling water until tender.  Drain and set aside.  Roast red pepper so you can remove skin.
Place potato, pepper, broth, ginger, oil and miso in blender, add liquid if necessary, reheat and voila!  Serves 1.
Big portion, healthy goodness, not too many ingredients.

Exercise? Your friend or your nemesis?

When you think Exercise, what comes to mind and how does it make you feel?  Answers to this probably fall into these 4 categories... although most in the first category probably aren't even reading my blog ;) :

1. Exercise?  I don't like to sweat and I really don't like to bend my body in funny ways.
2. Exercise is a necessary evil and I force myself to go to the workout 2-3 times each week which is pure torture.
3. Exercise is ok.  It is important for my health and to help me fit into my clothes and I enjoy some work outs.  If something else more important comes up though, I will skip my workout!
4. Exercise is part of my existence!  I love how it makes me feel, I love how it makes me look, I love the sweat/ muscle burn/ crazy body contortions/ runner's high... I feel amazing after a great workout!

So, where are you?  Exercise of course doesn't have to involve a trip to the gym or pressing play on a DVD, but structure in your exercise can help you achieve more well rounded results and with some planning or training can help you reach your fitness goals.

Resistance training is important to build muscle to help burn more calories even while you are resting on the couch.  It can also help prevent osteoporosis!

Yoga and flexibility training can help you stay limber (or get limber), prevent muscle and body aches and to be able to focus and help your body and mind stay more relaxed.

Cardio, preferably interval training, can help your cardiovascular system, plus it burns calories.

Bottom line... you need to exercise to keep your body and your health in optimum condition.
Best bet... find something you enjoy doing and make it a workout... within reason ;)
I love music and to dance so TurboFire (aka Cardio kickboxing) is a favorite workout for me.  I also like a little muscle definition so adding in some weights has been key to me.  Right now I am enjoying P90X2 but am looking forward to the great music and fun workouts in Les Mills PUMP!
Insanity gave me some amazing results with the very intense cardio.
ChaLEAN Extreme works wonders for the whole body and I enjoy Chalene's energy.
10 Minute Trainer is phenomenal, allowing you to fit an intense workout in 10 minutes or stack them together for 30 minutes!

Whatever you choose, make the commitment and get the job done.  You don't need to spend 2 hours in the gym per visit to see results, you need to push hard and be efficient.  and don't forget about your nutrition!  Veggies and fruits are your friends, as is lean protein!  All of the Beachbody workouts come with great tools to help you understand what your body needs for food!

Join me, lets get you fit and healthy!  Www.GetFitWithNicola.com  sign on for the free membership and lets connect!

Workout with Live with Kelly!

This week in Live with Kelly, she is doing New Year's Fitness Week and introducing some great fitness programs!  On Monday she did some Turbo Kick with Chalene Johnson.  TK is my soulmate workout!  It is the class I teach where I scorch a bazillion calories and help other people do the same.  Check out Kelly and Chalene.



A very similar workout is TurboFire which you can do in the comfort of your own home!


 On Tuesday, Kelly worked out with Tony Horton and did some moves from P90X and P90X2... she asked if the ultimate goal was death!  but then did the moves very well... maybe she will be the next celebrity P90Xer!!!  Check out Kelly and Tony.

Now how about some Shakeology to go with that Kelly?

40 Healthy Holiday Gifts

My Christmas wish list:

Holiday shopping can be stressful. Between driving all over town, long lines in crowded stores, and the never-ending holiday music, it's enough to make you want to throw up your hands and exclaim, "Bah humbug!"  The biggest advantage of buying Beachbody programs through a coach rather than through the infomercials or Amazon... you get at least one free workout in addition to those that come with your program, plus I can add you to an accountability group to help you stay on track and I am here to help you out whenever you need it!!!

Let us help. We've put together a list of 40 Beachbody^® gift ideas that will help make those in your life feel not only happy, but also healthy! We divided the gifts by price-point so you can simply decide how much you wish to spend on someone and choose from several suggestions that are within that range. All items are available online, so take off that winter jacket, grab a glass of Shakeology^®, and knock out your holiday shopping quickly and with the confidence that the gifts you're giving will enrich the lives of those who receive them!

Plus, Club members automatically save 10% off all items on TeamBeachbody.com.

How to find out if you’re a Beachbody VIP Club member?
1. Make sure you are logged in to TeamBeachbody. If you’re not logged in, click on the "Sign In" link in the upper right hand corner of this page.
2. Click on the "Shop" tab in the upper navigation menu.
3. Scroll down to look at the price for Shakeology. You'll see "Regular Price: $119.95". But, if you're a Team Beachbody VIP Club Member you'll also see "Your price: $107.95." That's a savings of $12.00 or 10%!

If you’re not a Team Beachbody VIP Club member, consider joining now. If you plan on purchasing 3 or 4 Holiday gifts on TeamBeachbody.com, the savings you get could more than cover the 3-month membership fee. Learn more, and sign up for Club.

9 gifts $25 or less

• Tony and the Folks ($9.95) – Tony Horton’s name is synonymous with P90X, but this low-impact DVD is perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone who is looking for a low-impact workout.
• Tony and the Kids ($9.95) – Trying to get your kids into fitness? Let them have some fun with Tony Horton in this entertaining DVD.
• P90X T-Shirt ($19.95) – Do you know someone who just finished P90X? Congratulate them with this shirt! It’s also the perfect companion gift to P90X for someone who is just starting the program. 
• TurboJam Camouflage Tank ($19.95) – If you know a gal who loves to Jam, help her to show her spirit with this flirty tank top that’s got just enough “Grrr!”
• Shaun T's Fit Kids Club ($19.95) – Shaun T brings the fun in this DVD that is a great gift to get all the kids in your life interested in fitness for life!
• Get Real with Shaun T ($19.95) – This DVD is great for tweens who aren’t old enough or ready for the intensity of INSANITY but who want to lose a few pounds.
• Weighted Gloves ($19.95) – If someone you know is looking to tone up their arms, these weighted gloves add the resistance needed to help those on their way.
• P90X Protein Bars ($23.95) – Instead of reaching for an unhealthy snack, these 12-packs of protein bars will help fuel your special someone in their workouts.
• $25 Team Beachbody eGift Card – This holiday season, give someone the gift of fitness! With the $25 gift card we're starting to offer this holiday season, they’ll be able to purchase any of the gifts above or use it as a discount on one of the items below.

http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/TJGetOnBall?referringRepId=35925

8 gifts $50 or less

• Chin-Up Max ($29.85) – This adjustable chin-up tool is perfect for someone working his or her way up to full pull-ups. As they get stronger, they just reduce the resistance!
• Total Body Solution^® ($29.95) – Exercise isn’t just about losing pounds and inches. It’s also about feeling great and helping to prevent injuries. In this DVD, Debbie Siebers shows how the right exercises that can help heal injuries.
• Slimming Formula ($29.95) – Help a friend or family-member get a powerful head start on their weight loss journey. Our unique blend of pyruvate and green tea extract is proven to help people significantly increase weight loss and improve exercise endurance.
• Chalene Johnson's Get on the Ball ($39.90) – This gift includes a cool Turbo Ball – a secret weapon toward gaining a six-pack. For ripped, rock-hard abs and blazing fast results, Chalene Johnson’s program is top-notch.
• B-Lines Bands ($39.95) – Got a frequent traveler on your fitness gift list? Just as effective as free weights in building muscle, these resistance bands are much more portable and convenient, so the recipient can work out anytime, anywhere.**
• Tony Horton's Signature PowerStands ($39.90) – For the perfect push-up, these can’t be beat. They strengthen and sculpt while reducing the strain on wrists and forearms. Plus, they’re comfortable to grip and won’t budge in the middle of a move.
• P90X Results and Recovery Formula^® ($49.95) – This protein drink is perfect just after a P90X or INSANITY workout, and it’s great after any intense exercise session to help refuel your body and reduce muscle soreness so you can push just as hard the next day.
• $50 Team Beachbody eGift Card – This holiday season, give someone the gift of fitness! With the gift card we're starting to offer this holiday season, they’ll be able to purchase any of the gifts above or use it as a discount on one of the items below.

6 gifts $75 or less

• Brazil Butt Lift^® ($59.85) – It’s not easy to get the perfect butt…unless you’ve got help from Leandro Carvalho, trainer to world-famous supermodels! Help that special someone prepare for a beachside getaway or just to look great every day in their favorite pair of jeans!
• Hip Hop Abs^® ($59.85) – Great for party people, hip-hop, and dance fans, this workout program will help sculpt their abs with fun moves rather than crunches.
• Slim in 6^® ($59.85) – In just six weeks, someone you know could reshape their body. Start them on the right path with this workout program that’s great for people of all fitness levels.
• P90X Chin-Up Bar ($59.95) – Pull-ups and chin-ups are key to getting sculpted back, shoulder, and arm muscles. This portable bar lets you do all those great exercises.
• TurboJam^® ($59.85)– Raise someone’s heart rate with this kickboxing-inspired workout program from Chalene Johnson.
• Bowflex Strapless Heart Rate Monitor ($74.85) – To see results, it’s important to make sure you’re working at the right intensity. This comfortable monitor will let the recipient do just that without needing to wear a chest strap.

6 gifts $100 or less

• Body Gospel^® ($79.70) – For someone who might want a little motivation from above, this faith-based workout program set to chart-topping gospel music will help them find their way.
• Ten Minute Trainer^® ($79.80) – Need a gift for the person who has no time but wants to get fit? These ten-minute-long workouts will fit into anyone’s schedule!
• RevAbs ($89.85) – For someone who wants to get that sexy six-pack, this capoeira-influenced workout program from trainer Brett Hoebel is just the ticket.
• ChaLEAN Extreme^® ($89.95) – This workout program from TurboJam and TurboFire trainer Chalene Johnson is ideal for women who want to get toned.
• INSANITY: THE ASYLUM^® ($89.95) – For the INSANITY grad, this intense athletic conditioning will help them get into top shape in just 30 days.
• $100 Team Beachbody eGift Card – This holiday season, give someone the gift of fitness! With the gift card we're starting to offer this holiday season, they’ll be able to purchase any of the gifts above or use it as a discount on one of the items below.

5 gifts $120 or less

• Shakeology^® ($119.95) – Help that special someone make a change to their eating habits by gifting them with a 30-day supply of Chocolate or Greenberry Shakeology, the Healthiest Meal of the Day^®! They can enjoy it as a meal replacement or as a healthy, yummy snack. Each shake will help them increase energy, become more regular, lose weight, and feel great.
• TurboFire^® ($119.70) – Chalene Johnson’s intense kickboxing-inspired cardio conditioning program is great for anyone who is ready to bring the heat to their workout.
• P90X^® ($119.85) – Do you know someone who wants to transform their physique with Tony Horton’s revolutionary program? Get them P90X, and they’ll thank you 90 days later!
• P90X2™ Base Kit ($119.85) – If you know a P90X grad who is looking for the next great muscle-building workout, pick them up P90X2 for the holidays!
• INSANITY^® ($119.95) – For the ultimate in cardio conditioning, Shaun T’s workout is perfect for people who are ready to transform their bodies in just 60 days.

6 Ultimate Gifts

• P90X One-on-One^® ($239.40) – If someone you know wishes they had Tony Horton as their personal trainer, pick them up any volume of this DVD set and they can learn from Tony as he works out in his own gym!
• INSANITY Deluxe with Mat and Bonus Workout ($239.70) – If someone on your list is hoping for INSANITY this year, why not get them this deluxe version that comes with a mat, a body fat tester, and an extra workout?
• TurboFire: The Complete System ($239.40) – This version of TurboFire is the perfect gift pack. It comes with everything, including weighted gloves, B-Line resistance bands**, a jump mat, and five advanced workouts.
• $250 Team Beachbody eGift Card – This holiday season, give someone the gift of fitness! With the gift card we're staring to offer this holiday season, they’ll be able to purchase almost any of the gifts on our list.
• P90X2 Ultimate ($299.95) – This version of P90X2 includes two additional workouts, the Tony Horton PowerStands, a RumbleRoller, and two Medicine Balls**!
• $500 Team Beachbody eGift Card – This holiday season, give someone the gift of fitness! With the gift card we're starting to offer this holiday season they’ll be able to purchase any of the gifts on our list and more.

** Contains natural rubber latex which can cause allergic reactions

Join the Beachbody challenge to help reach your fitness goals!!!  Watch this video!