Are You Up For the Challenge?

Where are my busy moms at? I am looking for 10 women who are looking to lose 5-15 lbs in February! 

For the last 4 years I have been helping others and showing them it is completely possible to reach those fitness goals. I am a busy mom with a full time job, running my business in the evenings and a 3 year old daughter. Amid all of that chaos I still make sure I find time for ME. It is important to me that I take care of myself so I can be a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, and all around better person. Now it is YOUR turn! It is time to see that you ARE worth it and you CAN do it! 

We will be following a meal plan and a workout plan for 21 days. That is it! Of course, once you finish the 21 days you won't want to just stop there. This is a complete lifestyle change. You will be feeling so good you won't want to stop! We will have color coded containers with foods outlined for each container - which takes all of the guesswork out of it (and if you are like me nobody has time to figure all of that out - counting calories can be time consuming)! 

Oh, and the workouts - only 30 mins a day! They are extremely effective and FUN! 

I will have a private Facebook group for everyone so we can all hold each other accountable. It is all done from the comfort of your own home - no worrying about child care, the weather, commuting to the gym... none of that. 

If you would like to join us I would love for you to come see how much your life can change in 21 days. Drop me an email HERE

I have personally done this program and can tell you it is the REAL DEAL! I now use the eating plan with the other fitness programs I do. It is so easy to incorporate into daily life! 

Here are my personal results after just ONE round:

 So drop me an email and we can get started on writing YOUR transformation story! As an added bonus to REALLY get you started on the right foot I will be doing a drawing for a FREE 3 Day Refresh kit for anyone who purchases the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack by January 31st. This package will come with everything you need for success - you will get the food guide, color coded containers, 7 workouts, 30 day trial club membership and 30 day supply of the Healthiest Meal of the Day - Shakeology. It is also on special this month so you will save even more! 

I look forward to working with you! 

Crockpot Turbo Chili

It is that time of year. The weather is getting colder and nobody wants to be grilling outside. I am always looking for new recipes to put in the crockpot. My family is pretty set with our "family secret" chili that we have be tweaking and perfecting over the years. However, I have heard a few of my friends say how wonderful the crockpot chili recipe is from the Turbo Fire nutrition guide. I have that program and figured I may as well give it a shot..

Not only is it super easy to throw together but it was REALLY good! 

The best thing is you can make the recipe your own. Don't like beans? Leave them out! Like more veggies? Add them! I used my 21 Day Fix containers to portion out my bowl or I would have gone WAY overboard! 

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large can tomato sauce
8 oz whole kernel corn, canned
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can pinto, chili or kidney beans, rinsed
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 pkg Lawrey's Chili Seasoning 
4 oz low fat shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Brown turkey. Drain and discard fat. Place all ingredients except cheese into slow cooker. Cook for 4 hours on low, or 2 hours on high. Top with 1 oz of cheese, if desired. 


That is it! Super simple and super YUMMY!! If you give this recipe a try let me know how you like it! You can always sub the Lawrey's seasoning for chili seasoning of your own or I have heard Mrs. Dash now makes packaged chili seasoning but I have never seen it in our stores here so I am not sure what all is in it. Enjoy!! 

My Next Journey

Today started the first next of the next challenge I have given myself. I let myself go over the holidays and put back on an extra few pounds. However, worse than the extra pounds are the feelings that came back with them - not sleeping well, lack of energy, acid reflux, and stress just to name a few. It is amazing how quick those things come back when you fall off track and go back to eating sugar and processed foods. 

I decided that in order to make a big change I needed to really push myself. I made the decision to take on 60 days of Insanity:Max 30. The original Insanity has always made me nervous. I have a mental block when it comes to it for some reason. I decided that I needed to push past that fear and take this one head on. My husband and I are going to be doing the program together which will be awesome for the extra support and accountability.

Today was Day 1 of the program. I had taken this past weekend to start preparing myself mentally. I sat down and wrote out my meal plan and wrote down all of my reasons why I decided on this program and what I was hoping to get out of it. 

I took my Energy and Endurance pre-workout, grabbed my bucket (just in case - better safe than sorry!) and headed to the basement. I maxed out in 2:07. Yes - you read that right - 2 minutes and 7 seconds. Having no issues getting through 60 mins of other cardio workouts this kind of made me disappointed. I took my quick break and wrote my time down and got right back into the workout. I was able to finish the entire 30 minutes using a mixture with the modifier. At the end of Cardio Challenge today the only word that could come to mind was "humbling". 

I was disappointed in my max out time at first but I am in competition with nobody else. Just me vs. me. I will do my best in each workout and push myself each day. Each week I will try to beat my previous week max out time - even if by only 30 seconds. I am excited to see what changes (mentally and physically) this program is going to bring for me. 

I sometimes get caught up on how far I still have to go instead of remembering where I have come from. I am so much stronger than I used to be. I went from being crippled by severe depression to gaining 60 lbs to where I am today. Each day I try to be a little better than the day before. I will update my journey as I go through these 60 days. Stay tuned for more! 

If you want to follow more of my journey you can follow me on Facebook HERE

Here is to the next 60 days! 

~ Karen Pickard

NO Resolutions for 2015!

This year we’re asking you NOT to make a New Year’s resolution. You read that correctly–DON’T make a resolution. They don’t work. Plain and simple. Take a look at the definition of resolution:

See the inherent problem? It’s vague, it’s ambiguous, and there’s nothing to sink your teeth into. It’s just a decision, not a plan of action.

More than 70% of people who make resolutions don’t keep them, and more than 40% never even start! Things don’t magically change on January 1st. You don’t suddenly become a different person, one who can stick to a diet or exercise program, if you never have in the past.

That’s why this year, we’re asking you to skip the resolution, and make a #REALsolution.

Follow this simple 4-step process to create a #REALsolution that will set you up for success all year long.

Step 1:
Set a clear, attainable goal. Think of exactly what you want to achieve, and be specific. Instead of,” I want to lose weight,” decide that, “I will lose 10 pounds by April 5.” Instead of “I want to eat clean,” decide that, “I will eat 7 servings of fruits and vegetables each day and I will try one new healthy recipe each week.”

Step 2:
Make a solid plan for achieving your goal. Choose a fitness program or nutrition plan to help you get there. Or, commit to using a program you already own and visit our YouTube channel for motivation and mini-workouts from Tony Horton and Autumn Calabrese.

Step 3:
Download this accountability contract. Sign it. Post it somewhere you will see it every day. Snap a photo of the contract and post it on Instagram. Make sure to tag #REALsolution and @beachbodyhq. We’ll pick 5 winners to win a program of your choice, one each week from December 26-February 1.

Step 4:
If you’re not already part of a Challenge Group, join our #REALsolution Challenge Group on Facebook where you can check in daily, get encouragement, and stay accountable.

When you’ve reached your goal, repeat this 4-step process again to continue to improve!

Here are examples of what your accountability contract might look like:

So what will your #REALsolution be for 2015?

Insanity: Max 30 is HERE!

The wait is OVER! For all the Insanity fans "Insaniacs" out there - Insanity: Max 30 is HERE!

Save $95 on the Challenge Pack for a limited time! 

30 MINUTES. INSANE RESULTS.

The Shakeology and INSANITY MAX:30 Challenge Pack can help you get shredded abs, crazy glutes, and ridiculous arms—in just 30 minutes a day. It includes a full month's worth of Shakeology plus Shaun T's newest fitness program that includes 150+ new cardio and Tabata-style strength moves that require zero equipment—just sheer determination. Every workout is a brand-new challenge. But if you commit to MAXING OUT your effort—and your nutrition with Shakeology—you can get maximum results.

Your Challenge Pack Includes:

A 30-DAY SUPPLY OF SHAKEOLOGY—The Healthiest Meal of the Day®.*

You could spend more than $700 on supplements just to re-create all the healthy ingredients in one bag of Shakeology. But for only about $4 a serving, you can treat your body to the delicious daily superfood protein shake that helps give you energy for your workouts, reduces junk-food cravings, and may help you reach your fitness goals faster. A nutrient-dense combination of antioxidants, phytonutrients, adaptogens, and many other rare ingredients gives your body nutrients you can't get from a normal diet. 100% vegan option now available.‡

10 WORKOUTS

Cardio Challenge. 30 minutes of the hardest cardio sequences you've ever tried. Welcome to INSANITY MAX:30.

Tabata Power. Your muscles will beg for mercy as your strength training starts with Tabata-style "20 seconds on, 10 seconds off" power moves.

Sweat Intervals. Get ready for 30 minutes of screaming, sweating, calorie-scorching madness.

Tabata Strength. Shaun T takes it up a notch in this NO REST, Tabata-style strength workout. You heard right . . . 30 minutes, no rest.

Friday Fight: Round 1. It's a battle between your body and your mind as you fight for time in this MAX OUT challenge. And this is just Round 1.

MAX OUT Cardio. This may be the craziest cardio workout you've ever tried. Just wait till you get to the first Power Move. What minute are you Maxing Out at now?

MAX OUT Power. The intervals are longer in this "45 seconds on, 15 seconds off" Tabata-style plyometric power madness.

MAX OUT Sweat. The more minutes you make it through, the more you sweat and the more calories you burn. Now you know the meaning of "twice the sweat in half the time."

MAX OUT Strength. Your arms, shoulders, chest, and core will be toast after this upper-body-focused, "45 seconds on, 15 seconds off" Tabata-style routine.

Friday Fight: Round 2. The new "hardest workout ever." Every move is a minute in this ultimate challenge between your body and your mind. Who's going to win?

WITH TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

Nutrition to the MAX Guide. It doesn't get any easier than this. No complicated diets or strict meal plans here. Just how to eat what you love and still get crazy-good results.

Max Out Guide. This book is short and sweet. But it tells you everything you need to know to get maximum results with INSANITY MAX:30.

Max Out Wall Calendar and Max Out Tracker. The entire fat-blasting, muscle-shaping program is laid out for you. Find out which workout to do each day and how to keep pushing your Max Out times for maximum results.

No Time to Cook Guide. No time? No more excuses! We've covered everything about eating on-the-go in this guide. From fine dining to fast food to the frozen food aisle, you'll know exactly what to eat to fuel your body and stay on track every time.

AND 3 FREE GIFTS!

Pulse. Shaun T's version of a recovery workout, this is a low-impact combo of stretching and small "pulsing" movements that'll definitely make you feel the burn.

Ab Attack:10. This 10-minute routine will feel like an attack on your abs, but you'll love the rock-hard results.

24/7 Online Support. Stay focused on your goals with FREE support around the clock plus exclusive access to fitness experts and other people just like you.

A FREE 30-DAY TRIAL MEMBERSHIP in the Team Beachbody Club.**†

When you're part of the Team Beachbody community, you have all the tools, support, and accountability you need to commit to a healthy lifestyle, including:

• 10% discount on all purchases
• Meal plans personalized for your goals
• VIP access to your favorite trainers and Beachbody® experts, including live chats, exclusive videos, nutrition tips, and delicious recipes
• Your own personal Coach for guidance and support
• Message Boards and chat rooms to help you find new friends and workout partners, and get advice and support from the entire community

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
We're so sure you'll love this Challenge Pack, we're giving you our 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, simply call Customer Service to return it within 30 days for a refund of the purchase price (less any s&h).

To order: click HERE and log into your Team Beachbody Account - click "December Promotions"

The first 3 people to order the Challenge Pack will receive a FREE gift from me and I will add everyone who purchases to an exclusive online support group so we can MAX OUT together! 

Questions? EMAIL ME

Fall Into Fitness Test Group

Ever since I returned from vacation I have not been following my workout/nutrition programs like I should be. I have gained weight again, have started feeling sluggish and have no motivation. When I find this happening I go "back to basics". 

The 21 Day Fix was the EASIEST program to follow that I have ever done. In order to get myself back on track I am going back to the 21 Day Fix. I am looking for people who are ready to make a change in their life and learn how to eat healthy and still enjoy food. I am looking for SERIOUS people who are ready to make some SERIOUS changes. I have a private Facebook group where we will go through the entire program together!

Are you a busy mom? Student? Just one of those people who feel like they don't have time for fitness and are lost when it comes to nutrition? If one of these categories fits you read on and let me know if you want to join my private group!

What if I told you I could help you find a SIMPLIFIED plan to help YOU with your nutrition?

What if I told you there was a way to manage your workouts in a timely manner?

What if I told you that legit results ARE possible (as a jump start to your life)?

What if I told you that you do NOT have to starve yourself and that you can still enjoy your favorite treats WITHOUT guilt?

Let's face it people, nutrition is SO hard, it's THE hardest part for 95% of people when wanting to achieve results. I am human, I struggle. BUT there is a SOLUTION that is FAIL PROOF! I've done a lot of fitness programs, a ton of challenges and I, myself, have tried a ton of nutrition plans; but NEVER in my life have I seen something so SIMPLE and SO REAL and EASY to do.

So take the guess work out of counting calories, forget being mad because you drank a glass of wine, BECAUSE you CAN fit it into this plan! I know, right? 

Let me simplify it for you -
There's no counting, no guessing, and no wondering. Just easy-to-follow portion control and one 30-minute workout per day. That's all.

Ok so this post is long enough but I have NEVER in my 4 years as a coach seen such results in such a short amount of time.

AND IT'S ON SALE THIS MONTH! #hereisyoursign

I'm currently taking applicants! VERY limited slots. If you want to transform, quit waiting around and JUST DO IT! Message me or EMAIL me to see if this challenge would be right for you! In the subject line put "I AM READY TO MAKE A CHANGE!"

**must NOT be working with a current Beachbody coach and you must NOT be a coach yourself**

I look forward to working with YOU and seeing YOU transform!!!

Here are my results in just 21 Days! 

Shakeology Myths Debunked!

#1 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is a protein shake.

Meaning just a shake that provides extra protein. I can’t blame the general public for thinking this since “protein shake” has become nearly an interchangeable term for ANY shake. But, all shakes are not created equal—especially ones that contain superfoods.Shakeology is a very nutrient-dense shake that can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’d have to eat a whole lot of fruits and vegetables to equal the nutrition in a single glass of Shakeology—and you probably couldn’t do it for less than 170 calories. Shakeology makes it very easy to cut your calories without substantially cutting down your daily volume of nutrients needed. Truth be told, the majority of people are WAY MORE nutrient deficient, than they are protein deficient. So why just stop at a protein shake?

 #2 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is about comparing carbs, proteins, and fats to other shakes.

This is not at all what you should be comparing when you look at other shakes versus Shakeology. Sure, other shakes have 0 grams of sugar. But how do you think those shakes achieve that? Hint, it’s not natural. Yes, that’s right, they are probably using ARTIFICIAL sweeteners to get to 0 grams of sugar. Even fruit has sugar in it. A shake with 0 grams of sugar is using ARTIFICIAL sweeteners. Shakeology has NO artificial sweeteners, NO artificial colors, NO soy, NO artificial stimulants, and NO artificial flavors. One of its main sweeteners is Stevia, which is plant-based.

#3 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is just a bunch of extracts, with no whole-food ingredients.

That’s not true. Whenever it’s possible and sustainable for the formula, the superfoods in Shakeology are preserved in their whole-food state to retain maximum nutrient value. It’s a very difficult process to use whole, plant-based ingredients so that the formula retains as much nutritional value as possible, but Shakeology has a whole team of scientists whose mission is to maximize the nutrition in every ingredient in Shakeology. Imagine trying to juice all those superfoods! Shakeology is way less expensive and a huge time-saver.

#4 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is expensive.

To anyone who feels this product is expensive I know that I have not done my diligence in breaking down its REAL VALUE. Most people will agree that they would spend an average of $3 to $7 on a HEALTHY nutritious meal. I know most store-bought salads cost even more than that, and don’t contain nearly the dense concentration of nutrients. But on average, I think we can all agree healthy meals run between $3 and $7. Shakeology, at $4.33 per shake, comes in on the LOW END of average. (You can make Shakeology into a breakfast or lunch that you’d be buying anyway.) Not only are you spending less than you normally would, you’re also getting vital nutrients your body needs, that you just can’t get from your run-of-the-mill salad, plus the normal range of vitamins and minerals. So you can replace your VITAMINS, too. Sure, you may need a specific vitamin, based on your conditions, geography, or age—but in general, Shakeology will provide you with a solid base of your whole-food nutrients.

When was the last time you went to your grocery store and bought THIRTY meals all at once? Typically, I’m guessing, you buy a few days’ worth each time. When you buy a bulk bag of Shakeology, you are buying 30 of your shakes up-front. That means you’ll spend less money at the grocery store. Because of the grocery savings, I actually deduct my monthly Shakeology from my grocery budget. For the price, I cannot duplicate its vast quality of ingredients and nutrients.

#5 MISCONCEPTION: Shakeology is only for weight loss.

Most shakes are marketed this way. But here’s the thing. Anything will induce weight loss if it’s low enough in calories. Just because you are drinking a shake, does not mean the fat will melt off. Actually, if you are not getting enough nutrients and calories you will actually inhibit your weight-loss efforts. Shakeology is about HEALTH. When you put the RIGHT nutrients in your body that it needs to develop, heal, recover, repair, and thrive, you may ultimately have MORE energy, LESS cravings, and FEEL better therefore you eat less and become more active. With Shakeology, weight loss becomes a BY-PRODUCT of dense nutrition.

To make my point, when was the last time you dieted and cut calories only to feel tired, grouchy, and had a ton of cravings? That is because you may have been nutrient deficient. What if you’re at your goal weight, or need to GAIN weight? Because Shakeology is about DENSE NUTRITION you can use it as your base and add clean calories to make it 300 calories or more. Not everyone needs to lose weight, but everyone needs to be healthier. Shakeology isn’t MAGIC. It’s just clean dense nutrition made SUPER easy for everyone at a very affordable price. It’s my family’s “fast food” on the counter. Yes, my family goes through 4–5 bags a MONTH because even though we all have different weight and caloric needs, we all share the same NUTRITIONAL needs. Shakeology isn’t a weight-loss shake—it’s a nutrition shake.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Credit: Seay Stanford