P90X3

OH EM GEEEEEE!!! I ordered P90X3 yesterday and I am tracking down the shipment to the minute haha!

In case if you haven't heard about P90X 1, 2, or 3 - it's basically the mecca of home fitness! P90X seriously revolutionized bodies getting fit from home! I have P90X but never finished the program due to time constraints (excuse? probably) so I'm so relieved that P90X3 is only 30 minutes a day! Each workout is half an hour! Oh my gosh! You get in. You get out. BOOM! DONE!

That was the biggest factor in why I chose to commit to X3 instead of X2. I love that its consistent and I can rely on fitting it into a certain time frame every single day. Game changer!

I'm planning to do the first week of doubles since my toe infection has put me out of working out for a couple weeks and I'm eager to see and feel results!

When I get the program I'll give you an update, review, and results as I go along! 

Fish Tacos With Salsa Verde & Cabbage Slaw Recipe

INGREDIENTS
2 Cod Fillets 
6 Corn Tortillas (made from corn kernels) 
2 Cloves Garlic 
2 Limes 
1 Avocado 
1 Large Bunch Cilantro 
1 Pound Red Cabbage 
1 Red Onion 
¾ Pound Tomatillos 
2 Ounces Radishes 
1 Tbsp Fish Taco Spice Blend -->
(Ancho Chile Powder, Chipotle Powder, Ground Coriander, 
Ground Cumin, Cocoa Powder & Rice Flour) 

INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and dry the fresh produce. Pat the fish fillets dry and cut into 6 equal pieces; coat each piece with the spice blend. Peel and mince the garlic. Using a peeler, remove the green rind of 1 of the limes, avoiding the white pith; mince the rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest. Quarter both limes. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves and stems. Cut out and discard the core of the cabbage; thinly slice the leaves. Peel and cut the onion in half; small dice one half and thinly slice the other. Remove and discard the papery skins of the tomatillos; medium dice the tomatillos. Thinly slice the radishes into rounds; place the rounds in a bowl of ice water.

Salsa Verde
In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium until hot. Add the garlicand diced onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the tomatillos and season with salt and pepper. Cook, smashing the tomatillos with a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes, or until thickened and saucy. Remove from heat. Add the lime zest, half the cilantro and the juice of 3 lime wedges; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cabbage Slaw
While the salsa verde cooks, place the cabbage in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add the sliced onion, the juice of 3 lime wedges and all but a pinch of the remaining cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste; toss gently to coat.

Avacado
While the salsa verde continues to cook, cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Using a spoon, scoop the avocado out of the peel and into a medium bowl; discard the peel. Using a fork, mash the avocado until smooth. Add the juice of the remaining lime wedges; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fish
In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a thin layer of olive oil on medium-high until very hot. When the oil is hot enough that a piece of fish immediately sizzles when added to the pan, add the marinated fish pieces and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and immediately season with salt. Carefully discard the cooking oil. wipe out the pan.

Finally!
In the same pan, working in batches, warm the tortillas on medium for 20 to 30 seconds per side, or until soft and pliable. To plate your dish, fill each warmed tortilla with some of the mashed avocado, a piece of cooked fish and some of the salsa verde and slaw (you may have extra). Garnish each taco with theradish rounds (drain just before adding) and remaining cilantro. Serve with any remaining slaw on the side. 

Enjoy! xoxoxo

How To Get Over Your Excuses

    I hate to say it, but we all know whats really holding us back in life. And that is - EXCUSES. I've done a couple other blog posts about excuses but this one is dedicated on how to GET OVER those darn things! It's time to let go of them and get the body/house/boyfriend/career of your dreams! Why not?!?!


#1. "I'm too busy!"
No, you're not. "No really! I am!" No. Trust me, you're not.  Instead of letting your mini items on your to-do list take priority over something big and important you need to set your priorities! Cut TV time, set a schedule, plan ahead, and COMMIT. This is not rocket science. It's simply a matter of moving things in your schedule that don't need to be there (Ahem, Big Bang Theory) and making room for the things that do! Trust me, you will thank me later! You might be less caught up on Penny and Leonard but your abs sure will feel good. 

#2. "I'm exhausted"
While thats a very real feeling, it's usually never true to the extent that you can't work out and get your booty moving. I know how tired you feel after a long week of work and only getting 6 hours of sleep last night, but don't let that stop you from getting your workout in. Low energy = you NEED the workout even MORE! It'll help you sleep better, you'll be more functional, and you'll have more natural energy. Don't skip it! It's okay to exercise at a lower intensity too, anything is better than nothing. Just promise me you'll do 5 minutes & after 5 minutes you'll want to continue. If not, thats okay! Just promise me 5 minutes. 

#3. "I'm too broke"
While it's definitely hard coming up with the money for a gym membership, beachbody program, healthy food form the grocery store, shakeology etc, hear this -- YOU ARE WORTH IT! You are SOOO worth the investment into YOU! You are the best thing you can take care of, and this is an investment that will give you MASSIVE return on your money! Abs, toned thighs, non-scale victories.. are those worth it? Heck ya! Make some changes in your budget,  cut some fluff out, and make the small investment! At the very least, just start with walking or jogging outside. Totally freeeeee, YAY!

#4. "The Gym is intimidating"
Um, YEAH! I know. Honestly, thats why I workout at home. Including the fact that I'm clueless in a gym and usually spend more than half of my time on either the treadmill, bike, or elliptical LOL. Anyways, gyms ARE intimidating. Unless you're a bodybuilding male with popping muscles, the gym is scary. On the real though, EVERYONE there is worried about how THEY look. So no one is really looking at you. Everyone there has a starting point in their past. No one is born with muscles and major gym-knowledge. Get out of your hermit cave and embrace being outside your comfort zone!

#5. "I'm bored"
If you do the same workout everyday you're gone get bored, stuck and definitely - in a rut. I've been there! Thats why I like to change up my workout programs after a couple rounds. If you workout at the gym, try taking a new class, try a new cardio machine, or take a hike outside instead of the gym on saturday! If you do beachbody programs, change it up! The possibilities are endless and they always keep them new exciting. I LOVE Turbofire but I have to change it up every now and then in order to stay amped up! (I'm starting P90X3 next week, hehe.)

#6. "I'm focusing on my diet"
This is good news! But it's not enough to get you to your goals. Nutrition IS 80% of the battle, but dieting without working out will only make you look good in clothes and not naked ;) Boo! Exercise also has way more benefits than just looking good --> You'll sleep better, you'll have more energy, you're skin will be glowing, you're immune system will be boosted, you'll feel better, you'll be more productive - will all those benefits, why would you want to rely on an excuse?

Go out there and kick some butt!!

Friends Help Friends Get Bootys

Hey sugaplums! Day 25 here and I'm STILL at it! 

Trying to work on my BUNS and my CARDIO. Phewwww!

Stop Comparing!

    Hey dolls! When you're on the journey of fitness it's all too easy to get wrapped up in "I don't look as good as her"  or "She's already lost 6 more lbs than me" etc. There are SO many different variables at play here and the quote above rings true "Comparison is the thief of joy." Don't focus on what other girls or guys are achieving. Focus on YOU and your lifestyle and goals. Everybody is running a different race on their OWN path. 

    You might have different goals than another fitness doll and the point isn't to beat other dolls, it's to BEAT who you were YESTERDAY! "The only competition you have is the one facing you in the mirror". She has a different body than you, a different structure, metabolism, she hasn't had kids, she's working out more consistently, WHATEVER it is, STOP COMPARING! You will be much happier in the long run when you focus on yourself. Are you doing everything you can to make your own goals and dreams come to fruition? Then stop worrying! You're doing great girl. Just take it one day at a time. 

Go forth and be your own fitspiration! The only thing stopping you is YOU and I KNOW you can do it! Love ya! xoxoxo

The Best Ways to Track Your Weightloss Progress

THE MEASUREMENT TEST
Measurements, like weight, are a good general
guide. Take into considering muscle mass being gained!
A rounder booty, for instance, takes up more space than a flatter one. 
Still, like we said, a good general guide. When measuring, 
measure the smallest part of your waist and the
fullest part of your hips, upper thighs, chest, and upper arms. Once a month
right after your — yes — period is a good time to measure.

THE CLOTHES TEST
If your clothes feel looser and it’s not because you’ve
been sitting in front of the tv with your legs tucked up in your shirt (don't worry, 
we all do it) that’s a sign you’re getting your Fit Girl on.
This is great for girls who want to quit the numbers game. Fit Girl Project:
Take a picture of yourself in a pair of jeans at the beginning of the Challenge
and take a progress picture at the end of every week and then collage them!

THE PHOTO TEST
Before & After photos are another fab way to track
progress. No numbers for this one either. B&A pics are best taken a month
apart in the same outfit with the same background, same pose, and same
angle for the most accurate comparisons. I recommend the day
after your period for happiest results ;) ALSO, send in your before/after
pics to Beachbody.com if you used a program and they'll send you a free
shirt for the program you completed! Weightloss AND new clothes?! 
#win

SEE, fit girls ARE happy girls! ;)

The Greatest Snack EVA!

    Hard-boiled eggs are any #fitchicks staple in the kitchen. They're cute little portable protein
capsules that are perfect for snacking or pumping up any meal. Lazy Girl Tip: You can buy
ready-made hard-boiled eggs at the grocery store, but they're really quite simple to make once
you get the hang of it — and a lot cheaper. 

    Just put your eggs in a pot of cold water. Make sure there's about an extra inch of water on top of the eggs. Bring the water to a boil without the lid. Once the water's boiling, boil for exactly 1 minute. Take off the heat and cover. Leave covered for 20 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. You can eat them right away or store them in the fridge for later. I love making multiple days of eggs at a time. It's a great way to cut down on meal prep time. (Psssst. Food Safety Tip: The FDA advises to eat hard-boiled eggs within one week, so don't make too many at once!) 

1 Regular Sized Egg
Calories: 70
Fat: 4.5g
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 6g

Healthy Snacks Under 200 Calories

1 cup frozen grapes and

1 piece of string cheese

200 calorie store bought protein

or snack bar

1/2c cottage cheese and

1 cup of diced pineapple

200 calorie protein shake

150 calories hummus and all the

raw veggies you can eat with it

200 calories edamame

100 calories tuna and 100

calories whole grain crackers

Rice cake with 1/4 avocado, 1 egg

& crushed red pepper flakes

200 calorie salad w/protein

Two celery spears with

2T peanut butter

22 cashews or 28 almonds

100 calorie bag of popcorn

and 14 almonds

1 banana and 1T nut butter

mashed together and frozen (you

can melt and drizzle your

chocolate square on top!)

Why Ya Need To Stretch Everyday!

Stretching. Yesssss. Stretching is what means you get to exercise again tomorrow. Cuz without it you’ll be CRAZY sore and will not only have a hard time working out — you’ll have a hard time moving around. Trust me, last week I forgot to stretch after my Burn Circuit 1 and I was out of commission for 2 days... 2 DAYS!!!! (crying over here). Just like what you drink is just as important as what you eat, stretching is just as important as exercising. Also, it’s part of exercise. Stretching burns calories! Don’t skimp.

General rule: Active stretching before you work out and passive stretching (aka
traditional stretching where you hold stretches for 15-30 seconds) after when you’re
super warm. 

Sneak in as many little stretch breaks throughout the day as you can. You can stretch just about anywhere — in bed, in the shower, at your desk, waiting in line. Ahhhhh. It feels so good. #mmmmm All I'm asking is that you stretch for at least one song length (can you do two? that’d be rad) after your circuits. Put on some Britney Spears, #OopsIDidItAgain and stretch everything. Relax into your stretches. Enjoy them! You’re preparing yourself to fight the Fitness Dolls fight another day!

Thank you to the fitgirlsguide for this inspired post! Love you guys <3

Easy Ways To Burn More Calories

GOAL: Be active for 30 minutes a day, 6 days per week. 

1. TEN OF SOMETHINGS. Take mini-breaks every hour to do Ten of something. Esp if you work at a desk. 10 calf raises, 10 wall pushups, 10 desk tricep dips, 10 mini-jumping jacks, 10 standing crunches. So many options. Our bodies hate sitting around all day. "Ten of Something" makes them happy and earns major mermaid stickers.

2. WOBBLE CUSHION. Oh! And have you tried a wobble cushion? We’re wobbling around on ours right now. It’s a free core workout and your back will heart you for it. And it makes sitting still more fun — cuz you don't have to sit still! “Brb Googling that now.” Do it!

3. ATTS. Always Take the Stairs.

4. BAD SPACES ARE GOOD. Park far away when you’re running errands. Bonus, you don’t have to wait for that chick to pull out of that space. Double bonus: Nobody scratches your car. (Unless there’s
some jerk going around keying cars that are parked far away.)

5. FLATS ARE FRIENDS. When you wear flats you’re more likely to walk more during the day. Extra walking is one of the easiest ways to burn some extra cals. #YES

6. THE WALK AND TALK. Have a call to make? Make it on a walk. Can’t get outside? Do the walk and pace. (Bonus: If you walk briskly and get your heart rate up this counts as part of your 30 minutes.) These upcoming two also count as part of your 30 minutes. 

7. FRIEND DATES. Move friend dates from the restaurant to the street. Walking with a bestie is like getting paid to hang out in exercise dollars. #freemoney

8. “FRIEND” DATES. Your TV character friends are almost as good of an exercise distraction as your real ones. Get any last minutes of the day’s workout in while you zone out.

What To Drink While Trying To Lose Weight

    Okay, here's the thing: beverages can pack a BIG punch inside their little flavoured cups of goodness. But seriously, drinking "empty calories" can be the death of your clean eating! A frappacino, cup of juice, and diet soda will run you at 800+ calories (Um, what?!) not to mention, tons of fake sugar, carbs, and you'll crash as quickly as you got your energy buzz in the first place! 

Required: 8+ oz of water per day
Optional: 2-3 sparking waters per week
Optional: 2 small cups of coffee per day
Optional: green, black, and herbal tea
Optional: two 150 calories bonus drinks per week (can be from the "No" list)
No: diet soda, soda, or alcohol
No: fruit juice

How To Lose Weight

    Hey loves! As you probably know by now, I've had my share of ups and downs with the scale. It can be a frustrating process and even a frustrating mind set. Sometimes we backslide and when we no longer feel apart of the "progress" we feel stuck in our current weight and wonder if we'll EVER get to our goals. The truth is, it's totally up to you. 

    While it may be hard to believe right now - your dream abs, thighs, or arms etc, are totally within reach. Nothing is stopping you, except you. When I first realized this concept it was a tough pill to swallow because it meant accepting that I was NOT at my goal weight/body also because of ME. YIKES! What a wake up call. Losing weight since that point hasn't been "a breeze" but I felt a sort of relief knowing that I could do it. 

    There's no magic pill to losing weight, toning up, or "getting abs", but there are definitely steps! And as much as it's tempting to buy into the "next great thing", the BEST thing you can do is to focus on being healthy. Don't worry about the Paris Diet, the Atkins Diet, or how many points something has. Just ask yourself "Is this healthy?" And if it is, then good. If it's not, have some in moderation. Your eating should be about 80% healthy and 20% treat. If it's manmade, it's not as healthy as it should be. Low-fat ice-cream, low-sodium chips, fat free granola bars.... are all things that are man made. It's tempting (and confusing) to look at these things and think they're healthy, but in truth - they're not. 

    If you're starting at square 1, the easiest place to start is not to look at what you "can't have" and instead to focus on having more of what you SHOULD have. Let me explain that..

    Focus on ADDING to your diet, instead of removing. Start adding more fruits, vegetables, grains, and natural protein sources. When you focus on adding foods to your diet you'll be less focused on avoiding the unhealthy foods.

    While I highly encourage tracking what you eat in a day, that can feel restricting and overwhelming in the beginning. If you're a beginner, just start with adding healthy foods to your menu. Once you've gotten a grip on that, then you should start to track what you eat each day. Don't worry so much about calories! Focus on the quality of the food you're eating. Proteins, fats, and carbs! 

    If you want to lose weight you need to active as well! And honestly, sometimes this part is so focused on that people get stressed about it! Just get your blood pumping. Go on a walk if thats all you have available to you. But PLEASE don't go to the gym and spend $50 on a gym membership, it's NOT necessary and chances are you will be as confused as I am in there, and end up wasting time & money. Go for a walk, a jog, get some cheap badminton rackets and play with a friend at a park, or do home workouts (with me!). 

    Like I said, there is no magic pill to weightless, but there are steps. Focus on eating the right foods & be active.

    Chances are you already know what to do and just need some help or accountability to make it happen. Thats what I'm here for! I'm always excited to welcome new people to the Fitness Doll Challenge, and if you're not ready for that that's OK! You can email me at jessica.herle@hotmail.com or add me on facebook and we can start talking about other little ways you can get healthy first. Baby steps are greater than no steps!

Talk soon! xoxox

Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

INGREDIENTS
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats 
1 cup Greek yogurt 
2 ripe bananas 
2 eggs 
1/4 cup honey 
1 1/2 tsp baking powder 
1/2 tsp. baking soda 
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 

INSTRUCTIONS 
Mix wet ingredients separate from dry ingredients || Blend all ingredients except for chocolate chips in food processor until batter is smooth || Add chocolate chips and stir || Transfer batter into muffin pan using parchment paper muffin liners and sprinkle more chocolate chips on top for fun || Bake at 375F for about 25-30 minutes until the tops of muffins are set and donezo! (Makes 12)

Day 14 - TurboFire & Burn Circuit 1

    Hey loves! Let me just take a second here to say I LOOOOVEEEE working out at home! Not that I don't like gyms or the people in them - but working out at home is just SO my jam. Theres no traffic to get there, I get to wear whatever works for me even if it's not cute or appropriate (lol), and I just get to follow along to my TV. I mean seriously, I'm working out with the BEST of the BEST trainers, and right beside my bed! Muahahaha. just kidding ;) Not to mention, I'm CLUELESS in a gym haha.

    Today is Day 14, and on my schedule is HIIT 15, and Sculpt 30! I decided to do a Chalean Extreme workout instead because I wanted a change-up. The Chalean Extreme workout I chose was Burn Circuit 1. Just a quick, 30 minute workout but let me tell ya! My legs are already killing me and I don;t even want to know how I feel going down the stairs tomorrow, eek! Oh well! I'm all about that bass ;)

Original Fitness Doll Challenge Application

Fill out my online form.

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

My 'AHA' Moment Of The Week

I have to take a second to call myself out on something important...

    That being... I have NOT been living up to my potential. I've been living off of this idea that I'm "apart" of the greatest business in the world, and thinking that alone was enough to accomplish my dreams. But looking back on my behaviour I realize that being APART of it isn't enough. I need to actually take FULL advantage of it (which I haven't been doing) and WORK HARD.

    I regularly quoted to myself and others "true success happens when you spend a couple years living like other's WON'T, so that you can spend the rest of your life living like others CAN'T." Yet I wasn't living like other's "won't"... I wasn't putting in 10 hour days, and giving my all every. single. day.

    Looking back it's like WOAH, how could I miss this?! Being apart of this business is so different than actually taking full advantage of it. And all this time, I thought I was the 1%! Haha! Boyyyy, was I wrong.

    Thank gosh for personal development for giving me the ability to self reflect and actually take notice of where my compass is directing me. Seeing an opportunity is not enough - you need to SEIZE it. Just like reading a self-help book is not enough either... you need to IMPLEMENT what you read.

BIG wake-up call this morning.

WOW!

"Whatever your 100% looks like... give it"

My Abs Are Showing!!

    Hey sugars! Yesterday was a GOOD day. Finally I could see progress in my body from all the workouts, healthy meals, and shakeology. Sometimes the journey feels endless, but I've realized even the smallest amount of results it's SO worth it. It's such a satisfying feeling because you no-one can take it from you, you can't buy fitness, and you KNOW the "blood, sweat and tears" that went into it!

    My weight is currently 124.6 and my goal for the end of the month is (hopefully) around 120lbs, HOWEVER I would like to clarify that the scale is not my ultimate goal.. I have a pair of cut-off jean shorts from Abercrombie that I currently "fit" into, but I want them to feel and look BETTER. 

    The photo wasn't darkened or anything so I'm not sure why it looks like this on my computer LOL. I uploaded the original to here and facebook and it looks a lot lighter on facebook... hmmmm. If you want to join me in my quest of losing 4 lbs (or maybe 10 lbs depending on your goals!) this month - apply for my october fitness challenge here. Love you guys!