Shaun Week Exclusively On Beachbody On Demand

Oh man!! I can NOT tell you how excited I am for this program!! Shaun T is THE man who got me to the best shape of my life with T25 and BOY have I missed working out to his programs!! But the wait is OVER!!  Shaun Week is heeeerrreee!!! What's shark week....I mean Shaun Week???
Shaun Week is a 7-day intensive full body boot camp developed by Shaun T to motivate you to focus like you've never focused before. And dig deeper than you ever thought possible.

Exclusively through Team Beachbody On Demand you will get 7 workouts that are Insanity and Focus T25-inspired, incorporating cardio, intense strength conditioning, abs/core, and lots and lots of sweat!!! But don't worry!! Every program has a modifier so this boot camp is great for every fitness level!!

The Workouts

Insane Basics:  Go Slow, form over speed, work through it.

Pure Cardio Part 2:  It is going to be amazing!  You don’t go to the floor at all.

Insane Weights:  This workout is hitting the weights in an Insanity format.

25 Abs:  25 minutes of abs that is so ridiculously amazing your abs will be arriving just in time for summer!

BrickSanity:  Asylum strength and T25 mixture and a lot of insane craziness!

Speed 4.0:  Speed workout similar to what you did in T25 Speed 1.0 and 2.0

Dig Deep is how you end the week with a bang!  This is BANANA’s YO!!!!  This sounds like Friday Fight From Max 30.

And don't worry.....we have a plan for after the 7 days!! Shaun T's not gonna leave us hanging!!

What is the start date?

We kick off on June 12th and a new program is launched each day on Beachbody On Demand.  There's no peaking ahead!! Each workout is posted live that morning.  It is perfect timing because I am coming back from a long weekend of camping and we can do it together through my support and accountability group!! Lifting each other up and encouraging one another along the way!

How do I get into your group?

Easy!! 

First you need to head over and make me your coach as long as you're not already working with a Beachbody coach at this time. And we'll get you set up with Beachbody On Demand!

Next...
*Complete your application below to get the details on how to join
* Click GOING on the Face Book EVENT
*You must be willing to participate daily for the entire week to get those amazing results you're looking for
*Remember this is for my clients only who are not currently working with a coach at this time!

What is You V2?

Get ready to party, sweat, and celebrate becoming the new you every time you press play. Expect to have lots of fun with feel good party tunes, an incredible group of ladies of all shapes and sizes, and motivation from your biggest cheerleader and trainer, Leandro Carvalho. With 4 cardio-dance routines and 2 body-sculpting workouts, Leandro teaches you easy-to-follow moves, step-by-step. And the best part? He picked songs that will make you want to move and groove to the new version of you.

This workout is EASY, SIMPLE, and all you have to do is show up and press PLAY!! Plus, you’ll love the throwback songs and the energy is incredible!!

Who is YOUv2 for?

Great for all fitness levels, YOUv2 is designed for women who want a fun dance-inspired workout that’s easy to follow. If you’ve never really worked out, or you haven’t worked out in a long time, this program is perfect for you! In just four weeks you’ll be feeling and looking better without all the stress of a strict program and fad diet.

What is the eating plan like?

The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) & JUST EAT! Meal Guide is your on-ramp to eating better and feeling better. It’s not a strict diet. It’s designed to help you make small, simple changes over 4 weeks with 4 easy steps. These help you create new healthy habits that will become second nature. You’ll get easy-to-make healthy recipes, too.

How long are the workouts?

The program is scheduled for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. That means you get weekends off! There are a total of 6 workouts included with the program:

Move Your Body: Get ready to shimmy, shake, and strike a pose to “Let’s Get Loud,” originally recorded by Jennifer Lopez.

Work It. $hake It!: Put your unique attitude into every move of this disco-themed routine as you groove to “She Works Hard For The Money,” originally recorded by Donna Summer.

Rock It Out!: Grab your air guitar, let out that inner rockstar, and dance it out to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” originally recorded by Pat Benatar.

Sweat Sensation: It’s time for you to shine and party like it’s 1991 to “Good Vibrations,” originally recorded by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta Holloway.

Sculpt Shack: You’ll learn to love the burn in this standing total-body sculpting routine as you tone to the beat of “Love Shack,” originally recorded by The B-52’s.

Believe, Achieve, & Tone: Ready to get down? Leandro knows you can conquer this mat-based routine after he gets you fired up with “Believe,” originally recorded by Cher.

There is NO equipment required for any of the workouts! Weighted gloves are recommended if you want to take the program to the next level.

When can I get this workout?

The program launches on May 16th! If you're not already working with a coach at this time please sign up so that I can coach and support you through your journey.  Here is your link to create your Free Team Beachbody Account.  Be sure to fill out the challenge group application below after completing your order so that I can get you plugged into our exclusive group!!

How much does it cost?

There are a couple options to consider but since I'm always looking for the best deal well start with the Beachbody on Demand All Access Challenge Pack. This way when you've completed YouV2 and ready to take it up a notch you will have access to EVERY program that Beachbody has created. We'll match you up with your next program and roll you right into the next challenge group!!! Here’s what you get.....

• digital access to the entire YOUv2 program, including the YOUv2 quick start guide, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) & Just Eat! Meal Guide, a motivational 30-day wall calendar, and the Oh Hello YOUv2 Journal
• Beachbody On Demand All Access for 1 full year, which allows you to stream every Beachbody program ever released PLUS all new releases on your phone, iPad, laptop, or any other streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Firestick, etc.)
• a 30 day supply of Shakeology
• the Portion Fix program
• access to my support and accountability challenge groups where I will be personally helping you to create a food plan that meets your needs, giving you recipes, tips, daily accountability so that this program does not become another dust collector on your shelf
• discounted price and shipping all for $160 for a limited time (normally costs $199 + tax and shipping)

Here are the links to purchase the BOD All Access Challenge Pack:

Purchase the Beachbody OnDemand All Access Challenge Pack As a Coach

Purchase the Beachbody OnDemand All Access Challenge Pack as a Customer 

How do I get in the Accountability Group?

• In my accountability group everyone will participate for the entire 4 weeks of the program. It is required that I am the coach of each participant in the group.  You cannot already be working with another coach or be a coach yourself.
• The fitness program and Shakeology are BOTH requirements of the group.  You will be getting everything you need for this group when you sign up with me.
• Daily participation in the closed group is required for the 4 weeks.  I will have you log your workouts, your daily food activity and provide you with tools, tips and recipes to help you get to your goals.
• Give it your all and HAVE FUN!!!

Fill out the application below and let's get this party started!!

14 Week BUMP-Date

Not too much to report this week. It's been pretty smooth sailing, I can't complain! We did have three days where we had different contractors coming for various products so it was SO important for me to get up and get my workouts in early. I cursed my alarm each morning at 5am but by 6am when I was done I was thanking my will power for kicking in. I didn't beat myself up for missing my workouts and it wasnt hanging over my head making me feel guilty all day.

We had one of our routine ultrasounds this week and it was SO exciting!! We got a clear shot of "Baby Olaf" (My son has temporarily named him ;) ), but we still have about a month to find out the gender of our little peanut! I refer to her as "she" because it just doesnt feel right to say "it" lol. She was pretty sleepy but when I would cough she would stretch her legs out and move her arms all around. I was truly in heaven all day and couldnt stop looking at her pics! We checked out the farmers market and enjoyed an AWESOME Quinoa Bake for dinner...Check it out here!

How Far Along? 14 weeks

Size of Baby: About the size of a lemon. About 3 1/2 inches and about 1.5 oz. 

Gender: We find out in about  weeks. I can't wait because this pregnancy has been so different I want to see if all the gender stereotypes are true!
Weight Gain: I have gained 5 pounds so far. I think...I try not to get obsessed with the scale as can easily happen but I like to make sure I'm keeping myself on track.

Maternity Clothes: Not yet but have been eyeing the box in the garage. I need to get it out to see what I have and what I need to get. I'm loving my maxi skirts for going out. Nice and stretchy and flowy :)

Nursery: Not sure yet, waiting to find out gender first. 

   

Movement: Not yet, doctor said around 16-20 weeks it should start. I'm very anxious for this!

Symptoms: This week I feel great! Nothing to complain about and energy is back, thank goodness!!

Sleep: Still sleeping on my stomach and I thank my lucky stars every night because this is the easiest way for me to fall asleep. PLUS we have massages later in the week and I SOOOO badly want to enjoy that

Cravings: Nope nothing this week. Continue to eat clean and I allow an occasional treat but for the most part try really hard to stay dedicated. Not only for it to be easier to lose the baby weight but I also feel that it is SO important to give the baby nutritious foods not bad foods. 

What I Miss: This week it has been my E&E for SURE!! I've been sticking to my 5am wake up call and its a lot harder to push through without it but no caffeine for Baby Olaf!!

Best Moment This Week:  Having a lot of fun with my son and just being in the moment. We got to bake brownies, we played a lot of games and puzzles and even made mud pies in the back yard. I know in the very near future we are going to have a new addition and I never want him to feel like he's being pushed out or replaced so I am trying to have as much quality 1:1 time as we can have each day. 

Looking forward to: Our 5 year anniversary trip later this week. My hubby and I are getting away for a couple days and I cant wait to relax, get a massage, eat at a "fancy dinner" that doesnt have a childrens menu and balloons!!! And just spend 1:1 quality time with him unplugged from everything else!

Plan for this week: This week I'll be switching things up a bit. With traveling to my parents early in the week and then our trip later in the week its easier for me to work out to T25. I may have to modify, I havent done this program in several weeks but its the easiest program to bring with us on the road without needing to bring weights etc. I'll also be following my meal plan and bringing as much healthy snacks/meals with us on our trip so I can really indulge for our anniversary dinner and not feel guilty for it!!

See you next week!!
XOXO

13 Week BUMP-date!

Feeling really good this week. Worked out every day and stuck to my meal plan with a gallon of water every day! Finished up my last week of the 21 Day Fix and I'll be moving onto a Fix / PUMP hybrid for a couple weeks until P90 comes out and I can start that in October with my challengers!

How Far Along? 13 weeks

Size of Baby: As long as a pea pod. About 3 inches long and weighs about an ounce.

Gender: We find out in about 6 weeks. I can't wait because this pregnancy has been so different I want to see if all the gender stereotypes are true!

Weight Gain: I have gained 4 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes: Nope still rockin the yoga pants. Need to get a couple "going out" outfits. Probably will just be a size up in regular clothes though.

Nursery: Not sure yet, waiting to find out gender first. 

   

Movement: Not yet, doctor said around 16-20 weeks it should start. I'm very anxious for this!

Symptoms: This week I feel great! Nothing to complain about and energy is back, thank goodness!!

Sleep: I get up about 2-3 times a night to use the rest room. Not sure if thats just the pregnancy or that I drink a gallon of water a day, maybe both ;) I do toss and turn a lot. But can thankfully still sleep on my stomach!!

Cravings: Nothing this week and I am so proud of myself for sticking to the 21 Day Fix meal plan 100%. I feel so much better eating clean, whole foods that fuel me and my baby.

What I Miss: Not gonna lie, I miss an occasional glass of wine. Our back yard is almost done now and it would be awesome to sit out there an enjoy a glass of wine and watch the fire...but I've got plenty of time for that right!??!?!

Best Moment This Week:  Celebrating my sister in laws baby at her shower. It was so fun to see all the cute little outfits!! I want a girl!! just sayin ;)

Looking forward to: Finding out the gender, having my "bump" show a little more and feeling some movement. I just love that feeling of little butterflies in my tummy!

Plan for this week: Pretty much the same as last week, I will be working out to the 21 Day Fix and Les Mills PUMP workouts as well as following the 21 Day Fix meal plan and eating 5-6 small meals a day.I am trying a couple new recipes and hope they're a hit! Stay tuned for the recipes later in the week!

See you next week!!
XOXO

Easter Brunch Menu

Easter is one of my favorite holidays!! The warm weather, the beautiful flowers, Easter brunch....what could be better?!?! Well let me tell you...with Easter Brunch and Easter baskets full of candy, comes lots of empty calories leaving us feeling full, sluggish and tired all day! So this year why not go the healthy route? No healthy doesn't mean you'll be missing out on all the delicious foods, it just means you'll be making a few easy changes to your ingredients and how you prepare them!!

Whether you are hosting Easter brunch or taking a dish to a pot luck these clean eating dishes will be a hit for sure!!

 

Spinach Onion Frittata

A frittata is a great option for brunch because you can make it ahead of time. It's also great because you can throw just about anything into it; head to your nearest farmers market, grab what's in season, and run home to make your spinach onion frittata.

Egg Muffins

These little egg muffins are a wonderful treat for any brunch! You can make them ahead of time or serve them hot, right out of the oven! Another fun idea would be to have a "make your own muffin" bar and let guests select from a variety of yummy, fresh ingredients like fresh chopped veggies, spices and lean meats. The options are endless with this one!

Baked Egg in Avocado

This recipe, Baked Egg in Avocado, combines two of my favorite things...eggs and avocado!! When I first saw this recipe on Pinterest I was a little skeptical but I figured with these two, what could go wrong?!?! It was so creamy and yummy!

Ok...So now that we've got some healthier items on the menu, let's take a look at how we can improve the beverage bar!! Easter is a time to celebrate and often times that includes endless Mimosa's, Bloody Mary's and Bilini's but those lovely libations are swimming with added sugar and calories! Try one of these skinny versions and  plan ahead and stick to your guns when enjoying just one or two.

Skinny Mimosa

Tropicana's Trop50 has 50% less sugar and calories than regular OJ, is naturally sweetened, and tastes great. The juice drink cuts mimosa calories down BIG TIME. Simply mix up 1/3 cup Trop50 with 1/2 cup icy-cold champagne. Cheers! 

 

Skinny Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Skinnygirl Cucumber vodka
• 2 parts low sodium tomato juice
• Splash of fresh lemon juice
• Squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
• Dash of hot sauce
• Sprinkle of celery salt

Garnish with lime, cucumber and celery stalk.

 Skinny Peach Bellini

Simple and delicious!! Use a kitchen hammer to mash pre-washed white/yellow peaches [ about four ] & place the peach purée in the fridge for an hour. Then add two heaping tablespoons of the half-frozen peaches in a chilled flute, pour champagne on top and enjoy!!

Don't forget to get in your workouts!! For most of us Sunday is our rest day, me included. But this Easter Sunday I will be getting up EXTRA early to "help" the Easter Bunny hide the eggs and to knock out some Focus T25 all before anyone else is awake! Even though I will be making healthy choices and eating as clean as possible I will allow for some wiggle room. But that doesn't mean I go buck wild and eat and drink everything in sight, it just means that I will enjoy my day with family and friends so this extra workout is crucial to my success.

I hope to have provided you with some new and healthy options for your Easter brunch this year that will let you enjoy while not feeling guilty for completely undoing all your hard work this week!

Do you want to know more great tips to turn your own health and fitness around?  Learn the tips and tricks that have made me successful in my own health and fitness journey!  Starting May 5th I will be kicking off my SUMMER SLIM DOWN accountability group and I would LOVE to have YOU join us!! Shoot me a message over at Facebook and fill out the application below to get started!!



<a href="https://melindabesinaiz.wufoo.com/forms/mintvr1wz20op/">Fill out my Wufoo form!</a>

T25 Week 1 Progress with Meal Plan

Officially back on track and feeling great!! I restarted T25 after my move now that I'm all settled in and I am following the Eat Clean Diet Stripped meal plan along with it. My original plan was to also combine Chalean Extreme in this week with T25 but when I went to get my weights ready last Sunday night I found out that they were stuck and I cant get them out of the base. But I didn't let that throw me off track. I just moved forward with T25 and my clean eating until I can get them fixed!

I am feeling more comfortable with the moves and I feel that by focusing on them and perfecting my form that I will get results faster than just "going through the motions" which I found myself doing sometimes. I've really had to have some conversations in my own head while working out. Checking myself when I KNOW I'm half assin the moves. When Shaun T says SPRINT I have to say "Melinda is this a sprint or a JOG, STEP IT UP!" I have very limited time to work out before my son wakes up and my day gets busy with mom duties, play dates, coaching  etc so I dont have time to give it anything less than 100% effort!

At the end of the week something funny happened...well lets just say that I found it anything BUT funny but I still want to share. I started AND ended this week at the same EXACT weight of 151.5 and I lost 1 inch around my waist. I was BUMMED...I crushed my workouts, I followed my meal plan, drank a gallon of water a day, drank my Shakeology etc, so what happened? Well here's what I think. First it was "that time", ladies you know what I'm talking about. So I'm going to take that into consideration. But I also think that I might be at a plateau. I have lost and maintained a 45 pound weight loss from last year and I think its time to change things up a bit. I know that my body responds well to lifting heavy weights so that's where I'll be making some changes this week and going forward. My weights should be repaired today and I will be doing Chalean Extreme 3 days a week and T25 3 days a week. I enjoy the cardio but that's not going to deliver the muscle definition that I'm looking for and lets face it, building muscle helps you burn more calories so its a win-win!! Since this new plan is just a trial, no scientific proof it will work lol, I am looking forward to reporting back to let you know how it goes!!

Here is the meal plan I used for week one following Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet Stripped book!!

I'm looking forward to the next 7 weeks of the year to see where my journey takes me. Eating clean (following the stripped plan specifically) has left me feeling full of energy, less bloated, feeling and looking lean and able to get into jeans comfortably with no muffin top!! HECK YA!!

If you you are interested in learning more about clean eating, Shakeology or working out I'd love to chat and help you get on the right track! Friend me on Facebook and shoot me a message saying that you saw this blog post and want more info!!

Hip Hop Abs 6 Day Slim Down - Day 6 and Final Review

I did it!! I finished the Hip Hop Abs 6 Day Slim Down and I feel great! This program has been a nice change from my more intense workouts like T25, TurboFire and Insanity but still provided me a great sweat session and great results!!

I walked out to the garage this morning with butterflies in my tummy. I had worked so hard to stay on the plan, working out every day and following the meal plan to a T. I did allow for one cheat meal, but even then I found myself being much more aware of what I was eating and starting asking myself did I REALLY want that or did it just look good at that moment. Was it going to be worth the possibility of feeling sluggish and bloated, was it going to be worth it to see the scale go up and my hard work go out the window? Nope!!

So I am officially down 2.8 pounds!! I have not seen 151 on the scale in quite some time. But mark my words it's only going DOWN from here. I am 100% committed to continuing this journey and continuing to get results no matter what life throws at me. We can't just "check out" when the going gets tough. That's the time to rise and SHINE!! I do want to throw out this disclaimer...I am not a slave to the scale, I used to be, but I now know that progress is shown in many more areas than just the scale. Such as inches lost and clothes fitting looser. I typically weigh in once a week or every two weeks to make sure I'm on track, otherwise I go a little coo-coo looking every day.

Today's workout was Fat Burning Cardio. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Shaun T's got jokes!! I'm not sure if I got a better ab workout from the routine or from laughing at his silly ways and comments. I love that guy!!

Such a big part of weight loss comes from the food we eat. Sure we need to work out to burn calories and grow our muscles, but if you finish your workout and head to the drive through or happy hour and order a serving of loaded cheese fries, it doesnt really matter that you just burned 300 calories. In fact you may even be packing MORE calories back on than you just worked an hour to get off. I encourage each and every one of you reading this today to really take a look at how you are fueling your body. Are you living to eat or eating to live? I used to live to eat...I had no idea that a 100 calorie pack of cookies wasnt good for me. I thought "ok 100 calories, great I still have 1100 left for the day" but what I didnt know was that those 100 pack cookies were going to set me up for failure. They dont NOURISH my body, there is no nutritional value to them. So I'm left feeling hungry almost immediately after. Not to mention there are like 7 tiny little things in there anyways. I've now learned that its not about the calorie restriction its about eating WHOLE FOODS to provide my body with nutrition and make me feel fuller longer. Now a snack looks something like an apple and a cheese stick. Sure its closer to 200 calories but by pairing a carb (apple) and a protein (cheese stick) my body can feel fuller longer and I wont keep grabbing for junk that I think I need.

And that's what I really loved about this meal plan. The 6 Day Slim Down provided meals and snacks that were well rounded and kept me satisfied until the next meal.

Breakfast- Mocha Madness
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 Tbsp instant coffee
1 cup hot water
Ice (to cool coffee)
1/2 cup almond milk

Mix instant coffee with hot water, then cool with ice. Blend cooled coffee with milk in blender and enjoy!

 AM Snack - Go Nuts
15-20 raw almonds or walnuts

Lunch - Chef's Salad
1 cup romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
1 Hard Boiled egg sliced
2 oz sliced lean deli meat (roast beef, turkey, etc)



Toss ingredients together and dig in!

PM Snack - Turkey and Swiss Roll Ups
5 oz roasted deli turkey breast
1 oz low-fat Swiss cheese slices
1 Tbsp mustard (yellow, whole grain, Dijon)

Layer and roll together, Enjoy!

Dinner - Chicken Dijon
4 oz chicken breast
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 mist cooking spray
2 cups chopped broccoli
Salt and pepper (to taste)


Preheat oven to 375. Lightly mist a large piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray, place chicken in the center, brush with Dijon and wrap tightly into a pouch. Cook for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Steam broccoli and serve with chicken.


So all in all I'm very glad that I did this 6 Day Sim Down. I was able to experience a GREAT program with Hip Hop Abs and I cant speak highly enough about the way that Beachbody has combined this great workout with awesome recipes

If you are ready to jump on board and get started with clean eating and your own weight loss journey I would like to personally invite you to my 30 day Clean Eating and Shakeology challenge group starting next Monday, September 30th. We will be discussing the clean eating principles, what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat. We will incorporate Shakeology as 1 meal each day (whatever meal you choose). Exercise is optional, but is encouraged. The only requirements are that I am your official Beachbody Coach and that you commit to completing the 30 days with Shakeology. And as an ADDED BONUS for those who are reading this blog post I will have an upgrade option where you can get your very own copy of Hip Hop Abs PLUS Rockin Body for FREE when you sign up.  Add me on Facebook and shoot me a message that you are interested in the Shakeology/Clean Eating group and I'll send you the exclusive link for your upgrade!!