What is your WHY?

I often get asked where I get my motivation. I have many many reasons and the most truthful one is I don't like to feel my stomach over the top of my pants. After 4 kids, I have to work that core. 

Here are some more things that motivate me!

• My kids are MY reason NOT my excuse
• I want to stay as healthy as possible
• Be proof for your family...they will support you if you continue!
• I want my kids to grow up seeing that I love fitness and use fitness to stay healthy, feel good and look great! 

What is your WHY?

On the LAST day of Fit-mas

On the LAST day of Fit-mas, I am giving YOU ME! Not as your ho-ho-ho (get your dirty minds out of the stocking Santa's). I am a FREE fitness coach. I don't have certifications (not yet anyways, that is a goal when Tyler is in school, Mommy will be getting some education too...well in addition to my Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Finance and a minor of Economics (not bragging well maybe alittle I worked very hard for that degree that I don't use anymore except for my personal use). 

So now that you realized I am NOT a fitness expert what value do I add? Well I love trying new things and will give you an honest opinion on what can or may not work for you. I can spend the $$$ so you can just get to the best product for you. I can recommend some fantastic products if you allow me. The best part is that I will provide you with motivation, inspiration and coaching when you pick me as your FREE Beachbody Coach. 

Go to www.novakbefit.com and sign up for your free account today!!!

Hammer & Chisel Week 1 Meal Plan

I fall into Plan B of the Hammer & Chisel calorie charts. Here are the number of containers I am allotted each day:

• 4 Green
• 3 Purple
• 4 Red
• 3 Yellow
• 1 Blue
• 1 Orange
• 4 Spoons

It is not the lowest calorie plan so I think this might be very doable for me. Here is what I have planned for this week.

Monday:

• Breakfast: 
• Red: Greenberry Shakeology 
• Purple 1/2 large banana
• Purple frozen pineapple
• Mid morning snack:
• Red: Scrambled eggs 
• Green: with spinach 
• Yellow: toast
• Lunch:
• Yellow and Red: Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato
• Green: salad
• Purple: fruit on my salad
• Blue: cheese
• 1/2 Orange: pumpkin seeds
• Snack: 
• Green: veggie
• Dinner: 
• Red & 1/2 orange: Almond crusted chicken
• Green: mixed veggies

Tuesday:

• Breakfast: 
• Red: Greenberry Shakeology 
• Purple 1/2 large banana
• Purple frozen pineapple
• Mid morning snack:
• Yellow: Oatmeal 
• Purple: with fruit
• Lunch:
• Green: mixed veggie soup
• Green: veggie
• Red: leftover almond chicken from Monday's dinner
• Dinner: 
• Green & Red: Egg & Veggie Frittata 
• Blue: with cheese
• Green: salad
• (I think I am short a red or two here so I plan on having an extra frittata serving as I have a feeling I am going to really like it).

Wednesday:

• Breakfast: 
• Red: Leftover fritta
• Blue: with cheese
• Green: peppers on the side
• Lunch:
• Red: Greenberry Shakeology 
• Purple 1/2 large banana
• Purple frozen pineapple
• Snack:
• Yellow: Edamame
• Red & Yellow: Stuffed Sweet Potato
• Dinner: 
• Green, Red & Orange: Chili spiced chicken salad
• Green: lettuce wraps

Thursday:

• Breakfast: 
• Red: Greenberry Shakeology 
• Purple 1/2 large banana
• Purple frozen pineapple
• Snack:
• Red: Hard boiled eggs
• Lunch:
• Green, Red & Orange: leftover chili spiced chicken salad
• Green: lettuce wraps
• Snack: 
• Blue: cheese
• Red: turkey slices
• Yellow: crackers
• Dinner: 
• Red, Purple and some Green: Pineapple chicken skewers

Friday:

• Breakfast: 
• Red: sausage
• Red: egg
• Blue: cheese
• Yellow: english muffin
• Green: spinach
• Lunch:
• Red: chicken
• Green: salad
• Orange: nuts
• Purple: Fruit
• Snack: 
• Red: Greenberry Shakeology
• Purple: 1/2 large banana
• Purple: frozen pineapple
• Dinner: 
• Yellow: bread
• Red: Turkey
• Green: Lettuce

I haven't quite figured out Saturday and Sunday yet. I think I do need to stay on the plan but might be more spontaneous and not plan out Saturday and Sundays when doing my meal planning. This would be a good chance to use up the weekly leftovers and then get ready for the week and go grocery shopping. The more I think about it the more I like that idea! Done!

Stay tuned for how these recipes turn out and what adjustments I make.

Hammer & Chisel Meal Planning

I officially start Hammer & Chisel in about one week. I am so excited and when I do something I give it 100%! So that means I need to sit down and do some meal planning. 

In the meantime, I am going to finish cleaning out my pantry, fridge and freezer. Yes, that mean's finishing the frozen pizzas I have on hand, the hamburgers, beef and ice cream that has slowly crept their way into our house when our nutrition guards where done and old, bad eating habits were picked up. You know it's bad when my scale has a dead battery and I really don't care about replacing it. Yes, I am going to before H & C starts.

So on to the meal planning. I want results like the lady above has. So that means in addition to doing the workouts I need to follow the meal planning containers that the program calls for. So I need to pull the 21 Day Fix containers out of the pantry and wipe off the dust. 

I have a great week 1 menu planned with a mixture of the Fixate cookbook, H & C Nutrition Guide and Pinterest ideas. 

Stay tuned for the full weekly menu so you can get some great ideas for your meal planning too!

On the 3rd day of Fit-mas

On the 3rd day of Fit-mas, I am recommending you do something special for yourself in 2016. Think of your health as a gift to yourself. What is that you want to do but maybe wouldn't consider because of the cost or time involved?

DREAM BIG!! My 2015 gift to myself was signing up for 2 1/2 marathon races. I planned out about 9 months in advance. This gave me plenty of time to train and properly plan. What is the big deal you ask? Well it is more than the expense of the race fees (about $100 each). You need to factor in massages, shoes (hmmm, that is a reminder for me to order my favorite pair of running shoes Asics Gel Kayano 20...find what shoe works for you!), a fun race shirt (check out my 1/2 marathon 1/2 crazy 13.1 shirt above), songs for running, massages (yup, I am a every other week girl) and other unexpected expenses that might crop up. 

My 2016 goal is to do a (gulp) marathon. No promises but that is my goal. Give yourself of planning. It is so much fun! 

On the 4th day of Fit-mas

On the 4th day of Fit-mas, if your building your home gym, I highly recommend an expensive but much utilized purchase of adjustable weights and a STAND! You don't want to kill your back bending over. So glad my hubby got us one and I didn't veto that purchase (because I would have and then regretted it later).

What do I use my adjustable weights for? I'm glad you asked! My favorite program is BODY BEAST! It is one of the most affordable program at $40. Seriously you can't beat that. Check it out at www.novakbefit.com

Ask Santa...we got ours on Amazon.

Getting back into fitness s.l.o.w.l.y

It is so tough to get back into fitness after an extended break. After my 1/2 Marathon in November, I was burnt out. I knew I was going to be going on a not one but two vacations within that month (basically traveling the whole month of November...no, I'm not a princess...one was for my husband's work and the second was a very fun family vacation). Add on the fact that our house was being renovated while we were gone (and when we returned) made it very tough to get back into working out. 

I barely worked out during the month of November and December. I am nursing a slightly injured foot which I believe is from wearing heels (which I never wear) on vacation.

So today is December 22nd. Time to take this week of Christmas to dedicate a 10 minute daily ab workout and a 30 minute body workout. I am sampling The Master Hammer & Chisel program which I officially begin on January 4th. 

I loaded up my fridge yesterday with yummy, fresh fruits and vegetables. I had a sugar binge (and Cherry Coke) over the weekend. I am going to try to eat 80% healthy and 20% sweet this week during the holiday. This is all part of my plan to slowly phase my body back into working out and eating extremely healthy when I start Hammer & Chisel.

Today's workout was the "bonus" DVD you receive when you purchase the program from me, a coach!! It is a fast paced 16 minute workout featuring both Sagi and Autumn. There are about 30 reps of each move, a quick break and then the next move. Everything is doable for a beginner or advanced fitness person. Since I am out of shape it was tougher (and especially tougher to see myself jiggling in my workout room mirrors). But I know that every step I take over these next two weeks will make my January 4th start better for me! 

I love picking a different ab workout daily from my Team Beachbody member library. Today's ab workout was Chalean Extreme Ab Burner.

Now, I am off to go make cookies with my kids...remember that 20% sweet:)

On the 5th day of Fit-mas

On the 5th day of Fit-mas, I hope Santa brings you the Club Kickstart and Shakeology Challenge pack.  What I like about this challenge pack is you get some great products: 1) 3 Day Refresh Kit (great to curb some bad habits you may have picked up over the holiday) 2) Shakeology ($130 value)  3) access to Team Beachbody's library of workout videos to stream over $4,000 value! I use my Team Beachbody club membership daily when I am challenging myself with the workout of the day or a new ab workout. Great for those that like to vary it up! Have you heard of the club membership? It has access to tons of your favorite Beachbody workouts (and every single program you buy is loaded on it for you to stream), sneak peeks of new workouts and a daily workout du jour. Best thing is you can get 30 days free if you want to try. Ask me how or sign up at www.novakbefit.com Club Kickstart and Shakeology® Challenge Pack

Item #: ClubKickCPUS

You save $55 with this pack compared to buying each item separately. Limited Time Only! Kick-start your transformation—inside and out! In today's world, results can't come fast enough—unless you Kickstart them! This triple threat gives you everything you need for an accelerated, total-body makeover. Begin with the 3-Day Refresh® to finally break the cycle of bad eating habits and lose a few pounds fast.‡ Then, choose a fitness program by logging on to Beachbody® On Demand. Make sure you keep drinking Shakeology daily after the three days are over. That way, you'll keep losing weight and fuel up with the energy you'll need to take on P90X®, INSANITY®, 10-Minute Trainer®, or any of the Beachbody On Demand programs in the Member Library. Used together, this three-way nutritional and fitness powerhouse will put you on the fast track to the best possible results—and help you complete your transformation! You get everything you need to get your best results: 3-Day Refresh Kit to kick-start your weight loss, break the cycle of unhealthy eating, and lose a few pounds fast. Your first 30-day supply of Shakeology—the superfood protein shake that helps give you energy, reduce cravings, and accelerates your fitness results—delivered on Home Direct.*‡ Unlimited 90-day access to Beachbody On Demand—so you can choose a world-class fitness program and stream hundreds of workouts on-the-go, wherever you go! A 90-day Premium membership to the Team Beachbody Club, where you'll find all the support you'll need to get amazing results. **† Super Discount shipping (SAVE OVER $12) every month. You will have the option to choose your Shakeology flavor once you click the Buy Now button below.

Your Price: $180.00USD

Baking subsitutions

Christmas to me is all about having cookies and cocoa on the morning of. Not great for the waistline (and why I purposely am starting Hammer and Chisel after the holidays). But I still want to enjoy the traditional sweets. This information couldn't have come at a better day as the kids and I have a big baking day ahead of us. I might have to try a few swaps if I have the ingredients.

Baking substitues

On the 6th day of Fit-mas

On the 6th day of Fit-mas, I am recommending Beachbody's B-line resistance bands. I personally own these and I love how they have lasted through the test of time. I have had them for 2 years and they haven't cracked or split. Great buy at www.novakbefit.com

If you don't have weights or not ready to invest in them this is a great alternative to a weight set. They are quick and easy to use. 

B-LINES Band Kits

Item #: BLINEBandKits

Resistance bands have been proven to help you burn fat and tone lean muscle faster. Just as effective as free weights, resistance bands are much more portable and convenient, so you can work out anytime, anywhere. And with increasing levels of resistance, you can keep ramping up your workout as you get into better and better shape.

Choose your B-Lines kit:                                                   B-LINES Bands Standard Kit                                                       B-LINES Bands Super Kit                                                       B-LINES Extreme Kit

Your Price: $39.95USD

On the 7th day of Fit-mas

On the 7th day of Fit-mas, I am adding something that looks naughty!!! I am very curious about these hanging ab straps. Don't get the wrong idea...I want to work my abs peeps (I don't know what you thought they were going to be for!). Since I have been nice I might consider these. Available at www.novakbefit.com Hanging Ab Straps

Item #: HangingAbStraps

Go beyond crunches and get more complete ab toning with the Hanging Ab Straps. Vertical abdominal training allows you to maximize your efforts by using your body's own resistance to isolate and fire your abs like nothing else.

Add Hanging Ab Straps (set of 2) to your cart:                                                   Hanging Ab Straps (set of 2)

Your Price: $29.85USD

On the 8th day of Fit-mas

On the 8th day of Fit-mas...my true love brought this to me early.... my support group is starting January 4th, 2016. Who doesn't want to kick off 2016 fit, lean and strong? Challenge group is on special this December for $160.

I am also offering a $25 gift card after your completion of the program (contact me for full details)!

You save over $80 with this pack compared to buying each item separately. Limited time only! That means when you buy Shakeology and The Master's Hammer and Chisel in this Challenge Pack, it's like getting The Master's Hammer and Chisel for just $30. 

It's a fact—crafting a "masterpiece" physique takes the right combination of fitness and nutrition. And with The Master's Hammer and Chisel and Shakeology Challenge Pack, you'll get an innovative resistance-training system designed to help you build a strong, sculpted body along with Shakeology, the ultra-premium nutritional shake that can help you stay healthy and reach your fitness goals even faster.

You can even start streaming The Master's Hammer and Chisel workouts because your Challenge Pack includes 30 days of FREE access to Beachbody® On Demand!

You get everything you need to get your best results:

• Your first 30-day supply of Shakeology—the superfood protein shake that helps give you energy, reduce cravings, and accelerate your fitness results—delivered on Home Direct, our monthly autoship program.*
• The Master's Hammer and Chisel program, featuring 12 hardcore workouts, a set of 7 portion-control containers, a shaker cup, and theProgram and Nutrition Guide with your simple, customizable nutrition plan that will help you reach your unique fitness goals.
• A FREE 30-Day Trial Membership in the Team Beachbody® Club, so you can start streaming The Master's Hammer and Chisel workouts, and hundreds of other proven Beachbody workouts, plus find all the support you need to succeed in your challenge. After your 30-Day Trial Membership is up, do nothing and you will be billed quarterly for Club Membership, which you may cancel at any time.**†
• Plus Super Discount shipping (and SAVE OVER $12) every month.

If you choose not to take advantage of your FREE Trial Membership in the Team Beachbody Club, you may remove it from your Challenge Pack at checkout. This will not, however, change the price you pay today, and you will lose streaming access to The Master's Hammer and Chisel and more than $4,000 in additional workouts.

On the 9th Day of Fit-mas

I think Autumn Calabrese made this shirt for me. Who wouldn't want their treat after they workout? If I had a shirt like this I would maybe think twice before I ate that cookie as I would be getting a constant reminder while I am doing those burpees! Available at www.novakbefit.com

AC for Beachbody Earned Tank

Item #: ACWEarnedTank

You're not afraid of hard work. But life is no fun without a little reward, so do what Autumn does—give it your all, then wear this tank proudly and let 'em know "I did it all for the cookie." Size Chart

Select Your Color and Size:                                                   Charcoal Heather, XS                                                       Charcoal Heather, S                                                       Charcoal Heather, M                                                       Charcoal Heather, L                                                       Charcoal Heather, XL                                                       Charcoal Heather, 2X

Your Price:  $24.00USD

Continue Shopping

At the end of a long, grueling shoot for one of her most popular workout programs, Autumn joked that she "did it all for the cookie." She earned it, and now she wants you to enjoy the same healthy balance. Is there a better feeling than slipping out of a sweaty sports bra into a soft tank that shows off all that hard work? Not when you're also enjoying a delicious treat!

On the 2nd day of Fit-mas

On the 2nd day of Fit-mas, here is another item you should add to your Santa wish list. I love my medicine balls and rack. They don't collect dust and you can do lot's of different moves with them. Once again, I am a huge Amazon shopper and we purchased it on there. Not a first investment but if you already have some workout equipment I would consider this for your wish list. 

Here is me doing my favorite "ball" move. Easy for a beginner and great for working your core!

What to get for Fit-mas

Stay tuned for my daily Christmas recommendations (or great for anytime of the year).

On the 10th day of Christmas, I am recommending Beachbody Performance Sampler Pack. It is available at www.novakbefit.com for $19.95.

My curiosity with this performance line is peeked because of the slogan get.the.results.you.want. It is supposed to lean you out and enhance your workouts. Who doesn't want post workout soreness? I have to admit I am curious so rather than spending $ on the whole set I recommend trying this inexpensive performance sampler pack.

I heard Santa whisper he is stuffing a sampler pack for Shawn and I in our stockings this year...shhh!!

H & C Deluxe workout for 15 minute legs

I have noticed that I spend so much time working on my arms that my legs and abs have needed a little extra attention. So I decided to begin my workouts with my 10 minute ab workouts until 2016 (I love Beachbody On Demand because I can pick a different workout from my laptop every morning...no messing with DVDs). Today was 21 Day Fix 10 minute abs.

I also have been DYING to preview the new Masters Hammer & Chisel (I officially begin on 1/4/16). In my effort to have a great workout week, I decided to try out the Deluxe (bonus workouts) that I purchased. Today was 15 minute legs (it was actually 20 minutes with the warm up and cool down).

I found that you do not need to modify this program. It is appropriate for any fitness level. You need a medicine ball or a weight. I used a 4 lb weight as I didn't have any idea what the moves where. This ball was TOO light. Thankfully I have a large assortment of medicine balls so next time I will go higher in weight.

The workout included front lunges and reverse lunges, squats, sumo squats, side lunges and some stability and core moves. This program was lead by Sagi.

Did I sweat? Yup...and I didn't plan to as I was being lazy and working out in my living room with my pjs on. I had to take off my pajama shirt while working out so hopefully my blinds were closed LOL!

Off for a healthy breakfast off fruit!

Have a great day! xoxo

Masters Hammer & Chisel Group

I'm calling YOU...are you waiting for your sign? Do you need to start your 2016 with a fresh goal, a new program, exciting trainers and someone who can help you for 60 days? If so, you NEED to invest in yourself and give yourself the gift of your health and the courage to try something new. 

Contact me today if you would like to be apply to be in my 2016 60 day challenge. You won't regret it.

What are you thankful for?

Today at a Christmas party we had to go around the table and say something we were excited or thankful for. I am obviously thankful for things that I pray will never change but these are NOT the things that I said...I don't really like speaking in public. HERE is what I COULD have said:

• my health
• my family and children's health
• financial freedom to be a stay at home mom
• running my own small business as a motivational coach and inspiring others
• meeting some of my own goals this year such as running a 1/2 marathon not once but twice and achieving a personal record!
• enjoying a trip with my hubby this year
• taking a wonderful vacation with my immediate and extended family and friends
• being creative and re-finishing my cabinets all myself when I couldn't even open a paint can (and then fixing my 10 year old home a facelift with some other cosmetic changes)

I don't like tooting my own horn that is why I couldn't say those things. 

But I know my role is raising my kids and that is what I am doing right now. Therefore, my kids goals are mine for the next 18 years. Until then I am trying not to lose sight of who I am. I accomplish this by taking care of myself which leads to me taking care of my kids. That is my WHY for being a Beachbody coach. When the time comes and my kids don't need me anymore I will be strong, fit and ready to concur whatever my goals are. Whatever they might be at that time...What are you thankful for?