Dark Chocolate

Posted on January 2, 2012 by CoachChristy

Dark chocolate is good for your health! But hold on, don’t go out and buy a bunch of dark snicker bars, they do not actually contain any dark chocolate! You want to make sure you are buying pure dark chocolate made with real cocoa. Have a favorite? Please comment below.

Why dark chocolate? Here are some health benefits…

Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant and has been known to lower high blood pressure; and new research indicates it may also help you see more clearly.

The epicatechins (antioxidant) of cocoa is known for its fat-burning ability, and cocoa increases insulin sensitvity and helps to keep the balance in the amount of sugar maintained in your body, thereby preventing the sugar from converting into fat.

If you are an emotional eater, having some dark chocolate will help with uplifting your mood, which can prevent you from overeating.

And if you are looking for an increase in energy, theobromine, found in abundance in cocoa, can help with that as well as weight loss.

Now, please don’t take the veggies off your plate and replace them with a dark chocolate bar, I’m sure you can find one unhealthy thing to replace with a little dark chocolate. Moderation, balance and quality dark chocolate is key.

Data collected from WebMD, January 2012 issue of The Oprah Magazine, and http://www.darkchocolatehealthbenefits.org/

 

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P90X2 – How I modified Day 1

Posted on January 2, 2012 by CoachChristy

I started my P90X2 program today. I wanted to share my experience for those that might be in a similar situation as me. For someone with about 60 pounds to lose, people might think, wow, I thought P90X2 is for athletes. My thought is that anyone can do just about any exercise program, just as long as they know their limits and know how to modify. So here are some of the things that I did to modify and get through X2 Core this morning.

The first thing is that I didn’t worry about how fast everyone on the screen was going. I went at my own pace, and just did as many reps as I could. Here are specific modifications I did for particular moves:

Half Angel: I stayed on a bent lower leg, and was able to do 7 reps on each side.

3 Speed Med Ball Push-Up: I did wide push-ups on my knees, and stepped my hands to the center and then out between each push-up. I was able to do 7 of these.

Core Circle: I did not do circles, I just held the straight position for as long as I could.

Holmsen Screamer Lunge: I did not go fast, I just kept at my own pace and did 10 reps on each side.

Med Ball Dreya Roll: I held my 8lb med ball, but I am unable to get up out of the roll like they do, so I got up by getting on my knee. The key here is to keep your core engaged. I was able to do 4 reps.

Plank Burpee on Stability Ball: I did not use the stability ball for this one. I did a basic burpee on the floor, stepping out and in instead of jumping, alternating my lead foot. I did 4 of these.

Banana Ball Switch Crunch: I was able to pass the stability ball by bringing my feet closer to my hands. I was able to do 3 reps.

At this point I had to push pause and catch my breath!

Slo-Mo Balance Climber: I did not use the stability ball. I did a plank on the ground and brought my knee up to my elbow as much as I could.

X2 Diver: I was able to do 3 of the moves that Barbie was doing to modify.

Ryan Sphinx Twist Crunch: I was able to twist my arm under, but instead of lifting the leg and touching the foot, I kept both feet on the ground and reached my arm up to the ceiling. I was able to  do 5 reps on each side.

One Leg Med Ball Burpee: Again I did basic step-out burpees on the floor.

As I work through the program, I look forward to reporting on how I’ve progressed and maybe can even do some of these moves full out!

I hope that this helps someone that may have a lot of weight to lose, and/or is scared that P90X2 is too much or too advanced for them.

I would love to hear from you!

 

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Green Tea

Posted on January 1, 2012 by CoachChristy

Is getting healthy on your New Year goals? You can take a first step by drinking green tea.

Green tea leaves contain the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called catechins. Due to their potent antioxidant capabilities, drinking green tea is being studied to be associated with a lower risk for some cancers and diseases. Other research suggests that having multiple cups daily can lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Green tea contains caffeine and Epigallocatechine which can increase fat metabolism and lower the appetite.

 

My favorite green tea is Yogi Green Tea Blueberry Slim Life. Comment below and share your favorite green tea.

And good news to Shakeology drinkers! Green tea extract is included in your daily shake, with the caffeine taken out.

Data collected from The O Magazine, January 2012 and http://greenteaweightlossfacts.com/ which both did additional research.

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Busy Family New Year’s Resolution

Posted on December 30, 2011 by CoachChristy

Looking for ways to make New Year’s Resolution for your whole family? This article has some great tips on how to make changes to your daily routine to help get you and your family happy and healthy in 2012.

 

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Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by CoachChristy

 

May health, happiness and joy fill your Christmas celebrations!

Your accountability and support coach,
Christy Carter

 

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5 Day Kick Start Results

Posted on December 4, 2011 by CoachChristy

This past week myself and an accountability partner did a 5 Day Kick Start program, where we followed the Inferno Meal Plan from the TurboFire workout program, which included a Shakeology each day. We also added a workout each day. Each day of our program we kept each other accountable with daily texts. To read about my daily program, click here.

Here are some of the comments my partner, Lynne Saine, had to say throughout the week:

When faced with the challenge of the ritual of driving through a drive-thru after her niece’s basketball game, she had this to say, “…. I got NOTHING! I brought my Shakeology to the game. It was delicious and filling. :) ”

When faced with desserts served at her Gold Canyon party, she stayed strong and followed her plan, “I ate before my party so I would not eat at the party. I DID NOT! Although it was hard.” And yes, sometimes it is hard to pass on yummy treats.

Then I got the best compliment, “I would really like to continue this program with you, because it really makes a difference when you are accountable to someone every day, and I love the shakes :) ”

And finally, our results….

My friend, Lynne Saine lost 4.5 pounds and 4 inches!!! So excited for her, this is a great way to get things moving and continue on a healthy way to live.

My results…. I lost 6.8 pounds and 4.5 inches. I feel lighter, have more energy and can’t wait to keep it rolling off!

If you are interested in trying this 5 day program or Shakeology, please email me at christy@ocfitcoach.com, you can also find out more about Shakeology on my website at www.shakeology.com/ocfitcoach.

And be sure to visit my friend’s Gold Canyon website at http://www.mygc.com/lynnesaine.

 

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5 Day Kick Start Day 5

Posted on December 4, 2011 by CoachChristy

Last day! Feeling great!

Day started with a Hip Hop Abs workout! Then breakfast of a waffle with strawberry preserves and turkey sausage. Plan scheduled calls for a cup of coffee, but I don’t drink coffee, so I skip it.

Then my busy day started with a PTA meeting followed immediately by a school foundation meeting. No time to make the scheduled snack of Shakeology blended with banana, so I threw a scoop of Shakeology into my Shakeology Shaker Cup, took it to the school with me, added some water and shook my snack between meetings! I so love the convenience, nutrition and deliciousness of Shakeology!

Lunch – Chicken and Hummus Pita. Chicken, hummus, tomato, cucumber in a pita. I forgot to buy alfalfa sprouts, so I put in extra cucumber slices. Paired with a salad with carrots and celery. I was lucky to finish this before my cat attacked me for the chicken, LOL!

The afternoon consisted of picking up kids from school and getting ready for my booth at my daughters’ school Holiday Boutique. So finding time to get my snack in was tricky, I basically had it while I was prepping dinner. Snack was 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper and cheddar cheese.

Dinner was Rosemary Pork Chop with Peas and Wild Rice. I forgot to get wild rice at the store so we had to substitute for rice pilaf that we had in the pantry. I’m thinking this should have been served on a smaller plate to make it look like there was more food. Haha.

So now we are at the end of the 5 Day Kick Start. My results were great, please stay tuned!

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5 Day Kick Start Day 4

Posted on December 4, 2011 by CoachChristy

OMG I am so behind on blogging about my 5 day program! So let me quickly get this in so I can tell you about my results!

Day 4 began with a Turbo Jam workout. Breakfast = my favorite… Shakeology of course! This time is was with banana and peanut butter, yum! Such an easy meal to make when you are busy making kids lunches for school!

After taking my cat to the doctor, I had my snack of an apple with peanut butter.

I was really ready for lunch by the time I picked up my daughter from school. 2 hard-boiled eggs mixed with cottage cheese and Dijon mustard. Sounds weird, but it was delicious! Put in a tortilla with a side salad.

Snack consisted of an orange and almonds, in actuality, the plan calls for raw almonds, but I just couldn’t pass up the chocolate mint flavored roasted almonds. Oranges are not my favorite thing to eat, they taste good, but sure are a pain to peel. If anyone has a special trick, please let me know!

Dinner was switched with Day 3, because we have a family “Taco Thursday” so Day 3′s dinner recipe fit right in for Day 4. Our chicken tacos were served with black beans and quinoa. I’m still not sure how I like quinoa. I’m not sure I’m cooking them right.

Well that’s the end of Day 4. Stay tuned for Day 5!

 

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5 Day Kick Start Day 3

Posted on December 1, 2011 by CoachChristy

Yesterday was day 3 of my 5 day program to kick start my before New Year’s weight loss goal. The day flew by, so I’m having to write my blog this morning. In fact the day went by so fast, I forgot to take some pictures of some of my meals, so I had to borrow them from other sites.

The day started with a Power 90 Sculpt 1-2 workout, followed by Slim in 6 Slim & 6 Pack.

Breakfast was a delicious meal of cottage cheese and pineapple. I was in a hurry, having to eat between dropping off kids, so I forgot to take a picture of mine.

Wednesdays are “Walk to School Wednesdays” at my house, so we all walked the .7 mile to the school, and then my husband and I walked back. Its a nice little walk.

Then it was off to do some things for myself. I needed my snack to go, so I switched the two snacks that were scheduled for the day and had my Shakeology with blueberries for my morning snack. Shakeology is always the thing I look forward to each day! I went to the mall and bought some more makeup. Then I went to get my eyebrows done.

I didn’t have to pick up my kinder at the normal 11:40am time, so I was able to enjoy my lunch; baked potato with sour cream, green onions, turkey bacon, and low fat-cheese.

While my girls were doing their homework, I had my snack, zucchini, carrot, and ranch dressing. This snack always surprises me, I never thought I’d enjoy eating raw zucchini, (when I think of zucchini, I always think of fried zucchini at Carl’s Jr.) but its quite good. Later in the afternoon, I was feeling a little light headed, so I had a handful of almonds. It reminded me that I need to add more proteins to my meals.

Husband was busy working on our shower, and I needed him to grill, so while I was waiting and because it was cold, I treated myself to a cup of hot chocolate.

Dinner was a change in schedule, also. We have a scheduled Taco Thursday at our house and Day 3 was tacos while Day 4 is steak. So for dinner on Day 3 we had the steak dinner, with 1/2 baked potato and creamed spinach. I was so impatient to eat, that I forgot to take a picture of this meal too, but here’s an idea of what I had.

 

Some pictures borrowed from:

http://skinnymom.com/

http://myturbofirechallenge.blogspot.com/

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5 Day Kick Start Day 2

Posted on November 29, 2011 by CoachChristy

Today I had an appointment for a physical, so I had to fast from midnight last night until 10:30am this morning. Needless to say, I was rushing home so that I could have my breakfast! Cantaloupe drizzled with honey and strawberry yogurt.
Then I was so excited to shortly after that to be able to have my snack. Chocolate Peanut Butter Shakeology, yum yum! Made it to go, since I had to pick up my kindergartner.

After a trip to the grocery store to get supplies for the next few days, I came home to make my lunch. It was supposed to be a turkey wrap with tomato and advocado, but there was no way I was going to be able to wrap this thing. I cut it up and ate it like a salad.

After picking up my final child from the bus stop at 3:45pm, we had to make a stop at Costco. My girls were hungry, so I let them get a frozen yogurt. I had a temporary loss of intention and was about to order myself a churro when I remember what I’m doing, and that a churro was not in my plan. Its funny how easy you can fall back into old habits and buy food without even thinking. By the time we got home it was a rush to make dinner, so I had my snack while preparing dinner. Celery with peanut butter and raisin.

Dinner was delicious, I should probably make it more often. Terryaki salmon with pineapple ring, brown rice and bok choy. Now I’m off to Fullerton Fit Club for a P90X workout!

 

 

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