Stronger

Progress is progress.

This is something that I tell myself a lot and something that I think everyone needs to tell themselves. 

I am specifically referring to fitness and weight loss but this could be applicable in any area of life. We like to call these "non-scale" victories. At first, I used to struggle a lot with the scale. Stepping on that dreaded thing (daily) to find that the numbers have not moved or have even gone UP after a day (or week, or month) of a lot of work. 

How frustrating is that?! 

But I have learned:

1. Not to step on the scale every day
2. Muscle weighs more than fat AND
3. That the scale doesn't define progress

ANY "non-scale victories" mean progress. Any inches lost means progress. Weight loss is progress too - but progress isn't simply defined by it.

I have lost a lot of weight and inches since I started my journey, but I have also changed my eating habits, cut out certain foods, I am able to do normal push-ups (not many - but anything is better than 0), I can push through a full workout with no breaks, I work out on days I don't want to or don't feel like it, I use heavier weights than when I first started, AND most importantly I have not given up. 

These little victories are what push me through and allow me to keep going when I feel like quitting. Progress IS progress and do not let anyone tell you otherwise - especially not the scale. AND even more - especially not YOU.

A Little Bit of Awesome

I love taking the time to research a little bit every now and then, the ingredients that are in Shakeology.

Today, for one of my groups, I chose to research the Goji Berry.

Man superfoods are amazing!

GOJI BERRY

"Scientists have found the goji berry to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on earth. Here are the main nutrients found in the goji berry that makes it such a potent wellness agent.

Goji berries contain special polysaccharides which fortify your immune system and are responsible for controlling your body’s most important defense systems. Scientists atrribute most of goji’s amazing health properties to these special polysaccharides.

Goji berries contain 19 amino acids–the building blocks of protein–including all eight essential for life, Goji berries are a better source of Vitamin C than oranges.

Goji berries contain complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin (supports the eyes). Goji berries are the best source of carotenoids of known foods.

Goji berries also include:

B-complex Vitamins

Vitamin E

Essential fatty acids

Betaine"

Other special things about the Goji berry are:

• To treat: diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems
• Have also shown to have benefits in mental well-being and calmness, athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, and feelings of good health.
• They have one of the highest Antioxidant Powers of any fruit
• They have close to 20 different vitamins and minerals, which makes it one of the most nutritionally beneficial foods available

And the list goes on and on.

And just think that this is only ONE of SEVENTY amazing ingredients in Shakeology. 

Prepping Time

Last minute prepping for my Ten Day Clean Eating Challenge.

These are free challenges that I will do every once in a while.

I love these because it gives people an opportunity to see how beneficial it is to change your diet - even for just a week! When my husband and I first signed up to do one of these, we were BLOWN AWAY by how we felt. And it is actually kind of funny because we didn't fully realize how great we felt until we skipped a day and started eating badly again. We felt horrible.

It is amazing how good you feel and how great your body feels when you fill it up with REAL food. There are so many benefits to eating clean. And "Abs are made in the kitchen" anyway right?

What will you do today to make sure your body gets the right amount of nutrition and none of the wrong kinds?

Will you drink only water for a week?

Will you cut out sweets?

Will you change your afternoon snack from chips to veggies and hummus?

What step will you take this week to ensure a better you?