{Diet and Alcohol: Skinny Peach Spritzer}

There are a lot of questions people have when deciding whether or not to consume alcohol while on their fitness journey. Can I drink? What can I drink? How much can I drink? They are very simple questions, but deserve honest answers.
When I first started on my journey, I totally cut out alcohol. It was not something that I felt like I could control if I started drinking, so I decided to refrain all together. Now that I have been on my journey for about 8 months, I drink occasionally. When I do drink I try to pick things that are lower in calories and definitely limit my intake to just a few drinks....most of the time ;) Don't get me wrong...we all need to let loose sometimes, but there is a time and a place!
One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE mixed drinks is a Skinny Peach Spritzer. It is such a simple yet DELICIOUS recipe...and great for parties too.

(photo courtesy of @dannigirldesigns on Instagram)
{Skinny Peach Spritzer}

1 bottle SkinnyGirl Moscato
1 can Kern's Peach Nectar
1 bag frozen peaches

Add all ingredients into a large pitcher, stir and serve.


I will be sure to share more "skinny friendly" drinks in the future, so make sure you follow me on Facebook and feel free to leave me a comment below with any questions.

{Pumpkin Spice Shakeology}

We are headed very quickly into fall, and the ONE thing (other than cooler weather) that I look forward to is PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!!!! It is amazing how much you can do with one little can of pureed pumpkin. I was SO excited last week when the Pumpkin Spice Latte was released early, but it's not always something extra that I can, or should, add to my calories for the day. One thing that I DO always have each day is my Shakeology! Why not add it to my Shakeology? Thanks to the release of the Vanilla a few months ago, it makes it easy to mix up new flavors....mmmmmmmPUMPKIN!!!!!
So I played around a little bit with ingredients and found the PERFECT combo that makes ONE AMAZING drink...I cant believe that it's not bad for me ;) Of course I am going to share so that you may experience the same joy that I do while indulging in this yummy treat!

{Pumpkin Spice Shakeology}

1 c. unsweetened almond milk
1/2 frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla Shakeology*
1/3 c. pumpkin puree**
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ginger
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. ice

Blend all ingredients in a blender until well combined and smooth. ENJOY!!!!

*or vanilla protein powder of choice
**make sure you buy 100% pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling

What is your favorite recipe?!?!

{Progress & Les Mills Combat}

Today I made an AWESOME Pumpkin Shakeology for breakfast, so I will share the recipe with you tomorrow...stay tuned!!! While you are waiting for that yumminess, I am so excited to say that I am finished with Les Mills Combat...whoop! I has taken me FOREVER to post my progress pics, but I finally have it done.

Just in time to start T25! I did my very first workout (T25 Cardio) today and ROCKED it...and I was so thankful to share the experience with my BEST FRIEND FOR-EVER!!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEGINNING IN JANUARY TO NOW:

After the completion of my first program with Team Beachbody, I decided to do a little soul searching and figure out my REAL "Why" for doing this and elaborate on it, so today I am sharing that with you.

SOUL SEARCING {9/9/2013}
My life before starting on my journey was very stagnant. I was very depressed and crept even deeper into my depression as I realized that I could not keep up with my children or do the fun things that I would like to do with them as they got older. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and as an adult have yo-yo'd with each and every fad diet I tried. My whole body ached and I was just miserable living life and exerting the least amount of energy that I could. I let myself go. One day I snapped and realized I had to make a HUGE change in my life and I had to do it NOW, and at that very moment things changed. I didn't wait until the next day to start fresh, I started immediately, even though my breakfast (consisting of kolaches and donuts) had blown my daily calories. I knew that if I waited one more day I would find an excuse to wait another day, and another day, and another day....I was good at that.
My biggest inspiration in life is my family. I am such a family-oriented person and the thought of not being able to do everything that they are doing all the time just kills me. I had a very active lifestyle growing up and I wanted to be able to provide that for my family as well. At the rate that I was going, I didn't see that happening. I wanted to be able to do EVERYTHING for my children. This is primarily my driving force.
My greatest challenge before starting the program was having the confidence in myself. I started working out with my neighbors for the first few months of my journey, but it was killing me that I had to leave my family every night and take care of myself. When I became a mother I lost my identity as a woman, and was unable to function outside that role for a long time. As much as I loved being with friends and having the outlet, I needed to prove to myself that I could do it. As I have lost weight and gained control of my identity once again, my whole mindset has changed. I am a much happier person, more active and most importantly, a better mother.


I hope that you find inspiration in my story and please feel free to email me or leave a comment below if you have any questions.