Menu Plan 4/23/12 - 4/29/12

Menu plan! :) I finally got my Shakeology last week and I feel so much better! I have so much more energy and feel less bloated and much more clear, no more "brain fuzz"!

If anyone wants an exact recipe, I can post it....just comment and let me know which one you want!

I'm not sure what this drink it, but it looks amaaaaazing. It would fit great with Sunday's Caribbean meal :) Looks like a whipped icy watermelon slushy!

Monday:

Breakfast: Shakeology (Choco Shakeology + Banana + Unsweetened Almond Milk + 1 TBS Peanut Butter)

Snack:1 apple and 1 string cheese

Lunch: Taco salad (greens + small amount of cooked chicken + black beans + hot sauce + salsa)

Snack: Chocolate vita muffin

Dinner: "Chicken Caccatorie" from the Turbo Fire cookbook. In your slow cooker add:

-2 chicken breasts
-4 zucchini
-1 onion
-4 garlic cloves grated in
-1 28oz can tomato sauce
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning.
Cook on low 6 hours (my slow cooker runs hot). Serve 1 cup chicken caccatorie with 1 cup cooked whole wheat rotini.I also sprinkle with red pepper flakes, I don't cook with it because it's to hot for the kids. 

Tuesday:
Breakfast: 1 whole wheat english muffin, 1 wedge laughing cow light swiss cheese, 1 slice tomato,1 egg + 2 egg whites. "Guiltless" egg muffin sandwich.
Snack: Chocolate shakeology blended with water
Lunch: Turkey Wrap (1/2 avocado, 1/2 cucumber, romaine, 1 tomato, 3oz turkey, 1tbs ranch, pepperoncinis), side of watermelon
Snack: 1 small sweet potato microwaved for 5 min, topped with 1tsp coconut oil and cinnamon
Dinner: Leftovers

Wednesday:
Breakfast: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 chopped apple, 1/4 scoop vanilla protein powder, cinnamon
Snack: Fruit and yogurt/honey dip
Lunch: Greenberry Shamrock Shakeology
Snack: 1/2 cup brown rice with 1tsp soy sauce and 1tsp sesame seeds
Dinner: Egg drop soup and chicken yakisoba

Thursday:
Breakfast:  Chocolate shakeology with instant coffee and a banana
Snack:  Greek yogurt and watermelon
Lunch: Spicy black bean and sweet potato veggie burger, 100 calorie bun, lettuce, tomato
Snack: Salsa poached egg
Dinner: Tacos in low carb high fiber tortillas. Salsa marinated chicken breasts, diced up really fine then cooked in a skillet. Top with salsa, fat free sour cream, low fat cheese, hot sauce.

Friday:
Breakfast: Apple cinnamon yogurt pancakes topped with fruit
Snack: Chocolate Shakeology
Lunch: Taco salad
Snack: 1 apple with 1 wedge laughing cow light strawberry cream cheese
Dinner: It's my birthday so something special...not sure if I'm cooking (or my husband!) or if we are picking something up :)

Saturday:
Breakfast: Shamrock Shakeology
Snack Watermelon and greek yogurt
Lunch: Steamed veggies topped with ranch seasoning, side of brown rice mixed with 1 wedge laughing cow cream cheese, cheesestick
Snack: 1 slice whole wheat toast, 1/8 avocado + tomato slices
Dinner: Leftover tacos

Sunday:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs/whites, 1 slice whole wheat toast, fruit
Snack: 1/2 steamed edamame pods, 1 tbs soy sauce
Lunch: Black bean sweet potato burger, 100 calorie bun, tomato. Small spinach salad
Snack: Chocolate shakeology
Dinner: Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Fresh Pineapple Salad, brown rice/black beans.

May Biggest Loser Bikini Challenge

Starting May 14th, I'm starting a 30 day "Biggest Loser" style bikini fitness challenge! Swimsuit season is literally around the corner and I want to help you kick off your summer by being in amazing shape, and feeling like a million bucks. I'm heading into a Turbo Fire/Brazil Butt Lift hybrid and remember in my first 30 days of doing Brazil Butt Lift I lost 15" over my entire body!

This challenge group is only for 5 motivated people who want to get in shape, so we can remain small and focus on each other and help keep each other accountable through our Facebook group.

To sign up:
- Email me at tiffanyratzman@gmail.com letting me know you want to join the challenge.
- Order your products by May 7th to have them in time for the challenge.
- *You must purchase any one of the Beachbody Challenge Packs.

*If you already own a fitness program, you can participate in this challenge by either paying a $25 entrance fee OR buying purchasing Shakeology.

- Check into our private Facebook daily to stay accountable.
- Weigh in weekly (this can be done privately through email if you wish)

At the end of the 30 day challenge, the winner wins a $25 Team BeachBody gift card!

Here is the Challenge Pack breakdown. I can help you decide which program is right for you, just email me.

Still not sure? 
Here are a few things to consider….
The packs do cost from $160 to $205, I know that is a lot of money right now, but if you break it down you are saving A LOT from just buying each part separately.


The packs include a fitness program of your choice, Shakeology, and a free month of the Beachbody Club, so let’s break that down. I’ll use Turbo Fire as an example:
Turbo Fire costs $119.00, Shakeology costs $119, and the club costs $12 per month. That totals $250. If you purchase the pack, it is $206. That saves you $44.


Consider this…
1. a fitness program is cheaper than a gym membership, saves you drive time plus, the fitness programs come with meal plans, recipes, and a schedule to keep you on track.
2. Shakeology is a MEAL REPLACEMENT that is beyond any one meal that any of us would make, so it’s actually replacing some of your groceries.
3. The Beachbody Club offers you even more meal plans and recipes.
4. I know it’s money out of your pocket now, but by taking care of yourself NOW, you are potentially saving yourself huge amounts of money in doctor’s bills later. You are also helping yourself live a longer and more quality life.


Fitness + Support + Nutrition = Success! :) I will be with you every step of the way!

Spots fill up fast, please email me if you're interested!  

Kiwi Cream Greenberry

Another Greenberry recipe in my quest for tasty Greenberry goodness :) My favorite is still  Shamrock shake! I'm thinking of trying a Key Lime one next!

Kiwi Cream Greenberry Shakeology

1 kiwi peeled and roughly chopped
4 pineapple chunks (I used cubed pineapple from the can)
1 tbs sugar free instant vanilla pudding
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup water
5 ice cubes
Blend!

Turbo Fire Brazil Butt Lift Hybrid

I've done 5 days of Turbo Fire now, but I think I'm going to do a Turbo Fire Brazil Butt Lift hybrid instead. I'm thinking of something like this:

(Red is Turbo Fire, blue Brazil Butt Lift)

Monday: HIIT 15, High&Tight
Tuesday: Fire 40, Stretch 10
Wednesday: HIIT 15, Sculpt
Thursday: Fire 30, High&Tight
Friday: Tone 30, Low HIIT 20
Saturday: Bum Bum, Abs Rapido, Stretch 10
Sunday: Rest or Stretch 40

I'm not sure if this is to much (or to little!) so I will try it for 2 weeks and see what happens. My rest days usually end up being sometime during the week since there are some days where I just cant seem to fit it in, and by the time the kids go to bed I'm beat. But I REALLY want to try Stretch 40, I'm so inflexible it's embarrassing lol.

If anyone has any input I'd be appreciative :)

I just found this schedule from Sorey Fitness that seems great:

Week 1
Monday – Bum Bum
Tuesday – Fire 45 EZ & Abs 10
Wednesday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Thursday – Fire 55 EZ & Stretch 10
Friday – BBL Sculpt
Saturday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Sunday – Rest
Week 2
Monday – Fire 45 & Stretch 10
Tuesday – Bum Bum & Abs 10
Wednesday – HIIT 15 & Stretch 10
Thursday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Friday – Fire 55 EZ & Stretch 10
Saturday – BBL Sculpt
Sunday – Rest
Week 3
Monday –  Bum Bum
Tuesday – HIIT 20 & Abs 10
Wednesday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Thursday –  Stretch 40 & Core 20
Friday – Fire 45 & Abs 10
Saturday – HIIT 15 & TF Sculpt 30
Sunday – Rest
Week 4
Monday – Fire 45 EZ & Abs 10
Tuesday – Bum Bum
Wednesday – HIIT 25 & Abs 10
Thursday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret **
Friday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Saturday – Cardio Axe & Stretch 10
Sunday – Rest
Week 5 (Recovery)
Monday – Stretch 40
Tuesday –Stretch 40 & Core 20
Wednesday – Stretch 40
Thursday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Friday – Stretch 40
Saturday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Sunday – Rest
Week 6
Monday – Bum Bum & Abs 10
Tuesday – Fire 55 EZ
Wednesday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Thursday – HIIT 30 & Stretch 10
Friday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Saturday – TF Tone 30
Sunday – Rest
Week 7
Monday – Fire 55EZ
Tuesday – Bum Bum & Abs  10
Wednesday – Fire 45EZ
Thursday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Friday – Cardio Axe & Core 20
Saturday – BBL Sculpt
Sunday – Rest
Week 8
Monday – Bum Bum
Tuesday – HIIT 30 & Abs 10
Wednesday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Thursday – Fire 45 & Abs 10
Friday – Fire 55 EZ & Stretch 10
Saturday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Sunday – Rest
Week 9
Monday – HIIT 30  & Abs 10
Tuesday – Bum Bum
Wednesday – Fire 60 & Abs 10
Thursday – High & Tight & Leandro’s Secret
Friday – HIIT 20 & Bum Bum Rapido
Saturday – TF Sculpt & Core 20
Sunday – Rest
Week 10 (Recovery)
Monday – Stretch 40
Tuesday –Stretch 40 & Core 20
Wednesday – Stretch 40
Thursday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Friday – Stretch 40
Saturday – Stretch 40 & Core 20
Sunday – Rest

Orange Cream Greenberry

Another yummy Greenberry recipe! I think the addition of sugar free vanilla instant pudding mix is what is making me love Greenberry, it cuts out any vitamin flavor/chalkiness :)

Orange Cream Greenberry Shakeology

1/2 cup water
Handful of ice (depending on how thick you like it)
1/2 cup low calorie orange juice
1 orange (I used 3 small Cutie oranges)
1 tbs instant vanilla pudding mix
Blend! :)

I'm going to have a tough time deciding on if I want to just go back to chocolate Shakeology or if I want to do the Chocolate/Greenberry mix. The only thing I hate is that the choco/greenberry mix only has 24 servings, while a bag is 30. Arg they should change that.

Ethan is at preschool and Zach is napping, so I'm going to be working out with TURBO FIRE! Today would be day #3 of Turbo Fire, but I've been getting over a bad cold and my workouts weren't 100% before....I didn't even finish them because I felt so lousy. I'm feeling MUCH better today so I think I'll just start day #1 over so I can at least finish the workouts.

It's tough though. I've never been a fan of cardio and not only is it cardio, it takes a lot of coordination. The starter videos and the "New to Class" option have helped me a lot because they really break it down....but it will take a few weeks to really get the moves I think. But I am doing better then I thought I would, and I LOVE the music, it really keeps you pumped up.

Ok off to work out :)

Contact Info:

tiffanyratzman@gmail.com
Coach Page
Facebook
My Shakeology Store

Greenberry Shakeology

This month I decided to try the combo Shakeology pack of Chocolate and Greenberry. I already looooooooove chocolate, but greenberry seemed interesting too. The first time I tried Greenberry I just mixed it with some almond milk in my blender bottle (just like I do with my chocolate Shako) and.....well.....I couldn't drink it. It tasted like chalky vitamins to me, I was shocked because chocolate is so good. My 16 month old loved it though!

I didn't give up on Greenberry, I thought I'd try blending it because Shako does really taste better blended. So I tried Chalene Johnson's Greenberry Shamrock Shake recipe. I'll be honest, I was scared lol. But it's AMAZING!!! It's so creamy and it really does taste like a minty milkshake. Don't be scared of the peanut butter in there, you cant taste it. It just adds some creamyness and tones down the greenberry flavor. For under 300 calories (I couldn't find the exact calorie count) this is not only the healthiest meal of the day...it's the most delicious! :)

Greenberry Shamrock Shake

    8 oz milk (almond, rice, soy, low/non fat)
    4 oz ice

    4oz water
    Splash of peppermint extract
    1 tsp all natural peanut butter
    2 tbsp vanilla sugar free instant pudding mix
    1 packet of Greenberry Shakeology
    Blend and enjoy!

Turbo Fire!

It's a strange night.

The kids are spending the night with my parents, and my husband has some work related travel in the morning (he has to get up at 2:30!) so I'm all alone. It's so weird! My plan for the night is to play some Star Wars online (lol nerdiness) and to check out MY NEW TURBO FIRE DVDS THAT CAME TODAY!!!!!

I'm so excited. Like seriously excited. If I had known about all the BeachBody programs when I started, I would of started with Turbo Fire. I've seen so many amazing videos/pictures etc of "before and afters" using Turbo Fire that I am pumped that in 90 days I could really look like a different person. My plan is Turbo Fire 6 days a week, and doing Brazil Butt Lift's High&Tight at least 3 days a week. That's my plan at least...it's hard some days scheduling workout with 2 toddlers and a husband who works 6 days a week!

I've also missed like 4 days of workout this week. Eek. I've been reeeaally sick....as in migraines for 2 days, then a fever cold the other 2 days. I'm feeling better today, and I know I'll be better by tomorrow so I can start Turbo Fire. I also need to do some grocery shopping, which I don't mind because it's 100x easier by yourself lol.

Ok, off to check out my new dvds! :)

7 weeks down!

I still have another week before I hit my 60 day mark, but I was taking pictures for the Beach Body Photo a Day contest and I was surprised how much weight I've lost already. I should be getting Turbo Fire any day now and I'm SO EXCITED to blast all this weight off me, I cannot wait to see my 90 days of that!

I'm also thinking of doing the Shakeology cleanse which is basically 3 days of Shakeology for breakfast and lunch, fruit for snacks and protein and a salad for dinner. The only thing that's stopping me is that I do want my supply of Shakeology to last as long as possible lol :)\

This picture is just doing almost 60 days of Brazil Butt Lift, drinking Shakeology and watching what I eat. Although I kick myself now thinking of how much better I'd look if I had stuck to it 100% :)

Shakeology

Oh Shakeology....who could of guessed that a meal could cause so much controversy?! I've been out of my Shakeology for a week, and I've felt sluggish, bloated and I just had a general "fuzzyness" in my head that I used to have before I started working out and drinking Shakeology. Luckily I should get my Shakeology by next week :)

Why Is Shakeology So Expensive?

At face value Shakeology might seem expensive.  The total cost with shipping brings the cost of a bag to about $4 a serving. Did you know that Beachbody coaches get 25% off the retail cost, so you’re now down to $3 a serving?

OK, but let’s say you don’t want to become a coach.  There are many other things that cost $4 a day that people do not question. Additionally they are not as healthy or beneficial to your well being.  Let’s think of a few shall we? A cup of Starbucks coffee, a pack of cigarettes, right, how about a bagel and cream cheese at your local deli? Redbull? 2 5 Hour Energies?

Shakeology was designed to be a meal replacement shake.  Personally, I use it for breakfast and some lunches. Most meals cost more than $4.  When I buy lunch it usually costs me around $5 (plus I'd be buying for the kids, at home I would just make them lunch so it would save even more money) and even when I make my own lunch, it doesn’t come out to be much less.  So, using Shakeology as a meal replacement would actually save you money.

The cost of a home-cooked lunch or dinner: 6-8 ounces of chicken = $2.00 (and we are talking low-grade chicken), veggies= $1 (frozen veggies are really okay! hurray!) and 1 sweet potato = from .5 to $1.00. Total= about $3.4.

Next, let’s look at everything that goes into Shakeology.  Did you know there are over 70 ingredients that go into Shakeology?  Beachbody feels very strongly about putting the highest quality in their products and delivering them to their customers.  From the fitness workout programs to their nutrition supplement line.  These ingredients were chosen from around the world for their potency and bioavailability (the ability to deliver the nutrients your body needs).

One glass of Shakeology contains Protein and Essential Amino Acids to help build long, lean muscles and reduce food cravings; Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes, which aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption; Antioxidants and Phytonutrients to help counteract free radical damage that can lead to degenerative diseases; and Vitamins and Minerals your body needs to function for optimal health.

I know someone who did an experiment and went to the grocery store to purchase individual items and make a Shakeology alternative.  This experiment cost him over $480!  $4 a serving is looking pretty good right about now.  Even if you could get the cost down and made your own, most likely the store bought ingredients are not sourced at the same high standards that Beachbody uses and are heavily processed to increase shelf life.  What that means is that much of the “goodness” are cooked and killed before they ever make it into the drink.  Shakeology uses the freshest of ingredients.

So what would you rather do, go to the grocery store and make a terrible tasting overpriced concoction, or have the purest, healthiest ingredients in a great tasting shake for just $4 a day?  That’s the same cost as a bagel and coffee, but much healthier for you.

What this all translates to is a low cost, filling protein healthy shake, that is low on the glycemeic index, and high in taste.  This is why so many doctors are actually recommending Shakeology to their patients.
So how can you say no to such an amazingly healthy product?  If you ask me, you really can’t put a price on health.

Click here to watch a video on the benefits of Shakeology. 

Menu Plan 4/9/12 - 4/13/12

I've been out of Shakeology for a week now (I should be getting more this week) and I cannot believe how different I feel. I feel all bloated, sluggish and just gross.....I guess my body got used to all the good nutrition! Here is the non Shakeology menu plan for this week:

Monday:
Breakfast: Egg white omelet with spinach and low fat cheese, watermelon
Snack: Pineapple Chobani
Lunch: Whole wheat tortilla, hummus, 6oz water packed tuna, kale all in the wrap.
Snack: Chocolate vitamuffin
Dinner: Chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice and rosemary. Roasted sweet potatoes and salad.

Tuesday:
Breakfast: Whole wheat toast, cottage cheese, melon
Snack: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder and water mixed in my blender cup
Lunch: Veggie burger, tomatoes, spinach, with a side of carrots
Snack: Broccoli dipped in hummus
Dinner: Tandoori chicken, daal, salad

Wednesday:
Breakfast: 1 cup Kashi, 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Snack: apple with 1 tbs peanut butter
Lunch: 2 cups greens, black beans, cooked shredded chicken, hot sauce, salsa, fat free sour cream
Snack: 1 string cheese, 1 pickle...strange but it was quick lol
Dinner: Grilled burgers (mine was wrapped in lettuce) with tomatoes

Thursday:
Breakfast: Nonfat sugar free vanilla latte, apple
Snack: Greek yogurt, berries, sprinkled with oats
Lunch: Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich: In a bowl, lightly mash 1 hard-boiled egg, 2 hard-boiled egg whites, 1/2 chopped avocado. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped scallions, 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; season with black pepper. Make a sandwich with 2 slices whole-grain bread, egg salad, 2 slices tomato, lettuce.
Snack: PB and Apple Coconut Halves: Halve 1 apple. Top each half with 1/2 tsp peanut butter, 1/s tsp unsweetened shredded toasted coconut.
Dinner: Grilled tilapia with summer salad, brown rice

Friday:
Breakfast: Kiwis and greek yogurt, oats
Snack: Protein Shake
Lunch: Salmon and Apple Salad Wrap: In a bowl, mix 1 can (5 oz) skinless, boneless wild salmon, 1/4 cup each chopped apple and chopped celery, 2 tbsp chopped red onion. In another bowl, combine 2 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey; season with black pepper; toss with salmon salad. Spread salad on an 8-inch whole-wheat wrap; top with 1/2 cup chopped lettuce; roll up. Serve with 1/2 cup broccoli dipped in 3 tbsp hummus.
Snack: 1 cup edamame, 2 tbs soy sauce
Dinner: Curried Lentils with Egg: Heat oven to 350°. Slice 2 carrots into 1/4-inch rounds. On a baking sheet coated with vegetable oil cooking spray, bake carrots until cooked through, 20 to 23 minutes. In a medium pan, sauté 1/2 cup firm tofu cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1/5 of a block), 1/3 cup chopped onion in 1 tsp olive oil until golden, 5 minutes. Stir in 2/3 cup boiled lentils, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp curry powder. Place lentil mixture on a plate. In same skillet coated with cooking spray, cook 1 egg over easy. Place egg on lentils; serve with carrots tossed with a pinch each of curry powder, sea salt, black pepper.

 

Running?

I've never been a runner...in fact, I'm not a fan of cardio. I love weights and resistance training, but I need to get over the cardio distaste because I NEED it. Ethan starts preschool tomorrow from 9am-12pm and Zach will already be in the stroller (preschool is like a block away), so I'm thinking of maybe going for a jog. See how that goes. If I fit in a 30 min jog twice a week while Ethan is in preschool that would be great! 1 thing that might be a hindrance is the stroller though, even when I'm walking I'm constantly hitting the wheels with my feet! That sounds like an excuse, but we'll see if the logistics work out lol.

Photo a Day contest!

Beach Body is having a fun "Photo a Day" contest!

"Every day in April 2012 we'll be giving away a Beachbody prize to Team Beachbody members who post their photos on the message boards!

What you need to do to enter:

1. Follow @TeamBeachbody on Twitter. That's where we'll post the photo directions and prize for that day.

2. Take a picture for that day, Tweet it, put it on Instagram or Flickr, post it to Facebook, wherever you want to share it with your friends... just make sure you also post it here on the Team Beachbody message boards for all of the community to see! For your chance to win, post your photo on that day's thread between 12:01AM PT and 11:59 AM PT and we will choose a winning photo at random. You can find the individual threads at the bottom of this post..

It's that simple! One winner will be chosen at random from all photos posted between 12:01 AM PT and 11:59 PM PT each day on the appropriate message board thread.

We'll notify the winners via email, but check back here to find out who won each day. The winners will be announced below on the next business day, here on this page as well as on Twitter in the @TeamBeachbody feed."

Rio Extreme!

I wanted to finish the 60 days of BBL just using these DVDs, but I've been eyeing the Rio Extreme workout for awhile now.....and I decided what the heck, I'll just get 'em. With my coach discount it is only $22. That's why I signed up to be a coach....discounts! :) I also picked up a medium strength - strength band. The DVD set comes with the yellow beginner one, but I thought I'd see if I can handle the medium! The deluxe DVDs comes with 3 extra workouts:

• RIO EXTREME - Break through exercise plateaus with this challenging workout. (50 min.)
• ABS RAPIDO - Slim and strengthen your abs with this tummy-tightening workout. (10 min.)
• UPPERCUTS - Incorporate kickboxing moves into your workout for sleek, sexy arms. (13 min.)

Hopefully I'll get them by Wednesday, every time I've ordered from Beach Body, I've gotten the product 2 days after the order date....so we'll see!

My "baby" starts PRESCHOOL on Tuesday, and he turns 3 on Saturday! I'm so excited, he's going to LOVE school and I cant wait to give him all the fun birthday presents :) One of the presents we got him was an orange yoga mat...every time I work out and use my yoga mat, he always says he wants an orange one so he can work out "Next to Mama". I found him an orange one with sunshine's on it from Amazon, which is perfect because he loves doing this kids yoga thing on Comcast on demand and they do this sunshine stretch move. Hopefully he will like it :)

This week starts week 7 for me. I have to admit week 6 didn't go so good, I had a few glasses of wine, pizza one night and I missed 2 days. Eek. I don't know what happened, I just lost focus. I'm back on track though and this week will be much better, and hopefully my DVDs will come soon so I can add them in!

I'm thinking of doing a fitness board in my room similar to this, but I didn't know if this was appropriate for an adult woman's room....not a teenage girl haha. I don't think my husband would care, and I think it would be nice to have an inspirational space that isn't online, but I'm not sure :P I DID buy a bikini though, my first ever. I'm no where near bikini ready, but I am not stopping until I am! :)