Merry Christmas!

I hope you had a Merry Christmas!  Head on over to my Facebook like page for a Christmas gift from me to you!!

10 years later....

10 (almost 10.5) years ago I got married and we knew that having several children would be in our future. I knew that having children would change my body and, listening to advice from others, I knew that it would "never be the same again!" They were right, but I think that for many years I took that too negatively. As I watched my body grow - deflate, grow - deflate, watched my weight fluctuate in between nursing and having children I just learned to accept the "new me" as payment of sorts for being able to have children of my own. A year ago next week my baby turned one and that was my "ah-ha" moment. I knew that I didn't like where I was or what I was doing and that something had to change. I wanted to workout and "get in shape" but honestly thought that since I had children there was only so much I could do. I started with P90X3 and just hoped to feel better. As the months progressed I realized that "they" were right. My body will NEVER be the same as before children, but what I didn't realize is that it could be even BETTER!! While getting the Christmas decorations out I found my wedding dress and decided to see how it fit. I was SO happy to see that I had room to spare! In these pictures I even have my blue jeans an bulky belt on under the dress because I had enough room. Who knew that 10 years and four kids later I would have wiggle room in my wedding dress?!

Chicken Pesto and Tomato Bake

The other day I was looking for a recipe to bring a friend for dinner,  I wanted something simple yet delicious.  They had a few dietary restrictions so I needed to stick with chicken and when I saw this recipe on pintrest (from thepinningmama )I had to try it out.

Chicken Pesto Tomato Bake

             "To make this takes minutes.  Trim your chicken breast and lay them in a glass baking dish.  Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of prepared pesto (I like the Kirkland brand at Costco, but it all works!) Slice 1-2 roma tomatoes into 1/2″ thick slices and lay them on top of the pesto.  Sprinkle mozzarella (or Italian blend cheese) over the whole thing.  I like to use the Frigo mozzarella and just grate a bit for the top, but to make it even easier just use pregrated.  Bake at 400˚F for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear."

**For once, I actually followed the recipe exactly.  I cut our breasts into pieces since we were feeding children, but other than that it's exactly the same!

My kids LOVED it, my husband LOVED it.  Quick, easy, and if you watch your pesto - a clean eating recipe!  This will be a family go-to for sure!  We served it over tiny pasta but that was only because I didn't know how our friends would like quinoa.  

Try it out and let me know how you like it!  

How to Survive the Holidays

For most moms the thought of the Holidays not only brings excitement and fun but for a lot of us it also is brings thoughts of stress and anxiety.  Life is busy!  Work, school, kids, lunch, dinners, laundry...and then you add in the "fun"!  And while it is fun, and you would sacrifice almost anything to see the joy on your child's face, IT.IS. EXHAUSTING.  So, naturally, to find the time for all the Holiday extras we usually sacrifice ourselves.  We don't need to workout, we don't need to sit and eat (isn't that what the Halloween candy is for?), we don't need sleep.  We can do all of that next month right?  WRONG! While we are over extending ourselves we are missing out on the fun of the Holidays, not only that but once the Holidays are finished where does it usually leave us?  Totally exhausted, counting down the days where the kids go back to school so we can hope to sneak in a nap, and usually with a few extra pounds than when we started.  Well, NOT THIS YEAR!  How can you avoid that this year?  Here is what I suggest: Join my Holiday Challenge Group!  I know, I know, you are thinking how in the world does this crazy lady think that adding MORE to my plate is going to make things better?  Stick with me for a minute and allow me to explain why I would suggest such a crazy thing.

Question/concern:  How would adding MORE to my plate make things better:
A:  As most of you know, for us to take care of others we need to take care of ourselves first.  The whole "fasten your oxygen mask first" sort of thing.  During the holidays we are asking ourselves to do even more - this is SO HARD when you are giving yourself less.  Less nutrition, less sleep, less exercise - which overall gives you LESS ENERGY.  So you tell me, how can you make your body do more, when you are giving it less?

Question/concern:  Starting a new workout makes me so sore, I don't have the time/energy to deal with being sore and tired.
A:  That is why PiYo is SO AMAZING!   This low impact workout not only gives you cardio and strength training but it incorporates stretching into the workouts which lowers soreness. Instead of being done your workout - or waking up the next morning - feeling old and creaky, you will finish these workouts and feel younger with more energy.  So many of my challengers have had less aches and pains once they started PiYo.

Question/concern:  I don't have TIME!
A: Piyo workouts can be done at home and the workouts range from 20-40 min.  In - out - on with your day!  (and not much room is needed!  If you can put down a yoga mat, you have enough room!)

Question/concern:  I know working out will make me feel better but I can't miss out on all the holiday treats.  I'm not willing to sacrifice this delicious time of year.
A:  Me either!  I LOVE the holidays.  Cookies, FUDGE, pies, FUDGE, sweet breads....FUDGE - you get the idea.  The point isn't to deny yourself of all these holiday goodies, we will show you how to balance them into your diet so that you can enjoy them without going over board - and thus allowing you to indulge and NOT feel guilty!  Win- Win.

Question/Concern:  I don't have time to make two different dinners a night, one for me and one for my family.  Will this still work for me?
A:  YES!  I'm a mother of four and DO NOT have time to make 2 dinners.  In our group I will show you simple ideas to help you plan meals you and your family love, all while keeping  in line with your nutrition!  Also, part of the group is replacing one meal a day with Shakeology, this not only gives you all the nutrients your body needs to function at your best, it is super quick and hands down your healthiest meal of the day!

Here is the thing, from one mom to another, I care enough about you to be honest.  The holidays are a crazy time, but I KNOW that if you join me now you will not regret it.  This truly will be your healthiest and HAPPIEST holiday season ever.  Invest in YOU and your whole family will reap the benefits.

Have more questions/concerns of your own?  Email me.
Want to jump in my challenge group?  Fill out an application here!

21 Day Fix Results

Do you ever find that you are working out but not seeing results?  Building muscle and reshaping your body actually has a lot of science behind it, and while most exercise is good for you, burns calories and improves your cardiovascular system,  if you want to have more specific results (no you can't target fat loss) you really should be following some sort of program.  It doesn't matter if you work with a personal trainer, follow an online program or a set of home workout DVD's, all will be able to focus your results.  Any time you try to do a modge podge of workouts, (like hitting random gym classes) without specific focus, you aren't maximizing your bodies, and your muscles, ability to grow and strengthen.  That is one reason I LOVE the Beachbody programs.  With Beachbody I have a personal trainer work with me EVERYDAY.  They have researched the science, they know the best way to get your body moving and when.

Here are the results of my last 21 day fix.  Previously I had slipped into a modge podge of workouts. One day I would do something, they next I would try a gym class or maybe try running.  And as previously stated, while it was still healthy for me, when I was able to focus my workouts I was able to see real results!  If you want to know more about the 21 day fix or any of the programs by some WORLD CLASS trainers, leave a comment and let me know!

*side note I tried my best to make them as similar as possible, both outfits are taken straight out of the dryer, undergarments are the same and while my arms are a little different I tried my best to give an honest and true before and after.  No altering or photoshoping, all images are SOOC.

Healthy Halloween....is it possible?

Here is a little tip to help get you through this crazy Halloween.  Set Limits.  Yup.  That's it.  I know it can be a crazy day/night and there are so many fun activities going.  Most of us can't tell ourselves that we aren't going to have ANYTHING fun.  So, instead of trying to "be good" and not eat anything - being crabby or feeling left out or worse - deprived - set your limits before hand.  Make sure you eat healthy food ALL DAY.  Don't skip that healthy breakfast, don't miss out on your needed protein.  Eat your normal healthy meals throughout the day, and when evening comes set your limits BEFORE you head out.  Will you let yourself eat 1, 5, 10?  You be the judge.  Do you not want any candy but LOVE real hot chocolate with a mile of real whipping cream?  Do those cupcakes you KNOW will be at the Halloween party tempt you more than anything else?  Look at what you really want, plan to eat and enjoy it, and stay away from the rest.  Eating throughout the day will help you not eat junk out of hunger, planning will make it so that you don't feel guilty about enjoying your treats, and setting your limits will make sure you have fun but don't regret it the next day.  HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  And most importantly, enjoy it!

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oatmeal

Last night I decided to try and get a better handle on my morning by prepping a "crockpot breakfast".  After searching pintrest and checking my pantry I adapted this recipe from 365ishpins.com and sweetannas.com

5 cups water
1 cup milk (I did 1/2 milk 1/2 cream)
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 brown sugar
2 TBS butter
1 TBS pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old fashion oats

Mix everything EXCEPT the oats together in a bowl.  Grease the inside of the crockpot (or use one of those super cool liners) pour in the 3 cups of oats, pour the liquid pumpkin mixture on top.  Turn the crockpot on low and go to bed!

In the morning, stir and serve!

I was extra devilish and served it with Pumpkin Caramel Sauce from Trader Joe's.  YUM.

-Enjoy!  Stacy

November Challenge Group!

I have been so busy trying to get all my social media up and running I almost forgot to post this!!  I'm starting my November challenge group next week.  I know that this time of year everyone gets SO busy, and they usually think that they will just wait until the New Year to start being healthy.  This is CRAZY!  Jump in now and let me help you navigate your way through this crazy holiday season.  I'll show you how to workout and eat right without it taking over your whole schedule.  Then I'll help teach you how to balance your good eating while still allowing you to enjoy the holiday treats GUILT FREE!  How would that be?  How would you like to not feel guilty while eating that pumpkin pie?  Join me in my challenge group and I'll show you how!  This is what you get when you join my challenge group:

World Class at home workouts

Focused nutrition

Recipes

Meal plans

Motivation

Support

Tips and tricks to guide you through the Holidays

Accountability

Friendship

and MORE

Leave a comment or contact me if you want more info!  stacywilson.coach@gmail.com

\While I have been coaching for several months now, I have finally decided to take my business to the next level.  I LOVE helping those that are around me but I feel so inspired to expand my circle and help other that I may not know personally.  I may not be the most eloquent writer - and in fact quite the opposite.  But my goal isn't to awe the masses, my hope is to help those who are wanting to live a healthier life style.  If you are looking for a change, or know someone else who is I hope you'll join me in my journey to live healthier....even though life is busy.

Body Pump SALE!!

For years I have wanted to try a Body Pump class.  I heard that they are so much fun and you get a KILLER workout.  Unfortunately, by the time I heard about them, I was never able to work it out that I could attend.  After a while I didn't hear much about it anymore, until I saw this Beachbody program. I called a friend who taught Body Pump at a gym a few years back and asked her if this program was anything like the real class and she said YES!  She told me it was very similar, they just got a few of the TOP Body Pump teachers and made a video.  SWEET.  I was so excited to try.  And, just as expected, I LOVE it.  Light weight, high reps, loud "pump" music.  It's a totally great way to burn off a bad day or jump start a great day.  And guess what!  Beachbody just announced that for the last little bit of October, they are going to have it on sale WAHOO!  This three month program, which INCLUDES: a barbell and 2 sets of weights,  nutrition plan, and access to a personal coach, is on sale for less than what most people pay for 2 months at their current gym!  Did I mention that you can also get daily one on one coaching for the length of your program?  If you have ever taken a Body Pump class and LOVED it, or have ever wanted to try one, now is such a great time to give it a GO.  let me know if you are interested, I'd love to help you see if it's the right fit for you!