Shake of The Day: Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin Spice

I know it's not fall yet, but I am a sucker for ANYTHING pumpkin. I LOVE it! It is also packed with lots of awesome health benefits (always a bonus). Here is my favorite recipe to get my fix:

1 cup non-fat milk, soy milk or almond milk (you can use coconut as well)
1/2 cup canned or pureed pumpkin
1 packet Truvia (agave nectar will work as well)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
6 iced-milk cubes or 1/2 cup ice chips
1 heaping scoop 100% whey vanilla protein powder
* you can also add 1/4 tsp rum extract for added flavor or a few crumbled graham crackers on top to make it taste like a pumpkin pie

Blend well until creamy and smooth! ENJOY :)



Coming Soon...



After last night's workout...it felt AMAZING!!! A Heart rate monitor is an excellent way to track your progress. There are so many benefits of owning one.





Good morning, motivated mamas! I'm BACKKKKKKKKK! My in-laws traveled all the way to Japan to come see us on our tiny little island. We were busy trying our hand at tour guiding. What an exhausting job, it was a workout just keeping up with the itinerary! While I am sad to see them leave, I am excited to get back into my regular routine and looking forward to my upcoming posts. Keep you eyes peeled for:

 - Interviews from other inspirational/motivational moms
 - My favorite workout playlists
 - New workouts (including WITH baby)
 - A review of 'PUMP'
 - New protein shake recipes
 - 'From Couch to 5K' and 'Staying Healthy While Traveling' - clean eating and workouts on the go
 - and much, much more!

Shake of The Day: Oatmeal Cookie

Oatmeal Cookie

Here is a great way to add some healthy goodies to your morning shake. The extra complex carbs will help fuel your workouts or you daily life as a busy mommy (sometimes we just need a little extra energy once in a while). Did I mention this one is super YUMMY too? Who doesn't like cookies...especially for breakfast? SCORE!

1 cup non-fat milk, soy milk or almond milk
6 milk ice cubes
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp maple extract
1/4 tsp rum extract
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 heaping scoop vanilla protein powder

Make sure this one is blended really well so all the oats and milk cubes are well blended. Mix until thick and creamy. Mmmmmmmm!

Getcha Some: Weightlifting & Woman - Biggest Myths

I know I talk about iron in your diets, but are you adding iron to your workout as well??? Don't be scared, ladies...Getcha some!

"No one ever excused her way to success."



1. "If I want to lose weight, I need to starve myself and do lots of cardio." *Insert buzzer noise here*....WRONG. Total myth. There are 2 types of exercise. Aerobic and anaerobic. Using just one without the other, is like PB without the jelly. You need BOTH to see results in the body, especially that lean, sexy, toned look that woman want! While aerobic exercise burns fat and keeps our hearts healthy, that is all it does. By combining both you are going to be able to shed the fat and build sexy muscles at the same time. You will also see results much faster...time is money as a mom!

2. "Cardio burns more calories." While pushing through a good run is going to get your heart pumping and will burn a good amount of calories, once that run is over, so is your fat burning potential. When you add weights to your workout regimen, you are adding the post-exercise effect. Your body is going to keep burning calories long after you have finished your workout (I see this happen all the time on my heart rate monitor). It's also going to boost your metabolism... allowing you to burn more calories.

3. "I am going to bet bulky lifting weights." The only way you are going to get big is by lifting big (heavy weights and one-rep maxes) and by eating big.  By designing a high rep/low weight program (even if it's just body weight) and a healthy eating program/nutrition guide, you will maximize your strength training without overbuilding the muscles. This is what will give you the toned look, rather than the 'manly' look. Did you know that most woman don't have enough testosterone in their bodies to even develop huge muscles that men have? It's true. We do not have the same set of hormones that are responsible for muscle growth. So stop making excuses and pick up that dumbbell!

4. "Using the machines at the gym are better than free weights." There are 2 things the machines are great for: isolating the muscles and preventing injury by forcing you to use proper form and assistance. However, by using free weights you  are using your whole body at once, getting a better overall workout. While you are exercising a particular muscle or muscle group, you are also using the surrounding muscles by stabilizing yourself. This is the key to my abs. Using free weights forces me to use my core for all my workouts.

5. "Men and woman need to train differently." Nope. There is absolutely NO REASON men and woman can't train together to transform their bodies. In fact, my husband is my biggest support system and motivator. This goes back to that rep/weight concept I mentioned earlier. When I train with my husband we do the exact same exercises (squats, lunges, dead lifts, curls, clean and press, etc). The difference is, he uses it to build a strong, athletic, muscular look. I use it to build a lean, strong, slender look. He will pack on heavy weight and do less reps with longer rest intervals. I do lighter weight with more reps and short rest intervals.

"Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure. They are the tools with no purpose other than building great monuments of nothing."



Shake of The Day: Orange Creamcicle

Orange Creamcicle



Hey everyone. Sorry about the delay in posts this week. I will try to do my best to keep it updated but my in-laws come all the way to Japan to see us...how exciting!!!! We are super busy site-seeing and spending some quality time together. My blog will be back in full swing as soon as they head back to Wyoming. Thanks for understanding! In the mean time, here is what I started my day with...great way to fuel my body before my long days of tour guiding :) This is another Jaxen favorite (mine too).

1/2 cup Trop 50 orange juice
1/2 cup non-fat milk, soy milk or almond milk
6-12 frozen milk cubes or 1/2 cup ice
1/4 tsp pure vanilla or vanilla extract
1 heaping scoop of vanilla protein powder

* Mix well in blender until smooth, thick and creamy. ENJOY! XOXO

Workouts: Booty Buster

While some woman tend to gain weight and get a bigger back-side during pregnancy and after birth, I lost mine! As I stood in front of the mirror 6 weeks post-partum, I stared at the remains of what used to be my 'apple bottom' (almost in tears). As a former sprinter and fitness fanatic, I had an outstanding hiney. However, age, child birth and neglect robbed me of that and I was left with a 'pancake'/ 'teacher' butt. I started having flashbacks to the days of Rocky's and 'mom' jeans, the ones with the 16 inch zipper that also covered your belly button (probably acid washed)... I shivered at the thought. Something had to be done. Two things popped into my head: Squats and lunges. The BOOTY BUSTERS! If you want results in the derriere, here's you ticket. Squats are my FAVORITE, maybe because there are so many variations. Single leg, sumo, weighted, assisted, front, back, jumps, press, pistol, plie...the list could go on! First things first, you need to know what you are doing. You won't get any of the results you want if you are not lifting properly, especially if you are clueless towards weight training. If your hurt/injure yourself, no progress can ever be made. Additionally, you will not be getting the most out of the exercise and cheating yourself of a good workout.

Common mistakes

 - Not going down low enough

 - Losing good posture (keep chest high and shoulders back)

 - Lifting you heels off the ground (you want to DRIVE from your heels)

 - Letting your knees fall forward or lean past your toes as you squat down

Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, toes slightly pointed out. Bar bell should be placed on 'meaty' part of back (using proper lifting technique to life barbell). Squat down as if you were going to sit down into a chair, pulling your abs tight and shoulders back. Focus on the horizon, chest open, knees in line with toes, butt back and weight in your heels. Sit into squat, torso no more than 45 degrees and push through your heels to rise up. Sometimes I even wiggle my toes or pull them up to keep myself from rocking forward when I feel fatigued.

* I am pictured using a barbell WITH weight. There are several variations that you can do if you are not advanced enough. You will still get the full benefits from the exercise. A couple of my favorites are:



Weighted w/out barbell



Assisted w/out weight using the barbell

Assisted w/out weight using chair

TRY THIS (using weighted w/out barbell or air squats):

20 Squats

400 M jog/run

30 Squats

400 M jog/run

40 Squats

400 M jog/run

50 Squats

400 M jog/run

60 Squats

* That is 1 mile of track time (400 M is .25 on a treadmill) and 200 squats! Your hind-side should be on FI-YAHHHHH!  Time yourself each time and try to beat you previous best! If you can't get all the way through it, don't beat yourself up. It will give you a goal for the next workout. Good luck :)

  



Shake of the Day: French Toast

French Toast

OHHHHHH YES! You read it right, french toast! Best morning protein shake, HAND DOWN! I use my kids and husband as my lab rats (every shake and recipe posted is taste tested first). They loved this one so much, I had to make a couple extras just for them. Chris said, "Holy smokes! That really does taste just like french toast!" Our son Jaxen said, "Mmmmm...what's in there? A donut?" This has all the flavor, but non of the fat, calories, sugar and guilt. You're gonna love it!

1 cup non-fat milk, soy milk, almond milk

1/2 tsp maple flavor (find it by the other extracts/flavors in the spice isle) DO NOT USE SYRUP

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

6 milk cubes (or regular ice)

1 packet Truvia

1 heaping scoop of 100% whey vanilla protein powder

Mix it all together in blender until thick and smooth. Recipes like this that do not call for frozen fruit can be very runny. I like to use ice cube trays to freeze my milk and other juices so I can still make them thick like a milkshake. Ice can sometimes water down the flavor, so this is an easy option. Although...this one wouldn't have enough time to defrost anyways. It's THAT good :) 

Recipe of The Day: Curry and Quinoa

Curried Shrimp w/ Spinach and Chickpeas

(*served over Quinoa)



I LOVE curry! Cooking with spices is an awesome way to change up recipes and add flavor to your healthy menu. I also discovered that I can cook quinoa in my rice cooker! HOORAY! Why am I so excited about this?! I will tell you. Quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wa') is another super food from my power list. Unlike brown rice, quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It also contains TWICE the fiber other other grains. It also contains lysine, iron, magnesium, riboflavin, and manganese. Manganese is an antioxidant, which helps to prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as to protect red blood cells and other cells from injury by free radicals. To top it off, it is gluten-free! This recipe was husband tested and APPROVED! It was easy and so satisfying. I ate an entire bowl. I'm not a huge fan of heat, but Chris told me that adding Sriracha sauce was the key to this dish. Either way, you will NOT be disappointed!

What you will need: 1 sliced onion or 6 garlic cloves (diced), 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp curry powder, 1 lb medium sized shrimp (tails removed), salt, pepper, 1 cup PLAIN Greek yogurt (I used vanilla on accident once. Not my finest kitchen moment *BLAH*), 15oz can chickpeas, 2 cups fresh spinach

* 2 cups brown rice or quinoa for serving

* Sriracha sauce for added heat

Add 2 cups of quinoa to rice cooker and add 3 cups of water. Cover and set to cook (it does the rest for you). In a large sauce pan, saute onion or garlic in oil until it begins to soften and brown (I didn't use onions because both of my kids get upset tummies from it when I am breastfeeding). Add shrimp and curry powder to pan and cook until shrimp starts become pink colored and boils down (it will get a little watery). Stir in yogurt and stir for 1 minute until well blended. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach and cook on medium heat until it is completely wilted and mixed into sauce. Add drained chick peas. Stir sauce and let simmer on low until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and serve over brown rice or quinoa. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did :)

Shake of The Day: Lemon Berry Blast

Lemon Berry Blast

1 cup non-fat milk, soy milk or almond milk

1/2 cup FROZEN mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

1 packet Truvia

1/4 tsp lemon extract

1/4 tsp almond extract (for the cherry flavor)

Fresh lemon zest

1 heaping scoop 100% whey vanilla protein powder

Add all together and blend well until creamy, thick and smooth. This one is so refreshing and delicious! Enjoy :)

Body After Baby: Getting Back Into Shape

If you are thinking about exercising again, chances are you may be into a predictable pattern with your little one(s) by now (and hopefully getting some sleep finally). Now that you have that all figured out, where do you start when it come to getting back in shape?

1. Don't over do it. I'll admit it, after our oldest child was born, I thought I was going to walk into the gym and take off just like I did pre-pregnancy. WRONG! I got about a half mile into my run and was dying. I also pushed myself way too hard in the abdominal department (we all want to get rid of the belly pouch, right?) The next day, I was sore all over. It was hard for me to even get out of bed, how was I suppose to get my workout in for the day feeling like that? What I should have done was jogged for a few minutes at a time with rests in between for a total of 20-30 minutes until my legs and lungs were ready for more intensity. I should have also done a couple sets of abs and then quit for the day, knowing I could revisit them the next day. Since your core is the most important and most used part of the body, it is OK to work it out everyday. Thank goodness for Epsom salt, ibuprofen and ice!

2. Get into home workouts and DVDS! This was the BEST investment I ever made! Not only are you working with some of the best trainers in the fitness industry with expert advice, but you are working out from the comfort of your home. Nobody judging, no dress code, no commute, access to baby at all times. After moving to Japan I didn't have the child care option at a gym anymore. As a military wife, I do not always have the luxury of daddy being home to help watch the kids, either. Nap time and my at-home gym is the key to my success! I am currently following the PUMP workouts by Les Mills offered through Beach Body. I will be writing a more in depth review, so stay tuned to my blog! I love it.

3. Don't assume longer is better. HIIT (high intensity interval training)  or shorts bursts of intense exercise with short rest times and small breaks in between may actually get you fitter faster and back into the skinny jeans. One of my PUMP workouts using my weights, burns as many (if not more) calories than one of my 3 mile runs according to my heart rate monitor. This is always music to the ears of mommies who HATE running. There are plenty of ways to get it done, ladies!

4. MIX IT UP! Your body is never going to change if you do the same thing all the time. You need to increase your speed, change your workouts, train on an incline, learn how to isolate muscles. You always have to keep you muscles guessing and make sure you are moving ALL of them. If you are just starting out, try speed-walking with a friend one day and then using dumbbells or your baby to do lunges and squats at home the next day. Yep, I said baby! I loved strapping on my carrier and using my babies as extra weight on my walks and weight training days when I was getting back into it again. They loved it too :)

5. Don't get caught up in calories. A recent study showed that when women were told to eat back the calories they burned during a workout, they actually ended up helping themselves to double the calories they had worked so hard to scorch. Yes, breastfeeding women should eat back the calories. However, unless there is an underlying health condition present, don't worry about adding any back. Set a calorie goal for the day and try to stick to it. Don't worry about the addition and subtraction part. I always hated math!

6. Do circuit training and take classes. Something about being around other people just makes me push myself harder. Maybe it's because I don't want anyone to see how out of shape or uncordinated I really am, or maybe it's those huge mirrors on the wall. They have a way of highlighting every single part of my body that the pregnancy didn't agree with. Whatever it is, I am always pouring in sweat after a good session. If  it is possible for you to get to a gym, take advantage of it!!! Cranking out a hard Zumba session, a spin class or a circuit with little rest in between keeps your heart rate elevated and pumping hard for prime fat burning. This is also a good way to combine your cardio and strength training to save you time (which we all know is PRECIOUS as a mom).

7. Give yourself some credit. You took the biggest step of all, trying. Sometimes the hardest part about getting back into shape is just starting or actually going to the gym. Listen to your body and don't be too hard on yourself. If it is telling you to take a break, take one. If you need a rest day or a nap, take one. Eventually, this will all get easier, promise. The KEY is to just keep going. Stay 'Motivated Mama'!

Snack Attack: Some of Our Favorites

Chances are, if you are working out hard and running around after your little ones all day, you are going to get hungry. Hunger is your body's way of saying "I need fuel". IT'S OK TO EAT between meals. Snacks even help rev up you metabolism (and we all love that). If you are breastfeeding, you NEED them. If you ignore that little voice inside your head, you may end up binge eating later in the day. Starving yourself will lead to eating a HUGE dinner later in the night or caving into quick fix like a fast food joint (if you haven't done so already, cut those places out of your diet completely). Every time my husband and I leave the house, we always make sure we have snacks for us and the kids. We pack a large cooler if we are planning on being out all day with a lunch and drinks included. For most 'normal' days where we are just in and out of the house or car running errands, we throw a few extra things in my purse or diaper bag. Here are a few of our favorite go-to snacks that came to mind:

- Gluten free pretzels/baby carrots w/ hummus (I am allergic to wheat, I LOVE the Glutino brand)
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin seeds
- Zone bars (Fudge Graham and Chocolate Mint are my 2 favorite flavors)
- Fruit Buddies (these are a good alternative if you can't make your own)
- Trail Mix (Back to Nature - California Coast)
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, kiwi slices, berries, etc)
- Sliced veggies, fresh w/ low fat ranch
- Dried Apricots
- Low fat cottage cheese w/ Craisins
- Popcorn
- String cheese
- Dove dark chocolate squares (sometimes I need a chocolate fix and a couple of these will do the trick)
- Lucy's organic/ gluten/dairy free cookies - individual packs - any flavor
- Lara bars
- Hard boiled eggs
- Frozen grapes
- Raisin boxes

Be careful of the dried fruits and yogurts, keep your servings to a minimum. Even though they are healthy, they can contain a lot of natural sugars. Nuts and seeds can be high in sodium as well. Also, if you don't have time to eat or want a meal replacement, try one of my shake recipes and put it in a to-go cup. Perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner :) Finally, always make sure you are drinking LOTS of water!

Shake of The Day: Saigon Strawberry Banana

Saigon Strawberry Banana



Good morning motivated mamas! Breakfast is served. Going to follow this with a big cup of coffee. YUMMY!

1 cup non-fat milk, soy milk or almond milk

1 small fresh banana

1/4 cup frozen, whole strawberries (NO sugar added)

1/2 tsp almond extract

1 heaping scoop 100% whey vanilla protein powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon (add more or less as desired)

Recipe of the Day: Popeye Was Right!

As women, we lack certain vitamins and minerals in our bodies (not like we don't already have enough to worry about with bras, panty hose, periods, pregnancy and bad hair days, right?) I have always been very low in the iron department and even anemic at times. Although there are plenty of supplements that can help, the most important source of nutrients is a healthy, well-balanced diet. I have adopted certain foods over the years as my grocery cart STAPLES....a power list. One of my favorites is the lean, mean, iron-packed green leafy machine: SPINACH. It’s low in calories (only 25 per serving) yet very high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega 3 fatty acids. I love how versatile it is. I can eat it raw as the base of my salads (I prefer it over lettuce), add it to my protein shakes, steam it, or add it to my favorite recipes. This is an *awesome* muscle friendly dinner that is great for building lean muscle and packed full of the green stuff. It is also husband approved!



Italian Eggs

                                 

*Bring 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce to a deep bubble in a skillet (I like the Organic Ragu). Add in 4 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves and stir until they are soft and mixed well within the sauce. Crack 6 eggs into sauce, cover, cook until they are as soft or set as you prefer (the picture of mine are soft boiled, almost over hard). Place eggs on dinner plate and cover with spinach sauce and fresh grated Parmesan cheese. ENJOY!



Shake of The Day: Tropical Banana

THIS ON IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE! As a matter of fact, it was also my lunch today. Perfect for the on the go mommy :) What you will need:

1 cup low fat or non-fat milk, soymilk or almond milk
1 small banana (frozen or fresh)
1/4 cup FROZEN mangoes, NO sugar added (the frozen ones are what's going to make it thick like a milkshake)
1/4 tsp coconut extract (I use imitation since I am allergic to coconut)
1 heaping scoop of  vanilla 100% Whey protein powder (Optimum Nutrition is my favorite)
* You can even throw in a few frozen pineapple chunks if you want a more tropical flavor!

Mix it all together in a blender on high until completely smooth and thick. I use the Oster 'My Blend' personal mixer/blender (you can buy them on Amazon). It is an individual-sized blender and sport bottle in one that is designed to fit your active, fast-paced lifestyle. With quick and convenient one touch blending, you can create your favorite smoothies, protein shakes, and more to enjoy at home, on a run, or at the office. It comes with one 20-ounce BPA-free plastic sport bottle, but I ordered the cups in every color, LOVE THEM (my orange one is in the picture) The blades never get dull either!

Boobies & Burpees: Will working out affect my breast milk supply?

Above all other questions, this one takes the cake. If there was one question I got asked the MOST, this is it. I am still breastfeeding our 8 month old daughter on demand while maintaining a rigorous 5 day per week workout schedule (I give myself 2 rest days per week). Here are a few things I have figured out after 2 babies:
There is evidence that after extremely vigorous workouts there may be a small increase of lactic acid present in breast milk. This does not harm baby in any way, though some athletes have reported that their babies seemed to dislike the taste of their milk immediately after a grueling workout. This has NOT been the case with either of my kids (onions is another story). Even in these extreme situations, the lactic acid is quickly metabolized out of the milk, so any change in flavor will be short-lived. For most moderate workouts there is no change in your milk at all, and babies will nurse happily even immediately after a workout. In fact, my milk supply seems to increase after a hard sweat!

Tips to remember -

1.) DRINKS LOTS OF WATER. Not only are you losing water by sweating, but it takes extra water in the body to produce your milk supply. You should be drinking AT LEAST a gallon a day (even more if it's hot)...that's over 128oz a day!
2.) Get a good bra! If you think running without support hurt before kids, try it now! Lactating breasts are naturally heavier, and you can experience discomfort if you do not have a very supportive bra. While nursing mothers shouldn't wear a snug sports-bra all of the time, it is important to wear one during your workout to prevent chafing and pain in your back and breasts.
3.) Don't starve yourself. I know that cutting those cals seems like a quick fix to get your body back, but your body is already burning up to 500 extra calories per day by breastfeeding (awesome, right?!) While a person NOT BREASTFEEDING shouldn't technically eat back the calories they have burned after exercising to lose weight faster, a breastfeeding mommy should. Every woman's calorie intake is going to depend on their BMI and intensity of activity.
4.) Eat Right. Although this seems like a no-brainer, I am amazed at how many people just think all calories are created equally. Make sure you are looking at food as fuel and not just numbers. Quality over quantity tactic. To ensure your baby AND you are getting optimum nutrition, you need to be eating clean! We all have a cheat day once in a while and slip, but try to make sure you focusing on food. Think of your body as a machine....it can't produce the milk if it doesn't have the right stuff running it. Besides that, don't you want your milk full of the good stuff to give your child? Also, make sure you are STILL taking that pre-natal vitamin!
5. Follow the '2 month' rule. How well you follow the first 4 steps can set you up for success. Research shows that if you have a good supply and source after the first 2 months, your body should be able to maintain that amount even with some calorie restrictions and increased physical activity.
If you do see a decrease in your supply, increase your fluids (your pee should be light yellow every time you go to the bathroom), sneak in a couple extra pumping sessions (10 minutes) or feedings during the day. You can also contact your doctor or midwife for other natural options including herbal teas and supplements.

*ALSO MAKE SURE YOU ARE RESTING AND GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP!

Welcome To My Journey

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!!

 I invite ANYONE out there to follow my fitness journey with me. I am going to post recipes, workouts, nutrition/fitness tips (including breastfeeding), pictures, quotes and other health related posts that apply to my daily life as a 'Motivated Mommy'.  I can thank my husband, Chris, for the extra push to start writing this stuff down. The initial idea came after many individuals reached out to me for personal advice/tips/pointers relating to workouts, diet and balancing their busy lives as mothers. This blog is completely my own experiences and opinions, so please respect them as such. I am not a personal trainer or nutritionist (or a psychologist for that matter) although I have taken countless hours of classes, have plenty of life experience and know a few of  'the ropes'. I encourage you all to become healthier, stronger and SEXIER (yep, moms CAN be sexy after kids). Change your dislikes into likes.  Form habits that transform you into the best you can be, whatever that image is. Put away those 'mom jeans' and 'fat pants' & grab your weights and protein shakers . Every accomplishment begins with the decision to TRY, so join me! 

Currently, it has been 8 months since Ms. Miya graced us with her presence. I gained 38lbs while pregnant with her and 48lbs with our son, Jaxen! After 2 babies and A LOT of blood, sweat, tears (and breastfeeding), I am proud to say I am officially back down to 14% body fat and no more love handles. My OBLIQUES are even popping out to say "Hello"! I am always a work in progress. There are still areas that need work and will never settle for anything less than my best, but I am SO proud of how far I have came in 4 years. I have learned so much about my body but more about discipline, focus and motivation. How did I ever complain about not having time or being too tired BEFORE kids?! ANYTHING is possible. The question is not CAN YOU,  it's WILL YOU? I wasn't naturally blessed with 'special' genetics, I don't starve myself and there is no magic pill (almost as sad as finding out money doesn't *really* grow on trees). I simply find a balance between fitness, food and motherhood. Now, get out there and KICK SOME ASS (especially your own). Today is a fresh new start, a brand new day to make yourself proud.  You can do it, I promise!