Week 4 of Hammer & Chisel was most def. the hardest one yet. Not the workouts – those were solid
…it was the nutrition – the struggle in the KITCHEN!
Now – don’t get me wrong I made some great choices, I stayed true to my workouts and we held off on the Christmas cookie baking until the last minute but the portions weren’t spot on and well, we had some fun. But nonetheless I am back to my FOCUS with a little help from my friend…FOCUS ENERGY!!!
Yes – this little boost became a huge savior to help me get back to my A-Game!
I also have to brag a bit about this little Teavana tea thermos/brew cup I got as a gift from my in laws…you actually BREW the tea in the cup and then take out the little holder of the tea leaves and BOOM – you’re ready to go!
Bonus – I actually brewed a cup, hit the road for a short road trip and 8-HOURS-LATER it was the exact same temperature as it was when I first hopped in the car. I was AMAZED so say the least…so if you’re a tea drinker – you may want to check this out!!!
And of course post Christmas week brings along the final week of the year and New Years fun!
We have some small plans and get togethers so we meal planned and prepped like crazy to make sure we could have a strong week leading into the holiday.
Here’s my game plan:
And my hubby’s:
We’re still keeping things pretty consistent although my hubs started making this Shakeology Pudding every night – and WOWZA -its to die for.
Simply combine 1 scoop of chocolate shakeo, 1 red of green yogurt, 2 tsp of all natural PB and a splash of almond milk until you get the consistency you are looking for!!!
We are set for the New Year and committed to ending the year STRONGER than we started!!!
You can’t let other people tell you who you are. You have to decide that for yourself! Your actions – your words – YOU – decide where you will end up in life.
Trust me – I was skeptical too. But as I watched other coaches in the network succeed in what seemed to be MY dream job I developed the attitude “why not me”.
I wanted to be a SAHM & I wanted to be fit and active to keep up with our growing kiddos & I wanted to be financially FREE – so WHY NOT take a leap and check out this work from home business opportunity?!?!
And my oh my did it forever change my life…for the good!
I decided to become the girl who decided to JUST GO FOR IT!!!
I decided that I was going to create a life I LOVED.
I get to wake up every day and HELP other people become better versions of themselves while continuously working on myself too…all from the comfort of my HOME.
Have you ever considered becoming a coach???
Are you an “on-the-fencer”???
My team is hosting a live event on WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30th and I am inviting YOU to check it out – no strings attached!
Learn about the types of coaches, the opportunities and get answers to all your questions!!!
Who knows – 2016 may just be your best year YET!
If you’re interested in checking things out please fill out and submit the form below and/or email me at maeganblinka@gmail.com for a spot!
***Success isn’t the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you’re doing and you work hard you will be successful***
Christmas is only a few days away and all that you’ve worked for, saved for, prepared for and anticipated is about to arrive.
Enjoy it – each and every second of it – for if you blink it will be over!
So take this time and BE present with those you’re spending your Christmas with.
Its so easy to get caught up in all the excitement and forget what Christmas is all about.
Unplug.
Put your phone away.
Enjoy the excitement on your children’s faces.
And CELEBRATE all of God’s gifts that are in your hands!
For the craziness will be over soon and the normalcy will set back in!
I wanted to thank each and every one of you who has supported me and followed by journey! Whether you’re a coach on our team, a participant in my challenge group or a new friend I met along the way – I value YOU and our relationship!
I still feel a bit of a shock when I think of how my life has changed since Beachbody entered our world. An opportunity that seemed so small to me at the time has since provided my family with opportunities we could have only dreamed of!!!
A business that allows me to work on my time – to be home with my children while helping other moms build their business to be home with their children too! I have helped families put food on the table, helped others pay down their debt and as much as its given me this avenue to help transform people from the outside – I’ve been able to watch them transform on the inside too!
To be stronger, healthier and more confident versions of themselves!
Knowing that my support and guidance has the power to CHANGE LIVES propels me each and every day and I just have to THANK YOU for allowing me to be a part of your life!
2015 has been an amazing year. Our team has grown – the number of lives we have impacted has increased exponentially and I cannot wait to see what we can do in 2016!
Thank you all so much for having a part in our crazy little world!
There’s nothing like walking into the house at dinner time with this on the table….
Ok – well maybe it didn’t look quite like that and more like…
Hey may be a bit messy but he is GOOD!
Nonetheless – my hubby whipped up this incredible, clean, chicken tortilla soup adapted from the FIXATE cookbook and I am excited to share the recipe with you!
WHAT YOU NEED:
8 – 6″ corn tortillas
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups sliced celery
4 medium tomatoes
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Leftover salsa chicken works great!)
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 medium avocado
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 tsp crumbled feta cheese
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Preheat oven to 350
Line large baking sheet with parchment paper
Bake tortillas for 8-10 minutes on baking sheet, cool and break into pieces
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat
Add onion and celery, cook for approximately 5 minutes
Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute
Add tomatoes , cook for an additional 5 minutes until soft
Combine: onion mixture, 2 cups broth and HALF of the toasted tortillas into food processor and BLEND until smooth
Add mixture into large saucepan. Add remaining 4 cups brother, chicken, carrots and seasonings. Bring to a boil and cook on low approximately 10 minutes until carrots are tender.
Top each serving evenly with avocado, cilantro, cheese and remaining tortilla soup
For more healthy recipes, fitness & nutrition tips, ongoing support and 1:1 coaching from ME to help YOU with your fitness journey, please fill out the application below for a spot in my next health & challenge group!
There is power in numbers – but you only have control of ONE.
If you’ve been following my Hammer & Chisel journey you may have noticed that week 3 kicked off with SEVERAL planned meals out – I mean its the holidays – tis the season right?!?!
Of course – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some progress along the way too!!!
We have had some holiday celebrations, my dad’s birthday dinner and just some time out with friends and family! But here’s the deal – I do believe you can have your cake and eat it too!
Each day I’ve been “picking my splurge” whether its the meal or dessert I pick one and do my best on the other options. I have found making that healthier choice doesn’t leave me feeling deprived but rather proud that I am doing something to better myself!
We even had a day date christmas shopping trip in the mix and at the suggestion of my hubs we packed all our meals – yup – snack 1, lunch and snack 2. Mancake bake, grilled asparagus and salmon burgers, some fruit, shakeo and plenty to drink! Hydration is key!!!
And in between running from place to place we would sneak in those meals, fuel up and get on our way! I tend to get HANGRY while shopping and often don’t want to take the time out to eat when I’m on a mission and this made it work out for everyone involved!!!
My sis came to visit which gave me that much more of a REASON – not an EXCUSE to stay on track – we simply made it something we would do TOGETHER! Family fitness is just one of the many things that fills my cup — I think she’s hooked for sure!
The holiday season is tough – don’t get me wrong. And the temptations are everywhere but not impossible to survive by any means!!!
Here are my top HOLIDAY tips!
If you are interested in joining us in the new year – My January 4th RESOLUTIONS into RESULTS challenge group is now forming!
Fill out the application below and/or email me at maeganblinka@gmail.com for details.
There is power in numbers – but you only have control of ONE.
Ok wait – so I JUST got the package YET – I’m in week 2?! Heck yes!
I’ve actually been doing the H&C workouts through the on demand feature of the Team Beachbody Premium Club membership. Basically its like netflix for the fitness world and while I had everything I needed to do the program – there’s just something to be said about flipping the pages of the nutrition guide and hanging that 60 day calendar on the basement walls!!!
So what came in the box?!?!
I opted for the The Masters Hammer and Chisel Deluxe DVD Package:
12 workouts on 6 DVDs: HAMMER PLYOMETRICS, ISO SPEED HAMME, TOTAL BODY HAMMER,MAX HAMMER STRENGTH, HAMMER POWER, HAMMER CONDITIONING, CHISEL BALANCE, ISO STRENGTH CHISEL, CHISEL ENDURANCE, CHISEL CARDIO, CHISEL AGILITY, TOTAL BODY CHISEL
A SET OF 7 PORTION-CONTROL CONTAINERS & SHAKER CUP
PROGRAM AND NUTRITION GUIDE
QUICK-START GUIDE
60-DAY WORKOUT CALENDAR
PLUS, 3 FREE BONUS GIFTS: 10 MIN AB HAMMER WORKOUT, 10 MIN AB CHISEL WORKOUT, 24/7 ONLINE SUPPORT
4 ADVANCED TOTAL-BODY WORKOUTS: HAMMER BUILD UP, POWER CHISEL, 15 MIN LEG HAMMER, 15 MIN GLUTE CHISEL
AN EXTRA SET OF 7 PORTION-CONTROL CONTAINERS*
8-LB. MEDICINE BALL
We did already have containers and shaker cups and a medicine ball but since my husband and I are doing this TOGETHER – we wanted to make sure we had enough of EVERYTHING!
You’ll see from my meal plan above – I am adding in: Energize (pre workout), Energize (post workout) and Recharge (overnight) from the Team Beachbody Performance Line. This is an intense program and I am looking to get max results and I know these will help me get there! I am not nearly as sore this week as I was in week 1 and far less than I anticipated – I know these vitamin packed supplements are helping on that road to recovery!!!
My hubs is also adding in the Hydrate during his workouts and creatine!
Note the difference in the meal plans – He falls into the second highest and I fall into the lowest – so how do we make it work? Plan it out!
These are literally printed and hanging in the pantry – we tag team the shopping, the chopping and the cooking. Don’t get me wrong…it takes TIME but its worth it.
We both agree this program is hard but its fun and in the running to become our favorite one yet!
And while it is challenging and there are days we don’t want to wake up in the morning but we DO IT ANYWAY. We do it for ourselves – our health – and our family!
My mom even joined in for a 5:00am workout while visiting last week!
Age really is just a number!!
If you are interested in joining us in the new year – My January 4th RESOLUTIONS into RESULTS challenge group is now forming!
Fill out the application below and/or email me at maeganblinka@gmail.com for details.
There is power in numbers – but you only have control of ONE.
Or maybe the 7-10 pounds you tacked on between Thanksgiving & Christmas?!
Or…. perhaps the classic “this is my year” attitude??
I’m sure there’s a million and one things that play into the reasons but the results have proven in a recent study that the TOP 3 new years resolution in America are to:
*EXERCISE MORE*
*LOSE WEIGHT*
*Improve DIET*
Forget saving for the future or spending more time with family – most people kick off a new year with a goal to somehow some way improve their overall well being!
Yet, LESS than 10% of those people are actually successful in achieving their resolutions!
Why?
They don’t have the tools!
They’re afraid of change – they fear failure – they don’t know HOW to get started AND continue!
But here’s the deal…if you make a few temporary changes the results will simply be that – temporary. You won’t truly acheive what you’re setting out to do unless you make a CHANGE!
A change in the way you think – act- believe and yes – a change in your LIFESTYLE!
So – what’s the deal?
For starters – its much easier said than done!
Making a lifestyle change – a HEALTHY lifestyle change isn’t always easy.
Some people will doubt you, some may not support you, some may even say negative things and you may fear your ability to stick to it long term or when not at home. You’re afraid you don’t have the time or the money – But these are all just excuses – if you have a plan – you can overcome every single one of them – and then some!
AND I CAN HELP YOU!
Committing to a healthy eating and a consistent exercise routine may be HARD. But so is living in a body that you’re unhappy with.
CHOOSE YOUR HARD.
Then take action.
I’ve started and stopped my fair share of “changes” but nearly 2 years ago I made one change that forever changed my life.
I joined a challenge group.
An online accountability group filled with other women who had similar struggles as I did – similar fears – and similar goals – TO LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFE!
I picked up a 21 day fix challenge group, followed the advice of my COACH, and joined a group!
I pushed play – in my home – for 30 minutes a day. I checking to the group for accountability, I took the advice shared, I utilized the meal plans and recipes that were suggested and low and behold – I GOT RESULTS!
So I ask you all to take this as a personal INVITATION to make this your year.
Your time to shine and your time to FOLLOW THROUGH with your commitment – your commitment to BE HEALTHIER! TO BE THE BEST YOU!
I’m kicking off my RESOLUTIONS INTO RESULTS challenge group January 4th and I am looking for 10 people to join me!
Join us and we’ll do this TOGETHER!
(Please fill out the application below to be considered for one of the 10 spots. Must not already be working with another coach!)
Here’s the real deal – I actually love pancakes but I have a hard time putting anything into my body that has ZERO nutritional value! So I put a halt to the classic pancakes a while ago but I have found the best solution: Mancakes! They’re a gluten free combo of: Oats, egg whites, berries, banana and naturally flavored with some pure extracts and cinnamon!
They’re filing, no need for syrup, and my 2 year old insists on them DAILY – #mommywin!
Now: The only downside is – they take FOREVER to cook! Partially because when I make them I made a quadruple batch (which yields around 32-35 pancakes) and I don’t like to dirty more than one pan – but nonetheless – time is precious!
My husband and I both had these on our WEEK 1 HAMMER & CHISEL MEAL PLANS and I decided there was no way I could stand and flip that many cakes!
So I whipped up this little Mancake Berry Bake this week and it tasted like a blueberry muffin and I’m kind of thinking this is going to be my new thing!
The consistency is dense -like a cake/muffin but full of flavor! I’ve been enjoying these post-workout/Recovery shake for Meal #1 followed by my shakeology. This has been working these last four days to keep me energized and full after these intense Hammer & Chisel Workouts!!!
WHAT YOU NEED:
2 Cups of Oats
16 Egg whites (2 small cartons or one large)
1 Cup of strawberries (frozen are a-okay!)
1 Cup of blueberries (frozen are a-okay!)
1 banana
3 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp almond extract
Walnuts (optional)
Coconut oil
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth (you’ll see some oats but that’s okay!!!) – Now in my first go at these I forgot to add my blueberries – so I sprinkled them throughout and baked – I feel like this gave them more of a “muffin” feel opposed to blending them all together! But my little guy prefers them blended smooth!!
Pour into 9×13 baking pan (I prefer the foil toss pans – easy in and easy out!!! Don’t forget to spritz with olive oil or coconut oil first!)
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Make sure you test the center so its cooked fully (note: using frozen fruit may prolong the baking time 10-15 minutes)
Break into 4 pieces and now you have 4 breakfasts ready to go!
I have them planned out to give me: 1 Yellow, 1 Purple and 1/2 Red with each serving. The walnuts would be counted as a blue if used!
Why the 1/2 red? Because I am missing my post dinner sweet treat and what I found is that I can shake 1/2 a scoop of chocolate shakeology with some ice cold water to finish dinner and I no longer have that urge to much 🙂
If you’re looking for some new recipe ideas, or meal planning tips or maybe just some accountability to stay ON TRACK especially when times get tough – then join my next online Health & Fitness accountability group! My next group is now forming and I am looking for more women who would benefit from the support network and accountability of achieving their goals TOGETHER!
People keep asking me about my thoughts on hammer & chisel and how it compares to other programs and all I can say is this is one of its own!
I had been hooked on the 21-day fix ever since its release back in February 2014 and I bounced around between various other programs but I found myself simply going through the motions without matching it with effort.
I needed a change – I needed a CHAlleNGE!
This program is challenging yet possible.
It makes me push myself every day but leaves me with the most amazing sense of accomplishment.
It’s a program my husband and I can do-together-with customized results driven by the nutrition plan.
Its very unique moves combine multiple muscle groups to get you RESULTS – faster.
Whether you’re:
Looking for a good challenge
OR
a program you can do with your spouse
OR
A way to stay active through these winter months without battling the gym scene and commute
OR
You just need to switch up your normal routine
This may be for you!
Don’t bet me wrong – these workouts aren’t easy – they make you push your limits but I promise you great things happen outside of your comfort zone!
Next challenge group is forming NOW!
You will get online, daily accountability, tips, motivation, ideas, MEAL PLANS (which I know you all love to create!!!), recipes and heck – even a chance to win $500 or at least some new gear!
Fill out the application below and Join my January 4th, 2016 – Resolutions into Results Health & Fitness accountability group
After a much anticipated wait and wonderful technology (aka our little netflix for home workouts!) my husband and I have kicked off our new workout program – and we’re doing it together!
Hammer & Chisel was released December 1st but with the Club Membership and On Demand feature we had access to the workouts by Thursday, December 3rd through our accounts and quite honestly – just couldn’t wait!!! Besides who needs a new week or new month to work towards those goals!? We were ready so we went for it!
Yes – I. AM. SORE! But…I have an overhwelming sense of accomplishment. These workouts are HARD – don’t get me wrong. But if you enjoy a challenge, if you enjoy throwing that iron around and/or if you’re looking for a program you and your significant other can do TOGETHER then this may be the program for you!
As I sat down to meal plan today I actually realized our mid-week start totally set us up. The schedule outlines 3 days on – rest – 3 more workout days. So our Thursday start gives us a Sunday rest day which I feel is PERFECT to recoup, rest and reflect on the week before as we prepare for the week ahead!
So while this is our first FULL week – we are actually on Day 4 – rest day – TODAY and I am taking my Sunday to PREPARE!
You know what they say:
“Failing to plan is like Planning to Fail”
The meal plan is pretty similar to the 21-day fix and fix extreme plans I have done in the past but very different for my hubby compared to his prior Body Best!
THE WAY IT WORKS:
You do a calculation based on your weight, activity level and goals – and you get a “plan” to follow. This plan will tell you how many portions of each food group/container you get and then the hard work sets in – PLANNING IT OUT!
Here are our weekly plans:
As you can see – we will be eating very similar foods but in very different portions. I have two commitments this week which are on my calendar and I will plan and act accordingly! Yes – I have goals and yes its the holiday season and Yes – its all about the balance!!
I fell in the 1200-1500 range giving me: 3 REDS, 2 YELLOWS, 2 PURPLES, 3 GREENS, 1 ORANGE and 1 BLUE.
My husband falls in the 3000-3299 range giving him: He gets 8 REDS, 8 YELLOWS, 5 PURPLES, 9 GREENS, 1 ORANGE and 1 BLUE.
And that plan means nothing unless you PREP – here’s what our fridge looks like at the start of week 1:
One thing I am adding this round is more of the PERFORMANCE LINE supplements.
I have been using the pre-wrokout ENERGIZE from Beachbody’s Performance Line for a few months and love it…it gives me that nice little energy boost to power through my early morning workouts but doesn’t leave me jittery or anything!! And I had never really felt the need to add in anything else…until now…
You can read more about the FULL PERFORMANCE LINE HERE – but for the time being I am going to add in the post-workout Recover to speed up muscle recovery and combat this exercise-induced muscle soreness! These workouts are a change – they are a challenge -and I fully expect to feel the pain a bit – but that doesn’t mean I have to go about each day barely being able to walk or touch my toes!!!
This line helps your body recover and recoup after training and I can already feel the impact in just the first 3 days.
Jello legs post workout where I am so fatigued yet the pain the next day is not at all what I would expect and I know the performance line is making all the difference in the world!
I am also going to add the Nightime recharge in the evening to support over night muscle recovery.
And as we began prepping today I can tell you – this is A LOT of food! And its beyond A LOT of food for my husband but these programs are tried and true – I know that if I follow the program the results will follow!!!
My first test group is underway and as I continue through week 1 I can tell you the results are coming already!!!!
If you’d like to start off 2016 with me – then join my January 4th Resolutions into Results health & fitness accountability group!
I will lead from the front and be going through every step of the way WITH YOU! Together – we can do this!!!
You can’t let other people tell you who you are. You have to decide that for yourself! Your actions – your words – YOU – decide where you will end up in life.
You just need to switch up your normal routine
Maegan Blinka 