How I got started on my fitness journey

MY STORY

WHY I SAID YES TO PRIORITIZING MY HEALTH:

I get so many questions about how I got started on my fitness journey! I wanted to share it here so you can have it to read and save it for later when you need motivation. 

In February 2014 I found myself asking for prayers as we were rushed to Children’s Hospital holding tightly to VERY sick little boy.

My infant’s deteriorating health was dismissed as “a bad cold” before we got in to see HIS doctor who quickly sent us by ambulance to Children’s to get the best care.

We received his diagnosis: Pneomonia, double ear infection, bronchiolitis, and very high fevers. 

We spent two tiring nights there and while my little man attempted to get comfortable and rest I simply watched him. 

Sleep just wasn’t happening for me and eventually when he settled I grabbed the phone for a mindless midnight scroll. 

And there it was…

👉Amazing side by side from someone I didn’t even know

👉Shared by an old college friend

👉New program launch coming soon

👉Lose up to 15 pounds

👉Drink a superfood shake

👉Join a group

And, well my SCROLL – STOPPED ✋️✋️✋️

Something HIT ME. I saw the importance of GOOD HEALTH.

Colton, my son was 8.5 months old & I was still holding on to a few post baby pounds but more than anything I was EXHAUSTED 24/7 and at that moment I decided to stop wishing and start working.

It was JUST a virtual fitness group with a bunch of strangers at the time but what I learned in that group became a pivotal point in my life!!

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

So I went all in!

9 years ago I stood in my bedroom and handed my hubs my iPhone 4 to fulfill my coach’s request to submit my “goodbye” pics to gain access into her 21 day virtual BOOTCAMP….

That was me gearing up for my first online accountability group…and this is me NOW…

Ok to be honest this picture on the left was me on the second attempt.

The first set of pics I deleted…but my coach INSISTED I submit them, so I retook them the night before we started…

I had no idea what to expect.

Heck the term “challenge” group intimidated me enough as it was…

Those seemingly small containers scared me…

I thought weights would make me bulky…

And I had no desire to open up to a group filled with a bunch of “strangers”…

And I most definitely was not interested in posting anything on social or publicly for anyone to see 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

All I knew at that time was that I was tired of being tired. 

I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin and I was DETERMINED to set the example I wanted my growing kids to follow!

Gosh I was NOT going to quit on myself, not this time. 

My babies needed their mama at her best, and I needed to make some C H A N G E S

I was R E A D Y to make the sacrifices.

I had NO IDEA then where I would wind up today…

But I do know that the very first step I took towards joining that group was the one door that opened up all the other possibilities! 

During those first few days I was a fly on the wall in the group! I didn’t post anything, I didn’t ask anything and I quietly just tried to figure it all out. It was a change and it was hard. But on the 10th day, Fat Tuesday, I went off the walls. We had lunch at a Pizza Hut buffet and I ate all the things. All the pizza, all the breadsticks and all the dessert and I felt AWFUL. LITERALLY – not because I felt like I was cheating but my digestion was awful, I was bloated, and so uncomfortable and I thought to myself “why am I beating myself up with these workouts and investing this time and money into new habits if I’m going to undo the hard work”

And that’s the day it all shifted.

On the 11th day I posted to the group for the first time. I shared my failure and I shared what I was going to do the next day to make myself FEEL my best. I didn’t know anyone in the group but somehow that public proclamation was all I needed to stay on track, eat the food that fueled me, and continue through the program.

By the end of that 21 days I didn’t have to be asked for my Day 21 pictures. I was proudly setting up that iphone timer and sending them back over to my coach with pride.

Not because I was perfect the remaining 10 days but because I was showing up as my best self and gosh it FELT really amazing.

I finally felt like ME again for the first time – post entering motherhood – and I LIKED IT!


I got my confidence back.

My husband got his wife back

My kids got the energetic mama they deserved

And I knew this was something other women NEEDED and so I did the only thing that made sense…I BEGAN TO SHARE as I kicked off my own business as a BODi partner!

VIRTUAL BOOTCAMP SQUAD

Like I shared above, the only thing that made sense to me at the end of those first 21 days was so SHARE – because I knew in my heart there had to be another mama, another “MAEGAN” out there who had felt the way I was feeling before and deserved to feel the way I was feeling NOW – and I firmly believe if you are STILL here – reading this and you want to make a change too!

Let’s link arms and do this together! We truly are STRONGER TOGETHER!

I can’t promise that making changes will be easy but I can promise that investing in yourself is one investment that is always worth making!

I will provide you with my tools, resources and best of all SUPPORT to not only help you get started but reach your goals and keep on going through the good, the bad and everything in between! CLICK THE LINK BELOW to get started together!

JOIN MY VIRTUAL BOOTCAMP

The 21 Day Fix BODi Block is coming soon!

If you’re a fan of Autumn’s 21 Day Fix programs, you’re going to love what is coming in April 2023!

Are you new to Autumn’s workouts?

Well, we guarantee you’ll love her 21 Day Fix Super Block too! Keep reading to learn more.

So What Is a Super Block?

By now you’ve probably heard of BODi Blocks — 4 new programs that start on the first Monday of every month.

Each Block features 5 workouts a week for 3 weeks, followed by an “UP Week” (which stands for “Unconditional Progress”) to reset and recover.

A Super Block is when one of the BODi Super Trainers remake one of their most popular programs in the BODi Block format.

This is your chance to revisit your favorite programs — like 21 Day Fix or T25 — with new workouts, new playlists set to popular music, and an entirely new experience.

It’s all about giving you more of what you love, plus a little push to get you where you want to go.

Why are Blocks such a breakthrough?

They’re based on block periodization, a proven approach to exercise and recovery that challenges you without overtraining.

It’s all about helping you create consistency with your Health Esteem routine.

Your life is busy. Pretending you’re going to work out every day and never eat a cookie is silly.

So, we’re ditching the perfection mindset and bringing you new programs every month that you can actually stick to because they work with real life. Really.

Want to learn more about BODi Blocks and Super Blocks? Click here.

Super Block April Spotlight: 21 Day Fix with Autumn Calabrese

What Is the 21 Day Fix Super Block?

It’s everything you love about 21 Day Fix — now in a Super Block!

Super Trainer Autumn Calabrese has remade her megahit program using the proven block periodization structure, with new moves and popular music.

How Is It Different From Other 21 Day Fix Programs?

The workouts are similar to 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Real Time. The moves are new, but the structure repeats over 3 weeks so you know what to expect.

She’s designed it so you’ll make progress each week as you gain confidence, push harder, increase your weights, and get stronger day by day.

What Kind of Workouts Can I Expect?

You’ll work your body from head to toe in this Super Block.

Autumn is bringing back your favorite 21 Day Fix — you’ll get your heart pumping with two days of cardio-focused workouts and help sculpt your muscles with 3 days of strength-focused training.

Autumn also created an optional 5er Ab Fix workout that you can do twice a week for an added burn, plus 3 bonus Cycle Fix workouts you can swap in on cardio days, or whenever you want an extra workout.

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?

You’ll need light, medium, and heavy dumbbells. A mat is optional.

How Do I Know if 21 Day Fix Is Right for Me?

If you’ve worked out with Autumn before, you know that she’s going to bring the heat — and the fun.

She’s dialed in the right combo of resistance training and cardio and added her signature motivation and tough love to push you to reach your goals, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve worked out for years.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done a workout with Autumn.

She makes sure this Super Block will work for you. Every workout has a modifier, so no matter your fitness level you can follow along and feel great.

How Does Healthy Eating Fit Into This Super Block?

The perfect pairing for the 21 Day Fix Super Block is Autumn’s Portion Fix eating plan.

She makes it simple to eat all your favorite foods in the portions that work for you, and you get plenty of delicious recipes so you’ll love every bite.

The color-coded containers take all the guesswork out of eating, and you won’t be asked to count calories or cut out food groups.

When Can I Access the 21 Day Fix Super Block?

21 Day Fix starts April 3, exclusively on BODi.

How Do I Access This Super Block?

There are a few ways you can access this Super Block — and unlock a second Super Block at the same time— for free.

For starters, you can purchase a Total-Solution Pack or Completion Pack (The Essentials Collection is the perfect choice to build your Health Esteem routine) in March or April.

You can also unlock this Super Block and a second Super Block with your purchase of a qualifying nutrition subscription in March or April.

What if you already have a qualifying nutrition subscription? If you renew your subscription in March, you’ll unlock the 21 Day Fix Super Block for free.

Just want to get your Fix? You can buy access to the 21 Day Fix Super Block for $29 ($35 CAD, £29 GBP, €35 EUR).

However you choose to unlock your access to this Super Block, a BODi membership is required.

I am looking for 10 test group participants!

Now that you have all the details of the new super block coming soon let me ask you:

ARE YOU WILLING TO COMMIT TO 21 days with me and join my April 21 day fix BODi block group?

Within the group, we’ll focus on nutrition & mindset as well. I’ll help you create your full proof health esteem system that will last you a lifetime.

I’ve been using these programs for 9 years, beginning with my 2nd postpartum journey and I’m so excited about the mindset component being added to our extensive library of live classes, programming that’s proven to work as well as nutrition programs that are created by registered dietitians & nutrition experts!!

Can you commit to 30 minutes 5X a week and just focusing on becoming 1% better every day?

SAMPLE WORKOUT is coming 3/27

Come be a part of history in the making and get insane results both physically & mentally to kick off Spring! Fill out the form below to get started and as always reply to this email if you have any questions

CLICK HERE to join the accountability group and begin this SUPER BLOCK with us on APRIL 3rd!

Brownie Batter Protein Bowls

Dessert for breakfast anyone? (pup not included)

I won’t lie, I love my sweets, I love chocolate and I love to EAT!


But I also understand that food is fuel, too much sugar is detrimental to my physical and mental health AND all food should actually TASTE good not just be good for you!

I’ve also learned the older I get the more important adequate protein is for my body on my quest to age gracefully!!!


Enter: MY DAILY BROWNIE BATTER PROTEIN BOWL

I’ve been enjoying these bowls for over 6 months now and its the most requested recipe on my social media and I am finally responding and putting it together for you!

What you need:

1️⃣1 scoop nutrient dense superfoods (I went with chocolate but honestly any flavor will do)
2️⃣1 scoop post workout recover protein (again…🍫🍫🍫)
3️⃣1 tbs-ish of your favorite nut butter (currently obsessed with costco mixed seed nut butter)
4️⃣ Collagen
5️⃣ Almond milk (or your favorite milk)

Optional: chia seeds, flax seeds, granola, berries and/or bananas and other toppings

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Here’s where it gets tricky – you need to add enough milk to make it the consistency of batter. I don’t measure 😜 just don’t over do it or you’ll be eating chocolate soup 😜 I’ve never actually measured it but you’ll get the picture once you start mixing it up!

Simply top with your favorite granola or fresh fruit and thank me later 💋💋💋

If you’re interested in getting started on your own wellness routine and want to lean in to the power of ACCOUNTABILITY simply fill out this form for consideration in my upcoming virtual Bootcamp squad!

What is BODi?

BODi – formally known as Beachbody on Demand is coming to a home near YOU!!!! And I couldn’t be MORE EXCITED about this change!!!

I partnered with BODi (formally known as Team Beachbody) 9 years ago and that one decision created a powerful ripple effect of positive changes in not just my life but my entire family and thousands of women – mamas – families – I’ve helped along the way!
This shift is going to be good and I am so excited to share!

The MISSION of BODi is to be the only company that honors and serves people who are making an effort to improve their well being, no matter where they are in their journey. We have the best solution for health and fitness in the industry. And we want to help as many people as possible with it, by making this journey accessible and easy to start.

On March 2, Beachbody on Demand becomes BODi.
BODi members will be invited to create their Health Esteem routine using our fitness, nutrition and mindset content, and there will be new content every month:

BODi is the platform that delivers FITNESS, NUTRITION AND MINDSET support in one “Health Esteem” destination. Health Esteem: Accepting and embracing the person you are today and championing who you wish to become.

FITNESS:

From cardio, cycling, and strength to yoga, Pilates, and mobility, there’s a workout for every fitness level. BODi includes 4 new BODi Blocks of fresh content every month, 100+ fitness programs, and thousands of live and on-demand workouts led by Super Trainers and experts in their categories.

NUTRITION:

Make your health goals happen with nutrition you can count on. Choose from one of our easy-to-follow healthy eating plans, 2B Mindset Basics or Portion Fix Basics, to help you reach your goals without sacrificing the delicious foods you love. 

MINDSET:

Inspiring Personal Development Tools and Motivational Videos

When you begin by celebrating who you are today, your health and wellness experience changes for the better. Stay motivated and get inspired with Mindset master classes and weekly video content from positive psychology experts, and community support to cheer you on as you create your best possible future. This content will be available for both BOD and BODi members.

What’s New on BODi?

Starting in March, a BODi membership includes access to 4 all-new BODi Blocks every month, a free Super Block: For Beginners Only, and new Mindset and personal development tools and content to celebrate who you are today, and champion who you wish to become.


BODi Blocks


A BODi Block is a series of workouts, curated into a 3-week program and set to music featuring
today’s top hits. New blocks start the first Monday of every month: learn fitness fundamentals in
our FOR BEGINNERS ONLY block, get total-body training with our ALL-BODi block, build
lean, strong muscle with our IRON block, or ride it out in our BIKE Block. Every block is brand
new each month, three weeks, 5 days a week, with workouts ranging from 30-60 minutes in
duration.


Free Super Block


A Super Block is a reinvention of your favorite programs from the Beachbody On Demand
library—led by that program’s Super Trainer – in our BODi Block format. And your first Super
Block is free with your upgrade! Workout now with Super Trainer Autumn Calabrese in her Free
Super Block: Healthy Obsession. Inspired by her mega hit fitness program 80 Day Obsession,
Autumn guides you through 15 all-new one hour workouts, over the course of 3 weeks.

Mindset
Starting in late March you will get new, exclusive tools and videos each week to feel good about
yourself at every stage of your journey. Enjoy Monthly Master Classes created by personal
development experts with evidence-based motivation. QuickShift videos every Monday to help
you start the week with a positive focus. ThinkSpace videos every Friday to reflect on the
week’s content, reframe challenges, and answer questions. Plus—tips and tools you can put
into practice immediately to help you sustain a healthy routine. Click here to discover Mindset
on BODi. Master Classes Available March 27!


What else is included in the BODi Membership?
● 100+ fitness programs for every level, ranging from boot camp to cardio, yoga to pilates,
and so much more!
● Thousands of workouts
● Access to two proven Eating Plans: Portion Fix Basics and 2B Mindset Basics
● Access to thousands of recipes with new recipes added every month.
● New live and on-demand workouts
● A personal support system that motivates and inspires
● Your membership also allows you to stream across multiple supported devices
● We’re always adding more content to our library so there’s always something to enjoy!

FAQs

How much is BODi and what purchase options are available?

You can choose between a quarterly, semiannual or annual option. Or you can combine it with our Total Solution package, including your spot in my virtual Bootcamp squad for accountability AND your choice of supplements to get started.

Will BODi be included with a current BOD membership?
No, but current BOD members can upgrade easily to the annual membership, email me: maeganblinka@gmail.com for step by step!

If I am a current BOD member and receive the 35 day free trial, what do I need to do to upgrade to BODi?
Not much, its a simple form – email me: maeganblinka@gmail.com for step by step!

If I am a current BOD member will my profile go away after March 2nd?
No it will not. You will have access to your profile through the duration of your membership.

Does BODi have a 30 day money back guarantee?
YES of course! All of our products hold the same guarantee!

Is it possible to maintain only a BOD membership?

After March 2nd, we will no longer be offering BOD-only memberships. Existing BOD members would need to renew before March 2nd 2023 to maintain their BOD membership for one more term/cycle.

Will I retain access to programs I’ve purchased separately such as on VIP Early Access, 2B Mindset, Portion Fix or 4 Week Gut Protocol?

YES! As long as you have an active membership, you will not lose access to any programs you have purchased

I already own the 2B Mindset, Portion Fix and/or 4 Week Gut Protocol Eating Plans. Will I retain access if I cancel my BODi membership?

Yes, those eating plans are separate from a BODi membership and you will continue to own them if you cancel your BODi membership.

Whether you need help upgrading your membership or you’re ready to get started all together or simply LEARN more about what goes into my Virtual Bootcamp community – I am here to help!!



Fill out this form below and I will be in touch within 24 hours! We truly are STRONGER TOGETHER!!!

Peaches & Berry Mancake Bake

I started making mancake bakes when I FIRST started my health and wellness journey back in 2014 but it wasn’t until I did a gut health reset in March of 2022 that I brought them back in the regular meal plan rotation and they haven’t left since.

They’re a perfect combination of carbohydrates, protein, fruit, veggies and DELICIOUSNESS!

5 months of new varieties, repeating the favorites and trying new things!

I can honestly tell you I do not get tired of this breakfast and I hope you find it just as satisfying!

This is the recipe for my most recent bake:
PEACHES, STRAWBERRIES & ZUCCHINI MANCAKE BAKE

but at the end of this post I’ll share some switch ups.

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 2 cups egg whites
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats (could use quick oats or any oats but I prefer the Sprouted Rolled Oats by One Degree organic foods)
  • 2 bananas
  • 1 large zucchini, sliced into chunks
  • 2-2.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1.5 cups peaches, diced
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 9×13 pan lined with unbleached parchment paper
  • optional: nut butter, granola

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Blend egg whites, oats, bananas, zucchini, cinnamon and vanilla
  • Pour into lined 9×13 pan
  • Add peaches evenly throughout the pan
  • Add sliced strawberries evenly throughout the pan
  • Bake 45-50 minutes until cooked thoroughly and sides begin to pull away from sides

Slice into 4 equal servings and store in fridge in an airtight container

Serve warm and top with nut butter and/or granola or serve cold and enjoy on the go!
For my portion fix friends: 1 red, 1/2 green, 1 purple, 1 yellow

Enjoy with First Thing for a full serving of greens to start your day!

This recipe is gut protocol friendly and extremely filling!

Other varieties:

  • Swap carrots for the zucchini
  • Add eggs for additional protein
  • Do 1/2 pound carrots and 1/2 zucchini
  • Use blueberries or raspberries instead of peaches
  • Leave out the berries all together
  • Top with peanut butter, mixed nut butter, honey or pure maple syrup!
  • Swap the berries for chocolate chips
  • Switch up the recipe to make it fit your nutrition needs, desires and goals!

Here are two reels on IG showing you how to put it all together each recipe slightly different as I tweak and learn along the way!!!

Would love to know what you think!!!
Tag me on IG if you decide to make this amazingness – @maeganblinka

CLICK HERE if you would like to learn more about the Gut Health program mentioned above!

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Country Heat week 3 in review

Whew…week 3 is a wrap!

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Well really I should say weeks 2 and 3 because life got away from me a wee bit last week and I never got around to sharing last week’s so we’re summing up 2 and 3 today!

We’ve enjoyed some travels, some “not so Country Heat” approved meals and a heck of a lot of dancing!

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A girls trip followed by a Leadership Retreat to Deep Creek MD meant a bit of improvising, planning, sacrificing, staying strong through the temptations and allowing myself to indulge along the way.

I can’t say I’ve been perfect but I will say I have made progress.

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The workouts have been the “easy” part for me with no equipment needed I have been able to squeeze them in at hotels, on my patio iwth my kiddos, and everywhere in between!

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The nutrition hasn’t been ON POINT but I know what I need to do to finish out my 30 days STRONG and the meal plan is where it all starts.

Country Heat week 4 meal plan

With my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten coming up (enter a few trickling tears) I’m planning two crockpot meals and a lot of repeats this week! Veggie Egg cups are one of my favorite “prep in advance” meals which can be a snack, breakfast or even lunch!

They’re great hot or cold and on-the-go or even prepped in a 9×13 baking pan for easy clean up!!!

Hammer and chisel week 4 egg bake and tea

I’m trying a new crockpot burrito bowl recipe (thanks Pinterest!) and focusing on my portions, planning and prep to get me through this final stretch!

I know how important nutrition is and I feel the push to regain my focus and prove to myself that I can be disciplined enough to FOLLOW my plan and finish strong!

Excited to see what the next phase brings!

If you’ve been interested in trying Country Heat and/or joining my upcoming Accountability group and the new Health Bet challenge group – simply fill out the application below for more information!

2016-08-17 14.32.37

MANCAKES

FRUITY MANCAKES

Ok, these may not sound amazing but don’t doubt me yet…

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These little perfectly balanced protein pancakes – aka – MANCAKES have taken off in my house! It started when I was helping my hubby with his meal plan and was in the middle of a 3-day refresh. I watched him make them for 3 nights and decided this would be my first non-vegan food item when I was finished! And I have been hooked on them ever since!

Here’s the thing – they’re so versatile! You can add more or less oats…you can do just eggs, just egg whites or a combo of egg and egg whites…all depending on your own preferences and goals! Plus my little guy likes them so its a bonus score!

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I’ll share with you the 21-day fix/Insanity Max: 30 approved recipe I use along with my husband’s.

 

WHAT YOU NEED

Her recipe (21 day fix approved) – Yields 4-5 pancakes

  • 1/4 cup quick oats – 1 Yellow
  • 4 Egg whites – 1/2 Red
  • 1/2 cup berries or 1/4 of a banana – 1/2 Purple
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

His recipeYields 12 pancakes

  • 1.5 cups oats
  • 6 Egg whites
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 banana or 1 cup berries
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

  • Preheat pan to medium heat.
  • Combine the Egg/Egg whites, oats, vanilla and cinnamon. You can do this in a bowl if you want to leave the oats ‘whole’ or in a blender if you like a smoother, more pancake-like consistency. Stir or pulse a few times to combine.

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  • Add fruit and pulse until you get the desired consistency you like!
  • Using a 1/4 cup, pour into pan, cooking each side about 2 minutes or until you see the edges forming. Flip once. Let cool and store in air tight container or eat immediately!

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The one thing I LOVE about these is that you can eat them hot or cold, in the car, or running around – which fits my lifestyle perfectly!!!

My husband prefers a banana in his and blended smooth where I prefer the berries and more like a oat consistency.

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Honestly though – you can’t go wrong! They’re so tasty and the fact that they’re also gluten free is just an added bonus!

If you’re ever looking for more clean eating meal ideas, tips, recipes or just motivation – join my next health and fitness accountability group! I’m a big believer – there’s power in numbers!!! 

 

Insanity Max: 30 Week 6 in review, Week 7 Meal plan

6 weeks down and 2 to go! I can’t believe I am in the homestretch!!!

This last week was a little different but challenging yet still!

I had an absolutely AMAZING weekend in the ‘burgh for Pittsburgh’s Super Friday and our Dream Team Celebration Saturday.

I got to meet our CEO Carl Daikeler:

Carl Daikeler, Pittsburgh Super Friday

I got to meet AND workout with the creator of the 21-day fix – Autumn Calabrese and try out her new 21-day fix EXTREME:

Autumn Calabrese, Pittsburgh Super Friday weekend, 21 day fix extreme sneak peak

Of course we worked out…

Surround yourself with people who lift you higher, inspiration, live workout, insanity workout

 

But we also celebrated and ate, and ate, and ate some more!

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So needless to say I needed a jumpstart for week 6 – enter a simple little cleanse – the 3-day REFRESH!

insanity max 30 week 6 set your goals high, Insanity Max: 30 week 6, Max out cardio, Maegan Blinka

Sometimes its hard to get back in the swing of things. I’m a routine type of person. Keep me on my routine and I’m as happy as can be. Stray from that – and watch out! It wasn’t easy jumping back in…I could feel the bad nutrition choices lingering in my body but I knew the easiest way was to JUST DO IT – so I did!

Insanity Max 30 Week 6 do it anyway, Insanity Max: 30 week 6, Max out cardio, Maegan Blinka

Monday was a typical day and then I started the 3-day refresh on Tuesday. The guide says to do “moderate exercise” so I stayed with the modifier in Insanity Max: 30 on both Wednesday and Thursday but went full out Friday morning – what can I say I was feeling REFRESHED!!!

What is the 3 day refresh, 3 day refresh results, 3 day refresh with Insanity Max 30, Max 30 week 6, Maegan Blinka

If you haven’t heard of this yet or given it a try – please consider it! I am not big on diets, cleanses etc… but this is different!

You can read more about What is the 3-day Refresh on a prior post but your daily meals look a little something like this —->

You really are eating all day long – its simple, vegan, small meals, some shakes and a few really good night sleeps! Trust me!

By Friday morning, the bloat was gone, I was down 3 pounds, 3 inches, rested and ready to continue on with my healthy eating habits!

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These just goes to show you how important your nutrition is! I never missed a workout but that bloat was BAD! But hey – I’m back on track!!!

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I wrapped up the week with a morning sweat mesh with my #1 by my side. We have a jam packed weekend so I got a jump start on my next week’s meal plan and off to music class and SAMs club we go!

Insanity Max: 30 Meal Plan Week 7, Insanity Max 30 Week 6 do it anyway, Insanity Max: 30 week 6, Max out cardio, Maegan Blinka

Stay strong, be healthy, make good choices – and SWEAT TODAY!

Maximizing technology to stay fit

Let’s face it – sticking to any goal you’ve set for yourself, can be a challenge, but ones involving health and fitness tend to be the hardest.

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There are temptations EVERYWHERE! School, work, birthday parties, kiddos snack bags, social gatherings, the gas station, grocery store etc… Luckily, there are some great tools available to help us keep closer tabs on how well we’re doing and make sure those goals become results!

I was recently talking to Andrea Powers of Oscar Health Insurance, a Health Insurance provider in the New York/New Jersey area who uses technology to make things simpler! She asked the question – “How has technology helped you manage your health” and it didn’t take long for me to come up my top 3 resources and subsequently 3 things that keep me going on a day to day basis!

1) Online Accountability Group

My 90 Day Challenge group results

My 90 Day Challenge group results

I began my personal fitness journey March 2013,  looking to shed a few post baby pounds and gain some energy so I could be more present in my kids lives!

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I started with the 21-day fix home workout program, incorporated Shakeology and Clean Eating AND joined a Challenge group. Quickly something just clicked. I started looking at all food items in relation to the colored container they fell into and really learned portion control and I found myself setting my alarm daily so I could get my workout in and share with everyone else in the group when I completed it and how great it felt. I started seeing results…quickly! What was this secret sauce? THE COMBINATION OF ALL 3. That combination of regular, daily exercise, balanced, clean eating, and the accountability and support of a challenge group – GOT ME SUCCESS!

I had tried exercising but could never stick to it. I had (thought) I was eating healthy (although it wasn’t as “clean” as I thought) but I never had a group of people right there to help me and support me as well as guide me and give me tips on how to make this whole thing work!!!! After all, you can only eat so many steamed veggies and grilled chicken!!!!

You see, I had purchased my challenge pack under my Coach, and she immediately added me into this closed group on Facebook. Although unsure at first I found what had previously been missing from my fitness routine – Support & Accountability! Sure my husband was incredible support, but there was something about this private group. We were all working towards our goals, some the same and some different, but we all had goals in mind and we knew what we had to do to get there and we were going to do it – TOGETHER!

These little online accountability groups – all ran through a closed Facebook group – were the missing piece to my success! And I didn’t stop with my first one either! After seeing how this all fit together, I began coaching others and helping them become happier and healthier too! I continue to run these challenge groups and continue to thrive off the success of my challengers!!! And the ripple effect keeps on going!!!

Another BIG key to my success comes from being PREPARED.

2) Meal planning

Insanity Max 30 week 2 Meal Plan

Example Meal Plan

 

Yes – as simple as it may be, the meal plan word document I create each week helps me more than I could have ever thought! I’ll admit I wasn’t too excited about making a meal plan when it was suggested to me in my first challenge group,  but after “winging” it more times than I’d like to admit I found out that I do a LOT better when I write it down.  Typing it all out in a word document in one week increments and seeing the full week at a glance really helped me in the balancing each week. I am all about healthy, clean eating but I’m also all about balance in more ways than one. I am a busy mom and for some reason that 5:00 hour seems to be that time when the kids NEED everything and I’m TRYING to cook. Enter – meal prep and planning!!! The upfront time on Sunday or Monday is more than worth it later in the week plus it saves me $$$ too as I know exactly what I need to buy and helps reduce those impulse purchases at the store and/or wasting produce we don’t need! Its a win win all around!

There are a lot of great apps out there to track your daily food but I stuck with a simple meal plan!!! That’s what works for me!

3) Fit Bit

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It didn’t take long for me to realize that healthy eating and regular exercise just made for a healthier family all around. My husband bought me a fitbit for Mother’s Day and it was months before that little band was taken off, with the exception of a quick overnight charge! Not only did the fitbit help me realize how much activity I had during the day, it also helped me guage my weight, and sleep! There is just something about that sense of accomplishment when you feel the buzzer go off when you’ve hit your daily goal!

In talking to Andrea she mentioned the MisFit program they offer their customers. These MisFit bands sync with their app which helps members earn up to $240 a year simply by hitting daily fitness goals! How cool is that – you get paid to WALK!

I hope you can see from the above that staying on track with your health and fitness goals doesn’t have to be complicated. It may take some upfront planning, some time, and a commitment that today is the day, but with a little support and the right tools, you have the opportunity to be the happiest and healthiest YOU!

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If you would like to join my next challenge group or if you just have questions in general about getting started or jumping back in wherever it is that you left off, please fill out the application below and tell me a little bit more about you!