Tag: Never Give up
21-day fix September Promotion
As one month comes to a close and another one kicks off I am always anxiously awaiting the Beachbody Challenge pack monthly promos. These are a great way to add in a killer workout program at a steap discount when buying your monthly bag of Shakeology…and what better way to kick off the month of September and back to school season than with THE 21-DAY FIX!!!
This program has been the hottest seller since its release in February and it continues to be today. The perfect combination of healthy balanced portion controlled meals and daily exercise which hits your total body head to toe. And what better way to wrap up the combo pack than with a month supply of your daily dose of dense nutrition – SHAKEOLOGY!
You can read a bit more about the program HERE as well as my own success with this incredible program.
If you’re ready to join me, we can do the 21-day fix TOGETHER – my next support group kicks off September 15th
Its time to get BACK TO SCHOOL & BACK TO YOU
If you are interested in this or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING! Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!
PIYO Program in Review
Ok, ok, so if you’ve been following me since week 1 you may be thinking thank goodness this girl is finished with these recaps!!! But hopefully not, hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading through my experience with the new PIYO program and if you think you’re up for the PIYO challenge, I want you give it a try!
I can’t say enough good things about this program. I enjoyed the switch in my regular exercise routine, my knees appreciated the break from all the jumping around that I typically do, and I noticed a significant improvement in my flexibility and coordination.
Some of these moves were tricky for me but I found watching my own videos of my workouts really helped me focus in on what I was doing right and wrong and where I really needed to put forth a little more effort to improve. After all, a lot of these moves were totally new!!! It didn’t happen overnight, but week by week I saw myself improving in different areas and I will happily say although my 8 weeks with PIYO are complete, the workouts will remain tossed into my regular routine!!! They’re different, fun and add a little twist to everyday exercise!!!
Honestly – when I look back I can’t believe how BAD my coordination was in the beginning!! I remember when I did that first “PIYO FLIP”, if you can even call that top picture a PIYO Flip, and I actually thought I nailed it – WRONG!!!!!
The PIYO Kick through was another one…for weeks I had no idea what Chalene was telling me to do! My hand/feet match ups were off…but I still kept going. I pushed myself. I’d pause the DVD, rewind, watch it again just trying to understand what I was to do. And no joke – it pretty much took me up until the end but I think I finally got it 🙂 However I can’t quite say that I ever really nailed the PiYO cross…guess you can’t win them all right?!
Another important thing I learned from this program is how important your alignment is. Holding each pose correctly makes such a difference! You have to squeeze that booty, squeeze those abs and hold it until you’re shaking and you can’t shake any more!!!
I’ve heard some people express concern that they didn’t feel like they were getting a “good workout” in with PIYO and all I can say – is trust the program!!! Like so many things in life – you will get out what you put in. So don’t just go through the motions. Focus. Commit yourself to that DVD for 20 minutes or 30 minutes or all 48 minutes of DRENCH, and be present in the moment and hold each pose as cued, squeeze each muscle and squeeze them hard. When Chalene says to squat, get as low as you can and squeeze every muscle as you stand back up. When you lunge – go back as far as you can and focus as you raise and lower back down. And I promise if you do this you’ll be shaking through that elbow plank and feeling that muscle burn and seeing the results soon after!!!
Now, I didn’t have a crazy physical transformation – but I didn’t expect one. I was at MY goal weight when I started so I wasn’t trying to lose but rather maintain my weight while gaining strength and flexibility. And I’m happy to say I reached my goals!!! My weight dropped .2 pounds and I lost 4 inches, primarily around my hips and waist, with small decreases in my arms. I was able to increase the number of push ups I can do on my toes from 20 before PIYO to 32 at the end and my goal is to continue working on my push ups and reach 50 by the end of the year!!!
Never Give Up.
If you are interested in this program or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING! Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!
PIYO Week 7 Progress Update
Another week down and another week closer to COMPLETING PIYO! I’m so excited about finishing up this entire program. Truth be told, other than the 3-week long 21-day fix (which I LOVED, and did multiple times) – this will be the first workout program I’ve done start to finish! I’ve done all of T25 but I didn’t follow it to a “T” and I didn’t follow the meal plan – so this is a huge accomplishment for me! But I’m not there yet…
Week 7 continues to build on the prior weeks and certainly takes the intensity up a bit.
We’ll start with my meal plan:
I’ll admit, I could totally live on grilled chicken and turkey burgers but this week I felt like I needed to spice things up a bit – so in came quinoa stuffed peppers…and they were a delish! You can find the recipe HERE. I love recipes that I can double up and freeze as well as get at least 2 dinners and a few lunches out of the hard work and this fit my ideal meal perfectly!!!
We also had our 5 year anniversary this week so I may have doubled up on the cheat meals with a Cheesecake Factory trip and a Nakama trip but I did my best!!! I try to eat clean at least 80% of the time but I’ll be honest, once I met my goal weight I became a little more flexible. I still focus on healthy choices, I still focus on proper portions but when I’m out and about I allow myself to enjoy the little things!
The week started off with Sculpt, completed in a new workout tank I scored at Old Navy. There’s just something about some new gear that makes getting up on Monday morning at 5:00 a bit more enticing!
I was lucky to have a workout buddy with me on Tuesday and well a few times this week – we’ll blame it on the moon or something…and while I’m not sure how many push ups he got in on those handles he certainly gave it is all!! I love setting a good example for my kids!! He may not be a good sleeper but his down dog rocks and he can squat with the best of them 🙂 You can’t win them all right?!?!
BUNS continues to be a favorite of mine. I like the 30ish minute length and I can FEEL the after effects for days…which is always a nice reminder just how hard you’ve worked!!!!
With a late night Buccos baseball game on Thursday that was preceded by a trip to the Cheesecake Factory and an upcoming Hibachi dinner planned for Saturday I couldn’t justify the “rest day” Friday so I dusted off my 21-day fix DVDs and added in a little cardio fix. This was always the workout I found most difficult and although I feel like PIYO is helping me with the strength aspects I was still whooped at the end of it!!! The weekend wrapped up week 7 with Drench Saturday followed by Strength Intervals on Sunday and I know I’ve mentioned it before but every time I start Strength Intervals and see “22” minutes on the clock I think its going to fly by and be a breeze but man is that difficult! A good difficult but difficult nonetheless!!
I’m really happy with the results I’ve seen thus far and cannot wait to take my ending pictures and measurements soon. My weight hasn’t changed but I see more toning and definition in my arms and I feel stronger.
Here’s to week 8!
If you are interested in this program or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING! Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!
PiYO WEEK 6 Progress
Another week down and another week stronger. I love what this program is doing for my mind and body!
One of my favorite aspects of this program and all of Beachbody’s program’s is that its all about finding what works for you! Last week we had plans to be out of town and I wanted to attend the local yoga studio for some practice outside of my home – so I altered the calendar that came with the program, switched some things around to meet my needs, and made some changes to my meal plan so that I could enjoy my weekend away without going completely off the wagon!
PIYO Calendar Week 6 vs. My Week 6
Thursday’s Sculpt was pushed to Friday….Friday’s rest day was pushed to Saturday…and I swapped Drench for a major sweat session at Yoga Flow for Thursday’s workout. Success in my book!
So finally at week 6 I’m getting a handle of the PiYO meal plan and no longer looking at foods in terms of the 21-day fix container colors! Its been a tough adjustment – but I think I’m there 🙂 The good thing is the two were very similar in terms of types of foods it was just learning how to plan and portion in accordance with the book! In the end its all about clean eating and eating the “right” portions for your body!
I really enjoyed this simple staple to my week – grilled chicken and grilled zucchini. Both heated up well and bonus – they were kid approved! Well one of my kids approved, the other, we’ll just leave out for now!
Now for the workouts!!!
The week was off with a bang with Drench on Monday. That PiYO flip still gets me but I’m getting there – and getting better with keeping my balance so I don’t go toppling over!!!
Tuesday I rocked out to Hardcore on the floor. And it wasn’t until I had watched myself on video that I realized I had been doing that move to the right ——–> all wrong!!! I think I’m okay now – I just need to keep practicing!!!
Wednesday was a 30 minute BUNS workout and I’m pretty sure I was still feeling that as the weekend rolled in. A good feeling don’t get me wrong, but man, incredible!
I’m at the point where my workouts are what I look forward to each day. When I can start my day with a workout, followed by my Shakeology to keep me full, satisfied and full of the dense nutrition my body needs and I get in some “me” time while I’m at it – I’m all set for success!!!
Those triangle push-ups were not pretty, I modified and could barely push that last one up…but I did them-the best that I could and I know my body will feel it tomorrow!!! If it doesn’t challenge you-it doesn’t change you!
Friday night I enjoyed dinner with one of my bestest friends and her family. We had a delicous clean dinner and just relaxed. But the best part of the night had to be when our kids all rocked the down dog on the deck. Proud mom moment for us both!
The week wrapped up with what I thought was the perfect plan – workout while one kiddo slept and one rested…and well you can see how that worked out for me! I can’t complain though. I know how my kids replicate what they see me do. And yes, Colt may have been in my way more times than not but he’s learning, I’m learning to be more flexible (in more ways than one) and we’re all getting our workout in on our own time – so what if it wasn’t the best of the best – it was done and I enjoyed the company!!!
If nothing else – I’m learning A LOT. Not only about being active and working out or eating healthy but all about life in general. There’s a compound effect in life. I’m making changes in so many aspects in my life and really focusing on when life give me lemons you better bet I’m making some lemonade!
If you are interested in PiYO or any other workout program and would like to get 1:1 coaching and support along with motivation and accountability, please fill out my challenge and accountability application below! I will share tips and recipes and I will help you with the one thing I always found so difficult – MEAL PLANNING! Remember – your health and fitness success is 80% nutrition. You can get all the results and support you need right in your own home – and you don’t have to do it alone!
PIYO Progress week 4
Week 4 is officially in the books…so what are my thoughts??? Well, let’s just say this week brought on a whole new level of intensity! Two new workouts were introduced – Hardcore on the floor and Drench – and for some reason I still just get can’t seem to fathom how that 22 minute Strength Interval workout packs such a punch!

PiYO DRENCH
Every time I think I have a favorite workout I am introduced to something new but for now – we’re going to say the winner is DRENCH – and yes, it lives up to its name.
I can feel my strength improving even as I do regular daily activities around the house. That 50lb double stroller getting tossed into the back of my SUV seems a bit easier to handle!!! And going up and down and down and up the stairs around the house with a 32lb princess and 23lb little man balanced on my hips seems to come with ease. But its no secret. They’re not changing – I’m getting stronger – AND I LIKE IT!!!!
The workouts have been awesome and I’m really feeling the burn during week 4 – but like any workout regimen, the nutrition is 80% of success!!! I have learned the hard way you can do crunches until you’re blue in the face but without the proper nutrition those abs will remain in hiding!
OH…the meal planning!!!
I have found I have more success when I stick to my favorites! Meal planning is easier, shopping is easier, and I waste less therefore save more $$$ – so what’s to complain about? I like my snacks to be filling and crunchy…and take a little time to eat. I am often grabbing something and heading out to run errands during my morning snack so its usually some raw veggies or an apple – something that can be prepped ahead of time and quickly grabbed!!!
Here’s my week 4 meal plan:
Now for the workouts:
Monday – Sweat
Tuesday – Hardcore on the floor
Wednesday – BUNS
Thursday – Drench
Friday – PiYO rest day (although I did visit my local yoga studio for an awesome hot yoga session with my sister in law who was visiting from out of town)
Saturday – Strength Intervals
Sunday – Sweat
I absolutely love the convenience of working out at home on my own schedule but I also like to take my practice into a yoga studio periodically so I can get some additional guidance and tips from someone else! Friday morning I enjoyed a great class and even got to try out some new moves! I impressed myself being able to hold crow longer than ever before and having the strength to try out some new ones! I see progress in the making!
The week closed out with a Sunday morning SWEAT session and a short cameo by my son, Colt. I love that my children get to see me in action. Children will imitate what they see not what they are told and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure they see me living a healthy happy life!
If you’re interested in PiYO you can create a FREE team beachbody account HERE and fill out the form below for a spot in my next accountability group! Its never too late to get started and you can never have too much support along the way!!!
PIYO Week 3 Progress Update
Week 3 is in the books!
I’ll be the first to admit I thought PiYO started off a little slow. I was enjoying the change in pace but there was a time or two that I thought to myself, is this really going to get me the results I am looking for? I LOVED the 21-day fix workouts and these were just so different but I wanted to put trust in the program. There were a lot of people who worked together to put a program schedule together with awesome workouts and an easy to follow meal plan and I want to see what I get when I follow it! As I wrap up week 3 and the intensity builds I am realizing yes, in fact these people knew what they were doing!!
I’ve found the meal plan pretty easy to adapt to…although some of you may find it a bit boring! I tend to eat the same main items throughout the week and repeat a lot of my meals – but that makes my meal plan easier, meal prep easier and I know how I feel with these foods so to me its a win win! So you’ll see, I keep it pretty simple!!
Back to the workouts…
I like the way the program builds…there are a few main workouts during the first two weeks which really allow you to master certain moves like the PiYO cross, the PiYO push up and others that once seemed a bit tricky! But the workouts are building on eachother and as I see myself get stronger the workouts are getting a bit more challenging, always staying one step ahead so you can continue to grow and progress!
Moral of the story – I LOVE PIYO!
Week 3’s rest day was perfect timing – it fell on the day I was hosting my daughter’s 3rd birthday party with her friends – thats 25 children between the ages of 0 – 4 and believe it or not it went extremely well! I considered doing a quick workout in the morning but I continually remind myself that rest day is scheduled for a reason and I have to give my body time to rest and recover! I tend to feel a bit “off” on my rest day, especially after doing the 21-day fix for so long but I got my rest day in and was stress free at the party – score!!! OK…maybe not stress “free” but I had plenty of time to get all my stuff done prior to the start – so less stress to say the least!
I had a bonus of having my family here for the weekend and my mom who recently started PiYO joined me both Saturday and Sunday morning! There’s just something about having a workout partner that helps me push just a tad harder! And this wasn’t just some workout partner – it was my amazing mama – so that made it that much more fun!
My alarm was set for 5:00am but I just couldn’t do it that day! First time I slept in in months and it felt amazing!!! Lucky me my little houseful of help lent a hand so I could stick to my goals!
We totally rocked the PiYo sweat session!! I love how we push each other to be stronger from the inside out!! I take what I’ve learned from her and do my best to put it into practice with my own little munchkin!!!
I absolutely love when my kids imitate my workouts…It just makes me feel like they’re really watching me and learning the importance of a healthy and fit lifestyle!
Sunday morning, my daughter walked in the room just as we were doing the pushups into down dog in the strength interval workout. She quickly popped down and joined us – and my heart did a little happy dance! We fit in a lot of laughs and a lot of sweat in that short but effective 22 minute strength interval workout!! Fitness should be fun right?!?!
My mom and I enjoyed our back to back workouts and I loved adding the strength intervals to the mix! Its interesting to see how different our family get togethers are now that my whole family has joined me on this journey! Its not just me and my husband its my ENTIRE family and we are all focused on our health and wellness and our fitness and I feel so blessed to have this support!
If you’d like some additional support consider joining my next support and accountability group! You can never have too much support and too much motivation to help you reach your health and fitness goals!
You can create a FREE team beachbody account HERE and fill out the form below for a spot in my next accountability group! You don’t have to do this alone – so why should you???
PIYO – Week 2
PiYO Week 2 has wrapped up and I am SHOCKED that I am still feeling sore. I guess its a good thing – and it means I’m working new muscles and continue to push myself but I honestly didn’t expect this – but I sure do love that feeling!!!
I am following the schedule in the book although I’ll admit I’ve considered adding some cardio in here and there just because its so different from what I had been used to. But…I am going to trust the program, the creators, and all those who put forth a lot time to make this amazing program available to us – all from the comfort of our own homes!
I started the week with the 3-Day refresh but was able to continue my daily PiYO workout!
Here’s what my meal plan looked like:
I do tend to eat similar items through the week to help save on grocery costs and reduce wastes!!!
A few months ago I really decided to commit to my health and fitness and with that went my “I’ll wake up when the kids wake up and workout later” attitude….to a “5:00am daily alarm” attitude. Its been an adjustment, but one I am thankful day in and day out that I made.
Its no secret my kids are far from “amazing sleepers” but when you’re as cute as they are, I guess it doesn’t really matter 😉
Colt decided he needed a few stretches and joined me for the last half of my workout. I was happy to have the company!

PIYO Week 2 Day 1
I had a few modifications but we got it DONE – and that’s what matters!
Tuesday was relaxing and I was able to complete it start to finish with no interruptions – victory for me!!!
I can really feel my flexibility improving along with my strength with every. single. tricep. pushup. Thanks again Chalene!
Ok – I know – this says week 3 day 3…but its really week 2 day 3…chalk that one up to the less technologically inclined 🙂 Man those side planks are killer!!!

PiYO Week 2 Day 3
Usually once a week, I trade in my home workouts for a hot yoga sweat session at a local studio, Yoga Flow. I love the flexibility of being able to workout at home when I want around MY schedule but there’s still something about doing yoga in 102 degrees and sweating your heart out! I love my Thursday morning yoga class and look forward to it weekly!!! I also love having someone else help me with my form and push me to try new things! I can already see several improvements in my strength since I started PiYO!!!
Friday – Rest Day – Thanks again Chalene!
Saturday was a tough one for me. We had gorgeous weather and were enjoying lots of family time outside. Thankfully the kids needed a rest which forced me inside and in turn allowed me to squeeze in the workout I postponed from the morning. Kind of made putting that swim suit on later a bit more enjoyable!
I workout for several reasons, one being the way I feel when its DONE – those post-workout endorphins are hard to beat. And this sweat session was no different! Thankful for pushing play!!
Week 2 wrapped up with a great CORE workout. This time I didn’t put it off. Although it was Sunday and my daughter’s 3rd birthday I still got up at 5:00am, pushed play, baked her cake and was showered before the rest of the house was up!
Two weeks are in the books – looking forward to the next two and hitting that halfway mark!!!
If you would like more information about joining my next support and accountability group, fill out the application below! Whether you’re new to fitness or just getting started, this program can fit ANYONE and who couldn’t use a little more motivation and support?!
Coach Summit – Las Vegas
Whew – so its Friday. I’ve been home since Sunday and I am FINALLY feeling like I’ve caught up on life!
So for those of you who follow me on facebook know I spent an amazing 4 days in Las Vegas last week for Beachbody’s annual COACH SUMMIT. But, those of you who don’t may be thinking, what the heck is SuMmIt?!?
Here’s a little recap of how it all went down:
I’ve been a team beachbody coach for 4 months. And shortly after making the decision to be a coach I started seeing and hearing all this talk about Summit and how if you go to Summit it will change your business. Now, when I first signed up to coach, I just wanted the sweet discount on the Shakeology. However within days I started thinking about the business opportunity and after talking to my family and friends about how much my life has changed I started to get the feeling there was something more than just a sweet discount. I knew that if I wanted to take this to the next level I had to commit.
Through the help of my amazing mother in law, my plane ticket was booked (using miles – SCORE!). Through the help of my amazing coach I found a roomie for the week (DOUBLE SCORE! She’s freaking amazing!!!). And thanks to my hard work and dedication to helping others during my first 3 months as a coach I SCORED my own free ticket.
Watch out Vegas, here I come!
All my bags are packed I’m ready to go….
I was a little worried about how I was going to stay on track with my eating (without spending a small fortune on healthy foods while I was gone) but I actually surprised myself. I packed lots of snacks (Shakeology packets, Luna bars, oatmeal packaged into little baggies, and almonds) and I even asked a barista at Starbucks to blend my Shakeology – and she did – without a second thought!!!

Yogurt fruit bowl before leaving home, luna bar on the run, green tea and an egg for a quick snack, and a little shakeo blended by my friends at Starbucks
The traveling was happily uneventful. And so was done 1. I arrived in Vegas, cabbed it to the airport and finally got to meet my amazing roomie, Alisha. Its a little scary knowing you’re about to spend 4 days with someone you’ve never met and really never talked to but I couldn’t have been more thankful! We had so much in common and no trouble gabbing about anything and everything. She made the trip that much more enjoyable!
We got checked in, grabbed a bite for dinner (which at this point its 6:00PM – 9:00 my time – talk about STARVING!) and headed out to see some sights. This was my second time to Vegas but I just had to see the water show at the Bellagio! I was actually sitting next to a guy on the plane who helped design the show (and many others similar to it around the world) so I had to see it one more time – and just as amazing!

Bellagio water show
Ok – so back to the trip!!!
We were up bright and early Thursday morning to get in line at the CORE for some hot new gear.
The launch of PiYO has been the talk of the event!!!!

So pumped for Chalene’s PIYO launch!
The morning was spent at the Bombshell Dynasty’s SHINE presentation…talk about inspiration!!!! We listened to top coaches share their stories about how they got to where they are today. We heard from celebrity trainers, new product launches and had a chance to hear about personal experiences with how joining a challenge group and following a journey to clean eating healthy life has transformed people’s lives. It was REMARKABLE! At one point I just had to sit back and take a look. This company was built on a foundation of helping others. Helping others lead a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life! And I get to be a part of it!
After our general sessions wrapped up we were able to score the new PiYO workout program and then got all ready for the night!!!

One of the first people to have the PiYO DVDs in hand!!!
Then the night closed down with the Sequins and Studs event. I loved being able to meet some new faces and spend some time with my incredible Beachbody family!
Friday morning kicked off with a FRONT row T25 workout with some of my girls and SHAUN T. He touched my back as he walked through the crowds, I was a bit starstruck!
We had another general session featuring key note speaker Darren Hardy, a few tips from the top notch coaches during the afternoon training workshops and a photo op with a few of my favorite trainers ❤
Saturday came faster than I could ever imagine – and kicked off with a bang! We got started with Super Saturday just before 6:00am. Being surrounded by 9000 coaches and all the trainers sent the endorphins sky high! I’ve been rocking 30 minute daily workouts and this hour plus was tough, not to mention the Vegas heat but so worth it! Awesome time!!!!
The last keynote speaker was Diana Nyad. Sure, I heard about her. She swam a really far distance and did something no one else had done. Congrats right?!?! No – it was so much more than that!!! I can’t even put it into words. All I can do is recommend you hear her story. Talk about supporting the theme of the week – NEVER GIVE UP!
The night came to a close with one last general session featuring the 2014 Beachbody Challenge contest winners. So many people overcome huge challenges in their lives to reach their health and fitness goals but these 8 semi-finalists had stories to top the lists!!!
I can’t even begin to count how many times I cried throughout these 4 days. I was filled with goosebumps on so many occasions and had a heart overflowing with thankfulness. Thankful to be where I am in my own journey, thankful to see the journey ahead and have the support of my coach, my family and my friends and thankful to be given the opportunity to help others do the same.
Summit ticket 2015 is purchases – Nashville, get ready!
This Summit experience was far more than I could have ever imagined. I was motivated and inspired countless times and I really had the opportunity to see myself and my life in a new light. Watching and listening to the success stories all around me was incredible and I am so ready to take what I’ve learned and bring it back to my teammates and my coaches so they too can feel what I’m feeling and be motivated to reach their goals!
If you have thought of becoming a health and fitness coach and love helping others while bringing home an income for your family, please fill out my coach application for a spot in my next coach basics training where you learn how to grow a successful business with my team!
Greenbanana
I’ll admit I was a little nervous to try the Greenberry Shakeology but I really wish I wouldn’t have waited so long! This was so refreshing and tasted ahmazing!
Greenbanana
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1 Scoop Greenberry Shakeology
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8oz almond milk
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1/2 frozen banana
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I cup of ice
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Blend and enjoy!!