Turbo Fire...ready or not....

Here I come!!! I'm so excited to start up this new program from Chalean Johnson, she's amazing, and this gives me something to start up for the fall, and gear up for...ahhhh...I'm gonna say it... WINTER EATING!!! Because, we all know it, its coming, I can already feel it, I'm hungry, and I want to make delicious meals, and mouthwatering desserts! Let's fight it off, or at least help out with Turbo Fire.

Here, read all about it and let me know if you want in too!

What is TurboFire®?

TurboFire is a total-body cardio-conditioning workout program with the best music and the best trainer, where you get the best spot in class. The upbeat music motivates you to dial up your intensity levels, doing kickboxing drills and aerobic exercises mixed with dance moves in a class setting. Your instructor is the highly sought-after, award-winning Chalene Johnson, creator of other successful programs like Turbo Jam® and ChaLEAN Extreme.® Anyone looking to achieve peak fitness levels can complete the TurboFire program in either 12 weeks, or 20 weeks with Advanced TurboFire Classes.

How does it work?

Exercising at your max in short (less than 1 minute) intervals improves aerobic and anaerobic energy release and cranks up your body’s metabolism to burn calories faster. So you burn more stored body fat to help you recover from the workout. This occurs because the intense intervals fatigue your muscle groups. In turn, your body works overtime to replenish the tired muscles with oxygen, creating the AfterBurn Effect, which can last for up to 24 hours after you’ve finished class.

Why is it effective?

It’s all about the HIIT. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) burns up to 9x more fat and calories than traditional cardio. These HIIT moves are known as “Fire Drills.” Unlike traditional cardio, HIIT means working out at your max in up to 1-minute intervals. As a result, your body burns up to 9x more fat and calories. Even after you’re done with class, your body continues to burn calories for up to a 24-hour period. This means 4 minutes of HIIT can be more effective than 30 to 45 minutes on a treadmill or stair climber.

Chalene Johnson is your class instructor.

With 20 years of experience as one of the most popular fitness instructors in the nation, Chalene’s learned that a class setting encourages the excitement and energy needed to get the most out of your workout. Now she’s bringing that same experience to your home. Unlike her Turbo classes in Southern California, you won’t need a reservation or to stand in line for an hour. Chalene’s

already saved the best spot in class for you. Anytime you want to turn up the burn, just Push Play.

What makes TurboFire unique?

The music behind TurboFire makes this program unlike any other. Chalene has custom-designed the best beats so each move is perfectly choreographed to songs like “It’s Tricky,” “Push It,” and “Give It All You Got.” Music is a major motivator. It’s what gets you to pump those arms harder and kick your legs higher so you get the best workout from every class, and you look forward to

your classes every time.

And, here’s a neat & tidy chart describing the contents of the programs:

Well, I think that just about sums it all up! I think that Chalene’s new program is going to be something great!

I'm so pumped to start up something new for the fall....anyone want to join me?!!!

 If so, email me, my address is on the top right hand side of  my blog! Or just comment...

Little Red Riding Hood

I'm sooooo excited to be a part of the Little Red Riding Hood Bike Marathon event going on this weekend! In support of curing breast cancer, 3,000 women will be in on it as well to have the ride of our lives!!

I'll be doing the 35 mile ride, there are other distances to choose from too. This will be something I'm so happy to achieve and say 'I've done it'! Who knows maybe I'll love it so much, next year I'll be doing the 100 mile ride!

If you want to be apart of it here is the link for more info 'Little Red Riding Hood'

The tickets are all sold out, although there is a link from there to buy off of others who are trying to resell theirs. If you live in Utah, check on ksl too, there are several for super cheap!! (alot cheaper than what I got mine for)

Haven't done any marathon's, races, or triathlons??? Now is a great time!

This time of year is loaded with them.

Challenge yourself and achieve it!

The Cucumber...

WOW WHAT A LITTLE GEM THE CUCUMBER IS.

THIS IS WHY IT IS ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE VEGETABLES TO STOCK IN MY HOME!



1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.


9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.


13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

NOW GO GET SOME CUCUMBERS!!!

Super Saturday!!!

Walking faster FEELS better - it feels good to be going aerobic.
Speed walking is one of the best ways to burn fat. For example: At 150 lbs. the calories burned per mile at about 4.0mph will burn over 100 calories. Your staying at a fat burning heart rate, thus burning all those unwanted fat cells.

Don't become consistent in this routine though...your body needs confusion. Start this out for about 2 weeks then change it up to running slowly, or even add in a 30 second sprint here and there. You will love the feeling when you are done.
And hey...30 minutes of speed walking, anyone can do - just head to the mall and pace around the stores, you get the best of both worlds!


Increased speed does the following:1. Puts you in a higher Target Heart Rate
2. Shifts goal from weight loss to increased fitness and endurance
3. Increases flexibility of muscles and joints
4. Changes Weight Loss Goal
5. Enables you to finish same distance in less time
6. Tones muscles
7. Increases impact (This is a two-edged sword. Can introduce or aggravate injuries. On the plus side, can build stronger bones, slow down Osteoperosis.)

*Remember - Always talk to your doctor before starting a workout your body isn't familiar with, you don't want to cause injury or health issue.

Food for Thought Thursday....

I love magazines! Love is an understatement, I get about 3 on average a day!

One of my favorites are Self, I love their tips and motivation! In this months issue, there's a superfood tip, which is great thing to remember when you are craving a snack! I had to share one of their superfood tips on yogurt, because I love yogurt!!


I’m always thrilled when something I love to eat—and often!—gets accolades for being a nutritional superstar. And so it is with yogurt. I knew it was low in calories and a good source of calcium, but after getting wind of its slimming and nourishing qualities, I’m reaching for the spoon more often.

People on a low-calorie diet that included fat-free yogurt lost an incredible 81 percent more

ab fat that those on a similar plan than didn’t include yogurt, according to a study from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Turns out the balance of carbs and protein keep your blood sugar steady and stave off hunger, while calcium may help your body store less fat. Even many people who are lactose-intolerant can still eat yogurt, because the snack’s probiotics produce an enzyme that breaks down lactose. But depending on what cup you pick, your snack could turn out to be a sugar bomb instead of a superfood. Follow these tips to pick the cream of the crop.

Keep a cap on calories

Look for 6-ounce containers that have no more than 90 calories for nonfat plain, 110 for lowfat plain and 130 for flavored. Also, glance at the fat content and avoid lowfat types with more than 1 gram saturated fat.

Scope out excess sugar

Six-ounce cups of most plain yogurts have about 12 g of natural milk sugar (known as lactose). Every additional 4 g is a teaspoon of added sugar—if your cup has 25 g, treat it like dessert!

Score some D

Plain yogurt with added vitamin D is a smart pick, since many people are vitamin D–deficient, says SELF contributing editor Janis Jibrin, R.D. You can skip varieties with added fiber, though. They get the nutrient from inulin, which doesn’t have heart-helping benefits. You’re better off sprinkling whole-grain cereal on top of regular yogurt.

Pick up protein

The best picks have at least 8 g. Greek yogurt may have twice that amount, but it contains less calcium, so alternate between regular and Greek varieties to get the nourishment you need.

Look for calcium

A 6-ounce cup of unflavored yogurt should have 30 percent of your recommended daily intake of this bone-building nutrient. Since flavored kinds swap some calcium-rich yogurt for fruit, aim for 19 percent in these varieties.

Be a culture vulture

The healthy bacteria in yogurt, known as probiotics, are linked to robust immune systems and a lower risk for gum disease and even some cancers. To make sure your snack contains a significant amount of these bacteria (some do not), look for the National Yogurt Association’s Live and Active Cultures seal. Want even more bennies? Drizzle on honey, which contains prebiotics, a carb that helps probiotics flourish.

Know the whey

The layer of liquid that often settles to the top of yogurt is whey protein, and it contains muscle-building amino acids. Stir it in, don’t pour it off!

Get cooking

I LOVE this one!!
While it’s tasty right from the cup, cooking with yogurt is a boon for both your body and your meal. Coat baked salmon with yogurt and dill—the vitamin D in fish helps you absorb yogurt’s calcium. Making burgers? Add a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt and 3/4 cup breadcrumbs to a pound of ground beef—the lactic acid makes patties extra tender.


Happy Snacking!!!

Insanity Order. GET IT NOW!

I'm getting another big order ready for Insanity and P90X sets!!

If you want to get your hands on either of them, let me know asap so I can add you onto the order! Getting this will be the best thing you've ever done...Really!

Don't think I'm not gonna throw in a DEAL!!! I normally charge $85 for the set, and $12 for shipping, but...right now, its FREE SHIPPING...$85 total!

Let me know, my email is at the top right corner.

Do you DARE???!!!

10 tips to help you lose weight

SUCCESS TIP NO. 1: DRINK 8-10 GLASSES OF WATER EACH DAY

Okay, for many people this is a big problem. Although I LOVE Water, to some people it doesn’t taste all that great generally because water doesn’t really “taste” like anything.

Drinking water 8 to 10 times each day gets easier the more you actually do it. It is simply a matter of conditioning your taste buds, and yourself, so that it becomes easier to do. Once you get started, you will begin to crave water.

To begin with, you should drink a glass of water in the morning first thing, before you eat. This is probably the easiest glass you will drink all day and it will help you remember to drink water all day long. Better yet, why not drink two glasses?

If you really cannot bear the taste of water, try using a water purifying pitcher or filter.

You can also add a few drops of lemon or lime to your water – but no sugar or sweetener! This actually boosts your metabolism and helps you lose weight: try it for 2 weeks, and see how you feel!
Check out flavored waters on the market, too. Just keep an eye out for additives.

I personally love 'Zip Fizz' you can get it at Costco. It has tons of vitamins, electrolytes, and nutrients your body loves.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 2: EAT BREAKFAST

Do not skip breakfast. If you need to go to bed a little earlier so that you can get up 20 minutes earlier each morning – do it! Breakfast is so important to your good health and to weight control.

According to a professor of nutrition at Penn State University, "Your metabolism slows while you sleep, and it doesn't rev back up until you eat again."

Eating breakfast is not only good for overall weight loss, it will help you stay on track with your diet the rest of the day. You are more likely to binge on something sweet and in the “bread” group if you skip breakfast.

You can always keep a few hard-boiled eggs in the fridge or some high-fiber, low starch fruit around. If you plan to eat fruit at all during the day, breakfast is the perfect time to do it.


SUCCESS TIP NO. 3: EAT AT LEAST 3 MEALS AND 2 SNACKS EACH DAY

This can be one of the hardest adjustments to make. After all, you are busy! You already have a “full-plate”. When do you have time to worry about filling your plate with more frequent meals?

Just like eating breakfast will increase your metabolism, so will eating more often. This will also help you curb your bad-carb intake by making sure that your snacks are planned and occur regularly throughout the day.

Really, it will just take a minimal investment of planning time at the grocery store and at home each morning before you head out for the day to make some healthy food choices and prepare a few healthy snacks and meals. For suggestions, just see the handy list of snacks and appetizers listed later.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 4: AVOID WHITE FOODS

This is one easy way to remember what not to eat. If it is made from sugar, flour, potatoes, rice or corn - just say NO. Remembering this rule of thumb will make it easier to recognize those rice cakes as an unhealthy high-carb snack.

Always look for colorful fruits and veggies to substitute for the white ones. Buy broccoli, lettuce, bell peppers, green beans and peas, brown rice in moderation, leafy greens like kale and spinach, apples, melons, oranges and grapes.

These foods are not only colorful they are also high in fiber, nutrients and important antioxidants. Eating colorful fruits and vegetables will give your diet variety as well as give you added health benefits.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 5: EAT YOUR VEGGIES

It is so easy to use a low-carb diet as an excuse for poor nutrition. Resist this temptation. If the only vegetable you have eaten in the last 5 years has been the potato, now is a good time to begin experimenting with other vegetables.

This is important for your overall health and to avoid some nasty side effects of not getting enough fiber in your diet.

If you try hard enough, you will find vegetables that you enjoy eating. Experiment with grilling veggies and cooking with real butter to add flavor. You can also search for new recipes on the Internet or in cookbooks.

Remember, if you are only eating 40 grams of carb a day or less, two cups of plain salad greens contain only about 5 grams of carbohydrate. You have no excuse not to eat your veggies.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 6: PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

While more and more restaurants are offering low-carb friendly menu items, many of them are still not ideal low-carb fare. There are many recipes for quick and easy meals that you can prepare yourself at home. Try to do this as often as possible.

If you cook your own foods, you know exactly what the contents are and you will be able to better control for hidden sugar and otherwise processed foods.

Another benefit is the cost savings over the long run. Even if you must go to the grocery store more often, you will save a significant amount per meal as opposed to eating at restaurants and fast food establishments.

It will also be easier to maintain your diet with your own favorite fresh food selections on hand.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 7: INVEST IN A GOOD SET OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

Having food storage containers of various sizes on hand will make it so much easier for you to plan your meals and snacks. When you buy nuts, fruits and vegetables in bulk you can simply prepare, separate and store them for easy use later.

For instance, you can pre-slice your apples and snack on them over several days. Simply cut them, rinse them in pineapple or lemon juice and store. This will make a quick and easy snack for later.

Fix your lunch and take it with you to work. Better yet, fix your lunch and 2 snacks for work.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 8: EAT SOME PROTIEN AT EACH MEAL & AS A SNACK

In addition to everything that’s been discussed before, eating protein helps you burn more calories. Jeff Hample, Ph.D., R.D., a spokesman for the American Dietetic Association says that, "Protein is made up mainly of amino acids, which are harder for your body to breakdown, so you burn more calories getting rid of them.”

Just think – eating a protein rich snack can help you lose weight. How about a few slices of turkey or ham or some string cheese?

Eating protein will also help you feel full so that you are less likely to crave unhealthy snacks.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 9: DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACK

This will help you get in your 8 to 10 glasses of water each day but it can also have other benefits. Ever feel hungry after eating a handful or standard serving of nuts? Try drinking water afterwards. The water will help you feel full and prevent overindulgence.

Drinking water after a snack will also help remove the aftertaste from your mouth and can help curb your desire for more.

SUCCESS TIP NO. 10: EAT SLOWLY & ENJOY YOUR FOOD

You will feel full and more satisfied if you take the time to savor your food and chew it slower. Don’t get in the habit of eating while standing or eating quickly. Sit down and chew. My husband has a problem with this because of the lifestyle he has at work, and I always have to nag at him for it!

Eating slower will help you enjoy your food more, pay attention to what it is you are actually eating and get a better sense of when you are actually full.

Shaun T... LIVE

What a BLAST!!! That's the best word for it!

Last Saturday I was able to go to Shaun T's Master class that was held in Draper Ut. I made sure to be the first person there (along with my cute mom) and to be the one front and center! I wanted to be his Tanya today (one of his fitness girl's in the insanity videos)

He is all energy, muscle, and motivation, not too mention SEXAAY!!!

He had his 'personal' assistant, partner and co-worker there with him (Martin) who I might say is not too shabby himself!!

The workout was soooo fun, there were about 100 people or so there.

I was able to talk to him a bit at the beginning and again at the end. Than being the last one to leave of course!

We ended on AWESOME terms, giving me his info to keep in touch with him. We're planning on me sending in some videos and pic's so I can be apart of his commercials and workout team...how EXCITING!!!

I'll definetely keep updating on the latest with this.

I'm telling you...If you don't have INSANITY....YOU NEED TO!!! I promise you right now, you will have never had a better workout and better results. You go at your own pace and improve over time, you will love it, and be amazed at how 'enjoyable' the workouts are. You know where to find me if you want it!

Anyway, what a great weekend, here are a few pic's....

My mom and I with Shaun T.                       This is Martin (he belongs to Shaun!)

My beautiful Mom, which by the way, you will start hearing from her soon, we've decided to team up and do Top Secret Mama together...she's a great example to help older women to be fit and healthy.

I just love this guy!!!

Oh... And I couldn't help but share:

My stud of a 2 year old boy is a die hard rock climber these days!!!

He's always loooved climbing. The stinker was climbing out of his crib at 9 months, so we thought what the heck, I love rock climbing, let's have him try it and boy did he do awesome!!! He's a natural.

Climbing over 75 feet high (harnessed of course) over and over again, he loved every minute of it and is ALWAYS begging me: "Mooom I wanna go climbing, PLEEEAASE!!"

I've got footage and will upload it shortly!

I'm so proud of my monkey!!

Whole Wheat Pancake Recipes

Here are 3 of the BEST whole wheat pancake recipe's you will EVER eat!

*

The first 2 recipes came from my mother in law and the 3rd I experimented with. They are all delicious, you will wonder why white flour is even in your home!!!

Now you can feel good eating & serving the most important meal of the day knowing its soooo yummy and very filling.

Cottage Cheese Wheat Pancakes

3 eggs

1 cup cottage cheese

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1-2 cups milk/or water

Combine and mix all ingredients together in a bowl, cook, serve.

Oats 'n Wheat Pancakes

1 1/2 cups whole wheat

1/2 cup white flour

1 cup oats

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup brown sugar

mix these first ingredients together in a bowl then add:

2 eggs

1/4 cup oil

2 cups milk

Mix in remainder, let the mix sit in the refrigerator about 10-15 min. to set. (this gives your pancakes fluffiness)

Applesauce Wheat Pancakes

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups natural chunky apple sauce

1 3/4 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tsp Pure vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Mix all together in a bowl, add cinnamon if desired for flavor.

SHAUN T. LIVE!!!

Guess who's coming to SALT LAKE CITY???!!!
That's right, my FAVORITE, Hottie Shaun T!!


Creater of this...
Insanity...my religous workout...


I'm soooo excited to go see him in person and do one of his classes. And I want all of you to come with me!

Here's the info.
He'll be in Draper on Saturday February 20th.
At The Treehouse Fitness Club (all the info is on this link)

Workout is at 10 am, arrive 30 minutes early for sign up
Class is 1 hour long of good 'ole adrenaline and sweatin'

You need to call ahead of time to reserve a spot. Last time he was here it sold out quick, so call today!!!
Also make sure to mention you saw it on 'Good Things Utah' and you'll get $5 off ($20, comp to $25)


COME COME COME!!! I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!!!

READ ALL ABOUT IT

I love magazines...don't you?!!

Especially Fitness Magazines!

I always like to get motivation and insight on what these experts have to offer. They anwer lot's of questions, fill you in on the latest greatest, and advertise awesome products we can all use!

Magazine Subcriptions offer great prices on one year issues that I know most of us probably couldn't pass up.

The cost for one of these magazines at the store range from about $3-$5, but they offer a whole year 10-12 issues for $10 or less...now that's saving?!!

Here's the link to the direct health and fitness page. You can of course get any magazine, but I'm hoping you'll shoot for the Health & Fitness!

(Just to share: Shape and Fitness are my favorite's)

THE WINNER IS...

ANJULIE THELER!!!

She said:

I need the ball sooo bad! I just had a baby about 2 months ago and man it is so much harder getting back into shape the second time around. The ball would really help me on my way to a skinner and happier self.


This will definately help shed those baby leftovers!!!



True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 8 Powered by RANDOM.ORG



EVERYONE ELSE, PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR SOME FABULOUS FITNESS IDEAS!!!

FITNESS GIVEAWAY

I'm so excited to be doing my first GIVEAWAY!!!

I know how much us Mama's LOVE free stuff.

Up for grabs is a CAP ANTI-BURST FITNESS BALL (Valued at $20)

This Blue 65 cm Fitness Ball will include the pump and a workout instruction sheet illustrating exercises that will help maximize your workout.

Fitness Balls are effective in building core strength and improve stability.

It is suitable for ALL fitness levels.

It will help tone and tighten your body, and tighten your thighs, lower back and abs through core training.

Some of my favorite workouts are on this ball are targeting my core, and hamstrings with it, as well as pushups, like the picture shown below.

To Enter:

1st: Tell me why you would love this ball

2nd: Also, add Top Secret Mama to your blog favorites

To enter twice:

Post about this giveaway on your blog so we can get as many mom's in on this secret as we can!

As well as the above instructions.

*Giveaway end Thurs. Feb 4th at midnight. Winner will be announced Friday morning!

GOOD LUCK!!!!

COUNTING CALORIES=WEIGHT LOSS

Some people may be wondering what the purpose of Calorie Counting is.

Why exactly would you want to see your food's nutrition facts?
Why would anyone want to count calories?

Well, I'll tell you why.
People count calories and pay attention to the nutrition facts of foods because they care about their diet, their weight, their body and their health. That's why!!

See, the single most important factor in getting your weight to do exactly what you want it to do is calorie intake. Not fat, not carbs, not certain foods. It's calories.

Whether your goal is weight loss, weight gain or just maintaining your current weight, the one factor playing the biggest role in making this happen is the number of calories you are eating. This isn't an opinion or a diet fad. This is the proven science of the human body.

Counting calories is the expert-recommended key to controlling your weight, and a Calorie Counter gives you all of the information you'll need to do just that.

What's that? You're not interested in your weight? OK then, how about your health? Just how healthy (or unhealthy) is your diet?
I only ask because, after genetics, the foods you eat and don't eat, play quite possibly the largest role in your health.
For example, how's your fat intake? Is it high in the unhealthy fats that CAUSE heart disease, or is it low in the healthy fats that PREVENT it?
What about your protein and carb intake? And cholesterol and sodium? And fiber, vitamins, and minerals?
I know I know, It probably is sounding very overwhelming for me to ask you all that! Especially if you don't know anything about it, or where to start...This is the TIME and this is the EASIEST way to start by using a calorie counter. It virtually gives you every food you are wanting to know the carolie amount of.
Lets keep going...
Are you eating the healthy foods that contain what your body needs, or are you eating the unhealthy foods that contain the things that will only make you less healthy?

Knowing the nutrition facts of the foods you eat is the only way to ensure that you are eating a healthy diet, and a Calorie Counter gives you all of the information you'll need to do just that.

So, are you convinced that you should count calories?
Are you convinced that you should pay attention to the additional nutrition facts of your food? Are you convinced that doing so is the key to not only improving your weight, but improving your overall health in general?

Good!
All that's left for you to do now is use a Calorie Counter to search for your food, see its full nutrition facts, and use this information to improve your diet, your weight,
your body, and your health... for free.
This will be the easiest way to start, because once you get an idea of what is in the food's you are CHOOSING to eat, it will soon become a way of life.

This CalorieCounter I refer to ALL the time, it will give you any food item you are looking for (including specific restaurant meals, and fast food)

Many of you have been asking if I know of any healthy recipes for all kinds of eating...YES!!! A site I'm religious to when I'm cooking is
Calorie King's site, it has ALL the recipes I'm looking for that are healthy, and show me how many calories, fat, carbs, etc. are in each meal! And guess what? They even have healthy meals for children...don't you love that?! I sure do!

Here's what to do:
Depending on your weight, if you are wanting to lose weight, the best goal would be to maintain a healthy calorie intake of a max of 1600 calories a day. That's about 4,
400 calorie meals.
You can mix up the intake however you like, but to start noticing in a week or two's difference on your weight change, I'm telling ya,
maintain the 1600 calories or less and you will see a huge change quickly!

It is a healthy calorie intake. Instead of saying well I can eat WHATEVER, stuff like, cafe rio salad (about 1650 calories) or a Wendy's Chicken Sandwich (about 500 calories) or all sorts of candy...as long as I stay at 1600 cal's.

Why not say, I'm going to fill my day with healthy foods like, raw greens (cucumbers, green peppers, celery, those are all 0 calories) I could snack on that all day.
Than fill my meals with high protein foods like:
fish, (tuna, salmon, halibut) chicken, steak, eggs, cottage cheese, turkey.
Eat the right fruits that aren't too sugary like apples, blueberries, bananas.
Limit your seasoning intake (salt, dressings, sauces)
And just say NO to unnecessary carbs (white bread, desserts)
And definately no to saturated fats, and processed foods!!
Look at the Labels ladies, if it has higher amounts of carbs and fat than protein....
Don't eat it!

I maintain my Diet at about 1000 calories a day, but that's all my body needs, and its because I'm usually filling my stomach with low calorie foods all day, but that I feel full because I'm snacking all day. My body is constantly working and working off. My metabolism works faster.
Do what feels best for you, obviously though, do not make it easy for you. Of course its going to be hard!
Ever notice that all those lose weight quick schemes never work??? Because they DON'T!!!
You have to WORK for it, this is just a way of life. We live in a world now where we want exactly what we want immediately, Its not going to happen overnight!!
You have to commit and change your lifestyle completely. Those get thin quick may change your body for a minute...But not in the long run, and that's what we're going for!

Workout Videos

The great thing about working out at home are the exercise videos available to give you a better workout. It gives you more motivation and almost feels like you aren't alone!
I know its hard for us Mama's to get out of the house, let alone to the gym to work out. So I thought this would be a good starter for all of you to have a chance to get these ordering and while you wait for them to be shipped to ya.

This next week of posts will be for eating plans.

Take a look at them all and decide which is best for you.
I'm telling you that I absolutely LOVE and have all 3 of these plans, and use them regularly! If you want to purchase any of them let me know by email.
I accept paypal. If you can't do that, you can mail me a check.
Shipping on all of them are $12 each. (seperate from price listed below)
I'm here for any questions!!

Turbo Jam

Recommended for beginners. Moderate Intensity

This workout allows you to go at your own pace, wether or not you stay at a steady heart rate or if you boost to high intensity jumping and motion, this may be the workout for you.

The packed set is actually super fun! I would recommend this to starters. I did this program after my 1st and absolutely loved the whole workout. This is going to be a workout that will give you results and a steady workout everyday. The gloves that comes in the set are awesome and give you a way better workout.


A little about the program:
Turbo Jam packs each workout with calorie-blasting kickboxing, body sculpting, and the hottest dance music. Last year over 1 million people chose Turbo Jam to get the body of their dreams... and now Turbo Jam has been supercharged so you can burn fat and calories to see results faster than ever! It's fast. It's fun. It works.


In a recent university study, some Turbo Jam participants burned over 1,000 calories an hour—that's more than walking, strength training, Pilates, step aerobics, and even running!
Plus, with the Turbo Sculpting Gloves to supercharge your workout and activate 96% more muscle activity than with Turbo Jam alone!



The TurboJamsite is here for you to read over it more if you need and for you to see exactly what will come in the set.


Turbo Jam set includes:

6 workout DVD's
Flash cards
Guidebook (meal plans, workout calendar)
Turbo Sculpting gloves

Price: (Reg. $60) My Price: $35

INSANITY 60 day total body conditioning

Recommended for anyone. Interval Training. Intermediate



This workout plan is new and AMAZING!!! Seriously I've been waiting and waiting for something like this to come out. My workouts consist of high interval, short breaks, total body conditioning. I will always swear by interval training.
I've had it now for over a week and am in love with it every minute. I actually feel like its doing something to my body, rather than just another workout video.

This set comes with 10 different workouts that you switch around over a 60 day period.
The great thing about this too is that its 60 days, where most are normally 90 days. (P90X)
Oh, and it requires O equipment. That's right, O!! Nothing to purchase for the workout, just you, the ground and the TV.

Insanity will the best decision you've ever made in this process, promise!!
With Insanity, you will definately see a change in your body and QUICK.

A little about the workout:
Your personal trainer Shaun T will push you past your limits with 10 workout discs packed with plyometric drills on top of nonstop intervals of strength, power, resistance, and ab and core training moves. No equipment or weights needed. Just the will to get the hardest body you've ever had.
The secret to these mind-blowing results: MAX Interval Training. Shaun T took traditional interval training and flipped it on its head—you perform long bursts of maximum-intensity exercises with short periods of rest. Each workout keeps you constantly challenged as you alternate between aerobic and anaerobic intervals performed at your MAX. The result: burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour and get the most insane body in 60 days.

Here's a video of what its like if you want to see:

InsanityVideo

And a link to the Insanity site for complete details, remember you can get it from me for lot's cheaper!!
Insanitysite


Set includes:
10 DVD's
Nutrition Plan
Fitness Guide
Calendar

Price: Reg. $120 My Price: $85

P90X 90 Day Transformation
Recommended for the already active, men/women, muscle building


P90X is INSANE, that's all I have to say! I stuck to it for a few weeks, than ended up being a gym rat, but holy crap, if you are looking to get toned up, this is the workout for you! As soon as I'm finished with Insanity, P90X will be my focus.
Especially if you and your husband are wanting to do this together, this is the best for both of you. He will LOVE it and that's for sure...maybe a gift for him eh??!!

Some information about the plan:
P90X is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. You'll also receive a comprehensive 3-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more. Your personal trainer, Tony Horton, will keep you engaged every step of the way, and you won't believe your results!
The secret behind the P90X system is an advanced training technique called Muscle Confusion™, which accelerates the results process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus, and you never get bored! Whether you want to get lean, bulk up, or just plain get ripped, there's an endless variety of ways to mix and match the routines to keep you motivated the full 90 days and beyond!
Here's the site for any further info
P90Xsite

Set includes:
12 workout DVD's
Nutrition Plan
Fitness Guide
Educational DVD
Calendar

Price: Reg. $120 My Price: $85

Here ya go!! Let me know what I can do for you from here.
If many of us start up these programs together, it would be a great subject to blog about to discuss our progress, as well as before and after photo's.
What a great idea!

First Things First...

To start off this adventure, and I like to call it an 'adventure' because really it is. You will discover new things about yourself...How far you can go, how much you can do, how disciplined and determined you will be.
There are 4 specific things you will want to read about and decide before you get started, here ya go!

1. Calculate your BMI
(Body Mass Index is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness.)
This is a good way to have an idea of where you are at on the scale and what's expected at your measurements.
Here's a great link to a site that you can calculate not only your BMI but your kids too. I also have a calculator set up to the side for your convenience.

Once you figure that, you'll know exactly how many calories you burn on a daily basis, how many you should burn, and a list of daily duties we do around the house that burn MAJOR calories!

2. Set a Goal
Decide now how much weight you want to lose
How much muscle you want to gain
How healthy you want to eat
And of course, how much work you are willing to put into it.

A healthy lifestyle requires balance, in the foods you eat, in the beverages you consume, in the way you carry out your daily activities, and in the amount of exercise you include in your daily routine.
While counting calories is not necessary, it may help you in the beginning to gain an awareness of your eating habits as you strive to achieve energy balance.
I did it for the first time after my 2nd and it made a huge difference.
The ultimate test of balance is whether or not you are gaining, maintaining, or losing weight.

Its not easy at first ladies, but I promise you that it will get fun, you will feel soooo good, and you will actually love having it in your life, you will need it, crave it! Let exercise be your sweet escape to all the stresses of your daily life.

3. A Plan
Find your eating and workout plan that works for you (that's where I will fill in those question marks!)
Eating:
When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight for a lifetime,
the bottom line is – calories count!
Weight management is all about balance—balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or "burns off."
For the first 2-4 weeks you will need to be super cautious of what you are consuming and the levels of sugar, carbs, etc.

I have a plan (coming soon) that will require a huge amount of discipline but ya know what, because you will work hard, you will be that much more determined to keep it off and really love your results!
I'm all about high proteins, and low to no carbs or sugars for the first few weeks. That, I am telling you will make the BIGGEST difference in your excess fat, the bulge, and best of all...Cottage Cheese!
Lot's of you want to know how to get rid of the 'Muffin Top'
I promise this will get rid of it!

Working Out:
There are many different ways of doing this depending on your frame, and desired goal.
If you are wanting to lose fat first, you are going to have to do routines that keep your heart rate at a fat burning heart rate (such as speed walking, or swimming) I walked 1-2 times a day 40 min. each time for the first 2 weeks, after that you'll go into higher intensity for muscle building.

Before I figured that out, I was doing lot's of weights, high intensity stuff (which that's what all the trainers at the gym were telling me to do to get off the baby weight. Boy were they wrong!)
The only thing I saw was muscle on top of fat, and that wasn't pretty!
You have to shed the fat first, than build muscle on top of healthy fat that's supposed to be there.

Once you get into high intensity workouts there will be many different ideas and plans I'm going to give you to decide which works for you.
I personally love the gym, but that's not always the best thing for some people, especially if there's no daycare available.
I'm currently living in the middle of nowhere so I have to make things work here at home.
With the workout equipment I have, it works perfect for my lifestyle and actually very workable with kids around.
I'm a HUGE fan of workout videos...they have to be the right videos though to make it worth it!
I have a few different videos I will be posting about very soon for you to choose to purchase...at a much lower price than retail!


4. Mainting your weight
Now that you've lost weight, you have to maintain that success.
Watch your diet, Be Active, Stay on course
If you start to lax a little or a lot because you get where you want, it will slowly creep back up on you. This 4th point might be the most important part of the process. Or you will just be starting all over again, and you don't want to do that!



With this list of what the process is going to be about, if you comit, prepare yourselve's for amazement ladies!
Please please add my blog to your's, send it out to others you may know who would be interested and don't forget to come back often.
I will be posting frequently for your bodies benefit!
Use this site and everyone who is a part of it for support and drive. Afterall, we're all going to need a little pushin'!!

My email is also on the side if you have any random or personal questions, feel free to send it on over!

Mama Mystery

My whole life I've always enjoyed being active and working out.

After having 2 kids, life changed a bit! I didn't have the time nor the energy to focus on myself or my past priorities. I got to a point after my second to make the decision and told myself that I'm the one who makes a difference in my life...It's my choice!!

I didn't want to let 'pregnancy/having kids' be my excuse anymore. This is no mystery!

The changes I made in my diet and workout plan changed my life forever. I am so glad I made the decision to take control, its made me a better wife, mother, and person.

The greatest thing is that I have been able to help other people too, and that's why I decided to start up this blog.

I want all the mother's out there to know I know what you are thinking and feeling:

"I don't have time"

"It's too late"

"I don't know where to start"

"I don't know what to do"

"I feel overweight and soft"

"Do I look fat in this?"

"I haven't seen changes in the past"

You name it!

I want to help you with fun ideas, eating plans, workout's that work...not just for your body, but your time.

I call this Top Secret Mama, because to me I feel like motherhood and everything with it can be quite hard. I want to fill all Mama's in on any secret I know can help make your life a little easier, happier, and healthier! We all know what each other is going through, so let's help one another.

I'm going to do my best to give you 'clues' and 'evidence' on how to change your life now!

Let's make this a New Year's Resolution for 2010 shall we?!

Here you will find tips, tricks, giveaways, and connections on how to better your health, and body. All your 'mysteries' will hopefully be solved over the coming months!

Now I need some of your suggestions on things you'd like to see in 'Top Secret Mama'

This is gonna be fun!!!