P90X3 Dynamix Review

Next up in my individual P90X3 workout review is Dynamix. On Sundays (or day seven depending on what day you started) there is the option between taking a full rest day or doing the Dynamix workout. I highly recommend NOT skipping this one. 

Dynamix is a really interesting style of workout and a very new component to the P90X family of workouts. A combination of traditional moves and stretching it really is a great option to have. Like Tony Horton says, pull it out at any time.

Under the category of more traditional moves are things like leg lifts, adductor lifts, knee pulls, and glide lunges. But then when you throw in moves like lunge push ups, side banana, and the farthing stretch it becomes a whole new ball game. It is one of those workouts where when you look at each individual move you think "oh that isn't too bad" and then in the middle of that side forearm plank you are about ready to take a serious break. Who thought just stretching could work up such a sweat??

This is a really really important workout to do though. When you are doing all those other intense moves that the other X3 workouts have to offer it is vital that you stretch out the body properly. I like how the stretches involved aren't just static stretches, but also dynamic stretches, stretches with motion (hence the name right?).

Compared to some of the other workouts the 30 minutes of Dynamix also seem to go by pretty fast. I did the disc last night about half an hour after doing the Cardio Axe from Brazil Butt Lift so it was really like a double left day for me. To say my gluteus are sore this morning is a major understatement.

The cast in this workout is also great. I can't recall names but two are X3 afters and one of them is an actual Olympic athlete that assisted in creating this particular workout. When you are doing this workout you are doing a legit athletic program of a high caliber.

All in all this is an excellent component to workout schedule. I'm kind of kicking myself that I did actually skip it and opted for rest the first few weeks of X3. Not anymore!

I encourage everyone to Rock this disc and not just take the easy way out and take the option of a rest day.

P90X3 MMX Review

As I near the last few weeks of my amazing P90X3 journey I thought I would share a bit of a review of the variety of workouts that I have done throughout the (almost) 90 days. 

Today we did the MMX workout. So I figured that would be a great place to start. MMX is a tough workout, gets the heart rate up, gets the sweat pouring, and it is FUN (in a want to curse at Tony Horton challenging kind of way).

MMX simply refers to mixed marital arts X style. Tony Horton is joined by three kick ass others and they bring you a high intensity workout that has you doing some pretty neat things. There is a great combo of kicking, punching, throwing elbows, sprawls and more.

Now I have tried to do this style of workout before. I once punched myself in the face doing Tae Bo. I have done some Les Mills Combat (also a lot of fun) but have always found difficulty in remembering the combos. Something about the choreography of martial arts really messes me up. But I've been determined to do my best so I go hard. While I still trip myself up every so often I am getting better every time (practice makes perfect eh?). They are starting to feel more natural and less like I'm just punching in thin air.

A few of my favourite moves from this are the gladiator (a jump and kick and slam down combination), superman punch (a jump punch), a jab cross knee combo. There are many more but those are just at the top of the list. I'd love to catch some of my moves on video just to see how silly I look.

The toughest parts are the sprawls. Like throwing burpees into your combo routine. They always slow me down. And like in many of the P90X3 workouts there is a burnout which has a lot of those danged sprawls.

Cardio and strength aside I also really like the feeling of power it gives me. When I kick I KICK. When I uppercut I UPPERCUT. When I was a kid I used to play mortal combat on N64. I get to feel like I am my favourite characters. ORCHID. T T T TJ COMBO.

On Sundays I always do a workout from Body Gospel and then Dynamix (from X3). When Dynamix is all fresh in my head tomorrow I'll give a run down of that one.

If you would like to try your hand at P90X3 be sure to add me as your FREE COACH so I can help you through the process with my own personal experience.

One last fun fact! Alice in the blue top is a Hollywood stunt double who actually did stunt work in place of Kristen Stewart in Twilight (I'm a bit of a Twihard so I was pretty pumped about this fact).

Reasons To Workout At Home

Even in all my earlier attempts at weight loss I never really went to the gym. Only a few times in my life did I ever have a membership for a gym. One I had for a whole year and actually only ever went once. 

I felt intimidated both by the other more fit people there and also just didn't know what to do. At 250 lbs walking into a gym was a scary idea. For that reason and more I prefer to workout at home by FAR.

Keep reading for more great reasons why 

you should ditch the gym and do your workout at home. 

1. FREE
    The only cost really is the investment into a program and a few supplies like some dumbbells and perhaps a yoga mat. Other than that you are good to go.

2. On YOUR schedule
    Not all gyms are 24 hours. Not all classes are available when you want them to be open. When you workout at home your DVD player is open whenever you want it to be. Pop in that workout and push play!

3. No Commute
    I LOVE that I don't have to drive anywhere to get in my workout. Saves money on gas. Saves wear on the vehicle plus I'm a bit of a tree hugger so fewer emissions added to my carbon footprint is always a bonus in my eyes.

4. Saves Time
   When you workout at a gym you have to factor in the whole time frame. You just don't have to carve out time for the workout but for the drive there and back, waiting for equipment, waiting for classes to start, time spent in the locker room. That one hour workout is going to end up taking probably closer to two hours out of your day. We are busy enough. Put in a 30 minute workout like 21 Day Fix, P90X3, or T25, and now you have and hour and half left to do with whatever you like.

5. No Childcare
   I have three kids. If I had to pay gym childcare that would get pretty pricy! Plus I love the fact that my kids get to do my workouts with me. They are learning excellent lessons in the importance of physical fitness.

6. Privacy
    If I am trying a new dance or martial arts workout I want to be able to look like a fool in my own home. I like that I can wear what I want. If I have a wedgie mid jumping jacks I can fix that with out a crowd ;)

7. BEST TRAINERS
   I get to workout with some of THE BEST trainers in the world. Tony Horton, Shaun T, Les Mills trainers, and more.

8. Focus
   Even with my kids around I find I can still focus better on what I am doing. I just crank the volume to tune them out ;) (totally kidding…sort of).

If you are interested in working out at home and need extra support and motivation be sure to apply to Rock The Challenge. You get the best in home workout programs and me as your personal coach!


 
 
 

P90X3 Progress Pix (Day 0-60)

SUPER EXCITED to share my next set of P90X3 Progress Pix with you!! 

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have the body that I have today. After dealing with being overweight and obesity for 15 years I couldn't have asked for more. And while it is no way perfect it is mine and I couldn't be happier with what I have accomplished.

Just for some comparative action here is my official before and after from the beginning of my 100 lbs weight loss. As you can see also by my 16 yrs picture I have always had this struggle ahead of me. Feels amazing to know that I have FINALLY made changes that have led me to the life I have now.

These pix next are specific to my P90X3 progress. I haven't lost any further "weight" as per the scale but my body has DEFINITELY changed. Actually it has even gone up about an average of 5-8 lbs. But that my friends is muscle gain.

The pix in the orange top are P90X3 Day One, the middle are my P90X3 Day 30, and the right are my P90X3 Day 60. 

If it weren't for these pix I really wouldn't believe the progress I have made. P90X3 really is an amazing program. After having had 3 children I have a stomach that I never thought was possible. 

 The angle on the last pix is a bit different but my back is not only looking leaner but also stronger. Thanks to all those P90X3 pushups. Also my legs are starting to get more and more tone. Butt is also getting smaller. A far cry from the size 22+ that it used to be 2 years ago!!

HUGE changes going on here in both my upper and lower abdomen. 

What can I say. I absolutely LOVE P90X3. I will never stop shouting it out. It is an incredible mix of strength training, a variety of cardio elements, flexibility work, yoga, Pilates, and so much more. P90X3 can increase your strength both in body and in mind. 

I only have 30 days left and can only imagine what the next set of pix will look like. 

P90X3 ROCKS!! 

Weekly Menu (March 17-23)

Hey there! I'm back with this week's menu. I have some new recipes on here that I am so excited about. One of them we had tonight (THE Taco Salad) and WOW is it amazing. The other is the Cracklin Chicken which can be found at Nom Nom Paleo. 

I decided not to do any grocery haul pix this week because is kind of gets repetitive. I have really been enjoying though being consistent with our weekly menu and weekly grocery shop. By the end of the week the fridge is pretty bare but I know we aren't having any food waste. Also, I love the thrill of filling it right back up again with beautiful greens, and reds, and yellows. It does take a bit of trial and error though to figure out just how much you need of everything. I think I have finally gotten our family's needs down to a science.

So without any more blah blah blah from me…here is this week's menu!

Keep in mind that I list each supper and then the breakfast, lunches, and snacks are what I have for suggestions. Those are things we have regularly. Sometimes we get off track but for the most part we keep to the menu. 

If you'd like to make the taco salad you can find the recipe at Cherished Bliss. Even the individual recipes for the avocado dressing and the bean and corn salsa can be used in other ways. I can see why my friend was so adamant about making this dish. If you like mexi then you'll LOVE this salad.

Here are the modifications I made:

I used a leafy green mix (red and green chard, spinach, spring mix) instead of romaine.
I used regular old cheddar instead of the colby jack.
I used green pepper and a smidge of cayenne in place of the jalapeño.
I cut the amount of cilantro in half (I'm not a cilantro fan but the amount I used was PERFECT!)

Did you meal plan this week? What is your grocery shop style? Share in the comments below and have a Rockin' Week!

Easy Oatmeal Bake

I like to eat oatmeal as part of my breakfast on a semi regular basis. But if you are like me and sometimes get bored of the same old oatmeal give this Easy Oatmeal Bake a try. 

I originally got this recipe from So Hows It Taste but I made a few minor modifications to how I like it.

Ingredients:
1 tsp coconut oil
1 1/2 cups of oats
1/3 cup of nuts (I like pecans)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 1/4 cup milk of choice
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 ripe bananas sliced evenly
1 1/2 cup frozen berries

Preheat your oven to 375'

1. grease your baking dish with the coconut oil
2. spread the sliced bananas on the bottom of the oiled up dish
3. put half the frozen berries over the bananas
4. mix together the oats, half of the nuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt
5. sprinkle the dry ingredient mix over the berries and bananas
6. mix together the maple syrup, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla
7. gently pour the wet mixture over the oats
8. put the remaining berries and nuts on top

Bake for roughly 35 minutes and then let cool slightly. I like to serve it up with some whipped coconut cream on top. DELISH!

This is a great recipe for when you have to rush in the mornings. Simply bake it up the night before and the heat up your portion in the morning.

Davids Tea Haul

Please tell me I'm not alone here! You go into the Davids Tea planning to just grab a little something that you are out of…and, well, you get a little out of control. Oops ;)

So before I get into the details of my lovely haul I want to just mention how important tea has been in my weight loss. Whenever I feel an afternoon sweet tooth craving coming on I brew up some tea and BAM craving is taken care of. With flavours like Peaches and Cream, Fantasy Island, Chocolate Chili Chai, how can you not enjoy them! Seriously, next time you are feeling the pull for cookies or other treats give tea a chance.

Now, my haul. I swear all I really went in for was the Pure Chai, and that was because when I had butter chicken the other night I wanted chai to go with it and there was pretty much none to be had.

Into the store I went to pick up the a tin of the Pure Chai but Davids Tea also has their Spring Tea collection out right now so I decided to pick up the Peaches and Cream from that. I also picked up a mate called Cocoa Canela. Then there was one of their cold healing teas called Secret Weapon that I smelled a few weeks ago. At the counter they had these cute little sampler packages and being the spicy tea lover I am I HAD to get obviously the Spice Lovers.

I was also drawn in by the pretty tea cups. I had been thinking just yesterday morning that I needed a few new cups as my little Miss had broken several in the last few weeks. I wanted something springy with blues and pinks and so low and behold there were the perfect cups. They even match the bowls we got from Ikea.

The nice girl at the store was kind enough to give me the 20 pack of tea bags, so woohoo for that!

And that wraps it up. Now if I didn't have so much tea already this little haul of mine may not seem like much but I really should get rockin' on drinking up what I already have before I add any more. Yeah, like that will happen :)

Weekly Menu and Groceries (March 10th-16th)

Hey there! I have another weekly menu and grocery post for you. I also included a few pix of my fridge and what I have in my cupboards. 

As always it is my hope that showing what I buy and how I stretch it and what we do in general can help and inspire others to cook healthy in their kitchen too. 

For the most part all you see here, plus a few things already residing in my fridge and cupboards, will be able to breakdown into meals to feed our family of five ALL WEEK! And then some because of the bulk packages of meat. Not only do I love feeding my family healthy food, I love that it is economical as well.

This is really a general grocery haul and very typical for our family. Lots of veggies, lots of fruit, lots of meat (specifically chicken). A few things we are trying out this week that are new to us are a plantain and a spaghetti squash.

These are kind of the randoms. Some cream, milk, butter, yogurt, noodles (gasp), almond milk, diced tomatoes, and some mineral water (to mix with my happy planet juice). This really is the extent of our processed/packaged goods. I do have a few others in the cupboard but yeah, pretty minimal, just how I like it. 

Below is our family menu for the week. I have been really liking looking at it menu style as opposed to a spreadsheet, and then leaving our options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks more as guidelines as opposed to a strict plan. 

And now time for a a mini fridge and dry goods tour!!!! Please avert your eyes at the unhealthy selections you may see ;) 

The few things not shown here are my spices and my little bulk section where I have my chia seeds, hemp hearts, sliced almonds, alternative flours, and those kinds of things. That area was a disaster so no pix on that one.  Also my stash of tea and Shakeology aren't shown. Those almost deserve a post of their very own. 

Well, that about wraps it up. Hope you enjoyed this little peak into my fridge and little cupboards and are able maybe make some use of the weekly menu. I'll be getting tonight's supper on the roll shortly. Saucy Mozza chicken is going to ROCK (just not sure about the spaghetti squash). 

SeaSnax Taste Test Review

While at the Organza market my son and I picked out a new treat. We decided that we would give SeaSnax seaweed chips a try. 

Since my almost eight year old likes the whole youtube thing it was actually his idea that we do a video on us giving the SeaSnax a taste test and review. 

Please give it a watch and let us know what you think.

Have you tried SeaSnax seaweed chips before? It had been our first time and we each grabbed a different kind. I'll tell you now the Chipotle are spicy. Like SPICY. Sure I know that chipotle IS spicy but really. SPIIIIICY. I thought I burnt my tongue.

My first observation I think is way off base, that being they'd be similar to kale chips. Again, I've never had kale chips but that is what I imagined. I really am going to have to try these kale chips some day, even just to see if they were at least similar in texture and crunch to the SeaSnax.

To be totally fair my tastes are my own and I can tell you right now that I don't like sushi so I know that had a HUGE effect on what I felt about them. If you like sushi I would actually encourage you to give SeaSnax a try. Personally, not for me. If you are also like me and not a sushi fan you'd probably be best to spend your few bucks on something else than seaweed chips.

Now what is great though about SeaSnax is that they are free of a whole lot of things. GMO free, cholesterol free, sugar free, fat free, etc. As a specialty item they weren't priced too too bad either, especially if it is going to be a quick on the go every so often snack.

If you're looking for something to give you that allure of a crunch then give them a whirl. Let me know what you think. As for us, we are going to keep looking for the right snack for us.

This Week's Grocery Haul and Basic Meal Plan

Yes it's Tuesday, and I'm a touch late getting the groceries this week and slapping a meal plan together, but I still got it together to get myself back on track. 

To make the meal plan this week I took a look at what was still in our freezer and cupboards and then decided what I wanted to make for supper and what we would need. We still had a few things leftover from previous Costco trips (mostly meat and cupboards staples) so we did have to do quite a big produce stickup. 

I have to admit that I do get a huge thrill out of seeing so much beautiful colour in my grocery cart. The greens, yellows, reds, etc, are so vibrant. Eat the rainbow for sure!!

So I'll break down what I am going to be making this week first. I decided to do it up more menuish than meal plan. Menu sounds nicer, lol, like I'm eating out at a restaurant…but at home ;)

Based off of my menu I bought the following groceries:

PRODUCE

MEAT AND DAIRY

MISCELLANEOUS

As you can hopefully see I make a variety of foods, everything sounds yummy, looks great, and of course tastes delicious. For one fancy night out at a steak house I can buy an entire week's worth of groceries to feed our growing family of five, and man do my growing kids eat A LOT. True we had a few things already at home from those previous Costco trips but they balance out and last a loooong time. 

As you can see there is very little in the way of any processed snacks. Mostly because we don't need them. I am busy, I am active, I need ENERGY. What I don't need are foods that are going to take a lot to fill me up, give me no nutritional advantage, and put yucky things into my body. 

Eating whole, real foods is so important to feeling your best, looking your best, and being able to Rock Your Life!