What's a Challenge Group?

How many people like to take on a new challenge alone, with no support and no one motivating them to keep going?  Probably not many.  Why should we treat our health and fitness goals like something we must do alone?  It doesn't have to be that way!

Challenge groups are a chance for people to connect for 30 days in a small, private Facebook group where you receive daily motivation and accountability. Your age and fitness level is completely irrelevant.  We are all in this together.  The focus is always on nutrition, because that awesome body you want is made in the kitchen.  While nutrition is key, only lifting that knife and fork to your mouth isn't going to give you the sculpted arms you want, so you will also follow a fitness plan.

You may be completely new to exercise or you may be a seasoned athlete- we can find a plan that will fit your needs, challenge you and help you be successful in meeting your goals.

Some common questions I receive about challenge groups:

Q- How much time do I need to commit to this?
A-If you have 25-30 min a day, you can get in your daily workout.  The meal plans are not complicated and can be easily assembled and planned out for the week.

Q-How much does it cost?
A- We will talk about your health and fitness goals and find a plan that fits you and your budget.

Q-What happens after the  30 days?
A-I move you to my post challenge group accountability group.  Most people are not to their goal in 30 days- the journey is only beginning.  The post challenge accountability group will allow you to continue those healthy habits you learned in the first 30 days while still connecting with like minded people and supporting each other along the journey.

Q- What kind of results can I expect in 30 days?
A-There are a lot of factors that play into your results.  Most people will not be to their goal in 30 days, but you will see very visible results, The most important aspect of the group is that you do develop those healthy habits that will sustain you so that you reach your goal and are able to maintain it over a lifetime.

If you are ready to start this journey with me, email coachmeganputnam@gmail.com.  Let's talk about your health and fitness goals and find a program that fits you!  

Fitness + Nutrition + Support + Rewards = Success

Being Healthy vs. Losing Weight

My best friend and I were having a conversation about eating healthy and how there is a general consensus among society that we can continue to hold on to our old habits, in moderation, and still lose weight.  She said something so profound to me, "[There are] two different mind sets: health versus weight loss.  They aren't the same for a lot of people.  They should be but they aren't."  

I had this moment of realization.  For the past 8 years, I had been concerned with only losing weight. Every time I looked in the mirror I would think, well, I need to lose some weight.  Every time I would feel my clothes get tight, well, need to lose some weight.  
What I didn't seem to be concerned about was, what's going on inside my body?  Just because the food I was eating was fitting into a certain calorie bracket didn't mean it was healthy.  

Thankfully, I discovered this amazing company called Beachbody.  There's no quick fixes here, but there is the chance to change your life.  The difference?  You have to change your mindset to focusing on what is healthy instead of just losing weight.  I'm so impressed with this company that I decided to pay it forward and become a coach.  

The weight loss industry if full of promises for a quick fix with minimal effort on your part.  You don't have to look far past your social media feed to see that.  

This is my philosophy- if your weight loss plan follows these guidelines, I believe you will be set up for long term success.

  

Eat less CRAP: 
Carbonated drinks (Yes, even the diet ones)
Refined sugar 
Artificial sweeteners and colors 
Processed foods 

Eat more FOOD: 
Fruits and veggies 
Organic lean proteins 
Omega-3 fatty acids 
Drink water

If you are ready to get healthy, I would love to be your FREE coach.  I'm so happy that I changed my mindset to wanting to be healthy rather than only concerned with what I saw in the mirror.  
Send me an email at coachmeganputnam@gmail.com and lets talk about your health and fitness goals.  

Where do you want to be a month, six months or a year from now?  

Changing your life is possible and I promise, you won't regret it.  

If you have a success story, please share below.  It's so inspiring to hear about others successes.  

PB2- Product Review

Peanut butter is a staple item at our house.  So is dark chocolate.  I instantly fell in love when I saw this new product on the peanut butter shelf at the grocery store.  I was a little skeptical about how it would taste, but for the love of peanut butter and chocolate, I was willing to give it a try.  The fact that this claims to have 85% less fat and calories than traditional peanut butter was also nice motivation.

The label on this powdered peanut butter says the peanuts are roasted then pressed to remove 85% of the oil.  You mix 2 tablespoons of PB2 with 1 tablespoon of water and stir until smooth.

First, this is an extremely fine powder.  I've used it several times and have yet to measure out my 2 tablespoons without leaving a mess all over the counter.

I was very surprised at how creamy the consistency is when mixed.  It's very similar to peanut butter, just without the oil.

I tasted it alone, and it was decent, but did have that "low calorie, low fat" taste.

When mixed in oatmeal or a smoothie, the peanut butter and chocolate flavor was wonderful.  I did miss the creaminess of traditional peanut butter, but I guess that's the trade off when the oils are removed.

The verdict- this is a nice addition to your pantry.  It's not going to ever replace traditional peanut butter for me, but, I think it's great for adding peanut butter flavor to other foods without adding the fat and calories.

Have you tried PB2?  What did you think about it?

Turkey Chili- Fixate Cookbook

If you've struggled with healthy eating or if you've hit a plateau with your current fitness routine, I highly recommend The 21 Day Fix!  This is a revolutionar, yet surprisingly simple, meal plan and fitness program.  I went into this program not knowing what to expect.  I was reaching the end of my weight loss journey and honestly didn't know what kind of results I would have.  I am so happy to say that I lost a total of 5 pounds and 5 total body inches.  The workouts are 30 minutes and each workout targets something different so you and your muscles don't get bored.
Here is a recipe from the FIXATE cookbook that I love.  I've made this turkey chili twice now and always freeze it in my Fitpacker containers so that I have an easy lunch to grab.  The recipe says it makes 8 servings, but I've only been able to get 6 servings from a batch.  The taste is a little interesting and unlike most traditional chili recipes, but it's grown on me and I really like it now!

Turkey Chili- makes 6 servings (approx. 1 1/2 cups each)
Container counts- 1/2 Green, 1 yellow, 1 red, 1/2 tsp.

2 tsp.  extra virgin coconut oil, melted
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb. cooked 93% lean ground turkey breast (or lean grass-fed ground beef)
2 cans kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained (I use a can of each)
1 (15 oz) can organic, diced tomatoes, no salt added
1 cup red wine
1 Tbsp. ground chili powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6 tsp crumbed goat cheese

Directions:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring occasionally for 5-6 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
3. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
4. Add turkey, beans tomatoes (with liquid), wine, chili powder, salt, and red pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Serve topped with cilantro and cheese.

Want more information on the 21 Day Fix or on making me your FREE coach?  Send me an email at coachmeganputnam@gmail.com.  Lets talk about your health and fitness goals.  Twenty-one days from now, you will be glad you started today.