21 Day Fix Extreme Testimonial: Week 2 Progress

Week 2 of 21 day fix extreme is in the books! I really can't believe how fast time is flying! This program is no joke and it's all focus! I could sit here and joke about how easy it is but its not easy! It truly tests you mentally and physically! I have not had my beloved French vanilla creamer in 14 Days! This right there in itself is a huge accomplishment! This program tests your fitness ability, nutritionally and mentally! I have never been this sore in I can't remember his long! You think you are in good shape until you do something new that challenges you to a whole new limit!

I love a good challenge and I had all intentions of staying on track! But this week kinds threw me for a little curve ball! I am on vacation in Florida. Yesterday my cousin got married! It eventually turned out to be a great day after a few huge hiccups! With that being said, I completely went off the 21 day fix extreme meal plan yesterday! I will say I tried to set myself up for success but yesterday was the only day of the 21 day fix extreme that I will be failing! I drank a lot of rum punch, ate cake, and enjoyed myself! You know what everything in moderation! You know what it wasn't the plan, but it's just how it worked! Time to get back on track and stay focused for week 3!! Can't wait to see my amazing results! I have worked hard and this week coming up, I am 110% dialed into my nutrition! No excuses, just results! A minor set back of lots of rum punch and unclean maybe a little unhealthy food warrants a big comeback!

With my little set back I do want to say that I stayed completely on track and completely on track leading up to yesterday! I knew that I would be jumping off the deep end and wanted to completely set myself up for success! Life throws you curve balls, and you have a choice, you can swing or you can watch the ball go past you! I choose to swing the bad and see where the curve lands! 

This week because I am on vacation, I had the honor of being able to workout with my dad. He joined me for my workouts each days and I really have to say, it was nice to have my workout buddy. I love that I can share my passion for working out and living a healthy lifestyle with my family! My dad is my biggest cheerleader, motivator, and always is up for a challenge when I give him one! A family that workouts together stays together. Now our mission is to get my mom doing the 21 day fix. He and I have been plotting on how they are going to get her doing it. They are going to do it together. Meal plan, meal prep, and workout together. It really warms my heart when I hear how motivated he is to help her and do this with her. In September they will be married for 30 years. I love that they can cheer each other on and motivate each other to continue to lead healthier lifestyles. A couple that workouts and leads a healthy lifestyle together, stays together! 

Week 3 focus:
✔️drink 150ml water
✔️follow meal plan
✔️never give up
✔️stretch more
✔️daily personal development and positive affirmations
✔️finish strong!

Meal Plan Week 2: 21 Day Fix Extreme

Hope you all have a happy and healthy day! 

Nicole

Why the Scale Lies!

Did anyone ever tell you that the scale lies? We all have our hang ups. We all have those moments where we just get so down and depressed when we jump on the scale and either it didn't drop or the dreaded weight gain.  You work so hard day in and day out and then you just want to see a slight change in the number on scale or no change at all. it can be disheartening and it can make you want to give up.

What I am here today to tell you is the scale does not define you. It lies. It doesn't tell you how amazing you are. How beautiful your are. How amazingly perfectly imperfect you are. That's right you are perfectly imperfect in your own way. If the scale were to talk, I would hope it would tell me that I am beautiful, perfect just the way I am, I wish it would tell my weight loss story, I am strong, I am healthy, I am happy. Since the scale doesn't talk back and say these amazing things, I have been trying daily to remind myself of these positive affirmations!

We give way too much credit to a "number". A number that defines most people's happiness. But when did a number become so important? Have we forgotten about looking in the mirror and loving our selves? Have we forgot about those amazing non-scale victories that we achieve every day no matter how big or small they are?

I really actually hate the scale! Originally I lost 70 pounds and had maintained that weight loss for 3 years but as I changed up my workout routine and eating cleaner, I gained 20 pounds....I could have thrown the towel in and said screw it, but I took a good look in the mirror and you know what I may have packed on a few extra pounds but I also built muscle. Yes I went up 20 pounds but It didn't look like it! If I let the scale win and define me, I would be sitting on the couch with Oreo cookies, a milkshake and a bag of chips with a side of Ben and Jerry's ice cream wallowing  in my sorrows of gaining weight all because the scale told me I gained weight. Which writing that out, that sure does sound like an amazing reward day! But I didn't feel like I gained 20 pounds. I feel amazing! I have never felt stronger, more athletic, and in shape. So why if I feel like I am the best I have ever been, do I get down about seeing that number on the scale?

I think that society says that we have to look a certain way, we have to be a certain weight based off of our height, etc. but did they ever consider that sometimes those "expectations" are  tough to achieve. We have this idea from media that we need to be skinny, and have a super model body but that unrealistic. We all have different body types, shapes, hormonal imbalances,  and genes. So why is they we strive to have the scale at such a low number? Why can't we empower each other to just lead a healthier lifestyle? A healthier lifestyle that includes not focusing on the scale and focusing on ourselves and the progress we have made. Our journeys and stories are constantly being written, focusing on how far we have come and not focusing on how far we have to go, could make for more positive results!

Someone the other day said to me, well I am disappointed that I only lost 1.4 pounds last week! I had to take a few minutes to gather my thoughts! I was so excited for her but she told me that she wasn't happy. We women put so much emphasis on the scale and how that "number" that it consumes us. My response to her was "girl, 1.4 pounds thats amazing! That's 1.4 pounds that you don't have! Congrats on that small accomplishment! Refocus this week and focus on something new, your nutrition or drinking enough water! You got this!" I think we forget (and I am totally guilty of this) how long it took to put the weight on. We want instant results, we want to drop 5 pounds now as your reading this! We want to wake up and poof the weight is gone and we are in shape and lead healthier lifestyles. But the reality of it, we need to work hard to see results! Sitting on the couch is not going to get the results we want! Get up and workout and eating right is the only way your going to see results. Focusing on a number that defines so many of us and not in s good way is not going to get those results we want. Hard work, dedication, sweat, tears, laughter, preparation, meal planning and prepping, FOCUS, determination, motivation and most of all CONSISTENCY are what will get you the results you want.

I think women would have more confidence and end up leading healthier lives if the scale said things like:

Way to go keep up the good work!
Look at you, sexy mama!
Your do beautiful!
Remember to smile, it's a beautiful day!
Hey there sexy!
Keep pushing play!

But instead of wishing for the scale to say this, tell yourself on a daily basis these positive affirmations! There is nothing wrong with telling yourself that you a beautiful and you are perfectly imperfect! I tell myself everyday!

As I come to a close with this post, I am writing this from 35,000ft in the air flying to Florida, I want you all to remember that you don't need the scale to define yourself!  You are better than the scale! And remember I told you the scale lies...it does. It doesn't tell you how amazing you are and how you have come so far and your doing a great job! So you don't have a good day and the scale goes up! So who fucking cares! Big deal. Refocus, regroup, and remember everyday is a new beginning, a fresh start, a new day to get it right! Don't let the scale define who you are!

My goal is to help just one lady realize that the scale doesn't define you! Remember that you are beautiful no matter what shape or size you are! We are all perfectly imperfect in our own ways. I do ask one thing, if you found this helpful or could relate, share it with someone else who might benefit from it! We all struggle in our own ways but why not empower each other to not focus so much in a number but to focus on ourselves and how amazing our own health and fitness journeys are!

Have a happy and healthy day! 

Nicole 

21 Day Fix Extreme Testimonial: Week 1 Progress

Happy Sunday Everyone! Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day with the ones you love. As some of you may or may not know, last Sunday, I finished Insanity Max 30 and then Monday I started the 21 Day Fix Extreme. This program is absolutely no joke and it is not for everyone! It is however for those who have done the 21 Day Fix, other beachbody programs like PIYO, Insanity Max 30, P90X, etc. I am always up for a challenge and this program has seriously tested my limits! I thought Insanity Max 30 was hard...well this program is tough! I have come to believe that Insanity Max 30 is my soul workout. Nutrition is 80% of the battle. I can do any workout and succeed with it but dialing in on my nutrition is tough. For some reason I love my treats and snacks! But with this program starting out, I committed that I was not going to cheat in my first week! And I can officially say that My plan for week 2 is going to be a little different but that's another story for next weeks blog!

Sunday night, I made my meal plan for the week, I prepped as much as I could and I really was completely focused on my goal to stay on track with my nutrition. Starting monday, I struggled with the workout. You would think that because I just finished Max 30 that I would be good to go. It took me a little it to get acclimated with the workouts. You can do anything for 21 days if you put your mind to it! 

Healthy Dinner 21 Day Fix Extreme Approved

I was extremely proud of myself this week because there was so much temptation around at work and at home. Since it was Valentines Week, there was plenty of chocolate, food, donuts at work. I did not once indulge in these taste treats, I fought the urge and I am overcame every obstacle and I succeeded! I did not cheat once and I am jumping for joy! I seriously never thought that I could do it but I did. 

I woke up this morning feeling less bloated, healthier, my skin felt better and I have more energy! It's crazy to think that food can have such a impact on how you feel! I also made a huge leap of faith! I love my french vanilla coffee creamer and for those of you who know me, know that I LOVE MY COFFEE! I could have like 3-4 cups per day. I completely cut out creamer. I think that right there is the most difficult thing that I have overcome this week. I have learned to drink less coffee and I have learned to drink it black or with my shakeology. It has been true struggle but I have to say, I feel better! As much as I miss my coffee creamer, my abdomen thanks me for it! Totally a non-scale victory for huge accomplishments this week....NO COFFEE CREAMER!

Each day another thing that I always did was drink 150oz of water! I really tried to focus on just staying focused and staying on track. Knowing that this is only 21 days, I feel like I can achieve anything! 

Meal Plan Week 1

What I learned this week while doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme: 

• You can truly do anything you want if you put your mind to it!
• Focusing and dialing in your nutrition can be done and once you stick with it for a week, you feel amazing.
• Focus on why you started, not how far you are going.
• Giving up something you absolutely love can be hard but its totally doable! If I can give up my beloved French Vanilla Coffee Creamer, you can too! 
• I am slowly learning to like black coffee.. thats like not love!
• These workouts might be 30 minutes but most of this week, I could barely walk! 
• Never say never! I completely cleaned up my nutrition...I never thought I would be 100% clean eating...I am a woman of weight watchers where moderation is key...with the 21 Day Fix Extreme I had to completely clean up my nutrition! 
• Take control of your life. Whether you want to do a program so extreme as 21 day fix extreme or you want to do a program that's not as crazy or you just want to get started....don't hesitate...JUST DO IT!

This is my go to snack! 

Greek Yogurt Parfait

If you are ready for a change and would like to join in one of our amazing 21 day accountability groups, fill this out! Its a great way to achieve all your health and fitness goals! And the best part about it is that it takes 21 days to form a habit. form a healthy habit in 21 days and see amazing results! 

Have a Happy and Healthy Day!!

Nicole 

Fill out my online form.

The easy to use Wufoo form builder helps you make forms easy, fast, and fun.

Week 8: Insanity Max 30 Progress, Insanity Max 30 Results, Up Next...21 Day Fix Extreme

Oh My GAWD!!! I am kinda freaking out! You want to know why...shhh...don't tell anyone....well maybe tell everyone!! I AM OFFICIALLY AN INSANITY MAX 30 GRADUATE! Totally smiling from ear to ear with this one! I think this workout graduation might be my most cherished one! I have to say, I don't think I was every pushed to the limit or worked that hard day in and day out! This week I was feeling stronger than ever! I felt like I had come full circle and really had pushed myself to the limit! It is absolutely crazy how when you push yourself to a level that you never thought you could and really overcome and come out on top, you feel this sense of accomplishment.

I never thought in a million years that I would finish Insanity Max 30. I seem to doubt myself when starting a new program and I really shouldn't because if I remember, I can accomplish any task that is put in front of me. I may fall but I will always get back up!

Week 8 was truly amazing, I really felt like I was stronger than ever. My max out times were better and I just had this sense of calmness! I still struggled through every workout to do better and max out at a better time than the previous workout. I realized that you know what, I can truly accomplish anything! I really learned that no mater what your size or weight is, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. All along, I have always known this but I think I just needed that moment of clarity when I was down on the ground, gasping for air and drenched in sweat, knowing that I gave it my all. It wasn't easy, but life isn't easy.

As I reflect on the last eight weeks, I really can't help but smile. I am not saying this to toot my own horn or praise myself, I am saying this because this is one of my top accomplishments. I always doubt myself, I always don't support myself, I always don't have the most positive self talk, but these last 60 days have really showed me how strong I am. This applies for everyone! I doubted myself that I wouldn't make it through the full 60 days. I feared that I would hurt my ankle again like I had done with Insanity. These "excuses" could have held me back but I truly gave it my all and I am beyond proud of myself.

It doesn't matter what size, shape, color, age, gender, etc. you can do anything  you put your mind too, even a crazy workout program like Insanity Max 30. YOU HEARD ME RIGHT! You can do this too! Another huge thing that I learned while doing max 30 was that it doesn't matter who you are, you can do this and you know why? Because you are NOT trying to compete with the person next to you...your competition is looking you in the mirror. It is the person that you look at every morning when you look in the mirror. Its the person staring back at you, YOU ARE COMPETING WITH YOURSELF. You are competing to be the best version of yourself. You may fall flat on your face or max out at an early time, but you best believe that next workout, your trying to beat your best time. Your trying to be better than you were the workout before, the day before, the minute before.

Like I said before, life is not easy. When I look back on how far I have come, I am proud to say that I MAXED OUT, I COMPLETED INSANITY MAX 30, and I AM THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF. How many times can we say that we gave it our all? We left everything out on the court and have no regrets? not every often to be get the chance to make a change in our lives and really how many of us take the time to focus on ourselves. I had my ups and downs in the last 60 days but I can honestly say that I came out on top! You know what I might not have been a 110% on point with my nutrition, heck it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, my birthday all during the time that I was doing max 30 but that does not mean I didn't give it my all.

Drum Roll Please.....MY INSANITY MAX 30 RESULTS!

I gained 4 pounds and lost 11 inches total. I feel tighter and leaner. I am not at my goal yet but I am closer every day! It is still so hard for me to post progress pictures. I think that is also another reason why I am struggling posting this blog. I look at my pictures and I pick out all my imperfections. but you know what my imperfections are what make me me and make me perfect! Never be ashamed of your progress. Embrace your progress, Embrace your changing body, Embrace the journey. Love yourself and live for the moment!

Autumn Calabrese & I (creator of 21 Day Fix Extreme)

You might be asking...What's Up Next? so glad you asked..hehe...Well if you must know...I just started the 21 Day Fix Extreme today! No rest for this fit chick! I am totally dialed into my nutrition. I am going to make the most of the next 21 days and I am really focused on seeing amazing results! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....cheers to another crazy roller coaster! 21 days of extremeness!

If you have ever considered doing a program such as Insanity Max 30, P90X, PIYO, 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme, I would love for you to take this journey with me! Fill out the form below and I will contact you on how you can join us in our next accountability group! I want you to see amazing results like I have! Its all about a healthy lifestyle! :)

Hope you all have a happy and healthy day!

<3 Nicole

Fill out my online form.

Use Wufoo integrations and get your data to your favorite apps.

Week 7: Insanity Max 30 Progress

Holy Crap, it just got real that I just finished week 7 of Insanity Max 30...that means I have one more week left till I am officially an Insanity Max 30 Grad. just the sound of that makes me jump for joy inside! For those of you who do not know, I actually never finished insanity. I got to month 2 and had to stop because I hurt my ankle really bad! growing up, when I was younger, I had rolled my ankle everyday for almost 4 years playing basketball, my ankles were just not good. Since doing PIYO two times, the strength in my ankles and flexibility really helped with injury prevention. So going into Max 30 I was a little hesitant that I was going to hurt my ankle but I have to say...knock on wood...that I haven't had any problems with my ankle! THANK GOD!

After last weeks disaster week, I was hesitant as to how this week was going to be. I put my head down and just kinda let the tide roll. Monday mornings "workout" didn't go as planned. I decided to sleep through my workout and just workout after work. I hate working out in the afternoon or night. I find that working out in the morning before the craziness of the day sets in really sets me up for success. I start my day with my adrenaline running high and I am so clear headed that I feel like I can take on anything! Well I didn't workout until 7pm and I have to say that it was probably the best decision that I made. I had this amazing workout and then a moment of clarity that was all about never giving up! No matter if you have one bad workout or one bad week, you can always come back stronger and better than ever!















That amazing Monday workout seriously set me up for success this week. I had some of my best workouts and it wasn't about the max out time because yes, I did max out better, it was more than just a workout, it was more about realized that I will NEVER GIVE UP! This week as I realized that I was going to be done in less than 2 weeks with the hardest workout program I have ever done and I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I realized that if I could make it another week, just one more workout, just one more minute, then I could achieve anything!

I learned that no matter what, even when I wanted to give up and give in, that I need to just dig a little deeper and push myself a little bit more because when I do that, amazing things happen. You may have one bad workout but that doesn't define who you are and the potential you have succeed when you fail forward and fail often is one that can make you an even better person!

















So as I am preparing for week 8 of insanity max 30, I am mentally preparing to be better than I was this week. I already have my meal plan made. I meal prepped this morning everything but my dinners but I usually cook on the day for dinners unless I cook something big on sunday. but since it is superbowl sunday and I am heading to a little party, I plan on enjoying myself and really everything in moderation. I already made the veggies and dip and I am making some french bread pizza. I had shakeology for lunch but I am also planning on having shakeology on my way over to my friends house before the party. Set yourself up for success because you are the only who who truly has control to be successful.

Remember to fail forward. So many people are afraid to fail but I am ready to fail everyday and I take failure head on. I might not be where I want to be but I fail forward and fail often and success is right around the corner. 

Things to focus on this week.
1. Really following my meal plan
2. No cheating...well maybe one cheat.
3. drink 150oz water a day
4. do the best I can with my max out workouts!
5. don't worry about the scale next Sunday when I check in for my final progress pics and measurements!
6. BE AWESOME!

Happy Sunday Everyone. Have a Happy and Healthy Day

<3 Nicole