Free $25 gift card? Tell me more!

Challenge packs, Shakeology, and workouts - OH MY! You hear me talking about health, wellness, nutrition, blah blah blah all year. Right? So if it's important for you to be healthy to be there for and with your loved ones, isn't it important that your loved ones be healthy too?

So here's the deal: Anyone who places an order of $100 or more (without taxes or shipping charges) will recieve a $25 Beachbody gift certificate for free! This offer is even valid on Challenge Packs which is awesome because the only thing that makes getting a great deal better is getting money back on top of it! All I ask is that if you give the Challenge Pack as a gift, you let me know so I can send you a letter to the recipient. I want to help them make sure that they stay on track as their coach and the letter will have information about how to get in touch with me and go through this program together! What's a Challenge Pack? Well since a picture is worth a thousand words....(click to enlarge)

Ok ok...there is a catch...just a little one though, I promise...and really it's to help you make sure you get your perfect present in time for the holidays. You have to place your order by the end of the week (midnight CST 12.4.11) and you must place your order through my Beachbody site (www.beachbodycoach.com/GabriellaH99). Not too tough, right? I do try to keep things simple for you! If you already have a Beachbody account, please be sure that I'm your coach. If you have a coach you like and keeps in touch with you, please don't switch coaches just for this deal. However, if you'd like me to be your coach, let me know and we'll make sure that we get that switched before you place your order. Don't know if you have an account? Here's a hint: if you've ever ordered any Beachbody product online, you have a coach. Don't have an account? Then just go to www.beachbodycoach.com/GabriellaH99 and place your order!

And it does get better! In case you missed it in the picture above, the coach sign up fee is waived with the purchase of a Challenge Pack! That means that you could give the gift of health and then build a business around helping others! Be sure to ask me about that...coaching is pretty awesome! :-)

tl;dr? Here's the summary: spend at least $100 at www.beachbodycoach.com/GabriellaH99 (great gift for you or a loved on!) by midnight CST 12.4.11 and I'll send you a $25 Beachbody gift certificate! This offer is also valid on Challenge Packs! If you're going to order a Challenge Pack, ask me about becoming a coach as your sign up fee ($40!) is waived with the purchase!

The only exclusion on this deal is that the $100 purchase may not include or be paid for with any number of gift certificates.

30 days of accountability

Editor's note: My hip was acting up and in great pain so I gave myself some extra time off with plenty of stretching. I will be starting the program over again tomorrow and will be accountable to all of you! - G 11.29.11

If you follow my Facebook page or Twitter you may have noticed that every day I've been posting a workout accountability photo and telling you when I drank my Shakeology. Why? Ultimate accountability.

For 30 days (starting last Monday), I'm sticking to the Hip Hop Abs schedule and drinking one shake each day. I took before pictures and I'll post those soon along with my measurements. Then, after I complete the program, I'll post my "after" photos and stats! Why is this so important to me? Three reasons:

• My number one priority right now (until it's ingrained deep in my psyche) is my health. If I'm not healthy I cannot give the time and energy I want to Nate, my family and friends, my job, or my fitness business. I need to be healthy and I need to stay on track to do this.
• The Beachbody Challenge! A chance to win cash just for working out?? Sounds good, right?  
• To share my results! I hear so many excuses all the time about not having enough time, not wanting to count calories, this that and the other. I am working out less than an hour each day and drinking 1 shake each day. That's it. I'm not counting calories (although I maintain that I know how to eat better because I spent a decent amount of time doing this at the beginning of my lifestyle change and I still recommend this for starting out, breaking a plateau, or checking to make sure you're on track!). I'm not doing two workouts each day. I'm not going to the gym. Nothing like that. I put in a DVD each day and push play. 

My scheduled off day with the plan is Sunday but I'll still drink a Shakeology at some point. I won't count calories but I will be smart about what I eat and be careful not to overindulge. I'll also be sure to be drinking my water but nothing I do will be so far out of the ordinary that anyone could take exception and declare that they couldn't fit choices like these into their life.

For those of you who have made these excuses (you know who you are) - I hope you're listening and watching because my blog post in 30 days will be mostly for you. It's not about being perfect, it's about getting started and ANYONE can do that!

BRING IT anywhere with the P90X App for iPhone!

Have you heard? P90X® has gone mobile! So for the first time ever, you can take Tony and the P90X workouts wherever you go. No more excuses. Get the P90X® App for iPhone® and you can:

• Auto-schedule your workouts
• Record your sets, reps, and weights for each workout
• Push through plateaus with customized progress reports at day 30, 60, and 90
• Automatically sync your workout data with the SuperGym®
• Log your nutrition and calorie intake
• Stay motivated by earning badges for meeting goals
• Share your success and help motivate others!

http://tiny.cc/P90Xapp

Bring It!® anywhere

You can use the P90X App for iPhone to get ripped at the gym or on the go. Just
purchase guided versions of the P90X workouts, designed specifically for your iPhone,
and you can work out anytime, anywhere. Get the P90X App for iPhone now for only $4.99. Then send me a message and I'll show you how to save money on the Guided Workouts.

If you have a Team Beachbody account already, you'll use that to sign in and sync your workouts. Don't have a log-in? Go to www.beachbodycoach.com/GabriellaH99 to get your account!

Win up to $100,000 just for working out?!?!

It's as simple as logging in and staying on track which will reap rewards regardless of whether or not you win the cash! Check it out!

Recipe Thursday: 15 Minute Asian Beef Soup

This sounds delicious and perfect for cooler weather! Enjoy!

Chef Meg's 15-Minute Asian Beef Soup

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 152.4
• Fat: 4.0g
• Carbohydrates: 14.5g
• Protein: 15.7g

Ingredients

8 ounces beef sirloin, fat removed, sliced into 1-inch strips
1 tablespoon soy sauce, reduced sodium
1 quart reduced-sodium or homemade beef stock
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 large carrots, shredded, about 1 cup
1/2 head Napa cabbage, about 2 1/2 cups, shredded
6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, tops only, stems removed, sliced, about 1 1/2 cups
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
3 green onions, chopped

Directions

Bring the stock to a boil in a large saucepan or stock pot. 
Place the beef, soy sauce, and ginger in a glass dish, mix to combine, and let marinate for five minutes.
Add the beef and sauce to the boiling stock, and reduce heat to medium-high. Cook for two minutes, then add the carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms and cook another two minutes before adding the sesame oil, sriracha, and bean sprouts and cooking for final two minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro and green onions.
Makes 8 (one cup) servings.

Serve with brown rice or rice noodles. 




Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user CHEF_MEG.

Warning: Tough Love Ahead

I keep seeing posts on facebook that are something along the lines of "I don't have a model body, I eat food, I wear my PJs all day, I'm not going to be a superstar and I'm not going to change. Love me for me."

First - and least importantly - those who have good bodies do eat. I've seen it first hand. And they eat more than carrots I promise. But that's not my main point.

When I read these...to me, these are cop-outs. It's entirely important that you be yourself and you should work to love yourself and everything you are. But I hear people (women especially) say things like this in a way and with a tone that shows that they love their current, unmoving, unchanging self because they don't believe they can be more. When encouraged to try something new or try a self improvement program their response is defensive. How dare you suggest they change??

Here's some tough love for you: You can be happy and love yourself while working to improve! If you've ever said "This is what I am. Love it or leave it." when you knew in your heart of hearts that you wanted to be better, all you feared is what being greater could mean. Stop hiding behind that. Love who you are - YES! - but don't be afraid to embrace what you can become for that is where true strength lies.

I beg of you - stop settling! Deciding to be more is a decision that anyone can make, regardless of how happy you think you are. As you make progress you'll realize how much more fulfilled you feel, even if you thought you felt complete before.

Once you decide, progress won't be overnight. You won't wake up tomorrow with Heidi Klum's body and bank account. But once you're on a path, everything is different. You carry yourself differently and you approach life with a control you've never known before.

Recipe Thurday: Banana Bread Biscotti

I have a couple overripe bananas whcih normally become banana bread but this recipe turned up in my search for a new banana bread recipe and I couldn't turn it down! In the interest of health, I'm going to try using a little less sugar than called for and I'll use whole wheat flour. I'll let you know how they turn out! I think these will be great to have at my desk for a morning treat! 

Banana Bread Biscotti

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 83.2
• Fat: 2.6g
• Carbohydrates: 13.8g
• Protein: 1.7g

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 banana)
1 tbsp canola oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
-In a large bowl, combine banana, oil, egg and vanilla, and mix until well blended. Add the flour mixture and walnuts to the banana mixture and stir just until combined. If the mixture seems dry, use your hands to mix until the dough comes together.
-Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, divide in half, and shape each piece into an 8" long log. Place the logs 2"-3" apart on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray and flatten each into a rectangle that is about 3" wide.
-Bake for 30-35 minutes, until firm and cracked on top. Transfer the log to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 275 degrees F.
-Place the logs on a cutting board, trim the ends and cut each log diagonally into 1/2"-3/4" thick slices with a serrated knife. Place the slices cut side down on a cookie sheet. Return to the oven for 20 minutes, then flip the cookies over and bake for another 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
-Makes 2 dozen biscotti.

Number of Servings: 24


Thank you Spark Recipes for this great recipe!!

Shakeology and the Glycemic Index

My daddy has diabetes, his mom had diabetes, my blood sugar is high...not high enough to be diabetic but high enough that I check it once in a while and keep an eye on what I eat. So I have to tell you that I personally was so excited when Beachbody announced that Shakeology was certified low glycemic index!

Not sure what this means?


Here's why the glycemic index (GI) is important:
Foods with a high-GI (above 70) include white bread, pretzels, French fries, and most processed foods.
High-GI foods cause the body to produce higher levels of insulin but sometimes too much. This gives you an energy burst, known as a “sugar rush.” It feels good at first, but then your blood sugar drops rapidly to
lower than normal levels, known as a “crash.” Eating these foods triggers a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels, which:

• Encourages your body to store fat 
• Creates a cycle of hunger pangs and feeling unsatisfied
• Causes an energy crash that leaves you irritated and tired
• Can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and diabetes

Foods with a low-GI (under 55) include spinach, oatmeal, peanuts, and Shakeology. Eating low-GI foods is a smart way to avoid the “sugar rush and sugar crash” cycle. And they’re good for you because they stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels. Consuming these foods helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, which:

• Increases levels of glycogen, a hormone that causes body fat to be burned
• Gives you a feeling of satisfied hunger
• Helps balance moods
• Reduces the risk of heart disease, helps control diabetes, and positively affects the aging process

So while drinking Shakeology may not completely prevent you from ever having diabetes (and remember to always talk to your doctor if you have special food allergies or nutritional needs - here's a great letter to take to your doctor if you have questions: http://www.beachbodycoach.com/uploads/fckeditor/mdbody/File/downloads/shakeology_dr_letter.pdf) - the low glycemic index is further good news for your wellness journey. 

Sure - there are natural alternatives and some fruits and veggies that have a low GI....but you might be surprised (as I was) to see the information in the table below. 

There's a lot more information but I'm sure you're tired of reading by now....so check out this video for more great information!

Slight change in plans

I was alllllll sorts of excited to start the Beachbody Challenge on the same day as Chalene Johnson's PUSH release - 11.11.11. It seemed so natural to start a new workout program on the same day that I start reading a book I know will change my life.... but after Hip Hop Hustle training this weekend, I'm going to have to listen to my body. I've been tired, sick, and far less than 100% for the past couple of weeks with the marathon, travel, and lack of sleep. When I woke up on Sunday with a sore throat that I couldn't shake and ended training with a very hurt hip, Kristy (bless her heart) looked at me and said "You are taking the full week off! I said so!" in the tone that says "You are not allowed to argue this...do as I say...NOW!". So I'm giving in.  If the weather keeps up, I'll go for a bike ride or do something simple like that but for the most part I'm going to focus on eating right and getting my rest. I'll start Hip Hop Abs on 11.14.11 and I'll use rest days as make up days or double up as needed for the weekend of USMC Ball. This means that I should finish the 30 day Hip Hop Abs program on December 10!

So what does this mean for you? Well I want to start the Beachbody Challenge with an exclusive group of  committed people and this gives you a couple extra days to decide that this is what you want to do. You don't have to do Hip Hop Abs with me - I get that this might not be THE program for you. But commit to doing one of these programs and being accountable to the team and I'll help you make sure that you hit your goals! For those of you who pre-ordered P90X2 who will be starting it with us 1.1.12, I highly recommend getting your core in shape...which I why I'm doing Hip Hop Abs! Your core is so important for all exercises - you can't go wrong with a core program!

So there you go - my body just bought you a couple extra days to decide! Let's decide together....commit together, focus together...and most importantly - SUCCEED TOGETHER! I know we've got this!

The Beachbody Challenge

I can't add to what Carl has to say here...this is amazing. I want to help you with this Challenge! Chances to win cash, get more fit, and be healthier and happier? Who couldn't be on board with that. But you HAVE TO COMMIT! My Beachbody Challenge group starts 11.11.11. Are you in?

My Beachbody Challenge Program

Post marathon, almost all studies, research, and experts say that you should take a month off of hard cardio and really working out. HA! Like I was going to be able to do that. Besides, I'm starting P90X2 on 1.1.12 and I have to be strong if I'm going to push play on that! No time to waste!

As a compromise between marathon / P90X2 intense and not doing a thing, I'll be focusing on core work starting 11.11.11 and through the end of the year with Hip Hop Abs. This will be the program I do for the Beachbody Challenge as I work to get in even better shape and make sure my habits are SOLID going into the holiday season. Check out the video below to learn more about Hip Hop Abs and if you'd like to join me in the Beachbody Challenge, let me know!

Recipe Thursday: Chocolate PB2 Mousse

In honor of Peanut Butter Lover's Month....let's make dessert! 

Chocolate PB2 Mousse

Nutrition Info

• Calories: 147.5
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 15.0g
• Protein: 21.0g

Ingredients

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, Plain, 6 oz
Bell Plantation’s PB2 (Powdered Peanut Butter) with Chocolate, 3 tbsp

Directions

Mix ingredients together until well blended.

Serving Size: Makes 1 serving

Number of Servings: 1

#36thMCM - the recovery post!

Wow...what a weekend. What a fast paced, emotional, rewarding weekend. I knew going into it that it would be a whirlwind but I had no idea what we really had in store and looking back on it, I don't know how I survived!

I could write a novel about the weekend and bore you to tears so instead I'll share the highs (and a couple lows) that kept the weekend exciting.

Best sign by a race fan: "Why are you guys running? It's not zombies, is it?"

Biggest smile of the weekend: The one on my face right after hearing Nate's mom say "It's really so great to have you girls as part of the family." to me and Nate's brother's girlfriend...along with the hugs and smiles between Nate's niece and I. Although I suppose the smile when I first got to see Nate was probably pretty big too! ;-)

Most surprising moment of the weekend: Spending Friday night in the emergency room....still praying and hoping that my baby sister will be better fast! (she rolled her ankle..it's not broken but she's on crutches and in lots of pain... probably because she kept standing on it and performing after she rolled it. No idea where she learned to be such a stubborn little thing!)

Coolest technology: The social media set up. Getting encouragement in responses to my auto tweets and posts about our progress was cool and it was awesome that so many of you got to see that and track us real time! My mom even actually tweeted a few times! I got to meet the guy in charge of that on my flight home and he was excited to hear how much response I got!

Least surprising moment of the weekend: I still hate miles 17 and 18. There aren't enough Twizzler bites, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, water bottles, Gatorade cups, or funny signs to convince me otherwise. *grumpy pout*

I'm now most anxious for: our race photos!! Nate's a stud so we got called out by a couple of the photogs before the race to take a couple together and I cannot wait for the post-medal pic in front of the Memorial. They need to hurry up with those again.(wow...just checked and they're posted already!!)

Best humor moment during the race: At mile 24/25ish Nate said to me "If you ask me to do this again next year, I will find a way to get deployed and have to be in Afghanistan next October."

Best humor moment after the race: Going through security, I put my medal in the bin as it went through the x-ray. The TSA officer reached in the bin after the scan to see what it was and when he asked if that meant I won I told him "No - I got that just for finishing." His response? "So ... was it hard?". The look on his face after I responded with just "I ran 26.2 miles. It wasn't easy." was priceless.

Most anticipated moment (besides the finish line and time with Nate) that exceeded every expectation: Meeting the rest of Nate's family and his brother's girlfriend. She was kind enough to let me stay with her and I have a feeling she and I will get along great! :-)


Best moment on the course (before the finish): At mile 22 (ish...I lost track) we met, for the umpteenth time during the race, a man carrying the flag all 26.2 miles he said hi and told Nate and I that he thought it was very cool that we were doing the race - every step of it - side by side. Nate thanked him for carrying the flag and his response was "I'm glad to do it...but at this point, I think it's carrying me." Wow.

Our most often spoken phrase on the course: "We've got this...you and me to this finish...whatever it takes. I'll get you there." Nate and I both said these words to each other...several times.


Most reflective moment of the weekend: Sharing with Nate all of the well wishing and congratulating texts, tweets, and posts that so many of you sent to me for us as we laid on the grass under the perfect blue sky, medals around our necks next to the Iwo Jima memorial. The Marines along the course had all been so encouraging and welcoming all day, completing the race and getting through the emotional roller coaster together that had been the previous nine hours (I sent my alarm wrong so the emotions started early for me Sunday), there next to the memorial that speaks volumes about the Marine Corps...I don't think I have ever felt so connected to Nate or myself. I'm glad we got that moment in that place to take it all in.

Finisher's medal...by far my favorite race medal!