Big Beachbody Changes

In the past few days, there have been A LOT of changes announced from Beachbody. In order to keep it all straight, I thought I'd write a blog post about it. I think that might be the only way I'm gonna make sense of it all myself!

Here are the big changes, in no particular order:

First order of business:

Two of Beachbody's Challenge Packs have been PERMANENTLY reduced in price. Slim in 6 and Hip Hop Abs are now available for $140. This is the lowest price of any Beachbody Challenge Pack - EVER!

Wait - WHAT'S A CHALLENGE PACK? 

Haven't I gone over that yet?

(this is a pic of a P90X Challenge pack which I talk about below - it is NOT on sale for $140)

Here's what each and every Challenge Pack includes:

1. your workout program
2. your first month supply of Shakeology HD
3. one month of free upgraded club membership to teambeachbody.com
4. FREE SHIPPING
5. access to your complimentary coach (ME!)
6. your price lock on the current Shakeology price for LIFE!
7. AND if you upgrade to a coach before April 1st, you lock in your Shakeology FOR LIFE at $89, plus there is no coach sign up fee!

That's a lot of stuff for $140 (Slim in 6 and Hip Hop Abs only for this price), considering Shakeology by itself is currently $120 and it's set to go up to $130 as of April 1st! That's like getting a workout program plus everything else for $10. I'll take it!


Second order of business:

The price of Chocolate and Greenberry Shakeology is currently $119.95 and the Vegan Chocolate and Tropical Strawberry are $129.95. Both includes free shipping when you place your order on HD (home direct - the monthly autoship option). As of April 1, the price for all flavors of Shakeology will be $129.95. 

But here's the good part:

If you get your Shakeology HD ordered BEFORE April 1, you will be locked in at the $119.95 price FOR LIFE. Yes - you read that correctly. As long as you don't cancel your HD order, you will get to keep the current price with FREE SHIPPING! Woot Woot! And as mentioned above, sign up as a coach before April 1st and you lock in the coach price of $89 for Shakeology FOR LIFE!

Not sure if Shakeology can be beneficial to you? Watch this video and see what Tony has to say! It is quite possibly the best Shakeology video EVER!

Even us, the coaches who get a 25% discount, are going to see our price for Shakeology increase. You better believe that I have mine and my husbands orders locked in! If you are interested in becoming a coach, now is the time to do it so you can also lock in your lower coach price!


Third order of business:

Beachbody has lowered the price of the P90X and P90X2 Challenge Packs by $25 JUST FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH. That means that if you order either of these two programs, you are getting a savings of $80! That's nuts!

Fourth order of business:

Beachbody is raising their shipping and handeling rates, effective Monday, March 4, 2013. This will NOT effect any order that is currently a HD order. It will also not efffect any HD orders that are ordered during the month of March. 

Here's the low down on the new shipping options and prices:

• "Smart Delivery"
  • Shipped in 5-7 Business Days
  • 9.25% of order with a $6.95 minimum.

• "Express Delivery"
  • Shipped in 4-5 Business Days
  • $5.00 more than "Smart Delivery."

• "Premium Delivery"
• Shipped in 2-3 Business Days
• $10.00 more than "Smart Delivery."

So I just gave you A LOT of info. Now what???

The very first thing you should do is friend me on FACEBOOK! Then you can shoot me a message and I can help you decide on a program that is best suited for you! You can also kik me at klevere623 or find me on IG @klevere623. 

If you know that you want to take advantage of any of the Challenge Pack offers, you can order directly through my website by clicking on any of the pictures in this blog post (or by clicking HERE). Just click on "Buy Challenge Pack" and put your order through. If you do that, please friend me on FB and shoot me a message letting me know what pack you ordered so I can add you to my March 11th 90 day challenge group! It's open to ANYONE who purchases ANY challenge pack!

What do you say? Let's do this TOGETHER!!!

<3,

Kell

10 Ways to NOT gain the holiday weight!

In years past, I have always found myself reaching for my "fat" pants in December and January. It's hard to stay on track during the holidays. Everyone has parties. There's tons of good yummy food. My clothes are way less revealing than my summer clothes. Heck - it's even hard to get in a good workout because my life is so busy. 

But this year is different. I'm making time for ME. I will be a priority. I will not let all my hard work go down the drain. I will not wear my stretchy pants. In fact, I'm gonna wear my tight pants. That way, I can't over eat!

Here's a few tips I found to help you get through the holidays WITHOUT gaining those few extra pounds!

1. Travel smart. Many people find themselves traveling during the holiday season, but that's not an excuse to eat unhealthily and avoid exercise. Plan your meals in advance, and pack snacks when you are either on the road or in the air. Good travel snacks can include nuts or dried fruit. To help you be a happier traveler, get a good night sleep before you leave to increase your mood and alertness. Eating a heavy meal before traveling can make you sleepy, so eat a small, low-fat meal before you head out the door.
2. ZZZZZZZ. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule and get a full night's rest (7 - 8 hours!) as often as you can. If you fail to get a good night sleep, it can affect your immune system and make you grumpy the next day. No one wants to travel with a grouchy person, so do everyone a favor and get some shut eye. Sleeping well can also help you reduce your calorie consumption, because it inhibits the release of the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin while promoting the release of leptin, another hormone that limits hunger. And keeping that hunger in check is a good idea when you find yourself surrounded by holiday goodies.
3. Hydration station. Staying hydrated is important in our daily life and becomes even more important when you're stressed, as can so often happen during the busy holiday season. Stress can have a negative effect on your immune systems. Drinking plenty of water can help by flushing toxins out of your body. For that very reason, choosing water instead of holiday beverages like eggnog and hot spiced cider is especially important, even though it can be challenging.
4. Caution with cocktails. With the holidays comes the drinking of alcohol, so make sure you have at least one glass of water in between each drink. Remember that one gram of alcohol has seven calories, and yet it yields virtually no energy or health benefits. Calories from alcohol can add up quickly, so be mindful of how much you are drinking. If you do indulge in eggnog, which is super-high in calories in its traditional form, try making it with fat-free half-and-half substitute mixed with fat-free milk, and ditch the egg yolks for egg whites. Also, drinking may reduce inhibitions under the mistletoe, which is good, but it also reduces inhibition at the dessert buffet, which is bad.
5. Fighting temptation. The holidays are filled with temptation, and it's your job to stop it in its tracks. Holiday parties can be troublesome with the surplus of fatty foods and beverages. You might be unaware of how much you are consuming and might eat because it is there, rather than eating because you are actually hungry. Eat a healthy meal before you go out, so you're less tempted to munch on empty calories. Be aware of what you are putting into your body whether it's cocktails or shrimp cocktails. The office can also be a place where temptation lurks. Try to avoid going into the break room and grabbing those cakes, cookies, and other holiday dishes and treats people leave lying around at this time of year. Be the first in your office to bring in a fruit or veggie platter or other healthy choice to share. And if you are having a chocolate craving that just won't go away, blend up a serving of Chocolate Shakeology - PROBLEM SOLVED!
6. 'Tis the season for lots of television. Holiday movies, shows, and sporting events are in abundance during this time of the year. While you're watching TV, make time during commercials to do some exercises that do not require any equipment. Remember some of the exercises you do from your workout program? Superman/Banana? Squats? Pushups? Good, well  do some of those routines during the commercial breaks. Other options can range from standing up during some of the program to sitting on a stability ball (which uses more muscles than just sitting down on the couch) to doing jumping jacks, lunges, or ab work and beyond. Be creative and fight the flab that can come with being a couch potato.
7. Make recipes healthier. Most recipes can be made healthier without compromising the recipe. Think more whole grains—and less sugar, fats, and salt— while cooking and make sure that there are mostly healthy dishes to outweigh the naughty ones. Use the half plate rule—half of your plate should be filled with veggies or fruit. Healthy food that's good to incorporate into your meals includes: white meat turkey (limit the gravy), sweet potatoes, cranberries, pomegranates, pumpkin, pecans, collard greens (limit the fat), nutmeg, cinnamon, and red wine. These items can spice up any meal while making it healthier and more delicious. Please don't fall into the mentality trap of thinking that if you exercise, that allows you to eat whatever you want. 
8. Out of sight, out of mind. When food is placed on the dining table, it's much easier to grab a second helping. So make it harder: Keep the extra food away from the dining room. If you leave it in the kitchen, out of sight, it forces everyone to think about getting up to grab another helping. Here's a tip: If you still feel hungry after your first plate, wait for 15 minutes and drink a full glass of water, then decide whether you want more food.
9. Eat smaller amounts more often. Instead of starving yourself all day so you can overindulge in that one, giant meal, have smaller meals throughout the day. I know that at family holiday gatherings in particular, it's asking too much to resist the lavish aromas of the kitchen, so limiting your portion sizes is important. Have a little bit of everything while preparing the meal throughout the day, then eat a sensibly sized portion when dinner rolls around. If you're still hungry after that, then eat more vegetables and fruit.
10. Stay active. Regular exercise can help with so many of the challenges you face during the holiday season. It helps you cope with the stress of traveling, because exercising releases endorphins that help boost your mood and energy. At the airport, if you have time, walk beside those moving sidewalks instead of standing and letting them carry you to your terminal. During your flight, walk up the aisles as much as possible without making the other passengers crazy, or do shoulder, abdominal, calf, ankle, or foot exercises while you're seated. If you're traveling by car, take frequent breaks, get out of the car, walk around, and get some fresh air. If you're staying home for the holidays, get the family involved! Depending on the climate, go ice skating, hiking, sledding, skiing, biking, surfing, or walking the dog. And go for a walk together after your big meal—it'll help you all digest better.

Now, I love the holidays as much as anyone, so I'm not asking you to deprive yourself of any holiday cheer. I'm just asking you to be aware of your body and the temptations and pitfalls it faces this season. Because the holidays have a way of testing your self-control, it's a good idea to have a plan in place well in advance for dealing with them. That way, you'll have a better chance of remaining on your regular regimen of exercise and dieting. You can even make it your New Year's resolution to keep a healthy lifestyle and continue working toward your goals.

10 Popular Diet Tips to IGNORE!

I found this great article on the Beachbody.com website and just had to share it with you! Take the time to really think about all the bad diet advice you have gotten over the years. How has it hindered you?

By Kara Wahlgren

If you've ever tried to lose a few pounds, you've probably been inundated with diet tips. But take them all with a grain of salt—some advice may sound legit but can actually derail your diet. Here are 10 tips you don't want to follow.

BAD ADVICE: Choose fat-free or sugar-free foods

BETTER ADVICE: Don't believe the hype. "They usually use fat and sodium to replace sugar, and sugar to replace fat—or chemicals to replace both," says Denis Faye, Beachbody's nutrition expert. And Rania Batayneh, MPH, a nutritionist and author of the upcoming book, The 1:1:1 Diet, adds, "Removing fat from a food makes it less satiating, so you ultimately may end up eating more." Stick with the original versions, and watch your portions or better yet, eat more unprocessed foods.

BAD ADVICE: No cheating ever!

BETTER ADVICE: Relax your diet rules, and you'll be more likely to stick it out long-term. "If 80% of your diet is tight, then 20% can be a party," Faye says. "It keeps you from getting stressed—and stress is a huge obstacle in weight loss." Just plan your splurges ahead of time so you're not giving in to every temptation that crosses your plate.

BAD ADVICE: Stop snacking.

BETTER ADVICE: Choose snacks that offer a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats—like apples with peanut butter, or carrots with hummus. "A healthy snack can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which keeps your appetite in check and your energy stable," Batayneh says. Skipping a snack can cause your blood sugar to dip, leaving you moody and famished—and more likely to overeat at mealtime.

BAD ADVICE: Don't eat fruit—it's full of sugar.

BETTER ADVICE: Let fruit satisfy your sweet tooth. "Yes, fresh produce is full of sugar and carbs," Faye says. "But sugar itself is not the enemy. Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals; it's also rich in fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar. I've never met a human being who got fat because of bananas." When you're craving sugar, there's no debate that a handful of grapes is healthier than a hot fudge sundae.

BAD ADVICE: If it's organic, it's good for you.

BETTER ADVICE: According to the USDA, organic food is produced without antibiotics, growth hormones, conventional pesticides, and synthetic ingredients.¹ The problem is that many people assume organic foods are all low in calories, too, which isn't necessarily true. Don't get us wrong—we'd rather eat food that doesn't resemble a science experiment. But, Faye cautions, "You need to use common sense. If it's bad for you with conventional ingredients, it's still bad for you when it's organic." A cookie is a cookie, no matter how all-natural it is.

BAD ADVICE: Calories in, calories out—it doesn't matter what you eat.

BETTER ADVICE: What you're eating matters. Compare a 100-calorie candy bar to 100 calories of avocado—the latter is packed with nutrients and has healthy fats and fiber to keep you full. Or compare 50 calories of spinach (about seven cups) to 50 calories of ice cream (about two tablespoons). To feel full when you're cutting calories, look for foods loaded with water and fiber, like veggies or broth-based soups. Plus, "Hormones have a huge impact on our health. Junk food can trigger bad hormonal responses that, over time, can lead to all kinds of problems, including weight gain," Faye says. Occasionally, someone will pop up in the news claiming they lost a ton of weight while eating nothing but Subway^®, Starbucks^®, or Snickers^® bars—but don't put too much stock in those success stories. "When you go that route, you're not educating yourself," Faye says. "It's like the teach-a-man-to-fish adage. If you give someone a gimmicky diet, they might lose weight for now; but provide them with knowledge, and they can be healthy for life."

BAD ADVICE: Try XYZ Extreme Diet—it works for everyone!

BETTER ADVICE: Find a plan that works for you. Gender, age, genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle can all play a role in weight loss—so even if a fad diet has worked for others, that doesn't mean you'll get the same results. "There's no single diet that works for everyone; our biochemical needs are different," Faye says. Talk to a dietitian or nutrition consultant to find a long-term eating strategy that is tailor-fit to you.

BAD ADVICE: When in doubt, order the salad.

BETTER ADVICE: Choose your greens wisely. Leafy greens and vegetables may be virtuous, but not if they're slathered in creamy dressing and topped with bacon, candied nuts, croutons, deli meats, or cheese. "Fatty fixings can add hundreds of calories to your meal, and sometimes contain more calories than that juicy burger!" Batayneh says. Saladcan be a healthy choice, but order dressing on the side and limit the add-ons.

BAD ADVICE: Don't exercise—it'll only make you hungrier.

BETTER ADVICE: Get moving—an hour-long workout isn't going to make you suck down calories like Michael Phelps. "Exercise isn't just for losing weight—it improves your cardiovascular health and strengthens your bones," Faye says. You might feel hungrier while recovering from a grueling workout, but that doesn't mean you're going to pack on pounds. "As long as you're eating clean, your body is amazing at self-regulating," Faye adds. "It should crave the calories you need to fuel your workouts, not to get fat."

BAD ADVICE: Treat yourself for a job well done!

BETTER ADVICE: Rethink your reward system. After an intense workout, you may feel like you've earned a cocktail or cupcake. But splurging after every workout can quickly undo all your hard work. If you've been good all week, go ahead and grab a guilt-free beer on Friday. But, Faye says, "Don't let every workout become a Pavlovian thing where you need to eat cake afterwards." After all, the best reward for a killer workout is getting one step closer to the body you want.

<3,

Kell

Resource:

1. http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml