Hammer and Chisel- Week 1 Review and Meal Plan!

I am totally in love with the new Hammer and Chisel workout program and I am really pumped about sharing my weekly progress and updates! I hope that it helps you along your journey too!

So I just wrapped up my full first week of the program! I am following the schedule how it is laid out, so I have my rest day on Thursdays right now and it really just helps to break up the week and give my body a little break when it needs it most!

Hammer and Chisel is my jam!

I literally just finished my Total Body Hammer and 10 minute ab hammer workout and I am feeling amazing (and sweaty ;) ), but seriously I can't even begin to say how happy I am to  have something fresh and new! It is so easy to get bored with the same old routine and I had definitely hit that boredom plateau over the past few months! I had been traveling a lot, being full time mommy and business owner, house responsibilities and you name it- I was doing it! My workouts are my HAPPY place, but no matter how good I feel afterwards- it was getting harder for me to actually push play everyday because I wasn't excited about it!

ENTER Hammer and Chisel- BEFORE Christmas! Because I am not one to wait until after the holidays to start to get into shape! NO WAY! Exercise is my drug! My happy pill!! AND it burns calories, so i'm not going to pack on a few pounds just to feel blah and have to do extra work after the New Year! This is my lifestyle so I just do it!

AND!!!! My hubby totally surprised me with new Bowflex Selectech weights that I have been wanting for over 2 years!! So- Merry early Christmas to me!!! I'm in love with these babies already!!

Another thing that I am loving with this program is that it is something new everyday! I am working different muscle groups and I tend to get lazy if I am doing the same thing over and over, but not this time! I can feel changes happening already and I love it! 

The meal plan for hammer and chisel is pretty great. It is easy to follow, no counting calories or depriving yourself of foods you love. It is simply all about balance and moderation. I am doing plan B meal plan because my goal is to build lean muscle. I am not on a mission to lose any weight, just continue to tone. So, when I focus on my food I am looking for things that will fuel me and keep me full! The team beachbody website has tracking sheets that you can find under the get Fit tab and then click on tracking sheets. 

Also a tip- don't drink your calories! I drink mostly water- i stay hydrated and I make it a point to always have a glass of water next to me! it is so important! I tell my chalelngers all the time that they have to hydrate in order for the body to work properly!!! My mission is to always feel great in my own skin and I want to do the same for all of you! 

Do you need some tips on how to stay on track? Check out my video message for my challengers who are in week 2 of our Surviving the Holidays challenge group. 

Do you need some extra motivation to get and stay on track? Check me out at www.facebook.com/valbfitness. I try to post a few times a day on that page! Make sure to LIKE my page too! I would really appreciate it!

Let me say this- I would NOT recommend Hammer and Chisel if you are just starting out in your fitness journey. If you love weights I would check out Chalean Extreme or the 21 Day Fix first! I can help you with that! Just contact me at valbozzo15@gmail.com and we can talk about what is best for you. 

If you are interested in doing the Hammer and Chisel Workout Program, please complete the application below.  I am currently accepting applications for the January 4th Hammer and Chisel Challenge Group.   Make sure that you link up with me if you do not have a coach.  A coach someone just like me that can help you with the workout program, with staying accountable, on track and focused on the results that you want. 

Legacy United is Looking for You!

I promise you --- I have always believed that I was meant to do something extraordinary with my life-- it just took me a little while to figure out how I was going to make that happen.

When I was a kid and people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up-- I would always either say I didn't know or I would copy what my friends were saying. I hadn't figured it all out then, but I knew in my soul that ONE DAY -- I would make a difference.

Here I am now. 22 months ago- I found my calling. I surrendered my life to Jesus and finally listened to the voice telling me which path to choose. I am here. I am creating the life that I was meant to live. I love every second of every day. Even those moments that seem to be terrible- I pull the good and learn the lesson.

I still have so many achievements to accomplish- but I have learned more about who I AM in the last year and a half than I could have ever imagined.

This is my passion, my love, my life. I am choosing. I am the boss. And I dare anyone to tell me I 'can't' do something.-- watch me! I promise you-- I will PROVE you wrong!! This is the BEST life I could ever imagine and I have the FREEDOM to live how I want.

I'm inviting YOU to come along. Choose the path less taken. Choose to design your own life. I will mentor you, teach you and guide you every step of the way. Beachbody has helped me create a life I've dreamed of and it's only getting better!

Are you in?

I am a normal mom who is blessed to run a health and fitness business from home. I plan my schedule. Today I have worked for 3 hours- my choice. And I will work for an hour after the kids go to bed before date night with my man

When I started 22 months ago-- I put in one hour a day. Focus, determination, drive and belief are what led me and being teachable, duplication and consistency have built me to where I am today.

Now- I have the most amazing team and we are changing lives by the second. Building a business should be on everyone's radar because YOU DECIDE how fast you grow. YOU DECIDE your path and GOD leads the way.

What if you walk into your office tomorrow and your boss tells you they have to let you go.

What if you wake up and you think 'what am I doing with my life?! I never see my family!'

What if you had the option to do more? Be more!
EVEN IF... You love your job now or you love being a stay at home mom. What if building an online business would guarantee you financial security? 

---> Would you make an hour a day happen to starting something new?

I did. And wow. The rewards have been endless!!

Would you like to be one of 10 wonderful women this month who will personally be mentored by me? Would you like to work 1:1 with me while I give you the best technique for this business? Are you ready to shine?!

Please email me at valbozzo15@gmail.com. Please post COACHING INFO in the subject line!!! Remember- I'm only taking 10!'
Let's do this remember- if I can do this --- anyone can do this.

Reese's PB Cups- Shakeology Style!

Okay guys!!! So I swear that I am surrounded by the Reese's Easter Eggs everywhere I go anymore!! Easter is right around the corner and I don't care who you are or how much willpower you have... that chocolate it tempting as heck! So- tonight I got CREATIVE!! I still had 3 tsp. of peanut butter I could eat for the day (THANK YOU 21 DAY FIX MEAL PLAN!!!) and I can always have Shakeology! So- I combined the two!!

This recipe is AHHHH MAZING! Get ready to make your taste buds squeal!!

Reeses PB Cups- Shakeology Style

1 heaping Scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 TBSP. Coconut Oil- melted (30 seconds in the microwave)
Peanut Butter

Mix the Shakeology and melted Coconut Oil together.
Then scoop a tsp. of the chocolate mix onto a plate and flatten it. THEN add 1 tsp. PB on top of the chocolate. Finish it off by putting another scoop of chocolate mixture on top of the PB and spread it out.

Makes about 4-5!!

THEN- Best part. Freeze for about 20 minutes!!

Let me know how you like them!!


Also- Remember---> We don't DIET!!! We live a healthy lifestyle and that means eating clean 80% of the time! So- when we want those REAL TREATS-- there is no guilt! I like to make fun recipes that are healthy but have lots of taste! Eat according to your goals!! It is SO WORTH it!

Tosca's Clean Eating Tips and Portion Control!

I have based most of my clean eating around the amazing Tosca Reno.  I realized one day that I had to take control over what I was putting into not only my body, but serving to may growing family as well.  I realized quickly that I was NOT eating proper portions or proper types of food-- even though I took pride in saying that I "ate healthy." --- NADA. That was false. Taco Bell drive thru twice a week, bread/rolls with every dinner, too many carbs and too little veggies-- and don't get me started on the sugar consumption each day!! BUT I was honestly blind to it... because "I was thin-- it didn't affect me." BUT IT DID. My mood, my energy levels, my skin, basically everything about my body was just BLAH!!

BUT-- Tosca couldn't have said it better!  Are you struggling with eating clean and what to eat and when to eat it!  I promise you- eating 5-6 small meals a day is what your body needs. And it is not hard to do once you get into the routine! Check out this YouTube video on portion sizes to get your mind in the right place!!!

I absolutely love TOSCA and she is usually my GO TO book and I look up her youtube vids often!  I am so thankful that I picked up one of her books one day about a year and a half ago! It has changed my life and made me see that clean eating tastes AMAZING and I am not deprived at all!! I lost those last pesky 10 pounds that were sticking around because of the 'plateau' that I thought I would never overcome... It is all mental! That paired with drinking my Shakeology everyday and working out 6 days a week is exactly what I need and exactly what my clients do! It's a lifestyle! And it works!





If you want more information please message me at valbozzo15@gmail.com and I'd be glad to help you develop a plan to start eating clean and getting lean!!

Thanksgiving Meal Plan and Prep!

Tomorrow is THANKSGIVING already!!! I can hardly believe that another year has flown by and we are approaching one of my most favorite times of the year! There is always a mad dash of things to do, to get done, to buy, to make, etc!! It's been so hectic that it would totally be acceptable to not workout or plan out my meals...RIGHT?!!  Well, the previous me would of chucked my workout in a heart beat and relied on caffeine and drive thru food to make it thru a busy week.  Now my non negotiable is my workout and my meal planning because that is my "me" time and trust me, if I don't workout I am not going to be a nice mommy!

Not at all!!! #fitmom means that you value your health and that you want to not only be the best example you can be but you want to be around long enough to teach your kids that example as well! Your kids follow your lead , so if you want healthy kids lead by example! You don't have to have a perfect 6 pack to be a good example, instead teach your kids the importance of regular exercise and healthy vs unhealthy choices! My kids tell me all the time what healthy choices are! #notselfish #smart 
Be a #fitfam #leadbyexample and set your family up for success! It starts with you!!!! #turbofire #hiit25 #pushplay #gotime

So this week I am committing to continuing to be that fit mom despite the million different responsibilities.

I whipped up my meal plan!

Here are my thoughts! So I can workout every day this week.  We are traveling to my in laws for a few days.  So I will get up early and do my workout at my normal time so I don't disturb the rest of the family.  Then, I will have my oatmeal for breakfast, my apple and almonds for snack, then lunch/dinner is our feast! I will have my shakeology in the evening to help my belly deflate!

What am I eating on Thanksgiving:  Turkey, stuffing,mashed potatoes, a TINY bit of gravy, green beans, roll (YES love rolls)  and a side salad!  Then of course I will have dessert, but I will be mindful! I will pick something that I LOVE and not eat something just because it is there!! I am going to enjoy, but of course in moderation, not over stuffed and no guilt.  

Remember to eat breakfast on Thanksgiving- one of the biggest myth is that you will just not eat and save up all your calories for dinner and be ok!  It won't be!  Your body needs food when you wake up to jump start your metabolism and wake up your body.  

Like your wine- I love wine and that is my biggest downfall!  But the one thing I have learned is I can have wine and still feel good!  So my rule of thumb is to stay hydrated.  For every glass of wine that you drink have 1 full glass of water!!  Stay hydrated.

Now Thanksgiving doesn't roll over into Friday, Saturday and Sunday either!  I am back on track Friday morning with a killer long cardio workout to just burn it off and I may switch up up and have Shakeology for breakfast.

I am actually doing T25 this week- i have body beast in there, but I scratched that!! It's all about the cardio and prepping for Insanity Max 30 coming out next week!! Bring on the fat blasting!!!

Every day we wake up and are faced with 2 choices. The choice to face our FEARS or the choice to remain the same.

Facing your fears is definitely the harder route, it's the road less traveled and it's the road that when taken leads to failure but also leads to success. It's the road that takes time, that isn't a quick fix, that doesn't make you rich tomorrow or skinny in an hour. It's the road that leads to personal growth, lifelong health and fulfillment.

There is a reason why the finish line isn't crowded. It's because most people don't have the vision of the possibilities instead all they can see is how hard it will be to get there!

So as you start this week, be a visionary, be a dreamer but most importantly be a DOER!!! You can see that finish line off in the distance, now imagine what it feels like to cross it?! NOW LETS GET TO WORK!

I didn't always eat clean and I certainly didn't always exercise. It wasn't until I was feeling worn down, tired and my muffin top was rearing its ugly head that I decided I needed to change.

I wasn't perfect when I started, I made bad food choices, I beat myself up over it, I weighed myself to many times a day and I cried because it wasn't coming off fast enough. But just because I didn't see the immediate results doesn't mean I gave up! I continued to focus on improving my health, the quality of the foods I ate, the pairing of the right foods and proper portion size! I exercised regularly and pushed thru the ups and downs! Now what once was a struggle is now a habit and a part of who I am!

Trust me, you can make a healthy lifestyle a habit to!
Sneak peak into a typical day of clean eating! I eat a lot of food and I eat often! PS I LOVE TO EAT! I have energy and I never diet!!!

Strive for the right balance for you!!!!

Have a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Want more support!  Join the Holiday Survival Guide for support post Thanksgiving to Christmas to keep you on track!

Keep Your Hands OUT of the Candy Bowl!!

Okay- no joke.. there is Halloween candy staring at me everywhere and I didn't even buy any of it! I was going to, but to be honest-- we will be out with our kids and they will be getting PLENTY of candy... and let's just say that last year-- we put out a big bowl of candy with that little sign that says 'Please just take 1' and a teenager dumped the whole bowl into his bag... So now, i'm being Mrs. Scrooge!! And the health nut on the block! 

And to be honest my hubby and I aren't even giving out candy.  We bought Pretzels at Sam's Club to give out for our kids class parties! They get enough candy to begin with, Im not adding to the plethora.  I do let my kids go trick or treating and they do get to eat candy, but I can guarantee that by the end of the weekend that candy will disappear.  I did it last year and no one said a word about where it went. I sent some to work with my husband and the rest to the trash can!  I didn't feel guilty and I am not depriving them.  Believe me they get special treats way more than they should!  I notice that when they have to much sugar they cannot focus, their behavior is bad and they can't listen.  So I'm not going to set myself up for a situation that I have to be angry with them when if I just don't give them the sugar we won't have a problem.  Something to consider!!!

Now ME on the other hand.  I can control my emotions, if I eat sugar I do not act out but I can tell you that I feel like crap.  I have rationalized in my head that I deserve that Reese's Cup.  Then, I eat it and feel awful and bloated for doing so.  I have been thru the plethora of emotions with food and treats and honestly it's just not worth it.  Instead, I am always on a mission to find healthy replacements for treats that I really enjoy.

So most of you know that Shakeology is my go to.  The simple fact that Shakeology helps to curb my cravings has been reason enough for me.  Plus the fact that it truly tastes amazing and doesn't make me feel guilty for it!  Here are a few of my favorite Halloween Shakeology Recipe.  You might think I'm crazy and that nothing could possibly taste as good as the candy bar, but try it! I promise you won't regret it!!!!

Butterfinger Shakeology Recipe

1 Scoop of Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup of unsweetened Almond Milk

1 1/2 TBSP of Butterscotch pudding mix

1 1/2 TBSP of PB2 (or peanut butter)

Ice and Blend to Taste

Snickers

4 oz almond milk

2T PB2 (or peanut butter, the more natural the healthier)

1T slivered almonds

1T Sugar Free Caramel syrup

1 scoop chocolate shakeology.

S’Mores

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup almond milk, coconut milk or water

Ice to taste

Topping – 2 slivers of graham cracker and 2 tbsp of Marshmallow Fluff

Malted Peanut Butter Cup

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup skim milk (or nut or soy milk)

2 tbsp PB2

2 tbsp Malt Powder

Ice to taste

Chocolate Cake Batter

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup almond milk, coconut milk or water

1/4 pkg sugar free Jello Cheesecake pudding mix

Ice to taste

Chocolate Pistachio

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup almond milk

1/4 pkg sugar free Jello pistachio pudding mix

Ice to taste

Nuts for Chocolate

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup vanilla almond milk (or water)

1/4 pkg sugar free Jello pistachio pudding mix

1 1/2 tbsp PB2

Ice to taste

Frozen Mocha*

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp instant coffee

Ice to taste

Mexican Chocolate*

1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup almond milk

5 big dashes cinnamon

Ice to taste

I am a sucker for anything with Coconut and this recipe sounds amazing!

Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup of cold coffee

Coconut extract ( a tiny dash)

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Ice and blend

It is a great replacement to the toasted coconut Starbucks Mocha Frap!!!

What is Shakeology?

If this is the first time you are reading this and wondering what the hype is about Shakeology... Check this out!

If I were to explain what Shakeology means to me this is what I would say:

Shakeology was something that I used think was to expensive.  I USED to think that I didn't need a Shake to lose weight.  I used to think that I could do it all on my own.  I CAN do it all on my own but Shakeology makes it CHEAPER (YES TRUST ME) and easier.  I am a busy mom of 2 little girls, we are busy with activities, school and work.  I always have really good intentions of packing every bag and snack, but lets face it.  Life gets in the way.  We are running late, we over sleep and our kids don't cooperate.  You have no idea how many times I am running out the door thinking, Oh I'll just grab something along the way.  Then inevitably there are NO healthy choices and I'm stuck with crap!  Now my Shakeology is that quick easy MEAL (not a protein shake) that I can grab and go.  It tastes really really good and it is easy to make.  You can fancy it up by blending with fruit and nuts or you can go plain jane and mix with water.  You can shake or blend and you can make it a dessert or a meal!  The sky is the limit.  I also love that it is perfectly portion controlled.  We eat healthy foods but a lot of times we eat to much!  With Shakeology you get your serving size and you don't have to even think about it! CONVENIENCE right there!!!!

Also, Shakeology has helped me to curb my sweet cravings and has given me natural energy.  Not the kind of energy you get from a red bull but the kind of energy that just keeps you on a steady state of awareness all day long.  It's just down right good stuff!

It's $4 a day for Shakeology and it's worth every penny.  If you compare Shakeology to any other healthy meal out there you can't find anything that even comes close to the nutritional value.  

In my opinion it's worth every single penny invested.  I am investing in my health which will effect my family, my health and our future!!!  Think long term, always invest in your health!!

Want more information on how you too can score Shakeology.  Contact me today for options!!!

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

Mommas on a Mission

As a mom and a very busy mom at that I know that the STRUGGLE is REAL!!!  I know that you are being pulled in a million different directions and the last thing that you want to worry about is what you are eating and when you are fitting in your workout.  I also know at the exact same time you are wishing you could fit in those jeans, were that dress for that event or just feel comfortable without your muffin top spilling out of your pants. For goodness sakes I remember not wanting to wear anything but yoga pants because it didn't squeeze my FAT!  I get it!!! Like I said, the STRUGGLE is REAL!  You aren't getting enough sleep, the kids are misbehaving and they won't eat anything that resembles a vegetable.  You also don't want to invest in a fitness program or even Shakeology because you are afraid you won't like it, you won't actually start or finish it and you don't want to WASTE money that can be used for the family.  I get it, I know how you feel.  I mean I drug my FEET FOREVER about Shakeology!  I had honestly never done a meal replacement shake before so I didn't know what to expect.  I finally decided, what the heck, I can give it 30 days and see what happens.  

I'm looking for TEN people to JOIN ME! I am looking for MOMMIES! Those of you who have lost yourselves in the mix of kids, life, work, stress, etc! Those of you who want to learn some family friendly recipes, learn how to kick the late night binge eating when you realize your STARVING after a long day of BEING MOM and those of you who are just ready to make a change for YOU ♥

I want to do the 21 Day Fix WITH my challengers! We will be working out together *virtually* everyday! Keeping each other accountable. Keeping one another motivated and on the track to success!!

Not sure what the 21 Day Fix is all about? Check THIS OUT!
http://goo.gl/Db0QWs


This is an amazing program that was released a few months ago! I was one of the lucky coaches who has gotten to workout live with Autumn this year and she is just AWESOME!

I'm looking for 10 challengers (and only 10) that want to take on the challenge with me and shed major body fat and gain lean muscle. This workout is for everyone! The modifier shows NO IMPACT moves, but it's high intensity to get the pounds falling off. 

Do you want a body you are confident in? Do you want to feel better? Look better? Be an all around better YOU?!!

You will receive:
-21 Day Fix workout program
-A customized meal plan focusing on REAL food
-A 30 supply of Shakeology
-Daily accountability partners
-1-on-1 coaching from me
-21 Day Fix graduate gear (upon completion) 

What you can expect:

A meal plan that will keep you burning fat and building muscle.
Around the clock support from a team of coaches who will not let you fail.
Around the clock support from a team of other women on the same mission as you are on.

RSVP or APPLY BELOW. I am only accepting 10 Challengers this October! Message me to get started!
http://goo.gl/LOrzwF

***This is not for coaches or those working with a coach already.***

Remember this is a lifestyle, not a diet!  It's important to have the best of both worlds.

Requirements:

1.  You are required to have ME as your COACH through Team Beachbody.

2.  Then together WE pick a fitness program through Team Beachbody that fits your needs. It does not matter what your ability level is, I have something for you!
{21 day fix, T25, Chalean Extreme, P90X3, Turbofire, Insanity, Piyo, ect...}

3.  You are REQUIRED to replace 1 meal a day with Shakeology ONLY for the duration of the group. Once it is over you can decide if you have enough healthy recipes in your pocket to prepare meals without needing shakeology or if you find its convenient and it takes care of 1 meal you can keep going!  I still 4 years later drink Shakeology daily.

4.  Then, it is required that you participate in the online closed group daily.  Each day I will share a tip, recipe, motivation or meal plan.  You check in, rate your day and get your inspiration for the next 24 hours.  You can log in whenever you want just as long as  I know you are there it's all good!

I am your personal support system so that you actually start, finish and truly succeed at changing your lifestyle.  I will share with you the recipes that my family loves along with the quick easy recipes that don't take a lot of prep!

If this sounds like something you would like to do please complete the application below to be considered for a spot in this group.  There is limited availability so that I can keep the group small and individualized.  

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