My Top 6 Tips To Get Motivated To Workout

When I hear people tell me that working out just comes so naturally to me- I kinda want to cringe! Nothing really comes naturally to anyone- but with the right mindset it is easier to see WHY making it a priority everyday is so important!!

Do you want to workout? Do you want to get yourself onto a good routine and stop the rat race of excuses that fly everyday?


Here are are my 6 tips that get me motivated to workout everyday and i'm going to share them with you. Remember- these are things that have to be done consistently over time before they become a habit! It takes 3 weeks to create a habit! After 3 weeks of trying to escape your new workout routine- you'll begin to embrace it! Trust me :)

1. Set a goal! What do you want to see happen? Lose 10 pounds or maybe more? Tone up and feel better? Now- break them down into small weekly goals! Is it to lose 1 pound a week? 2 pounds a week? Celebrate every reached goal- THEN VISUALIZE your GOALS! It is so important to visualize how you are going to feel once you've accomplished your goals! What will you look like? What will you enjoy doing differently after you reach your goals?
Write them down- stick them all over your house- print pics if that will help and keep your eye on the prize!!

Hands down- JUST MOVE!! You've gotta get the excuses out!

2. Wear cute workout clothes! Motivational tanks are my fave! Cute Nike Pro shorts- matching sports bra- really whatever it takes! I swear- when you look cute- you feel cute! Target, Fabletics, TJ Maxx,  Marshalls, Victorias Secret, Dicks, Academy, Nike, Outlet Malls--- these are a few of my favorite places to shop!!

3. You've gotta LOVE your workout program. You really do! If you are someone who is into cardio, but you're trying to do a Yoga program- it's not going to motivate you to get your butt out of bed and get it done! Or if it's something that you've done over and over again- you're not going to want to do it and you'll put it off until later... then later never comes.
For me- I love kickboxing, weight training and HIIT type workouts. I choose my program based on my goals! If you need some help choosing something- reach out and let me know- I can help.

4. PREWORKOUT.

Oh My Gosh. Seriously- I used to be closed minded and would never even consider taking a pre workout. I had heard horror stories from some people and I wasn't going to use anything... UNTIL on day I did my own research and took the advice of some friends and other health professionals and went in for the kill. I made sure that all of the ingredients were all natural and I chose Beachbody's Energy and Endurance. AHHHH!!! It is my life saver! It's hard NOT to workout when my energy kicks in from that and when I'm done- I don't crash and burn. It's prefect for me, but remember- for some a cup of coffee is a great pre workout too!

5.  GET A WORKOUT BUDDY!!! Seriously- accountability partners are KEY! We have to be surrounded by like minded people! Get a friend and start to get your workout on! A simple text in the morning telling each other to get out of bed works wonders!!

6. You've gotta know WHY you are doing this. Your WHY has to be something so strong that on the days when you feel like giving up- the days when you feel like eating the ice cream or going through the drive thru- it's what keeps you grounded and away from the bad.

Ask yourself- WHY is now the time that you are ready to change? That why is really your self motivation. You can have all of the support you need with coaches, friends, family members cheering you on, but if it's not right in your mind- then you will never succeed. Hard core TRUTH! I know from personal experience. The why will be what will help you get back up and brush yourself off when you fall- because you WILL fall! It happens, it's life! We get back up and start fresh the next day. Your results will come from 1st- mindset, 2nd- putting in the work for your workouts AND don't forget the thing that controls 80% of your results... YOUR NUTRITION! You have to eat properly and follow a meal plan. I fought that part for so long- well I never reached my goals until I changed up what I was eating and drinking!

Those are my 6 tips for you! If you'd like additional help or advice- please reach out. You can find me on fb @ fb.com/valbfitness or email me: valbozzo15@gmail.com!

CHOOSE A HEALTHY LIFE! You deserve to live your life to the fullest! Be happy and cherish every moment!

HOT SUMMER SALE!

Hey guys!!I wanted to give you a HEADS UP about this awesome summer sale that is happening this week! June 10-17th Beachbody is going to be marking a lot of it's products, programs, etc down to almost 85% off on some items!!! STEAL ALERT!!!!!

So- have you been wanting to try something, but just aren't sure where to start?  Here is your chance to snag some awesome stuff for a discounted price!  

Here is the scoop:  It's first come first GET and things typically sell out quite fast!
Over the next few hours everything will be live on the site. So please keep checking back for more details.


What's on sale:

www.teambeachbody.com/valeriebozzo2

• 10 Minute Trainer 43% off
• Brazil Butt Lift + the Green Band 16% off
• Hip Hop Abs & Dance Party Series DVD 68% off
• Hip Hop Abs Dance Party Series DVD and weighted gloves 57%
• Insanity Deluxe Workouts 49% off
• Insanity The Asylum Volume 1+ Equipment Buddy Kit 53% off
• Les Miss Combat + Combat Gloves (Medium and Large Only) 55% off
• Les Mills Combat Gloves (Medium and Large only) 84% off
• Les Mills Pump 32% off
• Les Mills Pump with no weights or barbells 
• Les Mills Pump Deluxe DVDs 66% off
• P90X Free P90X Plus 53%
• P90X Plus 62% off
• P90X2 and Stability Ball 53% off
• Slim in 6 29% off
• Tai Cheng 43% off

• Squishy Ball 59% off
• Stability Ball +Medicine Ball combo 62% off
• Team Beachbody Apparel Up to 65% off
• Rumbleroller is 16% off
• Ankle Weights 45% off
• The Black Resistance band with the over the door attachment 56% off
• Jump Mat 44% off

Ok so what's my personal opinion on the sales!!!

Definitely get the Les Mills Combat and Pump if you are even slightly considering it! These programs are going to be discontinued in the Beachbody collection and once they are gone they are gone forever!!!  Don't delay bc it will sell out fast!

Brazil Butt Lift and P90X2 are great workouts! They are challenging, it works your core, it gives you more strength and stability and I love that it works multiple muscle groups at the same time!  Honestly, when I did these programs I totally toned and trimmed up my mid section!!  

The ankle weights I use all the time!  I use them when I did Brazil Butt Lift and I use them with Pilates in the 21 Day Fix.  It definitely adds more resistance and makes the workouts more challenging!

Everything on this list is great!!!!  Think gifts for FATHERS DAY, think birthday presents or Christmas presents! Especially the Beachbody Apparel is great for the person who loves the workouts or is a coach!

You can't go wrong!  But honestly it does sell out fast!

To see everything on sale you can use my link:  

Click Here for My Direct Link

If you have a team beachbody coach please contact your coach! If you do not have a coach then I am happy to assist you, guide you and help you reach your health and fitness goals!

Let's take charge this summer and get HEALTHY together!! We will make it fun and take advantage of loving life and living it together!

The BEST Pizza Ever!

So let's face it. Pizza is good! It is probably one of the most eaten foods in America! Why in the world would anyone want to stop eating it, even when they are working on losing weight? I don't think that we have to give it up! Ever ;) I think we just have to tweak it a little bit!

So we used to load it with fatty meats- pepperoni, sausage, bacon, etc... but not anymore! Here is our recipe that even the kiddos will eat!


First- we use a STORE BOUGHT PIZZA CRUST! Yes- we do. Okay- do I KNOW that homemade is better for us? Yes. Do I KNOW that we should do the cauliflower crust- sure! But in all honestly- I DON'T LIKE IT. (There I said it ;) ) So, you know what? Our pizza crust we use is not super 'clean' but for once a week saving us from going through a Dominos or Pizza Hut- this takes the cake! We are human and just do our best!

So- we use THIN CRUST! It is super thin and the brand name is Mama Mary's. We really love to get the little personal pan size ones too and let our kids make their own! It's fun and gets them involved in making healthy choices for their toppings.

We lay out the crust and then add a drizzle of EVOO to the top and spread it around.


Next- sauce! We do choose an organic pizza sauce- it is honestly whatever brand we can find on sale or that they have at the store. ANY BRAND WORKS! it's just sauce!

Then we sprinkle the sauce covered crust with some garlic powder and onion powder.

Then comes the mozorella- again- any kind! I do buy the shredded cheese. Again- quick, easy and it works.

Then we load it with HEALTHY OPTIONS!

I do turkey pepperoni bc our kids love it. Then we always have mushrooms, sliced colored peppers, banana peppers, onions and whatever we feel like! That is it most of the time. Sometimes we get funky and do a hawaiian pizza! Really whatever you want- just choose wisely to get your veggies in!

Then-we have a size of salad or asparagus! And usually a La Croix sparkling water to make us feel like we are drinking some pop with it ;)

So- there you have it! Our favorite meal- revealed!!

Hope you enjoy!

21 Day Fix Grocery List

I am SO in love with the 21 Day Fix Meal plan!! It's my new go to guide when it comes to meal planning each week. I really love the WHOLE PROGRAM! It is GENIUS!!! 

I love the containers-- it is totally fool proof! Fill it up and eat it! 

I love how they are color coded for each food group! No questions asked! It is just easy!

I love that you know exactly how much to eat of each food with out even trying. 

No calorie counting

No guessing

I love the workouts

I love that they are short

I love that they work the entire body

So .. that MIGHT sum it up ... but not really!! 

I mostly love that my challengers are FINALLY finding something that works and getting AMAZING results all while learning how to properly fuel their bodies. 

I have been following the fix meal plan for a month now and I can tell you that I don't even have to use the containers most days. I can pretty much eyeball how much of each food group I'm suppose to have. It's become a HABIT and something that I just do and follow. 

I love how I didn't really have to change much to the clean eating plan that I already follow but It really let me zero in on how many portions of each food group that I needed to have daily. I still have a complex carb and protein with every meal. 

When I head to the grocery store every week I pretty much have the same things on my list. No, they aren't always used for the same meals but normally the same ingredients are used and mixed around to make various meals. There are a list of foods that are approved on the 21 day fix and most of them are what I was already currently eating so it made things pretty simple. I can't tell you exactly what to buy but I can give you a good idea of what you should see in your cart each week. 

Proteins (RED)

Lean chicken breast

Pork Tenderloin

Flank steak

Eggs

Lean ground turkey

Salmon/Tilapia

Plain greek yogurt

Organic veggie burgers

Protein powder

Turkey Meat, Ham, and Turkey Bacon are on the list. I do enjoy Turkey bacon at least once a week with my breakfast but it's not something that I would include in your diet daily. It's higher in sodium and your body will retain water. So I try and stay away from these things. 

Healthy Fats (BLUE) 

Avocado (I love the mini wholly guacamole, perfect size for the blue container) 

Raw unsalted nuts (I like almonds and walnuts) 

All natural Peanut Butter

Hummus

Feta

Extra virgin olive oil

Coconut oil

I do have to say this is the category that I found I was eating way to much of. I really really love my peanut butter, hummus and avocado. I would eat all of these in one day and it was one of the main factors holding me back from progress. YES they are healthy but having to much of a good thing CAN hurt you. That's what I love about this plan. You can be a beginner or a pro clean eater but you are still going to learn something. I've eliminated a lot of dairy from my diet and i've noticed less bloating and stomach pains. 

Fruit (PURPLE)

Berries (my favorite strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries) 

Orange

Apple

Grapes

1/2 Banana 

Watermelon

Kiwi

Limes/Lemons for flavor in water or on fish. 

Try and watch your sugars when it comes to fruit. If you are really wanting to shed weight or only have a little bit to lose. Stay away from Grapes, Mangos, and Banana's. Those are higher in Sugar and Banana's are high in starch. This is a hard one for me because I love fruit but I promise the minute you make these small changes you will see those changes you have been wanting to see. Also try and have your fruits earlier in the day. 

Vegetables (GREEN)

Baby Spinach Leaves

Broccoli

Aspragus

Green beans

Carrots

Cucumbers

Tomatoes

Celery

Peppers 

Onions

Squash

No CORN is not a vegetable people!!! It's a STARCH! Stay away from it. 

Complex Carbs 

Yams or Sweet Potatoes 

Back Beans

Pinto Beans 

Quinoa 

Brown Rice

Rolled Oats (NOT INSTANT) 

Ezekiel Bread

Whole Wheat Tortilla

Brown Rice Cake 

Here are a list of things that I frequently use:

Chia seeds

Unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Mrs. Dash seasonings (salt free) 

Raw honey

Cinnamon

Garlic 

Seltzer Water 

Green tea

If you would like more support in your 21 day fix journey or you would like to start your 21 day fix journey please complete the application below to be considered for my next 21 day fix accountability, support/challenge group

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!

Stop Standing on the Sidelines

So something that I have really been thinking about lately is how life begins at the end of your comfort zone. I'm not that girl anymore who hides in the bubble. Who sits in the back to watch the action instead of taking the lead and making things happen. I used to care so much about what others would think of me if I spoke out in the crowd, if I wore something a little too 'out there' or if I was just ME all the time. When someone would look my way I would instantly think-- "oh my gosh, what are they thinking about me."-- REALLY!!?? Now- I DO NOT CARE! I have changed my mindset. Changed my ways. I read personal development books everyday. I listen to speakers and successful people in all areas of life talk about their struggles to get to their triumphs. Their failures that have turned into successes along the way!!

I won't let anyone hold me back. I have a clear vision of life and I'm unstoppable. Through the triumphs and trials, through the thick and thin, the good and bad-- this girl is never giving up. 

There are those who will come on the journey talking the talk-- but don't take the actions to overcome their fears. There are those who will see the same vision, tweak it to make it their own and RUN with it 

Be your own kid of beautiful. Stop hiding in the shell. Stop making the same excuses over and over again. No one wants to hear them. Take the bull by the horns and charge! Stop spending your life waiting for things to just happen. It doesn't work that way- YOU have to create your own success! 

Meal Planning and P90X3

I can hardly believe that I am heading into week 8 of P90X3 as of TOMORROW!  It is crazy to me how much strength I am gaining from this program! I have done almost all of the Beachbody programs and I love them ALL in different ways! I will be honest, on the first day of each of the workouts it took me almost the whole 30 minutes to figure out the moves. That is TOTALLY normal. Don't give up when you don't get something on the first try.. or even the second or third try! It is like the saying goes. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!! The strength and flexibility I have gained over the past 8 weeks is crazy to me! I am able to do 4 unassisted pull ups at this point. I can do 8 unassisted chin ups and I am going up in my dumbbell weight each week. I actually just told my husband that I really 'NEED' the select tech weights because I am going to surpass 30 pound dumbbells before I know it!! ;) He didn't seem as enthusiastic about it as I do!! Dumbbell point aside... this workout is amazing and it TRULY IS FOR ANYONE AT ANY FITNESS LEVEL. There is a modifier and there are things that you won't be able to do the first time. PERIOD. There are things you will have to work towards for awhile before you master it.. BUT, that's just it... we are ALL a work in progress. RIGHT?! Yes. So, get something that challenges you and you get to work for something every single day. Isn't that what life is all about? Striving for progress and not perfection? That's my thoughts at least.

I do know one thing about working out (well, honestly.. I know more than one thing, but I will say one thing right now)... You have to make it a habit. I get up every single day between 5:15 and 5:30 am to get my workout done. The BEAUTY of P90X3 is that it is 30 minutes from start to finish. So, I know that I will be done by 6:00 am and then I put my mommy hat on and get the kiddos breakfast, dressed and out the door for school. That is just how my morning goes. I have a plan and a schedule every day and it works for me. NOW, you do not HAVE to workout everyday before the sun comes up. It really is whatever time works best for you and your schedule. I will say that if you are someone who will fret about your workout until it is done and not looming over your head, then you SHOULD TRY to get yourself in the HABIT of working out before you start your day. It amps up your energy for the day, you feel great because you know you already got your sweat on and you don't have to plan around the rest of your day to 'fit it in.' You should never have to fit in your workout, your YOU time. It should be a priority. You don't cancel on your boss do you? Well, don't cancel on yourself! Make YOU the best you there can be. Take care of your body. 

The more you workout, the more you eat healthy, the better you'll feel. It's simple science. And you will begin to get results! I don't care who you are.... I promise that you will and do feel better the more you workout and eat clean. Fueling your body properly sets your days, weeks, months and years up for SUCCESS!! 

I am a prime example of how meal planning will get you results. Eating clean is a passion of mine. I started my clean eating journey last March, so it's been 11 months now and I have never looked back. I was always someone who could run through a drive thru 3 times a week, drink a soda a day and be 'fine.' (OR SO I THOUGH).. The first picture was taken last March. I was 130 pounds and really felt bloated and icky all the time. I was a size 4 and just didn't feel comfortable in my own skin anymore. YES, I know some of you are thinking... "OH POOR YOU... A SIZE 4!!!"... I never did nor will I ever complain about being a size 4! However; again it does not matter what SIZE you are or how much you WEIGH.. it is how you feel that should matter! I was feeling tired, grumpy, lazy, bloated and just plain miserable most days. I could FEEL the sugar/wheat/gluten take over my insides when I would eat it. NOT A GOOD FEELING!! 

So, I started researching clean eating and embraced it. My family and I eat the same things each day. We LOVE what we eat and don't miss Taco Bell or McDonalds... that's for sure!! Now, another important factor in this.. WE ARE

REAL PEOPLE. We cheat at least one meal, sometimes two meals a week. We plan it out and decide what we want. Most days we go out to eat after church on Sundays. Some days it is pizza, others it is pasta, hamburgers, ice cream, whatever!! 80% of the time we eat clean and 20% of the time we splurge and eat what we are craving. I will ALWAYS tell everyone that MODERATION is the key. If there is a night where I just WANT a beer, guess what.. I'm going to have a beer. I just ALWAYS ACCOUNT FOR IT. That is another key factor. You should count calories if you don't really know what you are eating and WRITE EVERYTHING YOU PUT INTO YOUR MOUTH DOWN ON PAPER. It may be a reality check for some of you! It sure was for me! SO this is what I started to do... I started to make a weekly meal plan. Wrote out EVERYTHING I was going to eat.. And guess what? IT HELPED! I would print out a copy and hang it on my fridge, I would print a copy for my car and I would give a copy to my husband who would pack his meals and take them to work with him. We started to lose weight and feel better!!! So, now.. 11 months later I weigh in at 120-122, depending on the day and I just FEEL BETTER. I love this lifestyle, I know that we are doing our bodies so much more justice than before and the biggest reward is knowing that my kids are being properly nourished. We all LOVE shakeology each day and that is our 'treat' for the day. We LOVE our life!

Now, like I said before it has become a lifestyle change. BUT, it did not happen overnight! It is baby steps!! I don't expect you to throw everything away in your pantry unless if you are an all or nothing type of person. It is the gradual little changes that happen. Do you think that I LOVE to get up at 5:15 every single morning?? NOPE! BUT, I love the rewarding feeling I have after my workout is over, so that is worth it for me. I am like the rest of you. I want to stay in my warm bed and hit the snooze over and over, but I MAKE myself get up and head out to my freezing cold garage by 5:30 am. It works. Some mornings I want to cry! HAHAH!!! Other mornings I'm fired up and ready to go! (Those are usually the mornings that I have some new workout clothes to wear!! ;) ) But, this is just the real me. Sometimes I will have a Pepsi on a day that isn't a scheduled cheat mea (NOT OFTEN, I PROMISE YOU THAT) but sometimes... I do. It's all about accounting for it and making up for it in other ways. Maybe and extra workout session or a few cut calories for another meal. All in all.. Enjoy your life, but be HEALTHY! We only get one body! TREAT IT WELL!!! And yes, this is me in front of my space heater waiting for my P90X3 workout to START!! YOU CAN DO IT! You have to WANT IT :)