What Christmas is all about!

As some of you know, I am a U.S. Air Force spouse and we recently got stationed in Belgium. It’s a long way from home but a beautiful place! We are really starting to enjoy ourselves here and are so happy to have this experience for our children and ourselves.

We haven’t really got out much because we have only been here a few months. Well that change this passed weekend. My husband told me at the beginning of last week that he wanted to check this place out as a family on Saturday so I automatically was excited. We were getting to start experiencing what Europe has to offer! Shockingly it was only about a 40 minute drive from our house so that made it even more appealing.

Wondering where we went yet?!?! :)

That’s what we saw when we first walked into a cave in Valkenburg, a town in the Netherlands. Can you believe that is all out of sand! It seriously BLEW my mind seeing the details on each scene and the fact that it was all sand.  Here are some more pics.

This place is seriously amazing! IT'S SERIOUSLY ALL SAND!!!! Then when you get to the end of the cave there is a HUGE open space with these scenes and a shack that you can get hot chocolate, coffee or beer. Hayleigh got her FIRST EVER hot chocolate, I had a very strong café latte and Michael got a beer. It was the perfect start to the holiday season!

What I really loved about this experience is it showed our children what the TRUE meaning of Christmas is...it's not about presents and Santa. Although those things are nice, I want our kids to KNOW the true meaning!

The town of Valkenburg actually has a lot of Christmas related things going on now too. They have a Christmas market that is in a cave as well. You walk around a cave and get to purchase presents. That was quite the experience for us. I didn’t get pictures inside the market because by this point Michael and I had been carrying Bella almost all day sand even carrying Hayleigh here and there.

Hayleigh got to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Clause inside the Christmas market and she was SOO excited about it. Bella REFUSED to be anywhere near Santa! She started screaming crying if we even get to close to a picture of Santa LOL. Maybe next year?

Needless to say, it was a long but fun day. We must have walked 4-5 miles throughout the day and Hayleigh walked most of it. She was exhausted and was asleep within minutes after getting in the car. 

My husband did a GREAT job finding this little gem of a town. I am looking forward to visiting each year we are here and each year as the kids get older to better understand what they are experiencing! I hope you enjoyed the pics, I know they aren't as fun as the real thing but if you have the chance then you should definitely visit!

If you are interested then here is the link to the  Christmas Activities in Valkenburg.

Who are we to judge??

Recently I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and a mommy page that I like shared this. Before I continue, you need to check it out.

This woman looks like the subject of the photo but look past her the truth is disgusting!

Now that you saw the article, what are your thoughts? My immediate thought as I looked through the pictures was how incredibly RUDE people are! You don’t know this lady, what she’s been through or why she weighs what she does. It’s easy for us to assume that it’s because she chows down on greasy burgers and fries but you know what they say about assuming?!

It’s my prayer that people as a whole can learn to quite judging one another and instead inspire, motivate and love one another. Yes, that’s a big dream that I probably won’t see in my lifetime but I can teach my children and family to do that by being the example. There have been times in my past that I was one of those people with the disgusted look. I am ashamed that I ever acted that way! It’s neither my job nor your job to judge people. That job is left to God and each person…there is a judgment day for each of us and I want to be judged on helping people, inspiring people, and loving people.

What if you passed a person, gave them one of those looks and then find out their “reason”. What if that reason was some disability that does not allow them to work out? What if that reason was because they feel helpless and don’t know where to start? What if their reason was because they don’t know what to do or where to go for help? Everyone has a story and I am sure you don’t want to be judged on some of your actions just as you shouldn’t judge someone and give them disgusting looks based off their appearance. Think about this the next time you are out and about.

If you are someone struggling with your weight and experience things like the woman in the article then let me be the one to apologize for ALL of humanity! I am truly sorry that you have to deal with that! Weight can be a very tricky thing and some of those “fad” diets claim to work perfectly but I can tell you that they will only last as long as you are doing the diet. The ONLY thing that will help is a lifestyle change. I can help you with that and I would LOVE to help you. We can work together, for as long as it takes, to get you where you want to be, no judgment just support! What matters is that YOU are comfortable in your own skin! 

Here is a little pick me up video because not everyone is and doesn't have to be a size 2! Xoxo

*** Shake It Off ***

Shake It Off….with Shakeology!

The holiday season is the WORST time of year when it comes to my nutrition and workout routines. I honestly get SOOO busy that finding the time to eat right and exercise is almost impossible. PLUS….there are all those AMAZING deserts and of course being Italian we typically eat lasagna Christmas day. This is the time of year that I don’t get totally off track but I do indulge in my favorites.

With that being said, I can tell you the one way I KNOW I can at least have one healthy meal a day is by drinking Shakeology. It not only helps me curve my cravings but it also increases my energy levels to help me make it through those busy days. Did I mention it also helps weight loss all on it’s own?

Shakeology has really helped my husband and I. We are both chocolate lovers and when I start craving chocolate, my Shakeology does the trick.

Some of the other benefits I have experienced personally:

1.     My nails are stronger

2.     My hair is thicker and shiny

3.     My face hardly ever breaks out now

4.     My energy levels are up

5.     I am able to maintain my weight even when not exercising regularly

6.     One less meal to buy for and cook – Shakeology is a MEAL replacement

The list really does go on but those are some of the highlights. Every person is different but overall my clients all agree that Shakeology is totally worth it and they have seen improvements in their nutrition and health since using it.

You have the opportunity to join me this holiday season. I will be doing a 21-day support group starting December 1^st. The only requirement is purchasing and drinking Shakeology every day for the 21-days. The group is a private Facebook group and there will even be a participation prize that will start your New Year off right! In the group, I will be posting information to help you get through the holidays and will be provide one on one support. It’s going to be a fun, relaxed group to help you get at least one healthy meal in a day….the HEALTHIEST MEAL OF THE DAY…Shakeology! 

Everyone always says they don’t have time to workout but you can’t be too busy to make a shake once a day! You can rely on it being quick and easy…you don’t even have to use a blender if you don’t want! 

If you want information on Shakeology then visit:  What Is Shakeology?

If you want to be a part of this awesome group or have questions then message me at cyoungblood1127@gmail.com so we can get you started.

If you choose, you can purchase Shakeology now. 

Cash For Christmas...Earn Some Extra Spending $$$

Cash For Christmas

I know many of you are like me…thinking about Christmas and how fast it’s approaching. The shopping in my house has already started and luckily, I am almost done!

Before I started as a Beachbody coach, I was a stay at home mom to two kids and if my husband’s birthday or any gift giving holiday came then I had to use money from his pay to buy it for him. That ALWAYS bothered me because essentially HE was buying his own present. It never bothered him but I felt limited on what I could spend.

Honestly, I have always loved giving presents and seeing the persons face light up. Prior to having our children I was working and paid for a PRICEY bed cover for my husband’s truck. It was worth EVERY penny to me though because he was so excited about it! Once we became a one-income family those times changed…at least until I became a Beachbody Coach this year. I’m only six months into coaching but I can say that I am able to buy my husband’s Christmas presents and his birthday presents (he’s a New Years Eve baby) with money that I make from coaching.

That may not seem like much to some people but I know those people that are budgeting every present and probably not able to buy their spouse a gift…it would mean the world to have the extra money and to be able to get their spouse a little something. Even if you aren’t in a budgeting situation but would enjoy some extra cash for that special Christmas party dress then I CAN HELP YOU DO THAT!

Here’s how…

First, you would sign up to be a coach on my team. Next, you will have to invite people (you know or don’t know) to be part of a holiday health & fitness accountability group. I will do the majority of the work once the group starts but you will get to interact, help and support your customers and earn your commission. I will be there the whole time to guide you through conversations and ensure you are sharing an opportunity to help others and not just selling a product.

I will also add you to an exclusive closed online group to provide you with tips, information and documents to help make the start of your coaching journey easier. We will discuss time management and what to work during your power hour because no one has time to spend hours on end working to build a business.

This business is truly a blessing! I can’t even begin to describe the support, love and family style relationships that are built through coaching. The women on our team are about lifting each other up and helping each other. You DO NOT want to miss this opportunity! I will only be taking 5 new coaches to ensure that I have time to work one on one with each person. If you are interested then you can private message me on Facebook or email me at cyoungblood1127@gmail.com but hurry because once the 5 spots are claimed the door closes!

Cholesterol! Cholesterol! Cholesterol!

I recently had a friend contact me asking what she should do to lower her cholesterol. She had a doctor’s visit and was told she has high cholesterol. Knock on wood, there isn’t a huge presence of it in my family, which after researching I am wondering how that is even possible! I know my mother was borderline high once but she has since gotten it under control so I never thought twice about it. However, my friend is important to me and I could not sit by and not help! So into the weeds I went to figure out this high cholesterol stuff and what can help her, and others, to lower their levels.

What you first need to know is what cholesterol is… I will be honest; I had no clue! Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the fats in your blood. Your body needs it to build healthy cells but when you have high cholesterol then you are at risk for heart disease. Also, when you have high cholesterol you increase your risk of a heart attack due to fatty deposits developing in your blood vessels and limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

High cholesterol can be inherited but it’s typically the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. The bad news on that end is that means you won’t be able to enjoy your “normal” everyday choices but the good news is it’s treatable with a healthy diet, exercise and in some cases medication.

High cholesterol does not have any symptoms, which is kind of scary! The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test. I definitely suggest if you have family members with it then you get yourself checked annually to ensure you aren’t at risk. It’s also wise to follow some of the tips I will suggest in order to lower your risk. The Mayo Clinic suggests getting a baseline cholesterol test at age 20 and then retested at least every 5 years.

You are more likely to have high cholesterol if you these risk factors apply to you:

·      Smoking – Cigarette smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them likely to accumulate fatty deposits. Smoking may also lower your level of “good” cholesterol.

·      Obesity – Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol.

·      Large Waist Circumference – Your risk increases if you are a man with a waist circumference of at least 40 inches (102 centimeters) or a woman with a waist circumference of at least 35 inches (89 centimeters).

·      Poor Diet – Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will increase your total cholesterol. Eating saturated fat, found in animal products, and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers also can raise your cholesterol level.

·      Lack Of Exercise – Exercise helps boost your body’s “good” cholesterol while lowering your “bad” cholesterol.

·      High Blood Pressure – Increased pressure on your artery walls damages your arteries, which can speed the accumulation of fatty deposits.

·      Diabetes – High blood sugar contributes to higher “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol. High blood sugar also damages the lining of your arteries.

·      Family History of Heart Disease – If a parent or sibling developed heart disease before age 55, high cholesterol levels place you at a greater risk than average risk of developing heart disease.

Some complications you may face if you have high cholesterol are:

·      Chest Pain – If the arteries that supply your heart with blood are affected, you may have chest pain and other symptoms of coronary artery disease.

·      Heart Attack – If plaques tear or rupture, a blood clot may form at the rupture site – blocking the flow of blood or breaking free and plugging an artery downstream.

·      Stroke – Similar to a heart attack, if blood flow to part of your brain is blocked by a blood clot, a stroke occurs.

What scared me while researching was that children as young as age 2 can have high cholesterol!!!  

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a cholesterol test for all children between the ages of 9 and 11. The AAP also recommends screening for children as young as 1 year who have a known family history of high cholesterol or premature coronary artery disease. The AAP also recommends testing if the child’s family history is unknown but the child has risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Treatments

Lifestyle changes such as exercising and eating a healthy diet are the first line of defense against high cholesterol.

·      Lose Extra Pounds – Excess weight contributes to high cholesterol. Losing even 5-10 pounds can help lower total cholesterol levels. Start by taking an honest look at your eating habits and daily routine.

·      Eat Heart-Healthy Foods – What you eat has a direct impact on your cholesterol level. In fact, a diet rich in fiber and other cholesterol-lowering foods may help lower cholesterol as much as medication for some people.

·      Exercise Regularly – Regular exercise can help improve your cholesterol levels. With your doctor’s okay, work up to 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Take a brisk walk, rider your bike, swim laps…whatever gets your heart rate up and you enjoy doing. Start by doing 10-minute intervals 3-6  times a day.

·      Don’t Smoke – If you smoke, STOP! Just 20 minutes after quitting, your blood pressure decreases. Within 24 hours, your risk of heart attack decreases. Within one year, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker’s. Within 15 years, your risk of heart disease is similar to that of someone who’s never smoked.

Top 5 Foods To Lower Your Numbers

1.     Oatmeal, Oat Bran & High Fiber Foods

2.     Fish & Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The American Heart Association recommends eating at least 2 servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in:

·      Mackerel

·      Lake Trout

·      Herring

·      Sardines

·      Albacore Tuna

·      Salmon

·      Halibut

You should bake or grill the fish to avoid adding unhealthy fats. If you don’t like fish, you can also get small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from foods like ground flaxseed.

3.     Walnuts, Almonds & Other Nuts

4.     Olive Oil

5.     Foods With Added Plant Sterols or Stanols

This can be found in things like Orange Juice and Yogurt drinks.

Everything I previously wrote was all researched and majority of it came from the Mayo Clinic. I chose to leave my personal views out of it because I didn’t want to cause you to stop reading when it’s something that could really help you. I do have a personal view on this topic though. Some of it aligns with what I previously wrote and some does not. If you are interested in my personal approach on this topic then please keep reading, if not then I hope what you have read will help you to lower your cholesterol or even better…help you prevent high cholesterol.

My Personal Approach

As many of you know, I am a Beachbody coach. I truly believe in the products because I am a product of the products! I believe do believe high cholesterol can be inherited but I also am a strong believer that YOU have control over your body. It’s taken me 30 years to fully understand that though. What you put into your body DIRECTLY affects you and how your body reacts. I won’t go into all of that on this post….that’s for another day and a different post.

I strongly believe that you can prevent or lower your high cholesterol by exercising, eating a clean and healthy diet and by drinking Shakeology every day. Now before the firing squad starts, let me explain.

·    Exercising is an obvious. It helps get your blood flowing and though you may end up a little sore, it makes you stronger and produces endorphins, which make you happy.  Yes Beachbody has at home workout DVD’s and if you want one then let me know but even just going outside and taking a walk with your family is a great start!

·    Clean eating is something that my family and I only started recently, as in the last 6 months. When I say clean eating, I am talking about NON-PROCESSED foods. This means organic, fresh veggie…basically the stuff you find on the perimeter of the supermarket. There should be minimal things bought from the inside isles (olive oil, spices, organic wheat flour, etc). If you want more information regarding clean eating then I am ALWAYS available to help explain it. I also try to run FREE monthly clean eating groups through Facebook to help educate people. Contact me and I can add you to my next group.

·    Shakeology….THE HEALTHIEST MEAL OF THE DAY!!! I know many of you do not believe me and that’s fine. Just hear me out! A clinical trial was administered by Medicus Research; a leading clinical research organization for natural health products. After a rigorous selection process, 50 individuals were chosen to participate in a 90-day clinical study and their results blew everyone away—including the clinic administering the trial. The results were that people lost weight, lowered blood sugar levels AND The average total cholesterol reduction was 7% with the maximum reduction being 50%.

Either way…stay away from fried foods and grease filled foods, eat more fresh veggies, limit your dairy intake and get out and exercise AT LEAST 3 times a week. 

Again, I researched online to compile this information for you. The Mayo Clinic was a great resource and I used a lot of information from their site. My personal approach is my opinion along with information from the clinical trail done on Shakeology. If you have questions then please feel free to contact me by commenting on the blog or emailing me. :)