My "AHA" Moment

As you may know I have been prepping for my first NPC Bikini Competition.  It has been quite a journey filled with pain, tears, meltdowns, long workouts, sacrifice, perfect diet, no treats and rebirth.  I can honestly say I hit a wall many times I didn't think I was going to make it, but my mind said NO do not quit you got this, keep going!!  And I pushed past them, emerging now reborn with a sense of self empowerment I thought I had lost. 

You see earlier in the week I was hitting a wall and let self doubt start taking me over, then I changed my thoughts to positive and my "WHY". At that moment it hit me like a Bomb, I am a few weeks away from stepping onto the NPC stage and competing. This is a Dream I have had for 20 years!  Since I was 20 years old, started teaching aerobics and beginning my fitness journey,  I have always wanted-to grace   the stage.  And now through all my challenges, hardships, hard work, and life I stayed with that dream, never letting go of it.  

I felt like a bolt of lighting hit me!  It was at that moment I started to feel reborn, emerging a Woman on fire!  Everything I have always wanted and have been working for I'm so close to achieving. I'm becoming the Athlete I was born to be, planning the Wedding of my Dreams on an Island with the man of my dreams.  All those moments of struggle and praying to God are coming true!  

Knowing this is only the beginning of a new chapter that I'm sure will be filled with great things, I know there will also be times of struggle and challenges, I will defeat and contour them all.  I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm working on that everyday, one step at a time just trying to be better than I was yesterday.  

This journey has been life changing and I can't wait to grace the stage for my first time, it doesn't matter if I win, the only thing that matters is I'm doing it!  I will learn and grow from this expierence and bring the best Me package possible.  But next time I am going for the win, this is only the beginning, I will go on to become an IFBB Pro, and compete for Ms. Olympia!  Look out NPC here I come!!

God Bless and thank you for all your support through this journey.  I am open to help support all of you as well just reach out to me and we can connect email me personally. fitbychristine@gmail.com

Have an amazing weekend! 

Xoxo 

Christine

Your Mindset

Good Morning can you believe it's March 15?!?!  Time flies doesn't it!!!

When I woke up this morning I was feeling great!  All the hard work I have been putting in, long workouts, long hours at work, and keeping my contest prep nutrition perfect has been quite challenging to say the least.  And I have to admit there were a few times this past week I didn't think I was going to make, a little voice in my mind that said forget it! ut today it really came together!  My abs look amazing, my Butt is a little higher and my weight is something it hasn't been since my 20's lol.

I didn't give up, I didn't stop, I  turned that voice off and said I Can Do This!!

I know you have been there, maybe feeling that way right now...Dont't give up!  I promise it will be worth it!

Your mind and what you think has the ability to shape everything your trying to accomplish.  If you keep that strong belief, Desire and Dream You can and Will achieve it!

I have been reading  "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolene Hill and this book has greatly helped me at this.  One thing I have kept myself doing consistently is reading or listening to personal development.  It's funny I seem to pick the book at the time that I need.  I put my faith in God and it always leads me where I need to go.  This book in paticular at this moment in my life is Exactly what my Mind needed.

Life has thrown many challenges and obstacles my way, I'm sure at you too, but I have used those memonts to get stronger, learn from them and guide me where my journey is meant to take me.  I have Dreams, Goals and a life I want to live, no one said it would be easy but I'm Doin It!!!

Day by day you can too.  So for today reflect my friend, reflect on yourself, where you want your life to go, and all the sacrifices you are making, and Believe you are already there.  Think about how you feel when you have achieved this and living your Dream.

Paint a picture of your Life the way you want to live it and think about it everyday.  Never Give Up and Keep Pushing!!

You Got This!

Have a great Saturday and God Bless!!

xoxoxo
Christine

Protein pancakes

This recipe I wanted to share with you, I worked on protein pancakes for awhile.  Trial and error, research, and a lot of creativity made these sooooo amazing I was almost licking my plate clean lol. 

I'm going to call the Chia-Bannana Cakes

I love clean eating and finding new ways to recreate recipes to make them clean and add flavor to my life.  Not to mention I Love to Cook!  This recipe was easy so here it is Fitfam!

Chia-Banana Cakes

For the pancake:

1/4 cup oatmeal (blend first till powder) 

1 small-medium Banana 

1 egg white

2 tbs chia seeds 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1scoop vanilla protein (I use Dymatize natural vanilla protein powder) (I went on a mission finding clean protein powder but that's another post) 

For the frosting:

1/2 cup non fat unsweetened Greek yogurt

1/4 cup blueberries (or another berry) 

A few drops of Nu-Stevia 

Directions:

Put Banana, egg white, chia seeds, vanilla, protein powder, oatmeal and baking powder in food processor and blend until it's like a batter.  On warm skillet brush with coconut oil place about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook. 

Next put Greek yogurt, berries, and Nu-stevia in food processor blend until smooth.  

When pancakes are done layer the frosting between each and rest on top.  Enjoy!!

Next time I may add or change something's, the key is have fun and be creative with clean ingredients. You never know what goodness will come out. 

Cheers to eating clean and living life to the fullest! 

Xoxo

Christine

Questbar-Shakeology Cinnamon Rolls

Oooh I was at it again creating a yummy healthy treat that I just have to share with you!  You are going to Love this...  

Questbar-Shakeology Cinnamon Rolls

Mine didn't look like this so I'm using this pic to start but will show you my finished product. 

First I  pre-heated the oven to 350 degrees, then took a cinnamon bun flavored Quest Bar and rolled it out about 1/2 inch thick 

Placed it in the oven to bake for 3-5 min 

As it was cooking I took unsweetened plain organic Greek yogurt, mixed a half scoop of vanilla Shakeology and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla together 

I then took the Quest bar out of the oven and sliced it into 4 strips and sprinkled cinnamon on top 

Took my a Shakeology yogurt blend a spread it on the strips 

Rolled it up and sprinkled cinnamon on top.

And WOW sooooooooo freaking good! 

Who said dessert can't be great?! :) 

Recipe: 

Cinnamon bun quest bar

Organic unsweetened plain Greek yogurt 

Vanilla Shakeology to taste 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Enjoy!! 

XOXO

Christine 

fitbychristine@gmail.com 

Happy Birthday Shakeology

Shakeology turns 5 WOW!  And it's no wonder this nutrient dense "Powerhouse" is amazing. 


Beachbody loves success stories. But after five years of unparalleled greatness, Shakeology® might just be the most powerful one of them all. In honor of its five-year anniversary, we’re pulling out all the stops. Cool tidbits, fun facts—even secrets from some Shakeology superstars of the Coaching world. Join us as we celebrate all amazing things Shakeology.

On March 15th, 2009, a star was born. It’s name? Shakeology®. And half a decade later, our favorite shake stands alone as the industry leader. It’s unrivaled in taste, texture, aroma—well, just about every major category.

Coaches love it. Customers love it. Even doctors love it. (We have the “Advice from 100 Doctors” DVD to prove it.) Why? Because it’s nutritionally superior, easily earning its reputation as the healthiest meal of the day.

Vitamins. Minerals. Phytonutrients. Antioxidants. Adaptogens. Superfoods. It’s safe to say Shakeology is unlike anything else on the market—or the planet for that matter. All in just one little scoop.

So as we celebrate the five-year anniversary of this one-of-a-kind shake, we can’t help but get a bit sentimental and look back on all the magic.

Humble beginningsMuch has happened since ingredient hunter and co-creator, Darin Olien, went all the way to the rainforests and jungles of Peru to gather the world-class ingredients behind Shakeology.

Research was done. More nutrients and superfoods were added. And let’s not forget about the fantastic flavors that grew the Shakeology family.

Here’s a quick snapshot of when all your favorites came on the scene:

• March, 2009: Launch of Chocolate and Greenberry 
• February, 2012: Launch of Tropical Strawberry Vegan
• June, 2012: Launch of Chocolate Vegan 
• June, 2013: Long-awaited launch of Vanilla 
• January, 2014: Launch of Strawberry and the Triple Combo Box

While we’re taking a stroll down memory lane, here are a few more memorable dates in Shakeology’s rich history:

• June, 2009: Launch of the ever-popular Shakeology Facebook page
• August, 2012: 100,000 people on Home Direct
• August, 2012: Shakeology canisters introduced
• September, 2013: Launch of the Taste Sampler
• November, 2013: 4,000,000 bags/boxes sold since launch

The healthiest five-year-old on the blockEven more important than the numbers is that Shakeology has greatly improved the health of so many people—in so many different ways.

We took to social media to hear how it helped people achieve better health over the years. Here are a few of the most compelling responses from the #ShakeologyHelpedMe campaign:

“Lost almost 40 pounds.”   – Cheryl H.

“Stopped my senseless eating of chocolates, cakes, and pies.”   – Jamikia Y.

“Gave up coffee and energy drinks.”   – Todd M.

“Have clear skin.”    – Mandy B.

“Corrected my poor sleeping pattern.”   – Sylvia D.

It’s true; Shakeology has changed lives in profound ways. 

If you would like a sample or more info contact me directly fitbychristine@gmail.com or check out the site www.myshakeology.com/fitbychristine