A New Month and working on a New ME...again!!

WELCOME BACK!!

I am saying this to YOU and to ME!!

It has been quite some time since I last wrote here...DID you miss me?

Well I am not sure if you gathered from previous posts during the end of summer up until my recent hiatus but I have been going through a tougher time in life. I won't get into all the details here yet but the short story is this - I felt like I have been in a life funk for quite a few months. It was like a roller coaster...things were good, things were bad, things were okay, things got worse. It took me quite some time to come to this realization and with professional help and the help of my dear friends and sister I finally found out what was going on and now I am on the road to making it all better!!

The question I keep asking myself is WHY did I let myself get into this funk and then why did I let myself stay in this funk? I often talk about taking the time for ourselves to exercise so why oh why would I not take the time to take care of myself in other ways as well? I don't know the answer to that question, all I do know if moving forward my mental and physical self are being taken care of!!

It is really hard for me to share my struggles publicly and I am doing so in the hopes that if there is someone out there going through a time of life like I am that I can be that helping hand!!

Helping others is something I have always done! Ask my friends from way back when and they will tell you the same. I have always been the listener, the advice giver, the shoulder to cry on, and I also like to think I have been there to give the needed boost so many of us need!!

An example of how I choose to help others is back in 2012 when I decided to become a beachbody coach. I went through a different struggle after my second child was born and through beachbody and the health and fitness groups (a.k.a challenge groups) I took part in I too was able to get myself back on track. Here's my story from then MY STORY...

I feel if we have struggles and we learn ways to get through them then we should share them with others.  Not everyone feels this way but I do and so I plan on sharing more of my continued journey through life.

Taking time away from certain activities in my life was a crucial step in my "recovery". I took time away from Facebook (except my personally run groups),

this was my FB profile pic while on my hiatus :)

growing my business, outside activities, and more. Where I focused my time was getting my life in order, spending quality time with my family, and focusing on my faith.  I got a lot of slack from others about doing this but I knew it was what needed to be done. One of the priests at my church said this quote one "It is none of my business what others think of me" and that quote has helped me through MANY tough times when people were doubting me or pushing me down in life!! I have been reminded that we are on this Earth for a reason and only a certain amount of time. WE should all be going forward knowing we have a specific purpose and it is up to us to carry it out. Making the most out of life is important and I don't know about you but I want to be my best self so those shiny gates of Heaven will be open for me. HIS thoughts matter!!

Going forward I have slowly started to integrate myself back into LIFE!!
I am back on facebook, I am hosting more groups, I am building my business, and this month I am back to blogging and focusing on my team. I took these baby steps because I knew jumping all in was not going to be the best decision. My head is more clear now and I can devote the time that is needed to each area of my life with greater focus. For this I am a stronger, more determined, and more wise person and leader!!

Welcome Back ME!!
Welcome Back YOU!!

Week 6 Piyo Meal Planning

Another week is here and you betcha I have my plan in place!! 

I am still going strong with PiYo as we are turning up the heat today with DRENCH!! 
(ha ha - there is a reason why it's called DRENCH because you finish the workout with sweat dripping off of you!)

After workout sweaty pic 

DRENCH is one of the longer workouts but honestly to me it flew by. My favorite part of this particular workout is the FLOW section. I love the warrior poses, leg swings, and my favorite PiYo flip!! Of course there are some Piyo push-ups included here and there too.

PiYo Flip - getting there

Each week I see my body transforming and I just LOVE IT! I am becoming my old flexible self again and I LOVE the definition I am seeing all over my body, especially my legs! 

One of my favorite parts in the PiYo workout is when Chalene Johnson, creator of PiYo, informs us that everyone in that particular video is over the age of 40!! Ya know what they all look amazing and healthy!! Age is a number but so many people use that as their reason why they can't workout. Well if age is your excuse then I give you PiYo as your answer!!

all over 40!!

Well you knew I loved PiYo before but now I am loving it even more!! 

This is so up my alley!

What I love about it...

1. Love using my own body weight as my resistance. This is a take anywhere type of workout - HUGE BONUS!! 

2. The length of the workouts is short enough that those who are "too busy to workout" will still be able to get them in and finished.

3. The Nutrition Plan - easy to follow, lots of choices, and I feel satisfied

4. The Results - how I  feel after a PiYo workout is enough for me because I feel amazing!! I remind myself of that feeling when I don't want to get out of bed in the morning!! BUT I am really enjoying seeing my body defined. Chalene wasn't kidding when she put the tag line "DEFINE YOURSELF" with PiYo!! 

I mentioned above that I am loving the Nutrition Plan that comes along with PiYo! I have been meal planning for about 2 years now and although change is hard I welcome it with open arms because I know it is good for me!!

The PiYo nutrition plan is simple enough that it didn't cause me any extra time to meal plan with it. Another bonus! If you have been following me you know that I plan my week on Sundays. This way when I wake up on Monday I know what I will be eating and there is no guessing. When I guess there is more chance of me choosing poorly when it comes to food options or I just don't eat. 
If I have my meals (meaning meals & snacks) planned and prepped I am golden!!

here is my plan for the week...
The information in parentheses is how I track my different groups that are outlines in the PiYo Nutrition guide. 

P=Lean Protein

F=Healthy Fruit

PV=Primary Vegetable

2V=Secondary Vegetable & Grains

HF=Healthy Fat

Another exciting piece of information to share is that my first PiYo Health and Fitness group just completed Day 30 so I am anxiously awaiting to see their results thus far. For some this is their first workout in a REALLY long time and others working out is already part of their routine. 

If you are interested in learning more about PiYo or would like to join my next group please CONTACT ME!! I would be more than happy to give you more details and talk through with you if this program would be a good fit for you!!

Also if you would like more information regarding meal planning or how you can get started living a healthier life by eating clean I too would be more than happy to discuss this with you!! CONTACT ME via EMAIL or FRIEND ME on FACEBOOK!!

Now let's have a fitabulous week!!

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonh

myshakeology.com/alysonh

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

Spring into Summer Health and Fitness Challenge

Ahhh spring is in the air and I am sooo ready for consistent sunshine and warm weather to be here!! This time of year is also great for fresh starts.

Most of us if not all of us, have something we want to change/improve - so what better time to do it than NOW!! Now is the perfect time to get on track with our own health and fitness. Whatever your reason may be - Whether you want to walk around this summer shirtless or rock that two piece bikini. Maybe you have a graduation ceremony, wedding, or special event you have to attend and you want to look your best. Maybe you fell off the wagon and just couldn’t stay committed to your previous routine. Maybe you just want to say “I just want to be healthy!” Whatever the case may be, I have the solution for you...

My SPRING INTO SUMMER Health and Fitness CHALLENGE starts May 12th!! 

What better time of year to Challenge yourself to eat better, exercise, get rid of excess pounds and inches, and learn how you can be more fit and healthy!! Why not, Commit to a happier & healthier you!!

This challenge could be the answer you have been looking for because not only will you be working out and choosing healthier options but you will also have the daily support and motivation from ME and the group!! Think about it this way - You have nothing to lose besides a few pounds but you have so much to gain!! Trust me it is worth your time and effort!! 

If you are interested in joining please click the link below to snag your spot!! Space is limited!
https://alysonhorcher.wufoo.com/forms/spring-into-summer-health-fitness-challenge/

Now is the time to learn how to

Live a Fit, Happy, and Healthy life

and WE will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonh

myshakeology.com/alysonh

facebook.com/alysonhorcher

@alysonhorcher - Instagram

Planning no Matter what Day it is

Well most of you know Sunday I spent the day at PiYo certification (more to come on this another day) which meant my normal Sunday activity of Meal Planning did not happen. When I got home all I wanted to do was hang with my family for a little and then I collapsed early BUT I did not start my day TODAY without having a plan - WHY? because I know if I don't have a plan then I am more likely to give into TEMPTATIONS!!!! ahhhhhh!!! 

So this morning first thing I did was make my meal plan. I am using up what is in my fridge and only have to go the grocery store for a few items (mainly because we are having an Easter Egg Hunt at our house later in the week).

I have to tell you, I didn't always meal plan and I wish I would have learned about it earlier in life because it makes life so much easier!! Making a meal plan is not only a great way to get/keep yourself on track with healthy eating

but also saves a TON OF MONEY!! Hello anyone who knows me knows I am very passionate about these two things!

I am sharing my meal plan with you not because you care what I eat but because I hope to help someone else out there who was like me and needed direction but had no clue where to go. I would be more than happy to help you get started!! I learned how to do it and so if you too want to learn, let me know

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonh

myshakeology.com/alysonh

facebook.com/alysonhorcher

21 Day Health and Fitness Challenge

Ready to end 2013 with a bang?  

I know I am and I am ready to help others do it too!! 

Do you look forward to the holiday food this time of year 

but dread what it will do to your waistline? 

Does your TO DO list for the next few weeks look like Santa's List 

and yet you have no idea where you will find the energy to get it all done? 

Have you been wanting to rock that hot holiday dress 

but are worried your muffin top will pop out? 

Get ready because come December 1st my last health and fitness challenge group of the  year will start and this time we are going hard and strong for only 21 days!! Yes, 21 days! Not my usual thing I  know!  I figured 21 days is just enough time to give you a taste of what you are capable of and see results.  At the same time though it is short enough that you do not have to make a huge commitment during the end of year holidays.  We will go from December 1-21st.  We will be done in time for you to rest and relax with your family at Christmas and through the New Year.  What you will be leaving the group with though is some tools to help you make better decisions going forward.  I do not expect you to do a complete 180 in these 21 days we are together.  My goal however is to help you learn how to incorporate exercise into your daily routine - 10 minutes at the least and learn how to choose foods that will better fuel your body.  This  year we want to keep those dreaded holiday pounds OFF and maybe even lose some more along the way. 

We will NOT be dieting, we will be discussing healthy eating and how to do it. A Crash course if you will of healthy eating with a special focus on Holiday Temptations!! You  know those cookies, cakes, large dinners, party after party, appetizer after appetizer, and OH don't forget the DRINKS!!  

Change the way you think about food and you will begin to change your life and your body!! How awesome would it be to start 2014 without saying I am going to START EATING HEALTHY AND EXERCISING?  The awesome part of it all is that normal  habits take about 21 days to form...now do you see why I chose a 21 day challenge? 

Okay GREAT, how do I get started?
You will need to CONTACT ME to hold your spot in the group.  I am doing this with other coaches and we expect the group to fill up fast so if you are even the slightest bit interested lets talk PRONTO!! 

What we will do first is create a FREE Membership for you which will also make me your official coach - YAY!!  After that we will discuss your options for exercise, your current eating habits, and your goals.  

Going forward what would be expected of you for this challenge is to BE PRESENT in our closed Facebook group. Check in at the very least once a day and let us know how you are doing OR check in with ME!! I know not everyone is comfortable telling others how they are feeling but you know you can  TRUST ME!! I am here for you no matter what and long after this 21 day challenge ends.  I am your COACH, I am your support system, I am your resource.  Take advantage of this opportunity!! 
What do you have to lose?  

The other requirements for the challenge  are to be working out to a Beachbody exercise program whehter it be 10 minute Trainer, Focus T25, P90x, Insanity, Turbofire, etc. Your Choice which program you do.  If you aren't sure, I can help you decide too!!

Next is you need commit to replacing one meal day with the nutrition shake called Shakeology. I include Shakeology as a requirement for a few reasons. The first and the biggest is that it is 1 meal of the day that you KNOW you are getting the VERY BEST nutrition that you can possibly find. When you are learning to eat better and make good choices it can be completely overwhelming. Shakeology allows you to have one less meal you have to think about!! Then, at the end of the group you can decide to continue or discontinue drinking your Shakeology. But I'm pretty sure you will love it! In fact, I guarantee it! If you aren't 100% satisfied I will personally help you return it even if the bag is empty for a full refund!

Another reason I include Shakeology is because during the holidays, sugar and sweets are everywhere. It is a known fact that the more sugar you eat the more you body craves it! Shakeology helps to reduce your cravings to sugar! I speak from experience, I once was a sugar addict!! Instead of reaching for cookies, cakes, donuts, or whatever your sweet temptation might be, I NOW grab my shakeology!! I can mix it with a variety of things such as almond milk, water, fruit, peanut butter, and so much more to create a healthy, low calorie yet totally satisfying treat without the guilt!! That feeling of guilt that overcomes you after you have indulged in something naughty is gone!!! I feel confident, healthy and I look lean! WHY? because I choose healthier options and Shakeology is one of my main tools in doing so!!


What will this group give you?

This group will give you the support and accountability to keep you on track during the busiest time of the year. It is only 21 days People...this is totally doable for the busiest person out there!! You will have all of the tools pretty much delivered right to you - I will be giving you meal plans, recipes, teach you what healthy snacks are. You will NOT be counting calories. You will be choosing foods based on their nutritional value. You will be eating 5-6 times a day! No starvation! So when you eat the cookies or the extra helping of ham, you don't have to feel guilty!

Remember you do not have to do this alone, not this time, not ever again. This is why my Health and Fitness groups are so successful. You have my support and my experience plus this time you have the added benefit of other successful coaches who are joining us along this journey as well. We are teaming up to provide you with the best experience possible for these 21 days and it is our mission to have 21 people joining us in this group.

There is power in numbers and this holiday season you are not alone and success is within reach!!

another bonus of this group is the November give and receive promotion offered by TeamBeachbody!! 

So here it is - Your Opportunity awaits you...don't let this year be like every other year where the holiday food and holiday hustle and bustle wins. YOU deserve to take time for yourself and treat your body and mind well. Give yourself a very special gift this year - the gift of HEALTH!! Contact me to take part in this 21 day health and fitness challenge. 

You get to choose your Dear Santa letter, 

this year make it about YOU!!

Now is the time to learn how to live a 

FIT, HAPPY, and HEALTHY Life 

and we will do it 

TOGETHER!!!!

~Alyson

alysonhorcher@gmail.com

teambeachbody.com/alysonh

myshakeology.com/alysonh

facebook.com/alyson.horcher

@alysonhorcher - Instagram