I'm more than just a Beachbody Coach! Who am I?

It's not a coincidence that there are some people that seems to have it ALL! Good job, good relationships, always smiling --- they have a sense of "richness" attached to them. I used to think these people were lucky. 

Also, it's not a coincidence that there are others that never feel content. No matter what they feel poor, they are stuck in a job they hate and they have crappy relationships. One bad friend after another. One boyfriend that's abusive. (Disclaimer on this statement -- a girl is NEVER AT BLAME, nor is this EVER DESERVED).

I was girl #2 right before I turned 30. I felt lost. I'd ask myself -- why did I attract the abusive friendships and relationships. Where was my passion? I graduated from a great college and had some good careers -- why at 30 did my best friend stab be behind the back and steal money under my nose, I had zero passion to wake up. No job of substance to walk into and no best friend to be by my side.

I DECIDED I could CONTROL my UNIVERSE. I dove into dedicating time into ME as opposed to anything else. For what I was attracting REALLY F-king SUCKED. I learned that SUCCESSFUL and POSITIVE PEOPLE took RISKS!

For instance, I could look and say I have no good job, I am not rich and I can let that consume me. Well guess what happens? You will stay poor. You'll attract these situations because that's what you're expecting. You then come to realize that's what YOU DESERVE. YOU just CREATED a rather SHITTY DESTINY.

At this EXACT DAY last year, I DID IT! I took a RISK. I COMMITTED to CHANGE. I wanted to be person #1. I told people I was going to be a part of Beachbody and I was gonna do ANYTHING IT TOOK to be a SUCCESS STORY.

I could have bought a couple dresses, but instead spent money on a challenge pack in order to become a Beachbody Coach. Since spending this money was a risk, completing this program had even more added value. So I did it. I committed and I knew I would fail if I gave up. Not only was this about changing my UNIVERSE into one FULL OF RICHNESS, I knew deep down I could ENRICH someone else's life. I thought ok maybe a couple people might want to lose some weight and maybe make a few dollars on that side.

Boy was I WRONG. I took a RISK putting up my before and after pictures, letting people into my personal life and WOW it PAID OFF not only physically, but mentally and fiscally.

It gives me CHILLS everyday, that if I decided to keep CRYING about what I DIDN'T HAVE, I would keep NEVER HAVING! And now I have been able to MENTOR around 200 people on my team to their first couple pounds lost to over 20.. I have seen coaches' first paychecks start from small to covering bills.

You'll see over and over again SUCCESSFUL people didn't get just LUCKY. They took risks to better their surroundings. And all of this in one sentence...

They made shit happen.

I hope this above can help at least one person today make their dreams come true!

Michelle G

Summer Bodies are Made in the Winter!

So when I feel I should call it a "LAZY SUNDAY", I remind myself that MARCH is in a few weeks. It's not like you, me or anyone is gonna wake up "BIKINI READY" if you decided to stay in "WINTER COAT MODE." 

I know it's COLD out there, BUT that's why I am giving you the chance to WORKOUT in the COMFORT of your OWN HOME! And I will keep you from not falling off the wagon, with MY SUPPORT and ladies in your same shoes. No one wants to feel alone.

Trust me, I KNOW it's HARD!! For those who know me, I HATE to WORKOUT and I STILL DO... but when it comes to my HEALTH and BODY I will DEDICATE a mere 30 minutes a day!!

I want to get the OPPORTUNITY to SUPPORT YOU for the next 60 DAYS in my next Beachbody Challenge and keep YOU ACCOUNTABLE!

But the first thing is first, you HAVE to COMMIT!

Alright gotta wipe this Chocolate Shakeology mustache off my face. Everyone have a great Sunday!

COMING SOON! Strawberry Shakeology!

Unbelievable right? Last June, Beachbody introduced Vanilla Shakeology  and later this month we are launching STRAWBERRY FLAVORED SHAKEOLOGY! This will be a nice change from our other flavors. I know I wanted something smooth and fruity! Pure strawberry is great for me and will fit right in!

As always, there will be no added, harmful ingredients and it will be up to our highest standards.

To be the FIRST to get YOUR HANDS on the NEW STRAWBERRY SHAKEOLOGY, please sign up for your FREE PROFILE and I will email you the moment it LAUNCHES!

*** To read more about the amazing health benefits of Shakeology, please click here.


Or sign up here and I will be the first to tell you when it launches. Your information is secure and will not be sold to anyone or any companies.

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Beat the Second-Week Slump

Last week, you were feeling gung ho and ready to tackle your weight-loss goals head-on. This week? Not so much. You're tired, you're hungry, and you're aching in places you didn't even know existed. But before you lose all motivation, take heart—the second week is supposed to suck. "In week two, your body is generally in a state of severe breakdown," says Steve Edwards, Vice President of Results and Fitness Advisor for Beachbody. After all, you're eating less, going hard, and your body needs some time to adapt to your new lifestyle. Here are a few slump-proof strategies for pushing through Week 2.

Don't panic if you plateau

You've busted your butt all week and been downright virtuous about your diet. So when you hop on the scale, you're ready to see the results of your hard work. But here's the rub: During Week 2, it's not unusual to get stuck or even gain a pound or two. "As your body adjusts to exercise, cortisol—a performance-enhancing stress hormone—is released," says Edwards. "Part of cortisol's function is to promote water retention as a defense mechanism for survival. This causes you to feel puffy and gain some weight."

So, let's recap. You're achy, you're starving, and the number on the scale is now moving in the wrong direction. It's no wonder you feel discouraged and are tempted to bail altogether. But hang in there, because your body will eventually get the memo. "It's a necessary part of the process," says Edwards. "Sometime between Weeks 3 and 6, once you adapt to your exercise program, you stop producing cortisol and flush the excess water, which leads to you feeling and looking fitter, and losing some weight."

Track progress, not just weight loss

While there's plenty of science behind your plateau, that doesn't make it any less frustrating. So when the number on the scale isn't budging, how can you tell if you're still on the right track? Start recording your healthy habits—whether that means keeping a workout log or posting Instagram® shots of your meals—so you can see all the changes you've made. "Track the behavior, not the outcome," says Joshua Klapow, PhD, Chief Behavioral Scientist for the health incentive company ChipRewards and author of Living SMART: 5 Essential Skills to Change your Health Habits Forever. "Track the food you eat, the steps you take, and the calories you burn, and make those your markers of success." Seeing these changes can give you just enough motivation to power through this week's plateau, and Klapow says that's all that matters: "Think of motivation like a tank of gas. The tank doesn't need to be full to move, but you can't run on empty."

Focus on the process

Sure, your biggest motivation might be squeezing into smaller jeans. But this week, it can help to focus on all the touchy-feely stuff instead. "Reframe the way you think about working out so it becomes your escape, your path to wellness, something you do for you," says Kim Chronister, PsyD, a health psychologist and author of The Psychology Behind Fitness Motivation. "Our thoughts can powerfully affect our ability to tackle a new weight-loss routine." If you're too focused on the scale, a second-week plateau may feel like a huge failure; if you focus on the "me time" you get while working out, you'll achieve that no matter what.

If that doesn't help, just acknowledge that this week won't be your favorite, and keep on trucking. "Belief in the process helps at this stage," says Edwards. "You cannot make a total body composition change without suffering through a period where all of your goals seem like they are going backwards." He compares it to scaling a mountain or running an Ironman—miserable while you're in the thick of it, but insanely rewarding once you're done. So hang in there, because it'll be next week soon enough.

By Kara Wahlgren

30 Day Ab & Squat Challenge

Here's one you can add to your routine! Challenge yourself! 

Tony Horton's P90x3 is HERE!!

Excited about P90X3? Want to join the largest P90X3 accountability and motivation group on the planet? 

The CHALLENGE PACK LINK (BEST VALUE)!
The BASE KIT LINK!
The DELUXE KIT LINK!
The ULTIMATE KIT LINK!

You will need support, motivation, so I want you to join our Beachbody Challenge. Why join our P90X3 Beachbody Challenge? Because it will be SUPER FUN!



Our P90X3 Beachbody Challenge will be packed with expert P90X Coaches that will be ready help you along your journey. We have nutritionists, and people that will keep you motivated while you are on your journey. Check in daily, post results, post struggles, and get tips that will keep you moving forward every day.

Join The P90X3 Workout Challenge by filling out the form below so that I can review your goals, objectives, and get you added in our PRIVATE P90X3 Challenge group on Facebook.

All good things come in threes, but be warned: P90X3 is far from a trilogy. No, P90X3 is NOT the kid sister workout. It’s the workout that took notes from it’s siblings, then condensed, and accelerated to become the most dynamic and fastest workout yet.

The ultimate excuse buster Time is the biggest excuse. P90X3 solves that. Every workout is 30 minutes and the clock starts the minute you push play. Before you can say “drop and give me 10,” it’s over and you are one workout closer to the six-pack of your dreams. 

Muscle acceleration explained Many P90X fans were hooked on the science of muscle confusion – which introduced variety to the workouts and prevented plateauing. P90X3 takes a hint from that success and from studies showing the most dramatic body transformations happen within the first 30 minutes of exercise. Enter muscle acceleration, a Tony Horton-approved highly-structured schedule with an incredibly high level of intensity and an unprecedented variety of moves. The gurus behind P90X3 combined exercises and added some twists to maximize your time and keep every muscle challenged for a full 30 minutes.

Say goodbye to boredom Which brings us to the fun-factor. Host, world-renown fitness ledgend, Tony Horton does not disappoint. With his witty one-liners and can-do mantras, he’ll simultaneously have you laughing and fired-up to bust out that final rep. Along with the constant entertainment, P90X3 has the most workouts of any Beachbody program. With 16 workouts in the base kit, they switch it up before you have a chance to consider boredom. From cardio to strength to pilates to MMX, there is something for everyone. 

The ideal P90X3-er It may seem lofty to proclaim, but P90X3 is indeed a workout for everyone.  Everyone searching for tighter abs and leaner muscles, that is. But fitness novices and experts need not be afraid by P90X3’s come-one-come-all invitation. You don’t have to have any previous P90X experience in order to get killer results. For the beginner, the variety of workouts in P90X3 is the perfect place to discover their fitness style. If the move can be modified there is a cast member showing you how. But don’t expect to be an expert on day one. (Yes, fitness veterans will still be challenged.) As Tony says, ”You don’t get off easy, you just get to finish faster!” 

It doesn’t stop there And of course there are some bells and whistles too good to ignore. First off, If P90X3 is purchased through ME any time from December 10^th – 31^st (including Challenge Packs), you'll receive an exclusive P90X3 baseball cap. 

And last but not least, we have the app: Yes, now for the first time the P90X app is available on Android and iOS (will be available 12/10 on Android) The app includes P90X guided workouts, tools to track your reps, weights and progress. Launching soon, is the P90X3 addition – which brings you workout specific tracking modules, scheduling options and the motivation you need to power through the 90 days. P90X3 scheduling and tracking will be available on the app for Android on 12/10 and is coming soon for iPhone. Check out the app and get ready to bring it!

I am only a message away, please feel free to contact me !

The Best and Worst Holiday Appetizers

You know I LOVE my CHOOSE THIS not THAT! 

'Tis the season for holiday parties, and if there's one thing you're dreading more than awkward conversations with drunken acquaintances, it's the array of deep-fried diet-busters awaiting you at the refreshment table. How are you supposed to keep eating healthy and feeling under-the-mistletoe sexy when cocktail franks are calling your name? We asked Ani Aratounians, MS, RD, the manager of nutrition and culinary development for Team Beachbody®, to help us navigate the good, the bad, and the ugly among your favorite holiday appetizers.

Hummus and Veggies

What's Good: "Hummus is an exceptionally healthy food, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, zinc, and magnesium," says Aratounians. "Paired with fresh veggies, it becomes a powerhouse of nutrients."

Bad: Hummus contains around 25 calories per tablespoon—so if you don't keep an eye on how much you're scooping, you can rack up calories quickly. In other words, less hummus and more veggies is the ideal strategy.

Shrimp Cocktail

What's Good: "Not only is shrimp a good source of the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory astaxanthin, as well as omega-3s, but 80% of its calories come from protein," says Aratounians.

What's Bad: Shrimp are high in cholesterol, which may be an issue for those who are watching their numbers—but for most people, the high omega-3 content still makes it a worthy option. Just be careful not to douse the shrimp in high-sodium/high-sugar cocktail sauce.

Chicken Skewers

What's Good: "Chicken skewers made with low-fat, high-protein chicken breast can be a healthy and filling appetizer," Aratounians says. "If the chicken pieces are layered with superfood veggies such as peppers and zucchini, it makes it even better."

What's Bad: If the chicken is breaded or slathered in a sugary sauce, you may wind up consuming a lot of hidden calories and carbs.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

What's Good: The scallops—they're an awesome source of selenium, phosphorus, B12, zinc, iron, omega-3s, copper, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

What's Bad: The bacon, of course. "Wrapping scallops in bacon can potentially triple their calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol content," says Aratounians. Indulge in one or two if they're your absolute favorite, but don't polish off the whole tray.

Stuffed Mushrooms

What's Good: They have potential. "Stuffed mushrooms can make a delicious and healthy bite-sized appetizer, as long as the stuffing is veggie-based and isn't loaded with bread crumbs, cheese, and cream," Aratounians says.

What's Bad: What's inside is anyone's guess. While there are plenty of healthy homemade recipes out there, most people will opt for the carb-heavy, prepackaged variety. "Stuffed mushrooms are labor-intensive, so they're usually store-bought," cautions Aratounians. "This makes it harder to find healthier versions." Of course, you can always find out who brought the mushrooms and ask for their recipe—and then plan your noshing strategy accordingly.

Nuts

What's Good: "Raw nuts can be a nutritious appetizer that provides heart-healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals," Aratounians says.

What's Bad: Portion control is a toughie—who can stop after an ounce of nuts? "You can quickly add hundreds of calories to your daily intake without even realizing it," warns Aratounians.

Spinach Dip

What's Good: The spinach—and that's about it.

What's Bad: The leafy greens are usually drowning in mayo and cheese—and you're probably scooping them up with chips, crackers, or pumpernickel. "Although this is a party favorite, a few tablespoons of this dip can be loaded with hundreds of calories that come mostly from saturated fats," Aratounians says.

Frozen Goodies

What's Good: They're easy. There's a reason heat-and-eat apps like pizza rolls, cocktail franks, and mini quiches are a party staple. After all, you don't have to be Martha Stewart to microwave some Southwestern egg rolls.

What's Bad: "Packaged appetizers are often highly processed and loaded with calories, sodium, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, additives, and preservatives," says Aratounians. "This makes them one of the unhealthiest choices with hardly any nutritional benefits."

Nachos and Cheese

What's Good: Salsa can be low in calories and a good source of antioxidants, lycopene, and potassium.

What's Bad: Everything else. "Most cheese sauces don't even meet the requirements for being called cheese—they're loaded with neon-orange food dyes and MSG," says Aratounians. "This appetizer is high in calories, fat, sodium, additives, and preservatives—need I say more?" Nope, that pretty much covers it.

Of course, even when you know the nutritional damage of your favorite finger foods, it's hard to resist temptation when it's staring you in the face. The easiest way to avoid overeating? "Don't go to a party hungry!" Aratounians says. "Have a Shakeology® with water and ice, or a handful of raw nuts, before you head out." Two more smart tips from her: Hold a glass of wine in one hand and your phone in the other, so you can't nibble without doing some juggling. And if you're worried there won't be any healthy options, bring one with you—you'll salvage your diet and help the host out. Win-win!

By Kara Wahlgren