Keep it simple or Kick it up a notch? You decide

21 DAYS - EXTREME RESULTS

The 21 Day Fix was an absolute game-changer! I've seen amazing results over and over again! People losing 10-15 pounds in just 21 days. AND nobody is starving, OR killing themselves at the gym for 1-2 hours a day!

Well NOW you can kick it up a notch and get seriously shredded in the shortest time possible with 21 Day Fix EXTREME, created by Autumn Calabrese. This breakthrough 21-day fitness and nutrition program combines simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme 30-minute workouts to deliver a body that is hard, lean, and defined.

What is 21 Day Fix EXTREME?
• A 21-day program that features simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme
30-minute workouts.
• The portion-control containers take all the guesswork out of how much you should eat.
• The Eating Plan will tell you exactly what to eat and when—and how to eat cleaner than ever.
• This is how you get seriously shredded in 21 days.

What makes this program different?
• No other program has you eating this well and working this hard. It's going to take guts, intensity,
and drive. But it's only 21 days.
• The 30-minute workouts are extreme. They combine steady-state aerobics, resistance training, and
explosive power moves that target every muscle in the body—to help you get shredded in a short
amount of time.
• Seven workouts; one for every day of the week so your mind never gets bored and your body
never adapts.
• For your nutrition, you'll not only be practicing portion control—you'll be eating ONLY clean foods.
No treats. No cheats. No excuses.
• Autumn has included her own competition nutrition plan, which she uses to get stage-ready and
ripped in 21 days.

Who should do the 21 Day Fix EXTREME?
Women and men who:
• Are impatient to get serious results.
• Don't want to make longtime commitments or have tried and failed at longer, more complicated
diet plans.
• Are serious with a "No BS" attitude toward workouts and nutrition.
• Have a dramatic short-term weight-loss deadline, or need a final push to achieve the hardbody
they've always wanted.
• Don't have much weight to lose, but want to get shredded and have defined abs.


Check out a quick preview:

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MariaPaulercio?bctid=3900439442001

This month you can get EXTREME results and $AVE some cash too! And of course...you have options!

JOIN MY TEST GROUP!
We will start on the 16th, and we will focus first on a 5-day clean eating (warm up) support group as a pre-challenge to ensure everyone gets their kit in time.  I will be running a Test Group for anyone doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme, or The 21 Day Fix. We'll do the programs together! You'll get the daily support and accountability you need to dig deep and get results! I'll provide motivation and recipes and be available to help you reach your goals - 24/7!

DEADLINE to commit is Friday, Feb. 13

ACTION:  Email me at maria365@aol.com to inquire about different packages.  There is a current special running which bundles my favorite nutrient dense superfood smoothie and either kit.  Ridiculous savings you won't want to miss.

Better Every Day

Sometimes when you are on automatic pilot and you go through life, you miss the tiny details which can have an impact on the bigger picture.  Sometimes your story line of your plot plot changes.  Reflecting on how I manage to deal with my stuff, I will admit, occasionally through procrastination, stress eating, indecisiveness and giving in to some negative thinking.

Every day life presents certain struggles, like losing your keys, going grocery shopping, again; work, family time, household chores, laundry, laundry, laundry and even working out.

I am all too familiar with meltdowns.  I am raising a daughter with a major disability and when things get too overwhelming and frustrating, its like a tea pot whistling, you know the water is simmering then it comes to a rolling boil, and then it happens.  I realize that life is for a very long time.  And even though I'm a little more than at the halfway point of my story, I am still determined to have many awesome, fulfilling and exciting years ahead.  That is why I am a true believer in being a change agent to help others realize their true potential through inspiring, motivating and helping others craft a healthy foundation.  Once your "infrastructure" is laid, you can begin to build upon.  When you feel your structure getting weak, you then have a choice.  You can succumb to it, or you can throw in the towel and give up.  Its easier right?

But, if you're like me, then you will agree its important to stay focused and positive, forgive yourself, and find determination to push forward.  Each day is a chance to become the best version of yourself!

It is your mindset and the very thing you BELIEVE that dictates your actions.  Getting your mind right is the first order of business. Take out a piece of paper and start writing out your goals.  What do you want for this year?  Getting back to basics and focusing on little details like exercising, portion control, making healthy food choices, fitting in at least 30 minutes of movement, getting to sleep earlier are all ways to promote a healthy lifestyle.  When you think healthy, you eat healthy and when you eat healthy, you think healthy.  It has a domino effect.

No matter what you do, no matter how many times you mess up and think to yourself, "there's no point to carry on" no matter how many people tell you that you can't do it -- keep going.  Don't quit.  Don't quit because a month from now you will be that much closer to your goal than you were now.  Yesterday you said tomorrow, so make today and every day count.

I'd love to hear your feedback.  Do you agree?  How do you get through your ups & downs?  If you want an extra layer of support, I'd love to add you to my daily fitness & nutrition accountability group https://www.facebook.com/groups/147417735425442/

May Specials

There are 2 special for this month:  P90X3 at $180 and TurboFire for $140 (that is a crazy deal).  Both kits are bundled with a 30 day supply Shakeology.

This 90 day program will get you ripped in 30 minutes a day, using Tony Horton's breakthrough Muscle Acceleration system.   Now you'll always have the time to work out—and you can burn fat and build lean muscle faster than ever.  It comes with 16 workouts plus 1 bonus workout.  Equipment Needed: Dumbbells or resistance bands, and a P90X® Chin-Up Bar or resistance bands with door attachment.

Save $95 with the May promotion compared to buying separately and get a free P90X3 hat!  Hurry Sale ends 5/31/14, limited time only.

http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPX3205?referringRepID=28705

******************************************************************************************************

TurboFire® is the intense cardio conditioning program from fitness innovator Chalene Johnson.  This 90 day program will get you lean(er) with exercises that can burn up to 9x more fat and calories than regular cardio, set to smoking-hot music.  There are 12 workouts, plus 3 bonus workouts.  Workout Time: 10–55 minutes

Equipment Needed: Toning band with handles, thigh-firming band, jump mat, weighted gloves, Turbo Tracker Journal (all optional).
Save over $90 with the May promotion compared to buying separately!

Limited time only. 

http://teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPTR180?referringRepID=28705

Don't wait....start NOW

As 2014 approaches, you may be thinking about what you'd like to accomplish when the new year rolls in.  Its a time to introspectively take inventory of where you are and figure out where you'd like to go.  Wondering what the most popular resolutions were for 2013?  My research led me to this list of the top 40:

  1. Read more books
  2. Save more money
  3. Lose weight
  4. Redecorate
  5. Take better photos
  6. Go traveling
  7. Sell old unwanted stuff on eBay
  8. Buy a tablet
  9. Organize photos
10. Do something for charity
11. Spend more time with kids
12. Buy a Sunday paper
13. Less TV time
14. Connect my computer to my TV
15. Leave work on time more often
16. Less time on Facebook
17. Totally revamp my wardrobe
18. Try a new hairstyle
19. Get a six-pack
20. Eat less chocolate
21. Socialize more in real life rather than Facebook
22. Drink less alcohol
23. Buy less coffee from Starbucks/big chains
24. Start my own business
25. Tell someone I have feelings for them
26. Quit smoking
27. Gain a promotion
28. Learn how to use Twitter
29. Run a half or full marathon
30. Call people more than text
31. Cut someone out of my life who isn't good for me
32. Meet online contacts in real life
33. Watch less reality TV
34. Text people less
35. Try to save relationship
36. Try extreme sports
37. Get better at social networking
38. Stop contacting/going back to an ex-partner
39. Have a face-to-face with my boss to find out where I stand
40. Do a bungee jump

What ever you decide, don't wait.  Do it now.  Get a head start and focus on small habits that will make an impact.  Make a dent, don't scratch the surface.  

If you think about it, all 40 have a common denominator -- they relate to your health on some level (nutrition, fitness, mental, spiritual, emotional etc).  Some are directly impacted while others, indirectly. 

We have the same amount of time every day to work on becoming THE best version of ourselves. What's even more exciting is that we get to decide, what, how, when, where and if your WHY is strong enough, it will blow past any excuse that gets in your way.  So, get busy living and stop waiting!  And just so you know, #40 will never be on my list!  What about you?

Tips for getting lean

If your goal is to lean out, then follow these tips:

• Eat at least 5 times per day
• Stop eating 3 hours before bed
• eat lots of lean protein and veggies (minimal starches)
• drink plenty of water
• avoid soda and similar junk
• enjoy healthy fats like nuts, seeds, olives and avocados
• when dining out, if you don't see it on the menu, ask to have it your way

Is it worth it to go organic?  Well it can't hurt, especially when it comes to soy and dairy.  Organic crops, including soy, cannot be genetically modified.  This means that by paying a little more for organic tempeh, you're avoiding those weird GMOs, not to mention pesticide residues.

With organic dairy, you're avoiding all the hormones and antibiotics they feed conventionally raised cows.  And a recent English study shows that not only is organic milk more nutritionally consistent, but contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

As for organic produce, science has yet to determine how much more nutritious it is, think about this, you're still avoiding all the chemical pesticides and herbicides they load on conventional fruits and veggies.

Eat well-balanced meals and remember that excess calories, even if they're from food that's fat free and high in protein, will turn to excess weight. No matter what the latest fad diet says, extra calories equal extra weight!

Stick with eating plans you can maintain indefinitely. Remember that no matter how hard you're working out, if you're consuming too many calories, you'll never see the muscles that lie beneath layers of fatty tissue.

To get my FREE weight loss secret that has helped me shed 30+ pounds click
Simple No Brainer Food Guide

Countdown to Summer is on!

I don't know anyone who is NOT looking forward to the Summer.  Lazy days, warmer temps, fresh seasonal fruits....BATHING SUITS!  

Maybe you're not quite beach-ready.  Don't worry.  There are less than 30 days till Memorial Day weekend.  Did you know you can accomplish alot in a short amount of time?I am doing a FREE clean eating challenge for 14 days starting May 6th and it's for those who need a jump start to clean eating. Its a private Facebook group with only 5 members. This is for those who are NOT part of my current group and who DO NOT currently have a coach or have done a challenge with me before. Message me I will give you the details. ***3 spots left*** Wednesday 5/1 is the last day today to join.

Get focused, be determined and commit to yourself.

4 weeks ago, I led a small group who consistently posted their nutrition (meal plans were given) and reported their workout of the day.  Rules were given, strict accountability was enforced and they got RESULTS.

I personally lost a whole size and fit back into my favorite jeans!  Just losing 7-8 pounds can make a huge difference to your mental, physical and emotional well being.

Connect with me on myfitnesspal/maria365 and check out my diary.  What made a difference for me was replacing one meal a day with Shakeology.

Message me at maria365@aol.com and put "Summer Challenge" in the subject line.

Remember, if you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done.

New Month = New Goals

Precursor to this new month.  The Tri-State area was hit with a major storm, Hurricane Sandy (a.k.a. Frankenstorm).  And while we lost power for 48 hours, I realized how extremely resourceful and dependent we've become as a society on everything.  I was a definite wake up call to put things into perspective and not take things for granted.  I was able to stay on track with my goals of eating healthy (although I didn't have Shakeology for 2 days because I like using the blender; its a texture thing).  I worked out via candle light and lanterns.  My resolve and dedication helped me get to where I am right now. 

Which flows into the start of a new month where yesterday we flipped the calendar and I set new goals for the month.

My continued commitment to my health & fitness goals help me with my ultimate belief of becoming better than the day before.  As you know when you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you face your fears and gain experience to keep moving yourself forward.  If nothing changes then nothing will change.

The hardest part sometimes is starting.  So, what's important to remember is that you must decide what you're willing to do in order to get the results you want.  I could be something as simple as going to sleep a half hour early.

I have a busy month ahead of me and I know it will fly by.  The first 2 weeks will be focused on a deadline on the 15th and then the second half of the month I will start teaching PiYo classes at a local studio.  While I took the certification back in March, I never thought I'd really do much with it.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. 

So what are you going to accomplish this month?

What is your WHY?

I had a conversation with someone today who was interested in doing INSANITY and she asked me how I stay accountable.  Over the years I will admit I have struggled with consistency.  Then it became crystal clear.  I wasn't going to get the results I wanted unless I focused on my WHY.

You see, when you have a strong “WHY” then you will stop at NOTHING to reach your goals.  If your why is strong enough, you’ll blow past all the excuses.  In fact, even when you face the most difficult of situations (whatever may be going on in your life) the person with a strong enough WHY will still make it happen!

So I ask you, what’s your WHY?  I’ve written and talked about this before, but I don’t think I could ever explore this topic enough.  If you want to motivate yourself to do something don’t think about all the logical reasons it’s good for you.  That’s not good enough!

If it’s losing weight and getting in shape, and your kids mean everything to you, then take out a photo of your kids and connect your WHY to them!  Now that’s powerful!  Hint:  that's mine!

See this image here below, when I look at this picture, I see the person I continually strive to become.  A fit, healthy woman who can stand up to any challenge.  I'm almost there!

I've been posting my accountability pics on Instagram and my Facebook page.  Follow the active links within this blog to access.

My current 30 day program.  I used this 3 years ago and shed 25 pounds while on Weight Watchers

F O C U S

My workouts give me super powers. I can't help but think of these song lyrics, "You shoot me down but I'm a bomb, I am titanium."  I love that song by the way.  Yup, my commitment to working out helps me bullet-proof my mindset.  It helps me be happy, healthy and strong.  Plus I am grateful I can move. 

Last month I was a little lost in a sense that I was getting lax in my efforts to stay on track.  While I was still hitting my workouts, my nutrition was suffering.  I typically do eat clean but I fell back into some old habits.  Accountability is a big thing when you're trying to make changes stick.  It takes constant self talk to focus on the bigger picture.  What do you want? Why do you want it?  And, how will you get it?

I had held off going to Weight Watchers until the end of the month.  Deep down I knew I was over goal.  This was just the jolt I needed to force a change.  And while I was a bit disappointed that I was 3.8 lbs. over the top range of my Lifetime goal, it was just the kick in the butt I needed.

It forced me to get real and make the necessary changes which are critical for the success I want -- journaling, measuring, planning and attending meetings are all behaviors which yield results.

Although stress seems to be on the front burner in my life lately, I won't allow myself to mindlessly eat to numb the pain.  I am stronger than that.  Plus I am working too hard to get the results I expect.

Today I went back to Weight Watchers expecting a loss and I was rewarded at the scale.  My hard work paid off.  I lost  4.4 pounds in a week.  Honestly I have my own system and have come to realize what works for me.  But the one thing I needed was the accountability.

If you need fitness and nutrition accountability to help you along the way, check out my page here:  http://www.facebook.com/mariapaulercio  

Here are some progress pics:

January 2012, mid-June 2012 and end of July 2012

What do you want?

Its that time again for me to purge my thoughts and blog about where I'm at.  I happened to notice a friend's post about focusing on inspirational words that manifest feelings of empowerment.  He said, "To truly inspire change we must inspire ourselves. No single entity or event or its outcome is going to be what really makes you happy or feel better."  That got me thinking about how happiness is an inside job.  Its starts with positive thinking and what is really important to us.  

Lately, I've been struggling with staying on track with my routine.  I have a small private Facebook group with awesome ladies who post their accountability on a daily basis.  Each one of us has been struggling with our own goals but the common theme is that we're not giving up.  Don't get discouraged, its not about living each day perfectly but being consistent in your choices.  

Everyone gets off track from time to time.  The key to success is to plow through excuses and keep focusing on your comeback.  

My comeback will consist of drinking Shakeology every day and starting a 30 day Les Mills PUMP Ultimate Cross Training Hybrid. 

My Excitment

Yes I'm excited, yesterday I finally received my Vegan Chocolate Shakeology.  I had a chance to try it 2 weeks ago at Summit.  I initially liked it but couldn't wait to get it home so I could try my favorite recipe.  My motivation to get through this mornings workout was knowing I was having it for breakfast.

When I first tore open the bag, it seemed to have been vacuum sealed and some of the "powder" seeped out.  Of course I had to try this magic "dust" and couldn't help but taste how pure the dark cocoa flavor was.  Then just reading the back of the bag made me realize how happy I am to incorporate this dietary supplement into my daily routine.  This new formula of Shakeology is a powerful super food.  You may wonder what does that even mean?  It was designed to give your body the perfect combo of nutrients to help give you energy, reduce cravings, maintain healthy body weight, and support your immune system. 


Here is my typical recipe!  1 scoop of Shakeology (this works with regular chocolate, Tropical Vegan and now the new Chocolate Vegan).  1 cup of frozen unsweetened strawberries, 1 cup of Almond/Coconut milk blend, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, your choice and 1 tsp. unsalted peanuts.

I love the texture that peanuts provide.  I am definitely into textures!  Yes I love my pasta al dente (although I hardly eat it anymore), and my oatmeal lumpy.  OK enough about me.  What I want YOU to know is that if you're looking to improve your health, you can do it, one shake at a time!

To try a sample, go here:  http://bit.ly/KY3ddW