Sunday, March 2, 2014

My Blog Has Moved!!

I updated my website and my blog can now be found on www.teamfitini.com.  Check it out!!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

P90X3 Frequently Asked Questions

P90X3 will be available starting Tuesday, December 10th!  If you have questions about the program, check out these FAQs.  In addition, there will be some amazing Team Fitini incentives...keep on eye out for more information!

When is P90X3 available for purchase?
P90X3 will be available to order by end of day 12/10.

Where is P90X3 available for purchase?
Find it in the Team Beachbody Store and take advantage of free shipping until 12/31. The following links where you can order directly will go live on Tuesday, 12/10. It will also assign me as your free coach if you aren't already on my team.

P90X3 CHALLENGE PACK:
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/BCPX3205?referringRepId=204731

P90X3 BASE KIT:
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/X3Base?referringRepId=204731

P90X3 DELUXE KIT:
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/X3Deluxe?referringRepId=204731

P90X3 ULTIMATE KIT:
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/X3Ultimate?referringRepId=204731

P90X3 ELITE DVDS:
http://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/-/shopping/X3EliteDVD?referringRepId=204731



When should I order it to guarantee I get it by Christmas?
Order by 12/15 11:59 PM to guarantee delivery by 12/25.

What special offer is associated with the release of P90X3?
All orders of P90X3, purchased on TeamBeachbody.com, through me , from 12/10/13 through 12/31/13 will include a free P90X3 hat. There are no hats for P90X or P90X2 orders at this time.

Is there an App available?
The P90X App will be available for Android on 12/10 and the Android version will include the ability to track P90X3 workouts. The functionality to track your P90X3 workouts will be available soon for the iPhone App.

Is there a vegan meal plan option available for P90X3?
There will be vegan options included in the new P90X3 Nutrition Guide that will be available on December 10, 2013.

For tips and ideas on how to modify the P90X3 meal plan to be more vegan friendly, we encourage customers to post the topic on the Team Beachbody message boards (http://www.teambeachbody.com/connect/message-boards/-/message_boards/category/19535469). We have dietary experts that monitor the posts and provide some great ideas and direction.

How long does it take to complete P90X3?
P90X3 is a 90 day program, split into 3 Blocks. Blocks 1 & 2 each consist of 4 weeks, while Block 3 lasts 5 weeks.

Additionally, the Elite Block calendar, which is an optional block to be completed AFTER the initial 90 days, lasts 4 weeks.

The Elite Block includes 3 workouts not included within the P90X3 Base Kit. These workouts and calendar can be found within the P90X3 Deluxe and Ultimate Kits. In addition, they can also be purchased separately.

How long are the workouts for P90X3?
All P90X3 workouts are 30 minutes. The lone exception is the X3 Ab Ripper workout (15 minutes), included within the Deluxe Kit. Most workouts include a 2-3 minute cool down period.

What is included in P90X3?

P90X3 Base Kit Includes:
  • 16 unique and brand new workouts on 8 DVDs
  • Plus, 5 Free Gifts
  • Fitness Guide
  • Nutrition Guide
  • 90 Day Workout Calendar
  • How to Accelerate Intro DVD
  • 24/7 Online Support
  • Network Exclusive P90X One on One: On One Leg DVD
  • Network Exclusive Premium P90X3 Hat ($24.95 value) - December Only!
Base Kit Pricing
  • Retail           $119.85 + S&H
  • Club             $107.87

P90X3 Deluxe Kit
Includes everything in the Base Kit PLUS:
  • 3 Elite Extreme workouts on 1 DVD
  • Includes free Elite Block Calendar
  • 1-Month E&E Tub
  • 3 B-Lines Resistance Bands
Deluxe Kit Pricing
  • Retail           $239.70 + S&H
  • Club             $215.73

P90X3 Ultimate Kit
Includes everything in the Base & Deluxe Kits PLUS:
  • 1-Month R&R Tub
  • Gym-Quality P90X® Chin-Up Bar
  • P90X® Chin-Up Max
  • Premium Beachbody Jump Mat
Ultimate Kit Pricing
  • Retail           $329.55 + S&H
  • Club             $296.60

P90X3 Challenge Pack
Retail Price: $205 (December Promotional Price: $180)

  • P90X3 Base Kit
  • 30-Day Supply of Shakeology HD
  • 30-Day VIP Team Beachbody Club Membership
If you have any questions, contact me at TeamFitini@gmail.com.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Simple Nutrition Tips (#Simple Sunday)

When I speak to people about their health and fitness challenges, more often than not their biggest obstacle is diet and nutrition.  It can be hard to eat right, especially if you don't know where to start or if you think you are eating right and not seeing results.  I also have a lot of people ask me how they can lean out in their mid-section.  Again, this points to your diet.  Here are some simple tips to keep you on track with your diet, and allow you to see results.


  1. Track Your Food: Typically we eat more than we realize.  Little things that you may not think much about can pack on the calories.  Use an app like My Fitness Pal to get a handle on what you are consuming, in what macro-nutrient percentages (protein/carbs/fat) and how it affects your body.  Feel free to reach out and I can share calculations provided by Beachbody that will help you determine how many calories you should eat and the macro-nutrient percentages you should aim for.
  2. Eat the Right Foods: Start by making smart food choices.  Eat veggies, lean or low-fat protein, fruit (those lower in sugar are best) and complex carbohydrates.  Stick with real whole foods, and avoid processed foods.  Check out this blog post for my sample grocery list.
  3. Follow the 80/20 Rule: If you eat right 80% of the time, you will be in a good place.  I believe in moderation, and by allowing a little flexibility 20% of the time, I am able to stay on track for the long term.  When you totally deprive yourself, you are more likely to fall of the wagon and end up in a total feeding frenzy.  Pick your indulgent meals, and then get back on track with your normal healthy eating.  One cookie or dinner out at a restaurant isn't going to ruin all your efforts.  On the other hand, too much of it will. It is all about finding the balance that works for you.  After all, you are in this for the long haul!

If you have any questions about this topic, let me know!  I am not a nutritionist, but I'm happy to share what has worked for me. I want to help you reach your fitness goals!

If you want to join Team Fitini for free and have me as your personal coach, you can do it here:
https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=204731


www.teamfitini.com
www.teamfitini.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Simple Recipes - Apple Pie Oatmeal (#SimpleSunday)

When fall arrives, it always gets me in the mood for warm comfort foods.  Problem is, some of those foods are packed with calories and fat.  I created a guiltless version of a classic favorite that tastes delicious, satisfies my sweet tooth and is nutritious all at the same time.  Who doesn’t love apple pie? Apple Pie Oatmeal is simple to prepare. 


You will need the following ingredients:
  • ¼ cup dry Steel Cut Oatmeal (or quick oats if you want a faster preparation)
  • 1 Honeycrisp Apple (if you have a favorite kind, substitute it)
  • 1 tsp. Coconut Oil
  • Powdered Cinnamon
  • Light Milk
  • Vermont Maple Syrup or Honey


Preparation:
  1. Prepare the Steel Cut oats as directed.  I prepared with water.  Cooking time is approx 25-30 mins.  Quick oats are obviously quicker.
  2. Heat a skillet and add coconut oil.
  3. Cut apple into thin slices.
  4. Once skillet is hot, add apples and sprinkle on cinnamon.  Let cook for approximately 10 minutes.  Flip apples to get a nice sear on both sides.
  5. When the oats are close to done, add a splash (about ¼ cup) of milk to make oats a bit creamier.  Mix and let simmer.
  6. Put oatmeal in a bowl, top with apples and add 1 tsp of Vermont maple syrup or honey.
  7. Enjoy this guilt free version of Apple Pie!

I made this recipe with all organic ingredients, but you can prepare to your liking.

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 301.1
Fat: 5.3 grams
Carbs: 43.8 grams
Fiber: 6 grams
Protein: 4.5 grams

If you have any questions, please email me at TeamFitini@gmail.com.

If you want to join Team Fitini for free and have me as your personal coach, you can do it here:
https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=204731


www.teamfitini.com
www.teamfitini.blogspot.com


Sunday, September 8, 2013

Simple ways to stick with your workout routine (#SimpleSunday) – By Shannon

Deciding to workout is one thing, but actually sticking to it and making it a daily routine is another.  Here are some simple ways to make health and fitness part of your life for the long haul.

Find a workout that you love!  There are endless workouts out there, so find one you really enjoy doing. Once your workout becomes a chore, it will be very hard to find the motivation to keep going.  For example, I don’t really like running very much.  If I decided to run every day as my workout, and do nothing else, I would last about two weeks and then be done with it.  On the other hand, I really like circuit training mixed with weight training – it keeps it interesting for me.  Be honest with yourself about what you like to do, mix it up and try different things.

Find a workout that fits in your life!  If you have a jam-packed schedule, a 2 hour a day workout will likely not work well for you.  And if you do try and squeeze it in, the effort will probably not last long.  There are SO many workouts out there, so find one that works for you.  Can’t seem to get yourself to the gym?  Try an at home workout.  Don’t have a lot of time?  Find a condensed workout that produces great results in a shorter period of time.  I recently started doing Focus T25, and it fits perfectly into my life.  It is only 25 minutes a day/5 days a week, and I can do it in the privacy of my own home.  I never have an excuse not to do it! 

Don’t fixate on the number on the scale!  You are not defined by a number, so stop stressing over it!!  As you lose fat, gain muscle and retain water, that number can fluctuate.  If you are focus only on that, it will do nothing but frustrate you.  Take progress photos and measurements, it will let you better understand the changes that are happening in your body.  As you keep making progress, you can reflect on the pictures of your “old self” and motivate yourself to keep pushing forward.

Eat Clean!  You’ve heard it before, abs are made in the kitchen.  Don’t sabotage your workout efforts by eating a crappy diet.  I strongly suggest you track your food in My Fitness Pal.  It is a great way to understand exactly what you are eating and how it breaks down (macronutrients).  Different macronutrient percentages (protein, carbs, fat) will produce different results – so if you get the right mix you will see results faster.  I’m a strong believer in moderation.  If you eat clean 80% of the time, you have a little more flexibility with the other 20%.  I workout hard and eat pretty clean during the week and then indulge a little more on the weekends. If you see the progress of your hard work, you are much more likely to stick with it!
If you have any questions, please email me at TeamFitini@gmail.com.

If you want to join Team Fitini for free and have me as your personal coach, you can do it here: https://www.teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=204731


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Simple ways to get yourself fit-minded (#Simple Sunday) - By Shannon

Are your workouts feeling like a chore?  Can't seem to motivate yourself to workout?  Here are simple ways to get in touch with your inner fitness freak.

  • Buy new workout gear!  Yes, this really does work.  Get a super cute sports bra, shorts, yoga pants or even a new pair of kicks.  Once you get in your brandy new workout clothes, you are halfway there!
  • Find fitspiration.  Follow health and fitness minded people on social media.  Go on Instagram and search for hashtags like #fitfam, #igfitness, #fitspo or of course #TeamFitini.  Watching other fit-minded people will get you engaged and excited about their progress.  Wouldn't you love to see the same success?  If they can do it, so can you!
  • Find a workout you really like.  All too often, people do workouts that they really don't enjoy. For example, I don't really like running - I never did and likely never will.  I do add running to my workout regimen every now and then, but if running was my only workout, I certainly wouldn't be able to stick to it for the long run.  I love mixing it up, so circuit training programs with variety work well for me.  Try different workouts and find out what you love.  There are so many options out there - classes at your local gym, home fitness programs, recreational sports teams - the choices are endless.  When you find something you enjoy, it will no longer be a chore.  You will actually start to look forward to it!  
  • Join a group and get support.  If you have other fit-minded people around you, your chances of succeeding are much higher.  Find a fit group where you can stay accountable for your workouts, find motivation & support and post the progress photos that you would never dare to post on your personal Facebook account.  The amazing feedback you receive will keep you pushing forward.  If you are interested in joining Team Fitini, you are more than welcome to join my private motivational group.
  • Take progress photos and measurements.  
    One of the best ways to get excited about working out is seeing your progress right before your very own eyes.  Do not rely on the scale, it will do nothing but frustrate you.  Things like muscle gain and water retention can make your weight change.  Take photos of yourself before you start and take progress photos along the way.  Also take your measurements so you can document the actual loss.  When you have a bad day, you can always look back at your photos and remember how far you have come.
  • Earn $$ for becoming healthy! It is true, you can actually cash-in for bettering yourself!  How amazing is that?  

    • There is a new app called GymPact that is an exercise incentive program.  The way it works is you make a "pact" regarding how many days a week you will workout.  Next, you set the stakes and decide how much money you will pay if you DON'T workout.  During the week, you check-in your workouts via your smartphone.  At the end of the week, the money from all the "non-exercisers" is divvied up to the group that stayed committed. Cha-ching!!
    • The Beachbody Challenge is another way to earn from your amazing fitness results.  After you finish your Beachbody program, you can enter your before and after pictures and be eligible to win weekly, monthly, quarterly or the annual grand prize.  Weekly winners get $500 and the annual prize is a whopping $100k!  Even if you don't win, you earn a free t-shirt to prove that you are a Beachbody graduate!
    • By becoming a Team Beachbody coach, you are getting paid to live a healthy and fit life!  You don't have to be a fitness expert or in perfect shape - anyone can become a coach if they simply want to help people become more healthy and fit. Many people start coaching because they are doing the programs themselves and their friends and family start to ask them how they are getting such great results.  If you become a coach, you can be the one to start earning on those referrals.  Click here or email me directly at TeamFitini@gmail.com if you would like to become a Team Fitini Beachbody coach.  I will be your sponsor and personally help you build your own successful at home business!  In addition, you will get 25% off on all Beachbody products.
  • Just do it!  The best way to get fit-minded is just throw your excuses out the window and get moving!  The more you workout, the better you will feel and before you know it you will be looking forward to getting your sweat on!

If you have any questions, please email me at TeamFitini@gmail.com.



Sunday, August 11, 2013

Simply wanting to understand your food (#SimpleSunday) – By Shannon

My story, and why I’m so conscious about what I eat.

During the last few years I have become extremely interested in the food that I consume.  Unfortunately, the food we eat today is very different than what our parents and grandparents ate growing up.  I always considered myself a “healthy” person.  I ate what I thought was good for me (which looking back was not necessarily the best) and never had any health issues.  This changed in the early 2000's when I suddenly started to have allergic reactions.  One incident left me in the hospital on Christmas Day during one of the worst snow storms the East Coast.  It was scary, and I started to really wonder, why all of a sudden am I having these problems?

The hospital recommended I get an allergy test, and I was quite surprised by the results.  I found out I had numerous allergies that I did not have growing up as a child.  Some of the food related allergens included nuts (tree and peanut), peas, carrots, avocado and coconut.  I didn’t understand how I went from someone that could eat whatever they wanted, to someone that now had to worry about how the foods were prepared and exactly what the ingredients were.  It was a tough time for me, and I actually started to develop a bit of anxiety every time I ate out.  I was so afraid that I would have another allergic reaction.  I had a few incidents, but thankfully did not end up back in the hospital.

My health continued to suffer.  I never really felt good and was constantly trying to maintain or lose weight.  I got sucked into the trap of eating a lot of so-called convenient and “healthy” processed foods (think of the healthy options that you can find in the freezer section) and low calorie/no and low sugar alternatives.  I was frustrated, confused and really didn’t know how to make the situation better.

I remember the day when I started to understand what was happening to me. I found a research article that talked about the rise in allergies and other sicknesses being connected with the increase of genetically modified products.  It ALL made sense now - the timing…the food…the allergies.  The food I was eating was making me sick, and it was time to change.  I was on a mission to get back to a healthy place.

Click here for an article that talks about the research and the potential effects of GMO products.

I’m still trying to figure it all out, but I’m in a place now where I’m feeling better than I have in a long, long time.  I try to stay away from processed foods and eat real, nutritious organic foods.  I’m also happy to be able to share this information with others, in the hopes they can avoid some of the problems I've had to deal with.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
GMOs are organisms that have been genetically altered or changed.  Genetically engineered (GE) seeds were introduced commercially in 1996 to develop “Round-up Ready” crops, meaning they are developed to survive the chemicals that are sprayed on them.  In addition, some of the crops are engineered to produce toxins that kill pests.  “According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 70% of processed foods in American supermarkets now contain GE ingredients” (cited from OrganicItsWorthIt.org). GMOs are heavily found in corn, soybean and cotton crops. 

Natural Vs. Organic
Natural does not have a defined and enforced regulation (except for meat/poultry/eggs, where there are some loose guidelines), while organic does.  So called “natural” products may indeed be processed, contain hormones, antibiotics and artificial flavors.

Check out this definition of “natural” from the USDA site:

Natural. As required by USDA, meat, poultry, and egg products labeled as “natural” must be minimally processed and contain no artificial ingredients. However, the natural label does not include any standards regarding farm practices and only applies to processing of meat and egg products. There are no standards or regulations for the labeling of natural food products if they do not contain meat or eggs.

So basically this is telling us that “natural” means absolutely nothing in regard to produce/crops.  In regard to meat, poultry and eggs, a farmer could in theory inject his animals with hormones and feed it GMO feed, but process it in a certain way and be labeled  and marketed as “natural”.  What does this tell us? Be VERY leery of the natural labels.  I’m not saying every “natural” label is going to be a bad product, but every “natural” labeled product isn’t going to be good either.

Another thing I will point out is it is very expensive for a farmer to gain the USDA Organic seal.  So there are many farms that are doing the right thing in terms of growing/producing their animals and crops, but don’t have the money to become certified organic.  There is another non-governmental program called “Certified Naturally Grown” where smaller scale farmers can certify that they are using truly natural methods.   
    
Here is a great guide from the USDA to better understand what the various labels and marketing tactics mean.  It is up to us to educate ourselves, because there is a lot of deceptive marketing happening.

Organic means the production of the food was heavily regulated and they followed the farming or production practices created by the USDA.  Here is the definition from the USDA website:

Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.

If something has the organic seal, it should also be non-GMO.  Here is an article from the USDA that explains this.

Hopefully this helps you to better understand the various types of food that are available and what you should be looking for.  It is so important to be educated about what you are eating, because not everything is good for you.

Sources:

If you have any questions, please email me at TeamFitini@gmail.com.