Excitement is in the Air!!

do you feel that?!?!  can you feel the electricity in the air today?  oh i can!!  see today is the DAY people!!  today is the day Asylum 2 comes out!  i am super excited about this for so many reasons but the biggest being this has launched the day for 2 new Challenge Groups i'm hosting!  they are filing up FAST too!

what is a Challenge Group?  well, simply put is a great support group!  it's a group of 5-10 people all starting a fitness program and lifestyle change all at the same time.  i help motivate y'all and we talk about our daily challenges; wether they be eating right, drink enough water, finding time to workout, issues with a certain workout, or whatever.  we all go through the program day by day with one another.  everyone is working towards a common goal; becoming a fitter person and a healthier person!  there is no success without support :-)

i am running 2 Challenge Groups that start in November.  the first one is a 120 Day program i've named "The Road to the Asylum!"  we will start by loosing our minds with 60 days of Insanity.  this is a great program that helps you on your road to becoming an athlete! if you are just starting to workout this program is for you!  just as we think we are sane we realize it was all a joke and batty, so we must bust out of the Asylum for 30 days!  Asylum is a hard core workout and a great way to just see the fat peel off of you.  after Asylum you will be a new person but soon realize that you still have one more wing in the Asylum to get through with Asylum2!  Asylum2 is a hardcore workout and a great advanced program that comes out TODAY!!  ShaunT is a hardcore motivator and a wonderful person to invite into your home to help you train.  for a special treat, Apolo Ohno is in Asylum2!

my second Challenge Group has been dubbed "Busting out of the Asylum" and is a 60 day program consisting of Asylum and Asylum2.  this group is for those who are in a little better shape (maybe you've already done Insanity, P90X or have been working out for a while) or those who just like to jump in for a challenge from day one!

either way each of these Challenge Groups are going to be a BLAST but they are filing up FAST!  do one of these groups call out to you?  let me know via Twitter, Facebook or here and i would be glad to give you more information.  but don't wait to long because i have less than 5 slots between them both!!

have a thrilling thursday y'all *waves*

Why I Decided to Become a Beachbody Coach

i  realize many of you don't really know me in real life, so you haven't seen my struggle with weight, and figuring out a healthy lifestyle through the years.  so i decided to do a quick video to tell all y'all just WHY i decided to become a Team Beachbody Coach.  it's not about the money.......it's about helping people.  helping YOU figure out what it takes to be fit, healthy and happier in your daily life.

enjoy and i hope y'all are having a terrific tuesday!

3 Day Cleanse Challenge

i am super excited to announce that i can now offer y’all a wonderful way to not only try Shakeology, but clean out your body as well.  how?  by offering you a 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse Pack.  i know there are a lot of detox programs out there (and i’ve tried many of them) but i can honestly say that i’ve never had the results like i have from Shakeology.  before i get to the results both my husband and i had; let me explain the benefits and reasons why everyone should do a cleanse at least a few times a year.

why do a cleanse:  simply put; we live in a toxic world and are surrounded by chemicals, poor quality foods, and pollution on a daily basis.  all of these toxins enter our bodies, and although our liver (and other organs) work hard to remove toxins, it can become overloaded.  once toxins get backed up your body can become sluggish; you may experience a lack of energy, weight issues, and other health problems.  cleansing is not something new; in fact people have been doing it for centuries.  when you do a cleanse it helps give your body a break and provides it with the nutrients it needs to get back to its peak.  many doctors believe you should cleanse regularly but how often is a personal preference.  some people like to do it with the changing of the seasons or just every 6 months. 

cleanse benefits:  why you choose to complete a 3 day cleanse with Shakeology is up to you, but a number one reason is to lose weight.  the overage weight loss is 5-7lbs.  that’s pretty impressive if you think about shedding that much gunk over a weekend.  not only is weight loss a benefit but many people noticed increased energy levels, better skin, and just improved overall health and wellness.  

my personal experience:  both hubby and i have tried the 3 day cleanse.  i was worried that my milk supply would go down fasting but since it’s safe to do water fasting while nursing i figured Shakeology is WAY more beneficial than just water for 3 days!  not only did my supply not diminish but it increased by the second day!  i had tons of energy as well, my digestive tract got on track, my skin tone evened out, and i lost 5lbs!  i wasn’t trying to loose the weight i just wanted to flush my system since i have not done any for of cleanse since right before i became pregnant with BabyL almost 2 years ago.  i like to flush my system with the changing of the seasons but i was leery on what i could do while breastfeeding BabyL.  so as soon as summer rolled around i did my cleanse.  hubby came home and noticed how great i looked, and how much energy i had, so he wanted to try it too.  i set him up on a duty day and off he went!  he was very skeptical and VERY surprised after just the first day.  hubby lost 8lbs, several inches and gained so much more!  he finally found the energy that was missing for many months.  he started craving whole clean foods again.  he was sleeping great again.  he just finally felt whole again.  he told me after it was all done that now he craves Shakeology because of this cleanse.  he feels so much better now and has kept the weight off (so have i) which was great motivation for him to get back into the healthy lifestyle he’s been longing for.  

what is the 3 day cleanse:  you are still getting to eat, all day long in fact, but it’s a little less planing and thought on your part for a few days :-)    the 3 day cleanse is very easy if you think about it in a 3-2-3 rule.  what’s the 3-2-3 rule?  well here it is:

• 3 Shakeology shakes per day 
• 2 snacks per day (can be fruit)
• 2 cups of green tea per day
• 2L (or more) of water a day
• Dinner is a salad with 2c of fresh greens and 3oz of lean white grilled protein (fish or poultry) per day

now you may not loose weight on the cleanse but you will clean all that backed up gunk in your system, and isn’t that what we are all about here?  aren’t we all just trying to get on the path to a healthier lifestyle?

when you order your challenge pack from me you will receive: all the Shakeology you need for the program, a Shakeology shaker bottle, detailed instructions, individual support from me, and a special surprise gift!  all of this is delivered to your door for $55 and free shipping!!  so what are you waiting for?  let’s get this party started!!  i already have a few people ready to do a 3 day cleanse in November, so you won't be alone!  do you want to join the challenge group too?  let me know here via comments, email, Twitter, or FaceBook if you are interested because you can only order these 3 day cleanse challenge packs directly through me!  let's get healthy together people!

hope y'all have a stellar saturday *waves*

Fun Friday

oh looky, looky what day it is!!  it's another round of FUN FRIDAY people!!  there is a cool crispness in the air the last few days here in WA and i can't WAIT to get out there and enjoy it with my kids today!  each week, on FUN FRIDAY, i challenge y'all.   i want y'all to get out there and do something that makes you smile, laugh, and just enjoy life today!  it doesn't have to be anything big, because remember that even baby steps are steps in the right direction.


if you're stumped for ideas here you go:
grab some chalk and start drawing on the sidewalk
go pick some apples
go for a walk along the shoreline
take your dog for a run
play board games, or cards with your family
go attend a live concert
find a farmers market today and walk around
throw together a pot-luck with some neighbors
treat yourself to some frozen yogurt

see the possibilities are ENDLESS!  just get out there and do something that makes you smile ladies and gentlemen :-)

here's a fun friday song for y'all:




tomorrow is Shakeology Saturday, and my RockStar ShoutOut!  If you want to be included in my RockStar ShoutOut tomorrow go find me on Twitter, MyFitnessPal, FaceBook, or even on TeamBeachBody and say "I was a fitness/healthy RockStar because........."  as i always say; even baby steps are steps in the right direction.  so did you drink your water goal once this week?  did you eat cleaner this week than last?  did you get in 3 workouts instead of 2 this week?  did you loose .25lb this week?  did you run a marathon this last week?  did you stick to your calories all week long?  did you get enough sleep all week long to help repair your body?  see, it doesn't take much and every little bit counts.  so what are you waiting for?  let me know so i can add you to my RockStar ShoutOut on saturday!   in honor of Shakeology Saturday i have a special treat planned for y'all tomorrow so stay tuned!

this friday i've decided to join in on a few blog hops (the more the merrier right?), so if you've found me through one of them welcome!  be sure to let me that you stopped by and what you think of Healthy Ambition.  if you have your own blog why not link up to this great people: Posh on a Budget, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, and and An Island Life.  

have a FABULOUS FRIDAY y'all *waves*

Fun Friday

around our house we celebrate Fun Friday each week.  during the school year it's a little more exciting.  see, we homeschool so Fun Friday means that we will do our tests for the week and then it's fun time!!  we will play board games, watch movies, go on hikes or anything else the kid with the highest test score chooses.  it's a GREAT way to kick off the weekend and lead us into family day on saturday.  i like to challenge everyone of you to try something fun and new this awesome Fun Friday!  make it something that motivates you to get fit and/or eat healthy!

here are some ideas:

• go on a hike
• jump rope
• flash light tag
• find new cookbook to try out 
• go to the beach
• Zumba
• go on a nature walk
• swing
• play hopscotch 
• go to a museum and learn something new

the possibilities are endless!!  today the kids and i will be going on a bike ride (it's our new family obsession) and then the hubby and i will be going to a work function where we get to get all dressed up and go dancing after dinner!  fun times in our house today!!

have a FANTASTIC FRIDAY y'all!!

Thirsty Thursday

hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  water, water, water!  i say this so often to people (including my own family) more often than i'd like.  water is so important to our bodies and keeping our over all health up.  i really believe that water is the most important food group :-)

last night i was reading through my Anatomy book and it was discussing the importance of water to our cells and it got me thinking.................how many people really don't understand how critical water is to their bodies?  so that's what we are going to talk about this morning!

did you know:

• your brain is composed of 95% water
• your blood is 82% water
• your lungs are nearly 90% water
• a 2% drop in body water can cause a (small) critical shrinkage of the brain

read that last fact again.................i'll give you a second.............that's right boys and girls  not drinking enough water can shrink your brain!!  WHAT?!?!?!  yes mild dehydration can cause fatigue and that cloudy mind you may sometimes get.  many people get an afternoon slump; where they feel run down, sleep and just not with it.  some grab an energy drink.  some go for a cup of coffee, and others (the smart ones) go for water.  when my kids complain of no energy in the afternoon i tell them to go drink a big glass of water and almost instantly they are their old self again!  why am i making such a big deal about this?  well, it's estimated that 75% of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration.

symptoms of chronic dehydration:

• fatigue
• constipation
• acid-alkaline imbalance
• excess weight/obesity
• high cholesterol
• digestive disorders
• urinary infection
• premature aging

and to think this can all be avoid by just drinking your water!  there are some common causes for water loss: caffeine (though there is now debate over this), alcohol, stress, hot weather, increased sodium intake, and increased physical activity.  now that i've given you all the scary things about not drinking enough water let's talk about water and the benefits it holds for you and your health :-)

  the good things about water:      

• aids in circulation
• reduces risk of disease; decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%
• build muscle & increase tone; remember they are made mostly of water
• increases energy; basic science-water is the medium in which all energy reactions take place
• reduces fluid retention; crazy i know but he MORE water you drink the less you retain because the less your body receives it thinks there is a threat to survival and begins to horde it all (water retention)
• healthier body & mind; it's essential for nutrient absorption and can improvement in memory
• healthier joints; synovial fluid reduces friction between cartilage in joints and contains *gasp* water
• healthier skin; when properly hydrated your skin plumps up and you may notice less wrinkles
• healthier digestive system; helps metabolize food, healthy urinary tract, helps move waste
• weight loss; natural appetite suppressant, increases the body's ability to metabolize stored fat

so let me ask you this; are you drinking enough water?  why not?!?!?!  believe me when i say i drink my water (almost) all the time!  since i am still nursing and i work out i drink a LOT............around 4L and some days even more.  i walk around with my awesome pink water bottle (it matches my hair haha) and sip on it all day long.  if you aren't tracking your water yet why not start doing it today.  you may be surprised what may happen to your body and your mind if you are drinking enough water.  aim for 2-3L and you may find yourself with more energy, a smaller appetite and a smaller waistline in no time!  if you'd like you can go here and it's a pretty niffty calculator to help you figure out how much water you should drink too!  i suggest getting a water bottle that holds .75L or a full liter because then you only have to drink 2 or 3 "cups" vs. a whole bunch.  it's that mind over matter thing, ya know?

well, i hope y'all have a terrific thursday and stay hydrated!!

Bring It!!

if you ever worked out with me, talked to me about starting a challenge group, discussed getting fit with me or anything else that might be deemed "challenging" you've heard me say "well let's bring it" or "lets do this!"  i love a challenge and it was time for me to challenge myself with my fitness program.  i have done BrazilButtLift, TurboFire and a hybrid of those programs since November last year.  those programs have helped me go from 168 to 145 and loose over 15inches.  don't get me wrong, i am MORE than happy with my results.  i am smaller, tighter, fitter, and healthier than i have EVER been in my adult life (thank you Team BeachBody) but i knew it was time for a change.  so i jumped on the P90X bandwagon!

click this picture for more information!

i bought this program years ago for myself and my hubby.  he never finished it (but saw some great results) and i never started it.  as i pulled the discs out and stared at the intimidating black and grey label i said to myself "nothing to it! you can do it!" and that was THAT and i began my P90X adventure!  I am now coming up towards the end of week 2 and i LOVE it!  i am doing the lean program because i am interested in seeing just how lean i can get my body.  after 3 kids your body composition changes; your hips and rib cage tend to get larger and never seem to go back *booo* but i am pretty happy with the small results i have seen so far.  i will tell you one thing P90X ain't no joke!!

i know i'm in good shape but it made me feel like the total opposite!  you know you've had a kick butt workout when you CAN NOT hold your abs in when you walk around later that day lol  it's just another chapter in my fitness life :-)  if you have ever done P90X what did you think?  hard/challenging or not, it should come to no surprise that i have fallen head over heals for this program!!

here is my starting point as of last week:

Weight- 147lbs

Waist- 27.8

Hips- 38

Chest- 37.4

Bicep R/L- 11.8/11.5

Thigh R/L- 20.5/20.8

Body Fat- 18.4%

here is my goal at the end of P90X:

Weight- 140lbs

Waist- 25

Hips- 36 

Chest- 36

Bicep R/L- 10/10

Thigh R/L- 18/18

Body Fat- 17%

as you can see, i have some symmetry issues that i am hoping P90X will help me with.  i have no real goals because i am happy with where i am at body composition wise.  but i did put in goals over at W.O.W.Y. SuperGym (the same as i just posted here.  you can always follow and cheer me on at MyFitnessPal, W.O.W.Y. SuperGym, Twitter (oh and i have the awesome cool new profile so if nothing else go check that out!) and/or Facebook.