Wednesday, July 16, 2014

What can you accomplish in 3 days?

What can you accomplish in 3 days?

If you are like me, sometimes parties and celebrations can get the best of you, and your clean eating habits can willingly or unwillingly fall to the way side.  Well after a week long vacation, my body was ready for a little reset, so I was happy to embark on the 3 Day Refresh!

What is the 3 Day Refresh?

The 3-Day Refresh is 3-day program of specially formulated shakes, healthy snacks, and delicious, easy-to-prepare meals that have been scientifically designed to help you lose weight and break the cycle of bad eating while dramatically improving the way you feel!

Despite my love of meat and cheese, I knew that I could commit to a vegetarian diet since it was only 3 days, and my body was begging for a "detox".  I timed the Refresh with the start of a new, low impact workout, so I was giving my entire body, inside and out, a break.

The Refresh is the perfect 3 day cleanse because it includes enough protein and fiber to support your metabolism and your active lifestyle.  No need to starve yourself or do a mini fast or juice cleanse, thanks to this awesome program.

Meal Prep for 3 days was easy, as I had a list of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from, and I could see the recipes were quick and easy.


Vanilla Fresh with Raspberries

The Refresh introduces a high-protein shake called Vanilla Fresh and a digestive drink called Fiber Sweep, along with healthy plant-based recipes.  I tried the Vanilla Fresh a few different ways, once with fresh raspberries, once with blueberries, and once with my allocated 'good fat' of Almond Butter,  blended with water and ice.  I was still able to eat some of my favorite foods, including Shakeology, which is my go-to breakfast meal, I would truly be lost without my Shakeology.  For the purpose of the Refresh, I switched to the Vegan formula for these 3 days.
Cucumber Tomato Salad





My favorite Refresh meal was the tasty cucumber tomato salad, which I could easily eat every day!







I'm becoming a big fan of cauliflower, especially when it's spicy, so I wanted to experiment with the steamed veggies recipe.  I made it my own signature dish by adding chili powder, Italian seasonings and a sprinkle of slivered almonds to the broccoli, cauliflower coconut oil recipe.  Next time I will add even more chili powder.


Most people who do a short cleanse or reset are looking for some physical changes, and I confess I'm no different! :)  I took my before and after pictures and measurements, and here's the results.   Typical Refresh users are seeing about 5 pounds lost, which is a significant change in your body in just 3 days.



BEFORE, 127 LBS

AFTER, 123 LBS


Just remember, the 3 Day Refresh is not a 'hall pass' to eat to excess, and forget your healthy eating habits. But it is a great way to refocus your body and do a quick cleanse as needed, such as quarterly or before a special event!


If you want to know more about the 3 Day Refresh or want to reset your body in a more focused way with the 21 day Ultimate Reset, contact me to hear more!

And for everyone who has been asking where to get their kit, grab yours at www.altweinfitness.com

Monday, April 21, 2014

What's all this buzz about Health & Fitness coaching?

Become a Beachbody Coach

It Could be a Life Changing Decision.


When I first began my health and fitness journey, I had no idea what becoming a Beachbody Coach would mean to me.  I was an avid drinker of Shakeology and had started to fall in love with the workouts (such as Insanity and Turbo Fire), but still didn't see the bigger picture.  But over time, I realized my commitment to fitness and my natural inclination to share that and help others made me a perfect coach.  I'm naturally an excitable, animated, person.  If I try a new hand soap and love it, everyone will know about it.  So of course everyone started to hear about my fitness transformation and the amazing team at Beachbody.

There are so many people looking for a solution to their weight problems, lack of energy, or poor eating habits.  Being a part of the solution and being able to offer real solutions to them and build relationships while helping people change their lives is the best feeling in the world.  I am so blessed to have met my own coach and started on my personal fitness journey, in order to then help others.

But what exactly is all this buzz about Beachbody coaching?  Let me first share what our awesome CEO Carl Daikeler has to say...


What is the Coach Business Opportunity?

It’s a unlimited income opportunity that lets you turn weight loss and personal growth into income. In order to make money, all you have to do is let people know about getting fit and losing weight with Beachbody’s best-selling line of products. You succeed by helping others succeed, and sharing what you have learned.   Some coaches are part time and other have been able to grow their business and create a full time income!

My team of coaches the Wellness Warriors are a unique group of motivated individuals who provide support, motivation and encouragement to people on a daily basis to help them achieve the health and fitness goals. What I love about our team is how diverse we all are, and how combined we are truly more than our individual contributions.  We are NOT just any team… We are FAMILY.  We share and grow from each others’ strengths.  It feel fantastic to be a part of something bigger than yourself!


Why did I become a coach?

Becoming a Beachbody Coach has changed my perspective on life, and what it means to live a healthy and balanced life. I started Beachbody as a customer drinking Shakeology and then joining a Challenge Group doing Insanity.  I rose to the challenge of being accountable and soaked up all the support offered, and soon I was the one inspiring and motivating others.  I loved the support and the education on true proper nutrition and wellness that I received during my first challenge group, that I finally decided to become a Coach myself.
As others turned to me for support and advise, that’s when it clicked:  I can inspire others just by getting healthy and fit, plus I can get paid for it.  It was truly a win-win opportunity and I couldn't have found a business opportunity that was a more perfect fit for me.
I learned that the best way to stay motivated and get in shape fast is by doing it with a community of others who have the same goals as you. I am now in the best shape of my life while building a business that will give me the opportunity to achieve all my dreams and goals.  
I have found a new passion for health and fitness and have never felt better. The best part of Team Beachbody coaching is, you don't have to try to sell that miracle pill, extreme diet, or a whole lot of vitamins you probably don’t need, this is for real.  Nothing in this program is easy, you have to work for it, and results are truly possible to those who put in the effort. 

What a Beachbody coach is NOT
Being a Beachbody Coach isn't a Get Rich Quick Scheme. It is hard work and you get out the effort you put in. So if you aren’t willing to put in the time and effort you aren’t going to succeed. Are you ready to change your life and the lives of countless others?  
5 Reasons NOT to be a Beachbody Coach
1. If you’re not willing to lead a healthy lifestyle. You have to DECIDE to be a product of the product.
2. You like to hang on to the Past and make Excuses for not being your Best.
3. You are not willing to COMMIT in the work to be successful and make your dreams come true for you and your Family.
4. If you don’t care about helping others achieve their personal goals.
5. If your only goal is to make money fast. You need to have a passion to SUCCEED!

Reasons to become a Beachbody Coach


 If you think you want to join my team, email me 
 Or just get started by clicking COACH from my page www.altweinfitness.com

Best,
 Karen Altwein, Independent Team Beachbody Coach
 FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS

Coach FAQ:

Q: How do I become a  Beachbody coach myself?
A:  All you have to do to become a Beachbody coach is to contact me via email (look to the right of this page) or call my business cell: 949-466-3963.  I will answer any questions you may have, give you more detailed information and supply you with the link to sign up at my website (www.altweinfitness.com). It takes a few minutes!

Q: How much time do I have to dedicate in order to be a Beachbody coach?
A: It all depends on what you want to get out of it!

Q: What are some of the benefits when I become Beachbody Coach?
A:  You have the opportunity to help others get into shape and live a healthier lifestyle.
·         You receive 25% off all Beachbody products.
·         You own your own online fitness and nutrition store.
·         You are not responsible for shipping or inventory.  (if you do want to purchase products for your own use or resale, you get them at a 25% discount).
·         You have UNLIMITED income potential.
·         You are a personal business owner.
·         You are connected to an entire team of experts on health and fitness that won’t let you fail.
·         Access to marketing materials and guidance on how to build your business.
·         You can earn free trips. 

Q: How much does it cost to become a Beachbody coach?
A: *There is a ONE TIME $39.95 fee.  This charge is waived if you sign up with a challenge pack or you or your spouse is active military. There are NO contracts!
*Then there is monthly charge of $15.95 starting the following month, for your hosting fees. Beachbody gives you three canned websites where you can do some minor personalization. One site is a Beachbody coach site , one is a specialized Shakeology site and the third is your Ultimate Reset Site. 
*To remain an active coach you need to have a Personal Volume (PV) of 50 points per month. Purchasing a month’s supply of Shakeology (at a 25% discount) is 90PV for example and you’re done. I agree with Team Beachbody’s methodology that you need to use their product in order to be able to explain the benefits of the research they have done. 

Q: Do I have to have a great transformation to become a Beachbody coach?
A: No!  You have to have a passion for helping others and the desire to succeed.  I know many coaches who have become coaches right as they are starting their first program!  You are able to relate to others and go through your life transformations together  One of the benefits of being a coach is getting Shakeology at 25% discount!

Q: What if I’m not very knowledgeable about fitness?
A: This is not a problem! You don’t need to be a fitness or weight-loss expert to become a Beachbody Coach. You just need to be ready to commit to changing your life and inspiring others to do the same.  It is important to be a product of the product! There are plenty of tools in the coach online office that will help you out.  We also have an amazing team of coaches in TEAM VICTORY that will help teach you everything you need to know to become a great coach and their is ME, as your personal coach, I will be there to guide you!  You don’t have to start coaching alone!  I will provide you with the tools to succeed at your own business. 

Q: Will I get the proper training?
A: Beachbody has an excellent training program called the Game Plan, which you will learn when you sign up as a coach. I will help teach you the plan!  We have constant training groups.  A wealth of information!  Seriously!  Too much! 

Q: How does Beachbody promote its products?
A:We spend millions of dollars every week advertising our home fitness programs on the major TV stations and cable networks. (You’ve probably seen our famous infomercials for programs such as P90X, Turbo Jam, and T25, as well as our magazine and Internet ads.) Millions of people already know about Beachbody, and every time we run an infomercial, we get thousands of new customers. We want those customers to shop through your store (website), so you get the commission on those sales!

Q: How Do I earn money? 
A: You get paid weekly commissions when people buy Beachbody products and Team Beachbody Club memberships through your personal website. You can also earn cash bonuses based on your team’s sales.


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Addiction: If the definition fits, wear it proudly!

ad·dic·tion

[uh-dik-shuh n]  
noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming

I confess, I'm addicted to living a healthy lifestyle! I'm addicted to exercise, clean eating, and self improvement. And I embrace the fact that the definition of addiction indicates it's habit-forming! My fitness addiction was like a high-speed train, I was introduced to Shaun T's Insanity and after conquering that, I was up for anything. And I developed a bit of a weight problem, buying more and more gear for strength training and weight lifting!
 
 
 
My nutrition journey was more gradual... I started out with simple calorie counting, which is the gateway drug to cleaner eating, and then actually developing a slight interest in cooking, and before I knew it, I was making complicated but delicious meals from scratch and talking about my favorite recipes as if I were actually a cook.   The great thing about surrounding myself with healthy friends is the never ending stream of new and delicious recipes I'm exposed to!
 
Once working out became a daily habit, correction, a daily requirement, of course I had to have new gear to support it!
 
 
 
And to top it off I started running, and we all know about the related gear addictions that go with that (My Running Post)
 
Being a health & fitness addict is the greatest gift I've given myself, and I don't intend to cure myself anytime soon!  
 
 
 
 
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Clean Eating Chicken Enchiladas

I have a serious love of Mexican food, but I don't love the extra fat or calories in most traditional Mexican food.  So, I typically only enjoy a burrito or enchilada as a treat meal (although I really loved the Southwestern Veggie Tacos on the Ultimate Reset, and have re-calibrated my thoughts about corn tortillas, since they are pretty healthy as long as they are not fried).

My mouth is watering just writing this post, these low-fat Chicken Enchiladas are beyond delicious.  



Low-fat Chicken Enchiladas
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 enchilada Calories: 159.5 • Fat: 5.9 g • Protein: 16.2 g • Carb: 17.8 g • Fiber: 8.3 g 


The hardest part of cooking for me is recipe prep, and making sure I have all the ingredients, and have planned the side dishes to complete the meal.  Once I had them all assembled, I was ready to go!

Ingredients:
For the sauce:
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-2 tbsp chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
  • 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 cup fat free chicken broth
  • kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
For the chicken: 
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 8.5 oz (2 breast halves) cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 8 (7-inch) reduced carb whole wheat flour tortillas (La Tortilla Factory) 
  • 1 cup shredded low fat Mexican cheese
  • non-stick cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions or cilantro for topping


I whipped up some plain chicken breasts and shredded them up, since there are so many spices and strong flavors, I just left them plain with a touch of black pepper.  Once they go into the pan with all the other ingredients, it smells delicious! The first time I served this dish to my family, they found it to be too spicy, so I only used 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chipotle chilis in adobe sauce, but it still smelled pretty fragrant aka spicy! 



Directions:
In a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté garlic. Add chipotle chilis, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Set aside until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic on low until soft, about 2 minutes. Add chicken, salt, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chili powder, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Spray a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Put 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it.  Place on baking dish seam side down, top with sauce…  Then top with cheese.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes.Top with low fat sour cream or scallions if you wish. Makes 8 enchiladas.

The package has 10 tortillas, and I may have used a little more chicken (didn't measure it), so the recipe actually makes 10 enchiladas.  I served mine with some homemade guacamole (with the famous Tucker avocados), salsa, and mock-sour cream (fat free greek yogurt).

Excuse me now while I go devour a couple of these! 

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Monday, January 27, 2014

A crowd pleaser: Quinoa Omelet Breakfast Cups

On my last project, I would bring a huge batch of these into work on Monday morning, and they would be gone by noon.  Those who flew in later missed out, and I got requests to bring more each week.  I adapted this recipe from a Vegan recipe I found on the internet at DAMY Health:  quinoa-omelette-breakfast-cups.



Quinoa Omelette Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 10 Minutes – Cook time: 40 Minutes – Total time: 50 Minutes.
Yield: 24 Mini Cups or 12 Regular Cups (+ 1 Ramekin)

I use Quinoa in 2-3 recipes each week, so I like to cook a large batch of it in the rice cooker at the start of the week.





I quickly assemble the other ingredients which I have altered over time to just the perfect combination of deliciousness, and toss them all into a bowl together!

Once I have the quinoa, diced assorted bell peppers, red onions, egg whites whipped with 2 eggs, pancetta, salt and pepper combined, I stir it well and spoon into the muffin pan.














Ingredients:
  • 2 Cups Cooked and Cooled Quinoa
  • 1 Cup Egg Whites
  • 2 Whole Eggs
  • 1 Cup Mixed Bell Peppers
  • 1 Cup Diced Onions
  • 1 Cup Diced Pancetta (I love to buy the diced Pancetta from Trader Joe's)
  • 1/2 Cup Reduced fat Mexican Cheese Blend
  • 1/4 Tsp Garlic Salt or Himalayan Sea Salt
  • Pepper 
Directions:

  1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 F.
  2. Place eggs and egg whites in a bowl and whisk until blended.
  3. Stir in veggies, meat, spices, cheese and quinoa (all other ingredients).
  4. Spray your muffin tin with a healthy, non-stick cooking spray.
  5. Scoop quinoa omelette mixture evenly into muffin tins.
  6. Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
  7. I had left-over mixture so I took a ramekin, filled it up with the rest and baked it alongside the muffins. It was the perfect breakfast to reheat for the next day.
  8. Remove from oven and let completely cool in muffin tin.
  9. Using a knife release the edges of the omelette cups and remove.
  10. Serve and enjoy!
Breakfast Cups in my mini scone pan



I find the edges turn out a bit cripsier in a traditional muffin pan, which I enjoy, but the triangle shapes from the mini scone pan are rather pleasing to the eye.


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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Are you looking for your body's reset button?

Cleanses and juicing seems to be all the rage these days.  Everywhere I go, I see cleanse packages and juice bundles, and I've heard of people spending at least $200 a month on juices.  Everyone is hopping on the juicing and cleansing bandwagon.  

This Shape Magazine article outlines the key components of a healthy non-juice reset:  your-non-juice-detox
  •        Make a clean break
  •          Eat only whole foods
  •          Keep meals simple
  •          Eat slower
  •          Eat on a regular schedule
  •          Listen to your body
  •          Have 3 clean-eating meals and 1 snack each day

I agree with these basics, and the Beachbody Ultimate Reset takes these concepts to the next level, by introducing the perfect supplements to balance the body’s chemistry, remove toxins and reset digestion, and rejuvenate your health, in a 3 phase approach (3 week period).  It also includes the entire meal plan and recipes and shopping lists to take the guess work out of it. For more info on the Ultimate Reset, visit my page MyUltimateReset  or contact me at KAREN for more information!

I was getting great results with my workout programs and Shakeology, but couldn’t lose that last tiny bit of stubborn stomach bulge, so after talking to friends who had completed the reset with awesome results, I decided to give it a try.   What I found was: amazing new recipes, a new love of cooking, and a healthier and skinnier me than I had never known before!


Because a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll share my ultimate reset story in photos. 


Homemade Miso Soup
 In week one I discovered I could cook! I made Miso soup for the first time, and also fell in love with making homemade salad dressings, and toasting my own pumpkin seeds for salads.  So easy and so delicious, and all natural ingredients.
The Southwest Veggie Taco was delicious

Nori Rolls - look I made Sushi!
 I was beyond thrilled with myself when I made Nori rolls, and not only did they turn out well, they were delicious.  I have since inspired other friends to make their own sushi rolls at home.

I enjoyed delicious Stir Fried veggies
I didn't have to give up my healthiest meal of the day during the reset either, as Vegan Shakeology is one of the foods on the reset.



Yummy Root Vegetable Medley

I didn't love every new food that I tried on the reset, it's clear that beets will never be a staple in my kitchen, but I stuck to the meal plan and didn't cheat or substitute foods, so that I could expand my palette and get the full benefit of the reset and the recipes. 


Week 2 Meals
Week 2 introduced one of my favorite recipes from the entire reset, the sweet potato and roasted red pepper soup.  I adore that soup! I even served it to friends who would come over for dinner, yes my friends got to eat like they were on the reset too, except they got a cocktail with dinner.    The reset does not include alcohol, and I gave it up for the full 21 days, even during my sister's Birthday weekend.  I was the gal at the bar chugging her mineralized water! 


the Zucchini Cashew soup from week 1 was another favorite, and I amazed myself at how domestic I was, whipping up healthy and delicious soups and salad dressings like nobody's business!





Completing the Ultimate Reset was satisfying on many levels, and my results of losing 8 pounds, when I was already at my goal weight, only goes to show that sometimes you do need to Push The Reset Button! 




In 21 days, through clean eating and a natural cleanse, I went from 122.2 pounds to 114.6 pounds, and had never felt better!





Post Reset - Feeling my best ever!