Stop the YO YO Weight loss and Weight Gain and Get LASTING Results!

Have you ever YO YOed with your weight and results before??? Are you wondering how to find BALANCE between eating healthy but still living it up with your favorite foods? Since so many of you ask how I did it this year losing 21lbs TOTAL since July… READ ON my dear friends:

This past weekend I was SURROUNDED by lovely temptations… (especially Starbucks)… it was NOT EASY at first, and I definitely treated myself to one of those banana chocolate chip bread loaf thingies from Sbux (you know what I'm talking about??) but I held strong 90% of the time. I brought my own food (lentils, brown rice, tangerines, fig bars, almond bars, and salads) and even squeezed in a pretty good workout… and it's not because I'm obsessed with a number on a scale, but because I'm committed to my results… 

I made the mistake before of being lackadaisical after I had great results because I felt entitled to a "treat here and there" << but that became much more frequent than it should have! Lesson learned. If you want the YO YO cycle to STOP, you HAVE to STOP doing the things that tripped you up before, and START doing the things that will move you forward! It's not about taking things out of your diet to drive yourself insane (think balance and once a week cheat treats). BUT it is about eating for the results you WANT… if you want different results, you have to approach it differently then you did before.

I told my coaches this weekend that my transformation was about balance… I still indulged in my In-N-Out and even Phils BBQ for all you local San Diegans  (this is a once a month thing for me, I freakin love burgers) and had my treats here and there, but I remained focused about 90% of the time. I still get to eat and enjoy the foods that I like, and I also get to learn how to make my favorite things healthier. It's a win win> You get to still have your treats here and there (whether thats pizza, wine or burgers), you feel the benefits of being healthy and happy, you see results and you look great. Who wouldn't want that?! Stop the YO YO, find the balance and LIVE it up! Because I love food just as much as you do (maybe even more!)

Here's a few simple steps to RID yourself of the YO YO:

1. It all starts with your MIND. Yeah, you read that right. Your M-I-N-D! Your mind has the power to do anything you ask it to. You need to learn to FOCUS on whats important which is where you are HEADED and the PRESENT moment! Note that when you are focused on the present moment and how you can improve yourself today compared to who you were yesterday, you will always surprise yourself! So start being your biggest cheerleader and coach. Cheer yourself on when you think you can't go anymore, coach yourself when you need to be pushed. Instead of thinking to yourself, "I don't think I'll ever lose the weight, its too hard, I will always be stuck with love handles/big butt/wide hips/chunky thighs/etc" start saying, "I have work to do, and if I wait any longer it will get harder. So I'm going to take advantage of TODAY and make smart choices that honor my goals and my body!" <<< and you will DO IT!! 

2. Make a VERBAL and PUBLIC commitment: Scary right? GOOD you should be nervous,excited, and use that scared feeling and turn into adrenaline to get you going. You are going to need to mentally tough it out on the days you don't want to. My advice, SUCK IT UP. YOU'VE GOT A BODY THAT YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH, STOP TRASHING IT. Tell the people you love, the people who care about you (friends and family) your plans. If they meet you with opposition, say this, " I know you may not understand why I'm doing this, I don't need you to 'get it' I just need you to support me. I need accountability and I want to accomplish ______. I only ask that you are supportive in a positive way!" If they can't get beside or behind you, don't take it personally. This isn't THEIR journey, it's YOURS. It's for YOU. 

3. STOP TRYING TO IMPRESS OTHER PEOPLE. AHH this is my favorite. It's YOUR journey, don't do it to prove someone else wrong. You know what Im talking about. People from high school that may have wronged you, or your college roomies. It's not about them. This is your body, your journey, and these are your goals. If you're always doing something for someone else, you will be left in the negative. Focus on how working out and eating clean makes YOU feel. For once, let it be about YOU. 

4. Get ACCOUNTABLE: Whether you want someone like me ( a Beachbody coach) or a friend, having someone do it with you, well… that makes it WAY MORE FUN!!! And if you're miserable the whole time, what are the odds you are going to stick it out? Truth is, you're going to have HARD days ahead of you. I would be lying if I said it was a cake walk (pun intended). It's not easy, and if you want it to be easy, you don't' want it bad enough. The struggle makes you grateful for what you earn, and you will NOT want to cheat on your results with bad choices. Feel me? So if you want me to coach you through your journey, all you have to do is click here, and then fill this out. That easy! And I love my customers, I want to help you, YES you, the person reading this, achieve your dreams and goals. WHY? Because I was once in your shoes and I NEEDED that help. Do not wait to make a change, you can do  it now! 

I could probably list a zillion steps to do it, but lets start with 4. Lets keep it simple and easier on you. I believe you have what it takes to change, all you have to do is allow yourself to do believe too! 

P90X3 Womens Test Group

Let's talk body image for a sec… how many of you think you have a WARPED view of how you see yourself? I know I did… I've been on both ends of the spectrum. When I was 20lbs heavier than I am now, I didn't realize that I had some LBs to lose, I honestly thought I was in shape. UNTIL I decided to go for a run, and quickly came to the conclusion that 1/4 of a mile is too soon to be THAT out of breath. Anyone feel me? I need Ryan Gosling waiting at the other end if I'm gana be knees to chest high tailing it. 

I've also been on the other end, in great shape but I just wasn't satisfied with what I saw. I had become slightly obsessed… I'm not talking crazy where I would analyze every calorie consumed or burned (that is no offense to you that count, I've seen people who count obsessively and that is what I'm referring to, don't get all worked up!! ) to the point where I couldn't enjoy myself. But I was scrutinizing some of the things that make me..ME! Like that fact that I may have a traffic jam booty, and shorter more muscular legs, and that I've got a long torso and what I call upper ab blocks.

Honestly, the things I use to not particularly like about myself, I 100% embrace now. Dat ass? Squats are my best friend. Short legs--BBL makes them look longer, and hey so does lunging. And sure, abs can be the hardest muscle to get sometimes, but I'm totally happy with them. No more standing in front of the mirror and picking myself apart until I'm miserable. No more jumping on the scale each morning and hoping it would go down. and NO MORE depressed shopping trips because a 00 doesn't fit. I'm cool with my size 3/5. I've got curves, and I'm proud! 

Too many of you beautiful women go around hating on the things that make you unique and gorgeous inside and out. Stop the HATE, embrace the L O V E. I had to put the WORK mentally and physically to find a happy balance among a healthier lifestyle and a healthier body image. And I want to help YOU do the same. It's time more women start seeing themselves as VICTOR not VICTIM. Your body is where you will spend your life, might as well learn to love it for all the amazing things it can do right? So lets get to it!

If you want to follow my journey go here >http://abbymaried.blogspot.com/2013/12/womens-p90x3-before-photos.html 

BUT... if you want to embark on YOUR OWN journey and get some amazing#p90x3results (I'm gunning for some obliques  )AND be apart of my 21 day challenge, then click here>> http://abbymaried.blogspot.com/p/join-bombshell-challenge.html
Join our group here>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/624349700957949/ 

P90X3. Shakeology. Health tips. Fitness advice. Group accountability. Clean eating recipes. Goal setting. Motivational videos. Laser Focus. Prizes. One on One Coaching. My personal ab workouts. Healthy Brownie Mug recipes <<worth joining us right there. Eat Clean Meal Plans. Joining like minded peeps who will encourage your lifestyle change. You know you wana! Click the link above to apply, only 6 spots left! And I will be taking the LAST person Dec. 31st so do not WAIT it will fill up! 
#accountabilitypicture #P90X3beforephoto

Oh, and if you're worried that you'll "bulk" and turn into a she hulk, fear not--I"ve done P90X TWICE and plenty of other "bulky" workouts. If your purse weighs more than your weights, girl we gotta problem! And that's where I come in ;-)

So whatcha waiting for? LETS GO!

DIY Make Up Brush Cleaner

Hey dirty girl. I saw those brushes. I saw your face breaking out. They feel a little heavier. Looks like your makeup is going on in layers of cake.

EEEEKKKKK. HOLD THE PHONE!!! That was my inner monologue to myself this morning… I realized how disgusting my brushes got and I had to stop it. Right. then. and. there.

If you don't have a brush cleaner formula (I had Bare Minerals before, and I've also used regular shampoo) then this is a great alternative, and personally using other methods weren't as effective as this.

This is a super duper easy DIY brush cleaner… I saw a fellow blogger post something similar (a while back and I would give them credit but I cannot remember who it was) and I used what I had to make this…

You Will Need:

• Gentle Dish Soap -- I just used Ajax under the sink
• White Distilled Vinegar
• Water 
• Dirty Brushes<< essential ;-)
• papertowels

Directions:

1. Mix one part vinegar, one part HOT water, and one part soap in a small bowl

2. Place each brush in the bowl and swirl around, use your fingers to massage the bristles 

3. Run under hot water, and rinse the brushes thoroughly until the water runs clear, you may have to empty the bowl if gets too dirty, then put the concotion back in. 

4. Dry on a paper towel lying flat and reshape them with your hands carefully

*I have done this method TWICE and it's shown great results, the bristles don't fall out, the hot water and vinegar strip bacteria, the soap cleans the brush and your face is happier. 

Personally, this formula and method works better than anything I've tried. When I used shampoo it took forever to get the makeup out! This is very quick and efficient! 

Happy Cleaning loves, let that face glow! 

Drugstore Beauty Haul December

So something that never gets old for me is cruising the aisles of any drug store, Wal-Mart, or Target for their killer beauty deals.

I'm a girly girl… as much as I love soccer, the beach, hiking, working out and drinking the occasional beer while bar hopping, I think it's a DUH nowadays that women can tap into ALL of their personality, their interests, and their passions without shame.

Anytime I have to run somewhere to grab a few things, I find myself browsing the "cheapie" makeup sections… but just because its cheaper than most high end brands held at a Sephora doesn't mean it won't get the J-O-B done.

1. Milani Lipstick in Sangria- Fall weather brings darker colors (usually, but I'm determined to keep rocking a few neon pieces to keep things fresh) and I'm O B S E S S E D with this color. A dark lip and lighter eye or simple winged eye liner can do WONDERS for a fall face! 
2. OPI-Lincoln Park After Dark: MY GO TO for nail color. I'm loving the deep purple and black hues that keep this color a year round statement -- class and badass. Two of my favorite styles to rock. 
3. Sinful Colors-Snow Me White: Just because it's fall doesn't mean that white after labor day is still a rule to follow. Rules are meant for breaking right? Nothing says white wonderland and holiday seasons like a gorgeous white nail color. Plus it makes me look tanner than I really am!
4. ELF HD Blush: When I first saw this I sort of scratched my head… HD? I don't even know what that means! But I bought it because it was $3 (hello ELF is the ultimate cheap girl makeup and a lot of works just as good as the top brands). Applying this blush is quite interesting. First you gotta pump that sucker (just a little should come out, too much is TOO MUCH, use sparingly) onto the back of your hand then smooth it out with your finger, then dab your blush brush onto it lightly and apply. Do not go blush happy, this stuff goes on thick. 
5. ELF Angled Contour Brush- My favorite contour brush thus far. This is a GEM. Or dynamite or whatever! But this is a MUST pick up! Great for contouring the nose to look slimmer, the cheeks to be more profound and even works great in the crease of your eyes. LOVE LOVE LOVE, 5stars! 

Have fun saving! 

XO,

Abby

The Scale Doesn't Define You

So sometimes I get these random spurts of "SCREW THE SCALE ITS A TORTURE DEVICE!" and yesterday was one of those days.

Let me tell you ladies something.... the reason I weigh myself is to track progress. That's it. I don't get hung up on the number. If it's higher, that means there's work to be done. If it's lower, that means what I'm doing is working. It's just a way to check in.

And I do it every once in a while (mostly out of curiosity or before a new program I'm starting), not everyday, not every week, and def not AFTER a cheat meal! That would be straight up cruel haha!

So something I shared on my InstaGram (follow me @abbyfix) was this,

"It feels #DAMNGOOD to shop your own closet! I don't care about weight, clothing size or counting calories. I live for FEELING GOOD in my own skin life is too short to walk around UNSATISFIED with not only your physical reflection but also the internal one. I workout because it keeps me #healthy#happy and #sane. I do it for the burn, sweat, mental challenge and physical push. Wouldn't it be nice to slip into some old clothes that were once too tight? #HELLYEAH Ladies stop being concerned with the scale, it's a number that does not define you. I'm not a size 0 and I'm def not trying to get to my lowest weight. I'm trying to reach my highest potential by building LEAN MUSCLE. #strongbody = #strongmindset"

Wouldn't it be nice to not beat yourself up because of a number? Think of it as your bodies credit score... the more you abuse it and don't pay yourself in fitness and eating clean, the lower the credit score/the lower your self esteem.

If you want a high credit score for health and fitness, you have to start making the right choices that lead you to your goal. And they're usually small- choose an apple over chips at Panera, park farther away in the Walmart parking lot and walk, take the stairs at work vs. the elevator, do squats in between chores, stretch in the morning, swap soda for water.

Small healthy choices = ONE big CHANGE! 

If you want a health and fitness coach to keep you accountable message me on FB or email me at abbyfix@me.com Let's get you started right MEOW! Cuz everyone wants to be a sexy kitten in their own way... whether its just feeling and looking good or taking that to the next level and getting RIPPED! But I'm here, ready and waiting to help ya! 

I look forward to your success, 

Abby Marie

Five Home Beauty Remedies

Ah yes... looking good can come with a price tag but it also can be fairly easy and cheap if you know what to grab! Here are FIVE of my beauty at home remedies and secrets!

1. Ice Cube Facial

MHHMM. You heard/read that right! Do this in the morning or before going out! Grab an ice cube and start with under your eyes (clean faces only, no makeup of course), swipe it gently underneath, then take it across your cheeks. Using an ice cube on your face will temporarily diminish dark circles under the eyes, reduce redness in cheeks or acne scars, and make your pores shrink! I love doing this before I go out, it not only wakes me up but makes my face feel tighter and fresh! 

2. Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth

I like to dip a Q-tip in Hydrogen Peroxide then swish it over my pearly whites to whiten them up a bit more. I don't do this all the time, probably once every two weeks. Do it for about 30 seconds to one minute. Most people are worried that it tastes funny, but it doesn't. There's barely any taste at all, and if you do taste something it's similar to whitening strips! 

3. Coconut Oil Hair Mask

DO NOT GO CHEAP on coconut oil. Get the unrefined organic stuff from Trader Joes, Sprouts or Whole Foods! If it's not melted (coconut oil/butter--at room temp its solid, any hotter it will melt), melt in microwave safe bowl then start with your ends! Work your way up by lathering your hair with the coconut oil. I usually use about 2TBSP for my long blonde hair. Leave on for an hour or more. I sometimes will workout or lay out and use the heat from my body or the sun to help it work better. When you rinse it out, shampoo hair twice thoroughly then add conditioner and rinse well! Do once a week! Cover with shower cap if you want, but it really does not leak or run down your face! 

4. Blueberry Yogurt Mask

Been in the sun too long? A little UV damage can really hurt your face, so try an at home mask of your choice. This one is great because the blueberries are a powerful antioxidant that are packed with Vitamin C and E which fend off fine lines. Also the yogurts lactic acid help exfoliate sun damaged skin!

Grab a handfull of blueberries and mash into plain greek yogurt (tbsp), put on face and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off!

5. Shave with Baby Oil and never use lotion again!

I LOVE to shave with baby oil, nothing saves your razor and moisture of your legs like shaving with baby oil! It only costs about $2-3 at WalMart and is WELL worth it! Just use a quarter size amount for each leg and a dime size for your bikini line. The best SHAVE EVER. Trust me, I've been doing it for over two years and can't go back to shaving cream or soap. Closest and smoothest shave of your life, promise!