7 Day Shakeology Giveaway!

Two years ago I created the group Made to Motivate on Facebook to keep myself accountable and on track to reach my weight loss goals. Not only did I reach them, I came farther than I ever imagined and have stayed on track (with ups and downs along the way) the entire time! I have met hundreds of people around the world and connected in a way that I never expected over the internet with people who have struggled over the years with weight gain, dieting, nutrition and health. It's nice to know that I have friends that will always support me on this journey. 

I am so proud of the achievements that been made, goals that have been reached, and the positive support and encouragement I see everyday in this group.

To celebrate YOU and all you've done to build this community, I'm doing a giveaway!

Winner will receive SEVEN serving packs of Shakeology, your choice of available flavors (you can mix & match.)

Contest will be open until Monday night, with a random winner to be selected and announced Tuesday.

I do have samples available for purchase using Paypal, just send me a message! Due to customs restrictions, I can only ship this to people within the U.S. (sorry to those of you who aren't!).

If you aren't a part of our awesome group, request to join here and feel free to send me a message and share a little about your fitness journey with me so we can get started! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The long wait is over! Max 30 is now available as a challenge pack in the Team Beachbody site! These have been highly anticipated and as many people know, programs that are this popular are likely to sell out fast! Get yours TODAY! 

Is Max 30 for you? 

Anyone can do Max30 for multiple reasons. 

1. There's a modifier. 

Modifying is not a disease-you can move slowly, focus on form, build muscles, and your cardio will improve much faster compared to doing a move not 100%. 

2. Added Bonus

There's a new feature where you can lock the screen and view the modifier the entire workout! No more pausing, rewinding, trying to figure out how to modify. 

The modifiers are Scott Blocker and Danielle Katz

Scott wanted to modify b/c he wanted males to know that they can stay in shape and still get great results. 

Danielle Katz got better modifying b/c the load on legs and chest lasts longer because you are modifying. Shaun T modifies and he still maxes out. 

3. Go at your own pace

It doesn't matter where you are starting, If it's your first workout or you've been in shape your entire life. Go at your own pace, take a break, write down your time and get back to it. Get better every day! 

For people who have done Insanity, Asylum, P90X and other extreme workouts-you're not only working out, you're are looking at that clock trying to push yourself just a little bit further everyday. 1 second, 1 minute, 5 minutes

The moves change so rapidly, but your muscles still have time to max out before the next move. 

4. Take your training to the next level

Weekends Warriors, Tough Mudders, Marathons, Spartan Races

5. No weights, no equipment

This program is designed to be done anywhere by anyone. Travel a lot, away on business, don't have a lot of room in your house? That's okay! 

You are lifting your body weight and lifting it effectively. Tabata style workouts are designed specifically to build muscle and get you ripped. It is not cardio everyday. 

Are you ready to Max Out??

As an added  bonus, anyone that orders this challenge pack from me will get the portion control containers from me as a thank you gift! :) Let's get your fitness and nutrition on track and make 2015 your year! 

25 Days of Fitmas Challenge

Did you know the average person gains 5-12lbs during the holiday season? Don't be part of that statistic! Join me for 25 Days of Fitmas on Facebook!

Do you prefer Instagram? I've got you covered there, too! Find me @madetomotivate and join me in the photo challenge starting tomorrow, December 1st. 

What is your plan to stay in shape over the next month before we set New Year's Resolutions?

-Bridget

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Tips for surviving Thanksgiving without guilt!

It's that time again-the biggest, most anticipated meal of the year. And you're trying to stay on track and not overdo it. You can do it! It's just one day and before you know it, you're going to be stuffed-just hopefully a bit less than the turkey! 

So here are my tips for surviving the day and feeling okay. 

1. Workout in the morning before the day is too hectic.

You'll feel so much better knowing you burned some calories early in the day when you go to fill your plate.

2. Eat throughout the day so you don't binge at night!

Don't starve yourself throughout the day! If you eat regularly, you won't feel like you have to devour everything in sight once it's time for the feast. 

3. Use a smaller plate. 

This will make you automatically look at your portions so you can fit a little bit of everything on your plate. Then, go back for more if you're really hungry. Wait at least 10 minutes before filling up again. That way you have time to figure out if you really want more or if your eyes are bigger than your stomach.

5. Skip the bread.

Who wants to waste calories on a roll?? Unless they are fresh...then you might want to have one. Just ONE!

6. Save room for dessert. 

You know you are going to want it. ;)

And lastly: What he said!! It's only ONE day!

Post by Insanity Max: 30.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
-Bridget

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Insane for Max 30: Details!!

What is Insanity Max 30?
Insanity Max 30 is a new, high intensity workout program from trainer, Shaun T, creator of Hip Hop Abs, Insanity, and T25 (to name a few.) 

Max 30 is a 60 day program split into two months. The schedule is designed to workout 5 days a week for thirty minutes each day with two rest days. 

No equipment is needed for Insanity Max 30! You use your own body to create weight and resistance for strength exercises. 

When does Insanity Max 30 come out?
Insanity: Max 30 will be released to the public on December 2, 2014. 

Order by December 15, 2014 for guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. 

How much does Insanity Max 30 cost?
There will be a few different options to choose from when making your purchase. 

Base Kit: 

• 12 workouts on 10 DVDs
• Calendar
• No Time to Cook Guide
• Nutrition to the Max Guide
• No Time to Cook Guide

All for $119.95

Deluxe Kit: 

• Base Kit
• Portion control food containers
• 3 additional workouts
• Body fat caliper
• Shakeology shaker cup
• Yoga Mat

All for $239.70

Bonus DVD for ordering from your coach (me!): Sweat Fest!!! Live workout with Shaun T!

Who can do Insanity Max 30?
Insanity: Max 30 is not gender or age specific: anyone can do it. Max 30 has two modifiers so that you can complete the program and get insane results without the high impact jumps that strain your joints. Insanity is not a prerequisite to Max 30. 

Why should I do Insanity Max 30?

1. Are you ready to push yourself to you max and get some of the best results of your life?
2. Have you hit a plateau and want to take the necessary steps to push past it? 
3. Are you ready for a new challenge?
4. Do you love the motivation you get from Shaun T and the inspiration he gives to get you through your toughest workout? 
5. Are you ready to follow a nutrition plan tailored to your needs?

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then Insanity: Max 30 should definitely be your next program. 

Go to this link to get on the email list and be the first to try the newest program from Shaun T: http://bit.ly/1zHynfK

Have more questions about Max 30? Ask below and I'll answer them for you! 

I'm ready to Max Out with you!!

-Bridget

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The countdown has started

I've finally made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I'm going under the knife!! 

I was at my heaviest weight when I got pregnant with my daughter in 2009 and when I had her I was 234lbs. She was a big baby and stretched out my stomach even more than my fat did. I even had the notion that since I was heavy when I got pregnant, maybe I wouldn't get stretch marks. Ha. What a joke! 

In 2012 when I started my journey to get healthy and fit I had no idea how far I would come. With the support of family, friends and my coaching team, I've become addicted (in a good way) to fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle. I'm toned pretty much everywhere and look decent in clothes...but my stomach is not something I want people to see. No low rise jeans, no crop top shirts and no two piece swimsuits. I don't mind the stretch marks really, it's the loose skin! It's soooo loose. I walk one way and it walks the other. 

For my business, I like to make workout videos and share new ways to work certain body parts. I feel like an impostor doing ab work-my loose skin folds up into many rolls and it's just not pretty to look at. If I stand still, no problems, but as soon as I move... The loose skin also hurts when I do cardio and any type of quick movement. Jump Around by House of Pain is it's theme song. Sometimes I feel like it's high-fiving itself and clapping. I make jokes, but it makes me very sad about myself and nobody should feel this way about their body. 

My surgery is scheduled for December 3rd. Because I'm going to be out of the fitness world, I'm going to take this time to make sure my diet is on point! Any tips you have for making meals ahead of time will be great because my husband will want to eat out and my aunt who is coming down to take care of me is not allowed in the kitchen. It's safest for everyone this way! I've gone back and forth about this with my husband for at least a year now. 

One of the biggest obstacles is the fact that I can't workout at all for six weeks!!!!! Do you know how long that is for someone who works out everyday?? I keep telling myself it will fly by, but I just don't know. I am hoping for a quick and speedy recovery, but doesn't everyone want that? 

I'm going to be documenting my journey here and on my YouTube channel, so let me know what questions you have and I'll do my best to answer them. 

Until next time! 
-Bridget

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3 Day Refresh

I feel like this has been such a simple cleanse and it has really made life easy this week. It’s only three days and there isn’t much food prep to do in advance. You can eat a variety of fruits and veggies throughout the three days, so it’s easy to accommodate different people’s taste buds. If you’re not a fan of many fruits or vegetables, it’s a great way to experiment with new recipes. 

Overall, I'm down three pounds and 1.5 inches in my waist, hips and chest. My husband (who complained about the refresh all three days) is down 9.6 pounds and 3.25 inches in the same areas. 

Throughout the three days, I felt fine, was able to exercise and my biggest problem was wanting to cheat and eat cupcakes. I resisted because the cravings weren't bad. I just always want what I can't have. That's why I don't do well with any restrictions. At all! 

The fiber sweep had me worried-because of the name, but it tasted pretty decent-kind of like a lemon herbal tea flavor. DRINK IT FAST, though! It took me a little longer to drink one day because I was distracted and it started to congeal into a cream of wheat consistency. Not a fan of that!! :O 

The best thing about this refresh was that it was all mapped out-when and what I can eat. With it planned, I feel like I can do well because I know exactly what is to come next and it's all done for me. I was never a shake person in the past, but having three shakes a day on the Refresh was so simple. The vanilla fresh was great alone and I made it with frozen cherries two of the days for breakfast. 

I love to cook and there isn't much of that on the refresh, which is great for people who are in a hurry and don't have a lot of time. All three days can be prepared in advance and you can meal prep the day before you begin. 

I chose to have hummus all three days with veggies for snacks. I like red pepper, green beans, broccoli and carrots, but I got the most food out of the pepper and beans. 

I had asparagus for lunch two out of the three days. I seasoned it with lemon juice, a little bit of olive oil and garlic herbal seasoning. So easy and delicious-ready in about 10 minutes. 

For the dinners, I had the veggie stir fry, the cucumber-tomato salad and the Moroccan carrot salad. All three of these items I've had for dinner before-during the Ultimate Reset so I was happy to have them again. I learned a lot of great recipes during the Reset, so it was nice to have them again for the Refresh and reminded me of wanting to use them more often. 

And stay on the lookout-I'll be posting the Moroccan Carrot Salad recipe within the next week! :) 

Sweating out the Past

I could feel the tears coming on halfway through the workout. Not because I was dying (which I was) and not because it was hard or I didn't want to go on, but because I couldn't help but think back to my first round and how hard it was to get out of bed every morning, get dressed and push play. Looking back at the person I was-she was strong, she was a fighter, and she made me who I am today. I was in there, underneath the extra weight, the big clothes and the emotional eating, I was ready to break free and be someone who would never give up, lead by example and be around for my daughter to be proud of. 

Today is day 2 of my third round of Insanity. This is the first time I'm starting it as a fit person. No, it's not easier. It still sucks. I don't think I've ever cussed so much at Shaun T. Good thing my daughter was at school during this workout. No joke. *earmuffs*

These next two months will be an amazing journey. I've been on this road before, but now I have an entire fit family taking it with me. When I want to give up and throw in the towel, I'll dig deeper knowing that I am part of a team and we will keep each other accountable. 

I'm so thankful for everyone that has decided to do this with me. This will be the best round of Insanity yet and we will be ready to take on Shaun T and his Insanity: Max 30 when it comes out in December! 

If you want to join me on my journey, just request to join my free Facebook group and look for a message from me! :) 

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From the mouth of babes

My daughter and I always have daily discussions when I pick her up from school. The other day we were stopped at a red light and she says, “Mom, look at that woman’s HUGE belly.” I asked her to repeat what she said hoping I had misheard her, but no, I had heard what she said loud and clear.

Explaining to a four year old that it’s not nice to say things that will hurt people’s feelings isn’t as easy as it sounds. Just last week she told me how gross my belly looks and that she doesn’t like it. Well, kid, you’re the one that made it that way so tough cookies. I found out later that she isn’t so grossed out by my loose skin as she is by all the lines (AKA stretch marks.) The first time she said something about my stomach I just walked off. It’s the part of my body that I struggle with the most because there’s just nothing I can do to change it-(not the lines-the looseness.) My husband was the one to give her the talk this time, but kids are just so honest. At least at this age.

While we sat at that red light and looked at the woman who was on a walk with who I assume was her husband, I explained to my daughter that some people are just bigger than others. Some people make different choices when eating and not everyone exercises regularly. I continued to share that the woman was on a walk so perhaps she’s working on getting healthier. 

How do you help your kids understand this concept? We aren't all on the same page when it comes to health and fitness and mostly that we are all different, but that's what makes us special? 

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Hot for Halloween

Are you tired of having to shop for the plus size halloween costumes? I sure was. The selection was limited, the sizes seemed so off-really? Plus size? I never felt like I looked like the heavier girls in the pictures. Looking back now I definitely needed the bigger sizes, but I think we never really see ourselves clearly. It's only in pictures that we see ourselves in with others eyes. 

When you look at the options available, they are getting smaller and smaller and I was getting bigger and bigger. I wasn't trying to look sexy. Wasn't Halloween the one time we were all on the same playing field dressing with grotesque make-up and ragged clothes? Halloween is no longer for zombies and monsters. It's time to bring out your inner sex goddess and, although, many woman embrace their size and curves, mine were more like rolls and not attractive at all. 

I'm thankful now that I can go into the Halloween season not worried about what I can wear. It's all about fun and feeling good about yourself. Join me in the last five weeks before Halloween and let's shape up so we can rock any outfit we choose! Comment here or send me a message! 

What are your plans for a costume this year?

PiYo Results and Review

PiYo is another Beachbody program that I have completed and I feel pretty darn good about the results. I had a few trips during this time and I will admit first thing that I was horrible with my eating. I'm an emotional eater and was going through a lot this summer, but I finished and I am happy with my results. Inches lost around the waist, perkier boobs, and Becky, look at that butt!! Yes, I said it. I'm proud of my progress back there! My booty has needed some major work since losing weight and PiYo has lifted it back up and given it some shape. It's still got a ways to go before I'll be completely satisfied, but I know with continued workouts, I'll get it to where I want it. 

During the 2 months with PiYo, I ate more than my share of cupcakes and chocolate. I was stressed from moving, helping my aunt move and a shoulder injury that happened earlier this year and wasn't getting any better. Fortunately, I got a steroid injection and so far, the pain has subsided. I'm an emotional eater and you can tell when I'm having good days and bad. I'm working on not giving into my emotions and feeding them with food. It's all mental for me. I'm in a good place right now and I'm committing to myself. 

The meal plan with PiYo is very open. It's very similar to the 21 Day Fix, just without the containers. You are given a certain amount of each food group to eat each day and a list of suggestions. There aren't really any recipes, so if you struggle with putting meals together, you'll definitely want to reach out to your coach and probably invest in the weekly meal planner with club membership from Team Beachbody. 

I really enjoy coming up with new ideas and am horrible at meal planning myself. The kitchen is my favorite part of the house though, so I'm good at winging it and flying by the seat of my pants. If this isn't your strong suit, I suggest trying club membership because you can use the meal planner and it will tell you exactly what to eat for every meal. Some people love that! 

The most important thing to remember when doing any workout is to do the best that you can do. Give it your all and you will see results, no matter what it is. 

When it comes to the workouts in PiYo, the first month is easy. The workouts are short and not too intense. Once you get into month two, your body will hurt. The workouts are closer to 45 minutes than 30 and they are going to make your muscles burn-no weights required! Get used to it! I suggest having some Results and Recovery ready for the days you do Drench, Sculpt and Buns. Wowo!! Chalene is not messing around. 

If you have any questions about this program, please let me know! I'm happy to help you decide if it's the program for you. 

Bridget

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5 Food Tips for Weight Loss

1. Start using My Fitness Pal. It's a free app that helps you really see what you're eating. Find me on there. I'm bemoore.

2. Look at portions-have you ever paid attention to what a serving size of cereal is? Pretty tiny.

3. Eat 5 times a day-doesn't have to be a full meal, but a snack is good to tide you over and not make you devour everything in sight once you realize you haven't eaten since breakfast and it's 6pm.

4. If you're drinking soda, stop-especially if it's diet.

5. Put down your utensils between bites. This will help you eat slower.

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