Back Into My Skinny Jeans!

A leap of faith

I joined the challenge with mixed feelings. This was very different from what I had done before: the short workouts, the testimonials, opening myself to hundreds of women I had never met… But I had been quite impressed by Holly’s e-book, and I really wanted to get the nutrition planner.

So I let go of my cynicism and I decided to give it a try. My youngest daughter was 5 months old at that point, and I was getting an average of 4h of sleep. I was exhausted, depressed the way my body looked, and most of all I was in pain from carrying a baby all day long and I had no energy whatsoever.

The first few weeks on the program were amazing: I built muscle faster than I thought was possible, my eating improved (and I thought I was eating healthy before! Ah!) and my body was starting to change. The program was so simple to follow that I never skipped a workout, unless I was really sick).

Lack of time? I gained so much inspiration from the other women at ClubFYM, some of whom have many more children than myself, and sometimes battle difficult health or family issues as well. If they can do it, so can I.

And incredibly I did!

Through a nation-wide child care strike, deadlines at work, my husband starting his own company. Lack of space as always been a favourite excuse of mine (we live in a very small apartment). I found out I could efficiently work out in my kitchen and check my reflection in the oven door !!

But, then 6 weeks into the challenge came the first crisis: I had to do a lot of inward work and face my demons. And this is what the challenge gave me, more than the (many!!) inches I lost: it gave me 12 weeks to put me first and learn so much about what had been holding me back. My insatiable need for approval. My need to please people.

I came out of this inner crisis much stronger than I have ever felt. I was proud of myself for taking the risk to join the ClubFYM community, for sticking out to the program, for not giving in to the many excuses I could have found not to work out.

The Fit Yummy Mummy brought me peace:

The exercise programs I had tried before were too time-consuming to be a life-long solution.

Thanks to Holly, I have learned a way to take care of myself for the long term.

I have learned to work towards my fitness goals WITH my body instead of AGAINST it.

I have gained my body back, but who knows what I can achieve?

It’s all a bonus from here!"

~ Marianne

Lost over 2 inches in her waist and 2 inches in her Hips in just 12 weeks!

"I'm Back into my Skinny Jeans!"

Fit Yummy Mummy

Get YOUR Body Back

~

Is Steady State Cardio better than Intervals...According to Who?

The Great Cardio Debate

I'd love to share segments of an article that was posted in ClubFYM.

When it comes to cardio and fat loss, there are many questions surrounding what method yields the BEST results.

Due to the fact that I work exclusively with Busy Moms - and busy women for that matter - the most effective and efficient solution is Intervals.

For a quick review about Intervals Click HERE

This has in turn raised many questions - but with every question asked and each concern addressed comes to light new knowledge that will help YOU make the best decision for a method that fits YOUR Lifestyle and your fitness goals.

Benefits of Intervals over Steady State Cardio

1) Saves time. Most intervals last about 20 minutes in comparison to 1 to 2 hours on the treadmill with traditional steady state cardio - this occurs as many women pay attention to the immediate feedback of calories burned during the cardio session. However, true fat loss results are achieved based on calories burned in a 24 hour period - not during one workout session.

2) Stimulates a greater release of growth hormone. Studies have shown that intense and challenge interval training produces growth hormone which helps to increase lean muscle mass. Muscle is your metabolism. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn 24-7.

3) Better for your joints. Intervals should be done on alternate days not back to back about 3-4 days out of the week. There is less exposure and stress on the joints because it takes less time to complete.

4) Metabolic disturbance. Interval training increases your metabolism and post-exercise oxygen consumption which has been shown to burn fat for 24 hours after the interval bout.

5) Eliminates Boredom. Interval training can be done with body weight exercises, machines, medicine balls, bands,free weights, and of course anything outdoors. - such as hills!

Need more?

~~~~~~~~~~
A study in December in the Journal of Applied Physiology and conducted by a team at Canada's University of Guelph found that just two weeks of alternate-day interval training increased moderately active 22-year old women's fat burning ability by 36%.

Alwyn Cosgrove has also sited Many Studies...

* A 1998 study that showed that the addition of 45 minutes of hard aerobic training, 5 times a week for twelve weeks - had no effect on fat loss

* A study from 1994 showed an interval training method that actually reduced body fat (skinfold measurements) nine times more than traditional cardio training -- despite taking less time, and actually burning less calories per session

* Another study (1999) showed that the addition of a specific resistance training program increased fat loss by 35% over diet plus aerobic training.

* That same study also showed that 3 aerobic sessions of up to 50 mins, for 12 weeks (36 sessions) only increased fat loss by one pound over dieting alone

* A 2002 study used an Afterburn-type approach to training - and showed an elevation of metabolism for 38 hours post workout.

Another Nail in the "Aerobics for Fat Loss" Coffin

Tuesday, March 06, 2007: Aerobics vs Anaerobics and Fat Loss

Trapp EG and Boutcher SH
Fat loss following 15 weeks of high intensity, intermittent cycle training

Two groups:

Group One: performed 40 mins of steady state aerobics at 60% VO2 max, three times per week for 15 weeks.

Group Two: performed 20 mins (i.e. half the duration) of interval training (8s on, 12s off - 60 rounds), three times per week for 15 weeks. Group two started at 5 mins total the first week.

Both groups had dietary intake monitored closely.

The steady state group GAINED 0.5kg of fat in 15 weeks.
The interval training group LOST on average 2.5kg of fat in the same time frame.

~~~~~~~~~

This article isn't to suggest that there are no other possible solutions. Rather it is to provide moms with the most efficient and effective solution based on a combination of actual practical application and clinical research.


Fit Yummy Mummy is written for a specific audience- busy moms and busy women- to best serve their lifestyles and goals.


Please note: Interval training isn’t for everyone. You should not begin interval training without first discussing the pros and cons with your physician. If you are new to intervals, begin slowly and increase the pace,challenge and intensity only as your fitness level warrants.


"Holly....I totally agree that intervals and resistance training works wonders for busy moms and it changed my life around SO MUCH for the better I keep pestering everyone around me with it ; )!!!! I’d finally found a programme that made perfect sense and didn’t ask me to deny everything I’d believed in (ie exercise is healthy, starving yourself is NOT) and it actually worked even better than what I’d have ever thought it could!!!!!!! (just wanted to add as a side note and another victory dance to YOU that my boyfriend said I looked better now than when I was doing 8h of karate a week :p!!!! HOLLY YOU’RE A GENIUS!!)

I guess the only thing that bugged me was the fact that a lot of trainers play the “don’t do cardio or you’ll look like a marathoner” scare game, which I just don’t feel is fair. But then again, I’ve been brought to admire athletes so I’m not impartial ; )!

I have tremendous respect for you and your work and because I think you are such a truly genuinely great person I felt I could go for a bit of a moan earlier… But thanks for the clarification, I admire your strong belief and open mind, more people should be like you lol!!!!"

~ Alia - Proud member of ClubFYM


Fit Yummy Mummy
Your Complete 16 week Lifestyle System
Helping Moms and Busy Women Burn the Fat and Get their Body Back in the most efficient and effective way possible.
~

How to Lose Belly Fat

BRAND NEW System to Achieve a Lean, Toned, Sexy Tummy










Introducing....
Todd Scott's candid view into what it takes to Lose Belly Fat! Not only will what you read surprise you, but it will also put you on the fast track to tummy toning results!

Here is an excerpt of a Candid interview with Todd shared with AmazingAbsFormula Mr. Scott Colby revealing the Truth about traditional Ab Exercises:

~~~~~

SC: Why don't sit ups, crunches, and the ab machine gizmos help you get a 6-pack?

TS: Think about this for a minute, our muscles are designed to adapt to the amount of stress consistently placed on them, so if sit ups, crunches, and ab machines are supposed make your belly shrink, then that would mean adding additional stress to other muscle groups would cause them to get smaller, too. Yet, when you see someone who is at an advanced fitness level, their muscles are typically larger than the average person.

For example, have you seen a cyclists’ legs? By cycling alone, they place more stress on their leg muscles than the average person. The result? Moderate to Large leg muscles.

Basically, muscles adapt according to the amount of consistent stress you put on them. If you do leg exercises, your leg muscles will adapt to the added stress by becoming stronger and denser. That means they get bigger, and that’s why people who want bigger (not smaller) legs do squats and other leg exercises rather than avoiding them.

We sometimes forget that our abdominals are made up of the same material and are muscles themselves. So by training them (regardless if you’re doing sit-ups, crunches or an ab machine), the same thing will happen, they’ll grow stronger and denser. And in the end they’ll be bigger. It has very little to do with burning fat.

It’s true that by increasing the size of your ab muscles you’ll increase the rate of your metabolism to an extent, but not enough to make a noticeable difference.

You can see undeniable truth that ab exercises, sit ups, and crunches will not help you get a six pack by reading the story of Mark Pheltz at “How to Get Six Pack Abs”. He set the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of sit-ups at one time. How many did he do? 45,005 Sit-ups in 58.5 hours… Go see for yourself if he had six pack abs, you’ll be shocked “How to Get Six Pack Abs”.

SC: What types of exercises do work to shed belly fat?

TS: There really isn’t a “type” of exercise that burns fat better than others. Some will argue that full body movements burn fat faster, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

The fact remains that the more muscle you have on your body, the more calories you’ll be able to burn during a given day. So, no matter whether you’re a man or a woman, the ultimate goal is to choose exercises that stimulate the most amount
of muscle at a time.

If you want to go with full body movements, that’s perfectly fine. Generally, I will train Men and Women differently even though both can lose fat by following the same program."

~~~~~~~

And Now....

Exclusive Sneak Peek inside the First ever ABS ebook of it's kind....

How To Get Six Pack Abs

Chapter 10: What you Need To Know To Get Six Pack Abs

So far we’ve gone over, 2 very important aspects of your program:

1. Nutrition

2. Cardio Training

These 2 things alone will not give you the six pack abs you want. Anyone who tries to achieve six pack abs with these 2 alone, will fail miserably.

The fact is, you don’t even need cardio to reach low levels of body fat, but for the purposes of achieving six pack abs in the shortest amount of time possible, it’s a key ingredient to your success.

The 3 rd and final piece of the puzzle to achieving low levels of body fat is resistance training – or more specifically a concern for building or at least maintaining your current level of lean muscle mass.

Muscle is where fat is burned, so if you neglect at least maintaining muscle mass while trying to lose fat, you will literally cripple your metabolism and fall into a never ending spiral… ultimately failing to reach your goal of super low levels of body fat. It’s that simple.

You can do these workouts at home or in a gym, it’s your choice. There is no rule or law that says you have to be a member of a gym to get into the best shape of your life.

With this knowledge, and the tools in the above chapters, you are ready to dive into the step by step blueprint of achieving your dreams of six pack abs.

In the following chapter, you will have a very detailed description of exactly what you need to do each and every day. If you follow it to the letter, you will succeed; I have no doubt in my mind. During the weeks, I’ve addressed points where you may find yourself losing focus, and have given you steps to take to get back on track. Each phase has a benchmark, based on your progress along the way, I will give you detailed instructions on which direction to go.

Todd tells it like it is so you can achieve true, belly fat blasting results!

Stop Making It Harder and Start Working SMARTER

How To Get Six Pack Abs Goes Way Beyond Just Your Abs

Revving Your Metabolism One Notch At A Time
To Burn Fat Every Second of the Day

- It's Just That The End Result Is
A Tight, Toned, Sexy Stomach .

Sign Me UP!

==> How To Get Six Pack Abs

If you don't claim a copy of your "How To Get Six Pack Abs", when WILL you take a step towards your fitness dreams like you’ve always talked about?

Metabolism Boosting Meal Plan

How to Eat for Maximum Fat Loss

When it comes to getting the best fat loss results, having a supportive nutrition plan in place is a must!

So one of the most common question I am asked...."What do YOU eat? I need some ideas."

Sample Fat Burning Menu Plan
(Note: This is an example what I eat now, with the exception that I have a higher calorie intake- slightly increased portion sizes- for maintenance. If I found myself in a position to drop body fat, I would follow this menu plan. Your individual needs may vary according to body stats, goals and fitness level.)

Breakfast: 8 oz. glass of water. 1/4 cup rolled oats cooked with 2 whipped egg whites. Top with 1/2 cup blueberries and 1 TB of low fat organic yogurt. 2 cups fresh brewed Green Tea. Prograde VGF+25 and EFA Icon.

~Workout~

Post Workout Drink: 1 scoop Prograde Workout with 12 oz. water.

Snack: 1/4 cup raw almonds and 1 whole granny smith apple. Water.

Lunch: 2-3 cups fresh spinach, 2-3 oz. Grilled Chicken, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 1 TB Blue Cheese crumbles, 1 TB chopped walnuts, 2 TB homemade balsamic vinaigrette. 1 cup fresh brewed Green Tea.

Snack: 2 TB Hummus with colorful veggie medley: 1/2 cup baby carrots, 1/2 cup sugar snap peas and 1/2 sliced red bell pepper, 1 Rye Crisp cracker. Water.

Dinner: 3 oz. Grilled Salmon, 1/4 cup wild rice, 1 cup asparagus, 1 tsp olive oil. Water.

Snacks: 1/2 cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese, 1/4 cup berries


Meal Planning Tips:

~ Eat often - aim to eat every 3 to 4 hours - this keeps your metabolism elevated so you burn more calories plus keeps you satisfied which means no more cravings for those unsupportive treats that hinder fat loss.

~ Eat Smaller Portions - Meals range between 250-350 calories - spread calories evenly throughout the day for a sustained energy level.

~ Eat a Protein and Produce with every meal. Meals are a balance between protein and fresh produce - fruits and veggies - with an occasional complex carbohydrate. This not only adds to you feeling satisfied and ensures you are getting all the nutrients you need to create a thriving metabolism, but eating quality proteins and high fiber produce often causes your body to burn more calories through digestion - also known as the Thermic Effect of food. All of which lends to a higher metabolism.

~ Eliminate the JUNK - Notice that each meal is made up of whole, natural foods. Make it a point to avoid the Fake Processed foods that are high in empty calories, that disrupt your body's normal appetite mechanisms and teach your body to become very efficient at storing fat.

~ Plan your Cheats - With the elimination of Junk being said, because the Fit Yummy Mummy Lifestyle System is based around realistic changes to the way you think, eat and move, asking you to completely cut out the "once and a while" cheats would lead to frustration and ultimate abandonment. But knowing that you can have the occasional cheat and STILL achieve amazing results makes all the difference in the world! You can make this happen by mapping out your meals for the week and leaving room to enjoy your nonsupportive choices about 80-90% of the time...the equates into 3-5 cheat meals per week - and YES, still see and feel results!

Putting these supportive nutrition habits together will add up to an elevated metabolism - which means Faster Fat Loss Results for you!

Meal Planning Jump Start!
If you are tired of being caught up in the never-ending cycle of meal time chaos, tired of the lack of control, the lack of energy - CLICK HERE for I break it down for you in easy to follow, fail-proof steps.


"I went through a big change in how I eat and that was for the better. The nutrition plan is so easy to implement! I can work it into my busy schedule. So far, I have lost 8 lbs and 8 1/2 inches while my friend has struggled with WW for years. Thank you Holly for creating this program. You have made a huge impact on my life and the life of my family!” ~ Deirdre Thompson, Michigan, Proud member of ClubFYM

Fit Yummy Mummy - Your Complete Fat Loss Solution

Memorial Day Football Fun with Tyler

Keeping Fit with Tyler

Tyler's passion for sports is beginning to shine. My energetic, left-handed son discovered a new talent this holiday weekend. While his first love is baseball, it is clear that he is truly enjoying a new sport - football!

It appears he has a pre-throw routine that involves adjusting his pants and wiping his nose. Hey it works, this kid has an arm on him!






Oh and Tyler shares that the 2 BEST football teams are the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Trinity Shamrocks....which just happens to be Patrick's (his step dad - Ohio native) and his Father, Jeff's (Trinity Alum) favorite teams.

Good Bye Mommy Belly!

The Greatest Birthday Gift

Let me just start out by saying how proud I am of my big sister, Holly. It is truly amazing what she has created.

Looking back, when she first introduced the program to me, she would be the first to tell you, I was very pessimistic about it. Up until 10 weeks ago, anyone that knows me would tell you that I was not one that cared about nutrition nor exercise and did not keep my body healthy.

I was aware of this fact and knowingly chose to do nothing about it.

If any of you have older sisters, then you know that sometimes it's hard to take their advice. At that particular time in my life, this rang true for me.

I don't know why, but I wanted nothing to do with her program. In fact, the more she told me about it, the more I'd seem to pull away.

A little over a year ago is when I started seeing my body change, in a bad way. I started putting on the pounds.

I probably gained 15 lbs. in the past year.

As the pounds added on, I kept telling myself, "Oh, it's just a couple pounds...I'll do something about it later" Well, those pounds added up, and my pant size kept climbing. I was at my highest weight ever. Just two years ago I was at my ideal weight, now I was looking at pretty nice sized "mommy belly" as I like to call it.

I looked like I was 3-4 months pregnant!

I had a "fat back," you know when you turn your upper body to see something behind you and you can feel your back fold over. I had "cottage cheese" on my thighs and butt. I could feel the fat sliding up and down on my body when I'd run.

I did not like feeling this way...this was not going to be tolerated any longer.

This is where everything started to change. I let my guard down and let my sister in. I have to throw in a quote here that our Mom gave to me..."When the student is ready, the Teacher will appear." It is so true!

I was not ready until this point. I finally joined Club Fit Yummy Mummy and decided to join the Transformation Challenge. When I joined the challenge I was still apprehensive about it, not wanting anyone to see my "fat pictures." In actuality I really didn't care if anyone saw my "before pictures" but I did not want Holly to see them.

I've always looked up to her; she's always had a perfect body. Mine had always been acceptable, but it was now in a state of pure unhealthy-ness! I was ashamed of my body and I didn't want my sister to see it. However, I was fed up with my body and decided it was time for a change. I was in.

I was afraid that it would be hard for me to accept help from my sister. This was not at all the case. Holly is the first person that I would turn to if I had any questions, complaints, or frustrations. She was always honest, but helpful; she kept me going with gentle encouragement. I never thought I would have been so blessed with such a caring and compassionate fitness coach, and that it would be my sister.

I began the Transformation Challenge on February 18, 2008. The first week was tough. My body ached and I could barely get through the intervals. I pressed on.

My biggest fear through the challenge is that I would lose the motivation.

This NEVER happened.

I had a superb support system and we all seemed to carry each other through week after week. I remember getting through the second week and feeling elated that I had completed TWO WEEKS! This was a true accomplishment for me.

I was never able to stick with any program in past for more than a week. My body was feeling good and I was actually starting to see some changes. Through the weeks, my motivation stayed strong.

When I got to week 6, I fell ill.

I just couldn't bring myself to work out that week...at ALL. I called Holly and told her I didn't know what she had done to me, but I was Freaking Out because I couldn't work out! This wouldn't have bothered me in the past. I would have found any excuse I could to NOT work out. My whole mind set was changing. It was great. I was afraid, though, that I was going to slip off after this week. Holly reassured me that I would be alright, and, of course, I was. Week 7 I couldn't wait to get back into the swing of things.

Here I am in the middle of week 10; I feel stronger, I'm doing exercises I thought were never possible, I have more energy, I'm making healthy choices when I eat, and I can honestly say that I look forward to my workout days!

Wow! Did I just say that?

Who is this new person, I Like her!

Oh, and don't let me forget, I'm feeling sexy again. I'm turning into a Smokin' Hot Momma! Everywhere I go, I want to tell people about this wonderful program. I want other women to have this same great feeling.

I feel better now, in my 30's, than I've ever felt!

My excitement is boiling over with the anticipation of what my body will look like in another 2 1/2 weeks, at the end of the challenge. The greatest part is that I know it won't stop there! The program has given me a new outlook on healthy living. It doesn't have to be boring. It's okay if I slip up here and there. I know that I will always jump right back into things. I know that my body appreciates the changes I've made and the good choices I continue to make.

Once I am done with the challenge I plan on making my own challenge, digging into Holly's archive of strength training exercises and creating a fun series to keep on going. I want to point out my favorite part of the program is that it takes such little time to get through. I mean, come on, 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week!! If I can fit that in, anyone can. Just think...90 minutes a week and you will change your life!

Now for my results thus far. Keep in mind I'm in the middle of week 10, with 2 1/2 weeks to go in the challenge.

Starting Stats ................Current Stats

Waist: 30"………………......Waist: 28.5"

Mommy Belly: 35"……… Mommy Belly: 31"

Hips: 39"………………. .......Hips: 37"

Upper Thigh: 23"………. Upper Thigh: 21.5"

Bicep: 12’………………. .....Bicep: 11"

Weight: 137.5 lbs……… ..Weight: 127.5 lbs

Size: 9/10……………… .....Size: 6

I Lost: 10 Pounds and 11 Inches!

And I’m still moving forward…but this time even faster!

And now for the photos..

I'm Losing my Mommy Belly

And My Back Fat!

I LOVE my new body! ~ Carrie Ann Felger, Age 33 TODAY May 26th Mom of Two - Cam and Paige - and Holly’s little seester.

Lose your Mommy Belly and Feel Sexy Again! Get Fit Yummy Mummy Today! Click HERE

Memorial Day Fitness Plan

The holiday weekend has arrived!
Are you ready for the Fun?

Weekends are hard enough as it is, when a holiday is attached it only exposes you to more temptations!

No need to worry, what follows are 2 simple tips to help you enjoy this festive weekend without the guilt and added pounds that come from overindulging.

HOW to EAT - Plan Ahead

You know the quote...
"No one plans to fail - we simply fail to plan."

The amount of damage you can prevent by simply having an idea ahead of time what you will eat and drink this weekend will save you bunches of extra calories and guilt.

Going to a BBQ?

~ Be aware of choices - Grilled Chicken over Hamburger
~ Be aware of portion sizes - go for palm sized protein, load up on fruits and veggies, choose spoon sized tastes of high calorie sides
~ Be aware of calories consumed - avoid high calorie appetizers and multiple servings
~ Be aware of hidden calories - condiments count too and consider what you choose to drink.

It is very easy to go to a cookout and consume well over 1,000 calories worth of food and drink. Simply being aware gives you the control to at the very least minimize your calorie intake, preventing the addition of unwanted pounds.

HOW to MOVE - Super Set It and Forget It

The BEST moves to boost your metabolism and burn more fat are full body moves- now for the FUN part of putting them all together so you have a PLAN to follow.

The essence of the Fit Yummy Mummy workout plan is based around short burst resistance training. This simply means pairing two exercises together and perform back to back with little to no rest. You will repeat this sequence 2-4 times depending on your fitness level.

Sample Workout:

A1 Squats (lower body)
A2 Push Ups (upper body push)

B1 Lunges (lower body)
B2 Row (upper body pull)

C1 Wood Chop (full body - core)
C2 Plank (core)

Repetitions of each move range from 8-15.

Give it a try and you will be amazed at how much you get done in such a short period of time. Since the time you have this weekend is most likely limited, you now have no excuse.

All you need is 10 -15 minutes!

Plus this is a great way to start your day - feel energized and less likely to make choices that may undue your efforts to get and stay fit! These short burst moves will have your body burning more fat and calories ALL Day LONG!

Get your Body to Work FOR You.

Get a full 16 weeks Fit Yummy Mummy workouts Now so once the weekend festivities come to an end, you have THE exact plan to follow and continue on with your fat loss results.
Click HERE => for YOUR Fit Yummy Mummy Fat Loss System


Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Weekend!

12 weeks of Fit Yummy Mummy Changed My LIFE!

12 Weeks - 17 Pounds - 1 New Lifestyle




















A little over 12 weeks ago I started the Fit Yummy Mummy Transformation Challenge (the next one starts in the fall). Though I'm not technically a "mummy" (at least of human children) I had finally lost patience with my own lifestyle and eating habits.

I had ballooned to 184 pounds - 44 pounds heavier than when I married my hubby 5+ years ago and 84 pounds heavier than when I graduated high school 12 years ago.

Admitting the Problem
Some of you might say, 184 is thin! What's the big deal? Well, it was a big deal. I kept having to buy bigger and bigger clothes and was nearly stretching out size 14 pants. I couldn't comfortably cross my legs or sit comfortably like I used to.

Not only that, but I knew my eating habits were unsustainable. I would literally eat two pints of Ben & Jerry's on a Friday night. After I had my pizza of course.

Meals on the weeknights weren't that much better. Lots of pastas, breads, and always dessert. If I had two veggies in an entire week I was doing "good."

Exercise had become a rare occurrence.
Before I got married I was going to the gym every day. I still wasn't in great shape but I was able to eat pretty much anything I wanted without gaining a ton every week. Of course getting married, and becoming busier in general, made the workouts disappear.

I joined Weight Watchers twice - there were meetings at my work during lunch time. I lost 10 or 15 pounds each time and gained 20 or 30 later. And I was always hungry.

And yes, my marriage did suffer as I gained weight. Hubby gained weight too but of course it never seems to matter so much for men. Though he has lost weight with me the last three months.

Finally, I read a post by Holly about Fit Yummy Mummy and started crying.

I had lost control and had to start over.

I was never taught how to eat properly. My father died when I was 8 and my mom did the best she could, but she struggled with her own weight. She tried every diet out there and at her heaviest was over 300 pounds.

Eating to cure all pain was typical. Boredom, depression, anxiety - all were addressed with some food.

I would come home from school in middle and high school and make a box of mac and cheese for dinner and follow it up with some ice cream or candy. Since I was so athletic I was still skinny as a rail with a quick metabolism.

As I entered the workforce and started sitting more and playing sports less I started to gain weight. It wasn't so bad when I gained the first 20 pounds because I actually looked healthier and less anorexic.

But my eating habits never changed - from high school to college to marriage. A box of macaroni and cheese was often my favorite dinner. Spirals were my choice. =) Dessert was every night. Driving through Wendy's, Burger King, and Arby's were common occurrences.

A couple of years I finally switched to Diet Soda from regular. I had been drinking two or three regular (and often caffeinated) sodas every day. Afterward I drank up to 5 diet sodas every day. Although I've always been a big water drinker so I got a lot of liquids.

Finding a Solution
While I did finish the 12 week Fit Yummy Mummy Transformation Challenge, I do not want to stop.

I didn't do this as a "diet" or a quick fix. This is a LIFESTYLE change.

I'm certainly not where I want to be yet.





















However here are my before and after stats.

On February 12th -

• I weighed 184 pounds.
• My waist was 40 inches.
• My chest was 40 inches.
• My thighs were 27 inches each.

On May 19th -

• I weighed 167 pounds.
• My waist was 39 inches.
• My chest was 38 inches.
• My thighs were 25.5 inches each.

It might not seem like a huge drop in inches but my pants are definitely looser and I'm even having to use a safety pin to hold up a few pairs! Plus I measured myself on the 19th after a fairly decent meal. So I may have been a little bloated.

I will continue to follow the Fit Yummy Mummy Lifestyle Plan (which I highly recommend...Holly is fantastic.) I need to hop back on the exercise wagon as the last couple of weeks have seen a slight slide. Especially in resistance training.

I do want to continue my success in changing my lifestyle and my habits.

Today I feel like a (mostly) different person. I am in no way, shape, or form 100%. But my lifestyle has changed so radically that my family hardly recognizes me.

My day starts with a banana...something I would rarely eat before. Now I have at least two each day. Apples, yogurt, carrots, cauliflower, brown rice, navy beans, almonds, raisins, and whole wheat english muffins and pasta are now part of my staples. As well as salmon and chicken.

I read labels carefully now and will not buy things that include hydrogenated oils or corn syrup. Unprocessed foods are now more prevalent in our everyday life.

While I did not lose the 25 pounds I had set as my goal when I first started, I still feel successful. And I don't intend to just quit now. Slow and steady wins the race. :)

I have not perfected anything and I still eat things that I should not. Fridays are still tough and I tend to over do it on the weekends. My exercise routine has slowed significantly since I started doing Agility training with my dog Trooper. We run and run and get lots of exercise twice a week. My muscles are always sore afterward. :) But I need to add back in the resistance training at least.

I cannot explain how much this has affected my life. Not only my life but my husband's life. He has lost more than 15 pounds as well, even though he didn't follow the program in the same way. He did start exercising more and eating better along with me.

Eating better has also made my Bipolar condition less volatile. I truly believe that sugar makes my Bipolar spike into high highs and super low lows. During the last 3 months whenever I've slipped and had processed sugars (in excess) my mood has immediately altered. I also got sick to my stomach. Yet when I kept out the excess sugar I was much more even in my emotions. This is a HUGE deal!

I've even started cooking and experimenting with recipes! Good grief it's like I'm a totally different person. Instead of regular white flour I started using whole wheat flour in recipes. As well as raw sugar, sugar alternatives (can't remember their name but they are natural), and fat free plain yogurt instead of shortening.

I don't know where I would be if I hadn't buckled down and joined Club Fit Yummy Mummy. Still gaining weight? More depressed? More fights over food with hubby? All of the above I am sure.

I will continue to follow Fit Yummy Mummy...because it isn't a program. It is a new LIFE!!!

~ Megan Castro
Proud member of ClubFYM

Need Some Motivation?

Absolute power corrupts absolutely

















~ Great insight about the true power of having a supportive community on your side, from Libby at ClubFYM

"That is a quote I heard last night on TV.

It was about a car actually, the presenter was in absolute awe of the car's power and how it just corrupts the driver.

This made me think about power, absolute power.

I see so many blogs, and have written a good many as well, about our sense of failure, even though we haven't even failed yet. Everywhere I see posts and comments about having no motivation, life getting in the way, not up to it, having a bad day, having a bad week or month, dealing with difficult children or spouses or situations at work or home.....the list goes on.

Now the one thing Holly is really good at, even in bad times, is her selfless motivation and constant encouragement.

So I put the lot together US+POWER+MOTIVATION=SUCCESS!

Believe me, POWER we have!
All of us, we are all absolutely powerful women, we can change anything and everything, we can change the world!! We have the POWER. The problem is, finding the POWER on switch.

Don't you feel sometimes like you're just waiting for that ultimate piece of encouragement or enlightenment or words of wisdom that will change your life like a lightning bolt through the brain?

You can feel it, it's close, the breakthrough is coming and I'm gonna be on my way to being that woman I have a picture of on my desktop!!

Well ladies, in the spirit of motivation, and maybe to give Holly a little break, I found some truly amazing, remarkable, inspiring, motivating SIMPLE words. Here follows a list ( a long list) of some inspiring quotes.

Maybe you'll find your lightning bolt quote right here!!

The quote in the title is correct especially with us, our negative powers are corrupting us, absolutely. Maybe it's time to turn the power in to positive power and let that corrupt us, absolutely!!"

~ Libby

~~~~~~

Benjamin Franklin
You may delay, but time will not.

David Viscott
You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be.

Eleanor Roosevelt
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

George Bernard Shaw
You see things; and you say "Why?" But I dream things that never were; and I say "Why not?"

Ralph Marston
Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality.

George S. Patton
You're never beaten until you admit it.

Lee Iacocca
You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It's called perseverance.

Unknown Author
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

Unknown Author
You don't realize how strong a person really is until you see them at their weakest moment.

Mark Twain
Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.

Julius Erving
If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end.

Jim Eason
If you want to look young and thin, hang around old fat people.

Unknown Author
Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.

Vince Lombardi
It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up.

Milton Garland
My advice is to go into something and stay with it until you like it. You can't like it until you obtain expertise in that work. And once you are an expert, it's a pleasure.

Winston Churchill
Never, never, never, never give up.

Eleanor Roosevelt
No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Not to have control over the senses is like sailing in a rudderless ship, bound to break to pieces on coming in contact with the very first rock.

Horace
Rule your mind or it will rule you.

Goethe
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded.

Jim Rohn
Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.

Thomas Fuller
That which is bitter to endure may be sweet to remember.

Samuel Johnson
The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.

Marvin Phillips
The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!

Plato
The first and the best victory is to conquer self.

Vincent Lombardi
The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.

Leigh Hunt
The groundwork of all happiness is health.

Anthony Robbins
The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.

Roger Bannister
The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win

Author unknown
The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.

Thomas Jefferson
The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all the exercises walking is the best.

Carl Sandburg
The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something.

Harold Wilkins
The world of achievement has always belonged to the optimist.

Heraclitus
There is nothing permanent except change.

Swedish Proverb
Those who wish to sing, always find a song.

Elie Wiesel
Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.

Harriet Beecher Stowe
When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

Quintus Horatius Flaccus Horace
Who has courage to say no again and again to desires, to despise the objects of ambition, who is a whole in himself, smoothed and rounded.

ClubFYM - an online support community unlike any other.
Join Today
~

Banish Cellulite AND Mommy Belly

A Transformation Champion





















Before Fit Yummy Mummy, my heart was always there to loose weight, but the success wasn’t.

I tried Weight Watchers with no results, working out at Curves, with minimal results and I was even taking prescription medication to loose weight. I lost weight, but not much. This was not the body I wanted for myself. I met Holly one day at a gym and learned about Fit Yummy Mummy.

I was skeptical about following a program from a book, but I gave it a try anyway.

When the Fit Yummy Mummy Transformation Challenge first started, I wasn’t going to join. However, I liked the fact that you had to workout each week, and post it, so I joined the challenge for the accountability and motivation to complete my workouts each week. Even though I had no confidence that I would win, the possibility of it and the sincere hope of a new body at the end of 12 weeks made me enter the challenge.











The past 12 weeks have shown me:

• What it takes to loose fat
• Loosing “weight” versus fat
• How to boost my metabolism
• How to increase lean muscle
• Lean muscle burns more calories than cardio exercises
• Too much cardio CAN hurt you
• What intervals are, and how to do them properly
• PROPER NUTRITION










Proper nutrition is the KEY component of the whole challenge. Many components help to loose fat, but proper nutrition is the DEAL BREAKER! That component alone can cause you to shed fat without doing ANY exercises. This key element helped me to say no to the many opportunities to have cheat meals. I have so much more energy now that I am eating the right foods at the right times.











Progress?

Renetta's Stats's 2/22 Through 5/10

Height 5'6

Bust 34.5 (2/22) Bust 34 (5/10) loss of 1/2"

Waist 28.5 (2/22) Waist 27 (5/10) loss of 1 1/2"

Abdomen 37.5 (2/22) Abdomen 33 (5/10) loss of 4 1/2"

Hips 41.5 (2/22) Hips 40 (5/10) loss of 1 1/2"

Thighs 25 (2/22) Thighs 24 (5/10) loss of 1"

Arms 11.25 (2/22 Arms 10 (5/10) loss of 1 1/4"

Weight 160lbs (2/22) Weight 146 loss of 14 lbs

Total loss of 10.25" and 14 lbs


My Progress...
One day at a time.

During the introductory phase of the challenge, I couldn’t do a push-up and planks were a challenge. Week after week, I did my workouts and increased my weights.

By week 8, I was doing 8-10 push-ups and by week 9, I was doing planks with one leg elevated. I set a goal to do this program, and I did it to my best ability. I am 28 and have NEVER committed to ANY workout for over a week.

The workouts in this program are challenging, but because they can be done at home, take less than 30 minutes to complete, and only require a 3 workout per week commitment, I didn’t miss a single workout.

Although the program is easy to follow, there were some difficult times. I received support from other Fit Yummy Mummy’s and Holly’s motivational calls to pull me though. I followed the nutritional guidelines as closely as possible and with very few cheats.

I gave this challenge my all, and got far more out of it, than I imagined.

From this point forward, I will continue to eat healthy and to workout 3 times per week. Once I reach my goal weight/size I plan to remain active. They used to say, “If you don’t use it, you’ll loose it.” I don’t want to loose Fit Yummy Mummy, I don’t want to loose this feeling I have inside. The things I have learned from this program will be with me always.

~ Renetta Boykins
Proud Member of ClubFYM


Exceed your goals with Fit Yummy Mummy!

The Mother's Day Celebration Continues!

In preparation of Mother's day, I noticed there are Hundreds of Mother's Day events, specials and give-a-ways, where a few LUCKY Moms WIN a handful of cool gifts to honor and celebrate "you and all you do".

Well what about the rest of the Moms out there...who are JUST AS deserving?

Why should you settle with a thoughtful card, a gift certificate and a nice dinner, knowing that once this day is over...it all goes back to "normal"?

Well I believe in embracing the celebration of YOU as something that should be recognized and appreciated every day!

Why not instead make this the day that kicks off a habit you will practice daily. Thanks April's awesome Post "What I Like Best", brining a whole new awareness to who we are and what makes us so dang special is an act we deserve to take part in...and not just once a year.

So make "Happy Mother's Day" an expression you practice every day of the week the whole year through - you deserve it!

I'll help you kick it off too with the Yummy Mummy Makeover

http://YummyMummyMakeover.com

And yes...this is a Fr e e event. No applications to fill out, entry forms to stick into a fishbowl, no wishing, hoping or praying you will be chosen....

For I already have chosen YOU!

All you need to do is register and the gift of a head to toe, mind, body and soul line up of makeover experts will be delivered right to your inbox.

http://YummyMummyMakeover.com

Yes, there is an opportunity to choose a Deluxe Package once you register, but this is optional...getting the calls delivered to you each week for 6 weeks...is Fr e e as long as you sign up!

Check out our first week's line up...

~ Tuesday, May 13th Listen in to Dax Moy the MASTER of goal achievement. This a a MUST LISTEN 1st call!

~ Wednesday, May 14th Listen in to Mary Goulet from MomsTown.com and author of "It's All About You, Live the Life you Crave" shares exactly what you can do to begin living your best life ever! She is so inspiring and motivating!

~ Thursday , May 15th Joey Atlas, author of the Lower Body Makeover, shares the secrets of how to transform your lower body and get back into your skinny jeans!


I look forward to sharing this amazing, one-of-a kind, makeover experience with you!

HURRY....this Event begins tomorrow...you do NOT want to miss out!

Reserve your Makeover ==>HERE

Celebrating YOU Mom

Extend the celebration of YOU and everything you do by giving yourself the gift of a Yummy Mummy Makeover.

Join me, a panel of busy mom experts and thousands of moms who are ready to create a positive and lasting change in every area of their lives.

I look forward to celebrating you and everything you do!

~ Holly Rigsby

Meet your Style Makeover Expert, Jean Vouté Pratt

Yummy Mummy Makeover Style Expert

















How exciting is THIS....

Jean Vouté Pratt, our Style Expert in the Mother's Day Makeover Teleseminar Event, will be on Access Hollywood tonight!

Access Hollywood asked Jean to host a segment called “get the Sex and the City look for less.”

She took her New York sense of style out to LA and they’re shooting the segment today!

It airs this Friday, May 9th at 7:30pm est on NBC.

Find out more about Jean, The Style Observer and Her Interview with Sex in the City designer Gilles Montezin HERE.

Plus, Tammy from A Mom in Red High Heels.com conducted an interview with Jean - Meet Jean Vouté Pratt.


Moms...if you have not yet done so...please register for your Free Yummy Mummy Makeover so you can have your chance to listen in as Jean teach you how to go beyond the everyday basics and help you develop your own personal style, all without breaking the bank.

Discover the latest fashion trends and how you can update your look without the confusion, hassle or fuss. She will cover fashion don'ts, accessories, jewelry, designers, trends, looks & style resources. Just what every busy mom needs to know to enhance and embrace her true beauty and style...oh and she will also share the Sex in the City fashion secrets!

Reserve your Makeover HERE

Listen in to 13 of the world's top Busy Mom Experts on everything from fitness to fashion as they reveal their most closely guarded secrets and strategies to living the life of your dreams... absolutely FREE! Details HERE

~ Hurry, this Mother's Day Special Event
kicks off Tuesday, May 13th!

Too Much on Your Plate? Are you a Super Mom?

Your “I Do TOO Much” Solution
24 hours in a day. 48 hours of To Do’s

Are you a Super Mom?

Can we really do it all, have it all and maintain our emotional and physical health?

I know I sure try!

Each morning I jump out of bed, get a quick shower, quickly put on my face, quickly check ClubFYM and get in some writing, quickly get Tyler up, kissed, fed and dressed, quickly grab my cape and I am Out The Door to Take On the Day!

I may actually fill a whole page if I attempted to share the hundreds of tasks on my “To Do” list but for the sake of everyone’s sanity let’s just say….you understand….for you TOO have your own lists.

Lists that are written out or mulled over in your mind no matter how much you take on and check off, by the end of the day….there is still MORE To Do!

Our role as Super Mom is simply never ending!

If only we had more time in the day to get it all in!

Is having MORE time the solution?

We see resources that give us hope that we CAN make more time – time management for Busy Moms is a hot commodity – but just how effective are these resources? If we already feel the pressure to manage the kids, our careers, our household, our relationships…where on our list of “To Do’s” is there room to add “Manage your Time, Mom”.

Here’s a new concept I came across. Being a Mom and trying to Do It All is not about Time Management – we cannot MAKE more time…no matter how hard we try…there Always will only be 24 hours in a day.

Rather let’s take a new perspective. An awesome solution I have found that works extremely well is the concept of Energy Management.

Your “I Do TOO Much” Solution

~ First, address your mindset. Now along with the fact that I know no matter how long my list is I will have some carry over – and this is okay. The expectation to fit it all in has been abandoned.

~ Next, prioritize. I have taken the time to prioritize my list. I ask what absolutely MUST be done today….(sure we tend to say ALL of it – but we have to be realistic)…trick is – I limit it to 3 items. If it is life or death that more than 3 things MUST be accomplished…time to re-evaluate and set new priorities.

TIP: This takes some planning. I have found that right before I go to bed, it is super helpful to jot it all down. Then you sleep with a more restful mind for you have dumped it all out and no longer have too worry about remembering.

~ Identify your Energy Flux. Then comes the fact that I am aware of when I am MOST productive during my day/night. I have discovered that I have 2 blocks of time where I can jam it all out. First thing in the morning and after Tyler’s bedtime. I consider an energy flux when I either have mental energy, physical energy or both – if I am having a superb day – which I have found is totally connected to my attitude and a week before my “pre-menstrual” week. Yes…I am THAT in tune with my body. And what a tremendous experience this is to have – to be aware, in control and understanding – instead of being thrown for a loop.

~ Coordinate and Schedule. Finally, I take my top 3 tasks and schedule them to my most productive times of the day. When I check these tasks off my list, then I move on to what is next based on allotted periods of time.

NOTE: Oh yes, giving yourself a set period of time to get things done works magic. You magically use your time more wisely after you realize how much time tends to be “wasted”. You know it works for our children…it absolutely works for us as well. So grab a kitchen timer and begin keeping track of how long it takes to complete your tasks. Just as a food log brings eating habits to our attention – so does a time log.

Above I mentioned how I TRY to be a Super Mom….while the word TRY can be used as an excuse when we TRY to eat right or TRY to exercise….for you either you DO or you Do Not – courtesy of the awesome wisdom of Yoda.

Well in the scenario of Super Mom TRY is absolutely acceptable.

This is not about taking on the most important role in your life and being expected to play it our perfectly, smiling the whole way without a hair out of place……this is about giving it your best.

To give it your best means you must FIRST begin by Giving to YOU. So this Mother’s Day be sure to give yourself the gift of giving back.

Use the tips in the “Pamper Me” post and be sure to sign up for the Free Yummy Mummy Makeover Teleseminar Series.

Reserve your Makeover HERE

Mother's Day Makeover Tips: Pamper Yourself

Time to Give Back to YOU

No need to wait until Mother's Day to begin pampering yourself today.

While many moms do not have the option of taking a day off, why not create "mini retreats" throughout the day.

Take these Top 5 "Pamper Me" tips along with registration to the free Yummy Mummy Makeover Teleseminar Event and you have the perfect formula to revitalize, refresh and recapture who you are as a woman!

Top 5 "Pamper Me" Tips

1. Surround Yourself with Scents
This is by far the fastest, easiest way to instantly change your mood. Splurge on a great candle - I love Yankee Candles and have at least 3 different scents on hand at all times. Mango Peach Salsa is a great "pick me up" and if I want to feel like I am away on vacation, I light Vanilla Lime.

Having a small bottle of the essential oil of your choice is also great to have on hand. I love peppermint oil...not only can you place a dab on your temples or wrist when you feel a bit stressed, but you can also rub the oil on your shoulders for a wonderfully warm, stress-melting experience.

2. Sounds to Nourish your Soul
Music is another awesome instant escape.
Choose songs that soothe your soul - I love Enya. This is also what I listened to when I delivered Tyler. At this point whenever I am feeling a but too stressed, simply humming a couple of her songs brings me instant peace.

Choose songs that are energizing, making you want to get up and dance! Feel your groove and go with it!

Or simply choose songs that allow you to revisit one of the happy times in your life. I enjoy playing songs that take me back to the fun times of college (Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Icecube - I know...not what you would expect).

3. At-Home Facial
Taking care of your skin is just as important as eating right and working out. When your skin feel radiant and fresh...you look it! Cleanse, soften and revitalize your skin with a 5 minute facial you can do right at home.

All you need is a cleanser, an exfoliating scrub - I love the apricot scrub for it is super affordable and makes my skin feel so soft - toner you can lightly spritz - witch hazel is great, and finally follow up with a great moisturizer.

If you are looking for some great makeup tips and want to know the best buys for your beauty brigade....be sure to register for the Yummy Mummy Makeover for our Busy Mom Beauty Expert, Tammy Gibson - from A Mom in Red High Heels.com - will be sharing all her secrets and strategies on how to look your absolute best!

4. Treat yourself to Tea Sipping on a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea can relax your mind, soothe your soul and warm your heart. I have found that when life gets super busy, the best way to slow yourself down is by sipping on this soothing beverage - you have no other choice, plus it brings awareness back into your body.

Choose a relaxing herbal mix.

~ Chamomile is known for calming your nerves.
~ Spearmint calms digestion
~ Essence of Licorice - you MUST try it. I was hooked after grabbing a box of Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer. The sweet flavor of the tea was the licorice. Super delightful PLUS - get this - also great for relieving menstrual cramps and believed to increase your libido!

Side benefit...this drink is calorie free and distracts you from grabbing the typical junk food for comfort.
5. Move Your Body

"I hope you are not saying exercise is a form of pampering!?" Well, when your body feels good, your mind feels good. So why not do something good for your body each and every day. No it does not always require a full blown, total body workout. But doing something simple for your body a few minutes a day can only bring you endless benefits!

Make it simple and choose:

~ Yoga. Practice some yoga moves a couple times a day. I am a huge fan of Sun Salutations.

~ Simply Stretch. If you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, every hour get up and move your body around.

~ Body Weight Moves. Carve out 5 minutes for a mini revitalizing resistance circuit. I enjoy burpees, push ups and Y-squats. Performed back to back for 5-10 minutes.






























~ Go for a Walk. Yes if anything, get outside, breathe in the fresh air and get a little sunshine. Just 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day - whatever you can fit in - will help you stay alert and refreshed.


This Mother's Day, while you may receive cards and gifts that speak of how much you are loved and appreciated, please remember it is just as important that YOU recognize and celebrate everything you do as well.

So give yourself a little love and care by pampering yourself with these "mini retreats". As you can see, taking care of you is something that can be done each and every day for the rest of your life!

What have you done for Yourself today?

For a complete head to toe, mind, body and soul makeover...

~Don't forget to register for your Free Yummy Mummy Makeover - Event kicks of Tuesday, May 13th!

Register==> HERE