:: INSANITY MAX :30 TRAINING ::

If you guys follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you may have seen my "I'M SO EXCITED" posts about the new Insanity that's coming out! Oh, you haven't heard??

Righttttt?!?! After finishing up my last workout program, I just could not decide if I wanted to tackle T25 Gamma or Insanity next...I wanted to really challenge myself the way I knew Insanity would but I knew I would really miss my half hour workouts! And a few days later I found out about this little piece of heaven being released in December. 

Okay, obviously I'm going to be calling it some harsher terms of endearment when I actually get my hands on it because, well, did you watch that video?! I mean, WHO creates a workout with the specific intention of working you to FAILURE?? 

Shaun T does, that's who.

And I love him for it. 

Buuuuuuut considering this was my face when I first saw the video...

...I'm thinking I need to start TRAINING for this workout!

SO I'm going to start a <<Challenge Group>> on Facebook full of people who want to GET READY for this program when it comes out!! We will keep each other accountable up until release and then this will become my FIRST TEST GROUP for the workout! When it releases, you guys will get first dibs on it & we will stick it out TOGETHER, through the good times and bad

SO who wants to be part of the MAX 30 TRAINING GROUP?? We will start October 6!

Friend me on Facebook and send me a message saying "MAX 30 TRAINING GROUP" so we can chat and you can get on the list and get prepared for the wonderfully evil mastermind that is Shaun T!!!

Low Carb Pad Thai?! Oh. Yes.

Ever have that craving for Chinese? Or Thai food? Or something else totally based around pasta buuuuuut you don't need all those carbs? Welcome to my life. On a daily basis. For real- pasta is one of my biggest weaknesses! Enter: Shirataki noodles. 

So I heard about this stuff on Instagram (duh) and I immediately knew I had to try it. I mean, 6 carbs (4 from fiber)  for a plate full of pasta?!?! Did they make this just for me?!

So I went on a hunt and found it... Aaaaand it was WEIRD. Lol I wasn't sure if it was going to work for me. The texture was really spongy and just...weird. 

But last night I decided to play around with it and try to make it work. And OMG YOU GUYS!!!

It. Happened. 

Here's the recipe- this is much easier if you have chicke and broccoli already prepped and hangin out in the fridge waiting to be eaten. 

Ingredients:

1 pack Shirataki fettuccini 

1-2 servings of chicken and broccoli (however much you'd like)

Spicy salt (we found it at Whole Foods)

Cholula hot sauce

Honey mustard 

Okay so here's how I did it (and once again I remind you all: I am NO chef. Please feel free to play around and make stuff how YOU like it best!)

1. Open bag of noodles & drain/rinse in strainer in sink. 

2. Put noodles on stove over medium high heat. Stir around for a while to let most of the water cook off. The goal is to dry it out.

3. Grind some of your spicy salt on in there. 

4. Once most of the water is gone and the noodles seem pretty cooked through (5-10 min maybe), slide it to one side and add your chicken and broccoli in to one side of the pan to warm it up. 

5. Once everything is warm, mix it all together and add your honey mustard (make sure you chose a low sugar option!) and Cholula. 

6. Mix together, plate, and enjoy!!!

Banana Cream Pie, Anyone?

One of my favorite desserts has always been Banana Cream Pie. Try to be a good girl and go to Jason's Deli for a nice, healthy salad? Their dang Banana Cream Pie is staring me in the face...and now I can say I'm getting it for Miss Kennedy, but let's be honest, I have to refill that tiny little saucer for her like five times because Momma Bear has been smashing it. #whoops

So what's a girl to do? 

Duh.

Banana Cream Pie Shakeology

Ladies and gents...you. are. welcome.

Handful of ice

Unsweetened vanilla almond milk (enough to cover ice)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 small banana

1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology

Reddi Whip (I used fat free)

2-4 graham cracker sticks (I used Back to Nature brand...this is optional. Save 1 stick for topping-also optional.)

Add ingredients in order listed and blend. Pour into your fanciest glass and top with Reddi Whip and crumbled graham cracker stick. 

And there you have it- the healthiest meal of your day is now the yummiest. Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please!

Living the Fit Life

Someone asked me to write about how "women in their 20s balance life, love, and a relationship with God." It's about a week and a half later and it's taken me this long to try to figure out how to get all of that into one post...I think I need a book for this one, but here's my attempt at covering what it means to me.



What exactly do I mean when I say "Tori Heyman Fit Life?" 

I'm not just talking about workouts and nutrition. I'm not just talking about a healthy body. 

I'm talking about a healthy body, mind, and soul. 

It is my humble opinion that if one aspect of that is missing or lacking, you aren't TRULY happy.

And you see that banner up at the top of this page? It says, "happy through healthy."

Heck yes, this journey to finding/creating/molding yourself into the best version of you can absolutely start with a focus on better nutrition. And, heck yes, it can start with a kickbutt workout program. And no, I don't necessarily recommend trying to attack all areas at one time because holy wow that could be overwhelming. But as I have continued along this path to becoming the best version of me, I realize that I can workout all day long but if my mentality isn't where it needs to be, then I just don't feel right. Something feels off. Or if I have been diving into some personal development but have skipped some workouts, it takes a toll on how I view myself. 

If any area is lacking, negativity enters my mind. 

That's what I'm trying to say. 

That little voice in my head gets mean and ugly. When I'm scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed and find myself judging others, I know I am not connected to my true sense of the me I intend to be. If I look in the mirror and see flaws and start saying mean things to myself, I know I need to pick it up somewhere.

And that takes a toll on how I talk to myself, how I interact with others (including my husband), and shifts my focus to selfish thoughts and actions as opposed to a focus on forming a deeper relationship with Jesus.

I never did personal development until this year. I always thought I was a pretty positive person and therefore didn't need it. But now that I read or listen to some form of it daily, I realize just how much I had been missing out on. I had been limiting myself. In all areas of life. That's really what it boils down to. 

In high school and college, as I realized I was growing up and turning into an adult, I started figuring out the kind of person I wanted to be. I had met some people who I'd think, "Wow. She has such a kind heart. I want to be more like that," or, "I want to be as bubbly and happy as she is," or, "I wish I knew what it felt like to hear God speaking to you." This image of a certain type of woman living a certain type of life entered my mind and I knew I wanted to be her...

...but I had no idea how to become her. That's the next step after deciding something, right? How? I was clueless for quite some time...

Until this year. Until I started growing my mind. Learning how to break through those limits I had set for myself. Until I started figuring out how to get closer to God.

I'd said to myself many times in the past that I wanted to live more like Jesus and align my thoughts and actions with Him. I'd seen numerous quotes that smacked me in the face, realizing that I wasn't living like that. I'd remind myself that I wasn't praying as much as I wanted to..

"When the student is ready, the teacher will come."
We've all heard that one, right? Well, insert here:

I asked one of the leaders in my business (via a message on Facebook) HOW she turned her business and her life around, as she had told us on a team call that she had done the previous year. All she told me was, "Start here." and sent me a screenshot of an audiobook called The Secrets of the Power of Intention. I had never talked to this girl ever and was kind of sad that she didn't say more because, much like so many of the other new amazing women that were in this new circle of people I was intentionally surrounding myself with, I admired her. I wanted to pick her brain because I just had to figure out how to do what she had done. But, I went with it. I downloaded the Audible app and was really excited that your first download is free so I could get the audiobook without paying the $35 it's listed for. (Hint, hint ;) ) It's over 6 hours long but I knew this was something I HAD to commit to.

So I started it on a Friday morning and...I just couldn't. stop. listening. By the end of the day I had almost completed it. And now it pretty much plays on a loop whenever I have a minute to spare. (In the shower, in the car, scrolling through Instagram....) Why has it been so transformative for me? Well, I could say a LOT right here, and maybe I'll expand at a later date, but the short answer is this:

I have never felt closer to God. I have never felt His presence like I do now. I have never felt so connected to Him. I've never truly understood treating my body as a temple, a gift from God that I desire to nurture as He would. I've never wanted to squeeze so much life out of each day He blesses me with.

 Listening to this has absolutely been the number one thing that is helping me daily to grow into the woman I always wanted to be. Rather, I intended to be. (You'll get that once you listen.) 

But...it's hard for me to say that audiobook is the number one thing that's changed me. Because if I had not reached out to that woman, I never would have known. And I never would have reached out to that woman if I had not been feeding my mind to grow in my self-confidence and comfort level with communicating with new people. But I never would have worked on that had I not joined the team of fitness coaches that I did. But I never would have become a coach had I not committed to losing weight and getting back in shape. But I never would have needed to do all of that if I hadn't gotten pregnant. Never would have gotten pregnant had I not gotten married. Wouldn't have gotten married to the man I did or when I did had I not met him at the college I chose.......I could obviously keep going and/or break it down further for you, but do you understand what I'm trying to say? 

It's all connected.

This is why I'm so glad my mom taught me to always live by, "there is a reason for everything." I always knew that one choice you make will lead you to the next, whether that be a good decision or something you might regret, but...

...the incredible thing
is that you will always get 
exactly where you are supposed to be, 
at the exact moment 
you are meant to be there. 

Well, this post took a turn away from what I initially meant to include...but thinking about it, I really didn't know what was going to come out-- that's partially why it took me so long to write it. 

So, I guess the shortest answer I can give to the sweet lady that requested this post:

Surround yourself with people who are a shining example of how you want to live. 

Continuously remind yourself to BE kindness, joy, and love in every thought, every action, and every decision. (And if you catch yourself falling from that, realize that at any moment you can choose to change your mood/tone/thought/action.) 

Always keep believing that you deserve to be loved by a Perfect Love and you are far more valuable and worthy than you give yourself credit for.  

And, finally, trust that God is making moves in your life to keep pushing you toward that person you are meant to be, living a life far greater than you can imagine, because He loves us more than we can understand.

I have a challenge for you...

Okay, really I have TWO!

The first challenge hit me during a workout session after seeing this quote. I fell in LOVE with it and it immediately became my new mantra. But initially I was just considering it in regards to my journey as a whole. Like, what will I look like 6 months from now if I stay on track all that time? BUT then it hit me.

What would happen if, in the middle of a tough workout, I didn't listen to that voice in my head who tells me, "You have to take a break otherwise your arms are going to give out." You guys know what I'm talking about...that agonizing feeling that you just CAN'T go one more rep without taking a break first. Once you catch your breath and release that burn for a sec, you'll be good to go, right? 

What would happen if you told that voice to SHUT IT and kept going anyway? 

So, this is my first challenge for you. It's what I've been doing the past couple of weeks and 3 things have happened for me:

1) I realize I'm stronger than I give myself credit for.

2) I'm more sore than ever.

3) I'm noticing faster changes/progress in crushing my workouts AND in pictures/the mirror. (And that's what really counts, right? ;) )

CHALLENGE #1: 

When that voice/feeling comes when you feel like you just HAVE to take a break or else you'll faceplant or fall down or pass out or throw up, see HOW MANY MORE reps you can do before that consequence you feel coming ACTUALLY happens. 

Is it hard? Yes. But this is where you will gain so much more mental strength and belief in yourself that you knew was possible. When you hit that point where you usually stop for a break and this time do 1, 3, 7 more pushups? Whaaaaaat?? "WHO AM I?! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE??" Yeah... those are the kind of thoughts you'll have. And it's a pretty amazing feeling.

CHALLENGE #2:

This one I'm SUPER EXCITED FOR!!! 

WATCH: (It's quick I promise ;) )

So??? Are you IN?! Do you ACCEPT the CHALLENGE?? Go hit LIKE here and join me for the daily challenges!! I can't wait to see you there! Invite your friends so they can take the challenges too! 

See you soon, friends! :) 

I Know What It Feels Like...

Okay, guys I KNOOOOOOW I've been MIA on here but it's because I have a post in the works that I'm struggling to condense! Haha I feel like I'm just rambling so I'm doing my best to make it make sense to you guys and not just in my head lol. But in the meantime...I wanted to share a little something that I made yesterday. I'm feeling extremely focused and determined so I'm REALLY EXCITED about the things to come!! Love you guys!

What the heck do I buy?!

So I went back and forth on sharing this with you ALL because this is usually something I share with just my challengers...but I started this blog to HELP as many people as possible and I know having something like this when I first started would have helped me out a ton so I hope you all find it beneficial! 

Okay: I know this is a lot of information but I really wanted to help you with the area that’s most difficult for the vast majority of people—FOOOOOOD!! I will share some great links full of TONS of info but this is what has worked for me! (I can buy all of this except Quest Bars (GNC or Vitamin Shoppe) from Kroger—just wander around the “health section” and get used to it ;) )
The app My Fitness Pal is extremely helpful for tracking your food intake and you can see how your nutrients break down- highly recommend using it daily!

My typical grocery list:
Shakeology (not from the store lol learn more about it here)
Grapes
Strawberries
Organic bananas
Watermelon
Organic apples
Spinach
Celery
Baby carrots
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Frozen mixed veggies (I like California style)
Frozen peas & carrots
Hummus (my fave is roasted pine nut)
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Greek yogurt- plain (I like Greek Gods brand)
Eggs eggs and more eggs
Light (part skim) string cheese
Parmesan cheese
Free range chicken breast
Uncured, nitrate free turkey bacon
Natural almond butter (Trader Joe’s) (only ingredients should be almonds and salt)
Barilla plus pasta (yellow box) (it has protein! and other healthy stuff!)
Quinoa
Pistachios
Sunflower seeds
Old fashioned oats
Organic low sugar raspberry vinaigrette
Quest bars (only a couple per week if any. these are a great option but still have a couple ingredients I don't want to be consuming on a daily basis.)

Seasonings: Mrs. Dash, organic vanilla extract, maple flavor, cinnamon, pepper, Cholula hot sauce

Other healthy options:
Lean meats
Almonds
Any fruit or veggie
Cottage cheese
Whole grain English muffins
Ezekiel bread

I usually buy everything organic & non-gmo. The more you learn about it, the more you will, too. (About to go on a little tangent here lol) Study this or save it to your phone so each time you hit the grocery store, you know you want to find that Dirty Dozen with the ORGANIC sticker. I know, it's like, "really? as if this isn't difficult enough!" but this is the way our culture has come to create our foods- mainly because of the big population expansion and needing to make MORE food FASTER, but the FDA is many times NOT on the side of true, long-term health. This is why it's so important to take our health into our own hands and research research research!! If you haven't yet, I highly HIGHLY recommend checking out the first 20 minutes (you just give them your email address to get the link) of the Hungry for Change movie at hungryforchange.tv ...it's SHOCKING what you'll learn from that I bet it will convince you even more that this needs to be a true lifelong change for you and your family. BUT ANYWAY :D use this as a guide to know which produce you should start getting organic right away. Who wants chemicals with a side of apple? No, thanks. Not I. 

Now, realize there are a million different healthy "ways to eat." There's gluten free, organic, clean, following macros (iifym), carb cycling, paleo, vegan... There's also a bunch of baaaad fad diets out there. This list I'm giving you is just what I have found successful FOR ME. I've tried different things but clean, organic eating is what I believe in. I believe you should fill your body with nutrients that are meant to be digested by our bodies…not chemicals someone made in a lab. If you want more info on any of the other ways of eating (I don't want to call it a diet because it's a lifestyle change!) then just let me know and I'll hook you up.

I try to eat my complex carbs & fruits in the morning and at lunch. For dinner and night snack I stick to mainly proteins and veggies. I don't eat things high in sugar and try to stay away from refined sugar and highly processed stuff. And yes, this includes drinks! No kool-aid, no sweet tea, no diet coke for me! I drink water, shakeo, milk, and unsweet tea only.

Now I know me, and I knew that if I tried to ease into it or allowed myself some cheats here and there, I would get frustrated by not seeing the results I wanted. (Also, the addictive stuff that's found in these "unclean" foods make it WAY harder to get back on track.) So, I dove in full force. (When my goal is to lose body fat:) I only have 1 cheat meal every 2 weeks. That may be unrealistic for you! Be honest and be careful! The last thing you want is to deprive yourself and make yourself suffer so much that it leads to binge eating. When I have those moments when I just want to stuff my face with something, anything, I do so with strawberries or carrots. When I'm feeling weak, I remind myself to FOCUS on what I want most versus what I want now. The "yummy" foods will always be there. You can wait until you are on a cheat meal or until you are down to a weight you're happier with and they’ll STILL BE THERE. It took me about 3 weeks to legitimately not crave the bad stuff anymore. Shakeology helps me with this because there are so many guilt-free sweet options to create, plus filling your body with these super healthy nutrients helps you not crave the fake stuff. Once I was seeing results, I craved more results, and when I would see something like cake I would think, "Oh man, that sounds good! Wait... No.. Not really. Plus it will veer me off course of my goals. I'll just wait till my cheat day and see if it still sounds good." Crisis averted. It’s the old “you want what you can’t have” trick that your mind plays on you..you’ll realize this when you do get a taste of it and it’s really not as yummy as you built it up to be in your head. 

Here is a typical day for me:
Breakfast: Vanilla shakeo with banana, vanilla unsweetened almond milk, ice

Snack: Apple with almond butter or sweet potato with cinnamon

Lunch: Grilled chicken, mixed veggies, quinoa, hot sauce (clean “fried rice!” load up on the veggies more than the rice ;) )

Snack: Greek yogurt, string cheese

Dinner: Scrambled eggs w parmesan, turkey bacon

Snack: Raw carrots & hummus (pine nut is my fave!) and/or another Shakeo if I'm really hungry or craving something sweet!

Is this helpful?? I hope so!! Hope you all are having a great week!