I Had a Bad Few Days and Then I Got Abs...

Dear Boys and Girls,

I normally reserve my ONE cheat meal for Saturday. But last week, it was Thursday and I couldn't wait. I had eaten like I do all day long, and then, I just had that overpowering "I need to cheat NOW" feeling. So, I gave myself permission to drown myself in a burger and fries. That felt great and yup, guilt free.

Then Sunday came along (the day before Jason was to leave for Miami). My friend Carl had brought over some super healthy sandwiches made from foods in the top two tiers of Michi's ladder. But, for now, while I train for the year-end contest, I've given up bread and have committed to eating my veggies 3 times a day. But on Sunday, I just didn't care. I ate two yummy sandwiches, probably skipped a meal, skipped my veggies, slept a whole lot, and put some pumpkin pie filling (it was organic!) in my chocolate Shakeology (It was amaaaaazing, by the way!). Horrible day in terms of eating? No, but not the way to reach my goal of being chiseled by January 15th.

So, on Monday, I recommitted to eating super duper clean and bringing it hardcore with my workouts. On the way back from the airport on Monday (after I had said my temporary goodbyes), I imagined myself spending the rest of the day feeling sorry for myself in bed, being unproductive. I didn't like that image of me, so I decided to channel my sadness and stop by the gym in my building to do cardio. It felt amazingly good to sweat, to take care of me, even when my emotions were asking for something else. That workout set the tone for the rest of my day.

While I was on the spin bike, I could see that my body had suddenly changed. It's very strange how that happens, but sometimes we just wake up fitter. Don't get me wrong, it didn't magically happen. I've been working out twice a day and eating super duper clean for months. But on Monday morning, I suddenly was able to see the changes I had been seeking and that I have been working so hard to achieve. Today someone at a group fitness class that I go to told me that I looked leaner than I did last week. Yeah, baby! Finally, finally, I am getting those abs I have always dreamed of.

I'm not sure what the point of this blog post is. Maybe I want to remind you that we all have bad days. That a bad day doesn't mean you've ruined your chance of getting results. Maybe I want to remind you that life is messy, but that you can choose to take care of you, even if you have a bad day or week of eating.

You always have a choice. Isn't that sweet?

Your friend in this journey,
Barbie, PhD

The two days of not eating super duper Barbie clean are behind me.

I'm Famous! and some good stuff on Shakeology!

Dear Boys and Girls,

Okay, it's official. I'm a little poster child for Slim in 6! Hee hee hee. I was watching my goddess, Slim in 6's trainer Debbie Siebers, speaking about Shakeology, when I saw myself working out on the video. How cool is that?!

I am not someone who is easily star struck. But, when I met Debbie Siebers last March at the Coaches Summit, I had tears in my eyes. I remember telling her, "I'm not usually someone who is warm and fuzzy (I didn't want to tell her that I don't drool over "stars"), but I am so thankful for your program. It changed my life."

I've moved on to different BeachBody programs, but I really can't say enough great things about Slim in 6. IT REALLY IS THE ULTIMATE FAT BLASTER. Really.

And how about Shakeology? I love it, too! I drink it after my resistance workout or as a snack. But, when I'm running late or too busy to cook, I use Shakeology as a meal replacement.

For more info on the goodness of Shakeology, go to www.shakeitoff.info. If you email me at coachbarbie@gmail.com, I will send you a Shakeology recipe book for free. To be honest, I like it nice and simple: with water. But most folks like to add almond milk and maybe some fruit.

Okay, over and out!

Barbie, PhD

Who Moved My Cheese!

Dear Boys and Girls,

I woke up this morning thinking about how my life just felt so perfect. Ahh, that wonderful feeling when things feel that everything is as it should be...

and then someone, something, LIFE, moved my cheese.

Wait. I thought Barbie gave up dairy. I did. "Who Moved My Cheese" is the name of Dr. Johnson Spencer's book. Here's the gist of it, taken directly from Dr. Johnson's website:

Who Moved My Cheese? is the story of four characters living in a "Maze" who face unexpected change when they discover their "Cheese" has disappeared. Sniff and Scurry, who are mice, and Hem and Haw, little people the size of mice, each adapt to change in their "Maze" differently. In fact, one doesn't adapt at all...

Well, boys and girls, now you get it. Someone moved my cheese. It looks like Jason has been transfered to Miami. Just when life was feeling perfect, something happened to remind me that change is inevitable and that I either wallow in self-pity (or chocolate) or take care of myself regardless of what happens.

I had made plans for today to meet with one of my coachees from Boston who is in Dallas for work. But, my head was pounding and I just wanted to eat junk and sleep. I thought about canceling, but, I reminded myself that 1. someone was counting on me and 2. that I have to practice what I preach. Life will always happen and like it or not, we can't control some events in our life. But, we can control if we choose to take care of ourselves or not.

So, I rested some and met with Stacy. After chatting for a bit over chocolate Shakeology, I invited her to join me in a community fitness class that kicked both of our butts. I'm so glad we met!

There's change up ahead and I have got to stay focused on my fitness and personal goals. One step, one day at a time.

Your friend through this journey,
Barbie, PhD

Treat Yourself To A SUPER HEALTHY TREAT: No Bake Protein Bar

Dear Boys and Girls,

I'm so not a cook or a baker, but I thought this would be fun and maybe satisfy our sweet tooth. I found the recipe in Oxygen magazine. Enjoy!

Barbie

RECIPE:

step 3: Freeze for 30 minutes

step 4: Take out and eat!

NUTRITIONAL:

Makes 8 servings

calories 230.

total fat: 10grams

saturated fat: 2

trans fat: 0

cholesterol: 15 mg

sodium: 20 mg

total carbs: 20 grams

dietary fiber: 4grams

sugars: 3grams

protein: 15grams

FREE GROUP WORKOUT IN NYC Tomorrow Saturday, November 28th, 2009!

Dear Boys and Girls,

It's the day after Thanksgiving kids. So, how'd you do?

I ate well all day long until dinner time and even then, I didn't go totally buckwild! I also didn't drink any alcohol. For the first post Thanksgiving ever, I didn't wake up feeling stuffed and exhausted (from the alcohol).

Still, um, I will confess, to cap off a great evening, I had a pumpkin donut from Dunkin Donuts! Seriously, talk about overkill! Oh, yes, old habits die hard!

But, it's a new day and I am back on the wagon. My friend and coach Nazly and I just got done with the RevAbs cardio workout. We're waiting for Jason to get up to do Strength and Endurance RevAbs.

I hope if you're in the NYC area, you will get up off the coach or out of the shopping malls to FIRE UP YOUR ABS in our RevAbs Group Workout!!

Saturday Nov 28, 2009 @ 1:30 PM Chelsea Studios 151 west 26th street New York, NY 10001

You can rsvp to coachbarbie@gmail.com or just show up. It's free!!

Bring it, people, and hop back on the wagon!
Barbie, PhD

I just Want to Gloat Tonight! I Love My Abs!

Dear Boys and Girls,

I just want to gloat tonight: I am elated about my abs!

I've had this mental picture for a long time of the abs I want, but every time I have imagined them, I think I've imagined them on someone else's body! It's a strange and really wonderful feeling to see my abs developing, finally, on my body. Does that make sense?

I'm leaving for New York tomorrow and I'm packing for success. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

So, what's in my suitcase?

My breakfast and snacks:
**oatmeal
** whey protein
** almond butter
** Shakeology

My vitamins:
--Activit
--Omega 3
--Calcim
--Shakeology fiber boost and Acidophilis (traveling constipates! I know, too much information. But you gotta be prepared!!)

Outfits:
--Workout outfits for every day that I'm there
--and other clothes, of course!

My mindset:
--Yes, I'm leaving Dallas determined to come back fitter than when I left. Eating clean and working out when traveling can be tough, but I'm done with excuses. Nothing will get in the way of my getting my best body.

So, what will I do on Thanksgiving Day? Like a good American, I plan to stuff myself! Heeheehee. I'm joking, sort of. I am using my Thanksgiving meal as my cheat meal. The plan is to eat clean all day and then enjoy whatever it is I want that evening. No alcohol, since I've given it up altogether, at least until next year. One meal or one day of celebration does not have to lead to several days off the wagon. Remember that.

So, I'm off to pack.

If you're in the NYC area or within driving distance, I hope you will consider joining us for a group workout on Saturday, November 28th at 1:30pm. For more info, go to www.xworkout.blogspot.com

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!! We have a lot to be thankful for.

Bring it!
Barbie, PhD

Stacy's BeachBody Success: Change is Most Definitely a Process!

Dear Boys and Girls,

With Stacy's permission, I'm sharing and gloating about her success. I asked her if I could use her email and pics because she truly shows that CHANGE IS A PROCESS!!! Persistence is key.

Congrats, girl, and KEEP GOING!!

Love,
Barbie

***

Hey Barbie-

Hope all is well. I wanted to share with you my 90 day stats with my second round of CLX...I can't believe it myself. I've also attached before and after pics (not much diffference between day 60-after fall2009 and day 90 results pics).

Start (took what I accomplished after round 1 of CLX- which was 7 mths prior)
Weight 140
Body Fat 14.8%
Waist 27"
HIps 28"
Abductors 38"
Arms 11"
Thighs 20"
Chest 34"

Day 30 (9/26/09)
Weight 138.8
Body Fat 19.6%
Waist 27 1/2"
HIps 38"
Abductors 37"
Arms 11"
Thighs 191/2"
Chest 33"

Day 60 (10/24/09)
Weight 135.2
Body Fat 17.6%
Waist 27"
HIps 37"
Abductors 37 1/2"
Arms 11 1/4"
Thighs 19"
Chest 33"

Day 90 (11/20/09)
Weight 133
Body Fat 13.2%
Waist 27"
Hips 36"
Abductors 37"
Arms 10"
Thighs 19"
Chest 33"

TOTAL= 8.5" lost; 7.4 lbs lost, 6.4% BF lost...YIPEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This time around the program worked much better and I have to thank you for that for teaching me to eat clean. The shakeology helped a little too:) I also did cardio every day...so if it was a weight day, I'd do either cardio core or turbo jam 20 mins. On the cardio days, I'd sometimes do BIU instead of the intervals. I liked the variety and I kept seeing results so it must have been working:)

I am so happy and I can't wait to see what results I keep getting. My reward for my weight loss is buying the new CLX DVDs. Next week, I'm taking a break from CLX and then I'll start the Extreme for Life 30 day rotation and then not sure. Any suggestions on how to bring it to the next level...want to be leaner and toner, I'd be happy to hear!

I'll be in Tx in a couple of weeks and we'll connect in person then, hopefully. I'm looking forward to meeting you! Stacy

P.S. you look amazing!

Stacy

BARBIE'S SLIM SPOT CHALLENGE STARTS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd, 2009

SLIM SPOT CHALLENGE

Dear Boys and Girls,

It's time for another challenge.

JOIN US!!! Eating Super clean makes all the difference in the world.

****

CHALLENGE DATES: MONDAY NOVEMBER 23rd through (including) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2009

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT:

1. You PRESS PLAY Five or Six Times a week, depending on your program. If you miss a workout, you're out of the challenge.

2. You EAT CLEAN six times a week. It's up to you if you want to stuff yourselves like a bell pepper on your cheat day. But, I recommend a cheat MEAL and not a cheat day.



3. YOU ARE ALLOWED "ONE ADDITIONAL CHEAT SNACK" in this 20 DAY PERIOD. That means, Out of the 20 days during which you are doing the challenge, you may treat yourself to ONE CHEAT SNACK (like a cookie or a glass of alcohol) in addition to your cheat meal. If you have a second cheat snack, you are out of the challenge.

4. You MUST report daily for the preceding day ON THE SLIM SPOT MESSAGE BOARD. For example, "Yesterday, I ate clean and pressed play." I am not a record keeper, so please go to the Slim Spot to hold yourselves accountable. PLEASE POST IN RED IF YOU ARE STILL IN THE CHALLENGE

5. You have until Tuesday morning to take your measurements AND pictures. You don't have to post them.

At the end of the challenge, we will put the WARRIORS NAMES IN A HAT TO DETERMINE THE WINNER!

THE PRIZE: Tony's One on One Video

Will you be the last man/woman standing?!


YOU BE THE JUDGE!!!


For daily accountability and community support, visit my forum, Barbie's Slim Spot in the Slim in 6 Category. You must Join the Community first, if you are not part of BeachBody. It's free!

If you would like me to coach you, click here and fill out the form. It's also free! You can also write me at coachbarbie@getfitwithbarbie.com.

PART 2:

EATING CLEAN RULES:

RULE 1: You eat 4 to 6 small meals per day, ideally breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, and dinner. That means that you are eating every 2 to 3 hours.

Your body needs to be fueled. Eating only breakfast, lunch, and dinner is not okay.

RULE 2: You eat at least 1250 calories (unless you are less than 5 feet tall). I am putting this down because this challenge is about eating clean and being healthy, not about starving yourself.

RULE 3: This is more like a guideline than a rule. You follow something close to a 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat diet. For those of you doing carb manipulation or following a special plan for diabetics, that's fine, too. Again, I just don't want folks to think they are eating clean if they eat 4 bowls of cereal per day. Your meals have to be balanced.

RULE 4: This is the real challenge part: YOU EAT ONLY FROM THE TOP 2 TIERS of MICHI'S LADDER 6 DAYS A WEEK. That means that you cannot have bagels for breakfast nor frozen yogurt for a snack. Top 2 tiers. Period.

To See Michi's Ladder, click here: Michi's Ladder

If you are not a FREE BeachBody community member, click here to join so you can have access to Michi's Ladder. I will also become your free coach.

NOTE: When I first came up with this challenge, I was afraid that it would be too restrictive. But, our results speak for themselves. That said, this is the challenge and these are the rules. If you accept to enter it, then you also accept to enter the NO WHINING ZONE!

Are you ready?

Bring it!
Barbie, PhD

**** ADDENDUM: Shakeology, Recovery drink, protein supplements, coffee, natural almond/peanut butter, and almond milk are ALLOWED. *******

Barbie's BeachBody Results: Down Memory Lane

Dear Boys and Girls,

In preparation for our next Eating Clean Challenge, let me take you down memory lane and remind you how very much change is a process.

So many of my coachees get discouraged and fall flat on their butts because they don't see changes right away, or because they make a mistake, or because they don't see the types of changes that they want to see in the amount of time they expect to see them.

Perfectionism and false expectations will only lead to further disappointment. You can get to where you want to be, but you have to be willing to travel the long road. It's the only way.

Day by day. Week by week.

Your friend in health,
Barbie, PhD
TOP COACH! (yes, Rebecca!)

BEFORE: AUGUST 2007





SIX WEEKS LATER, SLIM IN 6 RESULTS.

I lost 11 lbs and was thrilled. Looking back, I look nothing like that today. You have to learn to celebrate the small steps. I did that right off the bat and believe that that's what kept me going.

SEPTEMBER 2007



At least 8 months later, after a round of P90X, P90X Plus and Slim Series. See, change didn't happen overnight! That's 8 months of bringing it hard on the mat and in the kitchen.

APRIL 2008



SEPTEMBER 2008



At this point, I was like, Okay, I'm ready for a six-pac. I had been committed all along, but I was really ready to take it up a notch. My goal was to be a Million Dollar Body monthly winner. I didn't know I'd have to wait til April 2009. :)

Patience is key.

I Won! Miss April 2009. Chalean Extreme did something great for me!



Now, seven months later, I'm getting stronger and leaner. I am finally getting to where I had only once dreamed of being. And I'm only getting better!