How many Monday mornings are start-over days for workouts and healthy eating? It doesn't have to be that way! Yes, weekends can be tricky when you're on the path to being healthier. Weekends can mean set-backs or they can mean success- it's all about perspective and preparation. 

Keep a positive perspective. Think of the weekend as time to do something special to reward yourself for a week well done. (And remember, junk food is not a reward!) Get a manicure, go see a movie, spend time at the pool or in the garden, try a new recipe, go window shopping with a friend. Pick up a new cookbook, journal, or a pretty water bottle for yourself. Look forward to the weekend with the mindset that you WILL stay on track! Your positive perspective will keep you motivated! 

A little preparation can ensure your weekends don't derail your progress. Before Friday rolls around, think about what your weekend holds: parties, outings, trips, errands, late nights? And plan ahead! Set yourself up for success. 

Here are some tips from my awesome coach AJ411 to help you stay on track on weekends:
  • Before you go out to eat, look up the restaurant website for healthy menu options. Most restaurants will tweak their menu items upon request (no cheese, dressing on the side, lettuce wrap instead of bun) 
  • Keep healthy on-the-go snacks in stock. 
  • Involve the family in your workouts! Take a walk together, have a friendly jump rope contest, have a living room dance party! 
  • Or, do your workouts before everyone else wakes up. Nap later :) It's just 30 minutes. You can do this!
  • If you're headed to an event where you know unhealthy foods will be tempting, eat something filling and healthy before you go, or have your Shakeology!
  • Stay hydrated. Keep drinking water!   
  • Keep a copy of your 21 Day Fix eating plan in your purse or in your car so you can remember your portions and containers while you're on the go. 
  • Download the free 21 Day Fix App to track your workouts and nutrition.  
  • Check in with your accountability group online throughout the weekend! Share pictures of your healthy meal choices and post-workout sweaty selfie!   
  • Keep your goal in mind- remember why you started this journey to being healthier and fit!

Above all, remember to have fun! Rest and relax and enjoy your weekend, all while staying on track and motivated! Keep perspective and do some preparation and prevent Monday morning guilt! 


What tips do you have for staying on track over the weekend? 

trust me, you can dance: a sneak peek at CIZE


i remember when i was a little girl my mom would steal away to her bedroom, push a VHS tape into the VCR, and sweat to the oldies. literally. with Richard Simmons. for 45 minutes, my mom was a dancing queen. the volume was cranked up all the way, and my mom was a Rockette. she was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. she was a Fly Girl. for those 45 minutes, my mom was a dancer.

fast forward a couple of decades and now i'm the one setting aside 30 minutes, pushing play on the DVD, with my kids sneaking peeks at me as i bust a move on my living room dance floor.

but i'm doing CIZE. Shaun T is not Richard Simmons. and this isn't your mama's dance workout. 

for 30 minutes, Shaun T is my teacher and i am a dancer. in my living room with my kids just down the hall, i learn the choreography and i dance like nobody's watching.

this is CIZE:
it's SO MUCH FUN! 
trust me, you can dance, too. 

CIZE, the newest program from Beachbody®, is 4 weeks of professionally choreographed dance routines that will give you cardiovascular conditioning, core strengthening, and muscle toning! but you won't even know because you'll be having so much fun learning and performing the dances! CIZE comes with 6 dance classes on 3 DVDs, a meal plan that is compatible with 21 Day Fix, a bonus ab workout, weekend survival guide, and calendars to track your progress.

you are a dancer. 



are you ready to step up your dance game, trade in your workout to work it, and shape your body in 4 weeks? it's time to CIZE IT UP!


change your body in 21 days



True Blue Fit Crew coaches are starting a round of 21 Day Fix on July 6 and we would LOVE for you to try it with us! We challenge you to CHANGE YOUR BODY in 21 days by committing to simple fitness and simple eating.

For 21 days we will support you as we do the FIX eating healthy, exercising, curbing cravings, and losing pounds and inches fast. 21 Day Fix is NOT a diet, it's not a magic pill or drink. 21 Day Fix is a healthy lifestyle of eating the right foods in the right portions and exercising regularly. 

We will provide 21 Day Fix Challengers with the tools you need to eat clean, measure your success, and stay motivated! At the end of 21 days you will be amazed at how your body responds!
The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time to start is NOW. 
Let's get fit and healthy by JULY 28! 

TBFC 21 Day Fix Challenge Group starts July 6
-Create a FREE Team Beachbody account 
-select one of us as your coach (Eryn, Roxane, Crystal, Paola, Katrina)
-order 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack
-join the private Facebook group for online accountability and support
-be the first to order/join and let us know and you'll win this adorable workout tanktop! (new challengers only)


let's do this!


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Forget About Getting Swimsuit Ready - Get Life Ready


I sat and watched my husband and toddler run around the backyard and I knew something needed to change. For longer than I'd like to admit, I would choose to stay inside to clean up after dinner while they went out to play, or I would sit on the patio and watch, but I was never part of it. And I was tired of being so tired all the time.

I wanted to be present, to be a participant in this one life that I've been given. I didn't want to miss out on the giggles as my daughter made up a new game and I didn't want her to grow up believing that daddy played while mommy watched. I wanted to be all in. 

I'd found my "why" - now I needed a "how."

I knew what I loved to do - Zumba, PiYo and Pound were on constant rotation at my local studio and I'd been going to some combination of the three of them for a few years. Running makes me want to cry, and I knew I would need the accountability that comes with a group fitness class - but with a major change. 

I knew I could workout. But the food I was putting in my body? I was living to eat, rather than eating to live, and I denied myself nothing. If I had a craving for ice cream for dinner, out we went. If pizza and cupcakes were easy and convenient? That's what we did. At this stage of our daughter's life where she is learning and absorbing by watching what we do, I knew we had to make a change.

It's never been about losing weight, getting swimsuit ready, or impressing anyone. It's always been about becoming life ready - and I was finally ready to commit. With my family on board, I started my first round of 21 Day Fix, with an amazing group of like-hearted women in one of the most encouraging Facebook groups I've ever found.

I immediately loved the workouts and struggled with the nutrition. It felt like math to me, trying to get all of my meals to add up to those little containers. While I was training my body I was retraining my brain, and everything felt sore. But I knew I could do anything for 21 days - even while traveling for work and celebrating holidays.

Has it been easy? No. Completely changing how you think about food and how you prioritize taking care of yourself is hard. But as challenging as some days were at the beginning, I can confidently say it is worth it. When you have a community of women who won't let you quit, who cheer for your victories and encourage you when you struggle, you can do more than you ever realized. 

The Non-Scale Victories
  • More energy
  • A healthier way of eating for my entire family (toddler included!)
  • Pride in knowing I can do hard things
  • A new belt...followed shortly by new jeans!
  • Increased stamina and flexibility in my other workouts
  • Looking at myself in the mirror and loving the woman who looks back at me

As for the actual results? After finishing round 2 of the 21 Day Fix, I'm down nearly 10 lbs and 12 inches - results I never expected. This program? It works. Because it's not a diet, a quick fix, or a short term solution. What started as 'I can do anything for 21 days" has turned into a way of life - not only for me, but for my husband (a foodie who now loves to find healthy ways to make our favorite meals) and our three year old. 

We're all in. Want to join us?

We're kicking off another round of 21 Day Fix on June 1st with two awesome Facebook groups, and I would love for you to join us in one (or both!). Come hang out in "The Summer of Good Habits" as we read through Joyce Meyer's "Making Good Habits; Breaking Bad Habits" together. Or if moving & grooving is your style, we're also kicking off "Funky Fit Foodies" with some weekly wiggles (fun dance workouts) and giggles (bring on the funny!). 

Grab your 21 Day Fix challenge pack today and email me { crystal dot stine at gmail dot com} which group you'd like to join!




Crystal Stine is passionate about chasing joy, encouraging women to savor their season, and discover how our unique talents can be used in community with other women to do great work for God. Author of “Creative Basics: 30 Days to Awesome Social Media Art,” Crystal is a writer and speaker, working full-time as the Editorial & Marketing Manager at (in)courage and sharing encouragement at her blog, crystalstine.me.

free printable 21 Day Fix shopping guide + more!

are you ready to transform your body? we are starting another round of 21 Day Fix this week!

https://download.unsplash.com/31/RpgvvtYAQeqAIs1knERU_vegetables.jpg

time to meal prep and menu plan! success starts in the kitchen! let's get organized! we are here to help. use these printables to help you prepare to SUCCEED!



HEALTH & FITNESS CALENDAR plan your meals, your workouts, and your water intake!



21 DAY FIX SHOPPING LIST use this shopping list template with 21 Day Fix container categories to help you with grocery shopping.
some ideas for containers:
GREEN kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, onions, tomatoes
PURPLE berries, apples, banana, pineapple, grapes
RED chicken breast, ground turkey, fish, Greek yogurt, eggs, Shakeology, cottage cheese
BLUE hummus, coconut milk, feta cheese, mozzarella, almonds, avocado
YELLOW brown rice, black beans, quinoa, chickpeas, whole grain pasta, peas
ORANGE dressings, olives, evoo



WEEKLY MENU PLANNER set aside time to plan your meals, even your snacks. you know what they say, failure to plan is a plan to fail!


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are you curious about 21 Day Fix? we would love for you to join us on this round! 21 days, 30 minutes a day, clean eating, and portion control guidance! order today to get it in time to start with us. you'll be invited to join our online accountability group, where we will be there to encourage you along the way and share our 21DF tips and tricks.

we're starting NOW! to place your order and read all about 21 Day Fix: ORDER NOW

21 Day Fix inspired lock screens!



our team is about to start 21 Day Fix: a fun workout and portion control program that goes on for, you guessed it, 21 days. the program comes with color coded containers for measuring out foods in proper portions for target weight loss or maintenance. for instance, my goal should be to eat 3 containers of veggies a day, 2 containers of fruit, 4 containers of protein, and 2 containers of carbohydrates. it's super smart. Autumn Calbrese = genius.

the trick to being successful with the 21 Day Fix is KNOWING YOUR CONTAINERS and KNOWING YOUR FOOD. never before have i ever been so aware of how much protein, fruits, and veggies i eat each day. it's amazing and has really helped me kick some bad eating habits!

 
 

throughout the 21 days, i needed reminding of which containers i need, how many containers i need, and which containers i've already had my allotment. i was constantly referring to the 21 Day Fix booklet that came with the program! until i had a light bulb moment! a phone lock screen so i have a reminder with me at all times!

i even made a few with motivational quotes...


 

here they all are...
 
Color Containers Checkboxes // Color Containers Reminder
 

 
Color Container Stripes // "You Can Do This"  
 
 
"Be Stronger Than Your Excuses"  // "Remember Why You Started"
 
 

how to get these on your phone lock screen: 

step 1: download/save your favorite 21 Day Fix-inspired lock screen to your phone.
step 2: open the lock screen image your phone photo album.
step 3: press the [^] button in the lower left corner.
step 4: select Use As Wallpaper.
step 5: turn Perspective Zoom OFF and adjust to fit your phone screen.
step 6: set Lock Screen and/or Home Screen.

that's it! enjoy your new #21DF lock screen! 


HOLD UP WAIT A MINUTE!
are you curious about 21 Day Fix? we would love for you to join us on this round! 21 days, 30 minutes a day, clean eating, and portion control guidance! order today to get it in time to start with us. you'll be invited to join our online accountability group, where we will be there to encourage you along the way and share our 21DF tips and tricks.

we're starting MAY 4! to place your order and read all about 21 Day Fix: ORDER NOW







healthy grocery picks: Target (21 Day Fix Approved!)

 
i do most of my grocery shopping at Target. Target has a pretty great selection of organic and natural (unprocessed) foods. i'm happy to be able to find most of my fresh foods in the Target produce section! here are some of my favorite healthy grocery picks that i get at Target every week- 
 
Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad // Archer Farms Vegetable Stir-Fry // Archer Farms Broccoli Slaw 

Wholly Avocado Minis // Archer Farms Natural Stir-Fry Chicken Strips // Bragg Organic Braggberry Dressing

 
here is the nutritional information + ideas for incorporating these ingredients in your weekly menu-

Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad // i like to serve this at dinner time on days when i'm low on my #21DF green containers and we are out of fresh lettuce from our garden.

ingredients: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and chicory, includes optional toppings of all natural, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, and poppyseed dressing. click here for nutritional info.

Archer Farms Vegetable Stir-Fry // i know it says stir-fry and "steam in bag" but i like to put these in the cast iron skillet with a dash of Amino Acids for a quick tasty side dish. these veggies are also good raw, or dipped in hummus!

ingredients: broccoli, carrots, and snow peas.

Archer Farms Broccoli Slaw // this is my go-to green container serving! i love it with Braggberry dressing, fresh salsa, or even mashed avocado!

ingredients: broccoli, carrots, red cabbage.

Wholly Avocado Minis // these tiny bowls of mashed up avocado are perfect for on the go, dipping, or salad topping. the #21DF blue container is my favorite because i LOVE avocado!

ingredients: avocado. click here for nutritional info.

Archer Farms Natural Stir-Fry Chicken Strips // heat up in a skillet and serve over salad, with rice, pasta, or even on it's own! easy tasty chicken.

ingredients: chicken breast, salt, garlic, spices, sugar, onion. click here for nutritional info.  

Bragg Organic Braggberry Dressing // over salad, over slaw, over chicken...i'm convinced this super fruit dressing could make just about anything delicious! organic, fat free, sugar free, no salt, non GMN, and gluten free!

ingredients: purified water, Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, organic Concord grape juice concentrate, organic pomegranate juice concentrate, organic rice starch, organic blueberry juice concentrate, organic red raspberry puree, organic apple juice concentrate, organic lemon juice, organic acai berry puree, organic goji berry juice, organic stevia extract. click here for nutritional info.


are you doing 21 Day Fix? what are your healthy grocery staples?

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