Let’s Play Catch-Up

I’ll be honest, I completely neglected forgot about my blog. It wasn’t until one of my friends text me and asked me for the url did I remember that I should probably check and see if I even remembered it. (Thanks Thompson!) 

So much has happened since my last post of our gender reveal…Like having a baby. 🙂 I am not going to try to cover everything since then, but here are some highlights (in no particular order): ran and finished a half marathon (while pregnant), had a baby (who is now 7 months old), started my own business, created another blog devoted to my fitness business (which has also been neglected – oops!), said goodbye to a best friend, battled health issues, and learned valuable lessons from God. 

With all that being said (which, looking back at it, nothing was actually said), I am committing to blog more often. Please feel free to hold me accountable! 

It’s A…..Gender Reveal Party

Hello friends. I know it’s been far too long since I’ve posted. So long, in fact, that there is probably nobody still reading checking in to see if I’ve updated anything. Life has been a bit crazy since January. I quit my job as an event planner and am now working hard at raising Connor, being a loving wife, and helping people live healthy and fit lives.

In the midst of all of this, Keith and I got pregnant! I am 19 weeks, currently, and feeling great! I thought that I wanted to wait to see whether the baby would be a boy or a girl when we actually delivered. However, my type-A planning side took over and we decided to find out. Instead of finding out at the doctor, we decided to have a party! Not that anybody really cares what it is we’re having, but we love any excuse to have our dearest friends over for a get-together.

We were blown away by how many people showed up and felt so loved! One of my good friends, Jody, helped me get everything ready and even continued to take care of things so i could be social. (Thanks Jody!) Keith and I also decided that we didn’t want to find out until everyone else found out at the party. So, I had the ultrasound tech put the answer in an envelope and then Jody filled a box with the appropriate color balloons. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Needless to say, we were both shocked! I honestly thought (100%, without a doubt) that this child was a girl. Surprise! Connor is going to have a baby brother in September!

Discount for Fitness Apparel!

Hey fellow fitness friends! I have partnered with an awesome fitness activewear company to offer you a discount code on any products! Hard Ninety is a great company that has stuff for everyone, so check them out! To redeem the your 10% off, enter the discount code when you check out.

Discount code: LIZEDWARDS (make sure to use all caps)

**The offer ends May 31, 2013

Happy shopping! 🙂

One of my new favorite dishes

Within the past six months or so, I’ve become a black bean burger lover. No, I’m not a vegetarian. I love meat! However, I have discovered my new found love in these delicious round patties. My favorite places to order them are at two restaurants, Tupelo Honey and Pack’s Tavern. 

I have been wanting to find a recipe to make at home (because, let’s face it, we can’t afford to go out to eat every week). A friend of mine shared a recipe and I tweaked it a bit to the goods I already had in my pantry. 

So, as promised, here is the Black Bean Burger Recipe:

1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped (I used minced onion)
1 TBL chopped garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
2 (15 oz) cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
2 TBL chopped cilantro leaves (I used pre-chopped dried ones)
2 tsp chopped parsley leaves (again, dried spice is what I used)
1 egg
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup bread crumbs (I used oats)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a food process (or blender), pulse the onion and garlic until finely chopped. 

Add 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained), cilantro, parsley, egg, and red pepper flakes and pulse to combine. 

Transfer mixture into a large mixing bowl, add the remaining can of black beans (rinsed and drained) and bread crumbs (or oats). Season with salt and pepper and mix until well combined.

Reserve 1/3 of the mixture for Round 2 Recipe (Black Bean Enchiladas – coming soon!). Diving the remaining mixture into 4 portions and form patties. Place on hot oiled grill (or pan) over medium-low heat and cook for 6 minutes each side, or until heated through. 

You can serve these with or without a bun. I chose to eat mine without the bun, and opted for salsa on top. YUM! Were these as good as the ones from Tupelo or Pack’s? Nope. But, they were good, quick, easy, cheap, and healthy! 

Let me know if you try this recipe and what you thought about it! 

 

TurboFire HIIT workout

I put together a short video clip of what a TurboFire HIIT workout looks like. Keep watching to the end to see the results I have had in just short 9 weeks!

If you would like to get serious about getting results that YOU want, contact me and I would love to help match you up with an at home fitness/nutrition program and also coach you every step of the way through your journey!

Rejoice in the trials you face

As you know, or maybe you don’t, we have been out of town the last few weekends or working in the nursery at church so we haven’t been able to listen to the sermon on Sunday mornings. Let me just say, my spirit NEEDED to be there this morning. My soul was thirsty. There is something to be said about finding a church home that you can feel like you are worshipping alongside family. And this is just how I feel every single Sunday. 

This morning, as like most Sunday mornings (but for some reason this one was different), I felt like it was just me and Lord. Our praise band was incredible (as usual) and played songs that my heart needed to hear. When I typically hear songs or words about how much Jesus loves us or how powerful he is, it doesn’t move me like it did today. No, I was crying from the start. Crying tears of joy and feeling an overwhelming love from God. I was worshipping a God of the universe, who reigns on high, who has fought the battle for all of us…and WON!! He spoke to me in a very loving way while disciplining me at the same time. A way only our Father can do. It was indescribable. 

Now, let me introduce you to our dear friend and campus pastor, James Myers. 

He spoke this morning about the trials and tests we will face in 2013 or maybe are facing right now. He focused on James 1:2-4.

“Consider if pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.”

I have read this verse at least a dozen times and every time I say the same thing, “Yep. We should rejoice in our trials. They make us stronger in our faith.” All the while, thinking “we” means everyone but me. I couldn’t admit this to myself at the time, but after this past year and looking into 2013, I see how much this passage applies to me. 

As I reflect on 2012 and the passing of my earthly father, I see the way the Lord has allowed me to respond to that situation. I reflect back even further in my walk with Christ to compare how I’ve responded to other trials I have faced. A questions James challenged us  to ask ourselves this morning was, “Am I responding differently to trials now than I did at the beginning of my walk with the Lord?” If you are, you are walking out James 1:2-4 in your life. But, don’t be mistaken, this is not by your doing. It is only through the Spirit that we can respond to our trials with compassion, joy, and praise. It is how we respond that unlocks blessings or consequences. Is your faith in God bigger than your situation? Are you going to honor Him through it all? We were made to glorify God. Take for instance, the story of Abraham and Isaac. God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son. He tested him to see if he would obey God. Obviously, God did not make Abraham follow through with the task, but rather He was testing Him to see where his love and devotion lies. Is God still your first love? 

During a trial or test, we need to change our focus from what we are seeing to what God sees. Keep our eyes focused on Him, trusting in Him. Knowing that through it all, our faith is producing perseverance so that we may lack nothing. 

So, as I look forward into the year 2013, I know that I am going to face trials and tests of many kinds. They may be work, family, or health related, but I choose to rejoice in these trials because I know that my faith is only increasing in an almighty, powerful, loving, just, never changing God. Bring it on, 2013; my God is bigger than you! 

 

My dear friend, and James’ wife, Michelle Myers, will be posting the video of the sermon this morning. My post doesn’t do justice to what James said, so check it out! 

 

 

 

 

 

A New Year. A New Resolution. A New You.

As 2012 comes to a close and 2013 quickly approaches, I can’t help but think about all of the New Year’s resolutions that we all make – financial freedom, manage your time better, spend more time with family, pick a hobby, eat healthier, lose weight, travel abroad, go back to school, climb the corporate ladder, etc, etc. Or, maybe you are like me (at least, how I used to be) and you don’t make a resolution for fear of breaking it or not even starting it. In any case, a resolution is the first step in achieving your goal. I encourage you to write down your goals. I know that seems silly, but it’s proven that people who write down their goals are more likely to stick with them and achieve them. So, here I am, vulnerably writing down my resolution/goal for the 2013 year. 

Manage my time in a way that reflects my top five priorities. 

For a lot of people, it is health/fitness related. In a society that is largely overweight/obese, this comes as no surprise. We all want to be healthier, skinny, stronger, and more fit. The problem? We don’t know how. We don’t know where to start. We don’t have any accountability. I have come to bring you much relief in this department! I can help you with this goal of yours – becoming a healthier version of you. I can coach you so you know how to achieve your goal, where to start, where to go along the journey, and hold you accountable ever step of the way. I have 4 challenge groups starting January 2 and would love to have YOU in one of them! 

What’s a challenge group? Simply stated: a small group of like-minded people being challenged, encouraged, motivated, and held accountable to reach a common goal – to be healthier and more fit. 

What do you do? You will purchase a challenge pack from me and then be part of a private facebook group with those people who are also taking the challenge. I will coach you through how to start, encourage you along the way, answer any/all questions you have, and hold you accountable every single day to follow the plan. The challenge packs are great because they include the workout programs (you do these at home on your own time), step-by-step nutrition/meal plan, any equipment you may need (with some exclusions), Shakeology, and me as your FREE coach! 

What is the benefit of doing this with me? If you were to get a gym membership, nutritionist to give you a meal plan, personal trainer to coach you, and all the ingredients that are in Shakeology, you would be paying upwards of $400 a month! A MONTH!! That’s ridiculous! Each of my challenge packs vary in price depending on what you order, but trust me, they are no where near $400. Also, by being in my challenge group, you will not be alone in your journey. Accountability is everything when it comes to the journey of a healthier lifestyle. The other people in your group as well as me will offer you more accountability than you could dream of! 

Here are the 4 challenge groups I have starting in January:

1. Slim in 6 – great for beginners, lasts 6 weeks, uses light resistance and cardio to help people lose weight
2. ChaLean Extreme – works on leaning your muscles (b/c more muscle burns more fat), 90 days, uses resistance/weights
3. Insanity Asylum – a sports specific training program, increases speed/agility/coordination/power, 30 days
4. Body Beast – muscle building program designed to pack on up to 20 lbs of muscle, involves weights

So, what are you waiting for? I only have a few spots left in each group and will give the spots to the first 5 people who purchase a challenge pack from me. Don’t wait! Let’s start your journey to a healthier you together…and let’s do it today! Email me for more information (lizedwardsfitness@gmail.com) and check out my website (www.lizedwardsfitness.com)

Here’s to a Happy and Healthy 2013! 

 

4 Tips To Resisting Holiday Sweets at Work and Parties

I know, I know…two posts in one day?! Yes, this is really happening. No need to adjust your glasses or change your contacts. 

If you’re anything like me, you love sweets! My sweet tooth is equivalent to a man’s red meat tooth. This is assuming that guys have one of these. If they did, it would be HUGE! (I’m assuming) So, what do people like us do when it is the middle of the Holiday season and parties are scheduled sometimes 2 or 3 nights a week? Not to mention all of the office snacks that are taunting you as if to say “eat me. you know I taste good. One little bite won’t hurt”. True. One little bite may not hurt. However, if you can stop at one LITTLE bite, you are much stronger than I am! 

So, here are my 4 tips to keep your focus on your fitness goal and eating healthy:

1) When tempted, immediately start drinking water. This will curb your cravings.

2) Take Shakeology and have it as a snack (or meal replacement) if you’re at work. If you’re going to a party, drink some before going if you’re unsure of what will be served.

3) When going to work and you know there will be sweets there taunting you, take your own healthier option to snack on when tempted to grab for those cookies. When going to a party, offer to bring a dish (this way you know there will be at least one healthy option you can eat). If they decline your offer, snack one healthy options at home before you go. Of, if you are good friends with them, just ask them what will be served. 

4) When tempted, immediately walk away (yes, you can even hide in the bathroom at work or at someone’s house for a few minutes) and do 10 squats, lunges, pushups, or crunches (you can even do crunches standing up!). 

Remember to keep your fitness goal in focus this Holiday Season as you enjoy time with friends and family. YOU are at a prime time to be an example to those around you to start living a healthy lifestyle! What an opportunity! 

A New Journey…Following a Passion

Dear blog readers (if there are any of you left since I never seem to find time to post anymore), thanks for tuning in today. I am sure you have all been clinging to the edge of your seat just waiting to find out what my new job is that I promised to post about during my last rant. If you follow me on social media sites (facebook, instagram, twitter), it is not secret that I am now pursuing my passion of being a Fitness Coach.

I have always worked in the worlds of both fitness and coaching, but only separately. My years as a physical educator and as a coach have been so rewarding and enjoyable. But now, I get to combine these two passions of mine into one by being a fitness coach! I am an Independent Coach with Beachbody (think P90X or Insanity).

How did I become a coach?

The Lord placed an incredible woman in my life who quickly became a friend and someone I can walk through life with while we both manage families of toddlers, husbands, dogs, and working from home – all while our families are miles away from us. She introduced her business as a fitness coach to me in a way that got me so pumped up about wanting to know more! The more information I dug out of her brain, I became more and more excited about starting my own business.

Was there hesitation? Of course! Satan kept throwing doubts in my mind and I felt defeated before I even clicked the submit button on the computer. After continuing to pray about it and lay my business before the Lord and He has done nothing but encourage me every time I have felt discouraged.

I have only been doing this for a few months and have had many success stories in my personal life as well as those I have had the pleasure of impacting. My friend, Michelle Myers, who I have been speaking about, has been in the business for about five years and has not only influenced many in leading a healthier life, but she has also been successful enough to have this has her full time job and makes more money than when she worked as a Pharm. Sales Rep!

So, what exactly do I do?

This if my favorite thing to talk about! The mission behind my job and the company with which I am affiliated with is to End The Trend of Obesity. Be. Still. My. Heart. If you know me, you know this is a huge passion of mine! I have the opportunity to coach people in their fitness journeys. I help people find a fitness program/meal plan that matches what goal they have for a healthier life. It really is that simple. I am by no means an expert, but I have a team of other coaches that I can refer to if I need help with anything. One of the best parts of my job – I get to stay at home with Connor every day! I also get paid to work out – bonus!

I really could go on and on about this new journey I am on. I am really excited to see where God will take my business and the people He will place in my path to help them reach health/fitness/financial goals through me.

I get to pursue my passion of fitness, nutrition, and being a stay at home mom – all while making money!

If you want to check out more, here’s my website: http://www.lizedwardsfitness.com

One Nap Wonder

 

Allow me to take you back to a month or so ago.  Connor’s schedule was very consistent – two naps a day.  When I would put him down for his morning nap (around 10ish), he would play in his bed for about 45 minutes before falling asleep and then wake up and ready to go by noon.  “Aha! He must be ready to go down to one nap a day,” I thought.  I tried this for a few days and it was terrible!  We went back to two naps (really more like 1.5) and I just learned to work really fast during that morning nap in order to get anything accomplished.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago.  It was about a week or less when we got back from our vacation to New York when my little guy decided he was ready to go down to one nap a day.  There was no real discussion or easing into it.  Nope, when my kid makes up his mind, nothing can stop him.  (hmm…I wonder where he gets that from?)  It took a couple of days to adjust from having two – two hour naps to one – two hour nap.  Thankfully, he’s figured out to sleep a little longer and has now stretched out his nap to about 3 hours.

I think I’ve even fallen into a pretty good daily routine as well with his new schedule.  Now, time to figure out this potty training. Maybe he’ll just magically decide to use the potty for its purpose rather than just playing with it.  Wishful thinking, huh?

P.s. I know these pictures have absolutely nothing to do with this post, but they are just too cute not to share 🙂

He takes his soccer ball and Bible with him everywhere he goes.

 

Mommy and her little cow getting ready to go to Hoopla at church for Halloween

 

Mooooo

 

He pointed to all of the inflatables.