The New Website!

Well it's almost time to launch the new website!  We have been working really hard on it and I'm really happy with it!  It's going to be a place for women who seeking balance and empowerment!  I will also be catering to women who are potential or previous liver donors.

It's been really need to see my ideas all unfold into what is becoming my website.  It really reflects my style, who I am and what I plan to offer my clients.

Launch date will be within the next 2 weeks! Stay tuned for updates ....

You can expect great blog posts - awesome groups - tips - resources and much more!

Under Construction .... Stay Tuned!!!

I know you haven't heard from me in awhile and that's not because I've disappeared!  In fact, it's the complete opposite!!  I'm very busy at work behind the scenes creating a new awesome website/blog combo!!

I'm super excited to launch my new site.  The goal is July .... Stay tuned for details!!  I'm going to be catering in a big way to women getting going through or have gone through, live liver donation like me!  My goal is to create a place for liver giver sisters to unite, share stories, offer advice, prepare, heal, etc.  If you are interested in getting on a list for more info. please email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or reach out to me on one of my social media platforms.

Until then you can find me at:

Facebook.com/coachheather312
IG @coachheather312

I'll update this page when the new site is up and ready to rock!!  Until then please feel free to find me on my other platforms.  Please say hi if you do :)

Challenger Spotlight and Fit Club #2

This past week just had me radiating on so many different levels.  It was just one of those weeks that so many of the awesome people I work with kicked some major butt.  I can't tell you how amazing it feels to receive messages or calls that you have helped change someone's life or to see someone making progress towards their goals ... there is just nothing like it!  As you know, I love to spotlight one challenger every week who is working hard to change their health.  I just love giving shout outs to those who are rocking it in our accountability groups.
 
This week I want to highlight, not only an amazing woman, but one of my good friends.  I want to shine a spot light on my girl Tianna!  Tianna and I met, when she fell in love with a friend of mine and we immediately connected.  I was fortunate enough to be in their wedding and this past October, they were blessed with their new baby boy - Cole.  Ever since I've known Tianna, she has talked about being a mom, so it brings me so much joy to see her fulfil this dream.  Just because she loves that little boy, doesn't mean she isn't struggling with all the same stuff new moms struggle with.  She is tired, feeling frustrated with her progress, finding it hard to make time for herself, etc.  Tianna also has a history of digestive issues and has been having those post baby as well.  Together we are working to set small goals that will begin to make her feel better.  She is implementing small changes and focusing on her nutrition.  This week paid off and she lost 2.4 lbs :)  She is ready to charge the Biggest Loser Challenge on April 6th with the support of a meal/fitness plan and her accountability group.  She'll also be kicking off the challenge with a 3 day cleanse.  Girl I'm so proud of the progress you're making and the commitments you have to your health.  I just know you are going to see all kinds of progress in April.  Keep up the great work girl and keep shining!!
 

 
 
This week also marks my second Strong in Seattle Fit Club, and it was a great one!  We went on a hike at Heybrook Ridge and Lookout Tower, which offered some amazing views.  It was a great day for a hike and we got in about 2.6 miles.  The perfect length for my first hike post surgery!  At points I felt winded but overall I felt pretty strong!  At  the top of our hike there was a lookout tower, which offered some more epic views (and a great 7 story stair climb!).  It's days like this that I still can't believe I live here!  There is breathtaking beauty everywhere and I feel so blessed.  It was a fantastic day in the woods with some fantastic girls  :)

First Strong in Seattle Fit Club

 

Today was the launch of my first Strong in Seattle Fit Club.  I chose a week day, so only one friend could make it.  I know that would get some people down but it didn't bother me!  I think it will be cool to have a picture of the first fit club with one person, and see where it goes from here!  I'm planning to do one week day activity and one weekend one, so everyone has a chance to make it!  Here's to my very first Fit Club!

This all started because as many of you know, I've set a big hairy scary stretch goal for September! I'll be going on a 3 day, 18 mile, camping hike at The Enchantments in WA.  It's the trip of a lifetime and I'm super excited.  With that being said, I did just donate 1/2 my liver 2 months ago, so I have some training to do!  I decided to get in some weekly training, besides my normal workouts, to get me ready.  I have a great book of local hikes that I love to go to!  I'm working to get through as many of them as I can, I have a lot of exploring to do :)  I also found a really cool book at the book store with stair walks all over Seattle.  I thought what better way to train then lots of stairs, time in nature and exploring the city all at the same time! 

Today we took on Ravenna Park, which is in North Seattle.  We did just around 2 miles (although we got a little turned around so we may have thrown in some extra credit!)  It was a great mix of stairs, walking and nature.  We couldn't believe that we were actually in the middle of a major city ... one of the many things I love about Seattle!  On our 2 mile loop, we tackled about 118 stairs down and around 264 up.  Talk about a great lower body workout!  We also saw some really cool historical stuff on our journey.  It's hard to call this working out ... even though it is!  Gotta love that :)

 

 

 

If you live in the Seattle area, and you'd like more info on my free Strong in Seattle Fit Club, send me an email at heatherchristine312@gmail.com

 

Come workout, get healthy and have a great time with some really fun people :)

Why I Absolutely Love Sundays!

There are countless reasons to love Sunday's right?  I know for me, Sunday's is a great day for me on so many levels.  Not only do I get prepared for my week ahead and set my goals for what I would like to accomplish, but more importantly, it's the day we celebrate our weekly success in my accountability groups.  I just LOVE hearing what awesome things the challengers have accomplished!  Yes we track our physical progress, but that's not all.  We track all kinds of success like:  If we get farther in our workouts, when we do a full burpee for the first time, how we feel in our clothes, if we get a compliment ... these are all awesome reasons to celebrate!!  Each week we celebrate our success, discuss our struggles and set a plan for the new week.

Each week I also like to pick a Challenger of the Week and do a spotlight on all their hard work!  This week is no exception.  This week I'm shining the spot light on a challenger that never gives up ... her determination is inspiring and infectious!  Her name is Jennifer and she is a rock star :) 
Jennifer is a hard working mom of two beautiful children, a daughter and son, and is an amazing wife as well.  She would be the first to admit to you that she is super busy and that definitely causes obstacles in staying on track with her health plan.  I'm sure you busy, working moms out there can relate!  You start off with the best intentions, then life happens and day after day you find yourself putting YOU last.  I'm so proud of Jennifer because she has really been investing in herself and the mindsets that go along with being successful and she just KILLED this last month!  She was on track the entire time with her fitness and her nutrition, had a great attitude and was committed to reaching her goals.  I have seen her work so hard over this past year on making progress and she made all kinds of that this month!  Because of all her hard work, she is down 9lbs!!  Girl I'm so proud of you and I can't wait to see what you do in April with this mindset.  Keep up the amazing work :)

 

 

It truly is the right combination of fitness, nutrition and support that is going to get you to your goals.  You can't just engage in one area and expect to get there and stay there.  Jennifer has been plugging into this system and seeing great success - right along with the rest of us :)  I joined my first accountability group, 4 years ago this month and haven't turned back! 

 

 

If you are looking to change your life on any level, it's important to have a plan in place.  I take on a mind, body and soul approach to coaching.  Where you start all just depends where you are currently at in your life.  I do run various online groups online, both health and mind, body & soul related, but I'm also excited to announce the launch of my new local, free health group called Strong in Seattle Fit Club.  I'm starting to get a bigger local posse and a bigger demand to get out there and start something we can do as a group, so this is what I came up with.  For anyone in the Seattle area, we are going to get together a few times per week and do various activities around the city.  I'm training for a 3 day, 18 mile hike in September so now through the summer I'm going to focus on stair training and hiking.  Did you know there are hundreds of stair routes in the Seattle area - I have a book and everything.  This will be a great workout, along with a great way to explore the city!  I'm also going to try to do one hike per week as well.  There will be weeks I may not be able to do both but I'm going to shoot for a minimum of one activity for the week.  It's a free group, anyone is welcome, and there are no commitments or obligations.  If you're interested, let me know and I'll add you to the Facebook group I've started.  Our first outing is this Wed where we'll be tackling an awesome stair/walking route.  Can't wait :) 

You can email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or send me a FB friend request at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754  

 



Challenger Spot Light

This week I want to shine a light on someone I am so inspired by on so many levels!  
This weeks Challenger of the week is Carlos !! :)
Carlos is not only a challenger but he is a long time friend and holds a special place in my heart!

Carlos and I attended elementary school, middle school and high school together and I can honestly say he has never changed.  He's always had a huge heart and hung out with everyone, not just a particular group.  He is compassionate and caring for everyone! 

Carlos and I did not remain close friends after we graduated high school but just like many people, stayed in touch through Facebook (and probably even Myspace for a minute!)  When I became a health coach, I would reach out to him and let him know I was here to support him if he ever did want to start his health journey - although I never pushed him.  I followed him as he tried various things and I celebrated his successes when he had them.  One day he reached out to me and we connected on the phone.  We talked for well over 1 hour about the life he envisioned for himself and what he wanted to accomplish. 
I made a pact with him that day that I would support him and stand by his side until we reached that goal and together we haven't looked back!  What I admire most about Carlos is he NEVER gives up! Just like anyone else, he may have bad days or bad weeks, but he stays connected to why he is doing this and gets back on track!  We have set some awesome goals together and I have no doubt in my mind, that he will reach every single one of them!

Carlos has lost over 40lbs this past year and more importantly, is learning and implementing some healthy long term habits.  He is changing his life and inspiring those around him too. 
He wants to hit the 100lb weight loss mark by this summer and I KNOW he can do it!  Let's all get behind him and support him on this amazing journey.  I know I won't miss a moment of it :)

I'm behind you all the way buddy! 

The Word of the Day is Progress!!

Yes that's right, my word for today is progress!  Despite this cold still lingering on and on, I can feel myself starting to turn a corner.  I am still really congested and go through periods where I have very little energy.  Today was a little different though, today was special.  Despite my cold, I heard that little voice in the back of my mind saying, "It's time, today should be your first workout day!"  I knew my body would tell me when it was time to start easing back into it and today I got the message.

I wasn't sure which workout was going to call me first and it was one of my all time favs, PiYo!  For those of you who have never tried it before, it's a fun and dynamic combination of yoga and Pilates.  You're in constant movement and Chalene Johnson totally kicks your but.  I have been feeling the need to stretch and strengthen, so I figured this would be a good place to start.  I also really like that there is a great modifier that you can follow to meet your level, which was heaven sent and boy did I need it.  I modified just about everything and even made up a little on my own to compensate what I couldn't do.  I kept reminding myself that this is step one of what will be a whole lot of steps.  Just take one day at a time!  I also managed to get in 30 squats for a challenge my accountability groups are doing.  It felt really great to get back in with my groups and accomplish my first workout post surgery - no matter how modified the workout was!

 

I know I have to go slow and take baby steps to get back to where I was physically.  This journey is really going to force me to grow in the patience department.  It's also going to force me to learn a new speed, slow.  I am looking for all of the positive lessons I will learn from this journey and I'm looking forward to growing in those areas.  It was clear after todays workout that this phase of my journey is going to be slow going.  Today starts day one of my training to strengthen my body in many ways.  Today I start the physical journey ... I can do this!

 

 



 

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I have a total sweet tooth and I love to bake, so I'm always looking for healthier alternatives.  I play with lots of different options including both vegan and gluten free.  Not only do I like to play with new recipes, but I also like to be able to offer my clients different options to suit their needs and style of eating.

I'm really bad with recipes because I tend to cook a lot from taste, heart and spur of the moment improvising.  So when people say, "That was amazing, can you make it again?"  My answer is usually, "Yes but most likely it will taste different."  Baking is a little different because it requires more precise measurements.  Recipes I try end up in 3 different categories:  1) I won't be making that again! 2) This was pretty good!  I'm gonna keep it with my other recipes (sometimes they get made again but most of the time not) and 3) Wow this is awesome I've gotta share it and I'll definitely be making this again!

Here are some category 3 cookies!  These can be gluten free and also have no butter or oil either. 

Try these awesome Healthier Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter* ( I use the kind you blend yourself at the store)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats (I use gluten free oats to make them gluten free)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips + chocolate chips (I use all organic dark chocolate chips)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (My oven tends to run cooler so I bumped it up to 375)
2. In a medium sized bowl stir together the peanut butter, honey, and brown sugar. Do NOT warm up the peanut butter or the honey.
3. Add in the oats, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
4. In a separate bowl lightly beat the egg and then add it to the mixture.
5. Stir in desired add-ins (I used a peanut butter and chocolate chip mixture), but you can use dark chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, peanuts, etc. to make these even healthier and more breakfast worthy.
6. The mixture will be thick and hard to stir. Continue stirring until combined and then use a cookie scoop to scoop out the dough. Press the dough very tightly in the cookie scoop to form the balls. Without a cookie scoop these tend to crumble.
7. If not using a cookie scoop you will have to work with the dough a little bit more by squeezing it into a ball.
8. Form the balls onto a cookie sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes. (Again my oven runs cooler so I had to add time to these.  I added 3 mins at a time and kept checking them)  Took them off when bottoms were browned.
9. Remove and allow to cool completely.

 

Enjoy! 



Celebrating and Down and Out at the Same Time!

Yes a funny title I know but that's exactly how I'm feeling these days!  I'm celebrating a significant date, yet feeling totally down and out all at the same time! 

Let's start off with what I'm celebrating!  So many of you have been following my organ donor journey and yesterday marked a big date. It was the one month mark since the surgery.  I did a lot of reflecting yesterday on all that has happened in one month and it's just astonishing!  Honestly the surgery feels like it was just yesterday and at the same time months ago, if that makes any sense.  I can remember every detail so clearly, which makes it feel so recent.  However, when you are going through something major like this, you are forced to slow WAY down and take minute baby steps.  You celebrate every small thing you accomplish, which are the very things we take for granted like:  Being able to stand up on your own, being able to walk on your own, being able to go to the bathroom without assistance, etc.  It's these tiny moments that all add up and make it feel like it was months ago that all of this transpired.  One month ago, I donated part of my liver to save my step fathers life.  One month ago, I embarked on the scariest, yet most significant, journey of my life.  One month ago, I found out how much strength and courage I had.  One month ago, I risked my life to save a person I love.

It was also my first time having major surgery so I had no idea what to expect, recovery wise.  I spent many months meeting many donors and hearing their stories.  Every story was different but one theme was very common - The healthier you are going in, the better and the more positive you can be the better.  This always gave me a lot of comfort because these two things I've got on lock!  I've been a healthy lifestyle coach, for three years now and I've completely transformed mind, body & spirit.  I have finally understood the magnitude of my transformation.  Not only did it change my health & my life, it also put me on a path to finding my passion to help others and is allowing me to live a life I had never even dreamt of!  Most importantly it prepared me for my greatest calling yet.  3 years ago I never would have been cleared to be a live organ donor, mentally or physically.  I now know I have been training for the biggest event of my life and something that was so much bigger then what I was envisioning.  I think it's because of my mindset and health that I have recovered so quickly.  I took one day at a time, was patient and gentle with myself and listened to my body.  I would say within 2 weeks I was pain free and in 3 weeks I was flying back to Seattle.  I continue to see progress daily and I take time to recognize it, not matter how small it is.  It will be awhile before I'm back into my old workouts but that doesn't bother me.  I'll start slow and before I know it, I'll be stronger than I was before :)

Now some of you are probably saying "what is there to be down and out about then?"  Well as many of you know, I was SO careful when I went home to Michigan not to get sick.  I didn't go out anywhere, I was careful of who I exposed myself too, did not see many people post surgery, wore a mask flying home, sanitized my area, etc.  I was super careful and within 1 week of being back in Seattle, I got sick.  Pre-surgery my health routine really kept me on track and I rarely ever get sick.  Even when I do, I get over it really quickly but not this time.  Since a large amount of my energy is going towards regenerating my liver and my immunity is down, it's kicking my butt big time.  Many of you have reached out to me because I haven't been as present on social media or even updating my blog ... this is why.  I have felt so drained and beyond exhausted.  Plus I've been doing a lot of sneezing and coughing, which really is no fun with my incision and abdominal healing.  I've been doing as much resting as I can and pumping fluids, vitamins and healthy food.  I'm limited on the amount of things I can ingest, in both over the counter meds and/or herbal remedies while my liver is regenerating, but I have a few things I'm taking.  Just have to wait and let it run it's course.

Thanks for all of your concern and wishes.  I appreciate every one of you!  Please continue to send me some good mojo and positive healing vibes so I can kick this cold once and for all!

Recovering

So I had this vision in my mind of recovering at home and while I was recovering, I'd write all these wonderful blog posts .... not so much!  The last thing I've felt like doing is blogging!  I've been really tired, drained and reading makes me even more tired.  I'm starting to get on the computer a little more and more but I still can't do a ton.  So basically blogging during recovery has so far been an epic fail!
That's ok though, what I have succeeded in is listening to my body and giving it what it needs to heal.  I've been resting and eating quite a bit - hey it's hard work to grow a liver and takes lots of energy!

One thing I have been thinking a lot about is other donors and their journey.  I have connected with so many amazing donors from all over the country, all have had very different experiences.  I know that my experience could have been far different if I were not a healthy lifestyle coach.  I went into this surgery, the healthiest I could possibly be mind, body & spirit!  I worked on my core and endurance before heading into this.  I also managed my stress and anxiety with things like:  Meditation, Reiki, body work, reading and connecting with nature.  I can't even fathom going into this surgery not healthy!  I knew it would be a long road after but I was physically and mentally ready for it!

 

 

I was also ready to see what doors this opened for me.  I strongly believe that our greatest lessons and growing sessions come from our hardest obstacles.  I just knew that this would open more doors for me, I just didn't know how or what.  I'm starting to see a reason I was called to do this (other than to save my step fathers life of course).  I already know that I was put on this planet to help as many people as possible live the best lives they possibly can.  Now I see even more doors opening to people that need more help ... donors and recipients of transplants!  I want to help as many people as possible head into surgery as strong as they can possibly be, physically and mentally.  I also want to help people post surgery, get back on their feet!

I now have first hand experience on just what it takes to get through transplant surgery, as painless as possible.  Sure there will still be pain and obstacles, but the healthier you are the better!

 

I am currently 2 weeks post liver transplant and have gotten a clean bill of health.  Not only that but I am pretty much pain free and can fly back to Seattle anytime I want to.  I have no doubt, this speedy recovery has everything to do with my health and positive mindset!

 

I can help you too!  Reach out to me so we can chat about your journey!  I'd love to meet you and learn more about you.  You can reach me at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754 or heatherchristine312@gmail.com 

Blessed Beyond Belief

Humbling, full of gratitude, emotionally overwhelming ... These are the words I'm using to describe my past 2 days.  I can already tell that this life changing journey I'm preparing to embark on is going to be really just that .... life changing.  As it gets closer, I'm experiencing the most amazing acts of kindness and hearing the most amazing stories.  Here are a few more high points for me :)

It started with a call I had with a live liver donor that my transplant coordinator set me up with.  We instantly connected and she shared her powerful story with me.  She has 2 sisters who were born with Cystic Fibrosis.  On top of it, her younger sister also contracted liver disease and eventually cancer.  She found out she was a perfect match and didn't hesitate to go all in!  They even phoned them saying they had a cadaver liver available at the final hour and they decided to turn it down.  She said to me, "I'm young, healthy and she's my sister.  Someone else's life was saved with that organ."  I was instantly humbled by her selflessness.  She also told me that she took good care of herself and she wanted to know her sister was getting a good strong organ, considering everything she has been through in her life.  At the time of the surgery, her sister was only 21 years old.  She knows that on the horizon there will probably be 2 more transplants, in the form of lungs, for her sisters.  However, I got the profound feeling that this family very much lives life to the fullest and one day at a time.  They had their surgery in February and by August they BOTH ran a 5K.  Then in November they both ran a half marathon.  Talk about inspiration!!!
She was able to shed so much light on what I could expect as far as recovering.  I gained a great sense of comfort and confidence hearing what she had to say.  I feel so blessed to have her as a new friend and resource.  Liver Giver Sister as I've learned ... catchy eh!

This next one completely caught me off guard!  I logged onto my Team Aloha Facebook page today and I see a post from my Coach telling our team that I am donating a portion of my liver to my step father and in my honor a Go Fund page had been set up by Meg (my close friend!)  I had no idea she was doing this and had to read it a few times to make sure I understood it.  I clicked on the link and sure enough, a page set up for .... me.  It was a bit of a surreal moment to see a page like that set up for me, with the words Live Organ Donor across the top.  As I read what she wrote, again I was just so humbled and such an extreme amount of appreciation washed over me.  I am truly surrounded by amazing, positive, spiritual, GOOD people.  No scratch that INCREDIBLE people and I feel so blessed!

By changing my life completely from living in a space of negativity, frustration and stress to living in a space of gratitude, health and happiness.  It's no secret why I've attracted these people into my life.  I devote my time daily to helping others be the very best that they can be and tackle those really scary goals.  Nothing is scary when you have someone behind you that believes in you.  But I don't do this because it's my job, I do this because its what I was called to do and it's my passion.  Just by doing that, just by helping others feel amazing, I have attracted so many blessings into my life.  You don't live your life expecting to need help at some point.  I mean you know you will but you don't know when and in what capacity.  Right now, when I need the most support, is when I am rewarded for the good life I've been living.  The outpouring of love and support I'm receiving is beyond what I can put into words but I can tell you it gives me so much strength and confidence.  I appreciate it more than I can even hope to express in words. 

That moment when gratitude takes over!

Since being back from our Beachbody cruise to the Caribbean, I have felt an array of feelings and emotions.  First and foremost I've felt extreme vertigo, and imbalance within my body.  Yes it hasn't been fun, but it also makes me proud of myself as well.  I'm proud because I've come that far in my health journey, that my body craves health and balance!  I have to say in the past, neither were even on my radar!  I have said it before and I'll say it again ... I feel nothing but gratitude for the path that I'm on!  We just get back from this AMAZING all expenses paid Beachbody cruise that I was able to earn, along with $500 in spending cash, for myself and my fiancé.  All for supporting others in reaching their health goals!!  I mean come on, that's something that is already SO rewarding, but now you're going to send me on really cool trips for free??  Ummm ok :)
As if that isn't enough, you're truly surrounded by the most incredible group of people I have ever met!!  They are all individuals that:  Have a story to share, care about your story, are engaged in personal development to better themselves and want to make the world a better place!  My fiancé is not heavily involved in the business, although he loves his Shakeology every morning, was touched by the people and stories he was exposed to!
Please check out our fun trip .... http://youtu.be/e6eBntyjx6k and just think ... this could be you!

As if that experience didn't have me on enough of a high, I came home to so many awesome stories of people kicking butt, going after their goals, wanting to get involved and one that hit extra close to home.  Some of you have been following my father's health journey and for those of you who haven't, here's a brief recap. 
My father finally gave up heavy drinking and smoking cigarettes a few years ago, after many years of abuse.  I was so proud of him but I also saw him shift his addiction to food and I actually felt like he was killing himself faster!  My dad stands 6'1 and has always been a big man but he put on  a lot of weight, even for him.  I was really worried about him but also knew he was still working to get through his other addictions and knew he wasn't ready to now face a new one.  He went to his Dr. with back issues, only to find out that he needed a complete hip replacement.  He very quickly realized that if he didn't change his ways, this surgery could be the thing that kept him permanently from doing the things he loved to do.  My dad loves to hunt, fish, garden, etc.  The thought of those things being taken from him, really hit home!  His health had also gotten to the point where he was on all kinds of meds for:  High blood pressure, high cholesterol, nerve damage, anxiety, and was seeing a heart specialist.  I knew I had to intercede and help him get started.  I told him that he would now be replacing one meal per day with Shakeology - and this was NON NEGOTIABLE.  He found them delicious so it wasn't too hard of a deal for him :)  After one week, he started reporting:  More energy, his color came back so I knew his circulation was improving, less cravings, regularity, etc.  He was able to lose about 10 pounds before his hip replacement surgery and I know that helped in his recovery big time!!
After his surgery, he did his physical therapy and kept replacing one meal per day with Shakeology.  He still struggles with his nutrition and he has gone up and down on his health journey.  He's had some really frustrating moments and some really incredible ones too! 
Fast forward to today .... he has just reached the 30lb weight loss mark and ready for this .... just found out he doesn't need ANY MORE MEDICATIONS and no need to see a heart specialist!!! 
My dad drinks his Shakeology everyday, plugs into his accountability group to get motivation & support and he does the best that he can!  He still can't workout too hard and still struggles with his nutrition but the fact that all of his numbers are within a  healthy range is an AWESOME start!! 
He now feels like a Facebook celebrity because so many people have connected with his journey and made comments.  He is waiting for Tony Horton to call and offer him a job ha ha ha!

I've been sharing my journey in gratitude that I've been on with all of you.  I have found that by finding one thing you are grateful for each and everyday, you will feel a moment where gratitude takes over!  You are just all of a sudden living gratitude and it's flooding into your life in so many areas :)  What a feeling ....

Day at sea

 

Cruise Itinerary

 

Today we will be at sea all day and have some panel presentations scheduled.  I have a feeling this is when we are going to get the skinny on the new PiYo program coming out.  I can't wait to come home with all the details to share with everyone!  Obviously since I recently became a certified PiYo Strength instructor, I'm super excited about this one!!  Check back in regularly as I will be posting awesome details about this upcoming program.

 

My business partner and coach, Marissa and I, will be spending a lot of time on this trip talking about the plans we have for Team Aloha this year!  We have worked hard to create a training system and a team that operates as a family, so we can all excel and reach our dreams!  Team Aloha is growing at such an awesome rate and I can't wait to see what this year brings!  I love having a group of people that have my back no matter what and who push me to be the very best that I can be!  I am grateful and blessed for my Team Aloha family and this is just the beginning :) 

Waking up in Grand Cayman

 

Cruise Itinerary

 

- Today we will be waking up in Grand Cayman.  I haven't been on a cruise, or to the Caribbean Islands in about 15 years or so, but I do remember loving the Cayman Islands.  I remember crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches.  It's also a really cute island with bright colorful architecture and friendly people.  We'll be grabbing a morning workout and then heading out to see what adventuring can be found in the Cayman Islands!

 

 



 

Tonight will be another awesome Beachbody party.  The theme is White Party and will be held poolside.  I've worked for many different companies, in many different capacities and I can honestly say I've never seen a company that is SO awesome to their employees!  Parties, incentives, rewards and amazing opportunity around every corner.  We work hard but play harder :)

 

 



Docked in Cozmel Mexico

 

Cruise Itinerary for the Day

 

- We are waking up today docked in Cozmel Mexico!  Again, some may choose to grab a workout with Shaun T., Tony Horton or Autumn Calabrese before heading out for some exploration.  We have not pre-booked any excursions, so we are just going to go with the flow and do whatever we feel like :)

 

Tonight on board, we will be having a Disco theme party!  Lino and I have our best duds with us and will be ready to party 70's style!

 

 

Man do these Beachbody folks know how to throw a party!!





Day one on the SS Beachbody!

Cruise itinerary today ~

Day one and I can't wait to see what today brings!!  We are ready to have an awesome time, with some amazing people. 

  

 

This morning we will be taking part in a sunrise yoga session on the top of the ship at 6am. What a way to start the day

 If yoga isn't your speed, all of Beachbody's TOP trainers will be on board, so we can pick whatever kind of workout we feel like!
 -If Shaun T. is your speed, he will be holding a 7AM workout

-Or maybe you are loving Beachbody's newest family member, Autumn Calabrese, the creator of the 21 Day Fix.  We can workout with her at 7:30AM.  

 -Last but not least, the ever popular, Tony Horton, will be holding a workout at 8AM.

So cool that these trainers will be on board, hanging out with us all week! 

 Today we will be at sea all day and will be getting dressed in our finest for formal evening tonight. It's always fun to get really dressed up, have a great meal and mingle with all of your friends.  I still can't believe that I earned all of this just by setting a great example with my own health and supporting others on their health journey.  Next years trip is an all inclusive trip to Cancun ... message me to find out how you can start earing your way to come with us for free :)

It's still surreal to me!  All I can say is ..... Thank you Beachbody!

The SS Beachbody Sets Sail!

Cruise Itinerary for the Day ~
 

Today everyone will be arriving and boarding.  We are flying in on the red eye so I'm sure we'll be a little sleepy but still so excited so we'll power through!  We will be boarding the SS Beachbody and setting sail at 4:30PM.

 

 

 

  Carl Daikeler will be kicking off the trip with an official welcome.  He is the CEO of our company and he is such a motivating visionary.  Whenever I spend time around him, I come home full of life, energy and positivity!

Tonight will be having a great time with teammates and friends as we start, what I am sure will be, an amazing vacation!

 

 

All Aboard the SS Beachbdy!

So as many of you know, my all expenses paid cruise to the Caribbean, compliments of Beachbody is in a few short days!!  Beachbody really knows how to take care of their coaches and they throw the best parties ever!!  This year we are taking over an entire Royal Caribbean cruise ship, which promises to be a blast I'm sure.  I earned myself, and my fiancé, a balcony suite and $500 in on board spending cash.  It is an amazing feeling to know that I earned this trip just by keeping myself and others accountable to their health and offering them support on their journey.  The feeling it brings into my life, is reason enough but to earn an awesome trip on top of it, is just surreal to me.  I have always loved to travel and have volunteered helping others my whole life, so this combines the best of both worlds for me.  So all aboard the SS Beachbody is about to set sail!  Although I will be completely unplugging, I will be posting our daily our itinerary so you can follow along with us. 
Next years trip is all-inclusive Cancun Mexico .... will you be there?  I know I will be!

Running all kinds of errands these next few days getting ready to leave on Sunday.
* 70's wear for disco night - Check
* White clothes for the white party - Check
* Formal wear - Check
* Luggage tags - Check
* Marley set - Check
* Sign made for our door when we get there - Check

We're ready to go!!  Caribbean here we come :)