What happened to 2015

Because we're practically half way into 2016. Seriously my last post was in November 2014? WOWZA! Since then I've moved out of my roommates house (AKA parents). Left my job at Easter Seals (today) and now I'm taking my business to a whole new level. Like seriously what the heck? Who knew I was even capable of doing these things for myself, by myself... Not me a few years ago.

I totally blame Beachbody... I know right? I decided... committed and succeeded. So that's been my dealio with how I approach things in life. Has it been easy? Uh.. No, has it been worth it YES!

So why the change? I have always dreamt of having my own business one day. To be able to work from home, having my own home office, making time for my family, enjoying life, traveling, learning and teaching what I've learned along the way... Now it's here.

I have taken the reigns of my life and have gone with it. Obviously this didn't happen over night... It's been weighing on me for quite some time. But I had some time to think and really consider what is it I want to do? I have always enjoyed helping people. I love social media and I'm always looking to have positive people in my life. So ya... I went for it.

If you're all about this, let's make it happen. I'm building a team who are wanting and willing to work on themselves through fitness, nutrition, personal development and share their journey on social media. We can talk about it through e-mail (marina.m.rodriguez@gmail.com), snapchat (minarue), IG (marina__rodriguez) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/Minarue1). You pick and I will get back to you ASAP!

Responsibility... What's that?

Yes that's an MxPx song, but really I feel like that's what's going on right now. My life is good but I know for it to continue this way I need to have some more responsibility in my life. For too long I've floated on by not realizing I've helped others reach their goals and not my own. Although it has been so rewarding to do so I feel its time for me to 'do me' and see where it leads me.
Why has it taken me so long to want this? Its the F word. FEAR... The fear of criticism/judgment, the fear of failure, the fear of letting others down and of course the fear of responsibility. Ugghh...
But I know its time. I'm in a great place in my life and I'm ready to move this life of mine along. To take that leap of responsibility. To make my dreams become a reality and smash my goals.

100 days til 2015

Time to set some goals!

1. Win the fall Classic with my coach Erin
2. Become a Diamond Coach by Thanksgiving
3. Last Day of Easter Seals will be December 15, 2014
4. Complete the 21 day fix in October
5. Loose 25 lbs by the end of the year

I'm so excited of what's going to happen in the next 99 days. So much is possible if you set your mind to it. I've put it out in the universe. Now it's time for me to make it happen.

It's been a while

Seven months ago I had a huge loss in my family... I didn't realize how much it affected me but I have come to terms that it was bigger than I thought. My aunt suddenly passed away from arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). She was my second mom and mourning her has been a process I'm still going through. I'm so blessed to have so many good memories so most of my tears are tears of joy when reminiscing the times we had. 

So how has this affected me... I've slowed down my weight loss journey. I've developed great habits so it hasn't been a complete loss. I'm still under 200 lbs so that's great news. I'm still involved with the beachbody community as a Emerald coach and I'm truly grateful for them. The past seven months have been a whirlwind of ups & downs full of emotions and triumphs. 

February: My Aunt passed away

March: I celebrated my 35th birthday

April: Started online dating

May: MY SON GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL!!!

June: Stopped online dating (met someone great)

July: Went to Maui

August: Celebrated my son & dads b-day

September: I have a boyfriend who I love

In March I got to hang out with my cousin in Arizona while watching pre-season baseball. It was a great 35th celebration discussing what our life has brought to us in the past 35 years (we are the same age). April I thought it would be a good idea to get back out there, you know DATE... oh my. So many stories from dates where I had to pay for the dinner to men offering to pay $1000 a week to getting stood up to letting guys know you're just not interested. May brought so many emotions. I was so happy and proud of my sons accomplishment, but in a weird way a little bummed that he was ending a chapter in his life. I was a roller coaster of emotions and was day to day in the last weeks til his graduation. Ultimately I had an infinite smile knowing he did this completely on his own with the help of his small support system. I told my son after he graduated that I would start dating (it's funny when you put things out in the universe how things happen). Almost 2 weeks after his graduation I met a wonderful man. I also went to Summit in Las Vegas which was pretty amazing to meet so many like minded people. July my friends and I went to Maui for the 4th of July weekend, five days was not long enough, but I feel so blessed to have people in my life who I can travel with. August went by too fast with the celebration of my son & dads birthday. Steve and I did tons of house searching to find the perfect location and house. Then he put in a bid for his dream home. August is also when I realized I love what I do as a behavior therapist, but unfortunately it's not stable or reliable. September my beau bought a house and made it official to be a couple (it's facebook official). 

So with all of these events happening in the past 7 months. I have decided to make some goals for the next 99 days. That's 100 days til the new year.... I'm excited!

Diets?

So people say diets don't work... well if any of you know or have read "My Story" (It's the second tab on my blog), you would know that for the past 15 years I've been on a diet. The picture below is some of the things I started and didn't finish in the past 5 years. I've educated myself and sought what works and doesn't work. What worked for me is making a long term goal with a deadline and bringing all of my knowledge togerther. Once I realized what I wanted the road to my goal was set. Obstacles and distractions have happened but I'm focused on what to do. 

A little time to think...

This past weekend I went to the Fit Expo in LA and had a blast! It's a blessing to know that you can have a common interest with your teen aged son. Just going there encouraged me to get my booty in gear with my own health and fitness. So many inspiring athletes and "Insta-Famous" people, and free samples galore! I'm definitely planning on going in July in San Jose, CA.

As for myself, I joined a challenge on bodybuilding.com a 12 week transformation challenge. Currently I'm in week 3 and still figuring things out. I've been working out at the gym, P90X3 and Focus T25. Sounds like a lot but the real challenge for me has been my eating. I have not been doing good on planning my food. I got my schedule down for my workouts... but my meal prep has been not so good. I hope I can get down the the nitty gritty by tonight. 

Post Holidays

Christmas is over but the after effects are still around. I had such a beautiful Christmas with the ones I love and I have the memories to prove it. As the last few days of 2013 are brought on, I feel so good about 2014. This is the very first time I can say this with all my core. I have a lot to look forward too and feel so blessed to have my health in tact. I was reminded that when I eat crappy, I feel crappy and although the food was delicious (especially the flan) eating healthy food makes me feel fantastic. Like Miss Fantastic. Haha... 

I have a few resolutions in mind but like anything it will happen one step at a time... in the meantime I'm off to the gym and to food prep. 

Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my absolutely favorite holiday! It's a time where we show gratitude for all that we have and celebrate with the ones we love. I have so much to be grateful for this year! 

1. My family is healthy

2. My son continues to be an amazing athlete.

3. I have a two AMAZING jobs I love!

4. Friendships blossoming into more. 

5. Learning how to loose weight the right way.

I hope everyone is able to get into the holiday spirit of gratitude, it gives us so much more when we think we don't have enough. Each and every person reading thank you! xoxo

Health

This past weekend I caught a bug, initially I thought it was a food poisoning from a cheat meal on Sunday. Then I remembered when I went to a baby shower on Saturday my best friends son was vomiting and they took him to to ER. Poor baby... :( Well it turns out that a few people caught a bug from that party not just me. I still don't want to eat chicken or potato salad for a while. It's funny how our minds works.

Anyhoo... as I was laying in bed  under my sons electric blanket all I could think is that there are people that feel this way daily, I couldn't image feeling like this each day. I prayed for them, for their pain to ease and for them to regain their health.

I know we are not to take our health for granted, and even though it was just a bug. It reminded me that illness can happen to anyone at anytime. That everyday I am healthy that I should create the best version of myself to accompany a life of what I desire. There is absolutely no excuse for me not to.

So with that... I hope everyone enjoys their day and lets get up and get moving!

Two Month Instagram Challenge

As usual I like to change things up every once in a while. For this months challenge I wanted to introduce walking, jogging, hiking and running. The goal 100 Miles to 2014. The goal is just to get moving. 

I'm full of excuses when it comes to running, hiking, or jogging. I love it and I just wanted to get back into it. With this challenge we can all be accountable, by downloading a GPS app such as Map My Run.

If you would like a calendar of the challenge I have attached them below. Good Luck & Thanks for Following! xoxo

November

December

October 30 day Challenge with a Twist...

I was astonished with the results of the IG challengers for September and decided to add a little bit of a different twist to it this go around. As a licensed esthetician water is an important aid in our integumentary system (skin). It flushes out toxins and gives us a healthy glow. 

A common question I would get is "How do I get rid of the dark circle under my eyes?"  My answer would be, "The free way is with sleep and drinking water. The paid and instant way would be with this product...." I'm not here to sell you a facial, instead I'm here to challenge you on becoming a healthier version of yourself with a few minutes of daily exercise and water. I hope you're up for it! I can't wait to see the results of everyone participating!

Here are some pictures of the upcoming months exercises! I hope to post a video of them on IG soon!

xoxo

ARM CIRCLES

BRIDGES

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

DONKEY KICKS

LEG LIFTS

Click Here for your Copy of the October Challenge

A week after the Cleanse

I lost 9.5 pounds while on the 3 day cleanse. I was amazed! I felt great and THIN! Who knew I had that much "toxins" in my body. I like to be a realist and in my head I was like this had to be all water weight... I mean I carry water like a swimming pool. So a week has past and the big question is did I gain back any weight? Yes I did. I gained back 1.6 pounds. So I am currently 183. Am I bummed? NOPE!

I fully admit it was definitely challenging to drink a chocolate shake at every meal for 3 days strait. I also dealt with some detox headaches, and grouchiness. But after the cleanse my body wanted to only put healthy and nutritious food. Which is different from other cleanses I have done. I feel it has jump started my weight loss journey and has made me more determined than ever to do what I need to do to become successful, in many aspects of my life. 

Shakeology 3 day cleanse Instructions

Yesterday I posted a offer for those interested in a three day Shakeology cleanse on Instagram. Today is day 2 of my cleanse and I'm liking my results. I didn't know how much I would enjoy eating a salad. :) In the meantime I though I would share the science behind the cleanse. Enjoy!

"The Science Behind the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse

by Steve Edwards, Director of Results

I like to call the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse a “performance cleanse.” This is because it was designed to be done with a workout program. Let’s take a look at how this differs from other cleanses, how to tailor it to your needs, and what to expect if you decide to try it.

First of all, it’s not a true cleanse. It’s a calorie-restricted and nutrient-dense diet plan. Traditional cleanses contain very few calories and nutrients. Compared to the much more popular Master Cleanse, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Traditional cleansing diets are done to rid your system of toxins and bring it into homeostasis. They also contain a spiritual aspect. This process can take a long time, which is why you may have seen coworkers walking around the office in a zombie-like state for weeks on end—swilling a strange concoction of lemons and maple syrup.

The Shakeology cleanse is nothing like that. Depending on how you decide to do it, you’ll be eating frequently and consuming between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, and it could be even more should you feel the need. The point of this cleanse is not calorie restriction, per se—it’s nutrient efficiency. The aim is to get the most nutrients possible into the fewest number of calories. The goal is to put all of these calories to use as a part of your exercise program, to rid your body of undigested foods and toxins, and to bring your hydration levels into homeostasis. The result you’re after is not weight loss—though it will likely occur—but for your body to be running more efficiently. This should make you feel lighter and more energetic, even though you’re doing an exercise program.

How It Works

Your eating structure doesn’t change. You still eat every few hours while you’re awake. Each meal should have a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. And while you’re not eating as much food as you’d normally eat, your calorie-to-nutrient ratio is extremely high. This means that you shouldn’t restrict the actual nutrients you’re getting by too much, so activity can continue as normal.

We recommend you try to keep your shakes to just Shakeology. Adding fruits of any kind, or seeds (for fat and fiber), or the Shakeology Fiber supplement, can and should be done as you see fit.

Ditto for your one solid meal—a salad. As we all know from any salad bar, the definition of salad can be varied. The goal of the salad in the plan is to keep your calories coming from natural sources (no artificial ingredients should be added, including artificial salad dressing). Aside from that, you can add ingredients as necessary. Keep your meat intake to four ounces or less, but add veggies, seeds, nuts, fruits, and legumes in quantities to satiate you.

The goal of the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is to optimize your performance. You want to eat enough to fuel your day AND your workout. The foods you’re eating are so high in fiber and nutrients that it’s virtually impossible to overeat. You’ll be consuming so much fiber, along with enzymes and digestive aids, that your body’s ability to flush excess foods quickly will be at its peak.

What to Drink

Water, of course, is recommended in quantity. This is vital to any cleanse, because one of your goals is to bring your hydration into homeostasis. When your electrolytes are out of balance—the main problem we have is salt—you often retain water outside of your cells. This situation, which we refer to as retaining water, is cured by drinking more water. As the excess salts are diffused, your body begins to hydrate your cells (using sodium as it should be used) and flush the water held outside the cells. So, oddly enough, you drink water to eliminate water retention.

Sodas, alcohols, juices, etc., should be eliminated entirely during a cleanse. Coffee and tea, which are diuretics, should be minimized at the very least and eliminated if possible. Again, performance is the key, so if you need a cup of Joe as a pick-me-up, go ahead. Just use only as needed, and don’t use additives. Eliminating sugar and chemicals is vital. However, do not use energy drinks or soda for this purpose, including the ones with artificial sweeteners. Coffee drinkers may find that switching to black tea during a cleanse will give you the energy you’re looking for with less upset. Coffee’s acidic nature can heighten the effects in a negative way during your cleanse.

Why You Won’t Lose Weight

I should say why you might not lose weight, but I wanted to get your attention. Most people will lose some weight during a cleanse, but that is not the goal. Those with a lot of undigested gunk in their systems will lose weight as it’s flushed out. Those of you who are properly hydrated and already eat well are less likely to lose. For those of you who need to lose weight, take heart: you are setting up your system to use nutrients more efficiently and improving your ability to lose weight through structured diet and exercise. So while you may not lose much on the cleanse, you’ll be more prepared to lose weight later.

Another reason why we don’t always lose weight on cleanses is due to a stress hormone called cortisol. Restricting calories is stressful to the body, and it reacts by releasing cortisol. Cortisol is performance-enhancing in the short term, but if you somehow keep your body stressed for long periods, it creates havoc in your system and can cause you to doggedly hang onto weight in a type of survival mode. We don’t want this to occur, which is one reason the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is short. It’s important not to remain in a highly calorie-deficient state for long periods of time, especially when you are trying to exercise hard.

The Shakeology® 3-Day Cleanse

The key is to follow the same regimen all three days.

Essentials:
3 Shakeology shakes per day
2 cups of green tea per day
1 or 2 pieces of fruit per day (optional)
1 salad for dinner—can include fish or poultry
No dairy or extra sugars (this includes almond and soy milk)!
Drink 2 to 4 liters of water every day
Only use low-fat dressings, and go easy on the salt and/or pepper to taste
2 snacks before/after any of the major meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Fruit is optional, and it is discouraged (however, some of you will need the calories while others may not)
Power-workout participants (those who are already super conditioned) are recommended the higher numbers of calories
For maximum results, do NOT use additives
Dinner salad may include WHITE GRILLED PROTEIN—poultry or fish only

Daily Regimen:

1 cup of green tea to start the day

Breakfast:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
1/2 cup of fruit (60 to 90 calories)—optional 

Ice to taste
8 to10 oz. of water
Snack 1 (85 calories):
1 piece of fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana mango, etc.)

Lunch:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste
8 to 10 oz. of water
1 cup of green tea or a detox tea

Snack 2: (you can have the second snack before or after dinner)
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste
8 to10 oz. of water

Dinner:
Salad with grilled white fish or poultry (roughly 340 calories)
Greens—3 servings of vegetables, plus 4 oz. of grilled white meat (fish or poultry)
2 tablespoons of dressing—no more!


Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
1.How many calories per day?
800 to 1,100 calories per day


2.How often can I do the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse?
Ideally, you should do it once per quarter (every 3 months)
As the seasons change
Before starting a new workout program
When you feel you need help breaking through a plateau.


3.Should/Can I still do my workouts during the Cleanse?
Depends on the individual
You’ll have less energy than normal, so consider doing it during a recovery week
Try not to do in the middle of P90X® or INSANITY®


4.Can I do a 1-day or a 2-day cleanse instead of a 3-day?
Yes! Some people will see results with one or two days
We recommend against continuing the cleanse for more than three days


5.Should/Can I take other Beachbody® supplements during the Cleanse?
Results and Recovery Formula™: No, too much sugar/calories
Others (Omega-3, etc.): Not necessary, but won’t hurt either."

Confessions

Some of you may have noticed that I have not posted on my Insta about working out... well that's because I haven't been. Plain and simple. I feel poopy about it, but this past week some life events have happened. I have been over committing to people and events, not being able to say no as well as not being able to follow my own schedule. But I think the biggest event is the death of my Uncle after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer, the thought of him no longer being around has me tear up and miss his funny Argentinian accent. I know he's in a better place no longer in pain and I cherish those moments I got to spend with him while he was with us. :'( Well what it comes down to is that I had to think things over and reset my priorities and most importantly putting dates to my goals. WHOLLY MOLEE! Talk about clarity!

A few years ago I went to see a therapist because I felt anxious and I didn't know what I could do to help it. She provided me with some great self help books and that's where I was able to become more of an honest person not only to myself but others. I admit I lost a few "friends" along the way, but being honest has taken away the rose colored glassed and helped me get on a steady road.

I realized I had some Codependency issues and although reading is not my thing. I wanted myself to feel better so I joined audible.com and listened to the book on my workouts, cleaning, or while stuck in traffic. Well after listening to this book a lot of things in my life made sense. From my past relationships to present ones. I was able to see where I could make changes in my life to be the best version of myself possible.

The next book on the list was the biggest life changer for me. Boundaries... I realized I had poor boundaries by being too nice, but the reality was that I was just a mat for people to walk on. After I listened to this book, things really began to change! I was promoted at my job, I became a better mother to my son and most importantly I was happy!

So what does this have to do with my confession? Sometimes you feel that you loose track of how far you've come when you think you've fallen down. But there is nothing wrong with picking yourself up and moving forward. It's ok to pause, just don't forget to press play. Loosing weight the healthy way is new for me and I am reminded of how much I want this and why it is important to stay committed. Tomorrow is a new day and I am excited for what the upcoming weeks have in store. Thanks for listening. xoxo

What to get from this?

The reason I started blogging is because I have been receiving e-mails in regards to challenges, recipes beauty and health questions. I felt this would be a great forum to address these questions. 

I do want to mention what I record on this blog is what has helped me and this is to share what I have learned on this journey. This is solely from my point of view and in no way do I feel that I am an expert on certain topics. I have done many years of trial and error as well as research and I feel that because of these life experiences I can share my opinion. There is no right or wrong, this is just what I have done to help me reach my goals.

What I hope you gain from this blog is useful information to help you along your journey. 

 

Who am I?

This used to be a difficult question to answer, but through the years I have taken the time to learn about myself.

I am a mother to a wonderful son, and throughout the years he has taught me PATIENCE & CONSISTENCY.

I am a licensed Esthetician. I went to school to become a makeup artist and I am so grateful for the opportunity  because it has been my artistic outlet.

All my life I have wanted to help people, but I had to help myself first to really be effective.

My mother is Pima Indian & Hawaiian Filipino (FiliPima). My dad is Mexican and Comanche (CoMexChe).

I love to laugh and I have been told I cackle... hehehe.

Since 2007 I have followed the law of attraction and it has changed my life tremendously. I do my best to live with gratitude and positivity.

My whole life I grew up with the radio on or some sort of music playing. I feel I have an eclectic taste of music from alkaline trio to al green. It really depends on what my mood is.

I have a undergraduate degree in Psychology, but am thinking of pursuing my Masters to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).

I worked at Disneyland for 9 years and loved all the people I was able to meet and stay connected with.

I have worked with children on probation and in the foster care system and it was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had the opportunity to do. From them I was able to learn about human behavior and the way our system works.

My favorite get away is Las Vegas with friends, but if that isn't possible I like to go out dancing.

On my day off I enjoy being outdoors. Such as hiking, going to the beach, going to a concert, walking around in the fair pretty much anywhere I can enjoy being outside.

I am currently working with children in the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and LOVE what I do.

I enjoy sports, usually when my son is playing them, but I think baseball is my favorite... Dodger baseball. Vin Scullys voice and history lessons make the game that much more interesting.

I recently became a beachbody coach and have realized that this is exactly what I should be doing.

KITTIES! I love cats... I have one and she's enough.

I have an older brother who is the best big brother a sister could have. I also have an amazing group of friends that are my sisters. We just let people know we have different parents.

Life is good!