My Fitness Journey

My name is Catherine and I am 26 years old.  I am married to the love of my life, Nick, and I have a son that just turned 3.  I'm slowly but surely coming to the realization that I do not have a baby anymore.

 Let's go back 8 years ago to when I was in high school.  I was always in some kind of sport.  Sometimes I had two seasons going on at the same time.  Basketball, softball, track and I was a cheerleader and in gymnastics even before that.  I was so active constantly!!  I did not even know what a diet was.  I ate like a horse.  My weight was sitting at 123.

 

I then went and played softball at a D1 school in college in 2006.  Loved it!!  I still ate what I want when I wanted to.  The freshman 15 never found me.  I gained a few pounds but it was only muscle from lifting weights so often.  I gained to 128.





I graduated in 2009 and got married to Nick, who I had been dating for about 4 years.  Four short months later we found out we were having a baby!!

 

 

April 21 was the best day of my entire life.  We brought a little boy into the world and we were so in love with him.  We took him home and felt so blessed.

 

 

Carter was definitely not the easiest baby.  He had 104 fever every other week, so we were at the doctor at least every other week.  Since he was always sick, he never slept good….therefore momma didn’t sleep good.  There was nothing we could ever do to make him feel better.  LOTS of trips to children’s for different appointments, to different doctors, trying to figure out what was causing all of his sickness. He ended up having 3 surgeries in 6 short months.  Stressful didn’t even begin to describe it.   

 

 

 

I began to stress eat.  I found myself eating at McDonalds every single day.  I also found myself not happy.  My attitude began to be horrible with everyone I came into contact with. 

Even after Carter was all better, I still had the habit of turning to food when it came to anything.  I would let so many things make me mad and I made a big deal about everything.  I would have to get up an hour early before work just to find something that would fit me.  None of my clothes fit and there were many mornings where I would sit in my room and cry because I had gotten so big.

I ate a lot of this

and this

 

 

I was completely disgusted with myself.  I no longer wanted to go out to different functions or even go shopping because I knew it would only make me more depressed than I already was. 

My son would beg me to get off the couch and play with him but I literally had no energy or want to to do anything.  I knew I had to make a change.  But as I said before, I had never had to deal with this and I didn’t even know where to start.  I was so lost.

 





I tried the gym thing.  It was like having to pack to go camping with a baby.  Plus since he was always sick I could ever stick to it because he was my first priority of course.

Then one day I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a video of a mom working out in her living room with her baby watching her.  I got the courage to message her and she told me about some home workouts that were available to me and she also introduced to me Shakeology.  I told her to tell me how I can get my hands on this stuff and she hooked me up.  I have never looked back since.

I started out introducing this guy as my personal trainer into my living room

 

I started out very slow, because I had become so out of shape.  I couldn't even do one single push up on my toes.  But I kept at it.  I didn't give up.  I kept seeing my family in my mind and instead of making them my excuse like I had before, I made them my reason.  They kept me going.  I got faster and stronger.

 

I got better, but no where near where I wanted to be.

 

 

I decided to take the next step up and introduced Tony Horton into my life and living room as my new trainer. 

 

I started eating a lot of this

 

 

and this

 







 

I also drank this every day



 

 

I got fast, I got strong, and I EARNED my new transformation

 

 

I am still not where I want to be yet.  I am still writing my story every day.  This is not something that is temporary for me.  This is my new lifestyle.  Did it happen overnight?  No.  Was it easy?  Heck no!  Was it worth it? Yes. Yes. Yes. 

 

I can't tell you the feeling that I even get writing this.  I feel now that I can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it.  I have gained happiness, energy, a better attitude towards people and life in general, and confidence.  Not to mention a bikini ready body for my cruise that I am going on this month.

 

 

Shortly after I started my programs, I knew I needed more.  I wanted to help others achieve the goals that I had reached myself.  I wanted others to feel the happiness that I do.  So I became a Beachbody coach.  One of the best decisions that I have ever made.  It feels nice reaching my fitness goals, but when I help others do it, it's a whole new world.  It brings me so much joy.  Just inspiring you guys and knowing that I am helping you....IT'S SO MUCH FUN!!  If you would like to join my team by helping others please reach out to me.  I will work closely with you to make sure you are being successful.  I will bring you to the top with me, because that's where I am going.

 

Thank you for reading. Much love to each and every one of you!

 



21 DAY FIX IS HERE!!!

Today is the day!!  I'm excited for all of you that are interested, because you are going to get results like you'd never believe!!

 



What is 21 Day Fix™?

21 Day Fix is a nutrition and fitness program that makes losing weight so simple, anyone can do it. Easy-to-follow portion control and 30-minute workouts take the guesswork out of losing weight to help you see results fast—up to 15 pounds in just 21 days!  Whether you want to lose a few pounds before your next vacation or jump-start a bigger weight-loss goal, 21 Day Fix is the program for you. It’s simple, it’s fast, and
it works. If you’re ready to get serious, 21 Day Fix can help you lose the weight.

 

 

Why is 21 Day Fix effective? Because it’s so simple! You don’t have to count calories, points, or log your food into diet software. With 21 Day Fix, everything is laid out for you. All you have to do is use the specially designed portion-control containers and do one 30-minute workout per day. Commit to it for 21 days, and you’re going to love your results.

 

 

 

What makes 21 Day Fix unique? It’s the only fitness and nutrition program that combines portion-control
containers and world-class workouts. By placing equal emphasis on fitness and
healthy portion control, 21 Day Fix can help anyone lose weight—and keep it
off—in a way that’s simple and sustainable. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds
or 100 pounds, you can do it with this program.

 

 

 

So she created short but effective workouts that take only 30 minutes a day, along with a simple eating plan that doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchenAutumn Calabrese is your personal trainer:
Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity fitness trainer, busy mom, and national-level bikini
competitor. She came up with the idea of a portion-control container system
after watching a client eat an entire 1,300-calorie salad in one sitting because it
was “healthy.” Autumn realized that supersized portions were hurting her clients’
weight-loss success because they were eating too much without knowing it. So she
developed portion-control containers to help people see how simple it is to eat the
right amounts and lose weight easily. And as a single mother, Autumn understands

how hard it can be to fit exercise and healthy eating into a jam-packed schedule.

 

What's included in 21 Day Fix?Essential Package:
• 7 color-coded portion-control containers
• Shakeology® shaker cup
• 6 easy-to-follow 30-minute workouts
• 21 Day Fix Start Here quickstart guide and workout calendar
• 21 Day Fix Eating Plan that shows you exactly what to do
• 3 Day Quick Fix Guide, Autumn's secret weapon for fast weight loss
• Dirty 30 bonus workout


What equipment is needed?
• Dumbbells or a resistance band are used in some workouts...THAT'S IT!

 Do I have to do the workouts, or can I just follow the portion-control Eating Plan?
• Both the workouts and Eating Plan are essential to get the best results in 21 days.
• If you're worried about being out of shape, we suggest you follow the modifier and do
what you can, rather than skipping the workouts entirely. You'll feel stronger in no time.


Can I use other containers I have at home?
• No, these are custom-designed for 21 Day Fix. Other containers may have the wrong
 proportions and you will not be successful unless you follow the Eating Plan using
 these containers.
• Very few (if any) other containers come in the variety of sizes needed for 21 Day Fix.

Can I eat out at restaurants when I do 21 Day Fix?
• Yes! The Eating Plan includes a restaurant guide that shows you how to practice portion control at your favorite restaurants.

What does it mean when you say "no off-limit foods"?
• The 21 Day Fix Eating Plan shows you how to incorporate treats (like chocolate and wine) into the plan . . . and you can still lose weight.

What makes the 21 Day Fix workouts so effective?
• 21 Day Fix takes all of the guesswork out of working out. You know which workout to do
 each day and can be confident you're working your whole body efficiently in just 30 minutes a day.
• The workouts yield consistent calorie-burning results, unlike a treadmill workout that can have very inconsistent and inaccurate calorie counts.
• The 30-minute boot-camp style workouts keep your heart rate up throughout, so you have an effective and efficient workout that burns maximum calories.

• There's a modifier in every workout to show you how to take down the intensity while still getting awesome results.
• Trainer Autumn Calabrese created a 7-day-a-week schedule to give you the best results
 in just 21 days. Each day of the week is a different workout, all perfectly designed to avoid overtraining and keep you injury-free.



What are the workouts?

7 workouts on 2 DVDs (VHS not available)
Dirty 30 workout**
Total Body Cardio Fix
Upper Fix
Lower Fix
Pilates Fix
Cardio Fix
Yoga Fix

 

 

Watch this quick video!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_5g5rh1ezY&feature=player_embedded

 

If you are seriously interested and want some amazing results, message me.  My challenge group for 21 Day Fix starts February 17, 2014.  I look very forward to hearing from you!



Christmas 2013

Hey guys!  Christmas was a huge success for our families.  Carter got SO much.  It's pretty overwhelming.  He had a great time opening his gifts and tried to open everyone else's.  Everyone had a pretty good idea of what he likes because he got loads of planes, trains, and trucks.  He's really getting into learning how to draw his letters so he got something huge to draw one and a leap pad 2 that he loves.  I don't have many pictures but I did film every single bit of it. 

Carter was such a good boy the entire time.  He's usually not a fan of crowds but they do not bother him in the least now.  He also went yesterday without a nap and ended up going to sleep at 9:30 and slept all night.  I'm thinking that may be something I try out for a little bit....NO NAPS!  When he gets a nap in he WILL NOT fall asleep any earlier than 10:30 or 11:00 and then it's hard to wake him up in the mornings.  We'll see how that goes and we'll see what Mrs. Lisa has to say about that :)

I got some great things too.  I got home boots, shoes, money, jewelry, clothes, cookbook, socks and makeup.  My Nana also got me this cool touchpad game.  I can't put it down.  Nick got a new hunting jacket, money, deer target.  Well, actually the touchpad game was actually for him but I stole it.   What's mine is his right?

My house it like WHOA!  I don't even recognize it when I walk in.  I usually keep a somewhat picked up and clean house. (as clean as it can get with a 2 year old minus all my clothes slung everywhere in my spare bedroom.)  Toys are taking over our house.  It's time to go through and clean out baby stuff that he does not even look at anymore and put up in storage.  We have trains every where we look!!  But he does play with all of those.

So, anyways, I'm ready to get this new year started.  I know I am getting pretty annoying with all of the workout and Beachbody posts but I have finally found something that I am very passionate about and I am so excited to spread this to all of you.  Getting fit, happy, and energized is what this has done for me.  Yes, I do make money but if I never made a dime off of any of this, I would still be using these programs because of what it has done for me and my family. 

Why did I start doing this?  I had to.  I was just getting to where I was no longer happy with who I was.  I was letting small stuff get to me, I was holding grudges for no reason at all, and I just didn't have the "want to" to do anything!!  The truth about it was that I just was not happy with  myself.  I didn't like the way I looked, I didn't want to go shopping because I knew nothing would fit me anyways, I was addicted to junk food--which only made me more miserable-- and I didn't have the energy to even do much with my Carter. 

So, now I am seeing results, I'm gaining confidence, I'm fitting in jeans from high school and I'm just an overall happier person.  My husband has even commented on how much better my attitude is.  Not only am I bettering myself, I am bettering my family.  I am finally sleeping soundly at night without so much dang stress on me.  It's a wonderful feeling.  I am not near where I want to be, but going in the right direction is such an awesome feeling.

No time you say?  I work a full time job, have a 2 year old, a house to clean, dinner to cook every single night and I still find a way to fit in my 30 minute workout.  Yes, it takes time management, which has never been a strong point for me, but I am getting better every single day.

Can't afford it?  Well let's find a way to afford it.  It's worth it.  I didn't think I could afford it either, but there's always a way if you look hard enough.

Yes, making money is a perk, and I am more than willing to share with you what I do, how much I make, and give you the same opportunity that I have.  It is a LIFE CHANGER!! 

So, let's make 2014 a good one.  Go here :www.beachbodycoach.com/CATREEVES13 and sign up on my page.  Just click Join after you go to that link.  It's completely free.  Look around, do your research, and see for yourself what awesome products there are out there.

Talk to me!  Let me know what issues you are having with your body.  Let me help you.

Thanks!

Two Day Getaway

The hubs and I decided to go on a little getaway Monday afternoon.  We pawned the monster off on my parents and headed to Shreveport where we stayed on the Boardwalk.  Two full days and nights without Carter.  It was weird, but nice.  We had awesome food, watched great movies on IMAX, and did some shopping.  We initially went do get our Christmas shopping done, but prices are awful and I just couldn't bring myself to spend what they were asking for...for like everything!  I bought my mom's Christmas present and got Carter some nice clothes....sweater vests, button ups, and cute, regular sweaters.  Carter is most definitely my best accomplishment but also my biggest weakness!  All in all we had a good time.  Our last fun getaway was August 2010 so it's nice to do that once every three years! 

I know we were only gone for two days but I swear Carter has grown 2 inches and has gained a whole spectrum of vocabulary.  He is learning things like crazy!  He is learning to write!  He can draw an A, O, and he so close to drawing a B.  His little imagination is taking off too.  He loves to scribble then tell me what he draws.  Last night he "drew" an octopus for me.  He's so much fun!  When we are home we don't even watch cartoons anymore.  He would much rather play with his new train set or learn on his leap pad.  I'm much happier with that!

If he ever grows with the amount of food he eats, he's going to be a big boy!  He eats more than me.  No, seriously.  I don't know how he is so small.

It's nice to be back on my normal schedule.  I missed my workouts.  I gotta be honest, there for a little while I was in a rut and was not seeing any results.  I FINALLY found something that works for me.  It's so nice to see such great results in a small amount of time.  I'm not where I want to be but I'm headed in the right direction.  Please feel free to get a hold of me and I'll let you know!  It's something that works for me and I plan to continue for the rest of my life. 

Exciting News

The most exciting thing that I can say about myself is that I cut 2 inches off my hair.  Pretty sad, huh?  Well, that's not true...I take that back!  I actually started drinking this honey and cinnamon concoction twice a day that my friend Lee told me about.  It makes me feel amazing and energized.  If you want the exact measurements then just message me, it won't disappoint. 

I also go to go meet my brand new nephew, Ryker.  He's precious and looks just like big brother.  If he ever grows into his big hands and feet then he is going to make big brother and cousin Carter look like midgets.  They better start sucking up now.

I have really been missing my best friends here lately.  I mean, I always miss them, but I really really miss them right now.  It bites that I can't just pick up and go see them.  Keatha lives in Oklahoma: 5 hours away.  Holli lives in Dallas: 4 hours away.  Toshya lives in Ohio: at least 15 hours away.  Britni lives in Warren: 2 1/2 hours away.  Kari, who just got married, lives in Canada: several plane rides away.  Tonya and Elizabeth lives in....oh that's right, Nashville....We need to work on that!!  There is so much going all with all of them it seems and I am missing it all.  Any donations to pay for my way to go see them all is welcomed and appreciated.

Carter's wonderful.  He's at a very fun age.  Learning new phrases every. single. day!  I give him a month or two and he will be saying full on sentences.  He just talks constantly when he is at home.  It took him a little longer, but he is finally about to get caught up with where he needs to be with his speech.  Like any other toddler, he hates when I say no....to anything.  Homeboy has an attitude.  We're working on that.

He's still so smart.  He can count to 40.  If I give him the first 2 letters of his name he can finish spelling it out.  He is having a lot harder time with his colors than he did with letters and numbers, but I think he is about to get them.  Blue is by far his favorite color.  He knows most of his shapes.  He says "please" after he asks me to do something for him....it's so sweet!!  We are now working on "yes mam".

Bedtime is a fight every night.  He just don't want to go to bed.  He wants to stay up and play.  He's so silly!

Anyways, nothing exciting, I know.  But that's all I have for ya. 

Scrapper Football

We took Carter to his first football game of the year last night.  He LOVED it!!  He loved seeing all of the balloons go into the air.  He kept saying, "Where balloons go?  In the clouds?".  He also loved all the big football players.  During warm-up, he kept trying to run out on the field with them.  He got so upset when we wouldn't let him.  I'm pretty sure, though, that the popcorn was his favorite part.  He sat with my mom during most of the game, which I'm sure was another favorite part for him.  I'm pretty sure he loves her more than he loves me and Nick.  He gave lots of hugs to people he didn't even know, which is very rare.  I was proud of him.

One problem though.  After we were there for about an hour he told us that he needed to pee pee.  So I took him into the bathroom and he wouldn't use the big toilet.  I then tried to just let him pee in the grass in a corner outside and he wouldn't do that either.  He wanted his little potty at home.  It's not like that thing can fit in his back pack or anything.  Since I had a pull up on him, we went ahead and stayed at the game for another 2 hours.  He wouldn't use his pull up (since he never wears a pull up, I think it made him very uncomfortable).  So he finally got that panicked look in his eyes that he REALLY needed to go so we left the game early.  Right when we got home he sprinted to his potty and went.  Safe to say that he is fully potty trained....but only on his little potty.  Any suggestions on how to the make the transition easier from little potty to the big one would be greatly appreciated.  We won't be able to go anywhere without lugging the little potty around unless he gets this down.

Here's a good little story.  Nick and I always joke with each other about who Carter loves more.  Two nights ago, I asked Nick to put Carter to bed for me because I was exhausted and just wanted to go to bed early.  So, Nick took him back to his room and the next thing I know Carter came running back into the living room crying.  I asked Nick what was wrong with him and it nearly killed him to tell me that Carter said I. WANT. MOM!!  Mom-1 Dad-0.  I put him down with a big smile on my face.

AD and I have become real pathetic and lazy here lately on our workouts.  But, come Monday we are going back at it.  We made a deal not to cancel anymore unless we absolutely had to.

I'm hoping that by the next blog, I can tell you all about the new babies coming into the world.  Can't wait to meet them!!  Janice, Abbie, and Keatha......love ya'll.  HANG IN THERE!!  Praying for 3 healthy babies.

Goodbye Summer

Well, its officially fall.  I know most of you won't agree but I hate it!!  Summer didn't last near long enough for me.  I have to say that besides having his tonsils removed, Carter had an awesome summer.  He loved swimming and playing on the slip n slide at Mia's house.  He loved going on his evening rides on the ranger with Daddy every day.  He loved riding in his jogging stroller with me every now and then and he will for sure miss riding the lawn mower with Grumps.  But most of all, I think he will miss ramping in the golf cart with Mia, playing in his mud puddles and piddling around the pond.

On a better note...

I am excited to tell you that Carter has been diaper free, except at bedtime, for 2 weeks.  He is completely potty trained at home.  He has not had an accident at home for nearly a week now.  He does have the occasional accident other places.  He had one yesterday at Nick's parents house and he told them that he was sorry.  How sweet is that?  I have made a point to never get on to him when he does have one.  I just say, "That's ok, Carter.  Next time can you go in the potty, please?"

The whole process was nerve racking, messy, and frustrating.  He did pick it up a lot quicker than I expected, which made me so proud of him. I do have to say that he looks so cute in his undies.

He is talking more and more every day and he is so much happier now that he can tell us what he wants.  He is starting to get a tad bossy... yesterday he told me to pick up his toys.  When I don't do something that he wants RIGHT THEN he says, "tic toc".  Where in the world did he come up with that???  When I ask him a question, instead of saying yes, he says "otay".  He calls me mom and Nick dad.  He completely skipped the whole mommy and daddy phase.  Weird.  It is still crazy for me to hear him talk to me.  Love it!!  He is still loving his "school time" that we have at home.  He can't get enough of letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and puzzles.  We are working on sight words also.

I'm afraid that Nick and I don't have a ball player on our hands.  He couldn't care less about a bat and ball.  He actually takes his bat that he has at home and lines it up behind his trucks like a trailer.  Trucks, airplanes, and tractors are his go to toys.  We are okay with that.  With all the surgeries that ball playing got us, we are not so sure it's worth it.  Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to watch him play sports, but if he don't want to, we're definitely not going to make him.  My nephew, Warren, on the other hand, could play t-ball tomorrow and be awesome. He's pretty talented for a 3 year old.

He can say his first bible verse: "God loved us, he sent his son".  He says it all the time.  That makes my heart smile.

Last night was the second night in a row that he slept in his bed all night.  Ummm....stop growing up please!!??