SPOTLIGHT Challenger of the Week: Melissa Kay Diaz

This week's SPOTLIGHT Challenger of the Week is MELISSA DIAZ!!!  I love Melissa's energy, enthusiasm and NO EXCUSES attitude!  Here is what she had to say after her first week within our group <3

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE YOU WERE READY FOR CHANGE? 

I just wasn't happy where I was at in my life. My career is advancing but everything else was in a downward spiral. My eating was out of control, and I just felt tired and gross all the time, not to mention all of my clothes looked not so great on me. I knew I needed a change! 

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

My goals are to get back into a fitness routine so I have more energy and feel better about myself. I also needed to kick the bad eating habits, and make a consistent pattern of choosing healthy, not fast. 

AFTER WEEK 1, ARE YOU FEELING / SEEING RESULTS?

I'm definitely feeling results! My energy levels have been off the charts and I feel so much more ready for the day having a plan made. I'm sleeping better, eating better, and I've even been able to cut out coffee and dairy without even missing it! 

WHAT IS YOUR FAV PART ABOUT BEING IN A CHALLENGE GROUP?

I love having a place to share my excitement with people in the same situation. We are all on this journey together and provide even better feedback and encouragement than anyone else! 

HOW HAS A CHALLENGE GROUP HELPED YOU?

It's helped me keep on track by tapping into that competitive nature and giving me a great source of accountability. Also, having daily posts and check ins keeps my interest up! 

NON-SCALE VICTORY:  
I'm feeling slimmer and it's only been 1 week!!!  I'm already feeling changes!!

HOW WILL YOU FEEL WHEN YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

When I reach my goals, I will feel stronger, healthier, and better in my own skin! <3

 CONGRATS Melissa!!!  Keep rockin it girly!! <3

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING OUR SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE GROUP:  

GET PAID TO GET FIT IN SEPTEMBER

Get PAID to get Healthy and Fit - Seriously? Seriously.

What if I told you that in the month of September you could not only lose 5 - 15lbs, feel better, healthier and happier - but also literally get paid for it? 

Simply for:
1- Working out 30 minutes per day, 3 days per week.
2- Replacing 1 Meal with Shakeology 5 days per week
3- Following the simplest - spelled out for you - type of Nutrition Plan that still allows yummy food.

If you do all of the above things, you could have a chance to share a pot of 1 - 3 MILLION dollars {and, receive a free t-shirt - we all love free workout swag, right? :)}

Not a joke.  Not a scheme.  No catch.  This is for real.  Are you in? 

{{ Full Details and Application to Join Below }}

What is the Beachbody HealthBet?

Beachbody is literally betting MONEY that you will fall in love with getting healthy!!! 

During the Challenge Period {from September 5th – October 2nd, 2016} anyone who meets the requirements below will win an equal share of a $1 million dollar pot funded by Beachbody! As a BONUS – for every person who commits to this challenge from July 27th – August 31st, 2016, Beachbody will add $5 to the pot for up to a $3 million dollar pot!

*** Workout for 30 minutes per Day - 3 Days per Week
*** Replace 1 meal or snack with Shakeology - 5 Days per Week
*** Follow a simple Nutrition Plan
*** Log your progress in our Challenge Tracker App {which I will have you upload for free before the start of our group}

No embarrassing weigh ins, no killing yourself working out for hours a day or following a crazy, restrictive meal plan.

...Sounds simple enough, right?

How Much Money can I Earn?

It depends on how large the final pot will be (minimum of  $1 million and maximum of $3 million) ...and how many people participate.   Beachbody will announce the total pot amount in early September.  The earnings will be split between all challengers who follow the above guidelines during the period of September 5th - October 2nd 2016.

What Do I Need to do to Join the HealthBet?

First, I must be your assigned FREE Coach by clicking here. 
{If you are currently working with another coach, please reach out to them to ask about their HealthBet Challenge.  If you are not working with another coach, I'd love to be your accountability coach and help you live a better life!}

and... 

Fill out my online form.

Beachbody MLM vs. Real Estate: Which Career Path / Business Opportunity is Best for You? -- PART 1

{{ This blog post is completely transparent and unbiased.  My husband and I own a successful Top 100 Beachbody business AND we also own a Real Estate Business.  This post is to educate those who are considering each business opportunity so you can make the best decision for yourself }}

First…a little about me.  I grew up with two parents who are both entrepreneurs.  After finishing 2 years of college (without obtaining an actual degree), applying for nursing school, being accepted into the RN program, and paying my bills by working at Publix and Chili’s…I realized…working for someone else just wasn’t “my thing”.

I started an eBay business when 

I was 17 years old

I sold all of my old clothing and routed through Goodwill and TJMaxx and started up selling brand new clothing and wholesale jewelry as well.  It was a little time consuming, but it was my first real "entrepreneur experience".

My first experience with giving premium customer service! :)

Then, I was a Small Business Owner...

I also owned a permanent makeup studio from the ages of 19-29yrs old.  I loved this job because it allowed me to be creative, and I loved all of the people I met daily and had great convos with!  But, once I had kids...it became increasingly difficult to maintain a normal work schedule because they were both getting sick at daycare which meant I had to keep calling into work and moving my clients.  In this type of job, if you are not there working...you make $0.  The only thing this job was missing...was RESIDUAL INCOME.  I mean...there HAD to be a way to make a steady income whether or not I went to work!  

Wishful thinking? ;)  Hmmmm...

Here are my permanent brows!  The Leopard Lily Permanent Makeup Studio 

(now owned by my mom, Cindy McDonald)

Which Leads me to How I Found Beachbody, Built an Empire, and Retired my Husband...

Excess baby weight and needing a job to supplement our income while I was at home with my sick little ones...led me to Beachbody -- which is a direct selling company that functions as a {legit} multi-level marketing company.  I was able to work my Beachbody business as the kids napped - or, any other gaps I could find in my schedule.  It was convenient, fun, and I was passionate about it.  It's no surprise it ended up being my full time {work-from-home} career! 

My main goal within the past 4 years of building a Beachbody business was to pay off the thousands of dollars of debt my husband and I had accrued through medical bills, credit cards, student loans, etc... and retire my husband from retail management so he could be home with us...we missed him.  

Nick was very successful at retail, and he actually (strangely) enjoyed it lol…because he loved excelling at something he could call his “own”--but, working 60+ hours a week was killing him, me, and the kids.  My dream of retiring Nick so he could be home with me and the kids...came true in Oct. of 2014 --  a little over 2 years after becoming a Beachbody Coach!

If you want to hear more about my weight loss journey that led me to coaching and building 

a mid-6 figure business, I wrote a separate blog post HERE.  

Soooo, from all of the above... you can see, I am passionate about being an entrepreneur….it’s in my blood!  And, even at the young age of 31, I have 14 years of experience and a lot of knowledge on the topic.

So, why in the WORLD would we start Real Estate when we've already seen so much Success and Freedom in our Beachbody Business?

When Nick retired, he became my business partner.  We paid off all debt, bought our dream home, and during our home buying process he became interested in real estate.  He controls the finances in our Beachbody business…and, he decided he wanted to learn more about investing our income.  Although he still helps me with our Beachbody business...I feel like he was craving something additional of his OWN to excel at since that's what he was always used to!!

**What most people don’t know…is that before Nick got the management position at JCPenney’s, he applied for real estate courses with my dad.  When JCPenney’s hired him, he decided NOT to go.

Since we work as a team with our Beachbody business, I decided I wanted to get licensed with him so I can understand real estate and so I can help him with his new venture— {Plus, the entrepreneur in me always craves learning something new and different!!}.  I'm proud to say...we passed the {most difficult} EXAM {I've ever taken in my LIFE haha!} in ONE shot!! PHEW!

It’s been an interesting experience to say the least…and, as I learned more... it got me thinking about the similarities and differences within each of our businesses.  I’ve also had many people reach out to me regarding both businesses:  Beachbody Coaching and Real Estate.  Which one is best?

Hence...this blog post! 

{I know...get to the point, right? haha!}

Ya'll know you were thinking it!

Beachbody MLM vs. Real Estate { Part 1 }:

Let me break these down for ya!

#1- EDUCATION:

For Beachbody:

I remember back to the day I started Beachbody.  I went through an hour long coach training and felt a little mind boggled.  There was so much to learn, and it seemed like a new language- Spanish maybe? ;)  I was able to work at my own pace which made it a little better!  And, there were NO tests.  Everything started piecing together and making sense as I started my business.  Learning by DOING is the best way to learn!

For Real Estate:

Going through Real Estate class doesn't feel much different.  There is a LOT of terminology you need to learn to fully understand the concepts enough to apply them (and, to pass the State Real Estate Exam--which if you haven't yet heard...is a toughie!).  The terms were more like learning Japanese...they were harder to wrap my brain around lol.  63 Hours of Pre-Licensing class is required, and it's INTENSE.  The 1 hour "cram course" was an extra 7 hours, so we actually took 70 hours.  This is also another business that requires you to learn as you go...by experience.

#2- CONTINUING EDUCATION:

For Beachbody: 

I choose to watch an hour long training OR listen to personal development audio to sharpen my skills daily.  This is optional, but I know that I wouldn't have become a successful Top 100 coach if I didn't do this.  Social media is always evolving, so I think it's important to always be a student and always apply what I learn.  Beachbody also offers fun quarterly events called "Super Saturdays/Sundays" and one big yearly conference called "Summit" which is usually held in Nashville.  These meetings/conferences are also optional, but I've gone to every one of them...and, I know they have contributed to the success of my business!

For Real Estate:

Once you complete your 63-70 hours of Pre-Licensing along with your class test and state exam, you are required to complete 45 hours of Post-Licensing courses (so you know WHAT to do with your license), an Ethics course, an MLS course, and 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years.  I also recommend an hour of training and/or personal development per day (just as I do with Beachbody) to continue to sharpen your skills and build your mindset.

#3- FEES

For Beachbody:

There is a $39.95 one time sign up fee OR you have the option to purchase a workout and nutritional supplement in a "Bundle Pack" at a discounted price, and sign up for your coaching business for FREE.  Bundle packs vary in price from (optional) $140-$205 depending on the products chosen.  

There is a $15.95 fee monthly.  This covers your websites, your customer service department that will deal with your customer service issues, a shipping center so you don't have to hold and/or ship inventory, and an online "office" that organizes your business. 

There is an (optional) $38.95 club membership fee every 3 months for those who want access to the Beachbody Online Meal Planner and/or Online Workout Streaming.

There is an (optional but highly recommended) product fee.  As coaches, we focus on changing ourselves and SHARING what we are doing to #1- Show it works! and #2- People want to do what they see YOU doing.  So, while I put this fee in the "optional" category because it is....I think using and loving the products is a VERY important part of being a successful coach.  We, personally, purchase approx $120 of product per month--sometimes more depending on our health/fitness goals!

For Real Estate: 

(all of these are "per person"--as you know we BOTH got our licenses...so, for us...this was doubled)

State License Application: $89 

State Exam Tutor (optional but recommended): $29

Pre-Licensing 63 Hour Course: $369

State Exam "Crash Course" (optional but recommended): $99

Board of Realtors (MLS Access): $879 per year

Post-Licensing Course: $259 

Broker Fee:  This varies for all new Sales Associates depending on your broker.  Our broker charges $100 per month.

Continuing Education:  $129 every 2 years.

#4- BUSINESS STRUCTURE:

Yep...pretty much the same as any ole' business structure out there...

Any Corporate Business:

Typical Retail Business:

Beachbody MLM:

Real Estate:

Yep...like I said...pretty much the SAME as any other business structure.  Let's move on... :)

CLICK HERE to view PART 2!!

**Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Coach Opportunity. Each Coach's income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill.” — Which means…you GET what you put into this.  Gotta WORK for it :)

Paleo Egg Muffin Frittatas

Paleo Friendly Egg Muffin Frittatas

Quick, easy, meal prep breakfast!!!  As you all know...I love anything that will simplify my life :D  And, I love these little muffins because you can put different ingredients in each and make them family friendly :)  I kept mine strictly paleo, and I added mozzarella and parm to my hubby's.  These would be great for kids too!!

((FYI - next time I will use foil or silicone liners to cut down on the MESS))

So, here we go:

Ingredients:
1 TBS coconut oil
12 eggs
6 TBS coconut milk
1/2 Onion
2 small zucchinis
1 cup broccoli
1 cup Low sodium ham
Salt and Pepper to taste
Avocado (optional)


How to:
Pre heat oven to 350
Heat pan to medium high heat
Add coconut oil
Saute broccoli while chopping onion and zucchini
Add in onion and zucchini
Cover and let soften
Add in ham.
Mix eggs, coconut milk, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl

Fill muffin pan with veggies and ham
Pour egg mixture over the veggies and ham.  Fill almost to top (but leave a little room for rising)
Place muffin pan in oven for 20-24 min until cooked all the way through.

Store in ziplock bags in fridge or freezer!!  :)

What do Beachbody Coaches DO? How do we earn income? How are we able to stay home with our kids?

Ever wonder what exactly we DO as Beachbody Coaches?  

Check out these short videos from some of the leaders 

on our FITS Dynasty Team <3

Click Here for MORE Info about Coaching 
along with Details about 
How to Get Started with FITS Dynasty!!

21 Day Fix Meal Plan -- Simplified. How to plan your meals!

So, you ordered your 21 Day Fix program, your package arrives, you look at the meal plan, and it seems confusing...maybe even overwhelming because it's something NEW to you that you've never done before.

I have great news!!!  That's what COACHES are for!!  We are here to HELP you -- to break your 21 Day Fix meal plan down in SIMPLE terms so it's easy to understand, you feel confident that you know where to start and what to do.

If you haven't already checked out my blog post about "How to Create your own 21 Day Fix Meal Plan"...make sure you check it out!  If you have, and meal planning still hasn't completely clicked for you...read on...I'm going to show you exactly how I simplify my 21 Day Fix meal plan.

First things first...you need to figure out your calorie bracket.  I follow the 1,200 - 1,499 calorie bracket:

As you see...the colors we need the most containers for are RED (protein) and GREEN (veggies).

So, I prep most of my REDS and GREENS together and base the rest of my snacks around my main meals.

Examples:
Balsamic Chicken with Zucchini and Onion

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms

YELLOWS! "Add ins"

I usually choose 1-2 Yellows (starchy carbs) to prep each week...I consider these "add ins" when I feel like I need a little extra energy, or if I'm feeling like I want to eat more than protein and veggies.  Great "add ins" for these meals would be whole wheat pasta or quinoa.

I choose to eat my Yellows only when I feel like my body needs them.  As a coach, I work (sitting) from my computer on social media, so my body doesn't require a ton of extra starchy carbs for energy.  Sometimes I add my Yellows in as a snack (Whole Wheat Crackers) during the day instead of adding them to my meals.  You also have the option to replace 3 Yellows with one glass of Red Wine at the end of your week.  So, choose your Yellows carefully, and make sure you eat them before 6pm! :)


GREENS!
I usually keep raw veggies on hand for the days I haven't checked off all of my Greens.  I find that unless I eat a salad during the day at some point, I usually have some Green Containers left over, so I count Raw Veggies as one of my daily snacks.  I know...not the most tempting snack...but, we are FUELING our bodies so we see results, right?! :)

PURPLES!
Purples are simple!  Keep Fruit in your house, and when you are craving energy or something sweet...eat your fruit! :)  You may also use your fruit serving to add to your Shakeology.  We always keep a mixed bowl of fruit in our fridge, and apples and bananas on the counter where I can see them!  Must eat fruit before 6pm!

BLUES!

I also consider Blues "Add ins".  Sometimes I add a Blue container of Cheese to my meal, or I add Avocado to my salad, Hummus with my Raw Veggies, or I snack on Almonds.

ORANGES!

Oranges are "Add ins" for me as well.  If I eat a salad, my Orange container for the day is always Salad Dressing.  If I don't eat a salad, I have sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a snack.

TEASPOONS!

I usually count my Teaspoons as the Coconut or Olive Oil I cook with.  If I cook with Organic coconut oil/olive oil spray and I don't use much...I count my Teaspoons as All Natural Peanut Butter :)  I usually eat my 2 Teaspoons of Peanut Butter with an Apple, or in my Shakeology, or maybe even on a piece of whole wheat toast if I feel like I need energy before a workout!

QUICK REFERENCE
If I'm short on containers, I prepare these things to snack on throughout the week:

REDS - Shakeology, Boiled eggs, or Cottage Cheese
GREENS - Raw Veggies (or cooked ones if you prefer)
PURPLES - Fruit
YELLOWS - I'm rarely short on Yellows (lol don't we all love starchy carbs??), but if I am I usually save them for a glass of wine at the end of the week (3 yellows)
BLUES - Cheese, Hummus, Avocado, Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios
ORANGES - Salad dressing or seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc)
TEASPOONS - Oils or Peanut Butter (peanut butter wins 9/10 times! ha!)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is how I typically plan for the week:
Add all REDS (4 proteins) and GREENS (3 veggies) to my meal plan FIRST.

Then, I pretty much pick and choose my other containers depending on what I'm in the mood for that day.  I like the freedom of being able to choose, and as long as I know I have 2 fruits, 2 Starchy Carbs, 1 Healthy Fat, 1 oil/seed, and 2 tsp of oil to cook with OR peanut butter left after my main meals are prepped and scheduled (4 proteins and 3 veggies)..those are pretty easy things to throw into my eating plan without too much thought.

Here is what my meal plan ends up looking like :)

If this STILL seems confusing...no worries...if I am your coach, I will happily walk you through it.  Once you follow the 21 Day Fix meal plan for 1-2 weeks, you will be a pro! :)

If you'd like to sign up to have me as your FREE coach, please do so here.

If you're lacking motivation, and you'd like to be included in my next 21 Day Fix Online Accountability Group...click here!

Balsamic Chicken - Crockpot - 21 Day Fix Extreme Approved

I absolutely LOVE crockpot recipes...especially super easy ones that are low in calories, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, and carbs but HIGH in protein (muscle food).

I made this Balsamic Chicken recipe in the crockpot last night, and it was a hit!  It has lots of flavor, and it's 21 Day Fix Extreme approved...yippee!

Ingredients:
6 boneless chicken breasts (fat trimmed off)
2 regular cans of low sodium stewed tomatoes
1 onion chopped in chunks
3 zucchinis
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp: oregano and basil
1/2 tsp thyme
black pepper and salt to taste
1/4 tsp Ground red pepper
1/2-1tsp Garlic powder
1/2-1tsp Onion Powder
Organic oil spray

How to Chicken:
Set slow cooker to low setting.  Pour 1 TBS of olive oil on bottom of slow cooker.  Add chicken.  Top chicken evenly with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder.  Sprinkle a little ground red pepper.  Add 4 garlic cloves.  Top with balsamic vinegar and tomatoes.  Slow cook on high for 2 1/2 hours or until chicken is tender and pulls apart. (my slow cooker runs a little hot)

How to Veggies:
The KEY to stir fry veggies is to start with a HOT pan.  If you put the veggies in the pan and let it heat up with the veggies...they will most likely end up soggy.  I usually set my burner to medium-high and let it heat up while I cut my veggies.  Since all veggies cook at different paces, I sautéed the zucchini first.  Spray the hot pan with olive oil spray, and add zucchini.  Spray the zucchini after adding to pan.  Let sit, and add a layer of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Let the side of zucchini brown before flipping in the pan.  Sauté until brown on each side but still tender in the middle.  Add to individual prepping bowls.  Wipe the pan clean with water and a paper towel.  Let the pan get hot again and sauté the onions exactly the same way and add to individual prepping bowls.  Let cool and cover.  Add chicken once thoroughly cooked.

Original recipe credit goes to skinnyms.com.  I just added zucchini, onion, garlic powder, red pepper, and I omitted rosemary.

Nutrition info:
Makes: 7 Servings -- Serving Size:  1 cup -- Calories: 190 -- Fat 6g -- Saturated Fat: 1g -- Trans Fat: 0g -- Sodium 121mg -- Carbs: 5g -- Fiber 1g -- Protein 26g -- 21 Day Fix Extreme: 1 Red 1 Green