Can you believe August has come and gone already? Fall vibes are starting to creep in, and I'm feeling the back-to-school rhythm settling in for both me and my family. Personally, I thrive on routines, and after a summer of whirlwind adventures – vacations, the kids being home, and my own break from teaching – it's a relief to be back in the groove. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about soaking up those summer moments too!
Lately, I've been opening up on my stories about something many of us can relate to: that extra 12 pounds I've gained since May. Yep, you heard it right! Now, I wasn't aiming to shed weight during this time; my goal was simply to maintain. But let's call a spade a spade – my tracking game got a bit sloppy, and I indulged... A LOT. I did manage to keep up with my workouts and stay active, but my eating habits were definitely off.
Funny thing, after I shared this in my stories, a client reached out to say how much they appreciated my honesty. It's true, even coaches like me deal with real struggles. I'll never pretend to be the poster child for flawless eating, and if anyone tries to tell you they're perfect in that department, they aren't being truthful. Let's be real, aiming for perfection is like locking yourself in a never-ending struggle. What matters most is the progress we make.
So, how do I feel about my not-so-tidy summer escapades? No regrets here. I had a blast soaking up quality time with loved ones, but I can't ignore the fact that my comfy jeans have turned into skinny jeans – and not by choice. Plus, I'm not performing at my personal best. So, what's my game plan? I'm not about to beat myself up or blame it all on external factors. Instead, I'm seeing this as a challenge, a nudge to kick things back into gear.
I've got a 12-week plan lined up, aiming for a 10% calorie deficit. Why not go for an extreme calorie restriction, you ask? Well, I've found that a more moderate approach is the sweet spot for staying consistent. Jumping into an overly strict regimen with slashed calories often results in a rollercoaster of binging, losing, and then throwing in the towel. Let's set ourselves up for success, shall we?
I'm genuinely excited to shed this extra layer of fat and reveal the muscle gains I've been hustling for. And of course, I'll be keeping you all in the loop as I progress.
Sometimes, we need to have a real heart-to-heart with ourselves. We've got to put our consistency under a magnifying glass and ask the tough questions. Is the plan failing us, or are we not giving it our all? Excuses aren't going to cut it. That "I eat pretty healthy" line needs to hit the road. Let's dig deep, figure out what tweaks we can make, jot them down, and take action. And hey, if you need some help planning your next steps, I'm just a message away!
Eat, drink, be happy & healthy,
Maureen
I can hardly wait to reveal my new website. It has been a labor of love to update it this summer with all of my programs being available to you on your own time! It’s almost ready and I can’t wait to see what you think. And for anyone already working on that Christmas list, there will be gift cards available! Hello, live Shift…coming January 2014!
In the meantime, I have limited services available at my current site.
Join my email list now to stay up to date...and to hear about my new offers and sales!
Vuori Performance Joggers
Hard to say, but so easy to wear. If you don't have a pair, save up for these beauties!
These joggers are worth every penny because I get so much wear out of them. They’re nicer than sweats, soft and the perfect weight. I can even dress them up for work!
Basma Foundation Stick
My new favorite foundation is the Basma Foundation Stick. It’s part of my 5-minute work makeup routine. It’s smooth, hydrating, light and buildable. Plus, the creator has a fascinating story of wanting to create natural looking makeup to cover her facial scars from being burned as an infant.
Crocs Mellow Slide
I gave my husband such a hard time when he bought Crocs for himself. Well joke’s on me because these crocs are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn! And they look way cooler than “Crocs” LOL. They’re perfect for walking the dog, running errands, and running the kids to sports. They’re like clouds on your feet!
This summer, I became obsessed with Nantucket! Through books of course. I’ve never been there, but now I totally want to go. I read three Elin Hilderbrand books, all set in Nantucket: The Perfect Couple, The Hotel Nantucket, and The Five-Star Weekend. All great picks!
Taking a turn in genre, I just finished Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. Warning: this book has a lot of triggers and is very heavy. It’s about the opioid epidemic in southern Virginia.
I am currently reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and so far, it has been hooked.
If you can’t tell, I read a lot! I'd love to hear your suggestions!
Nothing nutrition related but, I love the podcast “Over My Dead Body” on Wondery. Not too serial killer-ish, but just
enough murder mystery to keep you guessing. There are Four seasons with 6-8 episodes each. It's perfect for those who love true crime, but don't want to have nightmares (yes, I am talking about me!).
The only time I watch TV is Friday and Saturday nights with my husband and we're
usually binging a series. We love British crime shows and right now were watching The One. It’s a crazy story about using DNA to find your soulmate and everyone’s getting “matched.” Of course someone winds up dead and the real story unfolds.
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