Creating Balance with Kari

12/20/2016

It has been a crazy month for me and my family.

I have been super busy with kids extra curricular activities, school volunteering, making sure my grandma is recovering well and consoling Omar while he worries about his best friend who was very sick for what felt like forever to him, and trying to be there for a great friend while she worried about the health of her son (Omar's bestie).

I had my great days of eating and squeezing in my workout even if I had to switch up my days as time was limited and I also had my personal disappointments of not fitting my workout in for one reason or another. I could say it is lack of planning, laziness, lack of motivation but at the end of the day it doesn't matter why it didn't happen, it just didn't happen. I also had some days when my eating well, to be kind was not on point.

Does this all matter, at the time it did, but in the grand scheme of things, NO.

What I choose to do now is ALL that matters. I choose to regain the energy I had only a few short weeks ago. I choose to eat clean and workout for 30 minutes a day.

Why?

Because when I eat clean and workout I feel the following:

1. More energized
2. More mentally focused on everything I do
3. I can stay up past 8:00 p.m. ( no joke)
4. My skin glows and my belly doesn't hurt

It is never to late to take control of your own habits!

I will be continuing to fight the fight for me with my MMA inspired workout program and encourage everyone to join me!

Christmas is right around the corner and New Years after that! Will I be enjoying traditional foods and sweets during this time, of course but what I won't be doing is throwing my days before and after Christmas away!

Join me in the fight for you starting January 2nd and make 2017 a year to remember!

Why:

1. Because you are worth it:
2. Because no one is going to give you, you time except for YOU:
3. No one can look after you except for YOU
4. Because everyone deserves to feel good in their own skin
5. Because you love yourself enough to take care of yourself, for you and for others

There is enough time to chat with me and find a program that works for you from home and receive it in time for the challenge group! Oh did I mention that January beachbody is putting its money where it's mouth is and offering money to those who complete a beachbody program 3 times a week and drink their superfoods 5 times a week!

That's right get paid to workout and drink delicious super foods!

Message me if interested!!

11/17/2016

Hi, my name is Kari. I am 35 years of age and am a wife of 8 years and a Momma of 4 boys 7 and under.

I am presently on a maternity leave and am a Law Clerk for a family law office otherwise.

I appear to most people that I have my stuff together. I am told constantly by people that they don't know how I get so much done in a day.

The real story is this. From the outside I look completely normal, all my stuff together, my kids appear clean, happy and healthy (and they are), my home appears clean and organized, my husband appears happy and I appear happy as well.

The truth, I wake up anywhere between 5:30 am and 6:30 am each day when one of my children wake, I do not wake up early to have me time as I would have to wake up at 4 am (not going to happen), on week days I get my eldest two boys ready for school, drive them to school and after I usually run errands and eventually make it home before or around lunch.

I feed my youngest two lunch, out the baby down for a nap, play with number 3 for a little and squeeze my workout in which is about 30 minutes long ( which you will see shortly this 40 minutes is my me time), I finish my workout and the baby wakes and it's time to go and get the bigs from school.

After school I allow my children to play like kids should with friends in the school yard for about 20 minutes before coming home. I find everyone is more pleasant when this happens, the only time it doesn't is on Mondays when my eldest has hockey practice. When we return home I start cooking dinner and the bigs do homework at the kitchen table. This means my eldest does home work and number 2 does what his brother does because he wants to be big!

We eat dinner, I bathe my children thy have some down time while I clean up the 100th mess of the day and then bedtime starts!

I have four children so this means that I start around 7 pm and am done around 8:30pm. By done I mean I am out for the night! I can't stay up because I am exhausted. I don't sit down during the day, I don't read books and relax, I don't watch tv and surf the net. I do periodically come on fb during the day to check my challenge groups and make sure everyone is doing ok but that is about it.

So you ask where is my husband? He is here and when he can he is helping but he works two different shifts on a week by week basis and is a Police Officer 👮 and when he is needed he has to go. He cannot assist me during the days even though he would want to.

Everyday my life is a whirlwind of events and somehow I make it through each day. I may not get everything on my list done but I try,

Most days I don't to care for myself like most people. For instance there are times where I do not get to shower for a few days because my days were too crazy and by the time I have time I have fallen asleep. I at times leave my home without deodorizer or brushing my teeth or my hair!

But at the end of everyday my children are clean, healthy and happy, my home is clean, my husband is happy !

I am not putting this out here for people to feel sorry for me or for people to say well it was your choice to have 4 children,

Yes it was mine and my husbands choice to have four children and we have no regrets!

I am putting this out there because people think I have my stuff together and it's not true, people have said to me that they wish they could get done in a day what I can and they only have two children.

The truth, I don't have my stuff together. I wake up everyday thankful to be with my family and I get done what I can. Yes some days I wish I could just sit down or wish that I could stay up with my husband once my kids are asleep and maybe one day that will happen but not today.

My point is no one needs to compare themselves to one another. Be happy with what you have and what you can do. My life isn't for everyone and that is the way it is suppose to be.

Wake up grateful for what YOU have!

11/10/2016

Great workout today!!!

11/07/2016

I have been having a blast this past week doing my new workouts which is MMA inspired.

I have been literally kicking butt ( and punching) this week and each workout was so rewarding and flew by so fast.

I am so looking forward to the next 4 weeks with this program and am even more looking forward to seeing the results at the end!

So far I am down 1lb and 2 inches in my waist!

At this rate I will be exactly where I want to be before the holidays hit!

Why is this important ?

I want to be ahead of the holiday treats, dinners and pop drinking so that way when the holidays are over I don't have to feel guilt or have regrets!

There is lots of time to work on you before the holidays come! Why wait till New Years to make a resolution to get healthy when you are here and there is no time like the present!!!

Private message me for a spot in my accountability group!!

11/06/2016

I say this all the time in my challenge groups.

There are 24 hours in a day and all it takes is 30 minutes of you time!

11/02/2016

It's November 2nd and I have access to a new MMA inspired workout!! I have been waiting to et my hands on it and it did not disappoint!!

I am so excited to have this new workout for then next 5 weeks!!

Feeling determined and inspired!!

I am ready to hit my goals before the Christmas holidays start!! Anyone want to join me??

10/30/2016

Think about how you can help yourself get through the holiday season now so that you don't have to make a New Years resolution about losing weight!

10/30/2016

Yesterday I attended my first Super Saturday and got to workout with celebrity trainers. It was amazing!!!

10/27/2016

Completed a HIIT workout tonight!! Preparing myself for a super workout Saturday morning in Toronto!!

Got my butt handed to me today 😂😂😂 but I kept pushing!!

10/25/2016

Meet Erin,

A stay at home mom, like me, with two kids ages 3 and 1 and a half!

She started her journey on July 4, 2016 and as of September 13, 2016 she was down 16 pounds and 16.5 inches!!! She is feeling awesome and has more energy to play with her children!

What did she do? She gave herself 30 minutes a day and workout in the comfort of her own home! She also at according to a meal plan that was provided to her!

Erin is a prime example that if you commit yourself to a healthier you, positive changes happen in a very short period of time!

10/25/2016

Well another busy day has come and gone!

Field trip, hockey practice normal daily odds and ends to get done.

Took me till 8:00 pm to get my workout in but man was it worth it for two reasons!

1. I did the MMA inspired workout today and I have LOVED it!!!

2. Because I live streamed this new workout today as it has not been officially released yet, $10.00 was donated to Big Sisters and Big Brothers! A great cause that for a good portion of my 20's I was part of!

If you are needing a new workout and have some need to blow off some steam I highly recommend this workout and program!!!

Who doesn't love kicking and punching. 😂😂😂😂 some may say it is therapeutic 😉

10/25/2016

Looking for a delicious salad dressing?

Give this a try!! It is also good for you !!!

LEMON DIJON SALAD DRESSING
Serves 6 (approx 2 Tbsp. each)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: None

Container Equivalents (per serving): 1 orange

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 large egg yolk, pasteurized
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, gluten-free
1/4 tsp sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped lemon peel
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

WHAT YOU DO:
1. Place egg yolk, mustard, salt, pepper, lemon juice and lemon peel in a blender (or food processor); cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Slowly add oil, blending continuously until well blended.

Notes:
Store leftover dressing in air-tight container in refrigerator (good for approx 5 days).
For best results, set out 30 minutes prior to using.
If it thickens up, you can always add a splash of lemon juice or water to thin it out.

10/22/2016

Today I am flying solo with my 4 boys to hockey practice! My 5 year old is goalie today so extra bulky gear to put on!!

Hubby had to work nights last night so what do you do?

Well you suit him up half at home and the other half at arena with the baby on the snugly!!

Easy ?? Definitely not but for the love of your children... doable!!

10/22/2016

Simply said!

Anyone can workout and diet for a short period of time but so many struggle to change their lifestyle to have long term success!

Stop chasing the next quick interim fix and start working on a lifestyle!

10/20/2016

We can always make excuses as to why we can't take 30 minutes for yourself!

When will you start making reasons as to why you are worth it?

No one like the present and who said working out had to be weights and running?

Today I danced my way through my workout and was sweating at the end!!

10/17/2016

A friendly reminder that when you are on your fitness journey try. It to be consumed by what the scale says!

Non scale victories are so much more important!! Take a look 👇👇

Do you have any non scale victories ? If not do you want some?

10/16/2016

10/09/2016

Everyone deserves 30 minutes!!

10/04/2016

3 week Yoga Retreat available from your home !!! You must watch👇👇👇

10/04/2016

With thanksgiving around the corner I am immediately dreaming of Pumpkin Pie!!!!

At the same time I have been doing so well with my clean eating and working out I really don't want to self sabotage and undo all the great work that I have done.

Great news for me, I found a recipe for Pumpkin bites that is healthy for me and still gives me my Pumpkin "pie"!!!

Anyone else have some healthy festive recipes??

WHAT YOU NEED:
Pumpkin Bites
1 can pumpkin or 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
2 very ripe bananas
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Himalayan or sea salt

Whipped Topping
1 can coconut milk- full fat
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla beans

(Makes approx 12 standard muffin sized bites)

WHAT YOU DO:
1. Combine all the pumpkin bite ingredients in a food processor, and blend until smooth. (You may need to scrape down the sides a few times.)
2. Spoon the mixture into lined muffin pans. *Option to use silicone liners to lessen chance of bites sticking to paper.
3. Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
4.Let these cool completely before removing from the muffin liners. Since they are soft like pumpkin pie, I highly recommend putting these in the fridge after baking so they can firm up a bit.
5. (For the whipped topping) Opencan of coconut milk that has been in the fridge overnight. Scoop the fatty white part off and place in a mixing bowl with the vanilla and maple syrup. Use the whipping attachment and whip the coconut into a cream.
6.Scoop a little on top of each muffin and option to garnish with pumpkin pie spice!

* MUST keep these stored in the fridge.
* I highly recommend making the whip topping right before eating for optimal results in taste and texture.

09/20/2016

Transforming your mind can change your life!

As you all know I have been on my fitness journey for a while and I am super proud of my accomplishments however I am always improving and tweaking my fitness and foods to fit my lifestyle.

Yesterday I went for a walk with my littles and although that doesn't seem out of the ordinary for me, I had started thinking about why I don't walk more often or further?

The answer was... I just never thought about it.

I found this very sad because although I workout everyday for 30 minutes I guess I drew an imaginary line of well I am good for the day and got so caught up in life that I just stopped thinking about it going for a walk.

Walking is something I have always enjoyed and taking my kids for a walk is even better. It's peaceful, therapeutic and refreshing. Although it isn't the best workout I could have physically it is the best mental workout!

So today I chose to drive my kids to school (5min drive) and take a long leisurely walk home! I also will walk back to the school at end of day and pick my kids and my can up!!

Feeling relaxed and refreshed already and still ready for my 30 minute workout!

Happy Tuesday!

09/19/2016

Sunday is Yoga day in my house !

Namaste.

09/15/2016

It is hard to take time for yourself when you are a parent.

It is even harder to take the time when you are exhausted.

This morning I was up at 4:30 am for the day as my two littles got up (ages 8months and 2 years).

Today is also my eldest child's 7th birthday. So present opening, cake making and a special dinner to cook!

All of this while my better half is at work for 10 hours.

However, I am determined to get my workout in for many reasons:

1. I will feel better if I do!
2. Tired is only an excuse!
3. It will help offset my cake eating this evening!!😝

It's always about balance!

09/15/2016

Today I celebrate my first borns 7th birthday. It is amazing how much he has grown but also hoe much I have grown as person, wife, mother and friend.

Feeling blessed today

09/14/2016

This month I have committed myself back to my workout program. I am 100% focused on my fitness and nutrition. I have my husband joining me this month and I am feeling stronger than I have in a long time.

09/14/2016

Creating balance in my life is a constant focus. Some days I am really good at it and other days I fall a little behind.

The key to success in balance is not to get discouraged. Balance is a working progress. Things change in our lives constantly.

My focus lately is that I need to balance out my home responsibilities and my work responsibilities. I am presently on a maternity leave but it will come to an end in January and I need to be prepared to keep up with both responibilkities without getting overly stressed out.
My focus lately is that I need to balance out my home responsibilities and my work responsibilities. I am presently on a maternity leave but it will come to an end in January and I need to be prepared to keep up with both responsibilities without getting overly stressed out.

08/27/2016

Staying on track with nutrition and fitness during this summer hasn't always been easy. However I am grateful that I have been able to maintain both my fitness level and my weight even when my eating has been off.

08/08/2016

Had a great visit this morning with a few lovely ladies from one of my accountability groups!! It was so nice to meet one of them for the first time or reconnect with one of them from public school!

It doesn't matter if I know the ladies or not when they start the group! I am here to help anyone who wants it!

Meeting with these ladies today just makes me love being a coach so much more!!

I made them a clean lunch and our kiddies played!!

Feeling blessed!!

A pic of lunch!! Bean burger with a side of fruits and veggies!! The burger was soooooo goooood!!!!

08/07/2016

Food prepping on Sunday is so important . It sets you up for successful clean eating! When you are hungry or hangry you can grab fruits and vegetables quick when they are washed and cut!

Also prepping meat or meat sauces is also very helpful! I have veggie noodles and ground chicken and veggie pasta sauce ready for the week!

08/06/2016

It's hard to stay on your fitness goals and clean eating on the weekends when everyone is home and work isn't taking up a good portion of your day. Food is more readily available and your will power is being tried!

When this happens you need to remember why you started your journey! If your why matters to you, nothing, to include yourself will stand in your way!