Transformation Tuesday - My Story

I haven’t done a transformation post in a while so here we go! <3

A lot can happen in the course of 2 1/2 years and looking at that picture on the left compared to the picture on the right speaks VOLUMES as to what has changed in my life in those 2 1/2 years.

The picture on the left was taken during a night out with friends a few months before I decided to become a health coach. I remember getting ready that night and trying so many different shirts, pants, shorts, capris… mix-matching everything I basically owned to find something that hid my muffin-top and made me feel good. I tried on so many different outfits that it looked like a tornado blew through our bedroom. IWell, I settled on this outfit because it was the best I could come up with but the feelings I had about myself were not good. I was still struggling to lose the baby weight, my nutrition was crap, I was running on little sleep due to being a first time mom, and I just remember feeling blah. I was excited to go out and see my friends but I was not excited about how I looked or how I felt. I have always been one to be confident overall, and am always optimistic and typically in a good mood, so those feelings I had about myself that night were not normal for me and I did NOT like feeling that way. I just felt like I wasn’t myself anymore. You can even see it in my smile in that pic and I am sure you could see it in my demeanor that night too. I just didn’t feel like me anymore.

Since that night I have taken on this journey to just do better. Of course, I set goals to lose weight and get healthy but with that comes SO MUCH MORE. Losing weight and getting healthy not only makes me feel good and look better physically, but mentally, it gives me confidence that I can take on this life! I just have more energy and clarity than I did before and have also found purpose in my day. It didn’t happen overnight, and I am definitely still working on bettering myself every day (even with setbacks like shingles - BLAH!!) but I feel the best I have ever felt RIGHT NOW… even better than I did in my 20s.

I have said it before and I will say it again, but life is too dang short to spend it feeling the way I did in that picture on the left. Our days are not guaranteed and things can happen to you in the blink of an eye. Stop wishing for things and start WORKING for things. With each and every goal you hit you will gain confidence, feel better, have more energy, and have the willpower to keep going! You will prove to yourself that YOU ARE strong enough to reach your goals and after you do, you will have the strength and determination to reach even higher goals!

I honestly think that whatever we want in this life starts with our health. We HAVE to be healthy and take care of our bodies if we expect to do great things. We just do. There are too many people taking their health for granted out there and it just needs to stop!

If you are in the same place I was 2 1/2 years ago and are ready to take that first step in your journey comment below with your email. I would love to give you more details and help you realize that YOU TOO can make a change and live a healthy life. <3

Surround Yourself with People Who Will Lift You Higher

My team is made up of people from all different backgrounds...mamas, teachers, nurses, yoga instructors, social workers....some of us have kids, pets, hobbies....but the one thing we all have in common is that we are BUSY! We are all taking on many different roles throughout our days but through the sometimes chaotic times, we always find time to help people get healthy. Why? Because we love it. 

When I took on my role as a coach 2 1/2 years ago I was working FT, had a 1 1/2 year old at home, and did not think I could fit anything more on my plate. I was overwhelmed as a first-time parent and having to balance that with work was hard. I just could never find my groove with life and it was taking its toll. I wasn't taking care of my body, I wasn't happy with my career, I longed to be home more with my son, and I knew that something needed to change.

So I started with my health. I committed to a workout program, eating clean, and staying plugged into my challenge group. Having that support and being surrounded by a bunch of people rooting for me helped me get into the best shape I'd ever been in since having Kamden. I felt good, had more energy, and a whole new outlook on life. Through sharing my story I was able to spark my coaching career and help other people along the way, and also build a team of others committed to doing the same thing. It's truly been a blessing in my life and has opened up a career I never thought was possible. Never in a million years did I ever picture myself working from home as a health coach, helping people with their health and fitness goals, getting paid to work on my own health, and creating a future for my family that I would have only dreamed about.

The crazy thing is - coaching is so easy and so fun!! I really believe anyone could do this...especially since I have a STEP BY STEP method to getting started...which is exactly how I've been able to create a FT income working from home! 🤓

Could you imagine what life would be like if you were able to have the freedom to work from home, create your own schedule, have more time with your family and also the accountability to stay in shape? I couldn't imagine it before I gave this a try because I thought it was way too good to be true. I'm so thankful I just listened to my gut and went for it!! 💗✨

If any part of my story speaks to you comment below with your email address and I'll help you get started! Otherwise, fill out the application so that I learn more about you and we can set up a time to chat! I love to pay this opportunity forward because it's changed my life so much! ❤️❤️

Fill out my online form.

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Country Heat OFFICIAL TEST GROUP: Accepting Applications NOW!

Country Heat is a workout program that features the hottest country music—music you would hear on the radio! It's a dance-cardio workout that will keep you burning calories for 30 minutes. People who think they don’t like exercise will love dancing to Country Heat because it's fun, fast, and effective! 

I have been coaching for over 2 years and have been asked to run an EXCLUSIVE COUNTRY HEAT TEST GROUP! 

I AM SUPER PUMPED!! At first I didn't think this workout would be for me because I am not really a country music fan, but after seeing the results from the coach test group and hearing their testimonials, I am definitely giving it a try. And you can try it with me!

Last week my team and I were on a call with Autumn and she gave us the inside scoop on what to expect with the program and what exactly you need to do when you participate in a test group to get the BEST results and it got me so excited to help people with this program! 

I am allowed to bring 30 people with me into this test group -- are you going to be one of the 30?? See below for details on my 30 day accountability group!

How does this sound? 

• Potential $500 winnings for sharing your results?
• A free tee?
• AMAZING RESULTS!
• I am committing 100% - are YOU ready?

What is Country Heat? 

Country Heat is a high-energy, low-impact dance workout that's so simple and so fun, you'll love it from the very first step. Each 30-minute routine is packed with easy-to-follow dance moves set to the hottest country music around. 

All you have to do is follow along and before you know it, you're scorching calories, burning fat, and melting away the pounds as you reshape your entire body – all in just 30 days. 

Plus, it comes with an easy-to-follow portion control nutrition plan to maximize your results.

What Makes Country Heat Effective?

Because it's the workout you'll actually stick with! Heat makes it fun and easy to get fit.

• 5 high-energy dance workouts and 1 Dance Conditioning workout give you all the calorie-burning benefits of a great cardio workout while using every muscle in your body to fire up your metabolism.
• No complicated moves, no weights or equipment--just follow along for 30 minutes.
• Dancing to country music is such a blast, it barely feels like a workout!
• Autumn's foolproof portion-control container system and Eating Plan let you lose weight by eating what you want in just the right amounts.

Who is the IDEAL Heat Participant? 

Anyone who's looking for a simple, fun, and effective way to lose weight and get fit. While Country Heat is perfect for beginners, it's also a great cardio-based workout for people at all fitness levels who like to dance or want to stay in shape. It's also a great choice for people who like to dance but are intimidated by choreography. 

There are no complicated moves, no weights or equipment—just follow along and you'll be dancing right from Day One. Also great for anyone looking for a low-impact exercise program (no jumping or weights).

Test Group Participants will Also Receive: 

** Upon completion of the program each participant will receive a free t-shirt for submitting their results that could potentially win $500 or more!

** As a thank you from me, each participant will also receive Autumn's Fixate cookbook that includes over 100 recipes to use with the Country Heat program!

Participant Expectations: 

1.  Participants will be expected to check in daily to our accountability group in our private group on Facebook. 

2. Participants will follow the workout schedule designed by Autumn Calabrese for the 4 weeks of the program.  (Additional workouts are ok to do as well!)

3.  Tracking results is absolutely required!

4. Participants will be given a variety of recipes, meal ideas, and snack options, but will be expected to follow a meal plan designed to help them lose weight, shred fat, and build muscle. Meal plan options will be provided.

5.  One meal a day will be replaced with nutrient dense Shakeology.  Shakeology is a complete meal replacement that will be part of the included meal plans designed to help you optimize results. 

How do I sign up? 

1.  Complete the application below to be added to the launch event via Facebook. You will receive an email update once you've submitted the application.

2.  The program will be released on July 28th.  Participants will receive a link to a discounted test group challenge pack which includes all the necessary workouts, meal plans, and accountability group information needed for the test group. The only cost is that of the challenge pack. 

3. Refer a buddy to the challenge for a chance to win a one month supply of my favorite pre-workout, energize!  It will help you bring the heat to this amazing workout. 

COUNTRY HEAT BETA LAUNCH

Complete this form for more information about the upcoming release of Country Heat, exclusively through me, your Beachbody Coach.

Once you've submitted this form, be on the lookout for an email within 24 hours!

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Zoodles & Turkey Meatballs

I have been looking to mix-up my normal go-to's when it comes to meal planning every week and I have heard so much BUZZ about zucchini noodles! They look so pretty and I have seen so many different kinds of recipes that incorporate them that I finally decided to buy a spiralizer and try one out! I mean, if I can still have "pasta" but avoid the carbs I am definitely game! :)

I picked up a spiralizer from Walmart for about $17 the other day and finally tried it out last night. I was a little worried that it wouldn't work well, but it actually did it's job just fine. I am sure that there are nicer ones out there that you don't have to turn with your hand, but it was easy enough to use either way. 

I found a recipe on Pinterest from "A Cozy Kitchen" blog that we tried last night and it was SO GOOD! Even my son who doesn't care for most vegetables loved it! So, before I ramble on more about how much I love zoodles and well, food in general, here is the recipe we made last night! :)

Zoodles & Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients for Meatballs:

1 LB of ground turkey

2 TBSP Dried Fine Breadcrumbs

2 TBSP Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Large Egg

1 tsp Kosher Salt

Olive Oil

1/2 Yellow Onion, diced

3 Garlic Cloves, minced

3 TBSP Finely Chopped Italian Parsley

2 TBSP Freshly Chopped Sage

1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

Ingredients for Sauce:

2 tsp Olive Oil

1/4 Yellow Onion, diced

3 Garlic Cloves

2-3 Sage Leaves, chopped

1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

1 28-Ounce Can of Tomatoes (San Marzano is good)

1 Parmesan Rind (optional)

Noodles:

4 Medium Zucchinis, ends trimmed and either spiraled or julienned

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, dried bread crumbs, parmesan, egg and salt.

2. In a medium sauté pan, placed over medium heat, pour in a teaspoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion to the oil and cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium-low, and add the minced garlic, Italian parsley, sage and crushed red pepper. Add the onion mixture to the bowl of meat. Mix the turkey mixture until completely combined, but being careful to not over mix. Scoop out two tablespoons of the turkey mixture, and using your hands, roll it into a ball. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.

3. To sear the meatballs, add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the sauté pan (you can use the same one you just used for the onion mixture–we’re into saving dishes around here). When the oil is hot, gently add the meatballs and sear on all sides for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer them to a bed of paper towels to drain. Repeat until you’ve seared all of the meatballs, adding more oil, if the pan needs it.

4. To make the tomato sauce, add the olive oil to a dutch oven or medium pot. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, sage leaves and crushed red pepper; cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Pour in the can of tomatoes and add the parmesan rind (if using); mix and cover the pot, allowing the tomato sauce to simmer, over low heat, for 20 minutes.

5. Remove the rind and using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the tomato sauce until smooth (if you're using a regular blender you may need to do this in batches). Transfer back to the pot and salt to taste.

6. Add the seared meatballs to the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

7. To make the zucchini noodles, add a teaspoon of olive oil to a sauté pan. When the oil is hot, add the zucchini noodles, cooking them for about 3 to 5 minutes. I say go with what you like. I go a bit under because I like them to have a bit of bite. Add them to a big bowl and toss with a few tablespoons of tomato sauce. Place the meatballs on top and garnish with a small sprinkling of parmesan cheese and a handful of Italian parsley.

* I did not strain the zoodles after sautéing them so they are a little watery.  I would recommend doing that if you try this recipe! :) Still good either way, but it will look prettier with less liquid... ;)

Feel free to share this recipe and please come back and let me know if you give it a try! Enjoy!

Summer is HERE! Score Some Sweet Deals From Beachbody NOW!

Summer is here and we want to give YOU some sweet deals to help you get in shape and CRUSH those health and weight-loss goals! Starting tomorrow (Monday, June 6th) at 12PM PT Beachbody will be releasing TONS of products, programs, equipment, supplements, etc. at a SUPER discounted price! Some items are up to 78% OFF! :)

I typically stray from making posts in regards to sales but if I would feel horrible if I didn't let you know about something that could save you tons of money and help you look and feel GREAT!

So, how does this work? Starting tomorrow at 12PM PT the sale will go LIVE and will run until supplies last. I will tell you this from past experience - DO NOT WAIT TOO LONG! I have seen some popular programs and equipment sell out in less than an hour so if you are on the fence, take the leap to the other side NOW before you miss out!

Here is what will be included in the sale so you can plan ahead:

Do you need a recommendation? Are you new to some of these options? First off, if you have the Club Membership & On Demand, be sure to check out those programs so that you can preview them (Insanity, P90X, P90X2, etc.) before making the investment. What's On Demand? Click HERE for more information about the Club Membership and the many awesome features available to you.

So, what is my own personal recommendation? For sure get Les Mills Combat because this program is going to be discounted in the Beachbody Collection. Once they're gone, they're gone for good! Insanity Max 30 is another AMAZING program and one that I am personally starting up tomorrow! This is the perfect program for those looking for a mix of high-intensity cardio using your own body weight for resistance. Plus, the workouts are only 30 minutes and can be done in your living room. SCORE! :) Feel free to follow me on Youtube.com HERE as I document the next 60 days going through the program!

The P90X Bars are also delicious and one of my favorites! They are perfect for on the go and will not ruin your diet. They are packed with protein to keep you full when you are in a pinch!

These items are great for jump-starting your summer fitness plan, Father's Day gifts, birthday presents, Christmas, a present to yourself :), etc. I will personally be stocking up for myself and also for some giveaways in my upcoming accountability groups! If you are interested in learning more about my weight-loss accountability groups feel free to email me at dh.health.fitness@gmail.com.

To see everything on sale you can use my link:

Click Here

*** If you already have a Team Beachbody Coach please contact YOUR coach to help you out. If you do not have a coach yet, then I would LOVE to be yours! :) I am happy to assist you, guide you, support you and help you reach your health and fitness goals! ***

It's time to kick off the Summer on the right track to looking and feeling your best! Summer style means nothing if your confidence doesn't take center stage and I know for a fact that I am most confident when I am feeling healthy! LET'S DO THIS! If you want something more customized let me know and we can figure out the best plan for you! Shoot me over an email at dh.health.fitness@gmail.com or check out my page on Facebook - DH Health & Fitness and let's chat!

"Because the next few months will pass by anyway." <3

Who Was I When I Found Beachbody?

Who was I when I found Beachbody?

I was a run-down, semi-healthy, aimlessly wandering, wife & mother that just NEEDED direction in her life.

I had a 1 1/2 year old son, loving husband, and full-time corporate job that helped us live comfortably.

My husband and I were living the American dream - college grads, married, house, kids, cars - but I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing.

Motherhood changed my world and I went from someone who craved the big city life/corporate world to someone who wanted to be around her babies while still being able to provide and make a difference.

I was someone who was so passionate about health and fitness that I would spend days writing up workouts, googling easy ways to lose weight, running and running for exercise, but not applying much of what I was learning to my life. I was stuck in a plateau and had baby weight that needed to LEAVE MY BODY! 

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I dreamed about a life where I could get paid to workout, have more time to spend around my house, have more time to cuddle my babies, and have the FREEDOM to just live according to my rules and my design.

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I was someone who craved to be surrounded by people just like me! People that work hard but don’t take life too seriously. That have a sense of humor for crying out loud!! That have BIG DREAMS and are optimistic! People that don’t dwell on what went wrong but dream about what could go right!

————> fast forward to who I am now, after Beachbody….

I have energy, a pep in my step, and an attitude that I can conquer anything that is thrown my way.

I landed my dream job from making my health a priority and helping others do the same. I work from home, in my pj’s, sipping coffee, and blasting rap.

I have my kids home with me throughout the week but also have a couple days to myself. My only child ways need alone time - time to recharge and take care of business!

I have learned how to make healthy eating part of my lifestyle and have been able to help my family eat healthier too!

I chat with like-minded people all day while we work together to reach our HUGE, SCARY, GOALS!

I dream HUGE and help others dream HUGE so that they can reach their potential in life! To create a happier and healthier life for themselves, friends, and family. On my team, we pay it forward every single day in hopes to change MORE lives. 

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Before Beacbody, I really didn’t think coaching was for me and I NEVER believed I would be able to live a life with so much FREEDOM but a couple years ago I took a leap of faith that forever changed my world. This opportunity has given me so much and continues to do so each and every day. There is nothing like it and it’s my mission to pay it forward and help others live a life by THEIR design and a life of FREEDOM. Do you want that too? Do you dream about a life that isn’t confined by the typical 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, sit in a cube all day, job? Do you dream about being healthy and in-shape and getting paid because of it? Do you LOVE helping others?

I am looking for 10 women that want this life too! To apply for a spot on my team, Inspire Greatness, please fill out this form:

https://devonhardel.wufoo.com/…/team-inspire-greatness-app…/

To apply for my next weight loss and healthy eating accountability group, please fill out this form:

https://devonhardel.wufoo.com/…/inspire-greatness-challeng…/

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And because I sometimes follow the rules: "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."

The BEST steak you will EVER eat!

Spring in Wisconsin means temperatures ranging from 30-75 degrees, with snow and rain, thunderstorms - you name it! It's such a wild card so it's hard to know when it's officially "grilling weather." Well today, we started our morning by waking up to a gloomy, rainy, cold day. We got our family of 4 up and ready for church, went grocery shopping and spent the rest of the day lazy (minus my late afternoon workout). 

Sunday nights call for comfort food... food that warms the belly and just tastes GOOD! We LOVE grilling out, and do it year-round, despite our cold and snowy winters but today... today it seemed more logical to stay warm and cozy in our house versus sending my husband to brave the cold and rain so he can grill. I am obviously one to go for a healthier meal, and this one is not the healthiest, but I PROMISE you it's worth it! Overall, it's not too bad... just on the high end for sodium. Let me introduce you to the BEST STEAK DINNER EVER!!!

RECIPE & DIRECTIONS:

Prep: 10 minutes | Ready in: 4 hours

For the marinade:

• 2 (8 oz) boneless ribeye steaks (we used bone-in ribeyes but any cut of steak would work)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch of garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 pinch of Montreal steak seasoning, or to taste
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 cloves Garlic, chopped
• 1 dash Liquid Smoke flavoring

1. Place steaks in a flat baking dish or container. Cut slits at 1-inch intervals in the fat around the edges of the steaks. Gently pierce both sides of each steak a few times with a fork

2. Sprinkle each steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Montreal seasoning. Pat seasonings into steaks. 

3. Whisk olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and liquid smoke together in a bowl. Pour marinade over steaks to coat. Cover container or baking dish with plastic wrap and marinate steaks in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Turn steaks over and marinate for another 2 hours. 

Marinade courtesy of: http://allrecipes.com/236301/quick-and-easy-steak-marinade/

To Cook:

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees

2. Place steaks on a rack, inside a baking pan

3. Bake until internal temperature is between 135-140 degrees (actual cooking time varies depending on size and thickness of steak)

4. Once the steak is at 135-140 degrees, take it out of the oven and let rest for 15 minutes

5. On a hot pan (cast iron pans work best) sear for 2 minutes on each side

6. Dig in and try not to pass out from how good it is :)

** I am sure a lot of you have heard of searing the steak first and THEN baking it.... I am not sure the reasoning behind baking it first and then searing it, and apparently there's a science to it, but TRUST ME it's SO DELISH!!

Feel free to SHARE this recipe!