The National Museum of the Marine Corps

The reason behind our trip to Virginia was to meet and visit with my amazing workout accountability partner Bill and his family.  Bill and I met on Twitter after he posted his P90X transformation pictures.  I am pretty sure that when I saw the pictures he posted on Twitter my mouth dropped off my face!  Anyway, if he's telling the story, I began stalking him on Twitter but I don't necessarily remember it the same way.  We ended up deciding to do Insanity: The Asylum workout together and keep each other accountable to the program by texting each other every evening.  Most of the time we tried to do the workouts at the same time which was fun.

Over the course of those 30 days we got to know each other pretty well and he invited me to bring the family down and spend some time getting to know him in real life.  I thought it would be fun and so did Curt so we started saving our pennies.  I wish I would have taken more pictures of Bill, Robin (his beautiful wife), Riley, Reagan and Lauren (his kids), but to be honest we just had so much fun hanging out with them that I didn't think about taking photos... well, I did think about it during our super fun/crazy/intense workouts but I was busy working my butt off (literally) so it just never happened.

On one of the days Bill's work schedule allowed him a little free time and he invited Curt and I, along with the boys to go to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico.  We didn't know what to expect from the museum, but I can tell you that we didn't expect it to have the depth that it did.  We all loved it.  Here are a few of the things we saw....

 This is Bill helping Jacob try on the gear pack the Marines get to carry around with their necessities.  If I'm not mistaken, the pack weighs 40lbs.  Jacob, weighing around 60lbs. couldn't even stand up with it on.

The Marine vehichles in the museum are not reproductions, but actual vehicles from each time period.

There were several areas that the boys were able to try on the gear, again, these were from different periods in history.  It was definitely interesting to see how things have changed over time!

 Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima is a historic photograph taken on February 23, 1945, by Joe Rosenthal.  This is the original photograph.

 This is the flag.

 The boys hanging out in one of the Marine vehicles, I want to say its a tank, but I don't know if I am correct.

The museum is filled with a ton interesting exhibits.  The boys favorite exhibit was one where you walk out the back of a helicopter and land right in the middle of the fighting in Vietnam.  What was once an air conditioned and comfortable museum quickly became a hot and uncomfortable place.

If you have a chance to visit the museum, I recommend it.  I had no idea of the history of the Marines... and if you have the chance to walk through with a Marine, even better...

3-Day Shakeology Cleanse

If you don't know what Shakeology is, go here and you will find ALL the information you need! If you are interested in doing the 3-Day Cleanse, go to www.TurboKristy.com  and order your Shakeology today.    If you ONLY want 3 days supply for the Cleanse, let me know and I can help you out.  A 3-day supply including a FREE Shaker Cup is $49.50. 

Read what makes this cleanse effective and different from other cleanses on the market below. At the bottom of this page there is a link so you can read what the 3 days consist of. 

The Cleanse
I like to call the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse a "performance cleanse." This is because it was designed to be done with a workout program. Let's take a look at how this differs from other cleanses and how to tailor it to your needs.

First of all, it's not a true cleanse. It's a calorie-restricted and nutrient-dense diet plan. Traditional cleanses contain very few calories and nutrients. Compared to the much more popular Master Cleanse, it's like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Traditional cleansing diets are done to rid your system of toxins and bring it into homeostasis. They also contain a spiritual aspect. This process can take a long time, which is why you may have seen coworkers walking around the office in a zombie-like state for weeks on end—swilling a strange concoction of lemons and maple syrup.

The Shakeology cleanse is nothing like that. Depending on how you decide to do it, you'll be eating frequently and consuming between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, and it could be even more should you feel the need. The point of this cleanse is not calorie restriction, per se—it's nutrient efficiency. The aim is to get the most nutrients possible into the fewest number of calories. The goal is to put all of these calories to use as a part of your exercise program, to rid your body of undigested foods and toxins, and to bring your hydration levels into homeostasis. The result you're after is not weight loss—though it will likely occur—but for your body to be running more efficiently. This should make you feel lighter and more energetic, even though you're doing an exercise program.

How It Works
Your eating structure doesn't change. You still eat every few hours while you're awake. Each meal should have a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. And while you're not eating as much food as you'd normally eat, your calorie-to-nutrient ratio is extremely high. This means that you shouldn't restrict the actual nutrients you're getting by too much, so activity can continue as normal.

We recommend you try to keep your shakes to just Shakeology. Adding fruits of any kind, or seeds (for fat and fiber), or the Shakeology Fiber supplement, can and should be done as you see fit.

Ditto for your one solid meal—a salad. As we all know from any salad bar, the definition of salad can be varied. The goal of the salad in the plan is to keep your calories coming from natural sources (no artificial ingredients should be added, including artificial salad dressing). Aside from that, you can add ingredients as necessary. Keep your meat intake to four ounces or less, but add veggies, seeds, nuts, fruits, and legumes in quantities to satiate you.

The goal of the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is to optimize your performance. You want to eat enough to fuel your day AND your workout. The foods you're eating are so high in fiber and nutrients that it's virtually impossible to overeat. You'll be consuming so much fiber, along with enzymes and digestive aids, that your body's ability to flush excess foods quickly will be at its peak.

What to Drink
Water, of course, is recommended in quantity. This is vital to any cleanse, because one of your goals is to bring your hydration into homeostasis. When your electrolytes are out of balance—the main problem we have is salt—you often retain water outside of your cells. This situation, which we refer to as retaining water, is cured by drinking more water. As the excess salts are diffused, your body begins to hydrate your cells (using sodium as it should be used) and flush the water held outside the cells. So, oddly enough, you drink water to eliminate water retention.

Sodas, alcohols, juices, etc., should be eliminated entirely during a cleanse. Coffee and tea, which are diuretics, should be minimized at the very least and eliminated if possible. Again, performance is the key, so if you need a cup of Joe as a pick-me-up, go ahead. Just use only as needed, and don't use additives. Eliminating sugar and chemicals is vital. However, do not use energy drinks or soda for this purpose, including the ones with artificial sweeteners. Coffee drinkers may find that switching to black tea during a cleanse will give you the energy you're looking for with less upset. Coffee's acidic nature can heighten the effects in a negative way during your cleanse.

Why You Won't Lose Weight
I should say why you might not lose weight, but I wanted to get your attention. Most people will lose some weight during a cleanse, but that is not the goal. Those with a lot of undigested gunk in their systems will lose weight as it's flushed out. Those of you who are properly hydrated and already eat well are less likely to lose. For those of you who need to lose weight, take heart: you are setting up your system to use nutrients more efficiently and improving your ability to lose weight through structured diet and exercise. So while you may not lose much on the cleanse, you'll be more prepared to lose weight later.

Another reason why we don't always lose weight on cleanses is due to a stress hormone called cortisol. Restricting calories is stressful to the body, and it reacts by releasing cortisol. Cortisol is performance-enhancing in the short term, but if you somehow keep your body stressed for long periods, it creates havoc in your system and can cause you to doggedly hang onto weight in a type of survival mode. We don't want this to occur, which is one reason the Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is short. It's important not to remain in a highly calorie-deficient state for long periods of time, especially when you are trying to exercise hard.

View the entire Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse regimen here >> 

Apple Pancakes

I like to make breakfast for dinner a lot because I don't spend time in the morning cooking... there is never enough time...  and, I am lazy.  So I always have my Shakeology for breakfast.  But we do like breakfast foods.  One of our favorite things is pancakes but, as you know, most pancake mixes are not good for you AT ALL and if it is good for you it probably tastes like tree bark.  Last week when I was out shopping I perused the pancake mixes hoping to find something new.  I am willing to give most anything a try in an attempt to find yummy and nutritious foods for my family and I came across this which may NOT be new, but is definitely my new favorite Pancake Mix:

Apple Pancakes:

3/4 cup Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancake Mix
1/3 cup milk
1 cup applesauce
a little bit of cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 Tbsp oil (I used light olive oil)

Preheat griddle to 360 degrees.  Place mix into bowl, add milk, applesauce, vanilla, egg, cinnamon and oil.  Mix just until blended.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Spray griddle with cooking spray (I use the Pam Organic Olive Oil Spray).  Spoon onto griddle and cook until bubbles form on the edges,m then flip and cook the other side.  Serve Hot.  Top with natural maple syrup, a sugar free variety, or fresh fruit.  If you want the pancakes a little thinner, use less milk.  I like them thick and satisfying!

Its Time to Start!!

September is almost upon us with back to school looming, kids sports schedules starting and the organized chaos of life kicking off full blast!

If you struggle with balancing it all AND finding time to do the things you enjoy then I highly recommend doing Chalene Johnson's 30 day Challenge. It is completely FREE and only takes abou 10-15 minutes per day.

I recommend it to anyone that struggles with finding enough time. If you are interested, go to: http://30daypush.com/ and sign up!! You have nothing to lose!

If you have already completed the program, leave a comment for the others!! Thanks!

What Do You Get When Ordering P90X2?

 Pre-Order Begins Sept 1st!

 P90X2 available in either DVD or Blu-Ray formats!

If you place your Pre-Order through www.TurboKristy.com anytime September 1st - 5th you will get 2 additional workout videos FREE, shipping and handling FREE, and GUARANTEED delivery by Christmas!! Just in time to start the program for the new year!!

Base Kit

With the Deluxe kit, you will get everything in the Base Kit plus 2 additional DVDs; VSculpt and X2 Chest & Shoulders & Tris.  You’ll also get the foam roller, stability ball and 2-8 lb. medicine balls
The price of the DVD package is $239.85 the price of the Blu-Ray is $299.85, for pre-orders S&H is free!

With the Ultimate kit, you will get everything in the Deluxe Kit plus the rumble roller and Tony Horton Power Stands.  The price of the DVD package is $299.85 the price of the Blu-Ray package is $359.85, for pre-orders S&H is free!

Interested in learning how YOU can save 25% by signing up for a coach membership?  Email me at: kford924@gmail.com for more information or click COACH to get started!

Buying Healthy Foods on a Budget

From the Mayo Clinic Embody Health Newsletter March 2011

According to a recent study found that higher food budgets are related to a healthier diet.  Here are a few tips to help you lower that cost without lowering your nutrition.

1.  Plan around plants -- use more in-season fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dried beans and peas.

2.  Cut convenience store spending -- use a well-planned menu and purchase items at the grocery store.

3.  Choose whole foods -- consider buying certain foods, such as brown rice and oatmeal in bulk when possible.

4.  Limit away-from-home expenses -- Pack a lunch for work and make more meals at home.

Be a Coach -- Join Team Addicted!!

What's in the Turbo Fire Deluxe Box?

P90X2 Preview - X2 Core Workout

P90X2 Preview - P.A.P Lower Workout

P90X2 Preview - P.A.P Upper Workout

Virginia and D.C. 2011 - Part 3 -- Ford's Theater

One of the places we were able to visit and "touch" history on our trip to Virginia and D.C. was Ford's Theater, forever known as the theater President Lincoln was shot and killed. If you ever have a chance to visit, I highly recommend it. The museum downstairs is filled with a lot of interesting things from that night and it is very cool to sit in the actual theater, hear a recounting of the night and look into the Presidents theater box knowing how that one night, that one violent act, changed history forever.

The boys standing next to a statue of John Wilkes Booth.  

The gun that Booth used to shoot President Lincoln.

A bronze life-sized statue of President Lincoln.  Did you know he was 6' 4" tall? 

The Presidential theater box.  President Lincoln did not have plans to attend the theater until that day.  Which means that although Booth and the other conspirators had come up with several plans beforehand to kidnap the President and other prominent members of the government, the plans for the assassination were created that day.

Sitting in Ford Theater.

 A view of the Presidents Box and the stage.  Booth jumped out of the box and onto the stage before running backstage and out to his horse.

This is the Peterson House.  It was a boarding house directly across from the theater where Lincoln died.  He lived for 9 hours after being shot in the head.

Pumpkin Pie Shakeology

1 c. almond, soy, rice or low-fat milk
1 scoop Shakeology
1/2 c. canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
ice to taste

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

Nutritional Information (with low-fat milk):

Calories: 284
Protein: 27 g
Fiber: 7 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat Total: 3.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g

What was YOUR Excuse?

Soft Serve Banana Ice Cream

Oh my goodness... I completely stole this off my friends blog!! I hope she doesn't mind, but I give her full credit.  Gabi is amazing and you should stop by her blog and say "Hi"!! Make sure you tell her I sent you!  The following is all from her and I couldn't have said it any better.  I hope you enjoy this yummy treat as much as I will!

I never imagined this would be so good but it is, I promise. The recipe info only includes the nutritional info for the bananas BUT feel free to use no calorie toppings or mix ins like cinnamon (awesome choice!). Make sure if you include anything else, you count the calories.

This might also be a great way to sneak some fruit into your children's day.... where are my sneaky moms out there?! Enjoy!

Soft-Serve Banana Ice Cream


Nutrition Info
Calories: 108.6
Fat: 0.6g
Carbohydrates: 27.6g
Protein: 1.2g

Ingredients
4 frozen bananas

Directions

Place frozen bananas in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times to break into smaller pieces, then turn on and run for about five minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The bananas will start to resemble soft serve in a few minutes. Transfer to a bowl and place in freezer for about 15 minutes, if you'd like, or serve immediately.

Another recommended topping: A tablespoon of pure maple syrup mixed with 2 tsp dark cocoa powder (calories not included).

Or maybe you should mix in some PB2 for an awesome PB Banana ice cream! Please share your other ideas too!!

(Makes four 1/2 cup servings)

Number of Servings: 4

Virginia and D.C. -- Part 2 -- Arlington

 "Please remember that these are hallowed grounds."

Turbo Tuesday!!

My friend and fellow Beachbody Coach Annette drove an hour to come to have fun with Paula and I and do a little Turbo Kick!! It was such a great time having her there!! She even brought guests! Here are a few POST workout photos that were snapped with her camera!

I don't know about you, but I think we look darn good for having just 

double-bobbed and jab-cross-hook-uppercut like crazy!!

So THIS is what it feels like to be a cheerleader... No?  Hmmm...

You HAVE to have a "jazzy hands" photo!! Love this one!!

Virginia and D.C. 2011 -- Part 1 -- Buildings, Monuments and IRL Friends

My family just got back from a fabulous vacation to Virginia and D.C.  We weren't planning to take a family vacation this year but my workout accountability partner persuaded us to come down and actually meet him and his family in person.  We figured after all the text messages, Facebook status updates and e-mails it was about time.  So we saved our little pennies and made it happen.  And let me tell you, we are so glad we did.

First and most importantly we turned a "virtual" friendship into a "real life" friendship.

 This was us getting ready for our first trip on the Metro to visit the National Zoo.... 

forever referred to from here out as the "Un-Zoo"...

Oh yes folks, it happens!! It was amazing to be able to workout in real life with the man that pushes me to workout when I am not feeling it... to have his family and my family GEL the way they did.  Everyone of us wanted the vacation extended... and we are hoping that we can do it again.

So not only did we have that... which would have made an amazing vacation in itself, but we also had the opportunity to travel around D.C.  I was so overwhelmed when we came up the escalator (which Ethan continues to call the excavator) to see the Washington Monument on one side and our countries Capital Building on the other... Oh yes... I was sappy.  Jacob even asked how long I was going to cry before we could "get on with it"...

These are a few of the pictures I took that day.  There are more and I will post them, but decided it was best to break it up a little.  There is so much that took my breath away and I want to do it all justice.

 

 The Washington Monument

 The Capital Building

 

The White House 

photo taken from the Washington Monument

 

The Boys... 

 

The entrance to the WWII Memorial

Looking out over the Memorial from the Pacific to the Atlantic
(this photo was taken on Curt's cell phone, hence the graininess, but I loved it and had to include it.)

 

The Price of Freedom

"Freedom Wall holds 4,048 gold stars. Each gold star represents one hundred American Service personnel who died or remained missing in the war. The 405,399 Americans dead or missing from World War II are second only to the loss of more than 620,000 Americans during the Civil War."

The Lincoln Memorial

 The Old Post Office

The view from the top is beautiful... 

 

 The National Archives Building

I got chills when looking at the original copies of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States.   To see the signatures of the men that shaped our country... to know how strongly they believed in their vision... and to know they were risking their lives for what they believed....