WOW! Talk about needing to post!! It’s been awhile since my last post, for those of you who were wondering (Courtney and Whitney) :) stop fretting!! …I did not give up on the whole blogging extravaganza!!! I was merely preoccupied for a short while.
…You see, I just transfered stores at work because at my last store my wicked boss was trying to fire me because I knew more than her and was trying to help her too much! Who knew someone could hate you so much for being helpful! She also said I had too many “friends” and it was interferring with my ability to work. (By friends she meant “customers”) I also didn’t know giving great customer service by knowing all my regulars in a customer-based-business was a bad thing! …AH! Enough of that rant! …So anyways I transfered stores and on my second day my new boss quit and I now I have been totally kissing butt to my new one for the past week or so. It’s hard work being a brown-noser! HAHA!
Me Court and Whit are in the middle of our 5th week of Turbo Fire and I am in the middle of the second week of ChaLean Extreme (felt the need to add some intense weight lifting to all this cardio we have been doing!) So far it has been going great!!! I LOVE Turbo Fire!
BUT, exciting! I have decided to take on the Shakeology 3-day cleanse!
What is Shakeology? Learn more here www.myshakeology.com/amaughan
It is not reccomnded to do this cleanse in the middle of a workout program because your energy levels will dip too low to handle an intense workout (or in my case 2 intense workouts) …But, I have never been one to listen to what others tell me to do 
If your gonna go for it, then go for it!! Don’t hold back, thats my motto!
So, I started this morning. First I woke up at 5 A.M. so me and the girls could complete our fire 30 class we had. It was good! Then I did Burn Circut 2 of ChaLean Extreme. Following my workouts I had 8 oz of green tea and then shakeology; 8 oz of water, 1 cup of ice, and 1 scoop of shakeology. (I must admit, after loading these shakes up with calories for the past month and using them as a meal replacement, having just water and the mix was like just grilling chicken with no spices; it tasted kind of plain!) I miss adding peanut butter, yogurt, and banana!
With school just weeks or even a week away for some, what are your plans for keeping alert and paying attention right away after being off all summer? It is always hard for me to get back into the swing of things again after being off for so long! My plan is in the way I eat! Certian foods fuel our brains causing an increase in concentration and memory function! What are these foods you ask? Try adding these seven foods to your diet just like me, Court and Whit…
1. Spinach. At only 40 calories a cup, a serving of spinach contains almost half your daily requirement of folic acid, an essential nutrient for cell growth, blood production, and preventing memory loss. And spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available—just one cup of spinach also contains all your body’s daily requirements of vitamins A and K, plus most of the folate and manganese you need each day too. Spinach is also rich in iron, as well as lutein, which promotes healthy eyesight.
Tip: Try replacing iceberg lettuce with spinach leaves in your next dinner salad, or add fresh spinach to an omelet.
2. Oatmeal. As a strong source of insoluble fiber, oatmeal provides a stable energy that helps your brain maintain consistent focus and concentration. Eating oatmeal can also slow down the digestion of starch, reducing the frequent spikes in blood sugar that usually occur after a big meal. The iron, magnesium, and zinc in oatmeal encourage cell growth and can increase metabolism and regulate blood sugar. To get the maximum nutritional benefits, avoid the instant pre-flavored packets, which are loaded with sugar, and stick with the plain, slower-cooking kind—it still cooks up in the microwave in just 2 or 3 minutes.
Tip: Turn up the flavor naturally by preparing oatmeal with low-fat milk and topping it with fresh blueberries or banana slices. Or even use some of Court and Whit’s awesome over-night oat recipes!
3. Fish. Many studies have shown that eating oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can boost memory, concentration, and mental acuity. Omega-3 acids also appear to strengthen the brain’s synapses that are directly related to learning and memorization. And if that’s not reason enough to eat more fish, the omega-3 fatty acids also help slow down mental cognitive decline.
Tip: Watch mercury levels when choosing fish, and consider wild salmon, albacore tuna, and mackerel, which all contain omega-3s with minimal environmental contaminants.
4. Walnuts. Eating just a handful of these nuts every day can prevent the decline of cognitive and motor function, increase brain resiliency, and improve cell functioning. Walnuts are loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that balance the unstable neurotransmitters that can cause depression and other mood swings.
Tip: Sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts on salads or fill a travel container for a healthy on-the-go snack. You’ll feel full longer, reducing the temptation to binge between meals.
5. Berries. Many types of berries, especially blueberries and strawberries, contain flavonoids, which have been linked to brain cell growth and improved memory. Berries with the darkest, richest colors offer the most nutritional value. Eat the real thing to reap the benefits, and avoid anything that contains “berry flavoring.” The antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties in berries have been shown to preserve brain function and are a factor in the prevention of dementia.
Tip: Sprinkle berries on salads, cereal, or yogurt, or make yourself a fresh berry fruit smoothie.
6. Yogurt. Widely known as a top calcium source for bone development and strength, yogurt also contains enough protein and carbohydrates in just one serving to keep both the body and the brain energized throughout the day. Yogurt also contains amino acids that encourage the production of neurotransmitters, and enough vitamin B to encourage—along with the protein—the growth of brain tissue while slowing down the aging process.
Tip: Eat yogurt topped with berries for breakfast or lunch, or if you’re having a salad, nix the bottled dressing and make your own by mixing a quarter of a cup of plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt with fresh herbs. Or try a yogurt mess!
7. Eggs. These low-calorie, nutrient-dense wonders are rich in protein as well as choline, an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain and nervous system by acting as a messenger between muscles and nerves. If you’ve been avoiding eggs because you’re worried about your cholesterol, take note: Numerous research studies have shown that eating eggs as part of a healthy diet is not a contributing factor to heart disease. The nutrients in eggs also increase memory development and aid in concentration. Another plus? Egg yolks contain lutein, which has been shown to improve eye health.
Tip: Enjoy an egg and spinach omelet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mmmmm!
Well, I think that is all for today! It is almost time for me to go make my lunch (another shakeology shake!)
But, for those of you who do not know, you can win up to $1,000 every day just for working out!!! It is so simple! Go to www.activeash.com click on “join” scroll down a bit till you see on the right side “try free membership” create a profile, log your workout into wowy the super gym and bam! You can win all sorts of prizes and money from Beachbody!! It is soooo cool! On top of that, you get me as your own personal coach! (You do not have to workout to any beachbody products or even own any for than matter) just log your workout whatever it may be! (walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming)
