Reminders to PUSH

Sunday morning, still got Paradise Paralysis on my back...

What I'm doing? 

Interacted on my FB pages -- encouraged my groups and sought encouragement from them...

Scrolled through motivational messages to remind me to keep pushing.

Its yes, 0920 as I type this. Same time as yesterday when I had to do the same thing...

But I gotta do what needs to be done!

PUSH myself to MOVE!

I know I have it in me...

I can almost taste it...

Just have to give it my ALL, nothing less!

Mahalo for stopping by!

Big Dreams? No Sweat! Read on...

My morning started a bit rough.

A blessing, nonetheless... As it allowed me to be at the right place at the right time.

Now to shake off the paradise paralysis that tried to take over...

Off for a run while tuning in to my favorite podcast by Charles Stanley (www.intouch.org)...

Today's topic "The Thrill of Trusting God"

... A few steps in and I am thinking of all these goals and dreams I have...

Charles Stanley talked about David and Goliath...

How others were focused on Goliath's size, armor and strength

While David focused on God's power 

Looking at the giant that Goliath was and seeing him a dead man, defeated...

David's faith in the Lord -- knowing he was strong enough to conquer this beast... because of God, he was able to do just that...

Wow.

Hearing that story made me reflect on my life --- the triumphs had, the challenges I face and the dreams I have...

Oftentimes, they seem so BIG! So daunting!

Can seem so overwhelming...

Listening to this today, woke me up to the truth that 

Yes, life goes on with its ups and downs...

Yes, I have BIG dreams and ambitions...

But through it all, I should NOT WORRY and rest my heart in knowing that...

Even with ALL of life's challenges, struggles and seemingly unattainable dreams...

Nothing can ever compare to the God I serve...

HE IS BIGGER THAN ALL OF THAT PUT TOGETHER!

Again... Wow...

Now, tying this into my blog --- As cheezee (I know, I love using this adjective!) as it may sound, it made me think of why I am not just passionate about getting fit and healthy... But also about helping others defeat their food addictions that can lead them to depression, self pity, hopelessness, unhappiness, etc...

And I realized that because I know how it feels to be in that state! During those times of being unhealthy -- having bad habits (of reaching for the cookie jar too many times), I experienced all those negative emotions that I know are not God's plan for my life.

He made us to love and enjoy the lives He has blessed us with. 

Changing my life one step at a time towards a healthier me has allowed me to see life in a different light... I am a happier person and definitely more positive. I am confident the Lord is glad I made those changes...

I want to help others who are in that same place I was once in... So that we can FULLY enjoy God's blessings in our lives!

p.s. If that is YOU, email me... I'd love to help you in your fitness journey!

This is where I was running this afternoon as I listened to the podcast while reflecting on my life...

A Little Morning Aloha

It was 0920 and I was still in bed...

Paradise paralysis was beginning to set in...

Knowing it was not good to succumb to my mind telling me to do nothing, I decided to fulfill one of my duties as a Beachbody coach and started posting (part of my morning routine)...

I posted a May Challenge in my "Toss the Sugar" team...  Done.

Then, I headed to my "Nurses Making P90X Happen" group and my "Slim & Shake" group to post their morning dose of motivation...

While doing this, I was telling myself, "Katrina, suck it up and get moving!!!" I asked them to do the same... To virtually 'yell' at me to get my blood pumping.

They did. My aunt who happens to be part of the challenge told me to "Get your bum bum moving!" Love her (love them all!) as she is such an inspiration (actually, they all are)! So did one of my HS besties!

Thank God, I decided to M O V E!

One mile into my run, my dear husband called... "Where are you?" he asked...

As I looked to my left, I saw him. I waved at him and said, "Look to your right."

"I need some steri strips..." he informed me. Apparently, someone's fin hit him while he was surfing; thus, his left knee wound.

I went to our favorite ABC Store and got some gauze, tape, peroxide and band aids.

About to head back, I saw the two angels who helped my husband and informed me that he lost quite a bit of blood told me that my Bruce decided to walk back with his bag and his surfboard...

I ran to catch up and I did...

Thank you Lord, he was okay...

We dressed his wound and he was fine.

I just hope it heals well and that it will not keep him from enjoying the warm weather and the long waves he was looking forward to...

By then, it was 1200 --- time for the rest of my run...

Aloha

Random Updates

Its been a hectic couple of weeks!

However, I am not complaining because each week has been a blessing!!!

God ALWAYS sees me through... tough schedules, life stressors, etc... He just NEVER fails me!

Other things...

Struggling a little bit with my diet. Not because it is hard -- in fact, it is unbelievably good! Not only that, but I eat all the time!

More than anything, I think I'm challenged mentally -- thinking that I have to step my diet up a notch to get the results I want... Preparing and sticking to the plan!  Plus of course, its just 'that time of the month'! Thus, I have been craving peanut butter!

Hmmm... I wonder if fitness competitors when given a diet to follow, feel challenged during the first few weeks! And if so, I would love to know how they overcome!

Aside from that, I am so thrilled because of a few things:

1. My husband is done with the board exam -- thus, we can have more time together!! YAY!
2. My two Beachbody challenge groups are soooooo AWESOME! They are dropping pounds and inches! Plus, they are a source of energy, strength and good laughs!
3. One of my fitness idols, Kelsey Byers, wrote back! (YAY!)
4. I have incorporated other cardiovascular exercises in the gym in addition to my P90X routine... Mixing both for more muscle confusion!
5. My next phone appointment with Kim Porterfield is coming up -- hope to get more tips on how to overcome my 'emotional' eating or just overcoming my cravings when that time comes (every month!)
6. My hubby and I ran a 10K last weekend and we survived! Yahoo! (Thinking of doing more this year -- maybe a half again)
7. Looking forward to hitting the gym with him

Always reminding myself... I think I have to continue to do this more often!

Got up early and walking to the start line for our 10K (after months of no running)

My love stretching as he prepares his joints and muscles

Finally!!! Thumbs up with my H2O in hand!! (My face is swollen -- I wonder if there is a co-relation with lack of sleep/ low energy and increased face swelling? LOL! No seriously...)

Someone returned the favor and took a pic of us! I love sharing activities like these with my husband!! 

Isn't this so true?!?! I can't be upset about it -- thing to do is to PUSH, MOVE FORWARD, EAT CLEAN and KEEP MY GOALS IN MIND!!!

Happy Hump Day!!

God bless you all!!

Wowza! Talk about Motivation!!

Okay -- So I'm not the type to write as a fan... 

HOWEVER, it has been almost life changing for me when I started following Kelsey Byers... Her story... Transformations... Motivational messages... Encouragement... Seeing her before/ after pictures and most of all, her advice... 

Something started to click even more in my mind --- TRUTH is 80% = NUTRITION! Plus 20% sweat/hard work/muscle forming/fat blasting/ calorie burning workouts!! 


Not expecting anything, I wrote her to thank her weeks ago...


This morning, I was 'dragging' as I confessed on my facebook closed team page (Toss the Sugar) -- I went on Kelsey's page, and reposted a picture to 'keep it real' with my group. Also, to help motivate them to give their fitness goals everything they've got because they have it in them! That got me going...

Guess what?

I did my 50 minute Turn & Burn spin workout, giving it all I had... Then, I checked my FB account...

Kelsey wrote back! So sweet of her given her success and her very hectic schedule!

Wowza, talk about even more motivation, inspiration and guidance to reach my goals!

First of all, thank you, Lord (He knows I was struggling and knew exactly the push I needed to carry me through this road) and of course thank you, Kelsey for taking time out of your day to write back! <3

Like her page on Facebook -- I hope you find the inspiration that continues to inspire me everyday: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fitness-Model-Kelsey-Byers/122366127837570

With YOU!

Committing to a healthier lifestyle is already a task in itself. Depending on your goals, it can almost feel like a second job -- cooking ahead, making sure every meal is the right portion, getting up at certain times of the day to squeeze your workout, the list goes on...

Therefore Its is absolutely crucial that people around you cheer for you as you work on reaching your goals!

I know I've touched on this before, but I am very grateful that my husband is one who shares my passion for a healthier, more active life. This is one thing that bonds us among many others...

He tries to eat healthy all the time with an occasional splurge. He chooses to eat no beef, no pork, nothing fried, cuts calories, watches his weight and inches. In addition to this, he stays active -- whether biking to and from work, jogging, snowboarding and surfing, he is always moving!

Lucky me right? What is even more awesome is that he fully supports me when I try to step up my health and fitness regimen. Not only that, but he joins me in my healthy endeavors.

I am aware that this does not exist all the time. Like I discussed in my previous post, you will almost always experience others who cannot wrap their minds around your new lifestyle. Do not fret! As I mentioned, allow that to fuel you with strength in your mind and body to show them that your decision to invest in your health is worth while... Something that they should do with you.

Meet my healthy, fit and supportive husband, Bruce...

This is him last Sunday feeding himself with a clean protein berry drink (home-made btw with very little calories) while he exercises his mind by studying for the Interventional Cardiology boards!

I'm one blessed gal!

p.s. Did I mention he has been practicing as an Interventional Cardiologist for over 20 years.  His office is in Los Alamitos, CA ( and has privileges in hospitals: St. Mary's, Long Beach Memorial and Los Alamitos Medical Center)

He was also featured on TV as he was nominated by his patients as one of the best Cardiologists in LA! 

Here is the URL just in case you are interested: http://bestoflatv.com/view/1367 (and yes, that is me in the background - haha)

There are Challenges

These past few days I've been trying to psych myself into my transition to a healthier lifestyle --- following my nutritionist's diet plan alongside my commitment to finish P90X.

So far, I've been doing pretty well with my clean meals. Its really not bad at all! What I've found through my experiences so far is that when you make healthy choices -- it becomes part of you... Almost like a habit! Which truly, I'm very happy about.

The challenge is that you will often times bump into others who do not understand your new lifestyle and way of eating. You will hear gripes and comments, but don't let that stop you or discourage you. In fact, let that be your fuel to keep going and eventually when they see the changes -- they will almost certainly ask you how you did it!

This weekend, my friends from church and I met because one of our good friends (our small group leader) Ash is leaving to move back to her home town. We met at a cafe in Costa Mesa.

Granted, their menu seemed healthier than their competitors' I still requested for a few changes in my meal. Pesto cream sauce on the side (so I can assess), no oil, no butter... This was not taken very well by the server and the manager.

Pretty disappointing given that the cafe is a bit of an upscale place to go to. They did not seem very happy about my request especially with the oil/ butter. In fact the waiter asked me, "Are you allergic to them?" My thought was, "REALLY? I am the customer and I have the right to ask for what I want, regardless of my reasons..." But oh well -- I let it go..

The manager then came over to tell me that "The cream sauce is not even enough to put on the side; therefore, they will just leave it out." He said that with a sour face (Really?!) So, I said okay -- I did not want to ruin the afternoon and just enjoyed it with my friends -- after all, I've been SO BLESSED with their friendship (not to mention supporting me with my new goals/ endeavors)!

One thing is for sure though... I am not going back to that place and yes -- rest assure I am not giving them the thumbs up just in case someone asks...

Inspiration from Others

As a huge fan of Oxygen Magazine, I have read about other women who go for the gold...

One of them is Kelsey Byers. She is truly an inspiration and someone women should follow and 'like' on Facebook! :)

I look forward to her posts everyday as it gives me hope and continues to motivate me to work hard on my fitness goals -- because of her her story, I realize that with dedication and hard work dreams can come true!

This is fitness model/ competitor Kelsey Byers (like her page on Facebook!)

She is holding an Oxygen Book/Magazine with herself (on the right) and Jamie Eason (her idol and another one of mine, too!!)

Through her kindness and unselfishness she shared her secret to nutritional success -- Kim Porterfield of the Institute of Eating Management. 

Diet is definitely 80% and learning how to do it correctly in order to achieve the look you want is crucial. After all, no one can exercise a bad diet. This I learned from 'killing myself' in the gym on cardio machines while eating like it was my last day on earth.

Therefore, I have decided to give it as a gift to myself to ask Kim Porterfield to guide me through my journey.

I had my first phone consultation today and I look forward to her plan and what lies ahead. Wish me luck and please pray for me!!

Love, peace, health, fitness and blessings to all!

Katrina :)

p.s. For those of you who would like to join me in my fitness journey, write me so I can add you to my fitness motivational page on Facebook -- ktvannatta@yahoo.com

To Tosca Reno and the Kennedy Family

Robert Kennedy's positive influence in the fitness industry has touched, changed and continue to change many lives for the better...

As one of your avid readers, I thank you for inspiring me everyday through Oxygen Magazine --- Its a present I look forward to every month... And almost all the time through your website.

Love and prayers to your family during this trying time...

Sincerely,
Katrina V

Beachbody Coaching Update

For those of you following my blog, I apologize for not being too diligent with posting.

In addition to my FT job as a Home Health Marketer and RN I have decided to "really" start working as a Beachbody Coach because -- I can't contain myself from sharing such GREAT news to people around me!

I finally found something that TRULY works and I SINCERELY want to spread the news and coach others as I have been tremendously helped by coaching!

Like I always tell people, fad diets are too familiar to me and I have been on one since I can remember! Since January 2012, I've had great progress where I no longer starve myself and eat all the time! In addition to doing my chosen Beachbody programs, I am seeing progress everyday. I feel wonderful!

Its almost like seeing a great movie or finding something so special that you want to tell the world... This is how I feel about Beachbody and how it has helped me! I am finally free!

So, since April 1st, I have dedicated a lot of my time to starting a fitness support group on FB which is a closed group called "TOSS THE SUGAR." As I have shared, that phrase is what keeps me accountable as it has been my biggest challenge.

I have two on-going Beachbody challenges focused on the programs Slim in 6 and Nurses Making P90X Happen... Both groups are making progress -- and I always remind them that with being committed which includes consistent activities on facebook, they are bound to succeed!

I am giving them 100% and I hope for the same because my mission is to get them in shape!! Their success is mine, too!! Every ounce they lose and every workout they do, is a job well-done on both ends!

I am about to plan my May Beachbody Challenges and I am currently open for those who are truly interested! I want those who are serious to get in shape because as I mentioned, I do not take this lightly -- I want to help fight this obesity epidemic and help people get out of the rut of yo-yo dieting. It not only hurts their bodies and physical health, but their mental health as well... At least that's what years of yo-yo dieting has done for me.

So, if any of you (lovely readers) would like to join me, email me at ktvannatta@yahoo.com.

I promise you 100%, all I ask for 100% back because I am serious about helping you claim 2012 as the start of your healthiest and fittest years!

As for other updates: Its almost Easter and I am very happy to report that I have not cheated one bit! I have stuck to committing myself to no junk food for 40 days! I have also weighed 136 pounds, but I'm seeing more definition in my physique especially when I stick to my 'clean meals.'

Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what I have been up to (to try to make up for no-posts!): btw, these are pictures I've shared with my closed group "TOSS THE SUGAR" and with my April Beachbody Challenge groups!

Prepared meals so that whenever I am on the go, I can just grab them and make sure I eat clean!

My favorite addition to my clean meals and most of all, my love, Shakeology!! Again, I can't stress it enough that it is the best meal replacement in the world (I look forward to having it everyday)!

My sweetheart and I at the Clipper game (vs. Lakers)... Yes, they lost, but they played very well!! We are Clipper fans!

Sharing some ideas with my challenge groups -- as far as grocery items are concerned to help them eat clean!

A sample meal I prepared and shared with my group... I try to post as much things to share ideas to help them stay on track (did I already mention, I am giving this 100%?! And besides, I think I really found my passion in this!!)

May 2012 Beachbody Challenge coming up!!! 

I promise you -- all I ask is for you to commit to the challenge for 30 days --- give me 100% because I will give you 100% and more! 

Join me in claiming 2012 as the start of my fittest years!!

My websites:  www.beachbodycoach.com/tossthesugar

http://myshakeology.com/tossthesugar

I am on Facebook -- email me so I can add you as a friend and as part of my fitness motivational group where I share more tips on how to stay the course!

Blessings to all!!