Summer FOCUS & Shifting Our Mindsets

What is it about Summer that helps us all take a breath and sigh?

We crave different foods and different movements than we do in the winter. I know somehow my mind has more space to think and dream.

It's evident that our environments impact us in ways we may never know and in more obvious ways like the weather.

It's all in mindset: motivation that is.

That's how it is helpful to be in community with others and not striving on our own.

I wouldn't have done the triathlon on Saturday if it wasn't for someone asking me and challenging me to do it.

I wouldn't have done my first full marathon without Mark showing me how to create a training schedule.

I wouldn't have bounced back after having my two kids without the support of groups.

And I KNOW I wouldn't have shifted my view and mindset on food with the Made to Crave group last summer and subsequently stuck with it over this past year.

Coaching and community allow for new growth and although I may not be where I want to be yet...I'm way farther than I would have been by taking the time to step into the opportunity to help others and to be in community with others.

Summer FOCUS Challenge group is in pre-season week this week and officially starts next week. Each month I run a free group with relevant topics and provide resources for others and once a month I participate and facilitate online accountability groups to foster community and motivation.

Don't sell yourself short. There's more to growth than just reading out it. The secret is in the ACTION.

Whether you are ready or not, HERE is where growth happens:

Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand and Shakeology Challenge Pack 

Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand Performance Pack 

Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand Kickstart and Shakeology Challenge Pack

Summer FOCUS Group

Did you know that almost HALF of all chronic diseases can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle? You, know, good nutrition and regular exercise? Then, why are Americans becoming increasingly obese and sedentary? I think it's because we aren't making the connection between our choices and disease risk.

Even if you have a personal reason TO lose weight and become more active, HOW do you fit it into an already busy schedule? It's not so much the WHY, but the HOW.

That is where the Summer FOCUS Challenge fits in. ALSO we often focus on those things that we feel we cannot do rather than on what we WE CAN do.

This is a group meant to zero in on a Summer FOCUS that enhances and encourages what we CAN do. We receive support from one another and step forward.

FOCUS is really all about determination. Here are some ways to gain FOCUS in your healthy lifestyle:

• Set specific goals.
• Be realistic.
• Set reminders.
• Schedule workouts.
• Keep a journal. 
• Prepare for obstacles.
• Get accountability.
• Talk to a coach/mentor for help.

During the Summer FOCUS Challenge, I will be helping you with all of these things mentioned above. We will have both 1:1 coaching and group accountability. You will learn to set specific goals (not just, "I want to lose weight," but rather, "I will lose 10 lbs by August 31." You schedule workouts like doctor appointments; you just don't miss! Prepare that there WILL be times that are not ideal for staying with your healthy eating plan. Preparation can help you overcome. Accountability will get you back on track. WE WILL STAY FOCUSED for 35 days...and that's just the beginning.
​Making lifestyle changes is similar to remodeling your house. It will go much better if you have a plan. Even making small increases in your physical activities will be beneficial to your overall health. But, you need a place to start. THIS IS IT. I have the plan.

How do you join this challenge group?You can join this private group for FREE with the All Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack. This is a bundled option that gives you access to EVERY Beachbody fitness program ever made for 12 months! If you have Netflix, you can stream this! Imagine working through multiple programs over the year and NEVER getting bored! AND--this is about long-term solutions, so you never have to buy another program ever again! For 12 months, you can stream everything from Insanity and P90X to 21-Day Fix and Core De Force, PLUS all new programs released in the next 12 months, including the brand new Shift Shop, set to launch July 13th! It is truly the best deal in fitness!  The best part?

• No gym membership needed.
• No one watching you sweat.
• Professional trainers helping you with every move.
• Proven programs that give you RESULTS: stronger, leaner, healthier YOU!

​In addition to the proven workouts, you will have access to each program's specific nutrition guide, workout calendar, and bonus workouts. You will also receive the portion fix container system, shaker cup, and FIXATE cooking show to give you all the latest recipes.And last but not least, with the All Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack, you ALSO receive your first month of Shakeology! This is our secret weapon to nutrition. Nutrition is actually 80% of the equation, and fitness is 20%.  So, why not give you the EASIEST form of superfoods to cut your cravings, aid digestion, help your muscles recover, and keep you on track every single day? Yup! We include that, too! What are the benefits?
​

• Easy, on-the-go meal or snack, you can make in 90 seconds.
• Over 70 superfoods from around the world.
• Combination of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, phytonutrients and rare adaptogens
• Promotes healthy weight loss
• Regularity, if you know what I mean...
• More energy to keep up with the day
• Healthier hair/skin/nails

What is the cost?

Basic challenge packs range from $140-$205, depending on the fitness program (1 program) you want to purchase. (All packs also include your first month of Shakeology.) The All Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack has just been SLASHED for this month from $199 to $160!! Say WHAT??? YES! For the same price as ONE program, you can have access to them ALL!!! 

This All Access Challenge Pack includes your 12-month access to EVERY fitness program, portion containers and shaker cup, nutrition guide, first month of Shakeology, personal coaching, and daily accountability group! You don't want to miss out! When I signed on, I only purchased a ONE-program challenge pack. When I completed it, I purchased another fitness program, and so on. Last year alone, I spent over $300 on only 5 programs (even with my 25% off coach discount)! You can see how All Access, with access to HUNDREDS of workouts, is an incredible savings!

By now, you have probably heard about "SHAUN WEEK." This intense 7-day fitness challenge is running from Monday, June 12th through Sunday, June 18th, with BRAND NEW workouts from the creator of Insanity and FOCUS T25 himself, Shaun T.*But hurry! This promotion is only available to the first 10 challengers with a new All Access Challenge Pack.Are you ready to learn the HOW to health and fitness? If you have always wanted a step-by-step process that WORKS, this is it! AND you have personal coaching and a whole group of people ready to support you 100%!

INSANE is the Name, FOCUSED is the Game

This FREE Group is INSANELY AWESOME FOCUS...you may have heard of the workout program Insanity or FOCUS T25 that blew away the fitness world several years again. The Trainer Shaun T. keeps doing this again and AGAIN! I did Insanity at a YMCA class 2 years ago and was thoroughly impressed with the agility I gained and the confidence that developed from it. I did it right before training for a 200 mile relay running race and it propelled me to succeed.

THIS FREE group will include a meal plan for the week and Shaun T's NEW WORKOUTS beginning June 12 to the 17th. We do the workouts, I give you the meal plan, you sweat, I post, you show up, I give daily prizes (this time even better stuff), Click here or below ⇓ to get setup with this FREE group and to begin a 14-day FREE Trial of Beachbody on Demand AND fill out the enrollment FORM. Invite 5 friends to also do this and I'll throw your name into an Initial INSANE GIVEAWAY.

What: Seven days of furious, fat atomizing workouts that are 30-40 minutes in length. When: Starting June 12, Who: Anyone looking to get healthier. The workout's MODIFIER makes it adaptable to all fitness levels.

Where are FREE WORKOUTS: Exclusively on Beachbody On Demand.  Here is more information on Shaun T. Week.

Enrollment Form Here

Fill out my online form.

Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

The Bucket List

Creating a Bucket List is not only helpful, it is VITAL to even beginning to initiate change in your life.

There are two bucket list items on mine that require focus, energy and strength like I have never experienced before.

There is a reason they are on a BUCKET list and not on a Resolution List.

Here ya go:

Run Rim-to-Rim the Grand Canyon 

The Data

Miles: 48.8
Runnable: 81 percent
Average Grade: 9 percent
Max Grade: 60 percent
Total Ascent: 11,161 feet
Total Descent: -11,161 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,190  feet

Read more at http://running.competitor.com/2016/04/trail-running/a-runners-guide-to-conquering-the-grand-canyon_86858#2zfsrkhESEaLZtpY.99

https://ultrarunning.com/features/destinations/grand-canyon-basics-rim-to-rim-to-rim/

Train & Complete an Olympic Ironman (Triathlon)
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=441
Train & Finish a FULL Ironman (Triathlon)
The Data
2.4 MILE swim
112 MILE bike
26.2 MILE run 
Three-year plan. In the first year, racing is limited to sprints and Olympic-distance events. The following year the developing athlete does one or two Ironman 70.3’s and perhaps a few more short races. Finally, in year three, the athlete is unleashed to tackle Ironman.
Read more at http://www.triathlete.com/2012/10/training/the-waiting-game-when-to-take-on-ironman_65662#JsfwVtm0QOO6RqJK.99
http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/news/articles/2013/05/six-months-to-ironman-a-basic-training-program.aspx#axzz4ia8I1WqE

http://trainright.com/triathlon-training-training-for-ironman-is-a-12-month-process-not-a-12-week-training-plan/

Persistence Over Perfection Group

Creating a habit takes time and effort AND creating a LIFESTYLE of health (including Meal Planning) takes PERSISTENCE. It's showing up each day even when we fall or make not-so-good choices for our minds and bodies and souls. We are here together to make an impact in this world and to PERSIST with determination and this begins by giving GRACE to ourselves and others. What would happen if we didn't give up? What would happen if we supported one another in meaningful ways?

Every coach has a different personality and his/her own way of working with their people. I am an encourager and I have battled through my own emotional eating struggles to continue on the path to health. My challenge groups include DAILY 1:1 support, accountability, an ACTUAL nutrition guide, meal planning, 1:1 daily nutrition with nutrient dense Shakeology (70 superfoods and cancer fighting agents plus many more essential ingredients), DAILY workouts, recipes and spiritual encouragement.

It is not EASY but the work is done for you so you literally just have to SHOW UP and invest in yourself each day.  There are workouts for ALL fitness levels & you receive the tools to improve and to succeed. Monday, May 15th begins "preseason" with meal prepping ideas and posts and then the group officially begins May 22nd!

Still hesitant? Check It Out for yourself. For what amounts to less than $10 a month you can receive access to online workouts for AN ENTIRE YEAR along with my coaching. The Shakeology is the cornerstone to good nutrition and helps with good digestion, curb cravings and contains 70 superfoods plus now cancer-fighting agents. It is WAY more than a meal replacement or a protein shake. Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand and Shakeology Challenge Pack Annual All-Access Beachbody On Demand Kickstart and Shakeology Challenge Pack 

If you already own a program that you want to do then simply order Shakeology 
 

Each of my challengers will also receive the book Made to Crave: Devotional with 60 days of Life-Giving devotions that help draw your heart to God during this process even more because this is where THE change of your heart happens. The alternative option is to receive a $10 gift card to your chosen retailer. Blessings!

Right Now...April 2017

It's been so long since I've written one of these posts and actually I'm totally avoiding my painting and desiring to write instead.

Something about finishing a painting stunts me at times b/c I want it just done because I've stared at it for SO long but once I finish it...it's done. There's always the next one, the next lesson and new learning.

So Right now....
* Sunday afternoons become peaceful if Mark takes the boys b/c I'm tired of breaking up fights and disciplining.
* I feel sorry that Mark on his work days takes the boys for me b/c he is exhausted from preaching but I'm very grateful.
* there are books I'm reading "Nothing to Prove" by Jennie Allen rocking my world and definitely feels like she peaked into my life (except I was never a cheerleader)...but literally how she describes how she feels is how I feel as a minister's wife, as a daughter of God, as a woman in this world.
* it's beautiful outside but I just want to stay in jeans and my cute top - the to-do list for outside is outrageous but I'm avoiding it too since I know I do it by myself.
* feeling somewhat lonely these days but that is simply an illusion.
* having great determination and enjoying my Tiny Leaps BIG Changes fitness accountability/challenge group already and so impressed with the peeps and their desire for change.

* Older son-boy started baseball and I can already see him growing so much intellectually and emotionally through it but my momma heart hurts to see him learn TRUE life lessons (his team of boys is great and his coaches are OUTSTANDING, my prayers answered).
* Young son-boy is testing so many limits right now that my heart races when I'm speaking with him and I just want him to obey and do what I ask but he has other ideas in mind and wants to know how far he can go...my energy drains with him and my patience disappears VERY easily........how I dislike this part of motherhood and yet it is seemingly the most important. He is NOT the boss and I try to work with him and many "parenting" techniques up my sleeve but ultimately I default to my parents' way with me growing up. Sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't.

* Wishing for a steady paycheck out of me again but not wanting the demands, expectations and pressures with it.
* desiring a website to begin sharing my art and sharing its message of hope and resiliency.
* desiring for others to understand me but acknowledging that I think too much of myself.

So yeah, this is me right now, complex me.

Why I won't Quit this Time

I'm one of "those" personalities and I know it. I'm a jumper and an idealist. I seek justice and desire mercy and fully

jump into whatever I set my mind to do.

But I have lots of "projects" and paintings half done. I have lots of tasks half done.

I start things with a whirlwind and then often get distracted by something else shiny and just go over there.

My attention span is SHORT, but this time is different...and here is why:

* my passion for seeing others pursue their best isn't going away

* I have worked with too many people now who have seen the benefits of REFOCUSING their lives on their health and their priorities

* I would be LYING about being "made for more" than our struggles if I gave up

* I have learned so much about becoming more non-judgmental towards home businesses & advertisments, rejection in social circles and not being invited into friendships because of my passion (and that is ok, I know this is not for everyone) because

* there is a tribe who is getting this thing called PASSION

* there are others who are cheering WITH me and wanting the best even if they don't join me in my pursuits

* there is LOVE that I have felt from God that I can't explain and more peace when I am helping others

So no, I'm not giving up. Coaching has helped to stay focused on what I need: to MOVE, to gain more self-control through obedience and not emotional eating, to refuel myself for my family.

I AM NOT PERFECT nor do I do it well on most days but I will NOT give up.

So what happens if I FLY? or fail? I'll do it going forward and NOT backwards. You have permission to kick me in the butt if you see me falling away.

Much LOVE TO YOU ALL!

Tiny Leaps BIG Changes

As a coach, Spring doesn't get ANY better because the days get longer and warmer, which means WATER season is right around the corner AND outdoor projects.  
With coaching DO NOT think 'cheerleader' because I am way more and don't think 'drill sergeant' because I don't step on you rather think, Confident Motivator.

With the changes in weather, my family has been hit with sickness but I am back on my horse and ready to go. Spring definitely puts a lighter boost in my step.

Do you want BIG Changes? Are you willing to take TINY Leaps?

It is time to re-examine where you desire to be as a person, worker, family member and friend!
I know that when I want BIG Changes that the TINY leaps have to first come, which help me reach my goals.

So for those who want to get ready for the beach, playing in the water and for the parents who want to use what is left of that "Me Time" come along with me and "Tiny Leaps BIG Changes" with my next Online Accountability Group.

You can log your workouts and nutrient dense shakes online at mychallengertrackerportal.com or you can access it on the My Challenge App on your phone. 

You receive FREE accountability, meal plans, nutrition tips, motivation and recipes and EXPERIENCE from one who has struggled to take those Tiny Leaps.

I will guide you through the process of making a Tiny Leap which will then lead to BIG CHANGES and results for your life. We start with the physical, but the mental and emotional come right along.

This is your opportunity to invest in you in a way that will impact the REST of your spring and summer and propel you into more of who you desire to be.

MOVEMENT and NUTRITION are the two keys to this equation and taking daily Tiny Leaps along with GRACE. 

You can MOVE anywhere at ANYTIME and have access to the best trainers and programs with a CALENDAR.

RIGHT NOW in the month of April you can SAVE 20% on THE BIGGEST WORKOUT STREAMING CATALOG when you enroll in my group! That is all the workouts in the Beachbody Catalog (over 6,000) including all new releases for one full year from enrollment date! Do not miss out on this deal!​​​​​​​

Save 20% ON BEACHBODY ALL ACCESS!

Valid through 4/22/2017 for this group**

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL AND REDEEM

**If you are a current customer with an active Shakeology order for your nutrition then message me to be in the group. If you are NEW then take advantage of a ONE-TIME offer for a $25 gift card to the chain store of your choice with your investment of a Challenge Pack or NEW shakeology order.

With Gratitude,
Kara Messmore
coach, runner, barrier-basher, wife, momma, artist
equipping and encouraging others to pursue personal growth, work/life balance and significance through health/fitness and creative methods (i.e. meal planning, nutrition, motivation and art)

REFuel You Group :: Ready Set Go

The first REFuel Challenge Group beginning in March greatly appreciated and interactive; thus, I'm opening up ANOTHER group beginning pre-season March 20th.

Here's the plan. Refuel...

it's not enough to remain on Empty and it's not enough to recognize that you are leaning down that path as you help others and help your families.

There is time that needs to be taken to REFUEL you and to REINVEST in you. It's not selfish as long as your motive is to continue to help others. However, in order to do that, certain life-giving things need to happen in your life.

This is challenge group (pre-season begins next week) and the official start begins on Monday March 27th comes into the picture.

A passion that is developing for me now that I have endured through several years of burn-out is how to help others (moms and professionals) to REFUEL while doing their jobs.

This is a very small group and with only me as your coach so it's a safe place of accountability and of growth. 

Each member is part of a bigger picture of encouragement to one another through consistently showing up in their own lives and moving towards their bravest versions.

The investment includes a one-month order of Shakeology to Fuel your body while practicing a healthy eating plan along with pursuing a fitness program. The All Access Beachbody on Demand Pass is the best deal and gives you access to 100's of workout sessions and full fitness programs.

This group will also provide refueling for your mind and for your soul through daily posts. Recipes and meal plan example are also given freely.

MOTIVATION: Filling Up Your CUP

Our bodies are built to be focused. We are built to MOVE and to help and driven to purpose. Our physical exercise brings us adrenaline, more confidence, more productivity, alertness, happiness, patience and rationalization and more motivation. Working out and MOVING propels us to our best selves. Instead of setting unattainable goals just do something for 5 minutes and watch what happens to your energy level and confidence. It ERASES self-pity. If it were a drug, wouldn't you do whatever it took to get it?! There is scientific evidence behind exercise being part of the therapeutic process for mental illnesses AND for how highly successful people maintain being driven.Every day we need to get our heart rate up and it will give you motivation to do anything. It helps to give us courage. There are multiple excuses that we can give AND this includes HELPING OTHERS. I am at fault for boo-hooing because people tell me "NO" and that they are fine being miserable or me NOT EVEN ASKING because of awkwardness and fear. But your STORY MATTERS. Where you are in this moment in your journey MATTERS. People need to hear, read, listen to your story. BE resilient! Bounce BACK from negativity. God has a bigger plan for you! It's yours for the taking! TODAY is your day to take ACTION. You have everything you need, a phone, access to the internet. You have access to the people you need to give to. There are people you haven't even met yet and lives who are going to change because of you! Tell yourself "I feel fantastic, I'm closer, I know what I'm going to do, I have God's favor, I'm unbeatable, I'm UNSTOPPABLE. Today is my day. Everyday I will make progress! I will shuffle forward and make progress. I will feel alive and am resilient. I am destine for greatness. Today is my creative DAY! I am going to get excited about the next day. I am so grateful for the people in my life now. I'm not afraid to fail because it's not an option, it's just an experiment. The tougher it is, the better it will be. I can accomplish what I set my mind to. NOTHING is impossible and every day I will be better. I won't stop. As long as I'm moving forward, I will make progress."

If you can dream it, put it on paper, shuffle your feet and do it on your time frame. STAY IN YOUR LANE! You are so much stronger and so much more than you know AND more than others know. THERE IS HOPE: It's time for us to take back our lives and create healthy, lasting lifestyles so that we have ENERGY to keep up with all the things we do on a daily basis. WHAT IS REQUIRED? You can join this private group for FREE with the ALL ACCESS Beachbody on Demand Challenge Pack. This is a bundled option that gives you access to EVERY Beachbody fitness program ever made for 12 months! If you have Netflix, you can stream this! Imagine working through multiple programs over the year and NEVER getting bored! AND--this is about long-term solutions, so you never have to buy another program ever again! For 12 months, you can stream EVERYTHING from Insanity and P90X to 21-Day Fix and the brand new Core De Force (Martial Arts), PLUS all new programs released in the next 12 months! It is truly the best deal in fitness! The best part?
* No gym membership needed, so no one watching you sweat.
* OR if you already have a gym membership, take the workouts to the gym with you phone and follow a great program. * Professional Trainers helping you with every move (proper form and less injury-prone). * Proven programs that give RESULTS: stronger, leaner, healthier YOU! In addition to the proven workouts, you will have access to each program's specific nutrition guide, workout calendar and bonus workouts. You will also receive the portion fix container system, shaker cup and FIXATE cooking show to give you all the latest recipes. And last, but not least, with the ALL ACCESS Beachbody on Demand Challenge Pack, you ALSO receive your first month of nutrient-dense Shakeology! This has been my secret weap on for nutrition. Nutrition is actually 80% of the equation and 20% fitness. So why not give you the EASIEST form of superfoods to cut your cravings, help your muscles recover, and keep you on track every single day? This is included too! What are the benefits? * Easy, on-the-go meals or snacks, you can make in 90 seconds. * Over 70 superfoods from around the world. * Combination of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, phytonutrients, probiotics and rare adaptogens. * Promotes healthy weight loss (if needed). * More energy to keep up the day. * Healther hair/skin/nails WHAT IS THE COST? This challenge pack will cost $199 for a limited time (guaranteed through February 28, 2017). This includes your 12-month access to every program, portion containers and shaker cup, nutrition guide, first month of Shakeology, personal coaching and daily accountability group. You don't want to miss out! Comment or message me, I immediately will send you an assessment and we can talke about WHAT YOU WANT.

Controversial Frozen Bananas

The topic I'm about to open up about is one that I had always considered "controversial" until I actually stepped forward with a pure heart. Whenever I saw posts or advertisements about any supplements or shakes I turned 180 degrees from it because it symbolized weakness to me. It symbolized a failure of some sort to me in my mind and somehow I just kept thinking "well if I just eat more vegetables and stay away from junk food then I wouldn't need that stuff anyway."

It wasn't until I began my own research into HOW our foods TODAY are made that led me to reconsider the topic. Our food system is messed up and run from the money point of view and not always from the "what is best for our communities" mentality.

I researched (looked over and extensively read about) 12 different shakes that could be identified as either protein shakes or meal replacements. I never wanted to replace a meal so-to-speak because I have an eating disorder background in my teens and didn't want to trigger that. Instead, I knew that I needed to fuel better for running. I needed to take my nutrition to the next level to overcome EMOTIONAL and stess eating.

The nutrient-dense, superfood (more-than-just-another-protein-powder-shake) Shakeology convinced me and was reasonablly priced but not the cheapest. Well quality is QUALITY.

A visit from my friend/coach Rachel and subsequently watching her go to China to pick up her daughter, moved my heart to further consider fueling my body with Shakeology and to commit to the portion control eating plan I needed.

Now I am here 8 months later. I am STILL HERE and this morning, my "smoothie" as I call it, was fantastic. FROZEN BANANAS are my secret and the powder for Vanilla, Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate are my favorites. BUT FROZEN BANANAS make it awesome and the PB2 has opened up my world too. I have consumed more Cinnamon, Vanilla & Peppermint Extract, All Spice, Pumpkin and Spinach than I have in my life!

I want you invite you the try it. It's about $4 a shake and the STRUCTURE has allowed me new FREEDOM to stick to my portion control eating plan.

I'm learning not to judge things before I try them and I'm so glad I began this. It's such an awesome and yummy TOOL.

Message me if you are curious and have more questions or email me at kmessmore@beachbodycoach.com.

I Wish I Could Tell You...UNBOUND Group

I wish I could tell you that this upcoming challenge group wasn't so close to my heart. I wish I could tell you that in less than 8 months I have OVERCOME emotional eating and my food addiction. I wish I could tell you that when I get a smell of chocolate chip cookies I don't salivate or when I look at a Triple Chocolate Cookie or Cake I don't feel a simulation of the sugar rushing through my body but I do.

I wish I could tell you that I'm no longer "triggered". But I am and I have to face that very REAL reality that I can go into a BINGE about anything if I emotionally want to.

See I can be on my Portion Control Meal plan or even moving into beginning a Whole30 philosophy (www.whole30.com), but there is SO MUCH MORE BELOW the SURFACE.

My heart has to be continually growing and changing, my behavior has to be practiced daily wiht intentionality. I have to WANT IT and if I don't want it then I AT LEAST have to have HABITS in place to help me.

That's where my challengers and this upcoming CHALLENGE group (FEB 6) comes in to play. When our group of coaches did the challenge groups in July and August with the "Made to Crave" by Lysa Terkeurst's book, my HEART was SO SATURATED with determination and with intentionality. I KNEW in my heart that over-indulging and just eating to cope is DEATH to my spirit (I know HEAVY right?!!) but SO TRUE.

When we continually give in to our "whims" or our "cravings" and stop practicing obedience and knowing what we need to do in order to pursue a healthy body and a healthy mind and healthy heart then move closer to darkening our minds and a STRONGHOLD IS continually CREATED and maintained.

In my world I move closer to depression...closer to binging, closer to desiring my "fix" rather than desiring my Creator and HIS purpose for my life. THUS I want to be UNBOUND and no longer chained to this stronghold. I want to continually STOP fueling it. 

Here is Darrell Nickles of Life Point Church from January, 22, 2017: 

(To listen to the entire sermon, click here.)

The very REAL fact is that strongholds begin to trap us in fear. BUT we are NOT powerless when we have Christ in us. HE gives us AUTHORITY to demolish those strongholds.

What is your stronghold? What are you holding onto? What are you AFRAID to break or to let go of?

For me, emotional eating and sugar is my stronghold. Maybe for others it's porn, or drugs, or alcohol, or anorexia, or bulimia, or gambling, or lust, or anger. Maybe my addiction doesn't sound as strong as those others, but I tell you the truth: it IS. Sugar is more addictive than cocaine. It can and WILL kill you. I have a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and various cancers. Unhealthy living WILL kill you. It's just a slow death.

​As we talked as a team of coaches, we agreed that this needs to be addressed. We want to offer HOPE. Not because any of us is perfect, but because we ALL understand STRUGGLE. We get it. We are just moving through it with the POWER of CHRIST. We are working TOGETHER to build healthy habits for ourselves and our families.

We've decided we are going to DO something about this. We want to HELP. If you are feeling HOPELESS...you don't have to. February 6th, we are bringing a NEW SUPPORT GROUP, focused on health and nutrition and exercise as HEALING.

---

What is a challenge group?

The Unbound Challenge Group will be a place of daily support, encouragement, and motivation. If you started the year with great intentions and saw them wane, you are NOT alone. In fact, most have given up on their resolutions by February, but not YOU. You are reading this because you KNOW it's time to make REAL change. It starts NOW. The accountability takes place on a FREE My Challenge Tracker app for your phone. It is super easy to navigate and log workouts and Shakeology daily. Tips and recipes will be posted by the coaches and other challengers to help you in your journey. We are in this TOGETHER. You also receive 1:1 coaching and support from me as your personal coach.

What is required to join?

You can join this private group for FREE with the All Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack. This is a bundled option that gives you access to EVERY Beachbody fitness program ever made for 12 months! If you have any program like Netflix, you can stream this! Imagine working through multiple programs over the year and NEVER getting bored! AND--this is about long-term solutions, so you never have to buy another program ever again! For 12 months, you can stream everything from Insanity and P90X to 21-Day Fix and the brand new Core De Force, PLUS all new programs released in the next 12 months! It is truly the best deal in fitness!

In addition to the proven workouts, you will have access to each program's specific nutrition guide, workout calendar, and bonus workouts. You will also receive the portion fix container system, shaker cup, and FIXATE cooking show to give you all the latest recipes.

And last but not least, with the All Access Beachbody On Demand Challenge Pack, you ALSO receive your first month of Shakeology! This is our secret weapon to nutrition. Remember, I said nutrition is 80% of the equation, right? So, why not give you the EASIEST form of 70 superfoods to cut your cravings, help your muscles recover, and keep you on track every single day? Yup! We include that, too!

What is the cost?

This challenge pack will cost $199 for a limited time (guaranteed through February 28, 2017). This includes your 12-month access to every program, portion containers and shaker cup, nutrition guide, first month of Shakeology, personal coaching, and daily accountability group! You don't want to miss out!

What next?

As a challenger, you will ALWAYS have access to ongoing coach support, and the group support as you commit to drinking Shakeology and continuing the programs. You will have early enrollment options as a returning challenger each month so you always have a spot in the next group. You will also have the opportunity to join as a coach and help others during your own journey.

You are NEVER alone. If you want the support, you've got it. If you are ready for a REAL solution to staying on track, this is it!

Those who join by Sunday, February 5, 2017, will receive a FREE copy of "Made to Crave" OR "Made to Crave: 60 Days of Devotions" (if you need shorter snippets to read to stay on track daily) to help from the inside out.