Be Someone Special

Who's seen Kung Fu Panda? Do you know the part where Po's father tells him there is no secret sauce to his noodle recipe? He says, "To make something special you just have to believe it's special!" Po realizes his self worth and returns to defeat Tai Lung (something he, himself, and everyone else never believed he could do).

Every single one of us has the power to do amazing things if we just believe in ourselves. Sometimes we just need a little push in the right direction and a little help to harness the power. I was this way until I found Team Beachbody and became a coach two months after starting my first program, Focus T25, and Shakeology.

Beachbody didn't just teach me how to get fit or try and sell something. That isn't what it's about. It's about helping people. Helping you to harness that power within and then use it for good to help others. It's not about losing weight. It's about gaining a healthy lifestyle and the knowledge needed to help you and your family live a long, healthy life.

Beachbody helped me start working out, eating healthy, understand nutrition and fitness, lose weight, and gain muscle! That is awesome in itself but more importantly it taught me how to believe in myself, use my time more wisely, make personal development a vital part of my day, teach and help others to live a better life in matters of physical and mental health and finances. As a result I am a better wife, mother, and friend with a confidence in myself and my abilities that I've never had before.

Now I get to show people that there is no secret sauce. The power is already within them...they just need to believe they are special! Becoming a Beachbody coach has changed my life for the better. I can't help but share something so amazing and I would not feel right if I didn't pay it forward!

It is am AMAZING feeling to be a part of something bigger than yourself...to give to others and find yourself growing and improving as well! Join my team and you can find the same thing! Fill out the application here for the opportunity to be considered for joining my coach apprenticeship program!

Why I Love Shakeology: Reason #3,296

There are quite a few reasons why I love Shakeology and I could go on all day about them! I'm passionate about it because it has changed my life and I have seen it change the lives of countless others!

Shakeology is widely known to help with weight loss and yes, it helped me lose weight but more than that it helped me with my health. It is not just a weight loss shake...it is a health shake! With over 70 super foods in the formula it is designed to fuel your body with the best nutrition in a natural, safe way without all the fillers and nasty chemicals other protein shakes or weight loss shakes contain. There is just nothing else like it on the market and it's clinically proven to help you lose weight, reduce blood sugar levels, and reduce cholesterol.

It's AMAZING the things that happen when your body starts getting the nutrients it actually craves. Part of the reason we are so overweight in this society is that we don't understand the difference between fullness on a volumetric level vs. a cellular level. We keep feeding our bodies because it never gets what it actually needs. With Shakeology, your body gets a daily dose of dense nutrition that it is impossible to get in a day otherwise and you are feeding your body the stuff it actually needs. Your cravings subside because the body realizes it's full of what it needed.

My Personal Tranformation

Besides that, there are a million more benefits including reducing blood sugar levels, increasing energy, reducing cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, improving digestion, balancing out hormone levels, and so many more. It has changed the lives of people with Chron's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Depression, Constipation, and so many more frustratingly debilitating illnesses.

Today I want to talk about Migraines and headaches. I don't think I've shared too much that I use to get a headache every day! Some days they were debilitating and turned into migraines. I couldn't focus and I was not able to function well. I'm lucky I've never had chronic migraines, but chronic headaches, I had them! I was taking ibuprofen ALL THE TIME and we all know what that will do to your liver and more! It was not one of the initial reasons I started drinking Shakeology but after a while I noticed  those daily headaches went away! I can say now that the only reason I get headaches now is if I am dehydrated or I need an adjustment from the chiropractor from issues due to previous back injuries.

Lindsey, another coach on the great team I am a part of struggled with chronic migraines. She said:

Not to mention she's had an awesome tranformation!

"I can't remember a time when I haven't struggled with migraines. I have gone to the hospital, been in bed for days, thrown up, literally not been able to stand up, etc. I have been this way for YEARS. I finally went to a doctor over a year and a half ago and was put on a daily Verapamil. I would also take Imitrex on the days that I did get a migraine. 

The insurance company only allows 9 Imitrex per month though. Every month I would max them out and I would have taken all of them before the month was up. Since taking Shakeology, I have never taken all 9. I ONLY have a migraine when I don't get a good night sleep. I no longer have unexplainable, random migraines. For me, this is ONE of the many benefits I have had from Shakeology. I can't imagine not drinking it daily. It literally has changed my life."

Tracey, another coach on my team said:

 "I have not popped on single tablet for migraines, headaches, or insomnia since I started the shake in March!" 

There is a reason I drink my Shakeology every day and there is a reason Lindsey, Tracey, and so many others do as well. IT WORKS! I wasn't fully convinced until I decided to try it myself for 30 days and get my money back if it didn't work. I didn't get my money back...IT WORKED and now I make sure it's a daily part of the nutrition I put into my body because I know it needs it. If you knew the difference it made you wouldn't miss a day either!

Do you want to try Shakeology? Why not? There is a 30 day money back guarantee even if you drink all of it! And, if you don't want to commit to 30 days yet let me know and I can send you some individual one-serving packets to get you started! What do you have to lose besides maybe those migraines and/or headaches? You might just save some money as well when you don't have to pay for all your medications and doctor's visits! Lindsey is saving money!

PiYo: Days 1-2

I decided to start PiYo yesterday on a Tuesday but just double up on today's workouts to catch up. It worked better for me to start on the first of the month so I did. I love that I can start on my own time! :-) I have a challenge group starting up on Monday, July 7th so I wanted to be a week ahead so I could experience and know what to expect to help my challengers!

I got my Week 1 Meal Plan all figured out and I'm ready to finish out this week strong! The nutrition plan with Piyo is very similar to the 21 Day Fix without the containers and some of the foods that are allowed in the categories vary but it makes things very simple to follow! After you calculate your calorie intake you are put in a certain tier where you are allowed a certain number of serving from each category.

I am in Tier 1, which allows 1,200-1,399 calories. The thing I love about this program and many of the other nutrition guides with Beachbody program is you don't have to count calories. If you follow the food list and serving guide you should be falling in that calorie range. It's perfect because I LOATHE COUNTING CALORIES! I know I'm not the only one! ;-)

In my tier I am allowed 4 Lean Protein, 4 Primary Vegetables, 3 Healthy Fats, 2 Secondary Vegetables/Grains, and 2 Fresh Fruit.

Here is my Week 1 Meal Plan for a great example on how to balance those categories out:

It's so nice to have these meals all planned out because I can prep them for the whole week and spend hardly any time in the kitchen! Yay! All I need to do is check out what I have planned for that meal and then follow the serving size in the book and go for it!

Day 1 workout, Align: The Fundamentals was a good review to help get oriented to the different moves being used and how to do them correctly!

Day 2 (yesterday), nutrition wise, for me went pretty good but not as well as I had hoped because my day exploded and got busier than I anticipated. I wasn't completely prepared with my meals prepped and so dinner ended up being off and I didn't get all my snacks in. I am committed to getting some of my meals prepped today and following the meal plan today!

Today is double workouts to catch up and this morning I got in Define: Lower Body. I definitely felt things working but I didn't have to jump and run like crazy to get a good workout. Perfect and refreshing! Tonight I am going to be doing Define: Upper Body and I will let you know how that goes tomorrow since it is considered part of Day 3 and I'm only reviewing the first two days right now!

Sorry, I have no music for the video today. It's boring without any but I'll have some going for the next one! :-)

I am really excited for this journey and for my group to start on Monday so we can experience this awesome program and rally together to start it out strong!

My PiYo Journey

It's the morning of July 1st and a Tuesday. I know it's not the start of a new week but it just worked better for me to go ahead and start my PiYo journey today. I will be starting today but doubling up on my workouts on Wednesday to catch up!

What is PiYo? It is an incredible 60 day workout program that you get without beating yourself up. It is the perfect mix of Pilates and Yoga that come together in a fast paced workout to help you get results with low impact training and it comes from one of my favorite Beachbody trainers, Chalene Johnson!

I will be starting this program today with the PiYo nutrition guide and Shakeology to help me along the way! I am excited about starting this program because I have been dealing with a hamstring and wrist injury that have been very frustrating the last few months. They are very close to being healed completely but I still have problems every once in a while. I've heard great things about this program helping to heal your body and be gentle on you while still getting great results. I think this might just end up ranking up there as one of my favorite programs!

Please join me on my journey! I will be posting reviews regularly about both the workouts and nutrition plan and sharing my progress with you, complete with weight, measurements, and pictures! And, if you have any questions or are interested yourself please comment below the post or email me at fitnessempowered87@gmail.com. I'd love to have you join in on my next challenge group!

Okay, I'm off to work on my meal plan! If I were to say I am excited it would be an understatement! :-)

My Journey to Finding Joy in the Trenches

In October of last year I decided to make a change. I was really struggling. I was unhappy, tired all the time, and still struggling with depression after having my little Kaliana Brooklyn. I needed something to work towards. I LOVE being a mother but I needed something for me. At first mention I thought I was being selfish. However, I realized quickly that taking care of myself would seriously change the whole dynamic of our home and my efforts in motherhood.

I started living a new healthy lifestyle that consisted of good nutrition and regular exercise. It became my outlet of sorts and a way to be proud of myself. I was accomplishing something great which I wasn't sure I could do. I was scared I would fall flat on my face but honestly, I'm pretty sure I had already fallen flat on my face so what could it hurt?

I lost about 20 lbs. and around 18 inches overall in the span of about 4-5 months by working out 25-30 minutes a day, drinking Shakeology, and eating clean so I decided to start running online fitness challenge groups. These are what helped me stay on track and keep working towards my goal even when it got hard. I was accountable and I had support from others working towards similar goals. I started Fitness Empowered on Facebook and shortly after on Instagram to help inspire others to realize their own potential and to find a place of empowerment. I truly found that there could be joy, even when we were deep in the trenches of a long, hard day.

Finding joy in those trenches inspired me to share even more. Fitness was a huge part of finding my joy but it also came through my faith, my family, and my divine calling in life as a mother. I wanted to share it all and well, that brought me to this spot. I worked on the idea of a blog for a couple months until this little blog of mine, Finding Joy in the Trenches, came to fruition. This is my place to share it all and help inspire others to start finding joy in their own trenches.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with so many through blogging, Facebook, and Instagram. Social Media can be a tool used for great good! So, in an effort to keep everything consistent all across the board Fitness Empowered on both Facebook and Instagram will now become part of this journey to Finding Joy in the Trenches. I founded Team Fitness Empowered in an effort to help others on their own journey to better health and there will be no changes to that team. It will remain that way and if you want to learn more about my team and how you can join it as a customer or a coach please comment or email me at bensshar@gmail.com.

I have found that the most important callings in my life are also those that require sometimes a great deal of time spent in the trenches and they are not separate in my life but they all run together and without one I would not be the same person. Please join me in the journey to Finding Joy in the Trenches of Faith, Family, Fitness, and Motherhood.

You can find me on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/joyinthetrenches?ref_type=bookmark

I am also on Instagram at:

 http://instagram.com/joyinthetrenches

I honestly pour my heart and soul into this and I would feel honored to have you be a part of it! Please come follow me and share your stories with me as well at bensshar@gmail.com. I am truly inspired by all of your stories and I would love to share them with others alike.

Carry on. Find joy in the trenches!

A Father's Day Lesson

When most people meet my little guy for the first time one of their first questions is, "Is he always like this?" referring to his energy level. My response is always the same, "Yep!"

Going to church is an interesting experience for us each week. You see, Kamden LOVES nursery but Sacrament meeting isn't so easy. We usually end up taking him out of Sacrament at least twice a meeting (some days I wonder why we even try to go in the chapel in the first place) and putting him in time out to talk to him about reverence and respect. This usually involves screaming, tears, and unfortunately, hitting on his part. On our part it often involves, lots of prayer and pleading for patience, waiting, frustration, and yes, often times tears. 

Kamden is a character all on his own, tough as nails, full of an exuberant amount of energy, a stubborn will of his own, and a really hard negotiator. Before becoming a mother I used to think that it just took some good stern talking to and showing him there was no negotiation; but now I am a mother to Kamden and my life is full of trying to negotiate, stern talking to, and absolutely no deal between the two of us. 

Sacrament meeting happened this way today...on Father's Day. He was out of the chapel in time out more than he wasn't and Neither Nathan, Kamden, or myself made it out of Sacrament meeting today without tears. Thank Heavens he is in love with nursery and we have AMAZING nursery leaders. We made it through the next two hours of church until it was time to pick up Kamden from nursery. Now, picking Kamden up from nursery is like trying to pry an angry badger out of his burrow (in the words of his father). 

Today, I just decided to go straight into the nursery room instead of picking him up at the gate that is usually set up, and the second he saw me he ran. He hid in the cupboard (his burrow) with the car he was not going to give up. Without ease I pried him from his burrow. The problem is now I have to pry the car away. There was flailing and no negotiation happening here. I kneel on the ground ( in complete frustration and embarrassment with my skills as a mother) as he slumps down to the floor and refuses to let me pick him up. There was no holding back the tears, and again they came, for about the third time in the past 3 hours. 

Finally, tears coming from my eyes gave him the reasoning needed to let me pick him up. I walk out with his sweaty body in my arms and make it to his dad just in time for him to throw another fit. To give you an idea of how hard he runs each day during Nursery I pick him up with his hair completely soaked each week as if I just pulled him from the swimming pool. Another sister in the ward asked me as I walked his sweaty body out of the nursery room if they were running a sweat shop in there. "He looks like he just ran a marathon!" she said to which I replied, "He runs a marathon every day!" He never stops and he loves to run.

By the time we got home and got him in the house we finally put him straight to bed after trying and failing once again to communicate with that stubborn 2 year old. With him in bed, both Nathan and myself, end up slumping down on the couch, once again in tears. As we talk, the patient, understanding husband and father of this household pulls me up and tells me to come with him. We went into our bedroom where that little boy was laying and laid our tired bodies next to his. While laying there and trying to understand how to get through to this little guy I heard a voice in my head saying, "Just love him." 

My sweet husband, the father of that sweet boy, taught me a valuable lesson today. At the point which I felt all hope was lost and I was praying for a divine answer I got the one I wasn't expecting, a simple, "love him."  How I am grateful for that husband of mine and his wisdom.

Happy Father's Day to you, Nathan. Thank you for constantly being an answer to my prayers.

I had no doubt in my mind when marrying that man that he would be a one of a kind father, one I would be proud to raise children with and he proved that to me again today. He made it possible for me to hear the whispering of the Spirit answering my question with the words of my Father in Heaven and the Heavenly Father of that little boy to do just what a parent is supposed to do.

It won't be easy but we will keep taking that little boy to church each week and no matter how hard it is we will love him. I have no doubt there will be more tears and frustration and I'm sure I have a lot to learn in how to be a parent but I'm trying, we're trying. And, no matter how much I want that easy answer I have a feeling that deep down I know that's not what is meant to be. We love him regardless.

Fighting our Silent Battles

As a mother I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in the middle of the night to the cries of one of my babies and I can't find any specific reason why they are crying but it is more than aware through their cries that they are in some kind of pain, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Part of the unspoken job of a mother is to comfort our children, to ease their pain and when we can't do that  we feel a pain (I would venture to say at times) as intense as our dear child's.

As my companion and I were Visiting Teaching (a calling to minister to individual sisters in my church) a sister in my ward we learned that her daughter in law had been diagnosed with brain cancer, which was found to be inoperable. While discussing her thoughts and feelings she told us of how it was much more difficult to see her children go through the struggles of life and learn those lessons than it was to experience them herself.

We spoke of seeking the comfort and aid of the Lord in our times of struggle. We spoke of the Lord's hand reaching for ours always and how we also must reach in order to receive the help he so eagerly wants to provide us with.

The most challenging battles we fight in life are fought in silence. Those around us can not know of our pain. These silent battles, whether they are those of a child crying out in the middle of the night, or those of the child's mother, aching for the ability to ease the pain of that innocent child in her arms, are difficult but essential. In The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery it says, "It's only with the heart that one can see rightly. What's essential is invisible to the eye."

It is true in our lives that the lessons to be learned in life are only seen with the heart. They are invisible to the eye and therefore the silent struggle used to lead us there can only be seen and experienced in the throes of the heart. It is also true that the only healing balm adequate for these struggles comes through our Savior, Jesus Christ who took those silent battles upon himself one by one.

My Road to Health and Fitness

Health and fitness have not always been a highlight of my lifestyle. I grew up with a low self image and I worried about being "skinny" constantly. I wanted to be accepted and I believed that in order for that to happen I needed to look a certain way. Through high school and college I obsessed about it and I did just about every thing you can think of to try and lose weight, get skinny, and reach that ideal body type to be accepted.

Fast forward to 4 years ago when I might an amazing guy who changed my life. He is now my husband and I couldn't be luckier. I learned a lot from his view of who I was and I started to accept my body. I had my son, Kamden Wade, 15 months after being married to that wonderful man. Although this was a highlight of my life, shortly after I struggled with postpartum depression and the realization that my body was very different and that it wasn't going to return to a normal state overnight.

The postpartum depression slowly faded and I was able to lose a good deal of my baby weight. When Kamden was short of a year old we found out I was pregnant with our little girl, Kaliana Brooklyn. I was exercising at a local gym 4-5 days a week throughout most of my pregnancy but I still gained more weight than I would have liked. I was a little more prepared this time around that I might deal with the postpartum depression but that doesn't make it any easier when it does creep into your life.

I was exhausted, depressed, and unhappy. I wasn't sleeping well even though my sweet baby girl was...I struggled with the postpartum depression...I had no energy...and I just didn't feel good. 

In October of 2013 I decided to start something for myself. I found an escape through health and fitness. I started eating clean, drinking Shakeology, working out with Beachbody programs, and participating in an online fitness challenge group.  The next 4 months I lost close to 15 lbs. and over 18 inches on my body. I became an energetic person...I slept like a baby...I found confidence in myself and my abilities...and my depression faded much more quickly as I began to take care of myself.

Transformation from October 2013 to February 2014

In December 2013 I became a Beachbody coach so that I could run my own online fitness challenge groups to help inspire others and help them find a confidence and belief in their bodies. I love having the opportunity to run these group and share with others the amazing products that helped me change my life. 

Broken, Tired, but Grateful

Shall we be completely honest here?

Okay, good! I'm glad we all decided on a resounding YES!

I'm writing this after my 2 year old had a huge meltdown because I took the scissors away from him. I know, I know I'm about the meanest mom alive and if you had any doubt just ask Kamden; he has first had experience!

He was hiding in my room moments earlier and if you live in our house you know that means he's taking care of some business. When he was ready to come out he quietly exclaims, "Mamma, I pooped again."

I reply, "Okay, Kamden let's lay down and change your diaper. The thing is I didn't realize until now his hands were behind his back. He can't keep his hands back there while trying to lay down so out they come and with them a pink pair of scissors, my sewing scissors. I asked him nicely, "Kamden, are you supposed to be playing with scissors?"

"No, mom." says Kamden.

I reply, "Okay, give them to mommy, please" while I reach forward to take them out of his hands. I catch them just before he tries to flail them all over the place in protest!

That was about the time I knew it was all downhill. There was no chance a diaper change would happen anymore, not with this huge meltdown in sight. I decided to play the "ignore him and it will get better" card but that insistent 2 year old had other plans. He grabs the pillows closest to him and starts chucking them in my general direction. "Okay, I can deal with pillows", I think to myself, "Bring it on, little guy...give it your best shot!"

And, it was like he could read my mind, so in that moment I was not looking he honored that challenge I extended to him and, BOOM, right on the cheek is where the edge of my full water bottle landed after it was hurled through the air by that (too smart for his own good) 2 year old of mine (right now I'm asking myself if I'm supposed to claim him as mine...). I have to remind myself that he has the most redeeming qualities!

It was like he was aiming with exact measurements of how he could produce the most sting on contact and let me tell you, he was pretty darn precise! At first, it was the maddened ("Oh, you didn't just do that...") mamma reaction but fortunately for Kamden the worst of the sting came two seconds later and then it hit me with a ton of bricks. That was my breaking point and I could no longer be mad, because instead I was broken.

All the thoughts of my day...all the thoughts of my week...of self doubt...of frustration...hit me...like a TON of bricks and I crumbled. That broken, imperfect mamma crumbled into a million pieces after she locked her bedroom door and curled up in the corner. Yes, the corner...it was the best option when the bed was full of clothes I had just spent an hour folding.

You know that motherhood thing...sometimes it's exhausting.

Today, I'm a broken, tired mamma and you know that can sound incredibly depressing in a way. Broken and tired aren't exactly encouraging words.

BUT, if I've learned only a few things in my life, it's that broken and tired usually mean your learning something. You are growing. You are being molded...shaped...into something more. I have no idea who that person is yet. I'd like to know a lot of days, but I guess not knowing quite where that journey may lead is part of the refining process, right? At least, I'm hoping there is an incredibly good reason for it.

So, I might be broken and tired, yes, there is no doubt, but at least if I'm going to be broken and tired I can do it while performing the most demanding, yet, most rewarding job I have ever embarked on. At least, I have the opportunity to do that job of grueling, hard work every day of my life. And, honestly (because we all decided on honesty, right) at least I have that to be grateful for!

Eating Clean: A Labor of Love

I know that title sounds kind of cheesy and a little ridiculous but I seriously believe clean eating is a labor of love.

Image found here.

Why?

1. I eat clean not because I hate my body but because I LOVE it! I promise I have not changed my eating habits out of a sheer will to be skinny. It just doesn't work that way. I feed my body good, wholesome, clean food because I want my body to run efficiently and I feel a million times better physically and emotionally when I do. I have more energy...my mood improves...I sleep better...my depression improves...and I just feel better!

2. Clean Eating isn't always easy. Let me be completely honest and say that some days it's really hard. You are cutting out all the processed junk so when you are eating real food that has been processed as minimally as possible you have put in a little more effort. However, that doesn't mean it has to be complicated. Clean meals can be simple but delicious at the same time. It doesn't all come in a day, a week, or even a month. It will take time to change all your habits and make clean eating into something you can make a lifestyle but I promise you it can be done and it is well WORTH it!

Picture taken by me and posted to my Instagram fitness page.

So, what does eating clean entail? Here are the basics for you that I have laid out in five steps.

1. Cut out and limit processed foods as much as possible. That means when you are grocery shopping you want to stick to foods on the outside perimeter of the store for most of your food. Most things that are canned, boxed, or bagged are not going to fit into your diet but remember that not all of these things are bad for you too. Whole wheat pasta, whole grains, and oatmeal are all great choices in the middle aisles. Beans, chickpeas, and natural peanut butter are also all foods that can be incorporated into a healthy, clean-eating diet. Read the ingredient list and if it's lengthy or unfamiliar chances are you don't want to eat it. 

2. Eat your whole foods (those that don't normally have a commercial) as much as possible. Eat your veggies and your fruits. Consume good sources of protein and mostly lean meats. Mother Earth won't lead us astray. What grows from her ground is going to nourish your body and mind in a much better way than anything man made! ;-) Stick to whole grains and get rid of your refined grains. Stop using white flour and sugar or anything that contains it. They are processed so replace them with whole grains and natural sweetners.

3. Don't completely eliminate fats, just eat healthy ones. Cut down on your saturated fat. When you have a sandwich replace your mayo for avocado and next time you have a salad do a quick, homemade vinaigrette rather than store bought ranch or top it with some nuts rather than cheese. Chose natural peanut butter over cream cheese on your toast.

4. Cut out your alcohol, soda, coffee and juice drinks! Any of these beverages are actually most often dehydrating you, they are full of sugar, caffeine, or both, and they are only added calories or sugars. Your body needs water! Drink it! And, if you get bored start infusing your water with berries, cucumbers, mint leaves, basil leaves, and more! Get creative and make it more fun. If you can't give it up completely then limit it. Gradually cut one a day out until you don't need it anymore. You can go cold turkey but remember your body will have withdrawals because it was mostly likely an addiction. ;-)

5. Cut out your sugar and watch your salt intake. Sugar will turn to fat. I promise. The white sugar we pile on everything is extremely processed and your body does not process it. Use natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, agave syrup, or coconut sugar. You can still have treats but make it a clean eating treat that you can have in moderation and still not ruin all your hard work. When it comes to salt, chose Pink Himilayan Salt. It is minimally processed and still contains the minerals your body needs. Other salts can make you body retain water and just add to your sodium intake. If you need more flavor to your food spice it up with herbs or seasonings with limited salt.

6. Don't starve yourself. You need to fuel your body and to do that you need to be eating often. Eat 5-6 small meals a day to fuel your body and keep it from going into starvation mode and storing fat. If you want energy you need to provide your body with the means to make that energy by feeding it complex carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit (nature's candy)!

Pictures taken and compiled by me to post on my Facebook fitness page.

Most importantly, clean eating is something you should be able to make into a lifestyle that works for you and your family. My definition and your definition might sometimes be a little different but overall, the goal is to feed your body clean, wholesome food not once in a blue moon but regularly as a lifestyle you can make your own and be consistent with.